“I was just a minority everywhere I went… but it’s like a superpower.” That was the empowering message from entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies MBE at this year’s Raise Up Youth Summit, an event that brought together young people and employers from across the Liverpool City Region to explore how collaboration can tackle youth unemployment and drive inclusive growth.
The summit, organised by Rise Construction Framework, a purpose-driven platform providing procurement services to the public sector, whose founder and director is Merseyside Woman of the Year 2014, Sara Lawton, sparked important conversations around employability, skills, and inclusion.
Held at Boxpark Liverpool, the summit brought together charity, TV, sport, and business sectors under one roof to champion social mobility and unlock opportunities for young people. The day featured thought-provoking discussions, fireside chats, and hands-on workshops designed to help young people build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
The event’s headline sponsor, Weightmans, also reaffirmed its commitment to social mobility yesterday, celebrating its 15th place ranking on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index – the firm’s highest-ever position.
Inspiring fireside chats with Sara Davies MBE, former England footballer and Football for Change co-chair Jamie Carragher, and BBC journalist Ashley John-Baptiste encouraged young people to embrace their individuality and see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to success. Sara’s message, that standing out can be a strength, was the mood music for a day focused entirely on empowerment and possibility.
Movement to Work CEO Sareena Bains also announced the launch of YouthPath Liverpool City Region – a new partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to tackle youth unemployment. The initiative will offer 16 to 30-year-olds not in education, employment or training the chance to gain skills, experience and confidence for the future.
The event featured a keynote address from Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council and LCRCA Portfolio Holder for Employment, Education and Skills, who urged employers across the region to invest in young people and create more opportunities for meaningful employment. Meanwhile, practical skills sessions delivered by Accenture, Microsoft and LinkedIn gave attendees valuable training in digital and AI tools to support their future employability.
Councillor Marion Atkinson said: “Events like Raise Up are vital in showing what can be achieved when we work together. The energy, creativity and determination shown by young people today proves that with the right support, they can drive the future success of our city region.”
Sareena Bains, CEO of Movement to Work, added: “The Raise Up summit has demonstrated the power of partnership in action. Employers across Liverpool City Region are stepping forward to make a difference, and we’re proud to support them in creating meaningful, lasting opportunities for young people.”
The summit closed with a call to action for employers across the city region to join the movement and help open doors for young people facing barriers to work.
For more information about YouthPath and how to get involved, visit:
movementtowork.com/youthpath-liverpool-city-region-combined-authority/
