Inclusive Stories publishes children’s books and sensory-friendly resources that support or represent youngsters with autism, ADHD and dyslexia.
Founder Brooklyn Banjoko said: “I was in total shock. I didn’t expect to win the category I was nominated for, never mind the overall award. I’m just so honoured to have won.”
On top of the overall Business of the Year award, Brooklyn also won the Entrepreneur Over 30 prize at the ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel at the O2.
Judges praised Brooklyn’s ability to overcome adversity to create a thriving business.
Head Judge, Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports said: “It was very clear that Inclusive Stories Ltd was worthy of Business of the Year.
“This business was started by one woman disappointed by the lack of neurodiverse representation in children’s story books, which she turned into a unique business opportunity that will have a positive impact on so many families.”
Peabody’s Economic Inclusion Manager, Christofi Christou, was on the judging panel in his role as President of the South East London Chamber of Commerce.
He said: “Brooklyn is fantastic. There was a gap in the market but her business was born out of passion and a need.
“Brooklyn has two children with autism, so you could tell that it was a case of, ‘I have this personal challenge that I’m facing but I’m also going to fill a gap in the market at the same time.’ On top of that, the books are excellent.”
Brooklyn, who writes and illustrates the books herself, has sons aged six and five.
She explained: “Early on it was so difficult to get them interested in books and reading. That’s the foundation of learning so it was a big worry for me.
“I discovered that fidget toys helped to give them focus and provided some sensory relief during storytime.”
From that realisation grew the idea of combining diverse books featuring neurodivergent characters, sensory play items and resources for caregivers to create a subscription service.
Inclusive Stories published two new books last month and is currently working on an exclusive line of fidget toys.
Brooklyn said: “There’s so much that I want to do. I hope this award will give me more opportunities to scale the business in a way that helps parents just like me.”
Get support for your business
The winner of the Innovation Award was Accelerator AI. The company came through Peabody’s business incubator programme and is based in a Peabody commercial space in Peckham.
If you need help to kickstart a business idea or scale up your current business, there is a wide range of support available to you.
This includes training and advice, including the monthly Peabody Business Forum, help identifying funding opportunities, access to community centres, co-working spaces and commercial premises and much more.
Email businessready@peabody.org.uk to discuss your goals.
