Jo Swann
“When I discovered Inspire 2 Ignite I wanted in! It’s important to me to support others who are creating positive change, and empowering young people who are incredible humans and who deserve to shine is a mission I can get behind. I’m excited to use my knowledge and network to celebrate the entrepreneurs of the future”
Jo is the award winning founder of Chocolate PR, a No.1 Bestselling author of ‘Celebrating You with PR, and podcast host of ‘PR Powerhouse’. Jo specialises in empowering entrepreneurs who have a story or expertise to share to do so via the press, helping them to become media friendly so they can leverage the impact of being published in the press and the doors that this opens.
Jo has worked in the media for 20 years, having been a newspaper journalist, magazine editor and worked in radio and online media before establishing her PR agency in her 20s. She believes PR should be accessible to everyone, and is on a mission to empower more start-ups to showcase the amazing work they are doing. Having worked with clients such as Whistles, NSPCC, learndirect, Marriot Hotels, Yo! Sushi and Dale Carnegie, Jo now focused her attention on helping small businesses and start-ups to get press ready, sharing what the big boys know, to help younger businesses tap into PR power too! A mum of 2 young boys Jo juggles her business with a busy family life.
Our Ignite Champions
HM The King and HM The Queen to host German State Visit at Windsor as countries unite in volunteering.
HM The King and HM The Queen to host German State Visit at Windsor as countries unite in volunteering. Today [Thursday 4 December], during a State Visit by Germany, His
Inspire 2 Ignite named as delivery partner for six Youth Trailblazer programmes across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Inspire 2 Ignite named as delivery partner for six Youth Trailblazer programmes across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Inspire 2 Ignite CIC is partnering with employers, educators, and community organisations across Cambridgeshire
When Young People Ask for Opportunity… and a Business Leader Says Yes
When Young People Ask for Opportunity… and a Business Leader Says Yes At last month’s St Neots Business Leaders Gathering hosted by St Neots Initiative at The Citizen Hub St
It Takes a Nation to Raise a Child: Our CEO Sam Squire takes to the TEDx stage
It Takes a Nation to Raise a Child: Our CEO Sam Squire takes to the TEDx stage Recently our CEO Sam Squire took to the TEDx stage to deliver a
Creativity, Confidence & Connection: Two Powerful Days at Pilgrim Pathways School
Creativity, Confidence & Connection: Two Powerful Days at Pilgrim Pathways School Inspire 2 Ignite delivered two deeply meaningful sessions in partnership with Pilgrim Pathways School – one at The Ida
MM Flowers Apprenticeship Onboarding Week: Laying Foundations for Young Talent to Thrive
MM Flowers Apprenticeship Onboarding Week: Laying Foundations for Young Talent to Thrive When done right, an apprenticeship can be the perfect opportunity for a young person to earn while they
Inspire 2 Ignite and Pilgrim Pathways School Partner to Empower Young People Facing Extraordinary Challenges
Creating Space for Hope: Inspire 2 Ignite and Pilgrim Pathways School Partner to Empower Young People Facing Extraordinary Challenges Inspire 2 Ignite CIC is proud to announce a new partnership
Broadening Horizons: What Three Days at Bidwells Can Unlock
Broadening Horizons: What Three Days at Bidwells Can Unlock Inspire 2 Ignite recently partnered with Bidwells for the third year running to deliver a powerful three-day work experience programme –
From Seeds to Systems Change: MM Flowers and Inspire 2 Ignite Renew for Three-Year Strategic Partnership
From Seeds to Systems Change: MM Flowers and Inspire 2 Ignite Renew for Three-Year Strategic Partnership After a powerful and purposeful twelve months of working together, Inspire 2 Ignite and
Inspire 2 Ignite Launches Regional Results Day Campaign to Support Young People Through GCSE and A-Level Milestones
Inspire 2 Ignite Launches Regional Results Day Campaign to Support Young People Through GCSE and A-Level Milestones Results Don’t Define You. Whatever Your Results, There’s Always a Next Step This
Moss UK Open Day: Transforming Lives Through Inspiration and Action
Moss UK Open Day: Transforming Lives Through Inspiration and Action The recent Moss UK Open Day wasn’t just another event – it marked a pivotal moment in our mission to
A Gathering of Purpose: Reflecting on the Inspire 2 Ignite Summer Party 2025
A Gathering of Purpose: Reflecting on the Inspire 2 Ignite Summer Party 2025 Three years ago, the Inspire 2 Ignite Summer Gathering was a small community event with a big
Inspire 2 Ignite Secures Funding from City & Guilds Foundation to Tackle Youth Crime and Disengagement in Cambridge
