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It’s that time of year when we invite our partners, stakeholders, schools, colleges and supporters to take a peek behind the curtain and see what we’ve been up to over the past 12 months. The past academic year has been an incredibly busy one for Unloc, we’ve achieved so so much, expanding our reach, developing our programmes, leading new and exciting initiatives, grown the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, and met some truly inspiring and motivating young people and business leaders.
From events such as our Changemaker Moments and Cash Kickstarters, Seed 2030 and another amazing year of The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge, to programmes such as Young Women in Tech and Grow Your Ambition – the offer this past year has been wide-ranging, innovative, and covered so much new territory to improve the lives of the young people we work with.
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Here’s our Co-Founders Ben and Hayden to explain more.
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Download the report (below) by clicking the downward arrow button to the top right of the window, or by clicking the link underneath.
We hope you enjoy this overview of just a small sample of our work over the past 12 months, and to those of you who have worked with us, experienced our programmes or events, and helped us on our mission to empower young people – we couldn’t do it without you. Together we make such a difference to the futures of the next generation.
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This Summer Unloc were proud to host our very first Student Governor Changemaker Programme Destination Conference. The event, held in London in partnership with Rockborn, wasn’t just another generic conference around education. It was a focused celebration of student leadership, a gathering of passionate voices, a recognition of young people, of Further Education, and a platform to spotlight those students making real change in their colleges and communities.
The space was packed with Student Governors, governance professionals, and inspiring thought leaders from across the country. Elevating, connecting, and empowering a new generation of changemakers throughout the country.
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As part of this event we developed an award to recognise the vital impact that a young person can have upon their college and the people around them, scouring the country and its colleges for our first ever Student Governor of the Year Award.
We were flooded with applications from colleges across the UK, and the standard was incredibly high. From young people using their voice to raise money to improve college buildings, develop new support and sponsorship, enable better accessibility on campus, fund raise for local charities, or assist with environmental clean up events – the bar was raised so high that it was incredibly difficult to pick a winner.
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After much consideration, we knew there was one Student Governor who really shone for their dedication, hard work and commitment. Someone who made such an enormous difference to their college, their campus, and with such a tremendous impact on the students, that it would literally be wrong to NOT award them the Student Governor of the Year 2025 Award.
Our winner was Ivy Knight, a 20-year-old floristry student from Moulton College in Northamptonshire. Ivy has been a force for good at her college since 2021, using her role as a Student Governor to drive meaningful change — and always doing it with integrity, courage, and heart. Ivy began her journey facing significant challenges, and really struggled with low self-confidence after being removed from school at just 13 years old. However, taking up further education provided her with the confidence she needed, and many opportunities to reinvent herself, follow her passions, and develop her way forwards both in her life and career potential.
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From joining sustainability and EDI groups to calling out issues like bullying, accessibility, and environmental shortcomings, Ivy has shown what it means to lead with purpose. Her attention to detail, her relentless drive, and her commitment to improvement are exactly what this award was designed to celebrate. Ivy always confidently and appropriately calls it out when things need improving, be this bullying of the LGBTQ+ community, poor accessibility for wheelchair users or lack of information around sustainability. Ivy didn’t just speak up — she created impactful change.
We caught up with Ivy to hear about her experience and her win.
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Ivy congratulations on winning our first Student Governor of the years award for 2025! How did it feel to have your name called on the night as the winner?
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I was absolutely shocked. All of the nominees had their achievements read out for the room, and I was certain I hadn’t won. I would have been just as happy not winning, knowing all of the amazing work done by the young people in the room.
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What made you first become interested in becoming a student governor, how did you hear about the role, and was it an easy process to get involved?
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I had a friend at the time who was applying, I helped them write their application and submitted mine at the same time. It was a fairly simple process, partially due to a lack of applicants that year!
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When you began as a governor – did you receive any kind of training or support in what you were meant to do? and if so, where from and how and why did it help?
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The Head of Governance and the entirety of the corporation were extremely welcoming, they supported any questions I had no matter how daft I felt they were. I received all of the same training as any other governor to help me prepare for the role. It was certainly a struggle at first to learn the acronyms and rules of the meetings (it almost felt like a foreign language) so my last act as student governor was to submit a guide to my successor, breaking everything down in a language more easily accessible to a student with quite often 0 corporate experience.
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What were your ambitions and goals when you became a governor – what did you want to change or improve in your surroundings or for your peers?
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After the first meeting I attended I noticed a large difference in how the college performed on paper compared to the lived experience of the students. I used my time on the board to point out the weak points of the student feedback systems and stand up for the students who represented the small percent that slip through the gaps.
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We’ve seen the list of some of the amazing work you’ve done to support and help people in your community, we were so impressed, we were literally blown away. What made you want to get involved in those issues – and tell us a bit about what you did to help and what the results were!
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Honestly, most of my advocacy work is fueled by my own experiences. I am a 20 year old, queer, woman, with both physical and mental disabilities. I also grew up as a young-carer, and was removed from school when I was 14. I have faced many disadvantages not just in College, but in life. Alongside my close friend Eleanor Holland (pictured below – who has an inherited disability, and is a wheelchair user), I started a revolution for the access rights of disabled staff and students at Moulton College.
We used her stories, and my links at the college, to raise awareness of the day-to-day life of a disabled student. Together we wrote a detailed document and recorded a podcast (both of which were made available to the governors).
Eleanor and I were also very involved in the renovations of the wheelchair accessible accommodation to make them more practical. There are so many things that can never be known about a minority without living it or listening to those who live it, and it was clear to us that disabled students had not previously been involved in the planning.
