Head for Business has teamed up with Cockpit
Arts, the UK’s
only creative business incubator for designer-makers, to give ten young people
not in education, employment or training (NEETs) business and skills training
in designing fashion, jewelry and interior products.
Delivered through Plan-it Ideas, the project not
only provides the young designer-makers with valuable business training and
support provided by Head for Business, but also access to free studio space for
a year, working capital to invest in their business, access to a sector
specific mentor and the opportunity to showcase their designs.
Funding for the project has been received
from the Arts Council 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund, which is worth £1.2m
over two years. Lorraine Brown, Head for Business’ Young Enterprise Manager
said: ‘We work extensively with NEET young people and this project is exactly
what Plan-it Ideas is about. A tailor-made programme that offers a rich and
dynamic insight into operating a creative enterprise, enabling the young people
to develop skills, build confidence and self-esteem.’
Vanessa Swann, chief executive of Cockpit Arts, said: ‘It is essential that we
nurture emerging talent. The Cultural Skills Fund award has enabled us to
collaborate with Head for Business to provide a unique new entry route for raw
creative talent to work alongside established designers in a professional
environment.’
Search for a new designer
The search is on for a new designer with the launch of Plan-it Ideas T-shirt design competition.
Any young person aged 16-21 can enter the competition to win £100 in cash and the chance to have their design on sale in a high street fashion boutique.
A two day workshop will be available to everyone entering the competition to get tips and accessories for their designs.
Plan-it Ideas recently joined forces with Orbit Training to deliver a motorcyle workshop for young people in Bexley.
Held in Bexleyheath School car park over two days, the young people were taught about the importance of riding a motorcycle legally on the road, health and safety when riding, motorcycle maintenance and the career opportunities around the motorcyle industry.
Mark Riches, Managing Director of Orbit Training said, 'The match up of Obrit and Head for Business is perfect. I love the way the organisation works with young people and the guidance and support it gives them towards starting their own businesses. We will definitely be working together in the future'.
Head for Business has been approached by the DJ Academy in Perugia, Italy with a view to the organisations working together.
The discussions are at an early stage, but the aim will be for the Academy, also a not-for-profit organisation to send students to the UK to obtain business skill training delivered by Head for Business and to gain DJ experience undertaking 'guest spots', as the 'house' music scene is more advanced in the UK than in Italy.
Negotiations are also on-going for Head for Business to send an experienced DJ capable of running workshops to Perugia to assist in the development of their students.
