The best young business talent from the East Midlands will be honoured once more at the Generation Next Awards, which have a new look for 2023.
The awards, which officially launched yesterday, are the centrepiece of the Generation Next network for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, which is run by East Midlands Chamber in collaboration with headline partner the University of Derby.
It includes 11 categories, ranging from a Start-up Award and Customer Service Award to an Innovation and Technology Award and a Future Leader Award for Generation Next.
The programme includes a new component that recognises “rising stars” who demonstrate continuous growth and development, as well as updated guidelines for prizes that recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, creativity, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.
The application process for each category award has also been streamlined for a “one form fits all” approach with fewer questions.
Last July, Generation Next hosted its first in-person awards ceremony at Derby’s Bustler Market, honouring young talent such as apprentice Ruby Birks of South Normanton-based marketing agency Purpose Media and the three entrepreneurs behind Derby-based digital marketing and web development agency Alphageek.
It was an awards show with a twist, complete with street food, a live DJ, and arcade games.
More than 220 people attended, marking a new high point in the Chamber’s events calendar.
The date and location of this year’s ceremony will be announced in the coming months.From now until Monday, March 6, entries for the 2023 awards are open.
They can be submitted by individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, or by a colleague or line manager on their behalf.