A company based in Manchester has predicted that its turnover will double this year after seeing continued growth despite the credit crunch.

In good news for people considering investing in internet marketing in the northwest, search engine optimisation company FirstFound is expecting £4.5 million in turnover this year, compared to £2.2 million in 2008.

The firm is now hoping to expand in order to accommodate its staff and growing need for space.

"Promoting your online presence is more important than ever in a recession and as a result we are the busiest we have ever been," explained FirstFound founder Chris Bellamy.

FirstFound is based on Oxford Road in Manchester's central business area and helps companies to increase their presence on the internet as part of an internet marketing strategy.

It specialises in pay per click, web design services and website translation and was founded in 1999. The company now employs 85 staff.