AN AWARD-WINNING Chester education company is celebrating its third birthday by launching free 'Active Maths' teacher training sessions to schools across the UK.

Maths of the Day (MOTD) was created in Spring 2015 by Jon Smedley, a former deputy headteacher and PE adviser.

The company helps children aged 4-11 learn maths through his programme of 'Active Maths' (physical activity).

Jon has accessed support and marketing advice from the University of Chester and thanks to a series of local marketing courses, he has been able to reach out and target more people.

Through this, and working in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, he is now offering fully funded 'Active Maths' teacher training – so schools and teachers can access a course nearby and see if MOTD is for them.

Jon said: "Over 50% of children don't achieve the recommended amount of physical activity, which is 60 minutes a day.

"We know that children's attention spans vary massively, and they need to learn in different ways. By combining maths with physical activity, we are helping more young people learn and keep healthy.

"The feedback and growth has been fantastic and we are very excited to be able to offer teacher training.

"As we expand, we are hiring more education consultants as well as a graphic designer, so that the team can continue its work and bring a bit of fun and exercise to education. It's a really exciting time."

The support Jon accessed at the University of Chester is being offered to start-ups and new businesses in the region, as part of the ERDF-funded Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme, which provides fully funded support to pre-start, new startups and SMEs.

The programme delivers bespoke expertise and knowledge by signing companies up with relevant delivery partners to supply one-to-one advice and guidance, workshops, seminars and masterclasses.

Jo Vernon, business development manager at the University of Chester, said: "Jon's business is growing at a very fast rate and we are delighted for him.

"Maths of the Day is based at the Riverside Innovation Centre at the University, so it was easy for him to access our support – and reap the benefits from it.

"A measure of Jon's success is that the company is already a recipient of three awards: Business Start-Up of the Year at both the Cheshire Business Awards, and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce Recognition Awards, and a recent second place in the University Entrepreneurs Challenge at the Educate North Awards."

For more information, visit www.mathsoftheday.org.uk.