Young professionals invited to apply for Town Council-funded Future Faces memberships

Young professionals working for businesses in Sutton Coldfield are being encouraged to apply for a fully-funded 12-month membership of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce – backed by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.

Future Faces, the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, supporters employees aged between 18 and 35 with opportunities to participate in a range of networking and professional development events and initiatives.

The Town Council, as part of a link-up with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, is sponsoring 10 memberships for 2024/25.

Cllr Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to launch this partnership with the Future Faces Chamber.

“It is critically important to support young people at the early stage of their careers and this is a great way to achieve that. 

“The Town Council works closely with businesses across our Royal Town in so much of what we do and really values its relationships with business stakeholders.

“We look forward to receiving numerous quality applications and urge young professionals and their employers to come together and put themselves forward.”

Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce president, Naeem Arif, MD at United Carpets Mere Green, added: “We know there are many young people forging their career in the business community in our town and we have a thriving professional services industry alongside various other sectors who employ apprentices, graduates and trainees.

“The support announced from the Council will help the Chamber reach out to support the future leaders of business and work with them to grow their networks and professional knowledge.”

In January, Graham Allsopp, deputy CEO of the Sutton Coldfield-based Ark Media Group, was crowned Young Professional of the Year at the Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers awards.

The Future Faces and Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards have previously recognised young professionals from Sutton firms Edge Creative, Cherished, 3D Facilities Support, The Belfry, Power Minerals, BMet, Grant McKnight Accountants and Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, Future Faces manager, said: “Our division of the chamber is open to any young person working in business from anywhere in our locality across Greater Birmingham and the support of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council will be a huge help in further promoting the opportunities we offer throughout the region.

“The success enjoyed by Graham at the recent awards as well as historic connections with other young people in the area has seen a marked increase in attendance at our local events, alongside a wide range of online and in-person events across Birmingham to offer support to young professionals. I look forward to meeting the new cohort.”

Any business with an office in the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council catchment area can put forward a maximum of two staff for the funded places by downloading an application form.

Contact head of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, Chris Brewerton, for more information by phone on 07753453624 or email [email protected]

Download the application form now. The deadline for applications is 1pm on Friday 22 March.

Pictured: Graham Allsopp was crowned Young Professional of the Year at the Chambers' awards in January