EVENTS Generation Next Awards now open


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


awards, which are delivered in partnership with the University of Derby and form part of the 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 26 April, with finalists to be announced on 17 May. Winners will be crowned at a virtual awards ceremony on 16 July. Lucy Robinson, the 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 also partners. 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


Raise your profile and share your successes


Entries remain open for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2021. Chamber members have until 7 May to stake their case for recognition across 14 categories. They include new categories for Collaboration Project of the Year


and Excellence in Innovation. There will also be a return for the Environmental Impact Award introduced last year, as well as regular favourites such as Apprentice of the Year, Community Impact, Excellence in International Trade and Small Business of the Year. An overall Business of the Year will be crowned for each county, as


chosen by headline sponsor Mazars. Finalists will be announced on Thursday 30 June. Winners will be


chosen by a panel including members of the Chamber’s leadership team and board, as well as sponsors. They will learn their fate at ceremonies for each county – Derbyshire


Business Awards on 12 November, Nottinghamshire Business Awards on 19 November and Leicestershire Business Awards on 3 December.


For more information and to enter the Chamber Business Awards, visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/businessawards2021


GENERATION NEXT AWARDS 2021 CATEGORIES – WHO DO THEY RECOGNISE?


APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Current or past apprentices aged between 18 and 35 who can demonstrate an exceptional contribution they’ve made to their workplace.


ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Dynamic, creative and visionary business leaders who define the qualities of successful entrepreneurship, including those with drive, ambition and tenacity.


COMMUNITY AWARD Individuals who have developed and implemented CSR policies, or promoted inclusive workplaces, as part of their overall business planning or daily life in the office.


CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD People who are dedicated to continuously improving customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations, or have overcome key challenges.


EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD Business leaders or employees who have used and integrated innovative technology to boost performance within their organisation.


BREAKTHROUGH AWARD New businesses that started in the past three years and have achieves consistent growth backed by strong financial performance – with continued growth ahead.


OVERALL WINNER – GENERATION NEXT FUTURE LEADER An influential individual who has significantly contributed to their industry during their career to date, making a visible difference to their workplace’s growth.


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


Award sponsorship opportunities available


Sponsorship opportunities remain available for the Chamber’s Business Awards and Generation Next Awards. Companies can sponsor a


category at either event, offering them a platform to raise their profile, engage with fellow members and to reach wider audiences. There are three categories


available at the Derbyshire Business Awards – Commitment to People Development, Excellence in International Trade and Collaboration Project of the Year. Three categories are also up for


grabs at the Nottinghamshire Business Awards – Commitment to People Development, Apprentice of the Year and Excellence in Innovation.


Generation Next is seeking three


further partners for the network and each of these will be allocated a category at the Generation Next Awards.


For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact partnerships manager Sanjib Sahota on sanjib.sahota@emc- dnl.co.uk or 07776 596889.


business network April 2021 61


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