Chamber launches awards celebrating young professionals

East Midlands Chamber is now accepting entries for its Next Generation Awards, which aim to celebrate the achievements of the region’s young professionals and entrepreneurs.

The Next Generation Awards are the showpiece programme of the Generation Next network for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, which is run by the chamber in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby.

It features 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.

New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Lucy Robinson, the chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the amazing young talent within the East Midlands, and our diverse programme recognises the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We want to encourage young professionals, apprentices and entrepreneurs from across the region to tell their story and celebrate their successes.
There is an award to suit everyone at each stage of their career.”

Generation Next was launched in 2020 as a new group for 18 to 35-year-olds to meet likeminded people via networking events.

It will be the second time the Next Generation Awards will have taken place – and previous winners include Derby doughnut firm Project D.

Entries, which close on Tuesday 3 May, can be submitted either by individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket or on their behalf by a colleague or line manager.

Entry forms can be downloaded here.

Early-bird tickets for the awards ceremony can be obtained here.