Entrepreneur John Quinton-Barber, the founder and CEO of communications agency Social, urged year ten pupils at St Thomas More RC College to “dream big” when he spoke to them at a State Talking event.

John explained how he overcame many obstacles in his career, but didn’t let them dent his confidence or his ambitions. He founded Social in 2013, after working his way up from press officer to company director. Throughout his career, John gained experience in different sectors to hone his communications skills. His career includes roles in PR and marketing agencies, major brands and non-profit social organisations.

After reaching director-level roles in agencies, John decided to go it alone with Social – a PR, marketing and creative agency with a focus on social responsibility.

“John was a real inspiration to us,” said a spokesperson from the school after the talk. “The pupils loved hearing about his journey and there was a real buzz after the event.”

Speaking of his involvement with State Talking, John said: “I had a great experience talking about my entrepreneurial journey with some Year 10s at a school in Stockport. The young people were brilliant and asked loads of interesting questions.

“I am always looking at ways to give back and pay it forward and StateTalking has certainly helped me to do that. I know that the young people get loads from the visiting speakers. But talking as a speaker,  the benefits really work both ways. Highly recommended.”