Due to Covid 19 restrictions, our students are unable to visit companies as they would of done in previous years. Business teacher Miss Picton organised an excellent alternative arranging a virtual Q&A session with the Chief Executive of YMCA Essex, Andy Drake. 

Our Sixth Formers asked Andy some great questions, including "how does the charity respond to pressure groups?" Daisie.L was interested to hear that YMCA's response is to try and tackle the issue before pressure groups demand change in the way large profit businesses can sometimes experience.  

Teodor.V said about the event "I liked the zoom meeting because it gave me an insight of how a not for profit business operates and how important the stakeholders really are." 

Jayden.H was inspired by Andy's comment that he "never gives up, no matter what he experiences in life." 

Finally, Danny.R was impressed with how much passion Andy has towards the charity.  

"Andy gave our students a valuable insight into the goals and vision of YMCA and how social enterprise can support economic growth and the needs of individual communities.  We are grateful to him for giving us his time to support our students." Gary Smith - Headteacher

For more information about the YMCA Essex please visit their website: http://www.ymcaessex.org.uk/