Inspire 2 Ignite Secures Funding from City & Guilds Foundation to Tackle Youth Crime and Disengagement in Cambridge Inspire 2 Ignite CIC has received funding from the City & Guilds
Inspire 2 Ignite joins local lottery to boost fundraising – and invites other good causes to join in
Inspire 2 Ignite joins local lottery to boost fundraising – and invites other good causes to join in Inspire 2 Ignite is excited to be one of the organisations taking
Inspire 2 Ignite to Host ‘The Just Dream Day’ at The Citizen Hub – A Transformational Experience for Young People
Inspire 2 Ignite to Host ‘The Just Dream Day’ at The Citizen Hub – A Transformational Experience for Young People On Tuesday 1st July 2025, Inspire 2 Ignite will open
Inspire 2 Succeed: Sparking Creativity and Career Confidence with SMD Ltd
Inspire 2 Succeed: Sparking Creativity and Career Confidence with SMD Ltd As part of our partnership with SMD Ltd, we’re delivering a wave of Inspire 2 Succeed programmes – tailored,
Inspire 2 Ignite and Bidwells Renew Partnership to Deliver Five-Star Work Experience for Young People
Inspire 2 Ignite and Bidwells Renew Partnership to Deliver Five-Star Work Experience for Young People Inspire 2 Ignite CIC and Bidwells LLP have renewed their partnership for a third consecutive
Unlock Your Future: A Night of Social Capital in Action
Unlock Your Future: A Night of Social Capital in Action Did that actually happen? That was the question we asked ourselves the morning after the Unlock Your Future event. Because
MM Flowers x Inspire 2 Ignite: Where Potential Blossoms
MM Flowers x Inspire 2 Ignite: Where Potential Blossoms Last week, we co-hosted a standout assessment day with MM Flowers at their Floristry Academy – a day filled with energy,
Bagels, Branding and Business at Heltwate School
Bagels, Branding and Business at Heltwate School Recently, we spent three inspiring days at Heltwate School in Peterborough, a specialist provision for young people with moderate to severe learning difficulties.
The NEET Crisis: A Systems-Level Challenge
The NEET Crisis: A Systems-Level Challenge Inspire 2 Ignite’s 2025 Recommendations & Action Plan With almost one million 16–24-year-olds in the UK not in education, employment or training (NEET), the
Creating Real-World Opportunities: Industry Experience Day with Moss UK & Inspire 2 Ignite
Creating Real-World Opportunities: Industry Experience Day with Moss UK & Inspire 2 Ignite Moss UK and Inspire 2 Ignite recently teamed up to deliver an immersive Industry Experience Day, giving
Championing Work Experience and Social Enterprise: Inspire 2 Ignite Joins EY Foundation’s Impactful Futures Programme
Championing Work Experience and Social Enterprise: Inspire 2 Ignite Joins EY Foundation’s Impactful Futures Programme At Inspire 2 Ignite, we are committed to empowering young people with the skills, confidence,
Blossoming Futures: MM Flowers Partners with Inspire 2 Ignite
Blossoming Futures: MM Flowers Partners with Inspire 2 Ignite Inspire 2 Ignite is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with MM Flowers, a leading local business based in Alconbury,
Building on Success: Renewing Our Partnership with Moss UK
Building on Success: Renewing Our Partnership with Moss UK Inspire 2 Ignite is pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with Moss UK, a global production partner serving diverse
Supporting Young People’s Futures with The Evelyn Trust
Supporting Young People’s Futures with The Evelyn Trust Inspire 2 Ignite has received funding from The Evelyn Trust, a grant-making charity dedicated to improving health by funding outstanding Cambridgeshire projects
Escape The Grotto: A Christmas Cafe
Escape The Grotto: A Christmas Cafe On Saturday 14th December, we hosted Escape the Grotto, a festive pop-up café and the grand finale of our Side Hustles with Purpose Programme,
Inspire 2 Ignite Secures Funding from The Fore to Launch Young Person Ready Endorsement
Inspire 2 Ignite Secures Funding from The Fore to Launch Young Person Ready Endorsement We’re excited to announce that Inspire 2 Ignite has received funding from The Fore to officially
Curious About Creativity Programme Kicks Off Across Cambridgeshire
Curious About Creativity Programme Kicks Off Across Cambridgeshire In partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and with support from the 8th Earl of Sandwich Trust, Inspire 2
Inspire 2 Ignite Sparks Creativity and Innovation at Sandy Secondary School’s Enterprise Day
Inspire 2 Ignite Sparks Creativity and Innovation at Sandy Secondary School’s Enterprise Day Last week, Inspire 2 Ignite delivered an inspiring Enterprise Day at Sandy Secondary School, engaging 37 students
