Solihull Chamber members join forces with new AI project
Two Solihull Chamber members have joined forces on a new project aimed at helping more young people build confidence, develop brighter futures and access employment opportunities.
Sport 4 Life UK and Vu Agency have launched an AI-powered digital improvement project designed to give the charity’s team more time and capacity to support young people across the West Midlands.
For a young person facing barriers to employment, progress can begin with someone listening, recognising their potential and helping them take the next step.
Sport 4 Life UK provides that personalised support through mentoring, qualifications, employability skills and connections with employers.
The project aims to strengthen the work behind those opportunities: reducing repetitive administration, making information easier to access and helping colleagues coordinate support and partnerships.
By improving how the charity works, the collaboration will support its ambition to reach more young people while maintaining the personal relationships at the heart of its approach.
Following a discovery process involving staff interviews and a review of existing processes, the partners have agreed initial priorities covering financial reporting and relationships with businesses and funders.
Further improvements will support marketing and people processes, with staff helping to shape and test the changes.
Rob Wells, chief operating officer at Sport 4 Life UK, said: “When a young person has lost confidence or cannot see a way into work, having someone who believes in them can make an enormous difference. Our ambition is to make that support available to more young people.
“That is the reason for this project. Time saved on repetitive administration creates capacity we can put towards our mission – supporting our team, building relationships with employers and opening doors for young people.
“We want technology to strengthen the human connections that make our work effective. Working with Vu gives us the opportunity to build stronger foundations for the next stage of our impact.”
Phil Webb, CEO & co-founder, Vu Agency, said: “What excites us about working with Sport 4 Life UK is the purpose behind the project.
“Every improvement needs to help the charity put more of its energy and resources into creating opportunities for young people. We’ve started by listening to the team and understanding where technology could make a practical difference.
“Our role is to make every day work easier and information more useful, helping their people focus on the work they do best.
“It’s a collaboration that shows how Chamber members can combine their expertise to support a shared ambition for their communities.”
Implementation will take place in stages, supported by staff training and feedback.
Progress will be assessed through time saved, improved information quality and easier coordination, with the wider ambition of strengthening the charity’s capacity to help young people move towards education, training and sustained employment.