B&Q future is bright with youth on board

A TEENAGER from Oldham has been involved in a “Young Apprentice”-style scheme with nationwide DIY retailer B&Q.

Jamie Taylor, from Lees, is one of only nine 16 to 18-year-olds selected to receive an amazing business mentoring opportunity with members of the B&Q board, which is seeking a young person’s perspective on some of the issues around sustainability the firm is facing.

The nine youngsters make up B&Q’s first ever youth board.

Jamie was mentored by operations director Damian McGloughlin at a time when research suggests that 23 per cent of young people aged 16 to 24 are depressed about their future.

Since their selection, the nine young people have been plunged into the business workings of the UK’s largest home improvement retailer alongside fun team-building sessions.

The group was set a sustainability-themed business challenge and asked to report back in a meeting at B&Q headquarters in Eastleigh.

The exercise is designed to mirror B&Q’s actual board and each youth board member has been twinned with a director.

Jamie, who works part-time at the Westhulme Way warehouse, said: “When I entered I never imagined I’d make it all the way, but you’ve got to be in it to win it.

“Since my appointment I have been able to see the different sides of the business.

“From my part-time role in the décor department on the shop floor I can see up the chain of command. Now, thanks to the youth board, I’m being given an insight into how the business works from the top.”

The culmination of the youth board’s work and their ideas will be presented to B&Q’s entire board in July.

Mr McGloughlin added: “At a time when it seems our young people are apprehensive of their future, both in terms of not having a voice and job prospects, the development of our youth board feels particularly rewarding.

“Young people have a huge amount to offer in terms of a current viewpoint and creative ideas so it is commercially viable to listen to them.”