Empowering Tech Blog

A Year of Transformation: Celebrating Progress, Positivity, and Purpose in 2025

Admin — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:30:00 GMT

2025 has been another transformative year for Empowering Tech, marked by significant progress, positivity, and a clear sense of purpose.

Our teams around the world have taken every opportunity to champion neurodiversity and promote support for people with learning difficulties. The aim is to help everyone, regardless of how they learn, reach their full potential - and we believe this goal is being continually achieved.

As in previous years, our mission has been to share inspiring stories, provide practical strategies, introduce new products and welcome talented people into the business.

This year’s energy sparked new conversations, deepened connections, and transformed challenges into creativity, courage, and growth, making 2025 a year for positive change and empowered learning.

We wanted to share some of the year's most poignant highlights as we look forward to embarking on another exciting chapter in 2026.

Launching for literacy: Empowerment for all

The C-Pen Reader 3 made a notable debut in 2025, bringing with it a new era of assistive technology for individuals with dyslexia and learning difficulties.

Engineered for accessibility, this sleek, portable scanning pen has advanced features, including intuitive text-to-speech functionality, built-in dictionaries for instant definitions, and powerful multilingual support.

Users simply glide the pen over printed text, where it instantly reads aloud in a clear, natural voice, a breakthrough for learners who benefit from auditory input. The device empowers users to scan and store text.

They can access vocabulary support and even translate content in over 40 languages when connected online. With its touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi capabilities, the C-Pen Reader 3 is suitable for use in schools, workplaces, and homes.

Teachers and educators alike have found it especially helpful for creating more inclusive learning spaces, allowing neurodivergent children, including those with dyslexia, to access materials independently and with confidence.

Empowering every mind to succeed

One of the most significant days on our calendar is Dyslexia Awareness Month in October. This day celebrates the strengths, creativity, and resilience of people with dyslexia.

At Empowering Tech, we use this time to initiate meaningful conversations about how people with dyslexia can succeed not only at work but also in everyday life. Our global Succeed with Dyslexia movement is all about promoting as much positivity around learning and literacy differences.

The website is packed with resources, including interviews and blogs that aim to raise awareness of dyslexia – make sure to check it out.

We continue to focus on supporting neurodiversity and demonstrating how, with the right tools and inclusive practices, everyday challenges can be transformed into opportunities for innovation and growth.

There have been numerous positive stories shared about dyslexic professionals, educators, and children alike who are changing what success means.

We also highlighted practical strategies and assistive technologies that help people work more effectively. Most importantly, they reminded everyone that thriving at work is not just about overcoming challenges; it is also about embracing opportunities.

It is also about recognising unique problem-solving skills and ways of thinking that bring tremendous value to any team or individual.

Growing independence through technology

Reading pens are changing how primary schools support literacy. They help children with learning difficulties read independently and feel more confident.

These devices help children learn new words, understand what they read, and acquire new vocabulary without making them feel different from others. One example of the impact these revolutionary reading pens are having comes from Birchwood Primary School.

Our reading pens have transformed the way children engage with reading and learning. These small but powerful tools quickly became a valued part of everyday classroom life.

They help pupils grow in confidence and independence. Whether used during literacy lessons or quiet reading time, the pens have given children the chance to access texts at their own pace.

They remove barriers that once made reading feel like a challenge. Teachers have seen improved fluency, comprehension, and genuine pride as pupils discover the joy of reading.

For children with dyslexia and other neurodivergent learning difficulties, reading pens have encouraged inclusion and participation, allowing everyone to contribute and succeed individually.

Teachers at the school have adopted the technology as part of a broader strategy to create a supportive, learner-centred environment where every child can excel.

The school’s approach demonstrated how assistive technology can make classrooms more accessible, thereby nurturing both independence and a lifelong love of learning.

A proud achievement driving global impact

Over in the Southern Hemisphere, the Scanning Pens team celebrated an incredibly proud moment, as the C-Pen Reader 3 was named the Most Impactful Assistive Technology at the Australian Disability Service Awards.

This is a fantastic achievement, as the recognition highlights the powerful difference the device is making across schools and workplaces. It helps people with dyslexia and other reading difficulties gain independence, confidence, and equal access to information.

