Leonie Briggs tells unLTD how support from Launchpad helped her create and set up Amazelab, an ‘inspiring, creative take on STEAM subjects’
Tell us about your company?
We are Amazelab, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths) company with the aim of providing engaging opportunities to people via workshops, video link, activity packs, factsheets, and guidance open to all from educational settings to non-school groups and everyone in between. Our aim is to deliver an inspiring, creative take on STEAM subjects, their relevance to everyday life and deliver this in a fun but thought-provoking manner.
When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?
Providing STEAM-based support to a wider network is an idea that has been bubbling for a while but COVID-19 provided a catalyst to take the plunge and create Amazelab. Watching businesses thrive under the ever-changing circumstances and adapting and innovating inspired us to take the first steps. After providing activities and ‘experiment at home’ videos, and receiving excellent feedback it became apparent there was an audience for our content.
How has the pandemic affected your decision to start a business?
As a science teacher and STEAM ambassador, I was looking for ways to engage young people at home during lockdown. I didn’t want children to miss out on practical science even though many were not physically in school. Using web-based platforms and social media to deliver content opened up many opportunities to reach a wider audience and enabled us to be much more accessible. Working from home with my husband (who is a graphic designer), we realised we were able to create a much higher quality of resource, leading to the establishment of Amazelab.
How has Launchpad helped you?
Amazelab was in contact with Launchpad at the ideas stage of the business. Advisor Ben Hawley has provided a friendly face, information, advice and contacts. Ben was able to provide answers to all our questions plus book us onto workshops covering all aspects of new business including planning, marketing, banking, tax and book-keeping.
What are your hopes and aims for the business?
To inspire people to discover, interact, enjoy and take STEAM subjects further with the aim of them taking on STEAM based careers and developing a life-long love of these subjects. With a skills shortage in these subject areas, now is the time to engage young people to fulfil these roles to benefit everyone in the future. We do not know yet who the next Tim Peake, Rosalind Franklin or David Attenborough will be but it’s exciting to think of the discoveries that will be made in the future, both in our region and beyond. To be able to play a small part in this journey is extremely exciting and fulfilling.
Launchpad business start-up advisor Ben Hawley said: I think what Leonie is doing is amazing! She has been able to take her passion and do something really good with it through lockdown.
Now the opportunity to turn that into a livelihood for her has presented itself and she’s grabbing it with both hands. This business has so much scope and potential, not just in terms of business model, but the people it can reach and help. I’m very excited about working with Leonie on it.
Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.
Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.
