Building Momentum at the IAPS Annual Conference in Brighton

September’s IAPS Annual Conference in Brighton was more than a diary date for us, it became a defining moment in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy journey.

Over a few energising days, we found ourselves in conversations that went beyond programmes and policies, into something deeper: a shared recognition that young people need different skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The atmosphere was full of curiosity, openness and momentum and it culminated in an unexpected opportunity...

We were invited by Global’s LBC News to share YEA’s perspective on Peter Kyle’s call for more entrepreneurial spirit among students across the UK. It was a powerful reminder that this conversation isn’t happening on the fringes anymore, it’s moving firmly into the mainstream.

A Clear Signal from School Leaders

We arrived in Brighton with a simple goal: to engage at least 100 Heads in conversations about our Basics of Business: Beginner to Boss programme. But by the end of the conference, not only had we exceeded our target, but demand had outpaced capacity. School leaders were eager to explore how entrepreneurial thinking could be embedded meaningfully and accessibly within their settings, not as an “extra”, but as an essential part of preparing pupils for life beyond the classroom.

The message was consistent and clear: schools are actively looking for ways to equip young people with confidence, creativity, problem-solving and real-world understanding and they want support to do it well.

Championing Every Type of Learner

One of the most resonant moments of the conference came from Alex Partridge’s session on thriving with ADHD. His talk struck a chord - not just because of its honesty, but because it reflected something we see every day in several YEA learners.

Many young people who flourish through entrepreneurial learning are neurodiverse. They bring originality, unconventional thinking and bold ideas, qualities that don’t always fit neatly into traditional educational structures, but are invaluable in entrepreneurship.

At the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every young person, whatever their learning style, strengths or starting point, has access to tools that help them harness their potential and turn ideas into opportunities.

Momentum That Continues

The conference may now be a few weeks behind us, but the energy it generated is very much alive.

When educators, school leaders, community and organisations come together with a shared purpose, meaningful change can happen. The conversations started in Brighton are continuing, and the appetite for entrepreneurial education is only growing.

If you’d like to explore how the Young Entrepreneurs Academy can support learners in your school, or if you know a young person who would thrive through entrepreneurial learning, we’d love to hear from you.

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