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During the season of giving, Neale Graham and his family were delighted to make a generous donation to Chorley Youth Zone, the investment will reach thousands of young people, inspiring them to lead healthier, happier, more aspirational lives.

The substantial donation will see Neale Graham join Inspire’s Founder Patron programme, a network of 16 local businesses and philanthropists united in support of Chorley’s youth.

Set to open in April 2018, Inspire Youth Zone will provide young people from Chorley and the surrounding areas with somewhere safe to go, something fun to do and someone supportive to talk to, 7 days per week. For just 50p per visit, young people will have access to exciting activities and new opportunities such as indoor climbing, dance, sports, arts & crafts, drama and more.

As well as fun and games, qualified staff and volunteers will offer guidance through mentoring and employability workshops, supporting young people to develop the skills, experiences and confidence they will need to succeed later in life.

On joining Inspire’s Founder Patron programme Neale Graham said “I have always been passionate about investing in young people, it is imperative that they are given the opportunities, support and guidance needed to flourish, in order for them to lead successful lives as adults.

“My family and I are delighted to support Chorley’s young people through the Youth Zone, it promises to be an inspirational place not only for young people and our entire community – I know our investment will go on to benefit generations to come”.

Andrew Turner, Chairman of Chorley Group and Inspire Youth Zone said “We are delighted to welcome Neale Graham to Chorley Youth Zone’s family of Founder Patrons. His enthusiasm for investing in young people is infectious and I am looking forward to discovering ways in which we can work together, to inspire the town’s young people through technology and creative ideas”.

To find out more about supporting Inspire Youth Zone please contact Chief Executive, Janine Blythe on janine.blythe@inspireyouthzone.org

Pictured above: left to right, Andrew Turner, Chairman of Chorley Youth Zone, Neale Graham and Janine Blythe, Chief Executive of Chorley Youth Zone

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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