Fund the Mission, Not the Project: Rethinking Revenue Funding for Non-Profits
The world of non-profit funding has long been locked in a strange place. On the surface, it looks functional. Funders ask for innovative,...
top of page
Collaborative Growth Through Community
Chair of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC | Co-Founder of Citizen Hub | Future Talent Empowerment Advocate
Hi I'm Alex, welcome to my site, it is a place I enjoy capturing some of the work I get involved in and for others to explore collaborating with me.
I am a social entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader dedicated to empowering young people and communities through innovative projects and initiatives. My mission is to inspire, educate, and support individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
​
My journey began as a young father at 14. Despite the challenges, I have built a life that fosters trust, community care, purpose-driven actions, and kindness. At 25, I left a promising corporate career to start my own business. Though many questioned my decision to begin with a laundry business, I envisioned creating a portfolio of impactful enterprises. Today, I am a 35-year-old grandad, with a balanced portfolio of businesses and two social enterprises that lead my thinking in social innovation, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC and Citizen Hub CIC. I also hold leadership positions in local socioeconomic projects, all of which have and continue to significantly impact countless lives.
​
I have spoken to thousands on topics such as entrepreneurship, the economy, community, and AI. Based in Cambridgeshire but enjoy visiting other parts of the UK and world to explore opportunities to innovate with and for our communities.
​
Join me every week on LinkedIn as I share insights on education, community development, and personal growth. Stay updated and engaged with the latest trends and stories.
Speaking at the Westminster Education Forum in September 2024
Speaking live at Disrupt HR on the realities of the 'NEET Crisis' in the UK
Work With Me
I am always interested in opportunities that expand my impact and love to contribute to projects that align with my own values
Speaker
I have spoken in front of thousands of people about my journey and contributed to agendas on the subjects of entrepreneurship, economy, community and AI.
Experienced facilitator and host, I have a relaxed style which I use to galvanise positive energy in rooms I am invited to.
​
Core Topics:
​
Youth Empowerment and Development
Innovative Approaches to Education
Community Engagement and Development
Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship
Challenging the Status Quo and Disruptive Thinking
Purpose-Driven Life and Work
Trust, Kindness, and Ethical Leadership
Social Innovation and Economic Growth
Business and Charity Sector Synergy
Resilience and Personal Growth
Non-Exec Director
I have generated millions in revenue for the projects I have and continue to work with, B2B and Non-profits are my strength on this front.
Superpowers:
Trust Building:
I have built an extensive network over a decade by proactively engaging with people who can make things happen in their respective fields.
Community and Collaborative Growth:
I chaired the St Neots Initiative, bringing together over 200 leaders to relaunch the initiative and foster community and collaboration.
Purpose-Driven Leadership: My stewardship leadership style involves enabling others to step up and speak up, showcased through young leaders in my talks and projects.
Collaborate
At 25, I quit a promising corporate career to start my own business, a decision many did not respect. This brave choice allowed me to pursue my vision of having a portfolio of companies.
​​
Core Values:
​
Creativity:
I developed Shifties during the COVID period to support micro-businesses, growing it to 1400 members and gaining recognition as a business representation organisation.
Challenging the Status Quo: Through the Inspire 2 Ignite project, I promote a pull-based education system, fostering curiosity and resilience in young people, whilst building bridges between them and industry.
Determination:
Leaving the corporate world, I was told I could always get a job if my business failed. Ten years later, I have built a life of self-employment without looking back.
Project of 2024
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC is an innovative educational initiative poised to redefine learning for 12-24-year-olds in Cambridgeshire. We aim to transform the traditional educational paradigm, focusing on nurturing the talents and ambitions of young individuals who desperately need another option to supplement academic education.
​​
Our vision is to establish individual beacons of learning that not only enlightens minds but also empowers lives. Long term, we envision co-creating a national network of Curious Clubhouses, tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of their local communities. Where every student discovers their potential, embraces their unique talents, and becomes a proactive contributor. They will be run by conscious leaders in the community who are well-connected to the citizens living there and care deeply about the future of the place.
​
Click on the Impact image to check out the project.
Eliza Ellis-Hyman
“Alex has a real passion for creating young entrepreneurs! His ability to communicate to a variety of age groups, backgrounds is great to watch. He consistently uses his network to achieve social change. It has been a pleasure to work with Alex and I hope it continues."
Sarah Anthony
"I have been connected with Alex for a few years now and been part of the Shifties Community almost as long. Alex has a wealth of knowledge about the business world and real life experience, but what is extraordinary about him is how giving of that knowledge and support he is and how he uses his position to stand up for micro-business owners. I have learned so much from being in his circle and being part of his network has definitely helped me get through some of the tougher times in business."
Lisa Bowles-Newark
“I worked with Alex as part of my voluntary role with a local community LGBTQIA+ organisation. Alex's insights and expertise were key in allowing our organisation to move forward collectively towards our vision of improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in our community. He led us through fantastically useful tools created through his organisation, which have contributed to us finding and addressing the multiple opportunities and challenges of creating a non-profit start-up venture. I highly recommend Alex for business advice and expertise.”
Latest Media
bottom of page