New Patron Alert: NIS supports Inspire

We’re thrilled to announce that NIS has officially joined Inspire Youth Zone as a Patron, strengthening their ongoing commitment to supporting young people across Chorley.

Having previously backed Inspire through various fundraising events, NIS became an official Patron in July 2025.

During their recent visit to Inspire, we were proud to present Anthony Morris, with a Patron plaque as a token of our appreciation.

Anthony shared:

“Providing support to invaluable local organisations like Inspire Youth Zone is a key focus of our social value and sustainability plan. It was a pleasure to see the nurturing and inspirational environment the Inspire team have created; a place where young people can feel safe, belong and thrive. This is just the start of what I hope will be a long-lasting relationship between NIS and Inspire Youth Zone.”

At Inspire, young people aged 7–19 (and up to 25 with additional needs) have access to sports, arts, technology, social activities and vital life skills – all for just 50p per visit, or free for those who need it.

It costs around £25 per young person per session to deliver this life-changing support – a gap filled by the generosity of our amazing Patrons like NIS.

Janine Blythe, CEO, Inspire Youth Zone said “Thanks to NIS’s incredible support, hundreds of young people will have access to hot meals, positive role models, life-changing activities and a space where they feel seen, safe and supported. You’re not just backing a youth club. You’re helping to reduce crime, improve mental health, raise aspirations and build a stronger, more hopeful community.”

We’re so proud to welcome NIS to the Inspire family. Your belief in local young people is helping unlock brighter futures for generations to come.

If you would like to hear more about our Patron programme or how you can get involved in backing the next generation, please email Jennifer.Taylor@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