Alex Simmons, YE Alumnus

Alex Simmons

Now a successful DJ and Event promoter, Alex Simmons’ first business was a Young Enterprise company making CD clocks and running school events. Alex now credits his success as a young business man to the opportunities that Young Enterprise gave him:

 “''My school life was very interesting; I wasn’t your model pupil. From the age of 13 I went off the rails, I was a nice lad at heart but quite cheeky and school didn’t really give me any challenges.

''Young Enterprise is the only thing that got through to me and that says a lot about the Company Programme.  For some people it is actually the practical application that will get them through, I was never interested in reading, writing or listening to someone, because I thought I always knew more.  As soon as I got the opportunity to experience real responsibility and real challenges, I thrived on it.

“Having the chance to lead a Young Enterprise company taught me a hell of a lot about communications and about promotions which set me in good stead for what I do now.  The main thing I learnt was teamwork, and that I wasn’t always right.

''I am a very strong minded individual and I have always been the kind of person who thinks my way or the high way, what I learnt from Company Programme was that teamwork and listening to others is vital. Some people who might be a bit quiet still have good ideas and you have listen to where they are coming from. 

''Company Programme gave me real responsibility and the opportunity to prove to people and myself that I could make a difference, that my ideas are valid, credible and that they can work.

“''Young Enterprise is the sole reason that I am here today as a young business man.  I have done some silly things in my life, and have some big regrets, but if it wasn’t for Young Enterprise I would not be where I am today.''