The award highlights Scanning Pens’ ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusion, demonstrating how technology can truly empower learners of all ages.

David Campbell, Country Manager at Scanning Pens Australia, said: “Our scanning pens are used in primary secondary schools, by healthcare professionals, in libraries, workplaces, and in state and federal elections.

"We are delighted to receive this award as it underpins all the great work our teams are doing, as well as the ambassadors who champion the success of our reading pens”.

Welcoming new talent to squid.

Our staff are the backbone of our success, and organisational growth is reflected in the addition of new talent to collaborative teams.

The squid. team welcomed James Tomlinson as a new copywriter in November, bringing with him 20 years of experience in digital marketing. Having worked in both the B2B and B2C sectors, as well as agency and client-side environments.

James, or JT, as he is more well known, blends creativity with strategic thinking. His copywriting expertise will help Empowering Tech and subsequent brands to craft messages that connect with audiences and get results through powerful storytelling.

The team is excited to have him join and looks forward to the new energy, ideas, and skills he brings to the creative process.

Promoting equality and accessibility

In addition to communicating our message virtually, we strive to meet people face-to-face. The Scanning Pens team attended the Tes SEND Show at the Business Design Centre in London to showcase the C-Pen range.

We highlighted the Reader 2, Exam Reader 2, and newly launched Reader 3, which provide reading support for all individuals. At the event, we met with educators and SEND professionals as well as children, who were excited to experience the reading pens first-hand.

We demonstrated how these devices can help people struggling with dyslexia learn independently and increase their confidence during exams and classroom activities.

Julia Clouter, Head of Education at Scanning Pens, delivered an inspiring talk on how to incorporate equality, diversity, and accessibility into every lesson.

She emphasised the importance of using inclusive practices and assistive technology to provide all children with a fair chance. She encouraged educators to use these ideas to make a real difference for every individual.

Looking ahead to 2026

There are lots of exciting things on the horizon for 2026, including the official launch of the Scanning Pens CPD programme.

This programme will equip educators to use reading pens effectively through practical, hands-on guidance that meets professional standards.

These resources help educators boost literacy, improve exam results, and gain CPD recognition. Additional support includes toolkits, cost calculators, and specialised courses for schools and adults.

There will be no shortage of dyslexia-led events in 2026, and the team will attend the BETT Show to connect, share, and highlight edtech innovation.

Elsewhere, Succeed with Dyslexia is also changing, with a new website coming soon to provide more accessible resources and up-to-date information for educators and families.

The site will have a fresh look and new content, but our mission remains: to create global change through awareness, support, and celebration.

We look forward to sharing this new chapter with you.Finally, Wizcom Tech is keeping things tightly under wraps, but there are intriguing hints that something exceptional is coming soon regarding their SuperPen.

While official details remain scarce, those in the know suggest a leap forward in advanced reading technology is on the horizon. For now, all that can be said is to keep a watchful eye for upcoming news.

With these new initiatives, we're looking forward to supporting you and sharing more soon.

Empowering Tech Unveils Comprehensive Training Video Campaign for C-Pen and e-pens Products

Admin — Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Empowering Tech is thrilled to announce the filming of a comprehensive series of training videos for Scanning Pens’ latest products: C-Pen Reader 3, C-Pen Lingo 3, and e-pens explore scanner.

This new video campaign aims to transform the Scanning Pens Training Hub into a complete resource—one that includes all current product ranges, and ensures consistency and ease of access across all training materials. The upcoming videos focus on highlighting real-world applications and user testimonials, demonstrating how these tools can empower individuals through technology.

This initiative is designed to provide customers with a seamless learning experience. By updating training videos for existing products and incorporating new additions, Empowering Tech want to ensure users have access to the most up-to-date information and support, and it’s presented in a usable, life-proof way.

Powered by squid.

Empowering Tech’s innovative marketers squid. have leveraged their extensive experience in bringing this engaging and informative content to the table. Their expertise ensures that each video is not only educational, but also visually appealing and easy to follow, bringing Empowering Tech's commitment to delivering high-quality resources that meet the needs of their diverse customer base to a whole new audience.

