Young Enterprise is a national education charity, and an international member of Junior Achievement, which has been established for over 40 years. Young Enterprise is well known for its Company Programme, where students aged 15 – 19 set up and run their own company for a year in a safe and controlled environment. We now have programmes that span the age range from 5 to 25.

One of our guiding principles is to involve business volunteers and other appropriate volunteers to be involved in the delivery of all programmes. As a result of our significant volunteer base, the benefit that our funding supporters are able to achieve through Young Enterprise is multiplied many times.

What we do

Through our extensive network of volunteers, businesses and other supporters and staff, the Young Enterprise team in the East of England provide tens of thousands of young people every year with access to the range of enterprise education opportunities available from Young Enterprise.

Our mission

To inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Our Vision   

That all young people will have the opportunity to gain personal experience of how business works, understand the role it plays in providing employment and creating prosperity, and be inspired to improve their own prospects, and the competitiveness of the UK.

How we do it

The ten Guiding Principles by which we strive to run Young Enterprise at all levels, across the UK.

1. To offer young people irrespective of background and abilities the opportunity to participate in our programmes.
2. To help young people to develop the attitudes and skills for enterprise, personal success, lifelong learning and employability.
3. To deliver highly practical, activity based, enjoyable learning programmes which inspire young people and improve their understanding of the value and role of business.
4. To involve business volunteers and other appropriate volunteers to deliver all programmes, working in partnership with teachers/lecturers. Also, encouraging those involved to link their YE experience to their personal development, where appropriate.
5. To ensure that all programmes are of the highest standard, reflecting best current business practice, ethical behaviour and an awareness of business' responsibilities to their stakeholders including consumers and the community.
6. To establish and maintain quality standards in programme delivery.
7. To provide an appropriate form of accreditation of a participant's achievements in each programme.
8. To manage and support staff, volunteers and the organisation to the high standards demanded by Investors in People and models of excellence appropriate to a voluntary organisation.
9. To work in partnership with individuals and organisations to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of our activities.
10. To recognise the contribution made to the success of YE by volunteers, Teachers/Lecturers, funders, supporters, businesses and education.