Standout apprentices, young entrepreneurs and future leaders are among 18-40’s in the East Midlands that have until 29th June to enter the Generation Next Awards 2026.
Generation Next is an East Midlands Chamber network that mentors the region’s young leaders, delivers skills workshops and provides resources for learning and development to nurture the business talent of tomorrow.
Since 2025, membership of Generation Next is provided as standard to all 18-40’s that are part of member organisations of East Midlands Chamber, though people in the Generation Next age bracket can also join independently.
The Generation Next Awards are a landmark event in the East Midlands, long established for lively and unconventional ‘festival-like’ ceremonies and are one of the most important events in the network’s calendar.
Submissions across all 8 categories can be made by people within the qualifying age group or by a colleague.
Generation Next Lead and East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Landing a Generation Next award or being nominated for one tells the whole East Midlands business community that you’re ‘one to watch’ – someone that either already has the skills to drive business forward or demonstrates the exceptional rising talent we need tomorrow.
“To grow the economy and for the East Midlands to thrive, we need to build a large cohort of outstanding people with energy and passion for this region; with fresh ideas, new ways of thinking and skills that are a huge asset to any workplace, as professionals or leaders. That’s what Generation Next does. It turbocharges confidence, mentors people and develops the qualities needed for top positions. The Generation Next Awards champion those standout people and their achievements.
“If you’re an 18-40 East Midlander with ideas, with vision, you can lead and influence, have oodles of creativity or you excel in customer service, have made a mark as an apprentice, had a positive impact on your workplace at any level, then you’re someone that should be entering the Generation Next Awards. If that’s you, or someone you work with is, I’d urge you to get an entry in.”
Generation Next Chair Preethi Kang said: “The Awards represent everything Generation Next stands for; celebrating young talent in the East Midlands and shining a positive light on everything young people have to offer. It’s all about nurturing future talent.
“The Awards can genuinely lead to amazing things. I’ve spoken to past winners who said the Generation Next Awards gave them the confidence to set up a new business or charity which is so great to hear.
“The Awards are for everyone – from young apprentices to people setting up a business. It’s a celebration of future leaders in the East Midlands.”
Categories for the 2026 Generation Next Awards:
- Apprentice of the Year Award
- Excellence in Customer Service Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Future Leader Award
- Innovator of the Year Award
- Talent Development Award
- Community Impact Champion Award
- Emerging Talent Award
Applications close on 29th June 2026. To submit an entry, click here.