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC Celebrates Continued Partnership with SMD Ltd: Paving the Way for Youth Empowerment in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC Celebrates Continued Partnership with SMD Ltd: Paving the Way for Youth Empowerment in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Inspire 2 Ignite CIC is pleased to announce the renewal
Inspire 2 Ignite Connects Youth and Industry at East Anglia Energy Academy’s Largest Trade Show
Inspire 2 Ignite Connects Youth and Industry at East Anglia Energy Academy’s Largest Trade Show Last week, Inspire 2 Ignite took part in the East Anglia Energy Academy’s largest trade
Future Leaders In The Making: Inspiring Young People Through Innovation at Moss UK HQ
Future Leaders in the Making: Inspiring Young People Through Innovation at Moss UK HQ In a powerful collaboration between Inspire 2 Ignite CIC and Moss UK, students from two local
Ideas Fest 2024: Sparking Conversations and Connections
Ideas Fest 2024: Sparking Conversations and Connections Ideas Fest 2024 was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and connection, bringing together a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, creators, and visionaries. Day one
Inspire 2 Ignite Launches Innovative Product, Pioneering the Future of Educational Gaming and Intergenerational Communication
Inspire 2 Ignite Launches Innovative Product, Pioneering the Future of Educational Gaming and Intergenerational Communication Inspire 2 Ignite announces the launch of its first product, Curious Conversation Blocks, a groundbreaking
The Importance of Creating a Youth-Friendly Workplace
The Importance of Creating a Youth-Friendly Workplace Authored by Alex Richards, Community Manager at Inspire 2 Ignite In the ever-evolving job market, the expectations of the younger workforce are shifting.
Empowering the Next Generation through Industry Insight – A Collaborative Work Experience with Bidwells and Inspire 2 Ignite
Empowering the Next Generation through Industry Insight – A Collaborative Work Experience with Bidwells and Inspire 2 Ignite A group of young people from diverse backgrounds recently completed a transformative
Inspire 2 Ignite and Zund Celebrate a Day of Innovation and Collaboration
Inspire 2 Ignite and Zund Celebrate a Day of Innovation and Collaboration Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, in partnership with Zund UK, hosted an incredible day of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial
Ice Cream Innovation Hits St Neots with Inspire 2 Ignite Programme “Curious About Ice Cream”
St Neots Celebrates Sweet Success With Inspire 2 Ignite Programme “Curious About Ice Cream” On Saturday, 25th May, the heart of St Neots was buzzing with excitement as the young
The Curious Corner Ignites Curious Conversations at The Peterborough Celebrates Festival
The Curious Corner Ignites Curious Conversations at The Peterborough Celebrates Festival This past weekend, the Inspire 2 Ignite team was honoured to be a part of the Peterborough Celebrates Festival.
Inspire 2 Ignite partners with MK:U for a Transformative Aspirations Day
Inspire 2 Ignite partners with MK:U for a Transformative Aspirations Day This week, Inspire 2 Ignite joined forces with MK:U Innovation Hub and others to host an impactful “Raising Aspirations
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC Empowers Youth with Transformative Next Step Event
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC Empowers Youth With Transformative Next Step Event Inspire 2 Ignite, in a compelling demonstration of community engagement and youth empowerment, hosted the Next Step Event on
Curious Corner ignites post-18 options at Jack Hunt School, Peterborough
Curious Corner ignites inspiration for post-18 options The atrium of Jack Hunt School in Peterborough was buzzing with activated year 12 and 13 students on Wednesday. The young people and
Matt Swain – Ignite Champion
Matt Swain becomes an Ignite Champion A big warm welcome to Matt, who joins our ever-growing ranks of Ignite Champions. Looking forward to help the next generation of entrepreneurs get
Curious About Cambridge: a night of inspiration and innovation
Curious About Cambridge: a night of inspiration and innovation Last night, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC hosted the much-anticipated Curious About Cambridge event, a gathering that illuminated the city with ideas,
Welcome to Marium and Patience from SMD
Meet the two new Champions from SMD! Welcome to our newest Ignite Champions; Patience Mubaiwa and Marium Ullah from SMD! About Patience I am a commercial assistant at SMD. I
Lea Turner joins the Curious Entrepreneurs podcast
Lea Turner on Curious Entrepreneur Podcast Lea Turner has built a multi 6-figure portfolio of businesses over the past 4 years through sheer grit, determination, incredible business acumen, and creativity.
