Young talent in businesses across the East Midlands will be celebrated in the first ever Generation Next Awards. Entries can now be made for the inaugural awards, which are delivered in partnership with the University of Derby and form part of East Midlands Chamber’s new Generation Next network for professionals and business owners aged under 35.

There are seven categories, covering a broad spectrum of people in organisations – from apprentices to business leaders – as well as an award for a fast-growing start-up.

The deadline for entries – which can be made by either employers or their employees – is 26th April, with finalists to be announced on 17th May. Winners will be crowned at a virtual awards ceremony on 16 July.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “Generation Next is a really exciting new initiative from the Chamber and these awards promise to be a fantastic celebration of the amazing young talent we have across the East Midlands.

“Young people don’t always receive the recognition they deserve but this is now their chance to tell their stories and showcase their successes.

“It’s also a great opportunity for employers to shout about the great work and innovation coming out of their businesses thanks to the contributions that young employees make every day, who we know are a great asset in ensuring organisations remain fresh and relevant in today’s world.

“We have carefully crafted a broad range of categories, and there’s an award to suit every young professional and entrepreneur at each stage of their career.”

The University of Derby is the headline partner for Generation Next, with GBS Apprenticeships, Nottingham University Business School and The Lettings & Sales Business signed up as sponsors.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor and dean of the University of Derby’s College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “Generation Next is the ideal initiative for providing young professionals with support for their new career or business, and these awards are a superb way of celebrating how those taking part have responded to the challenge of establishing themselves in what is a very competitive environment.

“I hope many employers across our region take up the invitation to nominate candidates for the Generation Next Awards, which will provide everyone whose name is put forward with deserved recognition for their contributions and ideas that are helping to take businesses forward, and to make our region’s economy more dynamic and resilient.”

To enter the Generation Next Awards 2021, visit www.generationnextemc.co.uk/awards. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact partnerships manager Sanjib Sahota on sanjib.sahota@emc-dnl.co.uk or 07776 596889.

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