This marks an exciting milestone for Solutions for the Planet as the organisation expands its reach into Suffolk, creating new opportunities for young people to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the world of work.

Jen Muranda, CEO of Solutions for the Planet said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Believ to the Big Ideas Programme family as we expand into Suffolk for the first time. The strongest partnerships are built on shared values, and from the outset it was clear that Believ shares our passion for inspiring and empowering young people. Their commitment to mentoring students, championing innovation and investing in future generations makes them a natural fit for the programme. Together, we’re creating opportunities for young people to develop the skills, confidence and ambition they need to realise their potential and become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

Guy Bartlett, CEO at Believ, says: “Across the business, we are thrilled to partner with Solutions for the Planet to bring the Big Ideas Programme to Suffolk for the first time. At Believ, we know that creating cleaner air and a more sustainable future depends not only on our actions today in terms of cleaner transport and reducing emissions, but also on the people and the ideas that shape tomorrow.

“Our mentors are excited to support young people across Suffolk, and to see the positive impact their ideas can have on their schools, communities and the future”

What is the Big Ideas Programme?

The Big Ideas Programme is a student innovation and enterprise programme delivered by Solutions for the Planet. It empowers young people to identify issues affecting their communities and the wider world, before developing creative, sustainable solutions that can make a positive difference.

Through workshops, mentoring and entrepreneurial learning, students develop skills including:

• Problem-solving
• Communication and presentation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Leadership and resilience
• Innovation and creative thinking
• Sustainability awareness

The programme enables young people to build confidence in their own ideas while gaining a deeper understanding of how innovation, enterprise and responsible business can create positive change.

How Believ Will Support Suffolk Students

As Solutions for the Planet’s newest business partner, Believ will play a central role in supporting students throughout the programme.

Believ employees will act as volunteer mentors, sharing their expertise, experiences and career journeys with participating students. Through regular engagement, mentors will help students develop confidence, strengthen their ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them beyond the classroom.

The mentoring aspect of the programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment, providing young people with access to professional role models who can inspire, encourage and challenge them to think bigger.

Investing in Future Skills

With employers increasingly seeking skills such as creativity, communication, adaptability and problem-solving, programmes that connect young people with the workplace have never been more important.

The Big Ideas Programme gives students the opportunity to develop these essential skills through hands-on, project-based learning, while mentoring from Believ employees provides valuable real-world context and inspiration.

Together, Solutions for the Planet and Believ are helping young people build the confidence, capabilities and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in the future.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Big Ideas Programme in Suffolk is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Solutions for the Planet.

We are delighted to welcome Believ as a business partner and look forward to seeing the impact this collaboration will have on students, schools and communities across the county over the coming year.

By investing in young people today, we can help create the innovators, leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.