A Transformative Start To The New Academic Year

As we dive into a new academic year, Inspire 2 Ignite is hitting the ground running! From launching exciting new programmes to expanding partnerships and empowering young people through transformative experiences, September has been nothing short of remarkable. With fresh energy, renewed commitments, and bold initiatives, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the months ahead. Dive into this month’s newsletter to see how we’re continuing to ignite potential, inspire growth, and drive positive change.

New Academic Year In Full Swing:

We've kicked off the new academic year with great momentum. Our Alternative Provision programme is now running with four cohorts across Cambridge and Wisbech, and the start of the term has been overwhelmingly positive. We're proud to see all participants starting strong, and we've begun surveying them on key areas like workplace confidence, aspirations, and well-being. These insights will be collected every six weeks to assess the programme’s impact on their personal and professional growth.

To give participants even more autonomy and a platform to express their journeys, we’ve launched weekly vlogs. These will allow young people to document their transformations throughout the year, sharing their thoughts, challenges, and progress. Who knows—maybe we’ll have a ‘Netflix: Inspire 2 Ignite Special’ in the making!

In addition, we're excited to announce that we've secured funding from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and the 8th Earl of Sandwich Memorial Trust to deliver our "Curious About Creativity" programme to 9-10 SEND schools across the county. This innovative programme will empower young people to design and produce their own T-shirts, giving them a creative outlet while building valuable skills.

Our goal for this year is to deepen our collaboration with local schools and colleges and ensure we’re delivering lasting change. We’re committed to helping every student thrive, regardless of their circumstances, and to making sure they have the tools and support they need to succeed.

SMD Ltd Renews Partnership:

We’re proud to announce that SMD Ltd has renewed their partnership with us for another year! SMD's ongoing commitment to supporting young people and creating meaningful opportunities for them is truly inspiring. Their belief in our mission has been pivotal in driving the success of our initiatives. With their continued support, we’ll be working directly with five local schools and sports clubs, igniting young people through our transformative experiences.

CEO Sam Squire shared his excitement:

“I’m delighted to continue our incredible partnership with SMD. Their passion for the community and supporting young people is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see the impact we’ll make together.”

SMD’s dedication to empowering the next generation is unwavering, and we’re excited for the impact this renewed partnership will have in the coming year. Keep your eyes peeled for more details on this exciting collaboration soon!

Welcome Our First Non-Executive Director: Steve Rimmer

We are excited to announce Steve Rimmer as Inspire 2 Ignite’s first official Non-Executive Director. Steve brings decades of experience from his tenure as a Partner at PwC in New York, where he specialised in transforming global businesses and driving strategic growth. His vast expertise in business development, combined with his passion for empowering young people, makes him a perfect fit for our mission. We look forward to the impact Steve will have as we expand our reach and continue creating opportunities for young people.

Steve Said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the board of Inspire 2 Ignite. As a young man from an underprivileged background I benefited immensely from the goodwill of others and I am proud that I was able to leverage that critical early support into a highly successful career. Helping others is part of my core purpose and translating my gratitude for that early support I received into helping our under supported youth to navigate business and discover fulfilling opportunities is the least I can do”

Ideas Fest 2024 Recap

Inspire 2 Ignite brought enthusiasm and energy to Ideas Fest 2024. Alex Hughes took the stage on Day 1, hosting the "Conversations That Matter" and introducing a line-up of phenomenal speakers who captivated the audience. Sam Squire ’s interview with entrepreneur Dodge Woodall provided powerful insights into entrepreneurship and growth. The festival also saw the official launch of our Curious Conversation Blocks, which were used between sessions to spark connections and encourage deeper engagement. On Day 2, the blocks took centre stage during the networking breakfast, transforming traditional networking into meaningful conversations. Even Dodge engaged with the blocks, reinforcing the spirit of curiosity that defined the festival.

For more on this exciting experience, read the full write-up here.

