Nearly six years working as a freelance journalist without a single permanent contract taught VideoHQ founder Hannah Quinn something the Alan Milburn report has now confirmed: for too many young people, the traditional route into work simply isn't there. In this blog, Hannah shares how self-employment — with the support of Launch It — turned that uncertainty into a thriving video production business of her own.

Launch It appoints Amber Wright as CEO. With nearly 20 years at the youth enterprise charity, Amber will lead efforts to support young entrepreneurs, tackle youth unemployment and increase social mobility across the UK.

More than one million young people in the UK are now not in education, employment or training (NEET), according to Alan Milburn’s Young People and Work: Interim Report. As concerns grow about youth unemployment and economic inactivity, Launch It believes entrepreneurship can play a vital role in helping young people develop skills, build confidence and create pathways into work and self-employment.