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Do you think young people are enthusiastic about becoming a student governor? Do colleges do enough to promote the role or provide insight into what it entails?
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Simply put, no. Based on my experience the general student population has no idea what a student governor does, or why. Being a student governor has changed the trajectory of my life in such a major way, and it sadens me to think that people are missing out on the opportunity.
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How did you find the experience of being a governor? Did you feel heard/listened to? Were there any challenges? Was the process of putting your views forward easy or difficult?
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I found it difficult to have my voice heard at first, but once I got comfortable I found it easier to be listened to. I faced a lot of struggle with the intents of my words being misunderstood, partially I believe this came from my passion being read as pushy or arrogant. I have Autism Spectrum Disorder, so I struggle with the social nuances that are necessary for this type of work. It was very difficult finding my way but once I did, I couldn’t be stopped.
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What would your advice be to someone just starting college this autumn term if they were considering being a student governor?
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Contrary to popular belief, being a student governor has very little in common with being a student representative or being in a student parliament. A Student Governor is considered an equal member of the corporation. We vote on decisions and have a hand in planning corporate goals and strategies.
We do not talk on behalf of the students; we are instead there to bring a new perspective to the meetings (you will likely be the only full-time student in the room, so you will have different ideas and questions to ask compared to the other board members). They may have experience in accounting, or in government, but you are the one with experience in being a student. That is your specialty, don’t let anyone undermine your authority and knowledge in that department.
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If you were just starting out in the role now – looking at the society we live in in 2025, the stories prevalent in the news – what campaigns or goals do you think you would focus your attention on?
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I would continue my focus on environmentalism, considering I am studying in the land based sector. It’s important to know what you’re talking about when you make a stand, and the easiest way to know: is to live it.
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What’s next for Ivy? Tell us a bit about your ambitions and plans now for the next stage in your life and career!
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I am starting a degree in Floral Design in September. I’m extremely excited! I will be starting at a new college at the other end of the country, and I will be sure to bring my ambition with me.
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Unloc Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Unloc, Hayden Taylor said:
“The sheer standard of nominees for our first ever Student Governor of the Year Award was totally overwhelming. We knew the standard would be high, but even we were shocked by the high bar these impressive young people set. Choosing a winner was incredibly hard, all of them had made such an impact on their school and college, and were true examples of young changemakers in action. Ivy is absolutely deserving of being our first ever Student Governor of the Year, her dedication to the role and its function, and her commitment to making real and lasting change in her college made her the perfect choice for our first ever winner, we can’t wait to see what she does next.”
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Peter Ryder, Company Director at Rockborn said:
“Ivy thoroughly deserved this prize. Her list of achievements over her time as student governor made a very difficult decision a little bit easier. She is an amazing young woman. That said, the quality of all the candidates was hugely impressive on paper and even more so when we got to meet them in person. I know Ivy and all these young people will go on to greater things and wish her and them every success. As Rockborn we’re incredibly proud to support this programme recognising the outstanding contribution of our student governors.”
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David McVean, Chair of Governors at Moulton College, said:
“Ivy has been a revelation as a student governor, and it is right and proper that she has been recognised for her work at Moulton College. There are many voices that speak on behalf of Further Education, but Ivy reminds us all of the most important one – that of the student.“
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Tony Shrubsall, Unloc’s Director of Content and Quality, and the Head of Academic Programmes added:
“As the voice of student leadership, being a student governor provides young people with the opportunity to inform and have a say in their education, helping to shape their college environment and the services they offer. We’re delighted to have awarded Ivy with the inaugural Student Governor of the Year award in recognition of her efforts and wish her all the best on what promises to be a successful future.”
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For more information on Unloc and our programmes and events click here
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For more information about Rockborn and the services they offer click here!
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For more information on Moulton College and their range of courses click here
One of the greatest things about our work at Unloc is getting to know, and work with such a wide and diverse range of people from all corners of industry. The kinds of people that we could have only ever dreamt of working with when we were at school ourselves – and each and every one brings something so unique to the table, contributing their own energy, interests and passion to the work we do with young people.
One of those individuals is Shelly Ashwill-Powers, a new member of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance family. Shelly has had such an interesting career journey as she has been with the same (sort of) company since college starting in 1989 with MCI. MCI was acquired by Verizon in 2006 and then created a partnership with HCLT in 2023. Shelly currently leads the role of SVP Client Services and Portfolio Management at HCL Technologies Limited.
We wanted to get to know Shelly better and find out more about her career journey, what’s inspired her, and what’s brought her to her current position. Our Marketing Manager Stu and Shelly spent some time getting to know each other and talking through the amazing career journey that Shelly has been on.
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Firstly, Shelly thank you for speaking with me today, I know how busy you are. It’s such a pleasure to have you working with us at Unloc. You’ve had such an impressive career and we’d love to hear more about your journey and success. Could you tell us about your early career and the key moments that helped shape your path to success?
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“It’s great to be with you Stu! I joined MCI right out of college as a National Accounts Service manager. My objective in obtaining my first professional job was to join a company that was in the tech industry and that had strong potential for growth. I have since been with MCI now Verizon (and now via a partnership between HCLT and Verizon) for 36 years!
I’ve worked in many aspects of Verizon including marketing, program management, sales, operations, enterprise and public sector. I would not change anything from a career perspective. I learned very early on that your attributes, capabilities, work ethic and commitment are incredibly important in your long term career.
