Urbantopia Books

With complaints that young people are unable to read or write correctly continuing to be voiced, the need for books with interesting narratives relevant to young people is higher than ever before. Urbantopia publishes books targeted at black and ethnic minority readers who may not find Austen or Hardy particularly compelling. To keep costs down, the business uses unemployed graduates to illustrate its books and do the cover art, allowing them to showcase their talents, as well as giving them an opportunity to inspire young people. Ola Laniyan-Amoako, the business' founder, says she hopes the books will encourage young people to tell their story - even if they aren't great in English class.

• Caters for an untargeted niche
• Keeps costs down by using unemployed artists