2B Enterprising completes investment raise

2B Enterprising completes investment raise

2B Enterprising, headquartered in Swansea, has raised £400,000 of investment through a syndicate of 15 business angels, in a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group.

Established by multi award-winning enterprise educator Sue Poole, 2B Enterprising has created and introduced the Bumbles of Honeywood as an enterprise skills programme specifically for children aged 5 to 7 years old.

Developed by entrepreneurial business leaders and experienced educators with extensive input from teachers, the Bumbles of Honeywood features a series of illustrated books and over 120 activities that enhance the teacher's toolkit and improve numeracy, literacy, digital and physical education skills alongside developing an enterprising mindset.

Over 40 schools are already using the programme with 20 of these having been part of a 24-month pilot programme, to help develop life skills and future aspirations. The programme is funded by a unique Corporate Engagement Partnership Programme (CEPP) that involves local and national businesses partnering with schools to bring real life enterprise experience into the classroom.

The GS Verde Group has partnered with several schools in Wales and South West England, as part of their commitment to developing the skills and aspirations of young people. The Group joins other business such as Swansea.com, Dawsons Estate Agents, The Fab Four Coffee, and Bluestone Resorts who have all agreed to actively support the delivery of this programme.

The investment is being used to scale-up activity; funding a series of appointments including Jayne Brewer as Chief Executive and the further development of class materials for use by schools throughout Wales and England.

Sue Poole is the founder of 2B Enterprising. She said: "Our vision is a community where school pathways and future career choices for all young people are equally valued and respected. With the support of the Development Bank and our syndicate of business angels, we can now reach out to so many more youngsters initially across the UK, and then abroad; helping them to grow into capable, healthy, well-rounded individuals who can become ambitious, resourceful and successful adults."

Jayne Brewer is the newly appointed Chief Executive of 2B Enterprising. She said: "The Bumbles of Honeywood provides a wonderful selection of lesson-ready resources and connections to bring real life enterprise into the classroom. It also gives businesses the opportunity to strengthen their links with their community, engage with a younger audience and improve employee satisfaction. It's an innovative programme that is being delivered by a close and committed team who all share a real passion to inspire future generations."

The investment from Angels Invest Wales includes lead investor Ashley Cooper. The syndicate has invested £275,000 across two consecutive funding rounds alongside £125,000 from the Development Bank of Wales' Wales Angel Co-investment Fund. The GS Verde Group advised 2B Enterprising on the raise.

The GS Verde Group are business focused experts in getting deals done. The group combines multiple disciplines including law, tax, finance and communications, to provide end-to-end support as a complete advisory team.