One of my early executive senior leaders stated that you want to always be one of 5 people that a leader wants to work with. If that is true, you will always be in demand. That shaped my early years in wanting to always be one of the top employees that people wanted on their team. Later that shifted to inspiration in coaching my team.“
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Was there anyone who inspired you when you were young? And were there any pivotal mentors or role models who influenced your professional development, especially in your early years?
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“My father was a CFO for many successful companies. He was born into a family with little money. My dad and his 2 brothers all had an incredible work ethic. They each put themselves through school and each ended up being very successful. They each made a name for themself and created opportunities for their families and the next generation of leaders. They were each determined to make a better life for themselves and their families.
It was this work ethic that I picked up from my father and carried with me in my own career. I also have felt strongly that I never want to have any regrets. I genuinely strive to make a difference every day.“
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Looking back, what skills do you wish you had developed earlier in your career?
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“I didn’t have a technical degree. I had an English degree with a Marketing minor. I wish that I had majored in the tech industry, as I think my value would have been higher. Certainly I learned to be technical, but that was one learning that I had earlier in my career.“
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Why do you believe upskilling young people is so vital in today’s rapidly evolving job market?
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“Being adaptable to the market and understanding where the trends are heading is super important. If you’re not moving forward you are behind. There is a quote I love that says “the pace of change will never again be this slow”. This is so true. Things are happening at a rapid pace and as a result, your skills, capabilities, and value need to constantly be evaluated and refined. Being a “curious learner” is critical in today’s market.“
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What are some of the most critical skills you think young people need to succeed in the workplace today – and in the future?
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“In my opinion, success and happiness come down to the basics. Are you a good person? Do you make those around you better? Do you work hard? Do you create value? Do you work with integrity?
I find those leaders that are truly successful are humble, they are smart, they take care of people, they learn. It’s really not complicated but it does require consistency and effort.“
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How do you think businesses can better support the transition from education to employment, especially for young people from underserved communities?
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“The internet is such a gift. It really levels the playing field for everyone. We can all learn, we have the same 24 hours in a day. Businesses are looking for people that do their homework. They prepare for interviews, they have done the research on the business and the people at the company.
They have researched their earnings, they have read their annual report, they understand how the business makes money and why their service or products matter. Being prepared is a must in today’s environment.“
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What advice would you give to a young person today who feels unsure about their future career path?
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“It’s all ok! Every professional experience shapes who you are as a person. I would very much encourage young people to take risks, find people you really want to work with… those that inspire you. If you’re excited to go to work every day, you are at the right place. I remember being so excited to go to the office when I first started working. I loved to dress up, have my own desk, work with people, have projects etc. It just made me so happy and I felt needed and important.“
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Your support for Unloc is so appreciated, we know that you champion equal opportunities for all young people. Why is this mission important to you personally?
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“Young people are the future of our world. They see things differently than the last several generations. I’m so excited to help them build the next chapter of what matters. If they can leverage our experiences to improve how we live and work, that’s magical. I also feel very strongly about diversity in the workplace and leveraging different minds to build a better future. A homogenous world is boring and won’t drive the results that are needed.“
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What motivates you to give back and invest in the next generation of professionals?
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“I’m more motivated than ever to assist the next generation of leaders in achieving their goals and making room for creative innovation and change. I’m inspired by global challenges that require collaboration and new ideas that spark solutions.“
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If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
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“I don’t really have any regrets. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had a vibrant career. All experiences are positive because you learn. Even if a negative situation happens, it makes you stronger.
Perhaps I should not have worked so hard 🙂 That might be one thing I would change, but it’s in my DNA.“
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What legacy do you hope to leave behind—not just in business, but in terms of impact on young people’s lives?
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“Oh, this is easy. That you remember me for being a caring person that wants every interaction to be memorable and that you feel special.”
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Shelly thank you so much, that was really insightful, and there’s some wonderful advice in there for the young people we work with (and for us as well!). I know how super busy you are, and I really appreciate you taking some time out of your busy schedule to meet with me today. We can’t wait to work more with you now that you’re a part of the Unloc family, and we look forward to getting to know you better as we move forwards!
Watch this space for more motivational interviews with inspiring professionals, young people, entrepreneurs and organisations who are changing the game for young people.
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To find out more about the Unloc Changemaker Alliance click here
What a whirlwind of inspiration, energy and learning these past two weeks have been at Innovation Fest 2025! As you know, at Unloc we love to innovate, look at different perspectives, and find new, unique and dynamic ways to to do things. Each Summer the Unloc team enjoy a wide range of activities based around the topic of innovation in order to do this, from powerful staff-led sessions to guest speakers who challenge and inspire us, the festival this year has been a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and connection.
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We kicked things off with Unloc staff speed sharing and wow, what an awesome team we are! The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear this is something we need to do much more often.
Next up, Joshua Dale brought co-production with young people to life, introducing us to the story behind his brilliant invention “Can’t Say Um”. His journey of game inventions added so much value, and fun to the day.
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We then welcomed back Josh Robinson, who built on his incredible session from our Innovation Fest event last year. This time, Josh wowed us with marketing ads designed to spark discussions, helping us dive deeper into the art of influence. He broke down the jargon, making marketing crystal clear and relevant for our work with young people. His golden reminder: “Social media is a room – make sure you’re seen in the right ones. Influence isn’t ego, it’s trust, value, and confidence. And confidence comes from evidence, so let’s get posting!”
To round off Week 1, Tom Lloyd led “When Tom Met Sally”, exploring Your Special Sauce, the Power of Questioning, and that timeless truth – people buy from people they like. A really great session about Networlking.