Spotlight On: The Inspiring Young People at Ideas Fest

The true stars of Ideas Fest were the incredible young people who attended with us. Thanks to the amazing Ideas Fest team, we were able to take nearly 20 young people this year, and they made an unforgettable impact. From pitching in front of a large audience to DJing and performing at the afterparty, their confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism were nothing short of extraordinary. They networked like seasoned pros, embraced every opportunity, and left a lasting impression on everyone they met. We couldn’t be prouder of how they represented Inspire 2 Ignite, showcasing what’s possible when young people are given the platform and support to thrive.

ASOS Gala Keynote: Fashion as a Force for Change

Sam Squire took to the stage at the prestigious ASOS FOUNDATION Gala, where he highlighted the challenges young people face in daily life and how the fashion industry has the potential to drive systemic change across the country. Sam spoke passionately about Inspire 2 Ignite’s mission to equip young people with the tools and confidence to shape their futures.

Sam received glowing feedback, with Carly Robb , Head of HR at 波洛莱物流 , stating, "Your speech was fantastic, the delivery of your message was definitely received by all." Jordan Ashton , Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partner at ASOS.com , added, "Truly inspiring keynote speech, Sam—highlight of my evening."

The event was a powerful platform for showcasing our work, building new connections, and further amplifying our impact.

Moss Open Day: Inspiring Future Leaders

Our recent open day at Moss UK HQ was an unforgettable experience for the young people we brought along. The day was filled with innovation, hands-on learning, and inspiration as they explored Moss’s cutting-edge facilities. Alex Richards , our Community Manager, captured the spirit of the day perfectly: “Moss has one of the best cultures I’ve seen due to their relentless pursuit of continuous improvement. It fills me with joy that local young people, many of whom haven’t had exposure to such inspiring spaces, got to experience what excellence feels like and had a day full of fun!"

The students left feeling empowered, knowing that apprenticeships and career paths in the industry are within their reach.

For more insights into this inspiring day, check out the full article here.

Are You Young Person Ready?

At Inspire 2 Ignite, we’re dedicated to ensuring young people have access to the opportunities they need to thrive. That’s why we’ve developed Young Person Ready (YPR)—a certification that recognises businesses that provide environments where young talent can truly succeed.

Through ongoing surveys, we’re learning directly from young people what matters most when choosing their careers. Insights like the importance of flexibility, continuous feedback, and mental health support shape the YPR Endorsement, helping businesses become leaders in attracting and retaining the next generation.

Sign up today to be among the first to officially earn the Young Person Ready endorsement and receive 10% off until October 19th.

For more information and to get started, visit here.

Why County Lines Aren’t the Real Enemy: The Fight for Youth Identity

In his latest thought-provoking piece, Alex Hughes challenges the conventional approach to addressing county lines, stating that the real battle lies in helping young people build a strong sense of identity. Alex shares, "The core issue isn't county lines—it’s that young people are drawn to these dangerous networks because they’re looking for belonging and purpose."

Alex explores the deeper solution to empowering young people and breaking these cycles. Read his full insights here.

Help Us Reach Our Target: Just Over a Week to Go!

With just over a week left, we’re still a long way from reaching our goal for the Curious Conversation Blocks crowdfunder. This groundbreaking educational tool is designed to foster curiosity, meaningful conversations, and connection between generations. But we need your support to bring it to life!

Please consider donating today—every contribution helps us ensure that these blocks are accessible to schools, families, and communities across the UK.

Join us in creating a world where conversation matters. Support the campaign here.

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 close out September, we’re excited about the momentum we've built. With the academic year fully underway, new partnerships in place, and transformative programmes continuing to inspire young people, our mission to empower the next generation has never felt more urgent or achievable. Together, we’re making real, lasting change. The work ahead is vital, and we invite you to continue this journey with us as we ignite more futures and create opportunities that matter. Let’s keep driving this impact forward!