A brand-new concept for business professionals 35 and under is launching in February 2022 by The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Co.next will launch with a clear objective to empower, engage and encourage the next generation of business professionals. Co.next has been created by The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce to provide a structured, inclusive, collaborative, vibrant, and Norfolk-wide approach to support working professionals and future leaders 35 and under with appropriate, engaging, networking events and knowledge hubs. Chaired by James Groves of Indigo Swan, the board supporting this initiative consists of a range of passionate business leaders, who are on a mission to help shape the next generation of business support. James says, “I truly believe we are blessed with great talent in Norfolk, and finding this, unearthing this, polishing this with the support of their employers, is something that I take extremely seriously.” The board consists of Chris Sargisson from The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Rebecca Headden from R13 Recruitment, Stokely Howard from Trendy Grandad Creative Agency, Warren Salmons from Morgan Sindall, Kerry-Anne Lyme from Larking Gown, and Alex Sellers from Turning Factor. Chris Sargisson, CEO of The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce says, “I am picking up growing concerns that the essential early-stage creation of a life-long network is becoming a lost art. Heavy reliance on digital interaction instead of physical engagement compounded most recently by the pandemic accelerate the challenge which, if action is not taken soon may only be felt at a point when the time to resolve it has passed.” As part of this offering, The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have been working in collaboration with Stokely Howard from Trendy Grandad Creative Agency to deliver the highly successful GEN-E events. These are dynamic networking events for under 35s in Norfolk, each of which has seen an incredible response and sold out within 24 hours. We wanted to ensure that the board was also representative of under 35s in Norfolk, especially given this is the targeted audience. We have therefore gone one step further and created an ‘Advisory Board’, made up of seven budding professionals who will sit on the board for an interim period of 6 months. They will then assist in electing the next Advisory Board, allowing for a continuous loop of recommendations and opportunity. Our confirmed Advisory Board: James Melton-Royal, Ashley Day, Rebecca Campbell, Hannah Wright, Sam Edwards and Hannah Ireland and Rose Steward. Meet them here The official launch of Co.next will be taking place on Wednesday 9th February at The Forum. We’d love for you to join us to celebrate the launch of Co.next on Wednesday 9th February at The Forum. This event is open to every business in Norfolk, current business leaders, and professionals, as well as future leaders and professionals. Book your place here! Supported by the Norfolk Chambers and Governed by a board of a passionate business leaders, we would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved or know more. Get in touch
