Our second #InTheCity event of 2026, Preston: Future Talent, took place in the recently (but not fully) opened Vault, Preston Youth Zone, bringing business owners, city leaders and those earlier in their careers together in an inspiring (and well-air conditioned) space.

This event was sponsored by IN4 Group by way of a donation to our hosts, Vault.

Vault Youth Zone 

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see inside the £12m purpose-built youth facility, which is part of the On-Side network, you may be surprised just how much they are able to offer young people.

Tim Jacques, CEO of Vault, explained to our members that the youth zone has been partially open since late March (waiting on final road works to be completed before fully operational), and already has more than £2k members accessing facilities such as:

• Boxing suit (where we were hosted)
• Kick Pitch
• Makers Zone 
• Music / DJ suite
• Climbing wall
• Sports Hall
• Health & wellbeing room
• Training Kitchen

Tim explained that the running costs are around £1.5m per year, an amount that is not covered by the £5 membership and 50p session fees. You can find out more about Vault and becoming a Founder Patron on their website.

AI Super Curriculum

Mo Isap OBE, guest speaker and CEO of IN4 Group, inspired the room with his insight into education outcomes, lifetime earning potential and real-life inequalities that are present in our communities and emphasized the importance of the business community in working with organisations such as the Youth Zone.

Mo introduced IN4’s AI Native Youth pilot programme, designed to disrupt the education system for young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) with AI apprenticeships. This government-backed programme focuses on AI literacy, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving, based on a recruit-train-employ model, with a Level 3 Digital Champion AI apprenticeship. 

What makes this model different is that IN4 take on all compliance and risk concerns from employers, removing barriers so that the young people can make an impact from day one.

This builds on IN4’s established MEGA HUbs, currently rolling out across every secondary school in Lancashire. 

You can find out more about the AI Native Youth Pilot on IN4’s website.

Building Preston’s Future: panel discussion

Mo joined panel host, Gaby Ingham, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Vault, and fellow panelists:

• Helen Wright, Training Manager, Westinghouse
• Martin Blunt, Head of Enterprise and Engagement Unit for the University of Lancashire

They discussed important themes such as:

• Developing & retaining future talent in the city
• Social capital and advocacy
• Preston’s economic case for change
• Future leadership
• Partnerships between business and youth organisations

Upcoming events

• 14 July Social Value Workshop with Stepnell
  • Join Preston Partnership and Stepnell for this exclusive workshop exploring social value, including common barriers and recent wins.
• 29 July Preston Partnership CoWorking Day at Society1 
• 29 July A new chapter for Avenham, guided netwalk.

Save the dates for our future quarterly events in 2026:

• 24 September
• 26 November

Join us for our summer quarterly panel event, Preston: Future Talent, sponsored by IN4 Group.

Given the focus of our event, this time we are asking our guests – business owners and senior leaders – to bring along someone from your team who is at an earlier stage in their career!

Our guest speaker, Mo Isap, will set the scene before joining our panel discussion – Building Preston’s Future – hosted by Gaby Ingham, Head of Fundraising and Communications Vault, Preston Youth Zone.

Our panel will include:

• Mo Isap OBE , CEO of IN4 Group
• Helen Wright, Training Manager, Westinghouse
• Martin Blunt, Head of Enterprise and Engagement Unit for the University of Lancashire

They will cover important themes such as:

• Developing & retaining future talent in the city
• The role we can all play in creating aspiration and opportunity
• Future leadership
• Connecting with young people and communities
• Partnerships between business and youth organisations

While you’re there, you’ll have the opportunity to network over hot drinks and breakfast foods with a room full of professionals, including business and public sector leaders.

As always, this event will be a great chance to keep up to date with what is happening in Preston.

There will also be an opportunity for a guided tour of Vault.

Space is limited so book your free ticket now. 

