The Gazette hunts high and low each week to bring you news of the most interesting new businesses in Hackney. This week we speak to the founder of Shapes for Schools, a new company aiming to inspire kids to learn by placing recognisable brands in the classroom.

A former teacher has come up with a new way to inspire pupils – replacing stuffy textbook content with brands they recognise.

Jenny Baldwin, of Finsbury Park, has launched Shapes for Schools, a marketing agency helping firms break into the education sector by placing their names and logos in the classroom. For instance, she has created lessons and activities based on Chris Hoy’s children’s books, designed to get young kids reading and exercising.

Having taught for several years in the UK and Spain, Jenny worked in publishing at Penguin Random House and as a marketer for Scholastic UK. And her experiences have taught her that creative partnerships are the way forward.

“Shapes aims to give kids a wider variety of interesting content that makes them want to learn,” she said. “We’re trying to replace textbooks with resources relevant to their interests – whether it’s their favourite football club, film or children’s book. It’s about helping teachers find new ways to inspire them.”

Since launching in March, Shapes has worked with clients in the culture sector, children’s publishing and sport.

For more information, visit the Shapes for Schools website .