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Bolton-headquartered bakery giant Warburtons has taken part in a six-figure investment in a specialist biscuit manufacturer.

Batch Ventures has backed Dorset-based The Artful Baker which produces a range of biscotti.

The investment is the first of several that the joint venture expects to make this year, representing a new approach to backing SMEs through a partnership between Mission Ventures and Warburtons.

Founded in 2013, The Artful Baker brand sells nationally while its sub-brand Great British Biscotti Co supplies independents, food service as well as export markets.

Jonathan Warburton said: “We were impressed with The Artful Baker’s quality of products and level of innovation and see a great opportunity to support their growth plans.

“Working with Mission Ventures and using Batch as a vehicle for small investments in a portfolio of promising brands gives us an opportunity to support early stage entrepreneurs.”

The Artful Baker’s founder and chief executive, Paul Rostand, added “We’re excited to be partnered with Batch Ventures and see the support they provide as a great step forward on our journey of scaling the business, both here in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ and via export trade.

“We already supply our biscotti to Italy and are seeing increased interest from buyers overseas.”