Igniting Futures: October Highlights from Inspire 2 Ignite

October marks a month of exciting milestones and transformative experiences for Inspire 2 Ignite. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we're more energised than ever to continue our journey of empowering young people through meaningful connections, skill-building programmes, and impactful events. With new partnerships, expanded programmes, and inspiring stories of young people achieving incredible things, this month’s newsletter captures the energy and optimism propelling us forward.

Inspiring Change as an Approved Alternative Provision Provider

We’re proud to announce that Inspire 2 Ignite is now an approved independent alternative provision provider with Cambridgeshire County Council , reinforcing our commitment to delivering impactful programmes for young people who may not thrive in mainstream settings. This achievement builds on our successful partnership with Olive Academy, through which we’ve developed a strong foundation for supporting alternative provision students in the area.

With this listing, we’re ready to deepen our relationships with local schools, empowering young people with essential skills, resilience, and the belief that a positive future is within reach. A huge thank you to Olive Academy and the Alternative Education Provision team at the County Council for their invaluable support every step of the way!

Alternative Provision Programme: A Frightfully Good Fundraiser

This month, our Cambridge cohorts took Halloween to a whole new level by creating themed side hustles and putting their entrepreneurial skills into action with hauntingly creative fundraising events. The young people devised the ideas, branding, and pricing strategies, transforming their vision into reality at The Bradfield Centre , where each group had a chance to run their own spooky sale.

The Halloween-inspired events included the Boo-tiful Bradfield Bake Off, featuring deliciously spooky baked goods, and a Guess the Sweet Jar challenge with a themed sweet sale that delighted attendees. Each group generated over ￡100, with profits split among the young people—a true testament to their hard work and creativity.

A huge thank you to The Bradfield Centre and Cambridge Science Park for providing inspiring spaces that helped make these experiences memorable. This initiative not only supports our mission to help young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) but also shows how innovative, community-driven experiences foster economic activity and boost confidence.

Creating Moments at the Cambridgeshire Care Leaver Event

This month, Inspire 2 Ignite had the honour of being part of the first of its kind Cambridgeshire Care Leaver Event, organised by Cambridgeshire County Council and held at the iconic Cambridge Junction . Designed to connect young people in care and those transitioning out of care with supportive services and opportunities, the event saw approximately 85 young attendees, along with youth workers, personal assistants, and caseworkers, all gathering to celebrate and empower care-experienced young people across the county.

With a prime spot in front of the main stage, we focused on creating memorable experiences rather than simply presenting our services. Through interactive DJing tutorials and Curious Conversation Blocks, we built authentic connections that encouraged curiosity and confidence. These activities allowed young people to explore their interests and engage in meaningful conversations, naturally leading to discussions about our mission and support offerings.

Elle Johnson , the event organiser, shared her appreciation, saying,

"Thank you, Sam and team, for attending the event. Your presence meant so much to us and the young people. The work you do is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful for your involvement. The memories created with the young people last night will last a lifetime. We look forward to seeing what the future holds!"

As we continue to build this partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council’s Care Leaver Team, we’re excited to provide even more transformative experiences that empower care leavers to take charge of their futures and thrive.

NCS Programme: Building Skills, Building Futures

In collaboration with NCS - National Citizen Service Trust , we are currently working with students from St Peter’s School and Samuel Pepys School on two transformative programmes designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and mindset they need for the future.

Building a Business

At St Peter’s School, we are now in the final stages of our 6-week Build a Business programme, designed to support Year 10 and 11 students who are at risk of becoming NEET. This afterschool initiative covers foundational business skills essential for both entrepreneurship and future employment, including marketing, sales, finance, and scaling a business. Throughout the programme, students have eagerly engaged in practical exercises, learning to define target audiences, develop effective marketing strategies, and manage budgeting and financial planning. The programme will conclude with a session providing practical advice and ongoing support from our network for those wishing to pursue their business ideas further. The enthusiasm and creativity among participants has been outstanding.

Side Hustles with Purpose

At Samuel Pepys School, we recently launched our 10-week Side Hustles with Purpose programme. This initiative empowers students to tackle real-world challenges through social entrepreneurship, encouraging them to identify local issues and develop community interest companies (CICs) to address them. Currently, participants are working on a Christmas-themed escape room and games event, which will be held at the Citizen Hub in St Neots this December. Through this project, they’re gaining experience in business planning, creative problem-solving, and public engagement, while learning how to balance profit with social impact. The project has been very well received, and the students’ creativity and commitment to making a difference in their community is inspiring.

Alex Richards , Community Manager at Inspire 2 Ignite said,

“It’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and creativity these young people bring to each session. They’re not just learning skills; they’re building confidence and realising their potential to make a difference. Watching them grow week by week is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve by the end of these programmes.”

