Prison education business Coracle was presented with a Grant of Appointment scroll signed by His Majesty the King at its offices in Cambridge. The parchment is the final gift to commemorate its King’s Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity.
Founder and CEO James Tweed received the award from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence.
“It’s wonderful to have something signed by His Majesty the king. I very much enjoyed meeting him last year at Buckingham Palace. It’s been quite a journey, from prison gates to palace gates.”
The Lord Lieutenant hailed the work of Coracle, which now operates in 90 prisons in the UK, almost 90 percent of the prison estate. Coracle has 2750 devices in use but founder James Tweed wants to significantly increase this number.
“Digital literacy is a right for everyone,” added Tweed. “This is ultimately about second chances and the belief that every person counts.
“Coracle works, and can only work, when it is in collaboration with the many people involved in delivering the Coracle service."
“This includes prison education teams, prison staff Governors, our supporters in government, in particular those from HMPPS, the Ministry of Justice and, of course, the men and women who use Coracle and see it as a way to change their lives for the better.”
James Tweed was shortlisted for the East of England's 'Established Business of the Year' category in the 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.