The Jack Petchey Foundation

Jack Petchey was born in 1925 and brought up in the East End of London, leaving school to work in an office for twelve shillings and six pence (62.5p) per week. In 1945 at the end of the war, he left the navy, became a clerk and was told by the personnel officer of his firm: " You'll never make a businessman!

However, this did not deter him from becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Britain. Soon after the war he set up his own car hire business, which developed into car sales and by 1959 he was selling nearly 20 cars a week, and had 40 hire cars on the road.

By 1969 Jack Petchey had branched out into property development and through this became a successful businessmen and leading entrepreneur. He is still actively involved in many businesses and charitable enterprises.

Now in his later years, he wants to put something back and what better way than in helping young people and the organisations that support them through the Jack Petchey Foundation, formed in 1999 to recognise, the effort, endeavour and achievement of young people in a practical and positive way

The Foundation, gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11 - 25.

Grants are given through different programmes including: Achievement Award Scheme, Leader Award Scheme, Projects Grants and Sponsorship.

Each month participating schools/colleges/youth clubs, clubs etc select one young person to receive an achievement award.

Winners receive a framed certificate and a cheque for £300 to be spent on a school or community based project of the recipient's choice.

Adults can also be recognised and appreciated through the parallel Leader Award Scheme. Each year, youth organisations can nominate an adult leader who receives a framed certificate, medallion and £1000 to be spent on a school or community based project of their choice.

In June 2004, Jack Petchey received his OBE (Order of the British Empire), in the Queen's Birthday Honours for Services to Young People in East London and Essex through The Jack Petchey Foundation.

The Jack Petchey Foundation is now expanding into the whole of London and Essex, and even further afield into Portugal.