Urban regeneration companies (URCs) in Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield were created to co-ordinate regeneration in neglected city centres through close links with local authorities, regional development agencies and English Partnerships. Article reports on the slow progress of the three URCs, and outlines why they are failing to meet expectations. Suggests that URCs lack real power to push regeneration initiatives forward and instead have to rely on their partners. This can make the process slow and cumbersome, particularly if relations with local authorities are difficult. Highlights the other major difficulty as insufficient resources, and argues that URCs will not be able to deliver regeneration schemes without a continuous cash flow. Brief description outlining the development work of the three URCs; Liverpool Vision, New East Manchester and Sheffield One.