Turning Economic Downturn into Opportunity: The John Biggs Story

Strategic Insights -

John Biggs, a former partner in a successful costume jewelry business, heeded the advice of Tom Peters and took a chance during the 1989 recession. He traveled to China, where he saw an opportunity to brokering partnerships between businesses and good causes. This led to the creation of "English Corner," an English language magazine that provided a valuable resource for disadvantaged people in China. Building on this success, John developed "Thinking Corner," a program that taught thinking skills to young people in China and later in the UK. In 2004, he partnered with Honda (UK) to launch "School of Dreams," a program that empowers 9-13 year olds with valuable thinking techniques and skills. With the support of Honda (UK), School of Dreams has been delivered to over 150 schools, engaging more than 4,500 pupils and 500 teachers.

Key Takeaways:

  • John Biggs turned economic downturn into opportunity by traveling to China and developing partnerships between businesses and good causes.
  • "English Corner" provided a valuable resource for disadvantaged people in China, demonstrating the impact of one person's initiative.
  • "Thinking Corner" was developed to teach thinking skills to young people in China and later in the UK, using a series of "Thinking Skills" developed by John Biggs himself.
  • "School of Dreams" was launched in 2006 with the support of Honda (UK), focusing on empowering 9-13 year olds with valuable thinking techniques and skills.
  • The program is closely linked to the National Curriculum and has been delivered to over 150 schools, engaging more than 4,500 pupils and 500 teachers.
  • School of Dreams aims to empower participants to use their learnings beyond the workshop, with many taking their new skills to their communities.
  • Honda (UK) has partnered with the UK wide database of volunteering opportunities, provided by do-it.org.uk in partnership with the Volunteer Centre network, to match volunteers with environmental projects.

Statistics:

  • More than 4,500 pupils have been directly engaged through School of Dreams.
  • Over 500 teachers have been engaged through the program.
  • The program has been delivered to more than 150 schools.
  • Honda (UK) has supported the program since 2004.

Sources:

  • Biggs, J. (as cited in the original text)
  • Peters, T. (as cited in the original text)
  • Cable & Wireless (as mentioned in the original text)
  • Nokia (as mentioned in the original text)
  • Honda (UK) (as mentioned in the original text)
  • do-it.org.uk (as mentioned in the advertisement)