A Speech Language Therapy Social Enterprise have expanded the team with four new appointments after receiving help from RTC North.

Based in Leeds, ChatterBug, was established in 2008 by Asma Khanum after recognising the lack of speech language therapy available for children, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.

ChatterBug first became aware of RTC North after meeting Glyn Selway, Innovation Specialist at a knowledge sharing event in the city.

RTC, on behalf of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, deliver a programme, Access Innovation, a package of support available to businesses to develop new products and processes.

After being invited onto the programme the company attended many events and workshops including; Intellectual Property, R&D Tax Credits and Lego Serious Play workshops. Glyn worked with the business giving one to one advice and expertise, on topics like funding support, upgrading of digital activities and a strategy for the acquisition of suitably skilled staff. Yasir Khan, Business Manager at ChatterBug explains:

“We found the programme so useful - everyone we met has been fantastic and we couldn’t fault a thing.”

Since working with Glyn, the company have taken on four additional staff and are looking to take on a digital designer. Asma and Yasir are now in the process of setting up a second business called BrightSpeech, which aims to utilise digital technology to modernise speech therapy and make it more accessible for those who need it.

Currently in development, the platform is aimed at teachers, parents or carers who will be able to log in and access the resources necessary to be able to deliver Speech and Language programmes and training to deliver high-quality interventions, without the need for a trainer present. They aim to have this up and running soon once pilot studies have been conducted.  Glyn added:

“The company has gone from strength to strength and I have enjoyed being part of that journey. Asma and Yasir have been fantastic clients, enthusiastic learners and are clearly passionate about their business vision. They intend to participate in the Innovate 2 Succeed programme being delivered in this area by RTC North and I look forward to continuing our working relationship.”