SMD Renews Partnership with Inspire 2 Ignite to Empower Young People for Another Impactful Year

At SMD, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with Inspire 2 Ignite for another impactful year. Our commitment to supporting young people and creating meaningful opportunities that empower them is at the core of what we do. It’s truly rewarding to see the difference we’re making together, and we’re proud to work alongside Sam Squire and the Inspire 2 Ignite team to extend our reach to even more local schools, sports clubs, and community initiatives.

Sparking Connections at Bedford Boxing Gym

One of the exciting initiatives we’re supporting this year is the East Area Boxing Gym in Bedford, where we are actively engaging with young people who may not thrive in traditional education settings. Sparking connections with these incredible individuals has been an inspiring experience. After just the first session, it was amazing to meet some vibrant personalities and witness the strong sense of community and mutual respect that the gym fosters. This atmosphere creates a safe space for young people to explore their options—whether they envision a future in construction or choose to pursue a different path.

As part of our renewed mission, SMD is also partnering with Inspire 2 Ignite to visit local sports clubs across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. This initiative aims to identify young talent who may be seeking opportunities beyond their sporting careers. We recognise that individuals dedicated to sports develop valuable skills—such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience—which are highly sought after in today’s economy and can be applied effectively in many different areas of the construction industry. With a critical skills shortage in the construction sector, we are actively engaging with young people, helping them connect their sporting experiences to career pathways in work or further education.

Celebrating the Ignite Champions

Behind every success story at Inspire 2 Ignite are the Ignite Champions—dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to advocate for and support our youth. We’re excited to spotlight two of these outstanding champions: Patience Mubaiwa and Marium Ullah .

Patience Mubaiwa is a passionate mentor who brings dedication and a strong sense of purpose to her role as an Ignite Champion. Patience works directly with young people, offering guidance and encouragement to help them explore non-traditional career paths and make informed decisions about their futures. Her goal is to ensure that every young person feels heard, supported, and empowered to pursue their ambitions.

Marium Ullah complements the team with her fresh perspective and inspiring personal journey. She motivates young individuals by sharing her experiences of overcoming challenges and following her passions. Marium’s approachable and encouraging style helps create an environment where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their options. Her commitment to uplifting others makes her an invaluable asset to the program.

Making a Positive Impact Together

The renewed partnership between SMD and Inspire 2 Ignite allows us to extend our reach even further, directly engaging with five local schools and sports clubs throughout the year. Together, we aim to ignite potential, shape bright futures, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our communities. Last night, Moomith Ullah put Inspire 2 Ignite's CEO, Sam Squire , through his paces, officially launching this exciting mission at East Area Boxing Gym in Bedford to engage with potential talent!

Here’s to another year of collaboration, growth, and inspiring young minds. Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and the incredible stories that emerge from this impactful partnership. Whether it’s guiding young people toward a career in construction or helping them discover a different path, we’re committed to empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams.