Some days stand out more than others, and this was certainly one of them. Set against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace, the Garden Party brought together volunteers, community leaders and guests from across the UK to celebrate their contributions. With a mixture of sunshine, rain and plenty of familiar faces, it was an unforgettable occasion. Highlights included spotting a number of well-known personalities and even having the opportunity to meet His Majesty The King – a moment to be remembered for many years to come.

While the Palace invitation was a wonderful honour, the greatest reward has always been the opportunity to work alongside talented young entrepreneurs. Over the years, mentorship has supported individuals from a wide range of industries, including wedding photography, beauty and wellness, creative agencies, equality, diversity and inclusion consultancy, and the music industry. Watching people transform an idea into a thriving business, overcome challenges and build confidence in their abilities is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the mentoring journey.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving innovation, creating opportunities and strengthening communities. Supporting emerging business owners through mentorship is one small way of helping that happen. After almost 20 years of volunteering, there is still enormous satisfaction in seeing new ventures succeed and ambitious individuals realise their potential. The experience has been both inspiring and rewarding, and there is every hope that the next 20 years of the King’s Trust mentorship scheme will bring just as many opportunities to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.