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A new network of the East Midlands Chamber for young professionals has set up a Board of “Champions” to help shape its offering.

The group of 11 people will play a key role in developing the activities and profile of the Generation Next network.

It was created to support young professionals and future leaders aged 18 to 35 based in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

It hosts networking events and educational workshops led by a number of East Midlands companies and field advisors with the aim of developing the professional networks and skills of its members.

Lucy Robinson, Director of Resources at East Midlands Chamber and Head of Generation Next, said: “We are excited to bring the ‘champions’ of the Generation Next board to market.

“There are 11 really fantastic young professionals representing a range of industries and backgrounds and we look forward to working closely with all of them.

“Generation Next is passionate about developing and retaining young talent in the East Midlands. It is therefore crucial that our activities are as relevant as possible to our target group – and what better way to achieve this than to involve these people in our strategic planning. ”

The champions will meet with the Generation Next team quarterly to provide information on the future direction of the network.

The group will also be involved in the Generation Next Awards evaluation process.

Emma Baumback, an independent financial planner at Future Life Wealth Management, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.

She said, “I work in the financial services industry and I am a young woman in business. I am fortunate enough to be part of the Generation Next mission and I am very excited to join the board.

“I know from experience that trust can play a huge role in determining what people in our younger generation want to do in life and how they can advance their careers and ambitions.

“Generation Next’s vibrant community is the perfect vehicle to develop our skills and gain the support of our amazing role models.

“Having the opportunity to work with like-minded young professionals to accomplish this mission is a humbling and inspiring opportunity and I will do everything I can to create real change for the next generation of leaders in our region.”

Generation Next Headline Partners The University of Derby will also propose two members of its student base to sit on the board.

A pre-selection is currently being made and successful applicants will be confirmed in the coming months.

To join the network, visit generationnextemc.co.uk/become-a-member or email the team at [email protected].

You can also keep up with the network through LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Meet the Generation Next Champions

Emma Baumback (chair)

Emma is an independent financial planner at Future Life Wealth Management. She was recently named one of the top 35 next-generation advisors on New Model Adviser’s prestigious list and was shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year at the 2020 Women in Investment Awards.

Beth Bearder

Beth is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Keebles, specializing in employment law. Beth advises on a range of labor law matters, including filings for unfair dismissal, harassment, breach of contract and misconduct investigations – with expertise in disability discrimination and executive exit.

Beth Bearder

Byron Burghart

Byron is an investment manager at Brewin Dolphin and works with people from different backgrounds to help them get the most out of their finances. He recently completed an MBA from Cranfield University.

Chathura Sudharshan

Chathura is the founder of the digital fashion technology company Chanodil. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and product development from the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and business operations from Nottingham Trent University.

Daniel Nikolla

Daniel is Marketing Manager at the digital sign company Hardy Signs. Last year he was named Generation Next Young Professional of the Year at the Derbyshire Business Awards and the Greater Birmingham Chamber’s Future Face of Sales, Marketing and Comms.

Hope Thorley

Hope is Senior Resourcing Advisor at the multidisciplinary construction and real estate consultancy Pick Everard – and responsible for the procurement and recruitment of talent for the company. Prior to recruiting, Hope worked in the hospitality industry in both the UK and overseas.

Rubina Lokat

Rubina Lokat is an accomplished accountant with a keen eye for design and a pursuit of results. She is the managing director of PrintPrint, a Leicester-based design and printing company.

Rubina Lokat

Katie Gilbert

Katie is the Head of Product Development at TTK Confectionery, a grocery gift company. Her awards include the Rising Star Award at the Women in Business Awards and the Enterprising Women Team of 2020.

Katrina Starkie

Katrina is the Space and Community Manager at Nottingham Trent University’s new Dryden Enterprise Center. The center is a new home for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs at the university. Katrina is also on the board of the D2N2 Growth Hub and supports the Chamber’s network of women entrepreneurs over the long term.

Lee Tomes

Lee is an award-winning filmmaker and executive director of video storytelling company Orange Fox Studios. Lee has shown various projects at national film festivals as a director and cameraman. His most recent triumph came at the 2018 Birmingham International Film Festival when his collaborative short, Martin Sharpe, was named Best Micro Short. He is also the winner of the Generation Next Young Professional of the Year category at the Chamber’s Leicestershire Business Awards.

Scarlett Tinsley

Scarlett is the brand and marketing director for Leicester-based recruitment consultancy ER Recruitment. Scarlett joined the company as an intern while studying at De Montfort University and has since worked on some incredible campaigns and projects.