About our sponsor…

About IN4 Group:

IN4 Group is a leading international professional technology training and skills provider, with operations across the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Delivered through a proven regional blueprint, the Group unlocks the potential of local talent to drive sustainable productivity and prosperity for industry, communities, and the local Economy.

IN4’s AI and Data technology training offers a practical workforce development solution that enables employers to build capability and improve productivity and performance.

Its mission is to ensure fair access to technology futures, underpinned by its DNA: to humanise technology, create a connection to place, and maintain a culture of Belonging.

The Group comprises award-winning specialist training divisions with a portfolio of bespoke programmes, professional qualifications, and apprenticeships. It holds approved training provider status with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google, is ISO 9001 accredited, and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

To date, IN4 has worked with over 500 employers, engaged more than 2,000 schools and colleges, and upskilled over 6,000 people into tech jobs – 59% of whom are women and 37% from underrepresented groups. In the past three years alone, the Group has generated over £44m in social impact, including £25.3m in 2024 – a return of £3.88 for every £1 invested. This pedigree has enabled the Group to hold prestigious preferred provider status with regional and national governments.

Meet the panel:

Gaby Ingham is Head of Fundraising and Communications at Vault Youth Zone. She works with local businesses, partners and funders to secure investment and support that helps deliver high quality youth work for young people across Preston.

With a background in relationship management, business development and community engagement, Gaby focuses on building strong partnerships that directly contribute to expanding opportunities for young people. She plays a key role in growing awareness and support for Vault’s work, helping to ensure it continues to be a welcoming, accessible space where young people can develop skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Mo Isap OBE is the CEO of IN4 Group, headquartered at MediaCity, Salford. He is also founding director of Star Academies, trustee and board director of the Careers Enterprise Company, and Chair of the Lancashire Business Board.

With a 30-year career as a tech entrepreneur, Mo has launched and scaled several successful start-ups. In 1996, he scaled his first business, MPG, to become one of the UK’s largest independent document management companies, listed in the Financial Times 100 fastest-growing UK companies.

Latterly, Mo was Group Director at Hobs Plc. In four years, Hobs established itself as the UK’s leading prop-tech businesses, providing 3D technology solutions to the architectural, engineering and construction sector.

Mo was awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours list 2026 for services to education and skills. He was also awarded Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors in 2024. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Martin Blunt serves as the Head of the Enterprise and Engagement Unit at the University of Lancashire, where he leads a multidisciplinary team. Since graduating, Martin has dedicated his career to the learning, education and development sector. He has worked to improve teaching quality, ensure compliance, support businesses, and develop skills, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Martin builds networks and opportunities for businesses across the Northwest and nationally, offering tailored solutions for enterprises of all sizes.

He oversees a comprehensive range of services, including Degree Apprenticeships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Continuous Professional Development, Facilities, event space and Equipment, research, consultancy, and business incentives. Martin’s work drives knowledge exchange and supports businesses in accessing grants, ensuring impactful collaborations and sustainable growth.

Make sure you save the date for our upcoming events:

• 24 September
• 26 November

About Preston Partnership

Preston Partnership is a private sector led membership organisation. We bring together businesses and the public sector to help make Preston a prosperous city to live, work, visit and invest in.

Find out more and become a member: www.prestonpartnership.org

About Vault, Preston Youth Zone

We are Vault Youth Zone. We deliver life changing youth work and create opportunities for young people across Preston.

Vault is a world class space where young people from all backgrounds come together to explore their talents, build new skills and thrive. It belongs to them, designed around their needs, with support from passionate youth workers who are there every step of the way.

It is more than a building. It is a safe, welcoming environment where young people feel supported, valued and able to be themselves.

Through everything from workouts and kickabouts to mock interviews and hanging out with friends, young people build confidence, resilience and practical skills for life. They learn how to tackle challenges, solve problems and aim higher for their future.

Along the way they form positive relationships, grow in self belief and develop a real sense of belonging. These journeys take time, and we are here for all of it, supporting young people for the long term.