The funding came from the Northwest Interim Venture Capital Fund, which is currently managed by YFM Private Equity.

Manchester-based B2 Group is a business-to-business marketing company that works in the UK SME sector, with clients in sectors including telecoms and banking.

Founded in 2008, B2 Group currently employs 30 people, a number the company intends to double in 2010.

Deborah Heyes, who led the investment on behalf of YFM, says: ‘The team has significant plans for growth and we are delighted to provide support at this crucial stage of development.’

Robert Hough, chairman of the NWDA, comments: ‘As the finishing touches are being applied to the £185 million North West Fund I am delighted to see that our Interim Venture Capital Fund has successfully filled the gap in public sector venture capital support.’

The investment included funding from a number of high net worth individuals and directors of B2 Group.