A new app Toptask connects university students with local employers who need help with last-minute tasks–from social media support to graphic design.

The app offers employers flexible, local talent at cheaper than average rates, while making sure students are paid above minimum wage. Employers simply post their tasks and are then able to browse the CVs of students who apply. Students are able to make additional money to fund their studies, as well as gain experience for their CV.

Practicing what it preaches, much of the day-to-day running of Toptask is handled by students. MD Gregory Newman sees the start-up as the best option for SMEs that may be cash-strapped and over-worked. “It’s always a hassle trying to find last minute help, whether it’s IT help or event support you’re after. That’s where the idea for Toptask came from. We saw this huge pool of untapped talent that exists in every city; university students who are super smart, have flexible schedules, and are always keen to make extra cash. So, we thought, why not find a way of connecting them with people who need help with tasks?”

The app guarantees its student members a minimum of £10 per hour for completed tasks, and also reinvests a proportion of all profits into a scholarship fund to help pupils from disadvantaged families access higher education. Over 500 students are already signed up to the platform.

“We’ve got some of the UK’s brightest students already on the platform and their skills know no bounds. It means people can find short-term support for all manner of jobs at an affordable rate, whilst supporting the local student community, so it’s win-win,” Newman adds.

Tasks can be office or home based, delivered in person or remotely. All students are vetted and interviewed before being given access to the platform. To date, a range of different tasks have been put to the Toptask students including social media tutorials, web design, event support and even puppy sitting.