Fast facts

• Exeter based onlineforeign language vocabulary learning service established in 2008
• Complements national exam boards and text book learning
• Valuable aid for students, teachers and individuals
• Already supplies more than 130 secondary schools in the UK
• Won award from Plymouth University and Western Morning News Growth Fund PWGF to develop new products and markets (as part of the GAIN network)

Background

Vocab Express was created in 2008 by managing director Justin Sycamore after intensive consultation and work with teachers and other experts to develop an online vocabulary tool designed to make learning a foreign language a rewarding and effective experience.

The online language package existing system, includes a competitive scoring function as well as essential national curriculum vocabulary. From an initial proto-type tested by three schools, Vocab Express now supplies more than 130 secondary schools in the UK and has extensive plans for growth.

GAIN – the benefits

Vocab Express is now helping thousands of school children across the UK learn foreign language vocabulary. However, Justin has seen an opportunity to develop a second version, adding more functionality and flexibility for teachers, as well as a new mobile application.

Justin learnt about the Plymouth University and Western Morning News Growth Fund (PWGF) from the newspaper, and drafted a plan to expand existing markets for Vocab Express and create new opportunities.

“Teachers have been surprised at the range of students that Vocab Express can engage and how it can be set as trackable homework,” said Justin. “With more than4800 secondary schools across the UK, plus opportunities for primary schools and individual users, the future for Vocab Express looks promising.”

Winning the PWGF award has allowed Vocab Express to employ three people to work on the new version  and mobile application.

Justin said: “The acceleration in productivity stimulated by the PWGF has meant that plans to double our turnover year on year over the next three years are on target.”

Results and the future

•    PWGF has enabled the development of a new product version and mobile app
•    The creation of three new jobs
•    Expanding and new markets
•    Venturing into new academic subjects e.g. history and geography

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