Elevating the Learning Experience at Rekindle with Universal AV Services
How it all started
At The Business of Yorkshire event in November 2024, we were fortunate enough to hear a keynote from the incredible Ruth Ibegbuna. She captivated the entire room—one of those speakers you don’t forget.
Ruth, originally from Bradford, is a powerhouse social entrepreneur and the founder of several organisations focused on social impact. From winning a prestigious scholarship to attending a private school (which she left because she preferred her comprehensive!) to launching grassroots initiatives, her story is all about passion, grit, and doing right by others. One of her teachers even said she was born in the wrong era—and honestly, we could see why.
As she spoke about Rekindle—a charity she founded to reimagine the way we support young people in education—Nick and I looked at each other and just knew we wanted to be involved. So, I chased her down straight after she came off stage. We had a great chat, swapped details, and after a quick follow-up call, we were in. Just like that—it all clicked.
Services Provided:
So, what is Rekindle?
Rekindle is a different kind of school. They offer a rich cultural curriculum, targeted homework support, mentoring, masterclasses, and visits to inspirational spaces. Their goal? To help young people fall back in love with learning. It’s powered by a small but mighty team that truly believes in the potential of every young person—and trusts them to help shape the direction of the organisation.
What did they need?
They had the space. They had the team. What they didn’t have was the tech—specifically, AV equipment that could help bring their teaching environment to life.
Where we came in.
At Universal AV, we regularly work with universities and colleges as part of their upgrade cycles. We also keep stock that, while no longer needed for its original project, still has plenty of life left. So we offered to donate AV equipment—including screens—and provide free installation at Rekindle’s site in Moss Side.
It’s a win-win: Rekindle gets the tools they need to enrich their learning environment, and we give a second life to equipment that might otherwise go unused. It also supports our commitment to sustainability and responsible product lifecycle management.
Getting it done
Our first installation took place in March 2025, with more planned as additional equipment becomes available. We’re also working closely with our suppliers to explore other ways we can continue to support Rekindle’s amazing work.
Nick Fitzpatrick, MD at Universal AV Services, put it simply:
“There’s that old John Wesley quote—‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can for as long as you can…’ you know the one.
We saw a chance to do some good here, and we were more than happy to get stuck in.”
Comment from Ruth
“At Rekindle, we believe young people deserve learning spaces where their creativity can thrive. This partnership with Universal AV Services couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s not just about the kit – it’s about showing young people they’re worth investing in. Nick, Shelley and the team at Universal AV just got it – they listened, they cared, and they took action. This kind of support helps us bring a radical vision for learning...”
Ruth Ibegbuna
Rekindle
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