In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Hayden Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Unlock, about building a social enterprise dedicated to helping young people access opportunities, develop confidence, and achieve their potential.
Hayden shares how a youth programme inspired him to launch Unlock at just 16, the lessons he's learned leading a growing organisation, and why mentorship, social mobility, and real-world experience are so important for the next generation.
I am the Managing Director of Morgan Hunt and Pentagon Talent and have held this position since January 2017. Over that period, I have overseen a full-scale change programme that has led to a more defined offering to the businesses long standing clients, a full change of brand, a new CRM and several adoptions of new and innovative tech and the opening of a new business in Scotland. All this has contributed to returning this long-standing business to profit.
In 2023, Morgan Hunt was awarded the NORA award for best large recruitment business for Morgan Hunt’s online presence, The Financial Times listed Morgan Hunt as one of the top 30 British Recruitment Companies and The Recruiter Magazine will feature Morgan Hunt in their Fast 100 for 2023.
I have worked within staffing and recruitment for 28 years. I am a major supporter of APSCo, attending many events throughout the year. I am a firm advocate for greater professionalism within the recruitment industry.
Married with two daughters, outside work interests include playing the drums and supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation by creating greater access to the sport of cricket within the City of Brighton and Hove.
Hayden is a unique social entrepreneur and UK young leader with a passion for transforming education and using social enterprise as a vehicle for societal change. Hayden co-founded Unloc aged just 16, with a mission to develop the education system so that it puts young people as changemakers at its heart. Hayden is a proud One Young World Ambassador, a Jo Cox Memorial Scholar, fellow of A Million Realities and holds a number of trustee and Non Executive Director positions both in the private and third sector. Hayden also holds a 1st Class Business Degree and is a Chartered Manager and CMI fellow.