The group of 20 individuals will act as a conduit between the Generation Next board – known as “champions” – and its members to provide feedback on key developments and ideas. The ambassadors cover a range of industries, from manufacturing to creative, as well as specialist subjects such as apprenticeships, networking and mentorship. Their role also involves promoting the network within their respective sectors.
The network will be headed up by Isabella Sellers, human resources lead at meal kit company HelloFresh, which is set to open a major distribution hub at SmartParc in Derby next year.
She said: “The new ambassador scheme is now a prominent element of Generation Next, with the strategic objective to raise the profile of the network, and to further support and open opportunities for young professionals in the region.
“I am very much motivated and excited to help drive the success of the scheme in my role as head of the network. I feel proud to work closely with so many talented and diverse young professionals from various industries.”
Facilitated by East Midlands Chamber, Generation Next runs a series of networking and educational events, led by business leaders across the region, alongside a mentoring scheme and document library, to develop its members’ professional networks and skills.
Since being launched in February 2020 to support and retain young talent within the East Midlands region, its membership base has grown to 350.
The board of champions was established in April 2021 and comprises young business leaders and professionals from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, who guide the network’s development and support its profile.
Chair Daniel Nikolla, who is marketing manager at Hardy Signs, added: “It is very exciting to see the ambassadors scheme up and running. It has come as a natural progression, considering the wealth of different sectors in the region.
“In line with the agenda of widening participation and representation through connecting with all young professionals’ bodies, we decided that members of Generation Next would benefit from this scheme. I would like to thank all the board and members for making it happen and the continued support.”
Head of network – Isabella Sellers, human resources lead at HelloFresh
Ambassador for apprentices – Ruby Birks, project manager at Purpose Media
Ambassador for Enterprising Women – Scarlett Tinsley, business and marketing manager at ER Recruitment
Ambassador for young lawyers – Ella Sheppard, senior associate and solicitor at Nelsons
Ambassador for young lawyers – Ruby Ashby, associate and solicitor at Nelsons
Ambassador for young lawyers – Shivani Daudia, paralegal at Brethertons
Ambassador for manufacturers – Preethi Kang, commercial manager at Qinesis
Ambassador for finance professionals – Helen George, investment management assistant at Brewin Dolphin
Ambassador for finance professionals – Matt Robinson, chartered financial planner at Brewin Dolphin
Ambassador for universities in Nottingham – Rebecca Cliff, employer engagement marketing executive at Nottingham Trent University
Ambassador for mentoring – Theo Kirk, director of people at Express Recruitment
Ambassador for wellbeing – Fred Gough, research and knowledge exchange coordinator at University of Derby
Ambassador for EDI – Blu Hardy, marketing executive at Hardy Signs
Ambassador for creative businesses – Cameron Hogan, senior videographer/photographer at AVIT Media
Ambassador for the charitable sector – Verity Mitchell, head of fundraising at Base 51
Ambassador for young sales professionals – Benjamin Wileman, leasing consultant at Select Car Leasing Burton-on-Trent
Ambassador for young professionals in procurement – Nicole Perkins, procurement officer at Futures Housing Group
Ambassador for young professionals striving for excellence – Joshua Leach-Aslam, general manager at Ocean King
Ambassador for young professionals in design – Dan Poynton, owner of On Poynt Creative
Ambassador for young professionals in networking – Harriet Fell, client services apprentice at Purpose Media