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We were honoured to welcome Ahmad Jooma (aka Shook Man), who took us on a powerful journey of possibility. His message was clear: when we connect with ourselves, we connect more deeply with others. Young people are tuned into authenticity and this session gave us the tools to tap into our own. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to align purpose, passion, and impact.
Of course, no festival is complete without some fun and our staff summer social at Flight Club (plus ice cream in Buckingham Palace Gardens!) hit the spot.
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We then got hands-on with Podcast 101, guided by two amazing young podcasters in our Portsmouth Changemaker Studios. From learning the equipment to recording our own clips, it was a playful and practical session with Jess on hand to help us see how podcasting can become a powerful resource for our young people and programmes.
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Finally, to close two inspiring weeks, Larissa led us through reflection and feedback, before we wrapped things up in style with a rejuvenating yoga session with Curvaceous Carla, followed by a special guest appearance from TV and radio presenter Hayley Palmer. Hearing her personal story and career journey was both uplifting and motivating, and the finale, a celeb-style interview with our very own Ben Dowling ended Innovation Fest on a true high.
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Unloc’s Co-Founder & Chief Executive Hayden Taylor commented:
“Another Innovation Fest comes to an end, and once again the team have knocked it out the park when it comes to thinking outside the box, trying new things, and investigating dynamic fresh approaches to teaching, learning and sharing. Each Summer we like to take this time to step back and look at where we’ve been, where we’re going – and how we can best get there! Innovation and Technology have always been at the heart of our approach to educating and empowerment, and hearing from different members of the team, and those guests we’ve welcomed in to speak and share – really helps broaden all our horizons and perspectives.
Well done to everyone who helped put this year’s event schedule together, in particular Beth and Jess who have worked relentlessly to make it a roaring success. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for next year!”
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Innovation Fest 2025 has reminded us that innovation isn’t just about new ideas, it’s about people. The connections we make, the stories we share, and the courage to show up authentically all fuel the work we do with young people.
Here’s to more sharing, more learning, and more innovation together!
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Unstoppable Energy, Unforgettable Impact: Inside the First-Ever Student Governor Destinations Conference in London 2025
What do you get when you combine the ambition of young changemakers, the prestige of Burberry’s London headquarters, and a powerful collaboration between Unloc and Rockborn? You get an electric, inspiring, and unforgettable day that marked the launch of the very first Student Governor Destinations Conference, AND our first ever Student Governor of the Year Award, and we are still buzzing from it.
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This wasn’t just another conference. It was a celebration of student leadership, a gathering of passionate voices, and a platform to spotlight those making real change in their colleges and communities. And yes, it absolutely lived up to the hype.
From the very first moment, the energy in the room was undeniable. The space was packed with student governors, governance professionals, and inspiring thought leaders from across the country. The goal? To elevate, connect, and empower a new generation of changemakers. Recognise their input and impact, learn best practice from one another, network and celebrate the difference they make.
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The day was filled with dynamic workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions, but it was the atmosphere that truly made it special, the kind of buzz you only get when people are genuinely passionate about what they’re doing.
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And the speaker lineup? Next level. We were joined by a stellar cast of changemakers and leaders who shared their insights and stories, including:
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Their collective message was clear: student voice matters, and young leaders are not just the future, they are the now.
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But the day wasn’t just about conversation. It was about recognition too. For the very first time, we held the Student Governor of the Year Award ceremony, and the response was overwhelming. For the passt few months colleges across the country have nominated their standout governors, and the calibre of nominees was nothing short of inspiring. Choosing a winner was no easy task for the panel, in fact, it was a total nightmare.
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After much consideration, we were thrilled to present the award to Ivy Knight, a 20-year-old floristry student from Moulton College. Ivy has been a force for good at her college since 2021, using her role as a Student Governor to drive meaningful change — and always doing it with integrity, courage, and heart.
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From joining sustainability and EDI groups to calling out issues like bullying, accessibility, and environmental shortcomings, Ivy has shown what it means to lead with purpose. Her attention to detail, her relentless drive, and her commitment to improvement are exactly what this award was designed to celebrate. Ivy always confidently and appropriately calls it out when things need improving, be this bullying of the LGBTQ+ community, poor accessibility for wheelchair users or lack of information around sustainability. Ivy didn’t just speak up — she created change.
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As Ivy herself puts it:
“I’ve always been passionate about making a difference and having my voice heard, and participating as a Student Governor gave me a platform to channel this alongside my studies.”
Well said, Ivy, and well deserved.
The Student Governor Destinations Conference wasn’t just a success, it was a movement in motion. We’re beyond proud to have launched this event with our brilliant partners at Rockborn and to have celebrated the power of student leadership in such a bold and vibrant way.
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To everyone who attended, contributed, nominated, or simply cheered from afar: thank you. You made this event what it was, energetic, empowering, and absolutely unforgettable. Also special thanks to another partner of Unloc, the amazing team at Burberry for providing such a fantastic venue to hold this debut event. We appreciate you!
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Here’s to Ivy. Here’s to every student governor out there. And here’s to the future they’re already shaping, we’ll see you at next year’s Destination Conference event!
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To find out more about Rockborn click here
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To find out more about Burberry click here
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We’ve got BIG news. For those that saw our three year strategic plan last Summer, we have big plans for our Unloc, expanding our reach, our offer, and our impact on the young people we work with around the country. Unloc is officially stepping into its next era of impact and innovation, and we’re doing it with a major boost: a powerful new social investment to supercharge our mission!
