Tute gains backing from Holidaybreak

A MANCHESTER-based web business providing internet-based teaching support to pre-school children has received a multi-million pound investment from Northwich-based Holidaybreak.

Tute is a new venture founded by Sean Gardner, who is the former CEO of Haydock-based financial comparison business Moneyexpert.com.
The site is designed to connect pupils and parents to expert advice as well as offering a social networking function to share best practice.

The money will be used develop the scale of the existing Tute platform.
Martin Davies, CEO of Holidaybreak’s Education division,said: “Learning outside the classroom is a key competence for Holidaybreak and Tute is a strategic investment that will add value to our offering to schools.

“We are excited by the opportunity to further expand our interests online, and to deploy Tute technology to enrich our existing services.”

Holidaybreak’s existing education brands include the PGL and NST businesses offering educational trips and shool travel, as well as German-based school tour accommodation business Meininger.

Holidaybreak was taken off the London Stock Exchange last year following a successful £312m takeover bid for the business by Indian company Cox & Kings, which was approved in July.

Mr Gardner said: “An obvious synergy exists as both businesses deliver the best in ‘out-of-classroom learning’.

“Holidaybreak is held in high regard within the schools and teacher community and we are thrilled to have them as partners in Tute.

“The size and timing of the investment is a clear indication of the growing importance of social technologies in education within the UK.”