Business leaders urge support for young professionals' awards

Business leaders in Sutton Coldfield are calling on local firms to support young people by backing this year's Future Faces awards.

Following the launch of the Future Faces and Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) awards this week, the Chamber is encouraging businesses to show their support by backing the achievements of the region 's young people.

This year 's awards will especially commend those individuals who have gone above and beyond in some of the worst hit sectors of business.

Phil Arkinstall, president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, said: "One of my themes as president of the Sutton Chamber is to support the next generation and these awards are a great way to recognise and showcase the young talent we have across the region.

"We need to support our young people by promoting the positive contributions they make to our businesses and I would encourage local firms to get behind these awards."

Sutton Coldfield Chamber committee member Joanna Drinkwater (pictured) was crowned the Future Face of Finance at last year's awards.

Joanna, who is the managing director of Grant McKnight accountants, is urging more young professionals to put themselves forward in one of the categories.

She said: "As last year's Future Face of Finance winner I would like to encourage young professionals across the region to apply for this year's awards.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your successes and talents over the past year. Best of luck! "

Anna Kavanagh, operations director at Henwood Court Financial Planning, says the firm is reaping the benefits of developing young people - and believes other companies should look to do the same.

She said: "Here at Henwood Court we are always looking for young talent and at the moment have James Richards on a graduate training scheme as a Trainee Financial Planner and Declan Kirby as a Chartered Financial Planner.

"As a business we are committed to professional development at all levels and critical to that is succession and giving young professionals the opportunity to develop professionally with the opportunity to apply and hone those skills practically."

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