With the UK economy looking towards an export-led recovery, Little Fidgets sees the role of inspiring children to enjoy learning languages as an important one.

Lucy Amos, a qualified primary school teacher who speaks five languages, set up Little Fidgets in 2006 to make French fun for two to six-year-olds and has since taught more than 1,000 children.

Lucy’s husband, Stephen Chinn, has now joined the business full time to develop it as a business idea and help expand the model into the south of England.

It has already expanded to teach Spanish and cover a wider area of Yorkshire, from Richmond to Selby.

The business doubled revenue growth in 2009/10 and maintained its operating margin, despite recessionary pressures, Stephen said. The business is developing its training opportunities for its 13 teaching staff and has invested in new software to improve customer relations.

“The magic is in the detail,” said Stephen. “Recent enhancements have been the introduction of fun end-of-term certificates for pupils and a new joiner pack comprising a wonderful Fidgets CD and songbook, and a little bag the children love to carry to class.”

Little Fidgets has entered Small Business Of The Year and Family Business Of The Year in The Press Business Awards 2010, after being a runner-up to the title of Small Business Of The Year in 2009.