Shropshire marketing expert chosen for the Young People’s Enterprise Partnership

The West Midlands has gained a noticeable ‘UK’ first after the Young People’s Enterprise Partnership was officially launched, with one of its first members coming from Shropshire.

24 year-old Kathryn Holloway, Managing Director of promotional items specialist Promofix, has been selected to help drive forward the group so it becomes the voice of Young People’s Enterprise in the region.

Backed by the Young People’s Enterprise Centre of Expertise (YPECOE) and Advantage West Midlands, the Partnership will give some of the area’s brightest young talent the chance to speak up and influence future enterprise policy and strategy.

It will also look to urgently address some of the issues around rising youth unemployment, with an estimated 110,000 now without work – nearly 26% of young people living in the West Midlands.

Furthermore, the region has seen the number of young Job Seeker Allowance claimants increase by 4.1% in just over a year, the highest rise recorded across the UK.

Kathryn, who set the business up when she was just 22, working full time and completing her postgraduate degree in marketing, is looking forward to being part of the group:

“It has never been more important to encourage young people to be enterprising, whether that is starting their own business, in education or in the development of their chosen career.

“Previously we have not had a vehicle to get across our thoughts, feedback and ideas. What the Enterprise Partnership gives us is a dedicated voice where we can influence policy, strategy and activities in the West Midlands.”

She continued: “In a recent survey, 22% of under 25s think they’ll be in business or self-employed within five years and our job will be to ensure that the support mechanisms are ‘young people’ friendly so these aspirations can be fulfilled. We want to create a buzz about enterprise.”

Members of the Young People’s Enterprise Partnership were selected following a series of interviews and chosen for their differing skill sets and backgrounds in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The group will meet regularly to discuss existing trends, new policy recommendations and future opportunities.

It will also act as a critical friend to Business Link and be a driving force in the development of a groundbreaking web platform that will give young people a central online facility for advice, guidance and other useful tools.

Kathryn, who has won numerous business awards, has seen Promofix grow significantly during 2009, with her reputation for providing professional, affordable and imaginative promotional merchandise items earning her a diverse client base across the UK.

“As a young entrepreneur I’m delighted to be involved in this exciting initiative as I believe we can make a real difference to young people, whether they are launching their own business or starting their professional career.”

Peter Henderson, Member of the Advantage West Midlands Enterprise Board, added his support:

“This has never been done anywhere in the UK so we are delighted the West Midlands has had the vision and determination to create such a hugely important group

“Having interviewed our new members I can safely say that we have a diverse range of talented young people who are keen to have their ‘say’ on how we can beat rising unemployment and encourage more individuals into starting new businesses.”

Pictured above: Kathryn Holloway YPEP MemberÂ

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