WE ARE ON A MISSION

EPIC is passionate about helping young people to be fearless about their futures. We exist to support them in their growth as entrepreneurs who will contribute to a better, more inclusive society where individuals are valued, and communities grow and thrive cohesively.

THE PROGRAMME

EPIC was founded by Jim and Ayyab Cockburn to support the growth of young, aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 16-25, with a particular emphasis on those from disadvantaged, displaced or care backgrounds.
Our structured, three-month programme is designed to equip young adults with the skills and knowledge to turn their dreams into reality and become their own bosses.

EPIC is part of the Martin James Foundation, a charity set up to improve the lives of young people around the world and create a better society for all.

EPIC is also supported by the Martin James Network and is able to utilise the experience, skills, and knowledge from the breath of entrepreneurs who have grown the array of companies that make up MJN.

The Martin James Network’s unifying mission is to create a society where every individual feels valued, without fear, limitation, or prejudice, and therefore EPIC’s overarching mission is to provide opportunities to young people who have, in their life, experienced adversity and/or the care of a local authority, so that we can ensure we’re truly unlocking all human potential.

If you are highly motivated, driven, and want to build your own company but need some assistance in doing so, then please reach out to one of our team members and share your idea.

THE PROGRAMME

EPIC IS ABOUT
FEARLESS FUTURES

The Martin James Network’s unifying mission is to create a society where every individual feels valued, without fear, limitation, or prejudice, and therefore EPIC’s overarching mission is to provide opportunities to young people who have, in their life, experienced some sort of adversity, so that we can ensure we’re truly unlocking all human potential.

If you are highly motivated, driven, and want to build your own company but just need some assistance in doing so, then please reach out to one of our team members and share your idea.

THE PROGRAMME

Throughout EPIC’s three month programme you will have exclusive access to our team of business led professionals, all of whom have experience in business growth from various organisational backgrounds and contribute to a better tomorrow.

EPIC is inspired by Fearless Futures – empowering others to be bold, kind, and courageous in their pursuit to be an entrepreneur.

Read more about the team behind EPIC below:

CALUM SAWFORD

Programme Director

Calum loves all things project management related! He started his career working in financial services for large corporates and consultancies, before setting up his own Limited Company and trying his luck as an independent Programme Manager and Business Transformation consultant. During this time, he worked in both public and private sectors across a range of industries to sharpen his skillset before finding his home in the Martin James Network.

Through his experiences, Calum is a big believer in the importance, and transferrable nature, of proper planning and preparation before embarking on any business (or personal!) endeavour, and that is certainly true when creating a business from scratch. He provides strategic leadership for the EPIC programme and delivers Masterclasses to our EPIC Entrepreneurs, as well as 1-2-1 mentoring to help keep them on track to achieve their business goals

MARC PEARSON

Senior Programme Coordinator

Marc has built his career focused on communities and young people. Before joining EPIC, Marc was a Police Community Support Officer, engaging with young people to signpost them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Prior to the police, Marc held different roles within the housing sector, from ASB Officer, Housing Officer, Housing Support, and support roles focusing on homelessness and youth homelessness.

Marc is passionate about engaging with the community and has also worked as a Community Engagement Officer for a modern slavery charity, raising awareness across the UK in faith communities, schools and beyond.