BBC Highlights Impact of Boss Your Future and We Shine Any Car in Bolton
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The BBC Came to See the Impact
When the BBC visited Bolton this month, they came to see something powerful in action: the Boss Your Future Bolton Programme and the launch of We Shine Any Car.
Read the full feature here: BBC News Article.
The cameras followed the journey of Luis Green, a 20-year-old from Blackrod who had struggled with his mental health during the Covid lockdowns. Dropping out of college and facing unemployment, Luis was at risk of becoming another lost statistic — until he picked up a sponge.
“I have pride in shining every car, and when the customers say it’s never looked shinier, it fills your heart and I want to do it again.”
Luis
That moment of pride grew into purpose, and now Luis is helping to run We Shine Any Car, Bolton’s first youth-led community car wash and vehicle maintenance enterprise, based at the Young Futures Hub at The Scrappers.
Boss Your Future: Building Confidence, Skills, and Enterprise
The BBC spotlighted the impact of the Genuine Futures Boss Your Future Bolton Programme — funded by Bolton Council and delivered in partnership with Genuine Futures CIC, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, and Recycle IT — which is transforming opportunities for young people in the town.
Since its launch, the programme has supported 40 young people aged 15–24 to:
- Gain one-to-one coaching and mentoring
- Develop enterprise ideas into real ventures
- Build digital and employability skills
- Experience hands-on training in real businesses like We Shine Any Car
For many, it’s their first step into education, training, or enterprise after being out of work or disengaged from school.
Young People Leading the Way
The BBC also met other young people who are shaping their futures through the Hub:
- Jennifer (18) – our artist-in-residence, who discovered painting helped her cope with lockdowns. She now creates murals and canvases that bring colour to the Hub.
- Brianna (19) – our cheesecake entrepreneur, who turned her passion for baking into a micro-business, BloomiesBaked.
- Paula – working at the Hub to create art on the walls while also delivering excellent car cleaning services.
- Two young people have already progressed into college education, proving that this programme opens doors to long-term learning and opportunity.
From Bootstraps to a Hub
The story didn’t begin with a building. In 2024, the Genuine Futures directors took to the streets of Greater Manchester and Lancashire, running pop-up car washes from the boots of our cars with young people by our side.
Those early days were tough but full of belief. They showed what was possible when young people were given trust and responsibility — and they proved that Bolton’s community was ready to back them.
These grassroots beginnings attracted pledges of support from the business community, momentum that ultimately helped secure the foundation for today’s Young Futures Hub and the youth-led enterprise We Shine Any Car.
Voices of Leadership
Sam Smith, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, said:
“I spent 10 years in the care and prison system before I picked up a bucket and sponge. Then spent the last 26 years involved in enterprise, education, and training. That’s why I believe in these young people. The way out of poverty and hopelessness is by creating enterprises.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, added:
“This is more than a car wash. It’s about belief. It’s about creating spaces where young people know they belong, where they can learn, graft, and shine. Bolton’s business community has shown it’s ready to stand behind them — and that’s how we’ll create lasting change.”
David Morgan, Founder of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said:
“For every young person not in education or training, there is a cost to society. What we’re doing is giving them the tools to contribute, to build futures, and to create real social value.”
Terry Walker, The Scrappers, said:
“When we first saw what Genuine Futures was doing, we knew we wanted to be part of it. Young people here deserve more than words — they deserve opportunities, skills, and a future. That’s why The Scrappers gave them a home.”
Why It Matters
The statistics are stark:
• 46,000 young people in the UK are caught up in County Lines exploitation
• 1 in 6 children has a probable mental health disorder
• Youth service funding has been cut by 75% in the last decade
The Young Futures Hub and We Shine Any Car are proof of what’s possible when the community comes together. These aren’t just enterprises — they’re therapeutic spaces that improve mental health, create belonging, and restore hope.
Gratitude and Legacy
We are deeply grateful to Terry & Lyndsey Walker for their belief and support, providing the Hub a permanent home. Their generosity has secured the foundation for a legacy in Bolton: creating opportunities, inspiring young people, and showing what community really means.
Because when young people shine, the whole community shines.
Get Involved
Visit We Shine Any Car – open Mondays & Thursdays, 10am – 4pm at The Scrappers
Support us – Pay It Forward: We Shine Any Car Fundraising Campaign
Partner with us – schools, businesses, and community groups can collaborate to unlock more potential
Genuine Futures Young Futures Hub
The Scrappers, Metro Business Park, 228 Waterloo St, Bolton BL1 8HU
hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
This isn’t just a car wash. It’s a movement. And it’s only just beginning.
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