SAY HELLO TO TEAM LAUNCH IT
The wonderful team working behind the scenes, guiding young entrepreneurs through out their business journeys.
PAT SHELLEY
Chief Executive Officer
I spent 25 years in Local Government working in Portsmouth, Stoke-on-Trent, and London. During this time, I managed a range of services for young people including youth, Connexions, targeted youth support and teenage pregnancy services. My last position was as Strategic Manager (Assistant Director) for Young People’s Services with Southwark Council in London.
After taking voluntary redundancy I moved into the voluntary sector as CEO for Launch It and have been busy moving Launch It from a London based organisation to one which is expanding across the country. I have a passion for working with and developing opportunities for young people, particularly those who are dealing with social or economic challenges as I have lived experience of facing these challenges myself.
In my spare time I like to take my Cocker Spaniel, Arnold, out walking, going for a run, and watching Brentford FC win (occasionally!)
LIANNE CARR-WYLLIE
Enterprise Manager, Dundee
I grew up in the St Mary’s area of the city. After leaving school I studied music performance before spending 15 years managing a busy jewellers in the city.
My passions outside of work are singing & performing in a local band, teaching singing to kids, and running my own Princess Party Business.
I joined Launch It Dundee in 2019 and find the charity so inspiring as we get to meet and help support young talented individuals with bright futures ahead of them.
When I was younger I would have loved to have been part of the Launch it Programme, I think I would have liked to have had my own recording studio!
I also likes chilling when I can with my husband Paul, daughter Mia and two Persian cats Coco and Snowball.
JULIAN ALLEN
Enterprise Manager, Neasden
A proactive problem-solver who works well under pressure. Good at prioritising tasks, organised and creative. Firm believer in “what can be done today should not be put off until tomorrow”. I am a self- driven individual who always sees tasks through. Personal achievement makes me proud, driven and determined to achieve more.
After taking voluntary redundancy from the local authority, as a Youth Development Officer for 10 plus years, I’ve been on a few business ventures of my own. This has ranged from setting up and running an Alternative Schools Provision, being apart of a voluntary sector Educational Welfare company and growing my own logistics company.
I am equally passionate about working with young people, as I am about business and creating your own opportunities. Being apart of Launch IT has enabled me to combine the two.
I enjoy socialising, spending quality time with family and friends. I have a lust for motorcycles and find adrenaline rush activities highly fulfilling. My happiness derives from making others smile and enjoy entertaining. In my spare time I often organise social events, I also have a great passion for renovation and DIY.
BECCA MCEWAN
Enterprise Manager, Paisley
Growing up in Paisley, I have seen the growth of our community and I'm looking forward to it's exciting future ahead. I graduated university with a BSC(hons) in Psychology whilst volunteering with Young Enterprise. I have a passion for working with young people, helping them to remove their barriers and develop both personally and professionally.
I was hired as a Youth Development Coordinator of a charity Ski Slope in East Ayrshire to help disengaged young people reach their positive destinations whether that be education, training or employment. This role expanded to working with disadvantaged parents and ESOL families in the area. I additionally gained qualification in business advisory to be able to help people follow their passion.
Working for Launch It, and managing Paisley's Start Up Street is a unique and exciting opportunity to combine my passion for business and working with young people in my home town.
Outside the centre, I love to spend time with my loved ones and going to the gym.
CLIFFORD DOBBS
Area Manager, North London
At Launch It, each day is a learning curve and a day to make a difference to someone setting up in business. I previously worked for myself, and I have also been involved with community cohesion resulting in building my own home. The lessons I learnt were teamwork, discipline, determination and overcoming obstacles to achieve your goals.
My role is managing the smooth running of our workspaces and providing a comprehensive business support package. I am level 5 Sfedi qualified in Professional Business and Enterprise Support and received an Enterprise Life Achievement and Professional Recognition Award in 2019 for my contribution to small businesses.
My interests are cooking, reading, going to the cinema and keeping healthy; I run 3 times a week. I am also an avid Arsenal supporter!
LAURA SYMMONS
Development Director, London
I am passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people. I previously worked as a music leader in schools, pupil referral units and at a youth music charity. There, I delivered sessions on music production and the music industry as part of a foundation degree course, in partnership with Westminster University. Simultaneously, I was working as a session musician and songwriter, touring the UK and Europe.
I started with Launch It in 2016 and really enjoy seeing the creativity and passion of our entrepreneurs.
When I’m not working, I’m a mum who also writes songs and goes cold water swimming!
GEMMA BOURNE
Enterprise Manager, Stoke-on-Trent
I’m Gemma Bourne, and I’m proud to say I was born and bred in Stoke-on-Trent. Growing up with a self-employed father in the pottery industry, I developed a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship and the dedication that goes into running a business. After studying A-levels, I began my 23-year career at NatWest Bank, where I had the privilege of supporting entrepreneurs in Business Banking across Staffordshire.
