SUMMIT Joins Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Patron Network

SUMMIT, the newly formed business from the merger of Forward Thinking and Latitude Marketing, has joined the Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Patron Network, making a donation to help raise aspirations and develop skills for local young people.

SUMMIT provides a powerful blend of business strategy and planning, backed by marketing strategy and creative implementation, offering clients a fully integrated, end-to-end solution. The 14-strong team is led by five directors, each with 25–35 years’ experience in their specialisms. Having “walked the walk” as business owners, SUMMIT brings real-world expertise and thousands of client instructions to every engagement.

By joining the Patron Network and supporting the Youth Zone financially, SUMMIT is helping to provide young people with safe spaces, mentoring, training, and opportunities to build confidence, skills, and future career pathways.

Andrew Henderson, Director at SUMMIT said:

“Supporting Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a natural extension of SUMMIT’s values. We want to help young people build their skills, confidence, and aspirations so they can achieve their full potential.”

Wayne Wild MBE, Chair at Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone added:

“We are delighted to welcome SUMMIT as a Patron. Their support helps us continue delivering vital opportunities that inspire young people to raise their aspirations and develop essential life and work skills. Our patron network is 80+ and growing and we couldn’t be prouder of connecting business leaders together in the local area”

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a modern, purpose-built facility for young people aged 5–19, and up to 25 for those needing employability support. It offers a wide range of programmes focused on skills, aspirations, and health and well-being. With the support of patrons like SUMMIT, the Youth Zone meets over £2.5 million in annual running costs, providing life-changing support to thousands of local young people — including free membership, free entry, and a free hot meal to all 5,000 members.

These partnerships unlock real collaboration — through the Youth Zone, businesses can inspire young people, develop talent, and help build the workforce of tomorrow.