Harborough business helps to inspire disadvantaged and disengaged young people to unlock their potential

Jess Shailes, owner of the Ideal Marketing Company, held the forum for those who have not had the same access to education and career opportunities as many of their peers.

The event was attended by 10 people aged between 16 and 24.

They receive ongoing support from TwentyTwenty, an East Midlands-based charity.

The organisation was set up to help disadvantaged and disengaged young people unlock their potential.

Jess gave a talk and ran a practical session to give an insight into the world of work.

She showed how you can carve out an outstanding career in marketing.

Based at the Old Town Hall on Harborough High Street, Jess said: “It was a great session.

“I appreciated the opportunity to be invited as one of TwentyTwenty’s regular careers speakers to get the message across that marketing is an industry with something for everyone.”

She added: “As local professionals, I believe we have a responsibility to act as positive role models for young people.

“That’s particularly so for those who have not had the same support and opportunities that many people take for granted.

“Anything we can do to help shape their ambitions by showing them what’s involved in different industries and how they might fit into that can only be a good thing.”

The event coincided with TwentyTwenty’s Big Give campaign.

It hit its £10,000 target to give disadvantaged young people the Christmas they deserve, including a Christmas dinner and a wrapped present worth £25.

The Ideal Marketing Company swapped secret Santa presents for a donation to the campaign to help boost it.

Event organiser Alice Clapton said: "Outcomes for the young people we work with improve significantly when they are given the opportunity to have meaningful encounters with business people from the community.

“We would like to thank everyone who gave up their time in order to help inspire young people to gain the qualifications, skills and confidence they need to be work-ready. “Experiences like these are valuable to the young people who come through our doors and Jess's session gave students a great insight into the world of marketing.

“They particularly enjoyed being able to use teamwork skills and creative thinking in the task they were set."

She added: "We would also like to thank everyone who helped us achieve our target of £10,000 to support our young people over the Christmas period and into the new year."

More information about TwentyTwenty, including details of the charity's #TwentyTwentyin2020 drive, can be found at www.twentytwenty.org.uk