AO’s John Roberts Calls for £1bn Youth Investment — Bolton at the Heart of the Vision
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John Roberts, founder and CEO of AO.com, is Bolton born and bred. AO itself is headquartered at Parklands in Horwich, and his deep connection to the town has shaped his drive to support young people.
Alongside his wife Sally, Roberts has become a leading voice in championing safe, inspiring, and affordable places for young people. His bold campaign for a £1bn Youth Infrastructure Fund, matched by philanthropy, is about restoring what’s been lost and unlocking potential across the country — starting with communities like Bolton.
Why Bolton Needs This
The numbers are stark:
- Spending on youth services in England has fallen by 75% in just a decade.
- Nearly 1,000 youth clubs have closed.
- Almost 5,000 youth workers have disappeared.
Here in Bolton, the impact is clear. Too many young people lack safe spaces, pathways into work or enterprise, and trusted adults to turn to. Vulnerability to mental health struggles, exploitation, and exclusion is rising — and so is demand for services that work.
Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, said:
“We see the reality of underinvestment in Bolton every day. But we also see the solutions. When young people are given a safe space, opportunities, and mentors, they thrive. John’s vision is exactly what we need — bold, long-term investment that changes lives.”
The Young Futures Hub: Bolton’s Blueprint
At Genuine Futures CIC, we’ve built a working model of what this vision looks like in action. Our Young Futures Hub at The Scrappers in Bolton and our youth-led car care enterprise We Shine Any Car are already delivering what Roberts is calling for:
- Enterprise training through hands-on projects
- Alternative provision for children at risk of exclusion
- Mentoring and coaching that restore confidence and belonging
- Youth leadership opportunities that give young people a voice
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, explained:
“Bolton has always been a town that looks after its own. At Genuine Futures, we’ve built something that works here — and it could work across the UK. John Roberts’ vision proves that business, philanthropy, and community can come together to transform futures.”
AO and Bolton: Leading Change Together
Roberts’ plan is simple but powerful:
- Government commits £1bn a year over the next decade.
- Philanthropy and business match the funding.
- Experienced entrepreneurs lead delivery for maximum impact.
The return? Safer communities, better mental health, reduced crime, and a stronger workforce.
And for Bolton, this is especially significant. With AO in Horwich and organisations like Genuine Futures CIC leading locally, the town could be a flagship for how national investment transforms futures.
Why This Matters for the Community
Backing young people doesn’t just help them — it strengthens Bolton itself.
• Fewer NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training).
• Lower crime rates and safer streets.
• Healthier communities with better mental wellbeing.
• More opportunity for local businesses through apprenticeships and talent pipelines.
As Roberts says, “It’s amazing what can be achieved when no one cares who takes the credit.”
A Call to Bolton
The message is clear: Bolton can lead the way. With AO’s roots in Horwich and Genuine Futures proving what’s possible through the Young Futures Hub, the town is well-placed to show the rest of the UK what long-term youth investment can achieve.
At Genuine Futures CIC, we are ready. With partners, funders, and community backing, we can ensure Bolton’s young people have safe spaces, inspiring opportunities, and futures worth fighting for.