On 3 July, we brought together some of the East Midlands’ most talented, driven, and inspiring young professionals for an unforgettable evening at Electric Daisy, Derby – and what a night it was!
With a Caribbean band, DJ, and street food, this wasn’t your average awards night. The Generation Next Summer Festival & Awards was about more than just trophies – it was about celebrating fresh ideas, standout achievements, and the power of community among 18–35-year-olds making moves in their careers.
Twelve awards were handed out, recognising everything from standout apprentices to creative marketers and future business leaders. What united all the winners and finalists? Energy. Ambition. And a real commitment to making an impact.
Our co-hosts Preethi Kang (Vice-Chair) and Board Member Benjamin Wileman kept the vibe flowing throughout the night, with a welcome from our Chair Scarlett Canavan and plenty of well-deserved shout-outs along the way.
Here are just a few highlights from the awards…
🎖️ Future Leader Award, sponsored by headline partner University of Derby, went to Sarah Deaves from Turner & Townsend.
🗣️ Communicator of the Year, a brand-new category sponsored by Leicester College, was awarded to Robyn Burke from Futures Housing Group.
📈 Excellence in Sales or Marketing, sponsored by Enterprising Women, was picked up by Sean Wilson of Bloc Digital.
Lucy Robinson, Director of Resources at East Midlands Chamber and Generation Next Lead, summed it up perfectly:
“The talent, creativity and energy of young people in this region is something to be proud of. Generation Next is all about doing things differently – and this year’s entries were on another level.”
And the vibe wasn’t just about awards – it was a chance to network, connect, and celebrate success with others who just get it.
Scarlett Canavan, Chair of Generation Next:
“Every finalist this year had a unique story, from creators to apprentices. Events like this are about celebrating those journeys and giving young people the space to feel recognised and empowered.”
Sarah Deaves, winner of the Future Leader Award:
“It’s such an honour to be recognised. The support to grow and be heard within my industry has been incredible – and the Generation Next Awards really shine a light on the value young professionals bring.”
A massive shout-out to our sponsors, partners, and judges who help make this all possible – including the University of Derby, Futures Housing Group, West Nottinghamshire College, Hardy Signs, and many more. Your backing helps young professionals thrive.
The 2025 Summer Festival proved what Generation Next is all about – giving space, visibility and celebration to the next generation of leaders, thinkers, doers and creators.
Whether you won, were shortlisted, or came along to cheer others on – thank you for being part of the night. The energy was real. The talent? Off the scale. And the East Midlands? In very safe hands.
See you at the next event 👋
Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Derby College Group
Leah Barratt – TDP
Communicator of the Year Award, sponsored by Leicester College
Robyn Burke – Futures Housing Group
Community Impact Champion Award, sponsored by East Midlands Your Export Office
Sadé Paul-Henry – Women Who Can
Creators and Makers Award, sponsored by Nottingham Trent University
Marco Coltro – Bloc Digital
Excellence in Customer Experience Award, sponsored by trentbarton
Katie Cooper – Dronfield Heritage Trust
Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by West Nottinghamshire College
Aliasgar Hassanali – Turner & Townsend
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by East Midlands Manufacturing Network
Darshan Nandha – Microtech
Excellence in Professional Services Award, sponsored by Express Recruitment
Sunita Aythen – Ideagen
Excellence in Sales or Marketing Award, sponsored by Enterprising Women
Sean Wilson – Bloc Digital
Future Leader Award, sponsored by University of Derby
Sarah Deaves – Turner & Townsend
Innovator of the Year Award, sponsored by Hardy Signs
Jade Lewin-Patel – Structural Adhesives
Talent Development Award, sponsored by Futures Housing Group
Ellie-Louise Newton – Ideagen
