A Dorset accountant has been recognised for his ‘outstanding’ contribution to inspiring the next generation of enterprising young people.
James Robinson was presented with a glass paperweight marking his ten years with Dorset Young Enterprise, a charity which empowers young people to harness their personal and business skills.
James, a Partner with chartered accountants and business advisers PKF Francis Clark, represents the firm on the Board of Dorset Young Enterprise and also the Career Ready programme at Poole High School.
He has been heavily involved with a range of initiatives and activities over the last decade, working closely with schools in the area.
James has also been a business adviser and judge for Young Enterprise’s annual company programme where students set up and run a real firm for a year under the guidance of a business volunteer.
“I’m proud to have started as an apprentice at the age of 18 and feel very strongly about the importance – and benefits – of working with young people,” said James.
“As a father-of-two, we not only owe it to our youngsters to introduce them to the world of work and bring out their interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills but it also makes good business sense.
“Being involved in Young Enterprise, and other initiatives introducing young people to the world of work, helps develop our existing team.
“While the students definitely get something out of their involvement with real businesses, we also get a lot out of it as a firm by putting something back into the community.
“It’s also a very good way of identifying new members of the team as well as showing that accountants can be very different from the stereotypical image. I’d recommend all employers to get involved,” said James.
James is also Chairman of the Nuffield Industrial Estate in Poole, a Council member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and on the steering committee of the Dorset Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster.