A brand-new concept for business professionals under 35 was launched on Wednesday 9th February 2022. The Co.next concept was launched; a brand new initiative aimed at empowering, engaging, and encouraging the next generation of business professionals. This was the first opportunity for the Norfolk business community to hear more about the programme and share their thoughts on how this will be shaped going forward. 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. 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. They are backed by an advisory board of seven dedicated under 35s, who will provide a continuous feedback loop and guidance as to how to ensure the concept stays relevant. The event saw over 90 attendees of all industries and backgrounds. Presentations were delivered by James Groves, Rebecca Headden, and Stokely Howard, followed by an in-depth Q&A with the board. There was a wide mix of feedback and ideas from the audience, which will be used to shape and grow the concept moving forward. Mark Juniper of Ascott Lloyd says, “It was a great event and well organised. I really enjoyed it and the buzz in the room would have given you an idea that all the rest of the attendees did as well.” Grace Appleby of Yawn Marketing says, ‘It was an amazing atmosphere; to be in a room with people who feel so passionately about the same case – promoting and empowering young professionals – was electric”. As part of this offering, The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has 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, the last of which sold 100 tickets in one hour. Photo credit: Norfolk Chambers
