Cosgrove Hall Fitzpatrick Entertainment is giving private investors the chance to get involved with its latest pre-school animation, Pip.

The firm is using the Government's Enterprise Investment Scheme as the main source of funding for the project.

It is aiming to raise £2.3 million by the end of 2012 and a total of £6.5 million by 2013.

"The industry is doing a great job lobbying the Government to level the playing field with regards to tax credits for UK animation shows," explained Adrian Wilkins, operations director at CHF Entertainment. "However, while we are waiting for any major initiatives to be implemented, the recent changes within EIS now mean that for the first time, private investors have the unique opportunity to be able to invest in, and have a slice of, an all British animation television series which has the potential of becoming as popular as Peppa Pig.

"What will be particularly appealing to the private investor, apart from the fact that the minimum amount they can invest is £5,000, is the Income Tax relief and Capital Gains Tax breaks the EIS offers.

Advertisement

"Investors will not only benefit from tax relief on their contributions, but any capital gain that their investment makes will be tax free too."

Pip was showcased at Mipcom back in October 2011 and was flagged up by the industry as 'one to watch'.

Once production of the show is up and running, CHF is anticipating that up to 75 jobs will be created in Manchester.