We’ve always said we’re here to shake things up in education, training and youth opportunities, and now, thanks to Big Issue Invest – we’ve got the fuel to take that ambition sky-high!
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What IS Social Investment anyway?
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Think of social investment as a financial jetpack for mission-driven organisations like us. Its funding is designed not for the ‘day-to-day’ but to scale our impact, test new ideas, and invest in the future. And the best part? It’s built around the idea that doing good should also be sustainable.
Unlike your traditional bank loan, social investment is tailored for social enterprises and comes with support, flexibility, and real-world understanding. After scoping out the scene, the incredible team at Big Issue Invest – a well-known champion in the sector – have provided Unloc with a £21,600 grant and a £158,400 loan.
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Who are Big Issue Invest?
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Big Issue Invest are an organisation who invest in social enterprises, creating core solutions with an aim to end poverty in the UK. Founded by impact entrepreneurs John Bird and Nigel Kershaw from the well known Big Issue Group, they are one of the UK’s leaders in social impact investing.
Since 2005 they have invested over £100 million in hundreds of social impact organisations, all who share the Big Issue Group’s mission to dismantle poverty and inequality through social business solutions. Through their grants and funding they help grow organisations with a social mission or purpose, providing access to funding, support, and a network committed to their growth and impact.
Recognising the alignment with our own values to level the playing field, help end inequality and provide young people from all backgrounds, cultures and situations with opportunities and training, we knew they were the right organisation to join forces with. The funding will help move us forward with our expansion plans and develop our offer to young people in the UK.
With the help of this inspiring organisation, we are sharpening our business and marketing strategies, moving forwards and growing our business.
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Where’s the investment going?
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We’re not just throwing money around. Every penny is being strategically invested in projects that push us forward.
1. Hello Leeds!
Following our success in London and Portsmouth, Unloc is heading up north! We’re so excited to be launching our Leeds Hub in Leeds City Centre, and this funding helps us get off the ground, connect with local partners, and make it self-sustaining in two years. We’re getting northern powerhouse vibes!
2. Taster workshops: Try Before You Buy
We believe in showing, not just telling. So we’re offering free taster workshops, because nothing beats ‘experiencing’ the Unloc magic first-hand. We believe in who we are and what we do, we believe in our product, and we know you will too. One session is all it takes to see changemaking in process.
3. Grant writing power-up
To grow our amazing community-based work, we’re bringing in a professional Grant Writer to help us win more funding. It’s like levelling up for us, we’re playing smarter and harder to ensure we have the right support, funding and guidance to help us expand for the future.
4. Next-level marketing
Our marketing team has been crushing it over the past five years, if you’ve been following Unloc’s growth you’ll have seen a total transformation in our image and brand. Now, with our recent expansion to have an in-house videography team we’re scaling up video content with a focus on engaging young people directly, using youth voice as a tool, launching new programme reels, refreshing our website and supercharging our brand presence. Gen Z? We’re talking directly to you now!
5. Tech + space upgrades
Our Changemaker Studios in Portsmouth and London are getting some serious tech upgrades with new CleverTouch screens, hybrid conferencing systems, iPads and more. Guided by our awesome Innovation Champions, these upgrades will make our spaces more creative, collaborative, and cutting-edge than ever.
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Why this matters
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This isn’t just about money. It’s about momentum. It’s about doubling down on our mission to empower the next generation. It’s about dreaming bigger, working smarter, and showing what’s possible when you back a bold vision with the right support.
We have an amazing team of vibrant, visionary and dynamic staff. We just needed a bit of support to build the infrastructure around them to deliver in new regions, the tools and tech around them to help support them, and the means to deliver the words and experiences of the young people they work with each and every day.
Most of all, it’s about the young people, they are, after all – the very reason we’re here in the first place. They are quite literally the future, the spark, the reason we do what we do.
We’re building a better, bolder Unloc. This investment is just the beginning.
Watch this space.
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Student Governor Changemaker Programme: Destination Conference
Thursday 26 June 2025
Burberry Headquarters, Horseferry House, London
From 11:30am – 4:30pm
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Calling all Student Governors! Get ready for an unforgettable day on Thursday 26th June, as student governors from across the UK come together in the heart of London for a high-energy celebration of leadership, impact, and empowered changemaking!
We’re taking over Burberry’s iconic London headquarters for a jam-packed day of inspiration, insight and empowerment as we mark the first year of our Student Governor Changemaker Programme! If you’ve served as a student governor this year – this is your moment.
Over the past year, in partnership with Rockborn, we’ve been on a mission to equip student governors from across the UK with the tools to lead, and the voice to succeed. Through our range of invigorating bootcamps, dedicated skills development sessions, guest speakers and workshops, we’ve worked closely with you to bring out your inner leader, give you the confidence to speak your mind, share your thoughts, and take affirmative action to make positive change a reality in your college.
Now, it’s time to celebrate that journey together.
Our Destinations Conference is dedicated to bringing together young leaders from around the country, sharing what you’ve learnt, connecting with your peers, and celebrating with us the landmark first year of the first dedicated nationwide programme created specifically to provide Student Governors with the highest level of training and support. We’re also opening up this opportunity to invite along your Governance Professional to help celebrate your success!
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What to expect:
This is your chance to reflect on how far you’ve come, the change you’ve led, and the skills you’ve built, while connecting with others who share your drive to make a difference in their colleges and communities.
