Markerstudy and Future First: Creating brighter futures together

A long-term partnership between Future First and insurance specialists Markerstudy Group has grown into a meaningful collaboration that is helping young people broaden their horizons and realise their potential.

When Markerstudy acquired BGL Insurance in 2022, Emily Taylor, Group Head of Social Impact, took over responsibility for the relationship with Future First. But what was initially an inherited partnership quickly became personal for Emily.

"I've been an advocate of the charity and partnership since learning about the incredible impact of its work”, she says. "Future First’s belief that no young person should be left behind really resonates with me. Young people are our future and it’s our responsibility to support and nurture them.”

That ethos aligns closely with Markerstudy's own commitment to being a socially responsible and inclusive organisation. By working together, we have created opportunities that inspire young people while giving Markerstudy colleagues the chance to make a meaningful difference and empower them to develop new skills, build confidence and embrace new challenges.

One of the partnership's highlights has been hosting Insight Days, welcoming students into Markerstudy offices to explore different career paths and meet colleagues from across the business.

"I love seeing how we can build on each Insight Day to ensure each participant gets the most out of it," Emily explains. "Through Future First, we've built relationships with schools that we couldn't have established on our own, and it's been fantastic to get more colleagues involved."

Several moments from these events have stayed with her. During one Insight Day, a student who was struggling to connect with the speakers was invited to try an AI chatbot created by Markerstudy's technology team. After entering his interests and skills, he was presented with career options he had never considered.

"His face just lit up," Emily remembers. "Suddenly he had ideas for his future."

Another memorable moment came when Markerstudy's Head of Legal shared her career journey with students. "Watching her speak to the young women in the room was incredibly empowering."

Emily's commitment to Future First extends beyond the workplace. Earlier this year, she ran the London Marathon and raised more than £4,500, motivated by a desire to represent both Future First and Markerstudy.

"There was no way I was going to let Future First down," she says. "I was so proud to wear that pink vest and cross the finish line."

While the winter training brought plenty of early mornings and cold runs, the support of her running community kept her going. Crossing the finish line, she says, "was the best feeling ever. It was emotional, overwhelming and full of joy."

Having left school unsure of her own career direction, Emily feels a personal connection to Future First's mission.

"I didn't do very well at school and, when I left, I didn't know where I fitted. I worked as a hairdresser and in a call centre before finding my calling. If I'd had an intervention like Future First, it would have saved me years of bad jobs and bad perms," she says with a laugh. "That's why the work of Future First is so important. It gives young people hope and helps them see what's possible."

Looking ahead, Emily is excited to deepen the partnership further by expanding Markerstudy’s work with the schools it sponsors and bringing Insight Days to more areas of the business.

Together, we're helping ensure more young people can see a future full of possibility and the pathways to get there.