IT was interesting to see the recent set of GDP figures and what they tell us about the state of the UK economy in the months leading up to the EU referendum.

However, I want to highlight another set of figures released this week (July 26) which reveal how the economy has gained a significant boost from an unexpected quarter – a charity.

Research by NEF Consulting shows that The Prince’s Trust has made a £1.4 billion contribution to society over the past ten years. It’s done this by moving young people out of unemployment and into outcomes which ultimately benefit the economy.

Since 1976, we have supported 825,000 young people, with threein-four achieving a positive outcome – moving into education, employment or training. As well as helping more than 80,000 young entrepreneurs to set up in business, it has supported some of our most vulnerable young people to get off benefits and start learning or earning.

By working at a grassroots level, the Trust has helped generate green shoots where there might have been nothing, and these young people have gone on to be real financial benefit to the UK as a whole.

Whatever times lay ahead for the UK economy, The Prince’s Trust will be there for the next generation of young people who need our support to flourish.

Jonathan Townsend, North of England director, The Prince’s Trust