Cirrus to grow digital arm after funding boost

A CHESHIRE company that helps business executives develop their skills, has raised £600,000 to expand its digital platform.

Wilmslow-based Cirrus a £5m turnover consultancy which counts Marks & Spencer, Royal Bank of Scotland and Tate & Lyle among its clients, has secured the venture capital funding from the North West Fund for Digital & Creative.

Cirrus, which delivers leadership, talent and engagement programmes, will use the money to beef-up a stronger digital team at its head office and to accelerate the creation of Cirrus development programmes, which combine face-to-face learning with digital elements such as portals, apps, diagnostic tools and other online learning solutions.

Cirrus was founded in 2010 by Simon Hayward,  and has offices in London and Melbourne Australia.

Hayward said:”Digital engagement is part of the strategic vision of Cirrus and our clients. This investment is helping to accelerate the growth of our digital platform, and AXM and The North West Fund for Digital & Creative have been supportive and enthusiastic partners.

“Cirrus can now develop deeper digital expertise and integrate it with our capability in the areas of leadership, talent and engagement to create more effective blended solutions for clients.”

David Smith, investment director, AXM Venture Capital, which manages The North West Fund for Digital & Creative, said: “We have great confidence in the success of this investment, combining an unusually experienced and successful leadership team, a large global market opportunity, and the scalability that will come from delivering services through the new Cirrus digital platform.”