A Manchester entertainment brand that aims to get children reading again has secured £100,000 of investment and seen sales soar in a year where it won a national award.
Green Bean Studios says it wants to keep growing nationally and internationally after seeing 162% year-on-year growth in sales and securing the £100k inward investment.
The company was founded by Anita Frost, who has more than 10 years’ experience in child development and business development. It has built what it calls “an innovative multi-revenue children’s brand”, with a range of collectable children’s books called Green Bean Collection, as well as eco toys, games and “wholesome media content” featuring animated character Green Bean.
Green Bean Studios has also developed its first children’s music album, Time To Dance, to encourage children to stay healthy. The company has also continued to grow its work with schools, families and educational ambassadors.
Anita Frost was recently named a winner at KPMG’s annual Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards, securing the company a £25,000 prize and giving her a place on a 12-month business acceleration programme.
Anita said: “Reading for pleasure has hit an all time low, especially with the nation’s children, something which needs to change. Since our inception, we’ve been passionate about bringing joy to the early years through exciting storytelling, and to support more little ones to play, learn and go on fun outdoor adventures to help bring these stories to life. This year has been a catalyst for delivering that much needed change at a very community-focused level.
“Our impact-led work within local communities, schools and libraries, which includes live storytime events and pop up shops right across the Ƶ, is helping us to reach more children and families, all with the aim of inspiring a love of play and learning. Importantly, our work is also encouraging more reading for pleasure and creating more precious moments between young people and their care givers through books and sustainable toys.”
Don't miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free
