Meeting the Team Behind Inspire2Ignite

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Citizen Hub in St Neots to meet with Alex Hughes, the Founder of Inspire2Ignite.

As a “Critical Friend” to organisations across the region, I am always looking for spaces and missions that break the mould. The Citizen Hub is exactly that, an amazing location that truly embraces the community and focuses on bringing people together in a way that feels both purposeful and energetic.

Igniting Potential in NEET Young People

My conversation with Alex centred on the incredible work Inspire2Ignite is doing to support young people who are currently NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

This is a group that is often overlooked, yet they hold so much untapped potential. Inspire2Ignite’s model isn’t about traditional “one size fits all” training; it’s about creating an environment where these young “curious creators” can find their path through industry connection and genuine exploration. By providing a bridge between the community and local businesses, they aren’t just helping young people find jobs; they are helping them find their spark.

The Power of Bringing Communities Together

At DQC, I often talk about how “Strategy First” creates the foundation for growth. Seeing how Alex and his team have built a community centric model that prioritises human connection was a fantastic reminder of why the “Social Value” side of our work matters so much.

The Citizen Hub acts as a heartbeat for the area, proving that when you bring different parts of a community together, businesses, leaders, and young people, you create a support system that actually works.

What’s Next?

It was one of those meetings where the time flew by because there was so much alignment in our thinking. We discussed the challenges facing the sector, the importance of genuine community engagement, and how we can continue to support the next generation of leaders who might otherwise be left behind.

I’m really excited to continue the conversation with Alex and see how we can support or collaborate with such a forward-thinking initiative.

Spaces like the Citizen Hub prove that when you have the right location and the right people, amazing things happen.