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Business leader Ian Mattioli has pledged to increase his investment in future generations through working with СÄñ½´×¨Ìâ Leicester (СÄñ½´×¨Ìâ).

Ian, who founded wealth management firm Mattioli Woods in 1991, has become one of Leicester’s most successful business figures, building a company which now employs more than 1,000 people locally.

And, having been born and raised in the city’s Beaumont Leys suburb, has always been dedicated to investing his own wealth back into the city he loves.

As such, he has agreed to build on his donation in the Leicester IntoUniversity centre, based in Beaumont Leys.

The centre, a partnership between IntoUniversity, СÄñ½´×¨Ìâ, and the University of Leicester, provides young people access to after-school academic support, mentoring with university students and professionals, in-school aspiration-raising workshops and enrichment and work experience opportunities.’

It caters for school pupils aged seven to 18 who live in deprived areas of Leicester. Around 40.6% of children in Leicester are living in poverty, with Beaumont Leys being one of the 10% most deprived places nationally.

In its first few years, the centre has already begun making an impact on young people in the community, working with more than 700 students since opening in autumn 2023.

This work has been made possible thanks to a landmark donation by the Randal Foundation and support from the Ian & Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust, the fund set up by Ian and his wife.

Now, Ian has decided to further his support, giving the centre more potential to help other young people from the local area improve their opportunity to succeed.

Ian said: “Education is one of the greatest tools we have to create opportunities, bridge inequalities, and change lives.

“The work of IntoUniversity Leicester is invaluable in giving young people the guidance, support, and self-belief they need to pursue their ambitions.

“Clare and I are deeply passionate about ensuring that every young person, regardless of where they come from, has access to the tools they need to succeed.”

With initiatives such as one-to-one personal statement support, mentorship from university students, and interactive workshops, the Leicester IntoUniversity centre helps to raise aspirations and equip young people with the skills and confidence to navigate their educational journeys.

One particularly impactful programme, supported by Mattioli Woods as a company, was the ‘Business in FOCUS’ day, which saw students working in teams to create and present a business idea. This initiative allowed students to experience a corporate environment while developing teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Such experiences are crucial in broadening students’ horizons and helping them recognise their own potential.

Ian sais he felt strongly that successful individuals should invest in their local community.

He said: “As business leaders, we have a responsibility to invest in the next generation. Supporting education-focused initiatives like IntoUniversity is not just about giving back—it’s about shaping the future.

“By working together, we can provide opportunities that inspire, nurture talent, and help young people believe in themselves. I urge others to consider how they, too, can contribute to this vital work.”

Louisa Day, associate director of fundraising at СÄñ½´×¨Ìâ said: “The Ian & Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust’s support for IntoUniversity Leicester is a testament to their dedication to creating long-term social impact.

“Their generosity ensures that hundreds of young people have access to life-changing opportunities, helping them overcome barriers and strive for success”

Anyone interested in working with СÄñ½´×¨Ìâ as a mentor or donor can contact Louisa on louisa.day@dmu.ac.uk