Hill Group Partners with Inspire 2 Ignite CIC to nurture young talent in Cambridgeshire
Hill Group UK join Inspire 2 Ignite CIC as sponsors Hill Group’s commitment to creating communities “The community is at the heart of every project we deliver, and our driving
Meet the two new Champions from The M&J Group
Meet the two new Champions from M&J Group Welcome to our newest Ignite Champions; Dawn Thompson and Dario Barbarino from M&J Group. About Dawn When I was at school I
From Curious Entrepreneur to Ignite Champion in under 1 year
BIG news from our Birthday Bash – Curious Entrepreneur to Ignite Champion in under 1 year We could tell you about how many Ballers came to celebrate our 1 year
The Bradfield Centre becomes new ‘Curious Clubhouse’
New Curious Clubhouse venue announced The Bradfield Centre, the premier tech hub located at the heart of Cambridge Science Park, are our newest delivery partners. They are generously supporting our
M&J Group Partners with Inspire 2 Ignite
M&J Group new sponsors Announcing our newest sponsor: M&J Group. Established in 1972, M&J Group stands as a cornerstone in the UK’s roofing and refurbishment construction industry. Their dedication to
The ULTIMATE work experience at Bidwells
Bidwells’ ULTIMATE work experience “I feel like Elon Musk“… just one of the comments from the young people at the ULTIMATE work experience at Bidwells this week. As part of our partnership
Bailey Greetham-Clark – Ignite Champion
Bailey Greetham-Clark becomes an Ignite Champion A big warm welcome to Bailey, who joins our ever-growing ranks of Ignite Champions as a Tedx speaker, social activist and entrepreneur. Having started
Bill Banham – Ignite Champion
Bill Banham becomes an Ignite Champion Bill is host of the popular HRchat Podcast, Editor at HR Gazette, producer of DisruptHR London, Cambridge, Norwich and Buffalo, co-Founder InnovateWork, and Founder
Izzy Prior – Ignite Champion
Izzy Prior becomes an Ignite Champion Izzy Prior is a dynamic entrepreneur who embarked on her business journey just two years ago. As a LinkedIn Creator and distinguished Top Voice
SMD becomes newest sponsor of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC
Spacemaker Developments become sponsors of Inspire 2 Ignite! We have joined forces with commercial construction and project management leader Spacemaker Developments (SMD) as our newest sponsor! SMD are powering our
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC announces exciting partnership with ScoreApp
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC announces exciting partnership with ScoreApp Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, a UK-based organisation dedicated to empowering young people through entrepreneurial events and experiences has announced a new
Sarah Stones – Ignite Champion
Sarah Stones A huge welcome and thank you to our new Ignite Champion, Sarah Stones. Sarah is a coach, mentor, expert speaker and motivation specialist and joins our ever-growing ranks
How Ignite Champions Andrew and Pete are supporting our work
Ignite Champions supporting our work through merchandise sales Ignite Champions, Andrew and Pete are giving back to the community by donating the profits from their ATOMICON branded merchandise, including hoodies
Mick George makes commitment to Inspire 2 Ignite!
Mick George makes commitment to Inspire 2 Ignite! Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, a UK-based organisation dedicated to empowering young people through entrepreneurial events and experiences, have joined forces with construction
Announcing our new partnership with Bidwells
Announcing our new partnership with Bidwells We are excited to announce a new partnership with Bidwells, a leading property consultancy firm, as our brand new sponsor for the next 12
Jo Swann – Ignite Champion
Jo Swann “When I discovered Inspire 2 Ignite I wanted in! It’s important to me to support others who are creating positive change, and empowering young people who are incredible
Andrew and Pete – Ignite Champions
Andrew and Pete “We started our business at 20 years old, the summer before our final year of university. We were frustrated that what we were being taught in our
Inge Hunter – Ignite Champion
Inge Hunter I can’t wait to see how the next generation impacts the world in a positive way and I feel grateful to be able to be a small part
Charlie Hanson – Ignite Champion
Charlie Hanson “I am 24 years old, I joined Metro Bank as a cashier when I was 19 and 5 short years and 3 promotions later I am now the
Dani Wallace- Ignite Champion
Dani Wallace “I’m proud to support Inspire 2 Ignite because it’s a service and support I desperately wish I had access to as a young person. Our mission within The
Kelly Cartwright – Ignite Champion
Kelly Cartwright “We have a duty to inspire the younger generation, to encourage them to not conform to the stereotypes and follow their dreams, use their skill sets and become
Lee Candler – Ignite Champion
Lee Candler “I’m more than energised from becoming an Inspire 2 Ignite Champion. I’m looking forward to working with Alex and his team to apply built sector skills to develop
Bev Hurley – Ignite Champion
Bev Hurley “The UK’s future rests on our young people, and with nearly a 3/4million NEET and 1 in 5 without even a basic qualification, that’s a shocking waste of
