BY Sam Walker | Thursday 12 November 2026
A Hull company run by young entrepreneurs is boosting its digital content business thanks to the support of Hull City Council.
Founders of Heuro Studios - Alex Sparkes, Rand Nessif and Jack Shanks - are computer science graduates of the University of Hull and established the business to make immersive digital experiences, apps and websites.
Heuro Studios turn ideas into interactive technology, making digital content more accessible, simple and enjoyable.
It was supported through the council’s Making Changes for Careers Programme (MC4C) Youth Enterprise Advisor, Becca Peltman, as well as two grants from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (JCYEB), one of which was sponsored by rural broadband provider Quickline, to facilitate digital inclusion.
Heuro Studios also received a Test Market Grant, sponsored by the council, bringing the total investment of nearly £1,500, using the funding to purchase a high-quality digital camera and accessories to ensure they had the right tools to provide the best experience for consumers.
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal and housing at the council, said: “I am delighted that the council can continue to support young entrepreneurs in the city through its Youth Enterprise & Microbusiness Team and its investment in the new Elevate @ Mark Jones MBE Centre, working alongside the extensive youth enterprise ecosystem.
“I am pleased that the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank - thanks to Hull City Council, Quickline, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council - continues to make a real difference to young people through small grants and access to a mentor, particularly through the MC4C team.
“I wish all those involved in Heuro Studios every success and I hope they continue to expand as a business based in Hull, working with their mentor and other young entrepreneurs in the city.”
Heuro Studios primarily works on educational and heritage projects, including bringing historical figures to life using AI in work with the team at Hull Minster.
It focuses on making digital content more accessible, whether that’s turning a board game into a digital learning tool, or helping a costume business reach new audiences.
Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Week, this year running from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November, Heuro Studios has also recently become Youth Enterprise Ambassadors for JCYEB and the Hull and East Yorkshire Youth Enterprise Partnership.
The team at Heuro Studios added: "Starting Heuro Studios during university was daunting, especially without a roadmap or room to make mistakes. The council and the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank gave us exactly what we needed: space to grow, invaluable mentorship and direct introductions into rooms with industry giants.
“Having the right tools matters for Heuro Studios and the council grants allowed us to purchase the equipment we need. For a young company like ours, that support is massive and we cannot thank them enough.
“Becoming Youth Enterprise Ambassadors feels like the natural next step. Having received so much backing from the council’s MC4C programme, we are thrilled to give back and champion the next generation of young entrepreneurs in Hull.”
Liz Barclay patron of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and IOD special adviser for Small and Micro Business and Entrepreneurship, said: “We welcome our partnership which has enabled us to give even more support to young entrepreneurs in Hull and East Riding. It’s thanks to our partners that we plan to support at least 50 new aspiring young entrepreneurs enterprising in the next two years.
“The JCYEB was delighted to award Heuro Studios two grants after its idea was advocated to a recent panel. I am looking forward to meeting them during Global Entrepreneurship Week.”
