Rebecca Hoogerwerf


Operations manager, RKMS Group


34


Rebecca is the operations manager at Blackpool-based consultancy RKMS, overseeing all the day-to-day activities of the business. Hers was a high-pressure introduction to the company, joining during an acquisition and facing a variety of obstacles of different sizes. Since then, she has successfully turned the business around, bringing harmony to a disjointed workforce, managing the purchase of and move into the company’s first ever owned office and leading the group to record profits in 2022. Rebecca is in the process of becoming a director, and has plans to launch new services and double the company’s size over the next two years.


Connor Johnston


Head of fusion team, Sundown Solutions


25


Connor joined Simonstone-based technology firm Sundown Solutions in 2017 as the company’s first apprentice. Since then, he’s enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks and at just 22 became the company’s youngest-ever head of engineering. At 23, he was appointed head of product of the group and at 24, head of the Fusion Team. His strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in advancing the company’s initiatives, while his leadership style has inspired his team to achieve remarkable results. At 25, Connor is the most senior technical resource in Sundown outside of the C-suite and a trailblazer in the wider tech industry.


Annabel Sanderson


General manager, James’ Places


24


Annabel joined the organisation as a waitress at Mitton Hall where the management team soon saw her potential and within six months she had been promoted to brasserie supervisor, later becoming food and beverage manager, deputy manager and now general manager. She has been a driving force behind the organisation winning awards such as the Hotel Wedding Venue 2022 at the Lancashire Tourism Awards. At just 24, having earned a distinction in her apprenticeship and beginning the path to a degree apprenticeship, as well as an enthusiasm for soaking up experiences across the business, her employers expect her to continue rising through the ranks.


My View


NOT JUST THE FUTURE BUT THE PRESENT


By Amy Lancaster-Hall, Group marketing manager, Porsche Centre Preston


At Porsche Centre Preston, we believe in the power of fresh perspectives. In our experience, innovation can often come from the most unexpected places.


That’s why we’ve enjoyed reviewing the county’s finest young minds who are challenging the status quo, pushing boundaries, and redefining success.


When we pause to acknowledge their achievements, we’re not merely giving a nod to their individual successes; we’re validating the pioneering spirit that they represent.


Sophie Smith


Service desk manager, Sundown Solutions


28


Sophie began working with Simonstone technology firm Sundown Solutions as a cleaner. Once at the company, she took advantage of its apprenticeship programme, excelled in all her exams and within three years was appointed as a senior administrator. She was then promoted to the role of service desk manager, handling more than 90 clients, including several Fortune 500 companies. Her employers were so impressed with her dedication, leadership and contributions to the company that they named her the Sundown Woman of the Year in 2022.


Christina Melling


CEO, Stipendium


33


Christina is the co-founder of Stipendium, a platform designed to help people manage life events - such as buying a house, investing or making a will - more quickly, cheaply and easily. It is the first service of its kind in the UK to allow individuals to buy professional services for themselves, gift products to others, or utilise employee benefit discounts. Christina has won multiple awards for this innovative idea, including being named a top 100 female entrepreneur to watch by NatWest. She is currently working on plans to see Stipendium become a household name throughout the UK and beyond.


How many times do we hear the phrase: “They’re the future”? But the truth is, they’re not just the future; they’re the present.


By celebrating these young entrepreneurs, we’re sending a powerful message: that age is no barrier to success.


Having been part of the judging process, we’ve seen first-hand the tenacity and vision of these young entrepreneurs.


We know you’ll enjoy reading their profiles as much as we did and hope they inspire you as much as they inspired us.


Chris Forrest


Managing director, TCB Designs


30


Chris has been an entrepreneur from a young age, owning his own bar and nightclub in Burnley at just 18. He created signage business TCB Designs in 2017.


The company initially sold printed clothing but soon adapted to making signs. Working with local companies such as Barnfield Construction and Burnley FC were the first steps in compiling a blue chip customer base which includes JD Sports, The Fragrance Shop and Screwfix.


Chris is keen to grow his business further, recruiting sales personnel to help secure multi-million-pound tenders with nationwide retailers, and moving into digital screens, such as roadside advertising.


Oliver Alcock


Managing director, Bowland IT


31


Oliver launched his business in 2012, based in his back bedroom with a second-hand laptop and a desk salvaged from the tip. Now, after doubling its turnover for each of the last three years, Padiham-based Bowland IT is set to record its first-ever seven-figure turnover. One of the keys to the company’s success, which includes securing its first plc client this year, has been reframing IT support: the service provided is less firefighting and more embracing what technology offers to leverage the growth of businesses to achieve their goals.


Continued on page 36 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV IEW.CO.UK


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