Coracle Has Been Named One Of UK’s fastest Growing Firms

Coracle has been named one of UK’s fastest growing firms as CEO calls for national action on digital exclusion

A digital learning company that operates inside some of the world’s toughest environments has been named the country’s tenth fastest growing business in the Midlands and East of England in the UK Fast Growth Index 2025.

Cambridge based digital learning company Coracle provides secure laptops and digital education access for inmates at 96 prisons across England and Wales.

Founded by entrepreneur James Tweed, Coracle is one of the very few companies approved by the Ministry of Justice and HM Prisons and Probation Service to provide prisoners with IT access.

Its platform enables prisoners to study everything from vocational training to Open University degrees directly from their cells without accessing the internet.

Coracle’s growth has been driven by its mission to tackle digital exclusion, which Tweed says remains one of the country’s most overlooked social challenges.

“The Coracle team spends a lot of its time in some of the least desirable places in the country – our prisons,” Tweed said. “So when we win an award it always provides a great morale boost and it’s comforting to know we are being noticed.”

He added that the recognition must translate into action beyond the awards stage.

“Our mission is to end digital exclusion and to ensure that all of the world’s most disadvantaged people are able to access the digital world.

“I hope we can use the awareness this award brings to build greater awareness of the growing digital divide in the country.”

Coracle began in another tough environment – the maritime sector – and continues to provide sailors with education while at sea.

“Whether it is prisons or at sea, digital education is always possible. Everyone should be able to access education wherever they are,” added Tweed.

The company’s social-impact focus was further validated in 2025 when it secured B Corporation status, adding to its King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity.

Rebooted

Tweed also chairs Rebooted, a charity dedicated to supporting the families of prisoners. Rebooted collects unused or retired laptops, refurbishes them and distributes them to children and families affected by imprisonment, helping them stay engaged in education.

“Digital access is no longer optional,” he said. “If we’re serious about giving people a second chance, improving life outcomes and reducing reoffending, then providing safe routes into the digital world is essential.”