Curious Universe 3

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2017 Somerset Consumer / Lifestyle 79

Curious Universe pride themselves on creating innovative and exciting products in the Arts and Crafts, Books, Stationery and Toys areas. Their talented team works together to design, produce and sell over 20 million products every year in 38 languages throughout 77 different countries. This unique venture brings together a wealth of experience and creativity from opposite sides of the globe, producing exceptional, innovative, and affordable products for everyone to enjoy.

Established in 2017 by husband & wife team John Styring and Briony Britten, they learnt what it takes to build a successful business the first time round, having sold their previous venture, IglooBooks. Taking their passion for creating

More than half the team joined Curious Universe through lockdown, supporting the ongoing growth of the business and reputation with their customers and consumers alike. It has taken dedication and hard work to bring this group of talented people together to support each other and achieve the Company Goals.

Curious Universe is dedicated to ensuring the consumer has an enjoyable experience when using their products. They work with their suppliers to create products that are high quality and exceptional value for money. With product development at the forefront, they continue to evolve and develop fresh concepts to appeal to various markets. Recognising the strength of their current ranges however they also continue to build on popular formats by introducing new titles. In addition, the following areas are an ongoing focus;

Mental Health

their mental health and wellbeing, Curious Universe have launched a Wellness Programme – Flourish. With a small team focused on ensuring everyone is looking after themselves, they provide mental health support for anyone that needs it. With a qualified Mental Health First Aider in-house and flexible working initiatives such as ‘Work Where You Work Best’, people are in an environment that aims to bring out the best in them.

Giving back to the community Curious Universe like to do their bit and give back to the community in whatever way they can. Recent charities that have benefited from their support include Julian House and Bath Mind. This year, the team nominated the Trauma Recovery Centre in Bath and are looking forward to seeing how they can support them over the next 12 months.

Particularly relevant to a young company that creates 20 million products per year, Curious Universe has paid particular attention to building a sustainable future for people and the planet. While continuing to excite children, adults, and retailers with innovative and inspiring products, they are working hard behind the scenes to play a part in making the shift towards a better future.

Curious Universe celebrate diversity in all its forms and support this through product content and in their promotion, bringing reading, fun or creativity to everyone, regardless of their culture or background. In 2022, they achieved the following:

• Delivered company wide Diversity & Inclusion training

• Expanded recruitment channels to ensure a wider audience can be reached

• Recruitment advertisements are all checked for bias to ensure a fair and inclusive approach

• Training on unconscious bias

• Established a Leadership team which is 71% women

• 5 of our 8 Head of Roles are female (62%).

Curious Universe is a young and rapidly growing creative and passionate company. Dedicated not only to producing fun, exciting, educational and inspiring products, they are a team that strive to look after each other, their community and the environment. With recent exhibitions at the London Toy Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, Bologna Book Fair and the London Book Fair their appetite for growth is clear – the Curious Universe journey has just started!