Sponge UK one of top 50 most creative companies in England

Plymouth elearning business Sponge UK has been included on a list of the 50 most innovative and inventive creative companies in England.

The Creative England 50 (CE50) report, now in its second year, identifies and celebrates businesses and individuals from across the country producing creative content or products.

Sponge UK is among 50 creative companies selected by Creative England to be part of the report in recognition of their ability to turn creative ideas into commercial success.

The business, based at Plymouth Science Park, is the only bespoke elearning company to be included on this year’s list. 

Louise Pasterfield, Managing Director at Sponge, said: “Creativity runs through all our processes from instructional design, visual design and development through to customer service.

“Our clients come to us looking for a creative approach to workplace elearning and we’re always seeking new and innovative ways to advance the work we do.

“We are delighted to be included in this exciting report and encouraged by the recognition being given to creative businesses across the country.”

The report says that the creative industries contribute £76.9bn to the UK economy, employing 1.7m people and have helped drive economic growth in many areas of the country.

Commenting on the report, Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative England said: “Creative talent, when it’s nurtured, networked and financed is one of the key drivers of the twenty-first century economy, and there seems to be an abundance of it in England.

“The CE50 recognises outstanding creativity across the country and gives a focus and profile it deserves. We are all looking forward to seeing what the “Class of 2016” can achieve in the months and years ahead.”

This year's index includes businesses from a wide range of sectors including games studios, documentary film companies and app makers.

Sponge UK makes online learning for large organisations including Royal Mail, GlaxoSmithKline, Tesco, the NHS and the United Nations.

The company was named Outstanding Learning Organisation of the year at the Elearning Awards (2015-16) and is one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For 2016.