Outstanding businesspeople aged 18-40 across the East Midlands have been named as finalists for the 2026 Generation Next Awards.
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.
Generation Next is an East Midlands Chamber network that mentors and develops young professionals and future leaders with skills workshops, learning resources and networking events to upskill and empower 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.
Generation Next Chair Preethi Kang said: “Generation Next empowers young businesspeople across the East Midlands to succeed. It does that by boosting confidence, building meaningful connections that give a valuable step up, creating a community where likeminded people can share ideas, support one another and learn together. It is a collaborative space where the next generation of talent can grow, thrive and inspire each other.
“The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of that community. They showcase the incredible young people who are making a real difference across the East Midlands, recognising achievement at every stage of your journey. Whether already leading a team, building expertise as an apprentice, starting a business or making a mark as an employee, these awards shine a spotlight on the passion, talent and ambition that exists across our region.
“Being named as a Generation Next Awards finalist means that person’s achievements have been recognised by respected leaders from the East Midlands business community. If that person goes on to win in their category, it is testament to the impact they are making and the value they bring.
“I would like to thank everyone who entered the 2026 Generation Next Awards and congratulate all the finalists. Their success reflects the strength, innovation and future of our region and we cannot wait to celebrate at the awards.”
Finalists for the 2026 Generation Next Awards:
Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Derby College Group
Megan White – Eversheds Sutherland
Eve Hunt – LJM Solutions
Lucia Burns – Howes Percival
Excellence in Customer Service Award – sponsored by trentbarton
Eve Hunt – LJM Solutions
Becca Prior – Blue Stamp Travel
Isabelle Torrance – Derby College
Entrepreneur of the Year Award – sponsored by Nottingham Trent University
Jessica Roj – BEKUNST
Josh Lindley – LJM Solutions
Ravi Agravat – Berkfield
Tania Gerard – Tania Gerard Digital
Future Leader Award – sponsored by University of Derby
Charlotte Summers – Midland Lead
Kyle Hazeldine – Midland Lead
Jess Payne – Lake Energy
William Broad – Rail Forum
Josh Lindley – LJM Solutions
Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni – Red 19 Creatives CIC
Talent Development Award – sponsored by Chesterfield College
Ionut Andrei – Lake Energy
Amber Cavan – Lake Energy
Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni – Red 19 Creatives CIC
Community Impact Champion Award – sponsored by Leicester College
Rosie Craven – RU Counselling
Mandy Salmon – Bloc Digital
Jessica Johnson – Our Dementia Choir
Pheobe Lake – Lake Energy
Gurjeet Kaur – Eversheds Sutherland
Laxshmi Lynn – LJM Solutions
Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by West Nottinghamshire College
Harriet Sheikh – Bodie Hodges Foundation
Emily Chennels – Lake Energy
Georgina Turner – Eversheds Sutherland
Tegan Harris – Structural Adhesives
James Spencer – LJM Solutions
Reilly Spencer – LJM Solutions
