ENTREPRENEUR INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS AT BETHANY SCHOOL

Kent businessman Chris Maslin, a seasoned entrepreneur known for his success in building service-based businesses, concludes another academic year of supporting Bethany School’s Young Enterprise initiative in his home county.

Chris started his own accountancy firm, Maslins, in 2009, and opted to start to exit via an employee ownership trust. When he took a step back from the business in 2021, he transferred most of the company’s shares to that trust. Finding the outcome very satisfying, he went on to establish Go EO, which exists to help other businesses transition to become EO organisations.

In 2016, motivated initially by peers already involved in the program, Chris found himself drawn to the idea of mentoring young students in the fundamentals of business.

Young Enterprise is a charity that collaborates with young people, teachers, parents, businesses, and influencers to foster a prosperous and enduring future for youth and society overall.

Their practical employability, enterprise, and financial education initiatives, along with resources and teacher training, strive to combat youth unemployment, unlock young people's potential beyond academics, and empower a generation to thrive in learning, work, and life.

Francie Healy, Headmaster at Bethany School, is an advocate of the scheme “Bethany has offered the Young Enterprise scheme for decades. Since 1995, 575 “achievers” have taken part - it’s always been a very popular and successful scheme. Young Enterprise helps prepare our pupils for the competitive commercial world very well indeed with many invaluable life skills learned along the way.”

Integral to the scheme at Bethany School is Anthony Kahn, who is the Head of Student Enterprise & Business Studies.

“I think the scheme is great because it gives pupils real world, practical business experience to complement the theory they learn in academic studies. We offer it to our Year 12 pupils as an optional extra-curricular activity.”

Chris said "It’s great to see the pupils get a real introduction to what being in business is like. It is a joy to see them brainstorming innovative ideas, dreaming of huge profits, finding and selling to real customers as well as witnesses the occasional struggles between team members.

“Running a business is difficult, and I’m sure it’s invaluable experience for them, that will help them in later careers.”

Chris, whose formal training is in accounting, brings a pragmatic approach to mentoring. He emphasises the importance of accurate financial management and proactive initiative in achieving business goals.

Throughout his involvement, Chris says he finds attending competitions particularly rewarding. Not only does Bethany School showcase its achievements, but Chris also gains insight into the accomplishments of other local schools' businesses.

"I'm often impressed at how professional some of what they produce is. Equally when the Bethany students get a buzz from what they've achieved, that's also great to see!"

In addition to his personal involvement, Chris acknowledges the contributions of his colleagues at Maslins, who have supported the program both financially and with their expertise. Their commitment reflects a broader community effort to enrich educational experiences and prepare students for future endeavours in business.

"I do like to think I help in a small way to inspire some of those students. Possibly to actually start their own business, but most will end up working as part of a team in bigger businesses. Either way, Young Enterprise encouraging them to actually come up with ideas, make or deliver products or services, and sell them, will be great experience."

As the academic year draws to a close, Bethany School and its Young Enterprise participants reflect on another successful term, buoyed by the support of dedicated volunteers like Chris.

Chris’s company, Go EO, which helps other businesses transition to employee-ownership, can be found here: https://goeo.uk