Inspire 2 Ignite launches in Milton Keynes
What a night we had launching in Milton Keynes! It’s not just another pin on our map; it’s an epic step in our journey to empower young talent.
We kicked things off with a room buzzing with Milton Keynes’ most curious individuals spanning a variety of sectors and backgrounds From entrepreneurs and educators, to our dedicated Ignite Champions activated young talents and industry professionals, MK:U Innovation Hub was bursting with energy and passion.
The young people took centre stage, supported by our founders Alex Hughes and Sam Squire.
Alex and Sam raised some thought-provoking questions throughout the night. If you’re in education, how can we help support you? And for industry, would you like to receive activated talent through your doors? And here’s a big one: imagine if Alternative Provision was the best form of education in the UK?
Panel discussions led by future talent
The young people had their opportunity to share their success stories, give testimony to the power of the Inspire 2 Ignite programmes, voice what they seek from Milton Keynes and some even took the chance to pitch their business ideas to the crowd.
Alex and Sam illustrated the Inspire 2 Ignite programmes (The Ultimate Work Experience, Alternative Provision Programme, Organic Referral Programme, and the Future Talent Programme) with some impactful footage, cleverly put together by the Harry Pauley, of Film with REKO. Did we mention they totally rocked their presentation about what a start up creative company like theirs need to succeed in Milton Keynes.
Michael’s story
We also took a deeper dive into the challenges faced by young people on our programmes, including those from Alternative Provision and those who are Care Experienced. Having recently been made a Protected Characteristic it has become increasingly important for us to give a spotlight to Care Experienced young people on our programme. One young person in particular, Michael told his emotive story, spanning three generations of Care Experience and his current life in sheltered accommodation. He spoke about how he is rewriting his future story since meeting our dynamic duo, Sam and Alex, which has been a true a game-changer for him.
Michael, along with Victor, Apryl, Bailey, Rico and Harry (with his REKO Team) absolutely smashed their nerves and wowed the audience.
Alex’s thoughts
When we give the floor over to the young people who we've activated through our programmes that's when the true magic happens. Some of these young people have literally never had anyone believe in them, or give them any encouragement to achieve their goals. The community we build around the young people is vital as an environment where they can thrive and write their own future stories. I'm pumped to build the community in Milton Keynes, along with Samantha Poole and Kristian Mackie and the energised contacts we've made this evening. MK let's do this!
New connections and valued partners
It was also a wonderful opportunity for the Shift Momentum team to connect with the Ignite Champions, the young people and new contacts in industry. Shift Momentum are the engine which power the Inspire 2 Ignite team; CEO Christine Griffey, MD Katy Davies, EA Anastassia Arzumanova and Marketing Manager Lynnette Ellison, who all proudly supported Alex and Sam to make the MK event such a success.
So, as the night wrapped, the vibes were clear. New faces, fresh ideas, and an unshakeable belief in what’s coming next for Milton Keynes. Thank you to everyone who came out to meet us, we can’t wait to bring you news of what comes next!
More information
What is the vision for MK
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC is committed to motivating and engaging economically inactive young adults by offering mentorship, coaching, and support to cultivate their entrepreneurial spirits, explore their abilities and pursue their dreams. The launch event in Milton Keynes is a long-awaited milestone for the social enterprise, signifying the start of a new chapter as they extend their impact to the city.
In November 2022, at our Cambridge Launch Event, founder of Incubation Nation, Samantha Poole said that her commitment to young people is;
