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YOUNG TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION


By Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, Director, Lancashire Skills Hub


The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub is delighted to be supporting the Sub36 feature this year.


The nominations encompassed a highly skilled and diverse group of talent, highlighting the drive and aspirations of the young innovators in Lancashire.


We are passionate about supporting young professionals in business and hope that this year’s entrants will join us by sharing their experiences with younger people in education, inspiring them to become the next Sub36 stars.


To support this aim we developed the


Christopher Ball


Founder, Dentistry by Cure Clinics


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Christopher is the founder and lead dentist at Dentistry by Cure Clinics, a state-of-the-art dental facility in Preston. First opening its doors in May 2022, the company has already provided dental care for more than 3,000 patients. His commitment is to provide much- needed services to the community during the midst of a dental crisis in the UK. This includes launching a corporate package which enables employers to provide access to dental care for their workforces. Christopher hopes to scale-up the business and to use his position to become a leading voice for UK dentistry.


Katie Mellor


Managing director, Cummins Mellor


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Katie is the managing director of second generation family business Cummins Mellor. She joined following 12 years working in the recruitment sector, taking on her current role in 2020. Immediately, she faced extreme pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but despite this was able to deliver the best financial results in the company’s 33-year history. Katie also won a large contract offering recruitment process outsourcing. This is a significant pivot for the business, enabling it to provide its full service under a client’s own brand and presents growth potential for the coming years. Another of her goals is to build and develop the Recruitment Lite offering, a tech based, self-service recruitment platform.


Lancashire Skills Pledge. We encourage businesses to join the 251 businesses already registered and support the next generation of stars by: giving an hour to share your career journey and insights with young people; support a school to create inspirational encounters for young people within the world of work; offering work experience and industry placements to a young person or university student; or taking on an apprentice.


Pledge here: lancashireskillshub.co.uk/ lancashire-skills-pledge to contribute to inspiring the people of Lancashire.


Tom Grattan


Managing director, EXP


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Tom launched his own business in 2013. The agency, now known as EXP, has worked across a variety of sectors. Last year Tom and co-director Daniel Wallace transformed the proposition, building on core digital marketing services to become a wide-ranging consultancy. It allowed EXP to gain national clients. As a result , income rose by 55 per cent and profit increased 1,044 per cent on a like-for-like basis from 2021 to 2022, with two new team members recruited. Tom plans to continue to expand EXP with the ambition of entering new markets.


Toby Uttley-Muldoon


Financial adviser, Schofield & Associates


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Toby joined Burnley-based financial planning firm Schofield & Associates through its graduate scheme in July 2019.


Although it’s a five-year programme, Toby fast- tracked himself, passing all six exams at the first time of asking, and achieving his diploma in early 2021.


In just two years of advising, he already has accrued £4m under management and a portfolio of 92 clients.


He has won a regional award, and is currently on the path to become Chartered in Financial Services. Ultimately, Toby plans to build his own financial planning empire here in Lancashire.


YOU’RE NEVER TOO


Mary Speakman


Director, Code Galaxy 33


As co-founder and creative director of Blackpool-based bespoke software development company Code Galaxy, Mary combines her tech prowess with a human- centric philosophy.


She is the driving force behind innovations, including two new software products launched this year which are expanding the company’s offerings and opening doors to new markets.


Her mission is to empower SMEs by enabling them to harness the potential of technology for business growth. She is also passionate about helping young people to achieve their dreams, actively engaging with local and national organisations and supporting initiatives that enhance their opportunities and experiences.


Last year she was granted a spot in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme and successfully graduated from Saiid Business School, University of Oxford. Over the next three years Mary’s mission is to introduce Code Galaxy to a global audience.


Melissa Cooper


Director, Feathers & Florence


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On top of a successful full-time career as a solicitor at Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall, Melissa has also created an award-winning luxury bridal business. Launched in 2021 with just 18 dresses, Feathers & Florence has already turned heads for its ethical approach. For every dress sold, a year’s supply of period products is donated to help combat the effects period poverty has on underprivileged women across Lancashire. Melissa is looking to expand her business by opening new outlets and launching a franchise model. She is on a mission to eradicate period poverty and to show other SMEs that they too can make a difference to their communities.


Ceri Dixon


Partner, PM+M Solutions for Business


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Since joining PM+M in 2014, Ceri has progressed through various positions and became the firm’s youngest partner with a promotion in May this year. She leads the audit department, and has played an important role in overseeing the delivery of the team’s full range of services. She is passionate about developing the department as well as the individuals within it.


Continued on page 34 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV IEW.CO.UK


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SUB36


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