We Shine Any Car: The Bolton Youth Enterprise Restoring Hope and Building Futures
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At Genuine Futures, we believe every young person deserves a chance to shape their own future. For too many in Bolton, that chance has been missing. Whether they’re in care, have SEND, are at risk of exclusion, or are struggling to find work, their potential often goes unseen.
That’s why we launched We Shine Any Car — a Bolton youth enterprise that goes beyond a car wash. It’s a hands-on training ground, a community hub, and a pathway to long-term opportunities.
More Than Just Car Cleaning Training
From the outside, We Shine Any Car is a professional, eco-friendly car cleaning service. But step closer, and you’ll see young people learning vital skills:
– Car cleaning training and detailing techniques
– Basic vehicle maintenance, including tyres and servicing
– Customer service and communication skills
– Marketing and enterprise management
Every sponge, every bucket of water, and every handshake with a customer is part of building responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their work.
Pathways into Employment and Enterprise
This isn’t just training for training’s sake. We’re building real pathways into employment in sectors like:
– Vehicle breakers
– Tyre fitting
– Body repairs
– MOT and servicing (with our upcoming on-site MOT centre)
The skills learned here are transferable to any industry — from time management and teamwork to problem-solving and customer care. Some participants will go on to secure full-time jobs, apprenticeships, or even start their own businesses.
Why Bolton Needs This
According to the ONS (Sept 2024), almost 12% of young people aged 16–24 in the UK are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). For Bolton, that’s hundreds of young lives without clear direction. Without intervention, this can lead to anti-social behaviour, exploitation, and cycles of disadvantage.
We Shine Any Car is our answer — an active, engaging, and purposeful enterprise that creates opportunities now, while strengthening relationships with local businesses and colleges for the future.
Restoring Hope, Building Futures
At the heart of Genuine Futures is restorative education — rebuilding trust, hope, and purpose through mentoring, skills training, and entrepreneurship. Time spent with our mentors helps young people develop new habits and healthy mindsets, breaking negative cycles and opening up possibilities they never thought possible.
In Their Words
Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures CIC:
“At the heart of Genuine Futures is our belief that restoring trust, hope, and stability takes time and consistent support. Car cleaning might seem simple, but it’s a powerful way to teach responsibility, teamwork, and business skills. Through We Shine Any Car, we’re creating real opportunities — not just for work, but for young people to see a future they can be proud of.”
Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures CIC:
“This is more than a car cleaning service — it’s a launchpad for young people. They learn how to run a business, build relationships with customers, and gain transferable skills that will serve them in any career. Every interaction is a chance to grow confidence and create a positive reputation in the community.”
Terry Walker, Founder of The Scrappers Ltd:
“We’ve been proud to support Genuine Futures from the start. Giving them a base here in Bolton means these young people have a safe, professional environment where they can learn, work, and thrive. The partnership works because we share the same goal — to give back and create real chances for the next generation.”
Shelley, parent of programme participant Luis:
“My son Luis has been coming for well over a month now, and what he is getting from the team is above and beyond anything I could have imagined. Since being with you, his confidence has soared — he feels like he belongs and has purpose. He comes home with a smile, telling us about his tasks and his day. You’ve encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and given him wins that are massive in his world. I thank you from the bottom of my heart — you are true inspirational motivators.”
How You Can Support
We’re calling on Bolton’s business community to get involved by:
– Donating tools, equipment, or materials
– Offering work placements, apprenticeships, or jobs
– Providing mentoring and business advice
– Using and promoting our car cleaning services
Join Us at the Pre-Launch Event
Date: Thursday 18th September 2025
Time: 10am–4pm
Location: 228 Waterloo Street, Bolton, BL1 8HU
Come and see the site, meet the young people, and witness first-hand how a Bolton youth enterprise is creating brighter futures — one car at a time.