Judges announced for Future Faces ' flagship awards
The judging panel has been announced for this year 's Future Faces and Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) awards.
This year 's flagship event will take place virtually on 27 August and will be a joint celebration of the region 's young professionals following Future Faces' merger with Business Professional Services (BPS) Birmingham last year.
Chairing the awards is the Chamber 's own Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).
The judging line-up includes a range of professional figures from across Birmingham, each with their own affiliation to the awards and a keen interest in supporting the region 's future talent.
Michelle Adams, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
Michelle Adams is a partner in the Real Estate Litigation team at Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP, sponsors of this year 's Future Face of Sustainability award.
As a strong advocate of the Midlands, Michelle has previously represented the region as Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (Legal) and Future Face of Legal in 2019.
Michelle said: “I 'm delighted to be part of the judging panel for the inaugural combined Future Faces & BYPY Young Professional Awards 2021.
“I know there will be so many deserving individuals applying, who have experienced numerous challenges in their respective sectors over the last 12 months. It 's a real honour to get to hear from them all personally; I 'm excited to learn more about how they have contributed to the region so far and their future plans. ”
Byron Carnegie, Managing Director, JAMAYA
Byron Carnegie is the co-founder of JAMAYA, a multi-award winning independent restaurant in Solihull serving authentic Jamaican cuisine.
In addition to his role in hospitality, Byron is also the founder of First 4 Services Property Care, an established property management company working with housing charities, property agents and developers.
Joanna Drinkwater, Managing Director, Grant McKnight
Joanna Drinkwater (pictured) is a chartered accountant with a history of entrepreneurship. Having previously founded a student tour operator business, Joanna went on to sell the company and set up her own accountancy practice Grant McKnight in 2018.
Joanna also has a personal connection to Future Faces as the former winner of the 2020 Future Face of Finance.
Joanna said: “I am incredibly honoured to be judging this year's Future Face of Finance Awards. As last year's winner, I am really looking forward to seeing the showcase of talented individuals and their achievements in the region over the past year.
Councillor Brigid Jones, Deputy Leader, Birmingham City Council
Brigid is an enthusiastic ambassador for the Birmingham region and, after falling in love and settling in the city over a decade ago, was elected as deputy leader of Birmingham City Council.
Having previously worked in new energy at the University of Birmingham, among other roles across various educational organisations, Brigid brings her well rounded experience and values to promote Birmingham as a great urban city in which to live, learn and work.
Mark Smith, Executive Director of Business Engagement, Aston University
Mark Smith, executive director of business engagement at Aston University, headline sponsors of the awards.
Mark Smith is Aston University 's first-ever executive director of this kind, taking strategic responsibility for all business engagement activities and playing a key role in the University 's provision of higher education courses.
Mark said: “I 'm delighted to be once again on the judging team for Future Faces, and supporting the network which helps nurture the next generation of leaders for your city and beyond. ”
The deadline to apply for an award is 5pm on 9 July.
Click here to apply