Why I’m Creating Joining the Dots

Bridging the gap between the world of work and young people

I’ve spent over 25 years working with businesses, particularly SMEs in manufacturing, engineering and industry, both here in the UK and internationally.

But the idea behind Joining the Dots starts much closer to home.

I grew up in the High Peak and went to New Mills School, one of the schools I'm hoping to support in the Joining the Dots pilot. Like many young people at the time, I experienced first-hand how limited careers guidance could be. I was encouraged down the traditional route of A-levels and university, with very little opportunity to explore what else might be possible.

If I had my time again, I’m not sure I would make exactly the same choices, not because they were wrong, but because I simply didn’t know what other doors were open to me.

Little did I know that my first work experience placement, at Street Crane, would be the starting point for a career that took me far beyond anything I imagined at that age.

I went on to build a successful international corporate career in the steel industry, living in France and eventually becoming Head of Communications, responsible for communications and marketing across more than 350 steel processing sites around the world.

That journey taught me something powerful.

There is no single “right” path.
And opportunity often appears in places we’re never shown at school.

More than ten years ago, I founded LRComms, and since then I’ve worked alongside hundreds of SME leaders and in-house teams as a strategic communications consultant, coach and non-executive director. I’m also a best-selling author, sharing practical insight to help small businesses grow with clarity, confidence and purpose.

That experience has given me a front-row seat to a growing challenge.

Our UK small business and manufacturing community is full of incredible people, skills and opportunities, yet so many of these businesses remain the world’s best kept secret. Behind factory doors, workshops and offices sit careers that are interesting, rewarding and meaningful, but invisible to the next generation.

At the same time, the world of work is changing fast as we move further into the digital era.

Traditional, linear career paths are disappearing.
The skills gap is widening.

And young people are being asked to make life-shaping decisions without really understanding:

• what different jobs actually involve

• what opportunities exist locally

• or how many possibilities are open to them

I see this challenge from both sides.

I work with businesses who are struggling to attract the right people, worried about future skills, and frustrated that they can’t show the reality of what they do.

And I see young people who are curious, capable and full of potential, but lacking visibility, confidence and real-world context.

That disconnect is exactly why I created Joining the Dots.

Joining the Dots is about creating meaningful encounters, not polished career stories or outdated advice, but honest insight into real businesses, real roles and real journeys.

It’s about opening minds, sparking curiosity and helping young people see that the world really is their oyster, and that with the right mindset and opportunities, they can do anything they put their mind to.

It’s also about championing our UK SME and small business community, helping more businesses be seen, understood and valued, and creating a genuine desire for people to want to work there.

 This is my way of giving back, to the place I grew up, to the businesses I care deeply about, and to the next generation who deserve to see what’s possible.

That’s why Joining the Dots matters.

How Joining the Dots works

Joining the Dots is a simple, purpose-led digital platform that brings schools, young people and local businesses together in one place. Businesses share who they are, what they do and the roles and skills within their organisation, through real stories from real people.

Schools and young people can explore these insights, connect with local employers and take part in meaningful encounters, from talks and visits to mentoring and work experience, in a way that’s practical, flexible and easy to manage for everyone involved.

If you’d like to help bridge the gap between the world of work and young people, find out more here.

Get in touch today and let’s explore how you can get involved.