The positive power of education

Jon Eno is the founder and owner of Hot House Music Schools. A University of Derby alumnus, he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to music education. We talk to Jon about his personal journey and how a creative education develops the soft skills needed in this flexible modern business world. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.

Inspired Business on YouTube

Our Inspired Business podcast on YouTube with closed captions.

University of Derby Inspired Business podcast with Jon Eno

View Inspired Business podcast with Jon Eno video transcript

Who is Jon Eno?

Jon Eno comes from a family of musicians and educators that includes Brian and Roger Eno (U2 and Roxy Music, David Bowie). Originally from Ripley in Derbyshire, he is now based out of Brittany in France, with considerable time spent in the UK with his company, HHMUSIC LLP (Hot House Music Schools).

As someone who grew up when all “music education was free”, Jon values the support and opportunities he received during his formative years and subsequently uses them as a motivator for working regularly with both public and private sectors, including a number of not-for-profit organisations and charities.

Jon is an alumnus of the University of Derby - and Huddersfield University, Leeds College of Music and Anglia Ruskin University. He wholeheartedly believes in the power of education to positively change lives and currently dedicates all of his efforts within his role as CEO for the international-award-winning Hot House Music Schools.

In 2019, Jon was awarded the exclusive British Empire Medal (Civil Division) for outstanding services to music education.

Jon is a passionate advocate for equality, kindness, safe-guarding and young people. You can connect with Jon through his Linked In profile.

Jon Eno performing with his students
Jon Eno performing with some of his students at the Darley Park Concert in Derby

Coronavirus

Our podcast interviews were recorded before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK. Following the outbreak, we asked our interviewees how the situation had affected them and their business. This is what Jon told us:

"In the space of 24 hours, 100% of our revenue ceased to exist. We are living in unprecedented times. Even during World War Two, the schools were not closed as they have been. My response was to create a #COP, this is the Covid Opportunity Plan. By viewing the crisis as an opportunity, we were able to create a pathway not only to survive but to thrive.

"The starting point was to remember what our mission is, upon which we then discussed: “What we want our company to look like after the crisis?” The concept of opportunity allowed us to create a “thinking” environment free from fear, which then led to a plan that is truly exceptional. Within the space of 48 hours, we had managed to pivot our business and regain 60% of our revenue streams!

"This has continued to grow and develop (with new income streams coming online every week) to a state where we have now launched e-schools across the country (six months ahead of schedule). Year on year, we are up 48% (a tiny miracle for us) and I am expecting to see significant growth through Q3 and Q4. There have been challenges (the international touring programme that included the Olympics, Asian Peninsula, Italy, France, USA all postponed) but, out of adversity, comes opportunity!"

Two people smiling (man and women) one looking at an ipad one, holding a blue folder

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