At CloserStill Media, we believe that where you come from should never determine where you can go. Yet for many young people across the UK, access to the right opportunities, networks and career guidance can still feel out of reach.

Through our partnership with social mobility charity Making The Leap, we’re helping to change that. Over the past year, we have worked together to provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and learn more about the world of work. By connecting them with industry professionals and real-life experiences, we hope to inspire ambition and support the next generation as they take their first steps towards successful careers.

As our partnership continues to grow, so does our commitment to creating a more inclusive future: one where every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential, regardless of their background.

About Making The Leap

Founded in 1993, Making The Leap is a UK-based social mobility charity that works to transform the futures of young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Through career readiness programmes, mentoring and professional development opportunities, the charity helps young people develop the skills, confidence and networks needed to access meaningful careers.

What We Have Achieved Together So Far

Since the partnership began, colleagues across CloserStill have contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm to support Making The Leap’s mission, reaching hundreds of young people across the UK.

Mock Interview Days:

Across three mock interview days, 21 CloserStill employees volunteered at schools across London, helping students gain experience of professional interviews. 

Volunteers shared constructive guidance to help students improve their interview technique, understand what employers are looking for  and feel better prepared for future opportunities.

"The Making The Leap volunteering session was a great experience and it’s  really refreshing to see the younger generation being properly equipped for their first experience of the corporate world. Everyone remembers how daunting their first interview can be. It was rewarding to play a small part in helping build that confidence, which will ultimately support them in achieving their career goals,"  said Kasia Newman, Group Marketing Manager (PNE), CloserStill Media

Alumni Networking Event:

In April 2026, CloserStill welcomed 65 Making The Leap alumni to our Hammersmith office for an evening of networking, learning and connection. 

Josh Parker, Sales Manager at CloserStill Media, took part in a fireside chat, sharing his career journey, lessons learned and practical advice for those looking to take the next step in their professional development.

"For me, Making The Leap hits close to home”, said Josh. “Coming from a similar background to many of the people the charity works with, it’s great to see opportunities being created for others in the same way they were for me”. 

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to expand their professional networks, share experiences and gain valuable insight from industry professionals.

"The talk with Josh was brilliant."

"I've learned from previous Fellows’ experiences, and it has given me the confidence to reach out and apply myself."

Marathon Fundraising:

Three CloserStill Media employees took on the challenge of the London Marathon and Hackney Half Marathon in support of Making The Leap, raising more than £1,000 between them.

Rakim Asher, Head of Customer Experience Technology, CloserStill Media said "opportunity has shaped my life and career, and I know not everyone gets the same start. Making The Leap is about opportunity. It’s a cause that aligns with everything I believe in about access, growth and giving people a fair start”

Supporting Career Development

Investing in early-career development has long been an important part of CloserStill’s culture. Through entry-level roles within our Telemarketing team, as well as initiatives such as Graduate Bootcamp and Sales Academy, we provide opportunities for individuals to gain experience, build skills and grow professionally.

Several members of our London team first connected with CloserStill through Making The Leap and have since progressed into roles across the business. Their journeys showcase the value of creating clear pathways from potential to employment.

"What has impressed me most about this partnership is seeing both the enthusiasm of our colleagues and the ambition of the young people we have met through Making The Leap. Creating opportunities isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about helping people build the confidence to walk through them. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and excited to continue supporting the next generation of talent”, said Alexia Maycock, Chief Marketing Officer, CloserStill Media.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, we have several exciting initiatives planned with Making The Leap, including:

CV Clinic

During CloserStill Week, CloserStill volunteers will provide practical feedback on CVs, helping participants understand what employers look for and how to stand out in the recruitment process.

Dragons’ Den

Making The Leap participants will work in teams to develop and pitch business ideas to a panel of CloserStill's commercial leaders, building confidence, teamwork and presentation skills while receiving valuable feedback from an employer’s perspective.

Masterclass

A practical, 90 minute masterclass designed to help participants navigate the workplace, covering topics such as building professional relationships, communicating effectively and succeeding in their careers. The session, delivered by Rachel Kilmartin (Head of Communications) and Fiona Orchard (Head of HR), is titled Corporate Life Cheatcodes: Your guide to the unwritten rules of the workplace.

Clementine Kumar, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Making The Leap said “a huge thank you to Closer Still Media for your incredible support of Making the Leap over the last year! Through employee volunteering, hosting our alumni events, and opening real doors for our young people with interview preparation, skills development, and work placements, you've helped create life‑changing opportunities, and we’re so grateful.”

Through our continued partnership with Making The Leap, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop new skills and take the next step towards their future careers.

To learn more about Making The Leap and its work, visit https://makingtheleap.org.uk.