BROADCASTER Channel 4 has acquired a minority stake in the Scottish TV company behind the Supershoppers series.

Firecrest Films, the award-winning Govan-based company, was set up by Nicole Kleeman in 2008 with a focus on current affairs.

The investment comes from Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund, which was established in 2014 with an initial three-year commitment to invest up to £20 million in minority stakes across a portfolio of television production and digital companies, to help nurture the independent sector.

This is the 12th company Channel 4 has taken a stake in as part of the fund, but the first in Scotland.

Run solely by Ms Kleeman, who is now expected to recruit staff for expansion, Firecrest has delivered award-winning content for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN.

Credits include Dispatches films Secrets Of Poundland, Secrets Of Cadbury, the award-winning Low Pay Britain, and Channel 4 consumer programme Supershoppers.

David Abraham, chief executive of Channel 4 said: “Investing in an impressive Scottish producer such as Nicole builds on Channel 4’s on-going commitment to develop a UK-wide creative industry with a focus on growing businesses outside of London to ensure TV better reflects the stories and lives of people right across the UK.”

Laura Franses, head of fund, said: “We’re delighted to make our first investment into a news and current affairs company with considerable potential.”