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Meet Our Incredible Guest Speakers:
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Unloc’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Hayden Taylor said:
“What an amazing year it’s been. The Unloc team recognised that there was a severe lack of training and support for young people entering into their role as a Student Governor, being thrown in the deep end with little available to prepare them or show them how to be heard, how to engage with both students and professionals, and how to be empowered to make positive change in their college. “
“The Unloc Student Governor Changemaker Programme was born! As we celebrate our first year of the programme we’re inviting young people from colleges across the country to join us in London to mark our first year. It’s going to be a fun packed day with some truly inspirational guest speakers, we can’t wait to see you all there.”
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Rockborn’s Company Director Peter Ryder said:
“Rockborn is so proud to be sponsoring the Unloc Student Governor Changemaker Programme. This past year has been such a huge success and we’ve loved being involved and watching young people develop and grow in real time as Student Governors. Each workshop and session has been eye-opening and impressive, and seeing the maturity that young people display in the programme’s supportive learning environment has been so rewarding. We hope to see you all at the Destinations Conference so we can celebrate this landmark achievement together!”
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Don’t miss out on the student leadership event of the year.
Seats are limited, energy will be high, and we cannot wait to celebrate all you’ve achieved .
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Ready to be inspired, empowered, and connected?
If you haven’t already signed up, get in touch with: [email protected] for more information.
What a year 2025 has been so far, and it just gets bigger and better – we are so excited to announce that we are expanding our wide range of specialist programmes, courses and events into the Leeds area this September just in time for the Autumn term!
We have long had our sights on bringing our innovative programmes to the Leeds city region, having delivered previous programmes and events there, we’ve seen that we can have a strong and positive impact on the region and make a lasting difference in the lives of the young people there, empowering and equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
Our vision for Leeds is clear: to help young people build confidence, become young changemakers, develop entrepreneurial mindsets, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
We believe that every young person has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, and we work hard to level the playing field by connecting talent to opportunity, tackling inequalities, using their voice for the good of all, and promoting social justice.
Bringing our mindset, skills and knowledge to Leeds is an exciting new journey for us at Unloc, building upon our dedicated teams in London and Portsmouth, and widening our reach. Our facilitators will be based in Leeds City Centre, ensuring that our programmes are responsive to the local needs and aspirations of young people in the area.
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How will local people and industry be involved?
Firmly believing in the power of partnerships, we’ll work closely with local youth organisations, businesses, industry, and the local authority to ensure that programmes complement existing efforts in the community. We are already incredibly proud to be partnered with Burberry, based in the City Centre, and are also working with the Luminate Education Group, by collaborating with local partners we can amplify their impact and create a more supportive network for young people to grow and flourish.
Volunteers from local businesses will play an active role in our programme roll-out. These volunteers will bring real-world knowledge and expertise to Unloc’s initiatives, providing young people with valuable insights into the world of work, behind the scenes experience across a range of industries, and the ability to connect and communicate with professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and careers.
What are our goals in Leeds?
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How we will achieve our vision in Leeds
We will be taking a multi-faceted approach to empower young people in Leeds, tailoring our programmes to the needs of the young people in the region, reaching all ages and levels of knowledge. This will involve a series of dynamic Changemaker Challenge Days for both Primary and Secondary Schools, Enterprise Events aimed at growing the mind of an entrepreneur, Changemaker Moments Events and Leadership Bootcamps.
Each event is focused on developing confidence, an entrepreneurial mindset, employability skills, incubating a ‘changemaker outlook’, and encouraging career aspirations. They’ll enjoy skills workshops, learn from professionals, engage with reverse-mentoring, develop core employability skills, network with local entrepreneurs and develop the mindset of a changemaker – recognising how to make positive change and effect impact in their communities and wider society.
These skills will help empower young people and connect diverse talent with industry, networking with professionals and career experts, and creating clear pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and being an empowered changemaker.
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Unloc’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Hayden Taylor said:
“We could not be more excited to bring the Unloc method of creating, developing and empowering young changemakers to the Leeds area. We know from our previous events just how passionate and engaged young people in the region are, and we have heard from them directly on the issues they face and the changes that they want to see, and create in society.”
“At Unloc our speciality is not just equipping young people with a changemaker mindset, but also empowering them with the confidence, the skills and the tools to create the positive change they want to see. Not just see the change – be the change.“
“If you’re a business owner, a skilled professional or an entrepreneur in the Leeds area, and you’d like to be involved in inspiring future generations – then we would love to hear from you. Involving the industry, professionals and community of Leeds is so important to what we want to achieve. Whether you’re interested in sponsoring a programme, engaging young people with your business, being a guestspeaker, providing opportunities, or engaging with creating positive change in the community – we’d love to hear from you.”
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How can local businesses in Leeds get involved?
Unloc’s programmes and events offer businesses, industry, partners and entrepreneurs an opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on the community while also reaping the benefits of increased visibility and engagement.
Sponsor an Unloc programme or event and become an active part in nurturing young talent and empowering young people. Your sponsorship helps Unloc to deliver their vision – offering young people exclusive opportunities and connections with industry which inspires and empowers them on their career path.
It also gives you the opportunity to engage your employees with a greater aim, share knowledge and experience, champion your brand, and raise awareness of your journey, what you do and what you stand for. The inspiration and motivation your knowledge and experience can provide to young people is invaluable.
Interested in sponsoring an Unloc programme or being involved?
Whilst we won’t be officially launching until the Autumn, we’re currently building out our strategy and roll-out. We firmly believe it’s those on-the-ground local stories and professionals that make all the difference, people that can talk face to face, answer questions, and share lived career experience.
