LSEG by X-Forces_Enterprise

HARNESSING COMMUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

the power of partnership

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership Between LSEG and Enterprise For Life®

The Power of Partnership

Enterprise For Life (EfL), along with its subbrands X-Forces Enterprise, X-Emergency Services and Soldiering On Awards and Academy, immensely values the extraordinary partnership with the London Stock Exchange Group and its subsidiaries, including the wonderful LSEG Foundation.

This partnership is much more than a simple strategic alliance, but rather a heartfelt commitment to fostering economic empowerment and community development

The incredible support provided by LSEG and its Foundation enables EfL to extend its reach and deepen its impact, providing vital resources and valuable opportunities to entrepreneurs and small businesses This burgeoning partnership is a testament to the shared vision of creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where every individual has the chance to succeed and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Thanks to LSEG’s investment, entrepreneurs are provided with valuable networking and collaboration opportunities Through events, workshops, and mentorship programmes, entrepreneurs can connect with industry experts, potential investors, and other business

leaders - connections crucial for gaining insights, sharing best practice, and forming strategic partnerships. Fostering a collaborative environment helps to create a supportive ecosystem where small businesses can thrive

Invaluable Learning and Sustainability

LSEG provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with unparalleled access to capital markets and financial expertise. This renowned support in preparing businesses to be sustainable, robust, and economically viable is crucial for businesses looking to scale, allowing them to secure the necessary funding to expand operations, invest in innovation, and enter new markets. Futhermore, the learning and insights gained from LSEG are invaluable for EfL and its community

By integrating these principles into EfL’s training and development programmes, this partnership ensures that entrepreneurs are not only equipped to start their businesses but also to sustain and grow them in the long term while navigating the complexities of our society

This focus on sustainability and economic viability is essential for creating resilient businesses that can thrive in a competitive market.

This partnership is not just a strategic alliance but a heartfelt commitment to fostering economic empowerment and community development.

Promoting Social Value

LSEG and EfL share a commitment to creating social value and making a positive impact on communities Supporting the ambitions of small business owners and entrepreneurs contributes to economic empowerment and job creation, benefiting not only individual lives but extending into local communities.

With innovation and sustainability key focus areas for both the LSEG Foundation and EfL, and with social value at the very heart of the partnership, we align with the goals of so many small businesses that aim to make a difference in their communities while achieving business success.

By encouraging innovative thinking and sustainable business practices, the partnership helps small businesses to stay competitive, adapt to changing market conditions, and future-proof their operations. Innovation is key in driving long-term growth and addressing the evolving needs of the market, while also encouraging businesses are socially responsible

Tailored Support for Veterans

EfL has partnered with LSEG to offer specialised support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, delivered at their iconic headquarters in Paternoster Square Those in the Armed Forces community possess unique skills and experiences that are highly valuable, transferable, and sought after in the business world.

In working with LSEG, EfL ensures that personnel looking to transition into entrepreneurship or new careers can leverage their leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking skills to build a strong foundation for business success. The support of LSEG in delivering this provision and the inspiration delegates draw from this is extraordinarily important

The EfL Skills programme provides comprehensive training and development opportunities by covering a comprehensive and valuable array of topics, including business management, financial literacy, marketing, and more

Empowering Communities Through Skills Training

Enterprise For Life®is a unique organisation dedicated to empowering communities through enterprise and entrepreneurship learning. Its mission is to foster economic growth and personal development by providing essential skills training and social value projects. The organisation plays a crucial role in helping individuals to excel in their careers and entrepreneurial endeavours.

EFL and its directors have been instrumental in providing pathways for success, including transitioning from institutions such as frontline services, military, civil service, as well as those who have come from complex backgrounds, working closely with Home Office, Cabinet Office and Department of Business and Trade.

Collaboration and Building Social Value

Working closely with local communities to identify specific needs and develop targeted solutions, EfL is committed to creating social value through its projects Whether through educational initiatives, community development projects, or support for local businesses, the organisation strives to build stronger, more resilient societies with collaboration at the heart of the approach

Working with an extensive and diverse range of partners - including educational institutions, government, and the private sector - ensures that the initiatives are always delivered to the highest possible standard, with the beneficiary at the heart of the programme at all times This commitment to quality also ensures that new ways to address the evolving needs of the communities it serves are at the forefront, at all times

Using close connections and providing role models and success stories that inspire others raises aspirations in those who participate in EfL programmes.

