Releasing Potential Enterprises

Releasing Potential operates a range of social enterprise businesses, and prides itself on sustainable and ethical models for business and learning. We offer work placements and work shadowing to sixth-form students through Releasing Potential School, offering our young people the opportunity to work in a small business environments where they can learn the skills they need to succeed beyond education.

Willow Farm

In 2017, Releasing Potential was gifted a small herd of alpacas which we keep on a farm near Oving in West Sussex. We have also take ownership of a brood of chickens at the same site.

The benefits of animal assisted interventions for children who struggle to manage their emotions are well known, and spending time with our alpacas is a favourite activity for many of our emotionally vulnerable students. As importantly, the chance of a work placement in a farm environment is a valuable option for our students, many of whom find it difficult to cope with change and new people and for whom a standard work experience placement would be too daunting.

The students have named all the alpacas and each has its own personality; “Mr Chocolate” even has his own Facebook page!

Emsworth Outboards

In 2016, Releasing Potential Enterprises took over a small business in Emsworth Yacht Harbour. Formerly Home Marine, Emsworth Outboards has now undergone a complete refurbishment programme and has a workshop, shop and coffee area, and now offers both outside and mobile servicing. The Home Marine team remains in place providing the same fantastic service, and the business now offers opportunities for young people to work alongside Emsworth Outboards’ talented and experienced team of engineers.

Our students do not work within the business, but are given opportunities to shadow the engineers as part of short work placement sessions. This allows them to see how a real business operates, from the practical skills involved in repairing and servicing engines, to the finance and administration functions carried out by the site coordinator.