It is time for all would be bloggers to get themselves heard. I have asked the techno team at A4e to make it possible for everyone that comes into contact with A4e to have their blog posted on our website. Starting in the New Year - everyone will be able to send their blogs to a special email address - and hey presto - they will be posted on the A4e website.

A big plea goes out to all our tutors and trainers around the world - please, please help your clients to do this. It is great to see your thoughts and name in lights. The suggestion for this came from four lads I met in our Swa..View Complete Post

I have just returned from my two day trip to Wales. I had a great time - visiting some A4e offices and meeting learners, clients and staff.

A big hello to Leon Campbell and Aaron Dawes (see I did give you a mention). Two young men who asked me some smart questions and had plenty of confidence and opinions. I thought Leon and Aaron ought to think about starting a business. They definately had the ability to create their own exciting future. Good luck to you both.

Leon and Aaron were based in our Newport centre. A superb place. I told the managers Maria and Fran that I th..View Complete Post

A question from Rhys Morgan in Wales - 'i know you are coming to sunny wales - what are you looking forward to seeing and why?' 

Thanks Rhys - quite simple really - when I am on tour I spend all my time listening to staff and clients - trying really hard to get a good sense of the issues - good and bad. Hopefully people are brave enough to share their thoughts with me (and/or ask tricky questions) and perhaps I get to inspire and encourage them in return.

Last week in Gateshead I met a group of young people - some familiar stuff - no one cares - who is g..View Complete Post

Another question from my mate Edd in County Durham.   He asks:

''What inspires you? Most people will say that inspiration comes from seeing how you can make a difference and reflection on making that difference - hence the company motto 'improving people's lives.' But I think people would like to know what keeps you inspired, motivated etc.''

I am inspired by many things - I seek and find inspiration everywhere.

Meeting someone who tells me their story. Watching a person work  - a person who has passion, creativity and ..View Complete Post

In answer to a question from one of A4e's employees - 'Emma tell me 10 ways to kill a business (or idea), things that people should avoid when either setting up or growing a company' - sent to me by Edd Smith from our County Durham office.

Great question - a good reversal on the stuff i normally get asked - so I thought I'd spend some time and give it a go - you have made me think  - thanks. 

My ten ways to kill a business ( remember - I am telling you ways to kill a business - please, please don't read them as things you should do! ..View Complete Post

I have been very involved with the NSPCC for several years. I was asked to take on the role of Chairman of the Regions for the Full Stop to cruelty campaign. It is a national role that  has involved me leading the effort to raise £50 million for the cause. Just recently the great news came through that we had done more than £55 million. I am so grateful to all the amazing people who gave so generously and to the truly phenomenal team of voluteers and fundraisers that did all the work. So many people were involved in this achievement for children - and I have ..View Complete Post

A few weeks ago I returned from Dagenham ( East London). I had been living there for ten days - filming for Channel Four - a new programme called the Secret Millionaire. (it will be aired around the 2nd or 3rd Jan at 9pm.

Crikey - what an experience -  a life changing event  - I am totally lucky that I got the chance to be a part of the programme - I have learnt so much and I am able to make better decisions.

My job was to live undercover in a very disadvantaged area - discovering people who I felt I could help - and then working out what I could do to help. ..View Complete Post

Just got back from two weeks of touring the UK - catching up with some of A4e's new and not so new offices. Meeting loads of new staff and some old timers.  I have had a great time - very exhausting - but - I learn so much. 

Some of the stuff I learn means I can get little things put right quickly - some of the stuff makes me think about much bigger long term things we can do. I met a great tutor called Stephanie in our Newcastle office - doing inspirational work with our clients. I just hope that other people take the time out to see her work - and use all the b..View Complete Post

 Welcome to my new blogging site.

Over the coming weeks and months I’ll be using this blog to share with you my views on the issues that I’m passionate about and that are close to my heart.

This is a fantastic way for me to have a good rant about the things I care about - and to share some gossip about the things I get up to - and the people I meet.

So, starting at the beginning - why do I do what I do? For a lot of my life I have noticed that there are a lot of problems that are stopping people from realising their potential.  I love seein..View Complete Post