AN INVESTMENT company has ploughed �2 million into a children s play centre chain. Monkey Bizness, which has a site on the Roaring Meg Retail Park in Stevenage, has received the cash boost from Octopus Investments Ltd. As well as helping to strengthen the

AN INVESTMENT company has ploughed �2 million into a children's play centre chain.

Monkey Bizness, which has a site on the Roaring Meg Retail Park in Stevenage, has received the cash boost from Octopus Investments Ltd.

As well as helping to strengthen the business' balance sheet, the investment will also be used to double the number of Monkey Bizness centres in the UK - from six to 12 - over the next three years.

Alistair Brew, director of Octopus Ventures - a branch of Octopus Investments Ltd, said: "We have been impressed with what management has achieved to date and believe that the Monkey Bizness offering can set the standard in the sector. This investment will enable the model to be rolled out more widely in the UK and present Monkey Bizness with the opportunity to become the leading player in the market."

Alex Cheney, co-founder of Monkey Bizness, said: "We have grown the business to six sites in three years and believe we are well placed to capitalise on the fragmented family entertainment market. The investment from Octopus comes at a crucial time.