Former Enterprise Group boss Michael Clapper has taken an equity stake on overseas mortgage firm Viva Costa International Mortgages Ltd.

The investment is being made via Clapper’s newly created investment vehicle, Clapper Ventures LLP. Other members of the LLP include Jo Dempsey, Enterprise’s former chief operating officer, Mark Davies, former legal director and Howard Wallis, former finance director.

Viva Costa International was formed in 2005 and is appointed to the panels of many adviser networks including Openwork, Home of Choice, Positive Solutions and MortgageNext. In November 2009, Viva Costa launched a franchise model, allowing franchisees to provide a localised service to brokers across regions in the UK. There are currently nine live franchisees with a further five going live this month.

Clapper said: “I believe the market for overseas mortgages and property sales is set for significant growth. Very low interest rates from overseas lenders – who are both willing and able to lend – coupled with some exciting investment opportunities in countries such as Cape Verde