London Rugby Lodge

A London Freemasons Charity grant of £10,000 has been given to the charity Launch It to support its new flagship hub in Angel Yard.  We caught up with this outstanding charity to find out more…

Launch It is a group of UK-based charities dedicated to empowering the next generation of business founders from diverse backgrounds and under-served communities. The charity provides affordable workspaces, tailored training, mentoring, access to funding and networking opportunities to meet both business and personal development needs.

Launch It’s core offering is a two-year incubation programme delivered from its enterprise hubs – previously underused spaces that the charity transforms into thriving community workspaces. So far, they’ve revitalised a disused row of shops in Paisley into Start-Up Street, converted former council offices on the Isle of Sheppey, and most recently, transformed an unused town hall in Stoke-on-Trent. Each of these now serves as a vibrant workspace and community hub for local makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

Since inception, Launch It has supported over 12,000 young people. In 2023, 88% of participants in their incubation programme achieved a positive outcome. Participants reported improved business skills; 75% credited the programme with helping develop key entrepreneurial competencies, and 69% said that the experience had improved their confidence. Launch It continues to refine its services to respond effectively to the needs of young entrepreneurs, building meaningful partnerships and lasting community impact.

The grant from the London Freemasons Charity will be used to support Launch It’s flagship hub in London, Angel Yard, by funding the vital role of a dedicated Enterprise Manager. Angel Yard is in the heart of Upper Edmonton, Enfield – one of London’s most diverse yet economically challenged areas. Previously disused garages on a council estate, the site has been transformed into an architect-designed hub for local entrepreneurs, freelancers, and start-ups.

The Enterprise Manager is key to the hub’s success; managing day-to-day operations and serving as a consistent source of one-to-one guidance, mentorship, and practical support for young entrepreneurs. Their role is instrumental in helping early-stage founders navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses, ensuring they have access to the advice, resources, and encouragement needed to succeed. This funding is crucial in maintaining the high level of support that makes Angel Yard a thriving centre for youth enterprise.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the London Freemasons Charity for their generous support”, says Pat Shelley, CEO of Launch It. “This funding ensures that the young founders we support at Angel Yard continue to receive dedicated expert guidance and hands-on support as they build and grow their businesses. With this backing, we can keep empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to break barriers and succeed”.

2025 is also a milestone year for Launch It, as it will be celebrating 25 years of empowering young founders to break barriers and thrive in entrepreneurship. On 11th September, Launch It will bring together young founders, partners, business leaders and policymakers from across the UK to highlight the positive impact of entrepreneurship and explore how to better support young people to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

The event will be hosted by leading business journalist, Naomi Kerbel, and supported by special guest speakers including Richard Farleigh (BBC Dragon, Angel Investor & Founder) and Emma Jones CBE (Small Business Commissioner), among others.

In line with this, Launch It is also launching its “25K for 25” Crowdfunder. Development Director Laura Symmons shared: “We’re excited to invite you to join us in our boldest fundraising campaign yet! With the support of partners, funders and the general public, we have helped over 12,000 underserved young people to start a business and build brighter futures over the last 25 years. Your donation can change so many lives, so power us up and kickstart our next 25 – to reach and support more young entrepreneurs shaping the future of enterprise in the UK.” 

Find out more & donate at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/launchit25for25

For more information on Launch It, please visit their website at: www.launchit.org.uk

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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