Creating real value in business: lessons from a commercial director’s journey

For Chris Morgan, a Commercial Director at Capital City College (CCC), businesses should do more than make money, they should help people succeed.

Writing for Business Age, Chris explains why investing in education creates real social value. Chris’s article reflects on how his life experiences taught him that real success means creating opportunities for others.

The article, ‘What gambling addiction taught me about building real value in business’,  discusses the principles that shaped his approach to building companies with purpose, a move that brought him to working in further education. Chris’s article argues that true success comes from creating trust and working with communities, not just making a financial profit.

He said: “I’ve been working in FE for about two years now, and it’s around this time of year I ask myself, what does it look like to build something that actually helps someone? Where’s the social value in what I do?”

In the piece, Chris draws parallels between his personal challenges and the risks entrepreneurs face when chasing short-term gains.

His advice for corporate employers is to connect with colleges that emphasise learning and growth: “…what I learned as I sold my company and started working in further education (FE) is that here, your money really does matter, and it actually changes people’s lives for the better. And the best part: you can see it happen.”

For Chris, working in further education shows first-hand how corporate investment changes lives. His article shares examples of how business support benefits students and communities:

“Here’s the practical bit business leaders often overlook: when you work with an FE college, your money doesn’t disappear into dividends or shareholder payouts. It goes straight back into our sports kit for our men’s and women’s netball, football, basketball, track and field, and tennis teams.

When you hire our podcasting suite or green room, you’re helping keep the lights on. You’re helping us provide education in the latest makeup techniques for young people who want to kickstart a career in film. You’re funding bursaries, opportunities and work placements. The glue that gives these Londoners a chance.”

Read the full piece on Business Age.

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