The Future Workforce Summit
The first of its kind summit brought together the UK’s most influential business leaders to drive further action and investment in the early years.
How businesses are investing in early childhood
Amazon
OpenAmazon have partnered with The Royal Foundation and Faith in Families Swansea to create 1,000 ‘Cwtch Kits’ for babies and young children, containing blankets, books and sensory toys. This builds on Amazon’s multibank initiative, which redistributes surplus goods to families in need across the UK.
Kellogg’s
OpenKellogg’s are expanding their Breakfast Club programme to Early Years settings for the first time, inspired by work with The Royal Foundation. From 2026, nurseries can apply for a £1,000 Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Grant as part of a £1 million national commitment, and Kellogg’s have also piloted Money Matters, providing financial advice to families within Early Years settings.
Jude’s Ice Cream
OpenJude’s Ice Cream are supporting Home for Good and Safe Families, charities helping children in care and families in need. They will donate 5p from every Strawberries & Cream tub sold in 2026, aiming to raise £10,000 to fund fostering and adoption support, while using their brand and community events to celebrate the early years workforce and champion healthier choices for children.
Salesforce
OpenSalesforce are collaborating with Early Years providers to strengthen children’s social and emotional development. They are using data and technology to help track and nurture children’s ‘human skills’, demonstrating how business innovation can be applied to social impact in early childhood.
Co-op
OpenCo-op are partnering with The Royal Foundation on a 2026 campaign celebrating the importance of pausing and connecting with young children through play. Co-op members will share stories and advice to inspire simple, playful everyday moments that help children grow and thrive, embedding play and connection at the heart of community life through its stores and 6 million members.
How will you start today?
£45.5billion
The amount that prioritising early childhood could generate for the national economy each year.
“As the world becomes ever more complex, we have to invest in early childhood now, as a down payment for our collective future.
“If business and commerce embrace this significant issue – including how better early childhoods will affect their own organisations both now and in the long term – we can and will transform lives for generations to come.”
HRH The Princess of Wales, 2023
The Business Taskforce
