Alex Till, the CEO of MENTA and Chairman of the National Enterprise Network, is a figure synonymous with the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the UK’s economic development. His is a dual role that sees him cover an impressive 98% of the country’s economic development work for pre-start startups and micro businesses.
Till’s journey is as diverse as the businesses he champions and he has always been drawn to exploring opportunities for community and business support. His professional history is a tapestry of varied experiences, from aiding SME development in Estonia and Lithuania to collaborating with the French racing school in Chanty. “I’ve always been into looking at different opportunities and how people are supported,” he shares.
In Suffolk, Till’s focus shifted to micro business support, recognising their crucial role in the country’s economic agenda. “They are 97% of the country’s economic growth agenda rather than high growth, high tech, and large organisations,” he explains. This perspective has led him to spearhead initiatives that have reshaped the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises across urban, rural, and coastal areas.
Beyond his executive roles, Till’s dedication extends to supporting disadvantaged individuals through the Prince’s Trust, where he serves as a regional ambassador. His involvement with the Regional Council and various non-executive roles with community-driven organisations underscores his commitment to creating significant impact and opportunity.
As Till reflects on his path, he acknowledges the serendipity of his career. “You get involved with things and then you become passionate about it.” It’s this passion that has made Alex a pivotal figure in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and economic growth in the UK.
Championing Organic and Community-Centric Support
Till’s philosophy is rooted in organic support for small businesses, recognising them as entities with “faces, lives, families, worries, and struggles.” He acknowledges his role as a partner for these businesses, sharing in their challenges and offering real-world advice drawn from personal experience. “This isn’t textbook; it’s real life,” he asserts. His impact extends beyond the business realm, with Till highlighting his involvement with initiatives like the Global Refugee Forum. Alex’s approach is about reaching people where they truly need help, beyond the “shiny doors’’ of banks and large organisations.
Celebrating MENTA’s 40th anniversary, Till draws attention to the organisation’s extensive support for around 50,000 individuals exploring self-employment or needing assistance within a micro business. As a not-for-profit, any revenue generated is reinvested into local communities, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Alex is also pioneering in providing coworking spaces, creating environments that are engaging and accessible 24/7 to accommodate the varied schedules of business owners and that foster community and collaboration. His commitment to honesty and practicality is evident when he discusses the need to be forthright with clients, even if it means advising against certain actions that may not benefit them.
Till’s organisation strives to be a beacon of stability, offering consistent support and information to those navigating these confusing times. “We’ve been here for 40 years,” he says, highlighting the organisation’s longevity and experience through various socio-economic shifts. This experience is now leveraged to aid those in need, from young people in difficult home environments to older individuals struggling with digital banking. In an era where traditional banking services are retreating, Alex and his organisations step in to fill the void, offering guidance and support to those left behind. “We’re a community embedded organisation,” he states proudly, emphasising their role in fostering economic growth and being a reliable source of information and opportunity. “What seems to get lost is the social return on investment,” Till remarks, underscoring the significance of reinvesting surplus into local communities. This philosophy is particularly pertinent in the wake of Brexit, with various funds undergoing substantial changes.
For 40 years, they have been an integral part of the community, providing open access to anyone in need. “Don’t be afraid to come in, just come and have a chat,” Till invites, embodying the organisation’s approachable and honest ethos. If they don’t have the answers, they will direct individuals to someone who does, ensuring that no one is left without support. This open-door policy is a testament to their commitment to serving the community and adapting to its evolving needs.
Employment Trends and the Importance of Education in Shaping Futures
Alex Till’s perspective on employment trends is shaped by the current economic landscape and the aspirations of young people. He observes a trend where young people are “coming through quite disillusioned.” Till is actively engaged in discussions about the state of skills, opportunities, and education, noting that “most people who want to go on to university now have to decide whether or not they want to get into debt.”
Alex reveals insights into the broader economic effects of large infrastructure projects he is involved in, like the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, which require a diverse workforce and can displace local businesses, leading to new enterprises and startups. Till acknowledges the fluctuations in self-employment trends, influenced by economic factors such as mortgage rates, and emphasises the need for government programs to address the actual needs of UK PLC.
At the heart of Till’s vision is education. He advocates for early conversations about career options at the secondary school level, stressing the importance of exposing young people to self-employment and entrepreneurial environments. Till believes in empowering individuals to understand and achieve their ambitions, moving beyond mere survival to thriving in their chosen paths. His ultimate goal is to foster an environment where people can “thrive, not just survive,” aligning education with the evolving economic climate and the diverse aspirations of the youth.
Envisioning a Legacy of Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Alex Till’s vision for his legacy is deeply intertwined with the entrepreneurial spirit and the empowerment of individuals at every stage of life. “The legacy for me is that there is a national programme of business support,” he explains, highlighting his advocacy for a robust support system that champions the growth of small businesses.
Till envisions this support filtering down to various localities, each with its unique characteristics, whether urban, rural, or coastal. The goal is to build upon the national framework to provide tailored support for these communities. “From cradle to career,” he says, illustrating a comprehensive approach that begins with early-stage families and extends through the educational system, offering entrepreneurial opportunities beyond traditional employment.
This inclusive vision rejects the notion that success is solely about exams and university degrees. Instead, it embraces the idea of running parallel paths where self-employment and small business ventures are viable and celebrated options. “It’s about good people having ambition and achieving what they want from life,” Till asserts.
Overall, Alex’s legacy is not measured in monetary terms but in the vibrant and healthy lifestyles it fosters within the community. It’s a legacy that ensures skills, employment, and enterprise are accessible to all, promoting a non-politically biased environment that mirrors the best practices of European countries. By advocating for this vision, Till hopes to leave behind a world where ambition and community support coalesce to create a thriving ecosystem for small businesses and the people they serve.
