WESTBURY, WILTSHIRE— the co-founders of one of the UK’s leading assistive technology companies, Scanning Pens, were honored with an OBE yesterday (Friday 30th December).

Jack Churchill and Toby Sutton were awarded the honor as a result of ‘services to international trade, and to the dyslexia, and special educational needs and disabilities community’.

Over the last 20 years, Jack Churchill – who himself is dyslexic – and Toby Sutton have built an assistive technology powerhouse at the heart of the dyslexia and special needs communities. Scanning Pens is an organization that provides portable text-to-speech pen scanners which empower young and adult readers by giving them the tool to instantly access printed text anywhere.

This assistive technology is now used daily by thousands of schools, in the workplace, and even in the prison estate. The organization has been active for many years both in the UK and in more than 100 countries. More than 50% of the company’s business is attributed to international trade; this success has been reflected in two BETT award wins: Exporter of the Year (2019), and Company of the Year (2020). 

Following in 2021, Scanning Pens received one of the most prestigious accolades in British business, The Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Recipients Toby and Jack made a shared statement:

“To say we are honored by this announcement is an understatement. When we first started this venture over 20 years ago, we saw the opportunity to establish a business that could help millions of individuals with their literacy needs. Looking back, it is fantastic to know that through our technology we have supported so many to succeed.

“The success of Scanning Pens has allowed us to support learners all over the world and set up the global dyslexia positivity movement Succeed With Dyslexia, which has made a reality of our wish to raise awareness around dyslexia all over the world."

“Without the support of our families and the whole team, neither of us would be receiving an OBE today. We look forward to many years ahead as we drive our business forward, whilst helping even more individuals in their daily lives.”

More information can be found at www.scanningpens.co.uk

To request more information about this announcement, please contact ukinfo@scanningpens.com.