Sheffield 'ed-tech' accelerator helps eight businesses create 25 jobs in its first year

TwinklHive has contributed to the firms’ growth with investment, office space, mentoring and access to its network of industry experts and partners.

They include Champion Health which assesses companies’ wellbeing and builds health and wellbeing strategies.

Natterhub is an educational social media platform for children, and was the first start-up to join TwinklHive.

Blend Cook, Eat, Share CIC (trading as Blend Kitchen) is a social enterprise and cafe/restaurant which expands opportunities to those who are furthest from the jobs market, including individuals with autism or mental health conditions.

Airsupply is a supply teacher recruitment and booking system currently based in London that has joined the accelerator to expand into the North.

TwinklHive is part of Sheffield education resources business Twinkl.

Chief operating officer, David Angrave, said they wanted to create an eco-system of like-minded companies.

He added: “Through TwinklHive, we are striving to further stimulate the ed-tech sector in Sheffield by encouraging pre-revenue businesses to relocate to the city.

“Sheffield is a phenomenal place to run a business and offers a range of exciting opportunities for new start-ups to succeed within the growing edtech sector.”

In September, TwinklHive launched a £250,000 scholarship scheme to help young people start a business.

‘Scholars’ receive a grant of up to £40,000, office space and mentorship under the six-month scheme.

During lockdown, Twinkl offered free access to its online resources, becoming the 89th largest website domain in the UK by traffic.

The firm also provided 53 internships and placements in 2020.

Chief executive Jonathan Seaton, who was awarded MBE for services to technology and education during the pandemic, said: “As schools around the world closed as a result of the pandemic, we recognised how our resources could help teachers, parents and carers navigate the challenge of home-schooling that they suddenly found themselves faced with.

"The response that we have had has been overwhelming and we are incredibly proud to have been a part of keeping the world learning during this difficult time.”

Twinkl was founded in 2010.

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