Tech for a Brighter Future

Empowering Tech and Scanning Pens are dedicated to continuous progress and finding new ways to leverage tech for a brighter, more accessible future. Reader 3 and Lingo 3 are tools designed to enhance literacy and language learning, while explore scanner offers versatile text-to-speech and translation capabilities for the business and home learning market.

This new investment in video learning exemplifies Empowering Tech’s refreshed dedication to progress for a new era in education post-Covid, showcasing the latest advancements in reading and learning technologies, and brings Scanning Pens’ life-changing technologies into a whole new user-friendly training medium.

Stay tuned for the release of these exciting new videos, and discover how Empowering Tech continues to empower people through technology!

For more information, visit the Scanning Pens Training Hub.

Wizcom Tech Launches New Website: A Leap Forward in Empowering Tech

Admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:45:00 GMT

Wizcom Tech — a name synonymous with innovation in the EdTech market — has launched a bold new website upgrade, marking a significant milestone in its journey as part of the Empowering Tech group.

This launch is not just a digital upgrade: it's a testament to Wizcom's ongoing commitment to neurodivergent individuals, and the learning support community at large.

A New Era of Innovation

Wizcom Tech, now under the Empowering Tech umbrella, is set to relaunch in 2025/2026 with groundbreaking advancements. The introduction of a revolutionary new pen scanner and an exciting educational journey ecosystem are set to position the new Wizcom Tech as a visionary leader within the EdTech market.

This relaunch aims to reach the global educator market at the point of need, with bold, ingenious solutions, making teaching and learning more intuitive and success more accessible for all.

Introducing: SuperPen!

The website launch is just the first step in an exciting journey leading to the introduction of the SuperPen.

This innovative reading pen is set to redefine how students and educators interact with text. Featuring advanced optical character recognition, it allows users to scan full lines of text and receive instantaneous translations in multiple languages. With integrated text-to-speech technology, users can hear scanned words pronounced aloud, making it an invaluable tool for learners at any stage on their literacy journey, including those with reading differences.

Visit the New Website!

Explore the new Wizcom Tech website at wizcomtech.com to learn more about their innovative solutions and commitment to empowering those in education, wherever they are and whatever their skill level.

These new resources are set to be a beacon of innovation and support for the learning support and neurodiversity communities. As part of the Empowering Tech group, Wizcom Tech continues to lead the way in creating solutions that make a real difference in the lives of educators and students around the world.

Empowering Tech Announces Headquarters Relocation to Foster Growth and Innovation

Admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:45:00 GMT

Empowering Tech is investing in its future as a leading innovator in the tech sector with a business relocation to a new headquarters to Westbury, Wiltshire. This strategic move marks a brand new chapter for the company, aimed at fostering growth and innovation in a state-of-the-art facility.

The new HQ, situated in the picturesque town of Westbury, is now fully operational and equipped with modern amenities designed to enhance productivity and well-being with open-plan workspaces and dedicated areas for team collaboration and client meetings.

About Empowering Tech

Empowering Tech is a leading provider of innovative technology solutions, specialising in user-led literacy and translation support. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for learning, Empowering Tech helps students, educators and individuals across the world achieve their goals.

Co-Founder

Jack Churchill OBE shared his enthusiasm about the completed move: "We are thrilled to have successfully transitioned to our new headquarters in Westbury. This move not only provides us with the space we need to grow, but also creates an inspiring environment where our team can thrive. We are committed to investing in our people and our future, and this new location is a testament to that commitment."

Empowering Tech's relocation was completed with minimal disruption to ongoing projects and client services, thanks to a comprehensive transition plan that ensured continuity of operations.

For more information, visit Empowering Tech's website.

e-pens explore scanner: A Bold New Chapter for World Scanner Go!

Admin — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:45:00 GMT

e-pens is excited to announce a rebrand: popular translation pen scanner, World Scanner Go, is entering a new future as e-pens explore scanner at the same affordable price point that’s made it a market favourite.

The new name was chosen for how it echoes the sense of discovery and adventure in learning or working in a new language. explore's new slogan, "Your Key to Language", has been engineered by experts to reflect e-pens ongoing commitment to accessibility and effectiveness in supporting language-learning.

