Truro-Based “Exciting Teacher” Wins Prestigious Business Award from Former Dragon Theo Paphitis

In a significant boost for small businesses, Exciting Teacher, a Truro, Cornwall-based educational resource provider, has been honoured with the ‘Small Business Sunday’ award by renowned retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

The company, founded by 27-year-old Channon Gray, stood out among thousands, securing its place as one of the weekly winners in May 2023.

Exciting Teacher’s journey began in 2018 during Channon’s teacher training, evolving from an Instagram page into a global enterprise by 2022. The company now offers over 550 resources focused on PSHE, mental health, wellbeing, and emotional literacy, supporting teachers, parents, and professionals worldwide. Channon, a former primary school teacher with a current role in children’s mental health for the NHS, is driven by a passion for making mental health resources accessible to all children.

Channon expressed immense pride in the recognition, highlighting the hard work behind Exciting Teacher’s success. “It’s great to have support from Theo, recognising all the effort put into Exciting Teacher outside of my full-time job. We’re helping children globally understand their emotions, and I couldn’t be prouder,” she said.

The award not only brings recognition but also membership to an exclusive club of Small Business Sunday winners, a concept envisioned by Theo Paphitis to foster a community of like-minded individuals. “We’re thrilled to welcome new members every week, emphasising the importance of supporting UK small businesses. I wish Exciting Teacher every success,” Paphitis commented, reflecting on the importance of the award.

In February 2024, Channon represented Exciting Teacher at the Annual Winners Event in Birmingham, collecting the certificate, meeting Paphitis, and participating in a significant networking event attended by 1,200 individuals.

The ‘Small Business Sunday’ award, launched by Paphitis in 2010, has grown to support over 3,500 winners. It runs weekly on X and Instagram, offering six businesses a chance each Monday to gain visibility, attend the annual networking event, and leverage further opportunities. For Exciting Teacher, the award has provided invaluable access to a broader community of small businesses, underscoring the importance of such recognitions in supporting and promoting small business ventures in the UK.

Exciting Teacher is now featured on the exclusive SBS website, joining a prestigious list of winners that have benefited from the visibility and networking opportunities provided by the award.