Young professionals aged 18-40 in the East Midlands have been recognised at the 2026 Generation Next Conference and Awards.
Delivered by East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next network for young professionals, in partnership with headline partner the University of Derby, the conference and ceremony took place at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on 15th October.
The sponsors were Chesterfield College, Derby College Group, Leicester College, Nottingham Trent University, trentbarton and West Nottinghamshire College, with Knights as the drink sponsor.
Seven awards were issued at the packed ceremony recognising standout apprentices, entrepreneurs and qualities like exceptional customer service and impact on the community.
The flagship Future Leader Award, sponsored by the University of Derby went to Kyle Hazeldine from Midland Lead.
The Awards followed Generation Next’s annual conference. Panel discussions and inspirational talks sought to share insight preparing young professionals for the business opportunities and the challenges of tomorrow.
Roots and Futures Founder and Co-Founder of Citrey CIC Lauren Thompson shared her experiences like completing the 268-mile Pennine Way and spoke of the importance of young professionals having a seat at the table in community conversations.
LikeMind Media Director Paul Ince gave a presentation on the value of building visual presence and a personal brand to contribute to sales.
East Midlands Chamber President Cham Kang opened the 2026 Generation Next Conference and Awards. Speaking afterwards he said: “With the East Midlands a Centre of Trading Excellence known and established the world over for its innovation, manufacturing, digital and creative skill, we must ensure we’ve got a path in place for growth not just today but into the future.
“The region is fortunate to be home to outstanding business talent – the young people that stand out as the leaders of tomorrow, the innovators, thinkers and entrepreneurs that will determine what business in the East Midlands looks like in the years ahead.
“Trading conditions in recent times have been tough but while we focus on overcoming challenges in the here and now, it’s encouraging when business leaders actively encourage, mentor and mould the up-and-coming business talent we have in abundance in the East Midlands to lead and to drive growth in the future.
“Generation Next has helped countless young professionals in the East Midlands overcome any voice that might have made them believe they can’t achieve their goals in business to do exactly that, to build and expand on the confidence and skills needed by employers, for leadership and for driving economic growth.
“My message to today’s business leaders and employers in the East Midlands is to urge them to not overlook the skills we have in young professionals based here, the importance of nurturing and developing those people to secure a bright future.”
Generation Next Chair Preethi Kang presented the Awards, alongside Network Champions Blu Hardy and Nicole Perkins. Speaking afterwards Preethi said: “What we have right here in the East Midlands is a huge cohort of outstanding young people that constantly strive to be the very best they can in business – but also be better. To learn. To develop their skillset. To be inspired by the leaders in place now but also inspire with innovative thinking.
“Generation Next is a perfect place for young professionals to be recognised for the skills they already have, including the ones they may not realise they have, that just need a push, some encouragement and top-level guidance so you can be the best when it comes to employment or leading your own business.
“Bringing exceptional young people together at our Awards and Conference to first hear the inspiring journey of our guest speakers, to be presented with awards that highlight their outstanding achievement and then to network in a relaxed setting that builds strong connections is something very special.
“I would like to extend my thanks to our headline sponsor the University of Derby and all the sponsors that made this event so memorable and I congratulate all the finalists and award recipients.”
Roots and Futures Founder and Co-Founder of Citrey CIC Lauren Thompson was one of the guest speakers at the conference. Afterwards she said: “Young professionals are more entrepreneurial, more intrapreneurial, more empathetic and we need to get them to use their voice and promote the East Midlands.
“My message to young professionals is don’t take no for an answer. If you’ve got an idea and you’ve got an ambition, go for it. Find your peers, find your communities and get stuff done.”
Like Mind Media Director Paul Ince said after his presentation: “Everyone in the room at the Awards and Conference had the potential to build their own personal brand, their own profile, for the benefit of them but also for the benefit of the companies they work for. Companies can absolutely use the human assets they employ for the benefit of their company, while at the same time young professionals build their profile, become experts and demonstrate the skills they have.
“Networking is paramount. We live in a world where we’re all tied to our phone, looking at the screen all the time. It’s easy to build parasocial worlds on these platforms. But the real power of being in the room with someone is where it’s at. That’s what people should really try and focus on and digital tools can support that. I don’t think there’s anything like being in the room with your contemporaries, sharing stories, sharing experiences.”
The Future Leader Award, sponsored by the University of Derby went to Kyle Hazeldine of Midland Lead. Speaking afterwards he said: “I’ve been with Midland Lead for 11 years now and I started in telesales, no experience and then I’ve just worked my way through the business. I’ve taken the opportunities that the business has provided me with and just grabbed every opportunity that I could get.
“I’m very privileged that I work for a company that have really invested in me, my personal development and given me the opportunity so I’m very fortunate and thankful to them.”
The Community Impact Champion Award, sponsored by Leicester College went to Jessica Johnson of Our Dementia Choir. Speaking afterwards she said: “I was pretty speechless because I never expected in a million years to be even nominated for something like this. It’s very personal and my heart is in what I do 100% so to be recognized and acknowledged for that was just incredible.
“It’s for everyone that’s living with dementia and I continue to fight and be an advocate for those living with dementia, proving that there is life beyond a diagnosis and it isn’t the end.”
The Excellence in Customer Service Award, sponsored by trentbarton went to Isabelle Torrance of Derby College. Speaking afterwards she said: “I’ve been a part of Generation Next for a couple of years. I came to the Awards last year and I really can’t believe I’ve won this.
“I was nominated by my manager and I’m really, really grateful for the opportunities that Derby College and Generation Next has given me so far.”
The Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by West Nottinghamshire College went to Harriet Sheikh of Bodie Hodges Foundation. Speaking afterwards she said: “I’m so proud of the charity I work for and am so grateful for the support they’ve given me to get here and be able to win this award.
“Generation Next is so important. I’ve really enjoyed the experience and it’s definitely something we’re going to continue coming to and supporting.”
The Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Derby College Group went to Eve Hunt of LJM Solutions. Speaking afterwards she said: “I love being an apprentice. I’ve just finished my Level 3. I’m going on to do a Level 6 now. I’m going to be an apprentice for the next three years.
“I love my job, I love what I do and I love that they invest in me as much as I invest in them. It’s so important. They believe in me and how I’ve grown.”
Generation Next Awards 2026 Winners
Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Derby College Group
WINNER: Eve Hunt – LJM Solutions
Community Impact Champion Award, sponsored by Leicester College
WINNER: Jessica Johnson, Our Dementia Choir
Excellence in Customer Service Award, sponsored by trentbarton
WINNER: Isabelle Torrance, Derby College
Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by West Nottinghamshire College
WINNER: Harriet Sheikh, Bodie Hodges Foundation
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Nottingham Trent University
WINNER: Josh Lindley, LJM Solutions
Talent Development Award, sponsored by Chesterfield College Group
WINNER: Amber Cavan, Lake Energy
Future Leader Award, sponsored by University of Derby
WINNER: Kyle Hazeldine, Midland Lead
