Labelling clients as ‘hard to reach’ is a lazy and simplistic approach that implicitly typecasts them further as resistant to engagement, and no desire or ability to change their lives.

As if people living in areas of deprivation, or suffering some kind of disadvantage, aren’t already stereotyped enough, they also get labelled as ‘hard to reach’ as if they are some kind of elusive and untouchable chimera.

Why are these groups inappropriately described in this way when the evidence suggests otherwise? Outset client groups include those people facing the most significant barriers to success in enterprise – namely women, lone parents, BaME, young people aged 16-30, long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, as well as offenders and ex-offenders – and we find that not only are they easy to find, but they engage with our enterprise support in significant numbers.

Read more about our enterprise development ethos, approach and delivery here, and download our latest best practice paper on awareness-raising and engagement.