A new advisory board set up Agent Academy, the not-for-profit sister enterprise of full-service marketing agency Agent, has held its first meeting.
Chaired by Simon Swan, the founder of Hiring Hub, the advisory board also includes CGI UK’s vice president consulting services Paul Buxton; redwigwam’s CEO Lorna Davidson; Everton FC’s head of equity and inclusion Ben Osu; and Dearbump’s head of brand and community Kat Jackson.
The advisory board’s key function is support Agent Academy as it delivers its goal of making sure that local talent has access to opportunities, regardless of where they started out in life.
Agent Academy director Zoe Wallace said: “Staying true to our purpose, being future-focused and responding to industry needs have been at the heart of Agent Academy’s success for over a decade.
“We’re committed to making sure our programmes are always industry-designed, equipping young people with the skills, experiences, and confidence to thrive in high-value creative, digital and tech careers.
“These careers are more than just jobs; they are catalysts for change, transforming lives, strengthening communities and driving economic growth in our region. Bringing together these industry leaders to advise, challenge and push us forward is an exciting and important next step.
“True partnership and collaboration have always been central to our approach and with their expertise, we can deepen our impact, expand our reach and unlock even greater opportunities for the next generation of talent in the North.”
Swan, who recently announced his departure from Manchester-based Hiring Hub after 14 years, said: “Having worked in the digital industry for decades, I’ve seen first-hand how difficult it can be for businesses to access diverse future talent.
At the same time, many young people in our communities can feel the industry is a locked door with no way to get afoot in.
“Coming from a non-traditional background into the tech industry myself, I understand the need to recognise talent that is often hidden in plain sight and the life-changing impact that recognition and opportunity can have.
“Agent Academy exists to break down barriers and I’m excited to work alongside my fellow board members and Agent Academy’s committed team to push forward and create even greater impact in the years ahead.”
In order to drive positive change the organisation has created a practical, industry-designed curriculum with real-life client briefs, which has so far empowered over 5,000 young people, with 72 per cent coming from underrepresented backgrounds.
Since its inception, the Academy has created an impact of £35m worth of salaries into the UK workforce, with over 500 North West companies growing as a result of the talent it has developed.
The board’s members will provide expert advice on strategic direction and initiatives as well as acting as ambassadors for Agent Academy, promoting its work and engaging with potential partners and growth opportunities.
The board will review results and drive innovation to maximise employment outcomes and social impact.
Agent Academy was founded in 2014 by Agent Marketing CEO, Paul Corcoran, who was included in BusinessCloud’s inaugural Northern Leaders list 2024.
Agent Academy works closely with partners such as Bruntwood, Electricity North West Progressive Energy, CGI, RHA and Everton FC to equip developing talent in the North West with the skills, knowledge and understanding businesses need.