Get Involved with Our Campaigns

To celebrate the rebrand, e-pens is launching several UGC campaigns on social media to engage with users, promote the tech via trusted, user-led reviews, and show the world what explore scanner can do:

#ExploreReading, to share how explore scanner helps with homework and study support.
#ExploreLanguage, to showcase the language-learning journey using explore scanner.
#ExploreTheWorld, to highlight how explore scanner assists globetrotters with simple, dependable reading support on the go.
#ExploreYourPotential, to demonstrate how explore scanner enhances communication skills in business settings for a more connected working future.

Join the conversation by using these hashtags on social media and sharing your experiences with e-pens explore scanner. It’s not just about showing the world what this innovative pen can do: stories like this can inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery and learning, and make the impossible feel possible.

It's all out there to explore!

Visit e-pens.com to learn more about the e-pens explore scanner and find the perfect solution for your reading and translation support needs.

squid.: Evolving for a New Era in Marketing

Admin — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In a bold move to streamline its identity and enhance its market presence, Empowering Tech’s marketing specialists Squid People have officially rebranded as squid.

It marks a significant evolution for the agency, reflecting its growth and commitment to delivering cutting-edge marketing solutions in an age where the learning technologies market is booming—and solutions providers have to keep up.

The squid. rebrand aims to simplify its name and deliver real sector recognition while retaining the essence of its innovative and dynamic approach to marketing. The new brand identity is designed to be more memorable and impactful, aligning with the powerful and engaging marketing campaigns that characterise the squid. vision.

About squid.

squid. continues to build on the impressive portfolio established under its previous name. Its international team, headquartered in Telford, UK have been instrumental in developing viral campaigns, brand building, and securing international product acclaim, creating content for trailblazing education businesses and blueprinting content strategies that have garnered worldwide recognition and multiple industry awards.

squid.’s new era is set to power up Empowering Tech’s overarching vision of making the world a better, more accessible place through technology and innovation. Our portfolio of purpose-driven brands is known for delivering best-in-class products and services globally, and squid. is instrumental in navigating those new ways to foster a brighter future for all, providing top-tier marketing expertise to clients across the learning, tech and accessibility sectors.

For more information about and to explore their marketing portfolio, visit squid.

Empowering Tech Acquires C-Pen to Drive Next-Gen Innovation

Admin — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Empowering Tech is proud to announce the acquisition of original reading pen innovators C-Pen!

This strategic addition to the Empowering Tech portfolio marks a significant milestone in their mission to enhance literacy and accessibility for people of all ages, and draw on the very best talent that the sector has to offer for the benefit of readers everywhere.

In addition to this exciting acquisition, Empowering Tech is thrilled to welcome C-Pen's Peter Johansson as their new Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Peter brings with him decades of global experience in assistive technology development, and is eager to contribute to Empowering Tech’s vision:

"After two years of dedicated effort and investment, we are thrilled to officially welcome C-Pen into the Empowering Tech group. While we have been collaborating for years, it's exciting to now be united as one."

Peter also emphasized that this union strengthens both companies, positioning them to seize new opportunities in the assistive technology sector. With his leadership, Empowering Tech and C-Pen are more committed than ever to making literacy accessible for everyone.

About C-Pen

As life and work become more complex, education is more important than ever—but for those with learning disabilities, it can be challenging.

C-Pen are renowned for developing innovative technologies that make reading and learning accessible for all. Their award-winning reading tools ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed by making it easy to process printed text so that they can reach their full potential and work more productively.

Origins and New Horizons

C-Pen's journey started in 1998 in Lund, Sweden, with the invention of sensor technology small enough to fit into a pen. This groundbreaking innovation laid the foundation for versatile tools used in schools, offices, and homes to scan text and data. Over time, C-Pen's technology proved especially effective in unlocking reading and empowering people with reading disabilities.

Focused on creating the ultimate reading tool, C-Pen has continuously developed user-friendly features and high-quality functionality, empowering millions to read with confidence. Now, in 2025, C-Pen takes another step towards their goal of literacy accessibility for all by joining the Empowering Tech group, combining decades of global experience in assistive technology.

Today, C-Pen offer the most reliable and versatile reading pens on the market—created to scan, built to last, and designed to empower.

