Hounslow Education Business Partnership becomes Spark!

Hounslow Education Business Partnership announced at West Thames College on Thursday 19 July 2012 that they are to be known as Spark!, with the name change coming into effect immediately.

Spark!’s Summer Celebration was held jointly with Hounslow Chamber of Commerce and was attended by over 60 partners from local businesses, schools and colleges. Members of Spark! staff launched their new name with a video that shared local students’ experiences of Spark! and how the Hounslow Borough-based charity changes their lives.

The organisation, established in 1980, works with education and business to prepare young people for working life. Spark! delivers a wide range of workbased learning activities, work placements, internships and a fully accredited Apprenticeship programme. It works with many of the region’s biggest employers including Sky, GSK and British Airways, as well as many hundreds of small businesses.

Andrew Dakers, Spark! Director, (pictured right) said:

“We have a successful legacy of working in partnership to help young people identify and then kick start their desired career. I am delighted that our new name Spark! has been received so warmly. It reflects our ethos and values, sparking the ideas, opportunities and employability skills that change lives.
“Our focus remains the same despite the change of name: to play a significant role in shaping the workforce of the future for Hounslow and beyond.”

Will Tyler (left), Spark!’s incoming Chairman, added:

“Our new name reflects the work we do to open up excellent opportunities that inspire and enlighten, helping to forge secure futures for young people by giving them real focus and direction.

“The Spark! brand drives our evolution as an organisation, whilst maintaining our reputation for dynamic, pro-active services.”

Will Tyler, also thanked retiring chairman Philip Miller (middle):

“15 years of voluntary service is extraordinary. He took on the role when Head of Communications at AGFA in Brentford and then continued for several years of retirement alongside many other voluntary commitments to schools in Surrey.

“Over the past 18 months he ably supported Andrew and my trustee colleagues David and Kate through the EBP’s exciting transition to an independent charitable company. He has been a steady and always encouraging chairman, discretely but assuredly supporting the board and staff team.”