An award-winning education technology company has relocated to the heart of Swansea after a period of rapid growth.
Aspire 2Be, which offers a range of digital support programmes to schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and governments throughout the UK and internationally, moved into its new base in King’s Road, SA1 last month.
The company was set up in 2013 and has expanded rapidly, with turnover currently 400 per cent higher than its first year.
Now employing 12 experienced educationalists, IT technicians and business professionals, Aspire 2Be is considered one of the leading ed tech companies in the UK.
The main focus of its work is improving digital skills and competence among educators, and it is working with many schools in Wales to help them meet the aims of the Welsh government’s digital competency framework.
It operates in seven countries and is the only ed tech company in the UK to be appointed both Apple Network Consultants and Google Accredited Educators as well as being part of the Microsoft Partner Network.
It is also leading the introduction of beacon technology into the UK education market.
Last month Aspire 2Be was named runner up in the Business of the Year (0 to 25 employees) category at the Swansea Bay Business Awards.
Last year it was a finalist in The Great British Entrepreneur Awards and won the bronze award for Best Learning Technologies project at the International Learning Technologies Awards 2016. It was also shortlisted for the UK Digital Entrepreneur Awards as well as the Welsh Entrepreneur Awards.
Its new base, a 112 square metre multi-purpose office and training space, will allow it to expand into south west Wales.
Aspire 2Be’s education director Simon Pridham, a former headteacher and professional digital adviser to the Welsh Government, said:
“We are excited to get started in SA1 and to be at the heart of a vibrant business and learning community.
“We are particularly looking forward to strengthening our links with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, soon to be based in SA1.
“Both universities in Swansea are focused on innovation, which is a great fit for a young company that prides itself on being dynamic and innovative.
“We are called Aspire 2Be because we want to help people aspire to be something greater.
“We want to be acknowledged as a provider that has its culture and values at its heart, a company that inspires learning and development by crafting programmes with a unique pedagogical edge.”