By showcasing the achievements of individuals who have previously benefited, as well as senior role models from business, the organisation demonstrates what is possible with the right support and determination. This fosters a culture of ambition and self-belief for the individual, and also creates a wider community connected by the shared values of empowering people to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Empowering Communities Through Skills Training

EfL delivers people-centred solutions that address the unique needs of communities Through comprehensive skills training, the organisation equips individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce. This approach encompasses business management, financial literacy, marketing, and leadership and the holistic manner in which it is delivered ensures that participants are wellprepared to navigate the complexities of the business world.

One of the primary goals of EfL is to stimulate economic growth within communities through the lens of enterprise and the culture of entrepreneurship, helping to create new businesses and job opportunities. The ripple effect of this economic growth can lead to improved infrastructure, better educational facilities, and increased access to healthcare services EfL understands that needs differ at both an individual and community level, and to ensure that beneficiaries get the best out of support, the organisation offers targeted programmes that address a specific need.

Two of EfL’s most popular and efficacious initiatives are the Enterprise for Life Skills programme - for those progressing through career transitions - and the Connect to Innovate campaign, for students in higher education

Supporting Transitioning Military Personnel

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging process. EfL - through the X-Forces Enterprise brand - recognises the unique skills and experiences that military personnel bring to the table and provides tailored support to help them transition smoothly, which includes specialised training programmes that leverage their management, discipline, and strategic thinking skills.

Using mentorship and networking opportunities, the organisation helps veterans to find meaningful employment or start their own businesses.

Supporting Youth and Graduates

EfL places a strong emphasis on supporting young people graduating from universities The organisation has a coveted relationship with the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE) and Universities UK, a partnership instrumental in bridging the gap between education and employment and enhancing economic growth, while providing real opportunities for the young leaders of tomorrow

By bringing together esteemed institutions and individuals from universities, the private sector, and policy, EfL and its partner the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE) aim to drive entrepreneurial mindsets in higher education and bring out the entrepreneurial talent of graduates, ensuring they are equipped with knowledge needed to thrive in the modern economy [1]

Promoting Self-Employment

For those who aspire to be the masters of their own career destiny, EfL offers extensive support for self-employment. This includes guidance on business planning, access to funding, and ongoing mentorship, which enables individuals to turn their business ideas into reality.

Whether supporting transitioning military personnel, promoting self-employment, or enhancing employability, EfL is making a significant impact on the lives of many Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to social value, the organisation is helping to build stronger, more resilient and cohesive communities that are well-equipped not only to survive, but to thrive.

X-FORCES ENTERPRISE

X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) is the nation’s leading organisation for enterprise support to the military community in business XFE nurtures entrepreneurial ambition in the UK Armed Forces community by supporting start-up and scale-up businesses. It provides free training to the community (Service leavers, military spouses and partners, reservists, cadets and children of forces), and is the industry leader for enterprise training for the Ministry of Defence, as well as a recipient of the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support of the military family.

The over-riding aim of XFE is to provide members of the military family with the knowledge and information they need to make informed choices about their own selfemployment and business ownership journeys. As a social enterprise and community interest company, partnerships with military charities, government departments and commercial organisations are key in driving success

The graphic below offers an overview of how the community shapes XFE’s ability to deliver services to the highest standard.

Ren Kapur MBE and Richard Bearman - Managing Director of Small Business Lending at British Business Bank - celebrate the 3000th business to be supported by XFE with a Start Up Loan, underlining the organisation’s reputation as one of the nation’s top providers of microfinancing.

XFE deeply values its partnership with LSEG, recognising its significant role in empowering the Armed Forces community to thrive in selfemployment. This partnership is about more than business – it’s about building futures for those who have sacrificed so much for their nation Together, we provide the resources, training, and opportunities needed to unlock entrepreneurial potential in this community

Since 2015, XFE have been the Official Business Enterprise Trainer for the Ministry of Defence through the Career Transition Partnership, delivering Self-Employment Awareness and Enterprise training to Service Leavers across the UK We believe that involving spouses and family members in our programmes is crucial. Their unwavering support is often the foundation for entrepreneurial success, and empowering them alongside veterans creates a stronger, more united path to financial independence By nurturing the entire military family, XFE and LSEG are helping build resilient communities where ambition can flourish, and dreams can become reality.

Since 2013, we have been the appointed Armed Forces Community Business Support Partner for the Start Up Loans scheme, administered by the British Business Bank

XFE worked with Government to change policy and make funding accessible to the Armed Forces community unable to get traditional finance to make this possible.

