In a powerful demonstration of social entrepreneurship's potential, We Speak has emerged as a transformative force tackling one of humanity's most common fears: public speaking. At the heart of this success story lies the Investec Beyond Business programme, which has redefined how major financial institutions can support truly sustainable initiatives.
From Personal Anxiety to National Impact
Laura North, founder of We Speak, never imagined her childhood dread of addressing audiences would evolve into a nationwide movement. What began as personal anxiety has blossomed into a business that empowers young people from underrepresented backgrounds to find their voice.
Since winning the Investec Beyond Business programme in 2019, We Speak has dramatically exceeded its early expectations. The social enterprise has transformed the speaking confidence of nearly 1,500 students and expanded its reach from its East London origins across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The organisation's model revolves around four-week programmes where participants learn confident communication skills, supported by a unique network of dedicated mentors. The benefits extend beyond individual students to their communities and businesses seeking authentic, assured talent.
More Than Just Funding: The Investec Approach
Investec's commitment to sustainability goes beyond standalone projects or report mentions – it's embedded in their philosophy of 'creating enduring worth.' The Beyond Business programme was designed to do much more than write cheques.
The programme incubates social entrepreneurs' ideas, nurtures growth through expertise and mentorship, and provides crucial funding. For We Speak, this comprehensive support has meant the difference between merely surviving and genuinely thriving.
Laura North attributes her company's transformation partly to Investec's inclusive and 'out of the ordinary' culture, which defines their mentor networks. "Each Investec mentor creates a judgement-free environment that allows students who are low in confidence to grow and thrive," she explains.
Measurable Results and Pandemic Resilience
The partnership's effectiveness is demonstrated by impressive statistics. Since 2019, 135 Investec mentors have worked with over 400 students, boosting confidence levels by an average of 42 percent.
When the global pandemic threatened to derail the entire project, with lockdowns ending programmes overnight, We Speak demonstrated remarkable resilience. The organisation pivoted to an online model, actually increasing the number of students it could reach during this critical period.
Today, the initiative's success is amplified by We Speak alumni returning as facilitators, creating a virtuous cycle where every new voice strengthens the platform for future participants.
The broader impact of Investec's support is equally impressive. To date, 68 enterprises have launched with Investec's backing, collectively creating over 400 jobs and generating a ripple effect felt across east London. This year, the programme reported its highest number of applications ever.
This collaboration between economic and social values addresses fundamental challenges to self-expression, contributing directly to enhanced employability, increased social mobility, and more resilient communities. We Speak stands as not only a successful entrepreneurship example but as a social enterprise fostering greater equity and cohesion nationwide.
More than five years after North entered the IBB programme, Investec continues leveraging the business of finance as an engine for inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. When banks blend capital, mentorship, and commitment to sustainable change, the results speak for themselves – and East London, along with the many voices that call it home, will never sound the same.