Ernulf Careers Day: Inspiring the Next Generation

Our team had a fantastic time at Ernulf Academy’s Careers Day, engaging with hundreds of Year 10 and 11 students in an open career day setting and within classroom discussions focused on entrepreneurship and business. Inspire 2 Ignite’s Founder, Alex Hughes , who once walked the same halls as the students, shared his experiences and insights on building an entrepreneurial career and recognising opportunities within the local community.

Alex said:

“It’s always a pleasure going back to the secondary school I attended two decades ago ??! There’s so much talent here, and hopefully, the students left feeling more aware of the opportunities available in our town. Lovely hospitality from teachers who remember me from back when I wasn’t quite as engaged a citizen!”

The day was not just about career exploration but also a chance for students to understand the potential of entrepreneurship and the different pathways to success. We’re excited to have been part of this inspiring day and to help local young people imagine their futures.

Getting Curious at ASOS: Igniting Meaningful Conversations Through Bravery

Our CEO, Sam Squire , recently spent an impactful day at ASOS Develops, a self-development event engaging 3,000 ‘ASOSers’ across 100+ sessions. This year’s theme, Bravery, provided the perfect backdrop for Inspire 2 Ignite’s networking session focused on powerful questions and active listening. With the help of our Curious Conversation Blocks, Sam encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones, sparking truly memorable and meaningful connections.

Reflecting on the day, Hannah Adams , Head of Business Learning & Development at ASOS.com , shared, "Thanks so much for battling through floods and broken trains to spend the day with us! You and your blocks were so awesome—loads of inspiration and great conversations."

A huge thank you to Hannah for inviting us to be a part of this inspiring event and to the ASOS team for their enthusiasm. This experience reaffirmed that curiosity and bravery are key to building powerful, inclusive conversations.

Spotlight On: Luke and Kyle – An Inspiring Journey Sparked at Ideas Fest

This month, we’re celebrating two remarkable young people - Luke Stock and Kyle Wakefield whose paths crossed at Ideas Fest , sparking a journey of creativity, courage, and connection. Brought together by a shared passion for film, they quickly formed a bond that would fuel their ambitions. One of the highlights of the event was a session with actor Will Poulter, and in a bold move, both Luke and Kyle approached him afterward, seizing the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about his career. This interaction lit a spark in them both, showing them what’s possible with hard work and courage.

Since attending Ideas Fest, Kyle has relaunched his podcast, which is already seeing tremendous success. A recent episode, created in collaboration with Luke, reached over 5,500 views in just under a week - a testament to their growing influence and shared vision. You can check out their inspiring episode here.

Luke's journey has been equally impactful. This month, he was recognised as a runner-up at the St Neots Initiative awards for his dedication to giving back to the community and his incredible personal growth over the last five months.

As CEO Sam Squire shared, "Experiences like Ideas Fest are so important to raise young people’s aspirations, give them new ideas, and connect them to networks that show them they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Luke and Kyle are a prime example of that."

Stories like Luke and Kyle’s show the power of opportunities to inspire young people, elevate their ambitions, and foster meaningful connections that fuel their potential. We couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

Are You Young Person Ready?

At Inspire 2 Ignite, we believe in championing workplaces where young people can truly thrive. That’s why we created the Young Person Ready (YPR) Endorsement - a certification that recognises organisations genuinely committed to creating environments that empower young talent.

Our YPR Endorsement is grounded in direct insights from young people, highlighting what they value most in a workplace - from flexibility and real-time feedback to mental health support. Access our full report through the link below for detailed insights and actionable steps to make your workplace more youth-friendly.

Show that your organisation is ready to attract and empower the next generation. Sign up today and join us in building workplaces where young people feel valued and supported. Learn more here.

Breaking Down Barriers: Networking Without Privilege

In his recent article, our founder, Alex Hughes , sheds light on the hurdles faced by individuals from underprivileged backgrounds in building professional networks. He addresses how traditional networking often depends on pre-existing connections, creating significant challenges for those who lack access to such networks. Alex calls for more inclusive networking practices that open doors for all, especially for diverse and underrepresented talent. He also shares insights on how organisations can foster environments that empower everyone to make meaningful connections, transforming networking into an equalising tool rather than an exclusive one.

Read the full article and explore Alex's perspectives on creating equitable networking opportunities.

2024 Impact Snapshot

As we reflect on this month’s achievements, our impact numbers represent more than just milestones—they reflect the collective efforts of our community, partners, and the young people we serve. These statistics tell the story of transformative journeys filled with empowerment, growth, and success. Each figure in this snapshot highlights how collaboration can drive meaningful change in the lives of young people, underscoring our commitment to nurturing potential and creating lasting opportunities.

As we wrap up October and look to the months ahead, our mission remains unwavering—to broaden our impact and support even more young people in building confident and successful futures. With new partnerships on the horizon and plans to scale our reach, we’re ready to continue growing and making a difference. Together with our community and supporters, we’re paving the way for an empowering year ahead.