Through our bespoke five phases of support, from discovery to ongoing support after securing a loan, we have changed lives In the years since XFE’s inception, we have supported over 10,000 people, helped launch over 3000 new businesses, delivered tens of thousands of hours of training, facilitated in excess of £30 million in seed funding through Start Up Loans, and influenced the major government policy changes for the betterment of our community [2]

The holistic approach we adopt - strengthened by our partnership with LSEG - ensures the military community has the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to succeed in entrepreneurship

We were extremely proud and privileged to have marked the special celebration of ten years of XFE’s support of military entrepreneurship at LSEG’s renowned market close, and in our eleventh year and beyond, this support to the community is only getting stronger [3]

SOLDIERING ON AWARDS

The Soldiering On Awards beautifully reflect our nation's commitment to our people in uniform, their families, our veterans, our reservists, and all of those who support them in the public, private, and third sectors.

Each year this event brings together all of these incredible people and organisations, with a shared purpose – so that we may express our gratitude, our admiration, and our sincere respect. The Awards tell the stories of our finalists’ altruism, endeavour, commitment, and outstanding achievement, representing the very best of both our Armed Forces community and of society itself

Now in their 14th year, the Soldiering On Awards are bigger and better than ever. Across diverse categories from business to healthcare, education to inclusivity, and beyond, 36 finalists are fittingly celebrated and recognised

Additionally, the Awards afford members of the Armed Forces community a crucial space for reconnecting with likeminded, familiar faces, while also offering opportunities for new connections.

By sharing stories and recognising achievement, the event reminds us every year of our common goals To quote the touching words of Mark Harding, the winner of the 2023 Inspiration Award: “It’s never about the awards; it’s all about the people.”

We are immensely proud to have LSEG Foundation as The Business Scale-Up Award partner, which looks to honour an individual or group of individuals linked with the Armed Forces Community who have started a successful new business venture more than two years ago and who still retain a minimum of 50% interest in the venture

Watch: Interview with Scale-Up Award winner Nick Orde-Powlett and Daniel Maguire.

‘

With the impact of Armed Forces community businesses continuing to grow across the country, the Business Scale-Up Award has never been more relevant or important. Congratulations to all this year’s entrants from the LSEG Foundation team - your entrepreneurial drive and innovation never fails to impress’. - Daniel Maguire, Group Head of LSEG Markets

Delivering Transformative Enterprise Skills to the Wounded, Injured, and Sick Cohort

With the launch of the brand-new Soldiering On Academy there will be renewed, bespoke provision for Wounded, Injured, and Sick veterans and their families who wish to rejoin the workforce

From 2015 to 2020, 282 Wounded, Injured, and Sick (WIS) veterans, service leavers, and their families were supported through a unique enterprise programme called Business Xperience, pioneered by XFE Affectionally classed as our platinum programme due to input on the materials from Help for Heroes, the training provided some attendees with the foundations needed for ‘lift off’ on their aspirations.

For others, it represented a vital lifeline at an extremely challenging time and built confidence, brick by brick, that enabled them to begin their journey to professional independence at a pace that worked for them. The profound efficacy of the course was felt both in career development terms and in the positive impact on well-being.

The Soldiering On Academy, delivered by XFE, will revive enterprise training for those economically inactive members of the Armed Forces community seeking to enter the workforce. Often, physical or mental health challenges can seem like a barrier to moving forwards in life and finding purpose

This programme will allow veterans and their families, who have given so much to their country, to have a fulfilling life after service. By focusing on lifelong enterprise skills, participants will be able to bridge the gap from economic inactivity to flexible futures

The bespoke course content is designed to build confidence and foster an understanding of different sectors. Using the construct of a business, students will learn foundational skills and gain an understanding of how businesses work

This knowledge – coupled with XFE’s ongoing support and mentoring - can be harnessed to improve the trajectory of their career pathways, whether they choose to go into employment, a portfolio career, or self-employment

The importance of XFE’s structured support for WIS veterans is underlined by a previous beneficiary, John Geden, founder of Sinah Common Honey:

“XFE will help you consider your fledgling idea in forensic detail and make you focus and ask yourself difficult questions It seemed that whenever I suffered a crisis of confidence there was someone there with a sensible answer at the end of the phone.”