For more information, visit C-Pen's website.

Empowering Tech Unveils Cutting-Edge Reading and Translation Pens: Reader 3 and Lingo 3

Admin — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Empowering Tech is thrilled to announce the launch of their latest groundbreaking products via Scanning Pens: C-Pen Reader 3 and C-Pen Lingo 3.

These state-of-the-art devices are set to revolutionise the way students approach reading and language learning, offering unparalleled support and accessibility for all learners including those with reading needs.

C-Pen Reader 3: for Independent, Confident and Empowered Readers

Reader 3 has the power to boost access to reading, develop the user’s reading skills, and foster greater reading independence. This advanced reading pen features a sleek touchscreen design, and a wealth of new functionalities aimed at improving literacy and accessibility.

Key features include:

Text-to-Speech and Definitions : Reader 3 provides clear text-to-speech support, allowing users to listen to scanned text. Built-in dictionaries offer instant definitions, helping to expand vocabulary and comprehension.
Multilingual Support : With the ability to read and translate text in over 40 languages, Reader 3 is an invaluable tool for multilingual users and EALs.
Voice and Text Saving : Users can save scanned text and voice notes directly on the device, making it easy to review and practice later.
Practice Mode : This feature supports literacy development with exercises in spelling, pronunciation, and more.
Extended Battery Life : With 8+ hours of battery life, Reader 3 can support students with a full day of reading and learning without the need to recharge.

Lingo 3: the Ultimate Language-Learning Companion

Lingo 3 is designed to support language-learners and help them get fluent faster. This versatile device offers effortless translation and language acquisition support, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to master a new language.

Lingo 3’s innovative design highlights include:

Comprehensive Translation : Lingo 3 can translate single words or entire texts in 5 built-in reading languages, and 40+ more languages when connected online.
Voice Recognition and Dictation : Users can make quick voice memos and convert speech to text, creating personalised language learning resources.
Built-in Oxford Dictionary : The device includes access to the Oxford English Dictionary, offering precise definitions and pronunciation guides.
Intuitive Navigation : The large colour touchscreen makes Lingo 3 as easy to use as a smartphone or tablet.
Cost-Effective Solution : Lingo 3 provides high-quality language support at an affordable price, making it accessible to a wide range of schools and learners.

Empowering Tech's Commitment to Innovation

Empowering Tech continues to lead the way in developing innovative solutions that support learning, promote independence, and foster greater inclusion for individuals, educators, businesses, and parents. The launch of Reader 3 and Lingo 3 is another step on the road to accessibility for all, furthering Empowering Tech’s mission to make available vital tools that support diverse learning needs.

Jack Churchill OBE, Co-Founder of Empowering Tech, expressed his enthusiasm for the new products: "At Empowering Tech, we are committed to breaking down barriers to learning and communication. Reader 3 and Lingo 3 represent our dedication to innovation and exemplify our mission to empower people with the tools they really need to succeed."

For more information about Reader 3 and Lingo 3, visit www.scanningpens.co.uk

Success is better together! Building relationships with the UK exam support community

Admin — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:15:00 GMT

Exam season: whether you’re a student, a teacher, an exams officer or a SENCo, it’s not a period that many of us would associate with stress-free living. We’ve all seen our share of…

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Our Commitment to Growing Talent

Admin — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 05:15:00 GMT

Empowering Tech is proud to highlight our dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals through our apprenticeship program this National Apprenticeship Week.

We're excited to share in the successes of two of our outstanding apprentices within the squid. marketing team, Makayla Timberlake and Jacob Eaton, who exemplify two of Empowering Tech’s most important values: investing in people, and building a future where talent and innovation flourish hand in hand.

Makayla shares her experiences of working with the team so far:

"Being an apprentice at squid. has given me the opportunity to learn and grow in both a supportive and fun environment."

Jacob adds:

"I love tackling new challenges each day and being part of an amazing and encouraging team!"

Join us in celebrating the power of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses, and communities, and acknowledging the importance of providing opportunities for young professionals to thrive—because together, we can share in building the brighter futures we aspire to foster for all.

Discover more about our innovative work and the marketing alchemy happening at Empowering Tech by visiting squid.