Our Annual Green Tie Ball!

Friday 20th September 2024 marked our annual Green Tie Ball For the occasion, everyone who attended our Green Tie Ball went all out to wear our colour, GREEN, while raising an unbelievable £21,000 for Inspire Youth Zone, which will help young people to develop new skills and socialise in a safe, positive and accessible environment.

The event was held at Shaw Hill Golf Resort and Spa Hotel, Whittle-le-Woods and was attended by more than 130 guests from the local business community. The evening began with a drinks reception kindly sponsored by Carringtons while guests enjoyed being greeted by the very talented Saxophone Player, Dan Brennan and Band, The Frequency courtesy of ESG.

Guests enjoyed a 3 course dinner, while our very own member Izzy Donnelly, aged 12, sang a selection of songs. We followed with our Auction being hosted by Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a passionate supporter of Inspire, and our very own, Jennifer Taylor, Philanthropy Manager, who also donated to the auction. A very special thank you to the following people who donated to the auction, who without your generosity, we would not have been able to raise what we did. One Stop Hire, CP Davidson, Littlewoods Estate, Olive G, Eddie Gray, Ian Currie, Jonny Vegas, Tommy Fleetwood, Acero Construction, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Chorley Group, Sutcliffes. We’re so proud to be affiliated with such incredible people. 

We would also like to honour our Lifetime President Andrew Turner MBE, who unfortunately could not be there on Friday. Jim Carter, our interim Chair shared heartfelt words on Andy’s journey with Inspire and presented a gift made for Andy by the Young People of Chorley for his efforts over the last 8 years as Chair.

“It has been an absolute privilege working with Andrew over the last 8 years. His vision and mentorship, sense of purpose and fun has certainly made Inspire the success it is and I couldn’t be more grateful.” Janine Blythe, CEO

With running and delivery costs at Inspire Youth Zone costing over £1.6 million each year, as an independent children’s charity, we are hugely reliant on the generosity from the public and private businesses, across Lancashire, to support and raise funds for over 90% of our costs. If you would like to help, there’s so many ways you can! Simply head to https://inspireyouthzone.org/support-us/ to find out more or email our Partnerships team at Partnerships@inspireyouthzone.org

MATTHEW HIRST

Matt Hirst is the CEO of leading energy technology provider ESG with over 700 staff and operations in the USA, Canada and the UK. ESG’s UK headquarters are based in Chorley, Lancashire.

 

ESG empowers global leaders in energy to deliver on the future promise of energy through its SAAS solutions for Customer and Market Data Management and Smart Metering. Matt has a background in Sales and Marketing and led a MBO of UK company Utiligroup in 2014 before it was acquired by ESG in 2017 and has been with the business for 24 years. Matt won an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2016 as well as being a judge in 2018 and in 2017 his team was awarded the UK Regional and National Mid Market Management Team of the Year awards by the BVCA. Matt holds a BSc (Hons) degree from The University of Salford and a MBA from Lancaster University.

Ryan powell

head of operations

Hi, I’m Ryan and I’m the Head of Operations at Inspire Youth Zone.

Email: ryan.powell@inspireyouthzone.org

Inspire Youth Zone