Prof Gary Packham, Pro Vice Chancellor Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Anglia Ruskin University, commented:

“Enterprise skills are empowering, fuel creativity, and can help realise ambitions. For the Wounded, Injured, and Sick cohort, these skills – delivered through the Soldiering On Academy – could be transformative, and pave the way back into the workforce

“With the track record of X-Forces Enterprise in this arena, beneficiaries will be guaranteed not only high calibre training but a holistic approach that is tailored to their needs ”

CADETS IN ENTERPRISE

Connecting Cadets with the World of Business

A major focus of our commitment to supporting enterprise and entrepreneurship skills over the years has been on the nation’s youth, in particular members of the Cadet forces

While the core Cadet activities foster social interaction, develop essential teamwork and leadership skills among young people, it is important to equip them with a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape, careers, and opportunities across a variety of industry sectors This is where the EfL Cadets in Enterprise programme makes its profound impact.

Enterprise skills empower Cadets through essential competencies needed to thrive in today's dynamic job market Understanding concepts such as supply and demand and budgeting, instils a mindset of resourcefulness and adaptability This enables them to define their interests and strengths, paving the way for a fulfilling career path aligned with their passions and aspirations.

Integrating enterprise skills into Cadet training emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and professional development In today's rapidly evolving economy, individuals must possess a growth mindset and continuously acquire new skills to remain competitive Additionally, enterprise skills complement their role as future leaders and contributors to society. By cultivating traits such as stakeholder engagement, financial planning, and effective communications, Cadets are better equipped to tackle complex challenges and make meaningful contributions in their future endeavours.

LSEG: Hosts of the Cadet Graduation

The iconic setting of the London Stock Exchange is the perfect location for the Cadets graduation The Exchange is synonymous with British business and entrepreneurial endeavour, and is also an integral part of the educational experience from which these young people can benefit.

The Exchange is synonymous with British business and entrepreneurial endeavour, and is also an integral part of the educational experience from which these young people can benefit.

The latest programme - which took place in September 2024 - saw Army and RAF Cadets tasked with creating a venture that considered digital skills and net-zero The hands-on group learning approach meant that by the end of the day they had the foundations of what is needed for a business not only to survive but thrive

It is testament to the validity and efficacy of the programme - coupled with the support of LSEG - that the Cadets fully embraced each task and absorbed themselves in their creative business plans, exploring aspects such as digital and traditional marketing communications and finance management. While the social value of these programmes is inarguable, it is important to remember that they are helping shape the leaders of tomorrow

“The course helped me understand that to achieve my dreams I need a plan, and that includes a financial plan!”

“I considered the things that are important to me and how to budget for them in order to live independently”

“I’ve always thought I would want to go into business but I now have a better idea what that would involve, including the challenges Before it was just an idea.”

“We realised that before spending to produce a product we needed to think about how many customers we might get and how much they might be prepared to pay!”

CONCLUSION

CEO and Founder, Ren Kapur MBE

Ren Kapur MBE is a distinguished social entrepreneur and business consultant, renowned for her extensive work in supporting individuals and communities to achieve their potential.

As the Founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise, she has dedicated her career to entrepreneurship, particularly within the Armed Forces community Her efforts have earned her an MBE for services to entrepreneurship.

Early Life and Cultural Influence

Ren Kapur’s journey is deeply rooted in her cultural upbringing, which instilled in her a strong sense of community and a desire to ensure that no one is marginalised. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those who were often overlooked by society. This experience fuelled her passion for creating opportunities and building confidence in others

She believes that as a progressive nation, there are ample opportunities available; they just need to be discovered and embraced.This belief has become a cornerstone of her life’s work, driving her to bring like-minded people together to support one another

Professional Journey and Achievements

Ren’s professional journey began with a focus on enterprise learning. In 2009, she was appointed by the Secretary of State for Education as the national champion for Business, Admin, and Finance This role involved working with the FTSE 500 to establish a task force aimed at enabling young people to prosper through collaboration between the education and private sectors.

In 2013, Ren Kapur MBE saw a need The Armed Forces community was facing a tough transition, with many personnel moving to civilian life amidst economic challenges. This inspired Ren to create XFE, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to supporting this community

The Birth of XFE

XFE was born out of collaboration with key players like the Confederation of British Service and Ex-Service Organisations (Cobseo). The goal? To work together without competition, ensuring the best outcomes for the Armed Forces community This approach has made XFE a trusted name, known for high-impact projects and real results.

Our Mission and Impact

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At XFE, we focus on four main groups: beneficiaries, third sector organisations, big businesses, and government departments By bringing these groups together, we create powerful projects that support entrepreneurship and business ownership within the Armed Forces community Over the past 11 years, XFE has grown from a small organisation to one making a big impact, showing how our model can benefit other communities too

The Birth of XFE

Our Mission and Impact