If you’d like to get involved and do something inspiring for the generation of tomorrow, be a guest speaker, attend a session or sponsor a programme or event – we would love to hear from you. Together we can make a difference.
Email [email protected] for an initial conversation.
For more information on Unloc visit: unloc.org.uk
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We are thrilled to announce that in partnership with Rockborn, we are launching a search nationwide for the UK’s Student Governor of the Year 2025! This new award aims to recognise and appreciate the important contribution that student voice and leadership has to a college environment, celebrating those Student Governors who work as the voice of students to improve their college, it’s services and support, and ensure that student needs are met.
It’s estimated that around 900 Student Governors work within their colleges around the country each year. As the voice of student leadership, their platform provides young people with the opportunity to inform and have a say in their education, helping to shape their college environment and the services they offer.
Together Unloc and Rockborn have long recognised the importance of student leadership and student voice in the education environment, rolling out our comprehensive Student Governor Changemaker Programme across the UK this year to provide the highest level of support and training to Student Governors as they get to grips with their role and learn how to have a positive impact, working with both education professionals, school boards, key figures and students themselves to achieve tangible outcomes that enhance and improve their education experience.
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At Unloc we have long championed, supported and invested in Student Governors across the FE sector, most notably through their dedicated training and support programmes, student voice workshops, and in-depth governance training for young people.
Rockborn boast an impressive track record of success as management and governance consultants in the Further Education sector, long supporting Further Education boards through governance reviews, training, consultancy and project managing mergers in the sector.
Both our organisations cultivate exceptional learning environments, working with staff, boards and young leaders to develop rich and vibrant educational spaces that allow young people to flourish. Now we are asking colleges across the country to nominate their Student Governors, recognising them for the excellent work they do, and the important contribution they make to their college.
To nominate a Student Governor is very easy, colleges are invited to complete a very simple online application form by clicking the button below. It only takes a few minutes, and asks for a few details about the young person being nominated, and why they should win the award.
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Click here to nominate your Student Governor!
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The deadline for nominations is 30th April 2025.
The 2025 Student Governor of the Year will be announced this Summer at Unloc’s Student Governor Destination Conference to be held in London. Further details to be announced.
All nominees will also receive a certificate of commendation to recognise their contribution to their college and the wider education sector.
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Unloc’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Hayden Taylor said:
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“We are incredibly excited to be launching the 2025 Student Governor of the Year Award, a chance to recognise and celebrate the contributions, impact and dedication of Student Governors across the country, acknowledging the positive change they make within their colleges, and to the community around them. Recognising the important contribution young governors make in their learning environment is so important, so we’re asking colleges to take five minutes out to nominate the Student Governors who make a difference in their college, one of which will be picked as our 2025 Student Governor of the Year!”
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Rockborn’s Company Director Peter Ryder said:
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“Rockborn is really proud to be sponsoring the Unloc Student Governor Changemaker Programme and to be getting behind this new award. We’d like to encourage colleges that want to nominate a Student Governor to fill in a very short application form, it will only take five minutes, and recognise your Student Governor’s contribution!”
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For more information about the Unloc Student Governor Changemaker Programme click here
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For more information on Unloc’s school and college programmes click here
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For more information about Rockborn and their services click here
Nominate your Student Governor now by clicking here!
Finalists will compete in this year’s Young Entrepreneurs Challenge showcase in March in a bid to win £10,000 (€11,750*)
Five young entrepreneurs have been named as finalists in the latest Young Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC), an initiative launched by Verizon and Unloc. The challenge, now in its seventh year, aims to discover the business leaders of tomorrow by tasking young European entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 25 to devise a tech-led business idea that addresses a key industry or societal issue.
This year’s challenge has brought to light a number of business models that tackle current sustainability and healthcare challenges including water restoration robots, biodegradable textiles from kombucha by-products, reforestation hexapod robots, a floating solar solution and a robotic glove for stroke rehabilitation. The team received over 100 competitive and innovative business ideas from a wide range of countries across Europe including the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Slovakia, Turkey, Portugal, Austria, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Estonia and Poland.
“Throughout the past seven years, the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge has been a brilliant opportunity to discover young and promising talent across Europe. There is nothing like the imagination and innovation of a young mind. The YEC serves as a platform to help bring their ideas to life,” said Sanjiv Gossain, General Manager and Head of EMEA for Verizon Business.
“Young entrepreneurs in Europe often face hurdles and scepticism in accessing funding and mentorship. Verizon Business is proud to play a small role in helping this next generation of tech leaders stay a step ahead in the industry, as they work to make a positive impact around the world.”
“We are in an era where technological innovation is crucial for tackling complex challenges in sustainability, climate change, and health. Investing in the next generation of leaders and their ideas is essential to addressing these issues,” said Hayden Taylor, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Unloc. “Each year, we are amazed by the ingenuity of young entrepreneurs and are impressed to see the innovative ideas submitted for the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge.”
The five finalists will now compete head-to-head in a grand finale held in March 2025, pitching their business concept live to a panel of expert judges and invited guests representing both the worlds of business and education. The winner receives £10,000 (€11,750*), mentorship and a technology support package to help kickstart their business. In addition, the winner will also receive a ticket to attend the Global One Young World 2025 Munich Summit.
Each runner-up will receive £977 (€1175) to fund their start-up business, a personalised development plan that focuses on key priorities, and access to a series of masterclasses over the next year that will pair the finalists with various industry experts.