Over the past six years at NatWest, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the Enterprise Team, collaborating with key local organisations such as the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, The Prince's Trust, Staffordshire University, and Keele University.
One of my proudest achievements during this time has been developing and running the Boosting Women in Business Programme, which has supported over 100 women in Staffordshire to regain their confidence and start their own businesses.
I’m now excited to be the Enterprise Manager for Launch It in Stoke-on-Trent, where I’m focused on helping the next generation of entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. I’m passionate about supporting local businesses and making a lasting impact on my community, and I’m thrilled to continue this journey of empowerment and growth.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to my daughter, Sophie, who’s a Ballroom and Latin dancer, and my son, Jenson, who is football mad! Family time is important to me, and I love supporting them in their activities. I also enjoy taking our dog, Buddy, on walks in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, which is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature.
ED MONTALBAN
Marketing & Communications Manager
I’m the happiest when I can put a smile on people’s faces; when I’m able to bring a little creativity and positivity. I think kindness is the most beautiful thing.
As marketing and communications manager, I intend to bring just that along with the learnings and experiences I’ve had from more than a decade of working with brands such as Coca-Cola, Sony, Toyota and others, as account management lead in various multinational ad agencies. Before Launch It, I worked in a migrant support charity when I moved to London in 2021 after making the decision to re-align my career path from corporate to non-profit, with the hopes of being able to make greater, more meaningful impact on people and communities.
I spent most of my life in the Philippines where I grew up and enjoyed many summers under the sun (also, the most pristine beaches one can ever imagine). I lived in Singapore for three years before moving here in London where I worked as Regional Digital Project Lead for an ad agency building campaigns for a global FMCG brand's Asia Pacific & ANZ markets. Needless to say, both places are now home to me too.
I’m a loud and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, husband to the loveliest human I know, a writer, vocalist and drag artist, performing in queer spaces around town. I do my best to use my voice to help educate, fight inequalities and eradicate hate of all forms.
ESTHER BERRY
Enterprise Manager, Tottenham
With a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership which provides me with CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status as well as leading on a variety of community events & projects, I have always been a natural leader.
Having also studied elements of project management, business planning & analysis and data analysis, I have always had an interest in business, especially as it relates to planning and analysis of data such as trends and the way this can be used to see how a business is doing and where it may need to improve.
This matched with a natural flair for creativity what with having interest in the arts.
Consequently, led me to starting my own business in design and branding for individuals, events & organisations. Eventually leading me onto additionally, developing a Woman's Business Coaching Service. With particular focus on margalinised woman who may not otherwise have access to the resources needed to get into business. In particularly because, as a Black Woman myself I have experienced & overcome certain barriers in business, therefore i am passionate about supporting and developing others to do the same.
To which all the above has led me and informs my role as Enterprise Manager with Launch It. I am very excited to be part of the team and enjoy being part of empowering up & coming entrepreneurs to thrive in business!
In my spare time I enjoy socialising with family & friends, in particular restaurants & the theatre! I also try to attend the gym where possible.
SARAH HILL
Administrator
Sarah is an administrator, access support worker and practising artist. She studied BA and MA Fine Art at University of the Arts London. Before joining Launch It in February 2022, she worked in admin roles at UAL, a solicitor's firm, and the disability arts charity sector. She is passionate about accessibility, as being neurodivergent is a big part of her identity, and is especially keen to support clients with neurodivergence and invisible health conditions.
At work, she takes great interest in supporting monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, signposting young people to various opportunities, and assisting the staff team the best she can.
Sarah has supported the Launch It virtual Next Generation programmes and is based in our London centres.
AMBER WRIGHT
Development Director
In 2008, I joined Launch It as an Enterprise Manager in Tottenham. During my time here, I have retrained in fundraising and am now undertaking the role of Development Director as we fulfil our strategic vision of starting more charities and centres across the UK.
I have always been interested in enterprise and used to run my own crew catering business. In 2006 I started working for the Princes’ Trust and found that I had a real passion for working with young people and in particular empowering young people to build a great life for themselves.
Out of work I am a busy mum of three and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle and socialising with friends and family.
ALISON ROBINSON
Finance Manager
I have been working with Launch It since the beginning of 2017. I am responsible for all of the financial management of the charity and also assist with advice on general business management to the Trust and their young entrepreneurs.
I also currently run the Money Matters Training for the Trust and provide on-going support to the businesses related to their accounting systems.
I am a Chartered Management Accountant and have worked in industry for over 20 years. For the last 15 years I have been running my own accountancy practice with my husband and a staff of 5. I deal with many different types of business and assist many new businesses in their first years. This experience means I am able to support the young entrepreneurs as well as the Trust with up to the minute information that I use for my other clients.
I am very passionate about the work of Launch It and the people they support.
When not working I enjoy cooking and traveling. I also enjoy spending time with my family of six men (including my husband and the cat!).