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Everyone has the potential

31 May 2019

Blue Grape is a people development consultancy which focuses on supporting businesses to grow and innovate. After starting the business 12-months ago, Rhiannon Stafford, Director of Blue Grape, used her time and knowledge to give something back to the community.

“Everyone has the potential to do more than they are doing right now”

Rhiannon joined the Enterprise Adviser Community in January 2019.

“My careers experience at school wasn’t the best. I remember taking a quiz and being told I should be an accountant. Well, I hated my work experience as an accountant! Now, I see my 13-year old daughter feeling pressured to decide what career path she should follow.

Schools are too academically focused, and not focussed enough on preparing the future workforce. I decided to join the network to ensure schools, like my daughters, have got the support needed to deliver high-quality careers advice and guidance.” 

“Knowing you have made a difference, and that the pupils have actually listened”

Since joining the network, Rhiannon attended mock interviews and has run a ‘workshop’ session for a class.  

“The most rewarding thing about taking part in these activities is knowing that I am making a difference, and having pupils actually listen to what I have to say.  Going into a school in a professional capacity talking about something I really know and seeing the students engaged and interested, it’s incredibly rewarding.

These pupils are the managers and leaders of the future. To have the opportunity to influence their career choices at such a young age is fantastic.”

“We have an obligation to give something back to the education system”

“I think that schools definitely have a hard job on their hands. Initially, I have to admit that I was frustrated with my daughters’ school’s ability to deliver careers advice. But now I understand why it is so hard for schools.

Schools are encouraged to produce academically bright students, not ones who are ready for the world of work. We need to put our money where our mouths are and support our local schools!”

“It gets my brand name out there while developing my reputation”

Since getting involved in the Enterprise Adviser Network, Rhiannon’s business has benefitted.

“When I walked into the school’s gym for the mock-interviews, I noticed that my desk was positioned next to Travis Perkins, The White Company and Barclays. Huge local employers that I was able to network with, helping me to raise the profile of my new brand and services.

Alongside the fact that every time I deliver an activity, I post about it on LinkedIn. This helps to get my brand name out there while developing my reputation. My business is based around helping people to learn and grow, so the fact that I also help students to learn and grow is great marketing.”


What would your advice be for another SME thinking of giving an hour?

Do it! Don’t hesitate to get involved. You can honestly do as much or as little as you can spare. It makes you feel really good, while helping to develop the employees of the future.”


Benefit your future workforce by giving an hour.

Give an hour

 

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