SOCO set for growth with six-figure boost

A Durham-based marketing company is set to expand its operations.

The Social Co. (SOCO), a specialist social media marketing business, has secured a six-figure investment from Maven Capital Partners through the Finance Durham Fund, established by Durham County Council and managed by Business Durham. 

Founded and run by entrepreneurs Kane Haig and James Ogilvie, SOCO employs 40 staff at its Durham office. 

The company delivers fully integrated social media campaigns for a growing portfolio of clients, including Newcastle United, Hays Travel and Monument Bank, spanning sectors from fashion and sports to financial services.

SOCO leverages its creative expertise to drive high-impact campaigns across platforms including Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat and X, helping brands increase visibility and engagement.

Bosses say the “transformative” funding will be used to expand the team and “accelerate growth” across the wider group.

They add the investment will support the next phase of the company’s expansion, boosting sales capabilities, growing its client base and building on momentum in the North East and further afield.

Kane said: “Securing this investment marks a pivotal moment for The Social Co. and our wider group. 

“We’re incredibly excited about the opportunities it creates for us to accelerate growth, expand our capabilities and deliver even greater value to our clients. 

“This funding gives us the platform to scale faster than ever before, and the next few years will be transformative for both ourselves and our clients. 

“We would like to thank Maven and Business Durham for their support and are already seeing great benefits from working closely with them to help us achieve our goals.”

Rebecca MacDermid, investment manager at Maven, added: “SOCO is a great example of an ambitious North East business with real creative flair and commercial drive. 

“Kane and James have built an impressive agency that’s delivering outstanding work for big-name clients and is continuing to attract opportunities on a global scale. 

“This funding will help them grow further and strengthen the team as they look to secure more long-term contracts and expand their client base. 

“We look forward to working with them to help drive the business forward.”

The Finance Durham Fund provides flexible equity, debt and mezzanine funding packages ranging from £150,000 to £2 million, aiming to support ambitious local businesses across all sectors and drive economic growth in County Durham.

Councillor Joe Quinn, Durham County Council cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, added: “We’re delighted that Finance Durham is supporting The Social Co to continue their growth here in Durham. 

“With their award-winning team of social media experts and creatives, they represent the kind of innovative, ambitious business we want to see thrive in our county. 

“Supporting companies like The Social Co demonstrates our dedication to driving Durham’s economic growth – by empowering local businesses, opening up new opportunities for our residents, and positioning the county as the premier destination for business in the North East.”

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