By PAT GILL BOLTON

WARRINGTON-based Exor Corporation, the world's largest supplier of highways management software, has received a £3.5m cash boost from venture capital company 3i and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Exor will use the money to step up its research and development programme and international operations.

The investment will keep the company at the leading edge of highways software and will help to create more jobs globally. There will be 12 new staff in Warrington and the global workforce will see the recruitment of software and civil engineers being increased. The company anticipates "tremendous growth" both nationally and internationally.

Steve Smith, chief executive officer for Exor, said the company was building relationships with engineering and project management consultancies to increase its presence in the world market. Other key partnerships will involve engineering and IT consultancies.

"3i's network of contacts and its experience in the software sector will be another important asset for us," he said.

A spokesman for 3i said "We actively seek to invest in companies that have rapid growth potential, driven by a strong management team. Exor stands to win a sizeable share of the emerging transportation market."