Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: Fresh Futures & Leach

As we mark an incredible 50 years of Fresh Futures, we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating this milestone in a truly special way – through a powerful collaboration with local creative leaders, Leach, who helped bring our story to life.

Thanks to their generosity and expertise, a stunning visual timeline now proudly showcases our journey and the positive impact we’ve made across Kirklees and beyond since our founding in 1974. This beautifully designed piece now sits along the ground floor of Brian Jackson House, offering visitors and staff a vivid reminder of the progress and partnerships that have shaped us.

a group of people pose for a picture, in front of a wall decorated with colourful birds and trees. The people all wear orange and yellow hi-vis jackets.
the picture shows a big printing machine, the artwork coming out of the printer is red, but it is not visible what is on the artwork.
Staff and Students from Fresh Futures watching the printing at Leach
the picture shows a woman holding something next to a piece of machinery. There is a man on the left explaining to the woman what to do. In the background, there are a few more people wearing hi-vis jackets and watching the woman.

But this wasn’t just about design and print, it was also a hands-on, inspiring experience for students at Brian Jackson College, who had the chance to visit Leach HQ in Bradley to see the printing process up close. Watching our story literally unfold before their eyes was a moment of real inspiration and curiosity for our young learners.

“Having this timeline displayed at Brian Jackson House is more than just a celebration of our past—it’s a reminder of the values and vision that drive us every day,” said Katie Shephard, Head of Engagement at Fresh Futures. “Our students loved visiting Leach and seeing how design and technology come together. It sparked so many conversations about creativity, careers, and confidence – it was a fantastic experience for them.”

Leach, who kindly donated the design and print work, expressed their pride in being part of this meaningful project.

the picture shows a long hallway, with a window at one end and double doors at the other. It shows the wall which has a red artwork showing different time points like a timeline, with writing and pictures. There is a white radiator in the middle of the wall, the carpet is grey.

It was an honour to collaborate with Fresh Futures and to help commemorate such an incredible legacy,” said a representative from Leach. “Welcoming the students to our HQ was a highlight – they were curious, engaged, and asked brilliant questions. It reminded us how powerful creativity can be in inspiring the next generation. Supporting this project was our pleasure.”

As we look to the future, this timeline serves not only as a celebration of what we’ve achieved – but as a symbol of the partnerships and passion that will carry us forward.

Here’s to 50 years of Fresh Futures, and the many more to come.