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Here are the 2025 finalists:
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Aleksandra Daniljuk – AquaRenew
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Aleksandra aims to address the global environmental crisis of water pollution caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies. Her solution involves small, solar-powered robots that use wire meshes to collect harmful algae blooms, release oxygen through air stones to combat oxygen depletion, and utilise zeolite biofilters to absorb excess nutrients, thereby preventing further eutrophication.
The key selling point is its self-sustaining business model. The collected algae will be sold to businesses that convert them into biofuels and other sustainable products, creating a revenue stream to fund more robots. This approach not only restores aquatic ecosystems but also fosters sustainability and generates economic value.
Aleksandra’s solution also aligns with the UN SDG 14: Life Below Water, promoting ecological restoration and sustainability.
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Luisanny Martinez – Skomb-By-Tex
Skomb-by-Tex is a solution to modern challenges in fashion and sustainability that offers a sustainable, biodegradable material made from kombucha fermentation by-products. The eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather and textiles is crafted from bacterial cellulose, offering a lightweight, durable, and unique texture.
The material is 100% biodegradable and compostable, and can even be reused as planting capsules. To further enhance the sustainable model of the business, the team uses natural dyes like turmeric, spirulina, and saffron, ensuring no toxic chemicals are involved.
Skomb-By-Tex collaborates with local kombucha producers in order to reduce waste and emissions. Luisanny’s long-term vision is to scale production while maintaining low-impact manufacturing practices, such as sun drying and ambient-temperature fermentation.
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Marta Bernardino – Trovador
The precision reforestation market is projected to reach $9.77 billion by 2033, growing at a 5.74% CAGR, with high demand from the private sector. Recognising a billion-dollar opportunity, Marta developed Trovador, a reforestation robotics company that combats climate change by planting trees in hard-to-reach areas. Unlike drones, which have a low survival rate for seeds, Trovador’s hexapod robots plant saplings with a 90% survival rate. These AI-driven robots navigate challenging terrains like cliffs and slopes, ensuring effective reforestation.
Trovador’s unique hexapod design preserves essential soil conditions for sapling survival and operates autonomously, overcoming obstacles in real-time. This innovative approach supports sustainability by providing rural communities with a safe, efficient reforestation solution, aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The service is quite simple and self-explanatory: clients select the planting site, the robot is deployed, and reforestation is monitored remotely. With just £2.5 (€3) per tree, Trovador is 30% more affordable than traditional methods, while excelling in speed, safety, and sustainability.
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Sebastiaan Schalkwijk – Solar Sub
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Solar Sub’s floating solar solution revolutionises renewable energy by placing solar panels on water bodies, maximising land use and harnessing natural cooling. This approach enhances system efficiency, increasing energy yield by up to 27% compared to traditional solar systems.
Solar Sub’s advanced cooling technology and optimal panel positioning improve efficiency and durability, reducing operational costs and extending the lifespan of solar installations. This innovation sets Solar Sub apart from competitors facing issues with panel overheating and degradation.
Sebastiaan adopts a licensing business model which allows rapid scaling without significant capital investment. This reduces upfront costs and risks, enabling us to focus on strategic partnerships. His model has gained traction with support from key industry players, confirming market interest and feasibility.
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Zain Sumdani – Exoheal
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Exoheal addresses the global shortage of physiotherapists and the inaccessibility of effective therapy with a robotic glove and a machine-learning-powered app. This solution delivers personalised, real-time therapy, enabling stroke recovery from home. Early trials show a 50% improvement in recovery time compared to traditional methods.
Exoheal app connects patients with hospitals and clinics, allowing remote monitoring and real-time feedback. Its modular design and scalable production ensure affordability and the ability to meet global demand. By 2028, Zain and his team aim to transform 100,000 lives, saving governments $178 million in healthcare costs and enabling $16 million in inpatient earnings.
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For more information on the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge click here!
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About Unloc
Unloc was founded in 2013 by award-winning young leaders and advocates Hayden Taylor and Ben Dowling. Our mission is to empower young people to be innovative changemakers who seek to build stronger communities and sustainable businesses. We develop young people’s skills, enhance their potential and boost their determination to succeed.
This is encapsulated in our ‘Developing Young Potential’ tagline. We work towards our mission by delivering inspiring educational programmes in our growing network of schools and colleges, our physical Changemaker Studios spaces in Portsmouth and London, and work with business leaders to deliver a range of programmes that help us achieve our mission. For more information about Unloc visit www.unloc.org.uk
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About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.
VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds
It’s that time of year when we invite our partners, stakeholders, schools, colleges and supporters to take a peek behind the curtain and see what we’ve been up to over the past 12 months.
. This Summer Unloc were proud to host our very first Student Governor Changemaker Programme Destination Conference. The event, held in London in partnership with
Shelly Ashwill-Powers is a new member of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance family and has had such an inspirational and interesting career journey. Join us as we interview Shelly and learn about all that brought her to her current position.
Each Summer the Unloc team enjoy activities our Innovation Fest event, from powerful staff-led sessions to guest speakers who challenge and inspire us to innovate and be unique!
It’s that time of year when we invite our partners, stakeholders, schools, colleges and supporters to take a peek behind the curtain and see what we’ve been up to over the past 12 months.
. This Summer Unloc were proud to host our very first Student Governor Changemaker Programme Destination Conference. The event, held in London in partnership with
Shelly Ashwill-Powers is a new member of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance family and has had such an inspirational and interesting career journey. Join us as we interview Shelly and learn about all that brought her to her current position.
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