(Image: Supplied)
Northumbrian Water Group is the new business sponsor of a scheme nurturing the North East’s future business leaders, it has been announced.
The company will support the North East Chamber of Commerce’s (NECC) Future Leaders Programme, delivered with Gateshead College to give early-career professionals the skills, confidence and contacts to progress at work.
Northumbrian Water Group will help the NECC and Gateshead College shape the programme’s next phase, adding industry insight and hands-on learning.
Erin Price, head of academy at Northumbrian Water Group, said: "At Northumbrian Water Group, we believe that investing in people is investing in the future of our region.
"We’re proud to sponsor the Chamber’s Future Leaders programme, helping to develop the skills, confidence and connections that will enable the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact across the North East."
The announcement was made at a special event on September 24, where members of the pilot group celebrated their progress and shared their experiences.
Northumbrian Water Group already backs hands-on, collaborative learning through schemes including its Innovation Festival and Young Citizens Work Experience Festival.
John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Future Leaders is about giving people at an early stage in their careers the opportunity to build the skills and confidence that will help them thrive in the workplace and contribute to the success of North East businesses.
"The strength of the programme comes from collaboration.
"Gateshead College brings expertise in learning and development, the Chamber connects participants with businesses and peers from across the region, and Northumbrian Water Group will add valuable employer insight and experience as we develop the programme further.
"We’re excited about what we can achieve together as we look towards the next Future Leaders programme."
Nadine Hudspeth, director of brand and learner experience at Gateshead College, said: "For me, Future Leaders has always been about helping people find their voice.
"Participants have developed confidence, built lasting connections and recognised the value they bring, with many already looking for opportunities to give back by supporting and mentoring young people.
"It’s also important to recognise employers who have backed their future leaders and given them the time and opportunity to be part of the programme.
"When businesses invest in emerging talent, everyone benefits."
The Future Leaders Programme combines professional development with opportunities to build relationships across the North East business community.
This year’s programme covered Personal Brand, Business Etiquette and First Impressions, Peer Mentoring, Strategic Networking, Public Speaking, Emotional Intelligence for Future Leaders and Authentic Connections.
Participants also took part in Gateshead College workshops, exploring each topic in greater depth and putting their learning into practice.
Meg Hardiman, development and marketing officer at Community Foundation North East and a member of the first group, said: "I’ve gained so much from the programme.
"I’m developing valuable skills in areas such as mentorship, handling difficult conversations and building meaningful professional relationships, all within a safe environment alongside my peers."
Employers have also praised the scheme.
Jess Davey, a digital marketing executive at Phonetic Digital, took part in the programme, which her employer says has already delivered clear benefits.
Steven Parker, managing director at Phonetic Digital, said: "We see the Future Leaders Programme as a real investment in Jess and our business, helping her build the confidence and skills that are essential in today’s rapidly changing workplace.
"The programme gives future leaders practical support to pursue their career ambitions, while bringing together a strong cohort of professionals and laying the foundations for an alumni network that can support them throughout their careers.
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"Thanks to the Chamber and Gateshead College for making this happen."
The scheme helps participants strengthen their communication, networking and leadership skills, build confidence and professional presence, explore emotional intelligence and forge lasting peer connections.
The Chamber, Gateshead College and Northumbrian Water Group will use feedback from the programme so far to shape its next stage.