Darwen based leading highways service delivery provider, Multevo, reflects on Youth Zone partnership following royal visit

As a key supporter of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, Multevo’s Director, Nick Leadley, was invited to attend the recent official opening of Darwen Youth Zone by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, marking an important milestone for the organisation and the local community.

The monumental occasion provided a moment of reflection for Multevo, who, back in 2022 became the first Gold Patron of the Darwen Youth Zone project. Back then, the newly formed initiative was just getting off the ground, and thanks to the support from local businesses, Darwen Youth Zone was this year able to open a new state-of-the-art facility for local young people.

Since then, Multevo employees have dedicated their time to supporting young people across Blackburn and Darwen through its ongoing partnership with the Youth Zone.

From supporting digital skills and employability programmes to opening its doors to young people interested in careers within the highways sector and raising thousands of pounds for the charity.

Throughout 2026, Multevo has supported a range of initiatives focused on helping young people develop new skills, explore career opportunities and gain valuable experience of the workplace.

Working alongside IN4 Group and Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, Multevo supported an eight week AI Content Creator Accelerated Apprenticeship Programme, providing learners with a real world creative brief and feedback from its employees.

The business also welcomed 10 Youth Zone members to its Darwen headquarters for a ‘World of Work Tour’, giving them an insight into different career opportunities across departments including Marketing, HR, Accounts, Engineering, Highways, Traffic Management and Soft Estates.

Fundraising has been a key part of the partnership, with Multevo employees volunteering to organise a charity Footgolf Tournament which raised £7,655, as well as taking part in Padel and Clay Pigeon Shoot fundraising events.

Multevo’s support extends beyond its activity this year. Having become the first patron of the, the business has continued to contribute to its development through donations, practical expertise advice and employee involvement.

Working alongside Seddon Construction, Multevo also delivered elements of the new facility’s infrastructure and external works, including drainage, street lighting ducting, footpaths and car park resurfacing.

Nick Leadley, Director at Multevo, Multevo said:

“As a business based in Darwen, supporting our local community and helping young people access opportunities has always been important to us.

“We want to do more than just provide financial support. We have a fantastic team with a wide range of skills and experience, and it’s important to us that we can share that with young people and give them a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.

“Being invited to the official opening and seeing the Youth Zone reach this important milestone was a particularly special moment. We’re proud to have supported its development and look forward to seeing the difference it will continue to make for young people across the area.”

Tamara Hitchen, Fundraising & Stewardship Manager at Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful for the time and commitment Multevo have given us. Having the support of local businesses makes a real difference to what we can offer young people across Blackburn and Darwen.”

Multevo remains committed to supporting Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone and creating opportunities for local young people, building on the work already delivered through the partnership and continuing to make a positive contribution to the community.