Eithne Devine-Hynes

Partnering for Good

One of the most rewarding aspects of preparing for The King’s Trust CEO Challenge has been seeing the support from the people and organisations that make our business community strong. Fundraising is often viewed as an individual effort, but the greatest impact comes when we bring partners, suppliers, colleagues, friends, and family together behind a shared cause.

In taking on this challenge, I’ve invited our valued partners and suppliers to support the fundraising effort through donations while also celebrating the strong relationships we have built over the years. In recognition of their generosity, I’ll be proudly wearing a specially branded event t-shirt featuring the logos of all our supporting partner companies.

A huge thank you goes to YRH Finance Partner, HCR Law, Postlethwaite, Hewitt Recruitment, PCC Jobs, and the London School of Digital Business for stepping forward and helping to make a difference. A shout out to Aston University too for getting behind me with their voice and influence. Their support demonstrates that successful business relationships are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to giving back and much more than simply commercial transactions.

Throughout the campaign, I’ll be celebrating these partnerships across social media, highlighting the organisations that have chosen to support this important cause and showcasing the power of businesses working together for positive social impact.

Beyond the business community, I’m grateful for the encouragement and generosity shown by family and friends. It has been a pleasure to further some friendships through scrambling up Slieve Bearnagh, the steepest peak in the Mourne Mountains, or cycling down and back up the Ards peninsula, stretching the distance each time.

The support of DeltaXignia and its founder, Robin La Fontaine has been especially important. Their belief in community, innovation, and making a meaningful contribution has been instrumental in helping me take part in this challenge.

We can achieve far more together than we ever could alone and together we are helping The King’s Trust to continue changing young lives by inspiring confidence and skill building in those who need a helping hand.

Malvern Hills

Preparing for The King’s Trust CEO Challenge

Training for The King’s Trust CEO Challenge has now begun in earnest, and it is already proving to be both demanding and deeply rewarding. Over the coming months, the focus is firmly on building endurance, resilience, and the mindset needed to take on what promises to be a significant personal challenge.

Weekends are increasingly dedicated to tackling the longest and most demanding walks I can find. The training route list for the summer includes two iconic destinations: the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire and the magnificent Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. Both offer the kind of steep climbs, changing terrain, and unpredictable conditions that mirror the spirit of the challenge itself. There is something incredibly grounding about spending hours outdoors, pushing through tiredness while surrounded by landscapes that remind you how small your own limits can be.

Cycling preparation is also ramping up considerably. My current comfortable saddle distance sits at around 35 kilometres, but the target is to build that up to approximately 70 kilometres over the coming months. Doubling endurance on the bike requires consistency, patience, and plenty of determination. Alongside the hiking and cycling, I am maintaining a regular routine of yoga and cardio fitness, including 5-kilometre treadmill runs, all designed to improve flexibility, stamina, and recovery.

While the physical preparation is important, one of the most inspiring moments so far was where I recently had the privilege of attending The King’s Trust 50th birthday celebration at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was an extraordinary evening and genuinely humbling to witness the impact this charity continues to have on young people across the UK and internationally.

The evening celebrated young people who have overcome enormous life challenges with courage, determination, and resilience through programmes supported by The King’s Trust. Hearing their stories was both emotional and uplifting. The Royal Albert Hall was packed to the rafters with familiar faces from across business, entertainment, and public life, all gathered to celebrate the achievements of others. In a world that feels dominated by negative headlines, the evening was a powerful reminder of the good that exists when people invest in one another. It was a genuine shot of positive humanity. What also stood out was the truly global nature of The King’s Trust. The organisation supports young people from every background, culture, and community, helping them build confidence, skills, and opportunities for the future.

If the fitness side of the challenge is demanding, the fundraising aspect is arguably even bigger. However, progress is being made, and the support received so far from DeltaXignia business partners, suppliers, colleagues, and friends has been both inspiring and reassuring. One unexpected highlight has been the opportunity to connect with our wider business and supplier community through a shared charitable purpose. Those conversations and partnerships have added a whole new dimension to the journey.

This challenge is about far more than physical endurance. It is about leadership, community, and creating opportunities for young people who deserve support and belief in their potential. The training continues, one hill, one ride, and one step at a time!

Tools for Tomorrow: Youth Employment and the Power of Ownership

Youth employment in the UK has become an increasingly pressing issue, reflecting both cyclical economic pressures and deeper structural shifts in the labour market. As of late 2025, youth unemployment remains elevated, with hundreds of thousands of young people aged 16–24 out of work and close to one million classified as not in employment, education or training (NEET). This signals a growing disconnect between education systems and accessible, meaningful employment pathways.

The current landscape is shaped by economic slowdown, reduced hiring, and the vulnerability of entry-level roles. Young people are often the first to be impacted during downturns, as they are more likely to be in temporary or lower-skilled positions. At the same time, technological change, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, is beginning to reshape the types of roles available. While AI is not yet the primary driver of youth unemployment, it is already narrowing traditional entry routes in sectors such as administration and junior digital roles, increasing the demand for higher-level and more adaptable skill sets.

As CEO of DeltaXignia, I see this not just as a labour market issue, but as a responsibility for business leadership. Our company culture is rooted in inclusion, long-term thinking, and creating meaningful opportunities. These are values that directly align with tackling youth unemployment. Through our CSR strategy, we are committed to supporting early talent pipelines, investing in skills development, and partnering with education and community organisations to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.

We recognise that businesses must play an active role in shaping the future workforce. That means not only hiring young people, but redesigning roles, providing mentorship, and embracing non-traditional career pathways. Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), like DeltaXignia, also have an important role to play in shaping a more hopeful future. By embedding employee voice and long-term stewardship into business models, EOTs tend to prioritise sustainable growth over short-term profit. This creates more stable working environments and a stronger commitment to investing in people, including young employees. EOT-owned organisations are well positioned to offer inclusive entry points, apprenticeships, and progression opportunities, as success is shared across the workforce rather than concentrated at the top.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of youth employment will depend on how effectively government, education, and industry collaborate. Models like EOTs, combined with responsible business leadership, offer a pathway toward a more inclusive and resilient economy. At DeltaXignia, we are committed to being part of that solution, ensuring that young people are not left behind as the world quickly evolves, but empowered to thrive within it.