Slough: SEGRO breaks down barriers for young people

SEGRO has committed to sponsoring another 30 young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to complete the Patchwork Foundation Masterclass Programme in 2020, a 10-month initiative focused on developing personal and professional skills.

The new sponsorship agreement for 2020 follows a successful first year partnership in 2019, from which 30 young people ‘graduated’ from the programme of training and engagement classes. The Patchwork Foundation aims to encourage the positive integration of disadvantaged and minority communities into British democracy and civil society. The Masterclass Programme facilitates training with classes from political and industry leaders to educate and inspire the ‘Patchworkers’ to reach their full potential.

Neil Impiazzi, partnership development director, SEGRO, said: “Inspiring and helping young people reach their full potential is such a great thing to be able to give back to the community, as well as being vital for the long-term prosperity of our society. This made our decision to partner with the Patchwork Foundation very straightforward as we share the same values.

“In 2019 we sponsored 30 young people, mostly from the areas in which we have a presence, to complete this fantastic programme, recognising that young people from all walks of life – irrespective of background – can be successful and achieve great things.”

Ayush Arora, who completed the Patchwork Foundation Masterclass Programme in 2019, said: “Thank you to SEGRO for all its support in sponsoring the Masterclass programme. It was a great opportunity and amazing experience to hear from all the speakers. It has really engaged me more in politics and made me a more confident person.”

From training unemployed miners during the Great Depression in 1936, to launching the SEGRO Community Fund in 2016, SEGRO has put the community at the heart of its business throughout its 100-year history.

Last year, the SEGRO Community Fund donated over £135,000 worth of grants to more than 20 different charities and community projects. As a result, 193 people gained secure employment, 663 people accessed work experience, 1,353 attended further education and training and over 60 people came off work related benefits.

One of the Patchwork Foundation classes in 2019 was led by David Sleath, CEO of SEGRO. In this class, the young people had the opportunity to ask Sleath questions about his role as a CEO of a FTSE100-listed company. Sleath spoke about the responsibilities he has and the challenges and lessons he’s learnt during his career.