Kevin Davis was awarded the Biggest Growth Story Award at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

The award was presented by Kene Ejikeme, Goldman's Head of Multi Asset Platform Sales

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) UK programme is a world-class business growth initiative designed to help entrepreneurs scale their enterprises, drive economic impact, and create jobs. Delivered in partnership with leading academic institutions, it provides high-quality education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to ambitious business leaders across the UK.

Kevin joined the 10KSB Growth Programme in 2011 at a pivotal moment, having just set up his first school while transitioning into mainstream education and raising £3M to build a new facility. While he initially saw the programme as a way to access funding, he instead gained a strategic growth plan that has shaped his journey over the last 14 years.

Since then, Kevin has played a key role in initiatives such as Vine Trust, Ladder Foundation, J10, Goldmine Studio, Ladder School, and The Mercian Trust, all of which have contributed to expanding opportunities in education, skills, and employment.

This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared success, demonstrating that meaningful growth happens when people, businesses, and communities work together

Kevin Davis was awarded the Biggest Growth Story Award at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) UK 15th Anniversary event at Tate Modern.

Voted by his fellow alumni, this award recognises his leadership in driving growth across education, skills, and community regeneration. Kevin Davis pictured L to R John F.W. Rogers, Executive Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Asahi Pompey, Goldman Sachs global head of Corporate Engagement and President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation
The award was presented by Kene Ejikeme, Goldman's Head of Multi Asset Platform Sales The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) UK programme is a world-class business growth initiative designed to help entrepreneurs scale their enterprises, drive economic impact, and create jobs. Delivered in partnership with leading academic institutions, it provides high-quality education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to ambitious business leaders across the UK. Kevin joined the 10KSB Growth Programme in 2011 at a pivotal moment, having just set up his first school while transitioning into mainstream education and raising £3M to build a new facility. While he initially saw the programme as a way to access funding, he instead gained a strategic growth plan that has shaped his journey over the last 14 years. Since then, Kevin has played a key role in initiatives such as Vine Trust, Ladder Foundation, J10, Goldmine Studio, Ladder School, and The Mercian Trust, all of which have contributed to expanding opportunities in education, skills, and employment. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared success, demonstrating that meaningful growth happens when people, businesses, and communities work together Kevin Davis said 'Back in 2011, I was badgered into joining the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Growth Programme. At the time, I had just set up my first school, Second Chances, and was pushing towards Studio Schools—all while trying to raise £3M to build a facility to house them.' I cynically thought, "I could do with some of that Goldman Sachs money." I didn’t get the money. But what I did get? A growth plan that transformed everything. 🔹 The regeneration of people, jobs, skills, and places 🔹 The creation of businesses and schools that change lives 🔹 A fraternity of friends who have walked this journey with me 14 years later, I stood at Tate Modern, completely shocked to be named Winner of the "Biggest Growth Story" Award* at the Goldman Sachs 10KSB UK 15th Anniversary event.* But what I’ve truly learned over these years is that growth isn’t just an individual pursuit—it’s a collective journey. This is The Economy of Together* in action:* ✅ The power of collaboration—the many hands that lighten the load ✅ The win-win mindset—when communities, businesses, and education align ✅ The shared victories—because no meaningful success happens in isolation This award isn’t about me alone—it’s about all the people who have made this possible: the teams behind Vine Trust, Ladder Foundation, J10, Goldmine Studio, Mercian Trust, and many more. To Gemma, Richard, Mark, Gerry, Tina, Rob, Tim, Dan, and the many others who have shaped this story with me: thank you. And above all: Ebenezer—Thus far the Lord has helped us. This is just the beginning. When we move together, we rise together.* Who’s ready for the next chapter?* 🚀 #GoldmanSachs10KSB #BusinessGrowth #EconomyOfTogether #Collaboration #SocialImpact #Education #Apprenticeships #LadderFoundation #VineTrust #MercianTrust #Ebenezer