James Timpson OBE was the keynote speaker at a special lunch for Blackburn Youth Zone supporters hosted by Founder of Blackburn Youth Zone, Andrew Graham MBE on 11th October 2018 at the charity’s central Blackburn facilities.
The event was attended by over 100 representatives of companies and individuals who provide support towards the £1.2 million required every year to keep the Youth Zone open; including BAE Systems, Cardboard Box Company, Graham and Brown, Totally Wicked, Crown Paints, Napthens Solicitors, Blackburn College, PM+M Accountants and other supporters.
Established eight years ago, Blackburn Youth Zone provides a wide range of activities for young people aged 5 to 19 years old. With an entrance fee of just 50 pence, activities range from sports to arts, craft and games. Facilities include a canteen, basketball courts, roof-top football pitch, climbing walls, dance studio, fully-equipped gym, live music room, electronic music room and a gaming room.
James Timpson, Chief Executive of Timpson, the UK’s leading retail service provider, employing over 5,600 with 2,000 stores and 119 Sappy Snaps franchises throughout the UK and Ireland, spoke to delegates about how he strives to keep the business fresh and moving.
Relating Timpson’s groundbreaking investment in its people to the ethos of Youth Zone, Mr Timpson spoke to delegates about his company’s approach to recruitment, relating back to his own mother’s decision to foster over 90 children.
He explained how this attitude to developing people is central to the company’s recruitment and HR policies. He said: “We take an attitude that having a culture based on kindness is far more effective than imposing rules and procedures.”
Blackburn Youth Zone Chief Executive Raz Mohammed, said: “Mr Timpson was a fascinating speaker and had the entire room gripped with his stories and details of the incredible culture behind his company’s success. It was a truly great event and a fantastic way to engage with all the wonderful people and businesses that continue to support us and keep the Youth Zone open for the young people of Blackburn and the surrounding areas.”
