Up to 40,000 children from some of the most deprived areas of Wales are being inspired to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, thanks to a three year-long programme launched today by Principality Building Society as part of its new impact strategy.
The ambitious programme, which is being delivered by the Principality in partnership with Wales-based enterprise education specialists, 2B Enterprising, will see the next generation of budding entrepreneurs from across 50 primary schools in Wales benefitting from access to enterprise education activities, live lessons and resources over the next three years.
The programme forms part of the Principality’s newly launched impact strategy as it concentrates its intentions towards inspiring younger people, in line with the Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act to inspire a healthier, more resilient and prosperous Wales. Principality is also focused on improving social mobility, which aligns with 2B Enterprising’s mission of equipping the next generation with the skills they need for the future.
The partnership was officially launched this week by Principality’s Chief Executive Julie-Ann Haines, Chief Impact and Governance Officer, Tony Smith, and 2B Enterprising Chief Executive, Jayne Brewer at Deighton Primary School, Tredegar – one of the 50 primary schools chosen to take part in the programme. All schools taking part have been selected using a free-school-meals (FSM) indicator highlighting some of the country’s most deprived areas.
Chief Executive Officer of Principality Building Society, Julie-Ann Haines said: “At Principality Building Society, we understand the importance of reaching people while they are still young, curious and interested in the world around them. Our focus on future generations within our social-mobility-focused impact strategy, is closely linked to enterprise education (an essential part of the primary curriculum in Wales) so we’re excited to be launching a three-year partnership with 2B Enterprising who partner businesses with schools to bring enterprise skills to life in the classroom.
Commenting on the programme, Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said: “Through integrating the Well-being of Future Generations Act into its Impact Strategy, the Principality is demonstrating how business can and must play its part in achieving Wales’ well-being goals. We need all businesses to put the well-being of current and future generations at the heart of their business model and in the way they engage our communities, such as through the 2B Enterprising schools programme. Upskilling children around entrepreneurship, in our most underserved communities – with a focus on well-being and sustainability will help us create the future leaders we need to achieve Wales’ well-being goals.”
Tony Smith, Chief Impact and Governance Officer agreed: “We have intentionally focused on this partnership to engage with schools in communities that might face greater challenges. It’s one of the many steps we are undertaking to help develop enterprise skills and open up opportunities for young people and we’re hopeful it will inspire and encourage future generations by fostering a positively ambitious attitude towards shaping their lives beyond the classroom. Our colleagues have already been visiting schools with the 2BEnterprising team to support with delivery, and this activity is a core strand of our volunteering culture, to play an active role in supporting the communities we serve.”
“We already know that young children are impressionable, and so hearing success stories from those people who are invaluable assets to our Welsh business and social economy through their own accomplishments, will hopefully encourage a future generation of entrepreneurs to become the best versions of themselves post-education.”
2B Enterprising’s programme, known as the ‘The Bumbles of Honeywood’, sees primary schools partnered with businesses to support the provision of a suite of learning resources which help to teach 5 to 11 year olds about enterprise, entrepreneurship, and essential life skills as they tackle a range of challenges together. As well as teaching the next generation about the world of business, the resources explore a wide range of themes including sustainability, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. Businesses also take part in lessons where pupils will get the opportunity to meet with professionals who can provide invaluable insights into the working world.
Jayne Brewer, Chief Executive Officer of 2B Enterprising added: “Our partnership with Principality is the most significant we have secured to date and represents a real shift in businesses’ reasons for engaging with primary schools. Principality’s commitment to partner with 50 schools in Wales is a true testament to their drive to improve social mobility. We are very proud that they have seen us as a core link to supporting this and look forward to working with them to help raise the aspirations of young people in Wales and give access to resources and role models to help shape a better future.”
The programme will now roll out across the 50 schools throughout Wales for the next three years with more than 450 lessons and resources delivered to over 40,000 children.