Cambridge University Press backs ‘Business in Action’ campaign

Cambridge played host to an event to encourage more businesses to support local schools, as part of a national campaign by the charity Business in the Community.

The 'Business Class' education programme, designed to bring business expertise to secondary schools, was launched in Cambridge last November by the charity Business in the Community (BITC), Cambridge University Press, Dalehead Foods and Ridgeons.

Business Class aims to raise aspirations for schools and their pupils by building sustained, long-term partnerships between schools and experienced local business people. The businesses involved offer mentoring, work experience, advice, guidance and use of facilities.

The event this week, part of Business in the Community's national 'Business in Action' drive, called on more businesses in Cambridge to partner with local schools.

Heidi Mulvey, Head of Community Engagement at Cambridge University Press, said: "Although Business Class is a national scheme started in 2008, it is only a year old in Cambridge. Schools and the businesses involved already in Cambridge have both benefitted hugely in the last year, with really inspiring projects being worked on, and we would urge more local businesses to help support our local schools."

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community, said: "Business Class in Action aims to raise awareness of the pressing challenges faced by young people and the role that business must play to help tackle them at a time of record youth unemployment. Over 2,000 people will be taking part in events across the country this week, providing solutions and sharing practical examples of how business and schools are collaborating to boost pupil achievement and school performance. Business, government and schools have a joint responsibility to help create the workforces of the future and we encourage more businesses and schools to work together for the long-term."

Click here for more information on how Cambridge University Press supports its local communities.

Click here for more information on Business Class and Business in the Community.