Top 30 Under 30 is back in Hull and the Humber for 2023.
Five years on from launch, success is shining through, with more than half of the alumni now in managerial roles, with several in the most senior positions.
The class of 2022 have just completed the Leap programme that sits behind the accolade, with 150 young professionals now having been celebrated by founder Simon Jones, who aims to see 1,000 through. It is a programme that has also been taken in-house by previous candidates.
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Simon, who heads up recruiter Identify, said: “The Top 30 Under 30 has established itself as the region’s flagship for recognising talent. But more importantly, it is leading the acceleration and growth of this talent through our Leap Programme, which is now bearing fruit. Over the past five years, of the 150 people we have recognised, we now have six managing directors, nine business directors, two in the C-Suite, 11 heads of department and 53 managers.
"People who were recognised as future leaders are now becoming leaders within the region’s businesses. The contribution we are making to young people and their organisations is clear for everyone to see. This scheme is delivering, and is often described as life-changing for those who participate.”
Three of the six MDs who have Top 30 on their CV, have given their take on the experience. David Kennedy is now managing director of Pure Renewables, having entered the programme as a 28-year-old operations manager with the Hull firm.
Two years on, having completed the programme in 2020, he is at the helm and has also launched two further businesses in the group, Heatpumps2Go, a volume-led sales site helping plumbers access the cleantech, and European Energy Heating, a business aimed at supporting industrial and commercial operations to decarbonise.
Mr Kennedy said: “The Leap programme was really good, it challenged you but was really quite supportive, with thought-provoking sessions. The main thing for me was the fact that I got to connect with lots of other young professionals in the area, that we got to learn from each other on how we have dealt with various challenges that we have faced.”
In the next few years he now anticipates putting candidates forward. “I would say ‘definitely go for it’ - it is a really good programme, it is challenging and one of those things where the more you put in, the more you get out," David said. "I would encourage employers to put candidates forward. We have people in the next few years I’d like to consider."
Josh Richardson was entered into Top 30 as a financial planner with Informed Financial Planning in 2019, having been with the Hessle firm for four years. This year a management buy-out has completed and he is now MD.
“The programme was great,” he said. “In my industry a lot of the training is very product-heavy, focused on what clients should be doing with their savings and pensions, so it was great to be part of something that looked at the management side and leadership, to share the softer skills. I’m always looking for opportunities for our staff, and we have people I will be considering. You have got to get the right individual, someone who is driven, as you need that commitment. If you do get the right person the skills will be invaluable to that individual, and a real asset to the business.”
Jack Lobaczewski, was in the 2021 cohort, reporting to directors of an electrical wholesaler as a general manager of a branch in Grimsby. In January this year he launched RSUK Group in the town, as a tenant of his former employer, providing solar installation and general building repairs for banks and insurers when original contractors fail. Onshore wind operations and maintenance is soon to be added.
“You can be quite isolated in your own friendship groups when under the age of 30,” he said. “Often you are the only one in a management position and it is difficult to share experiences or concerns. To be in a room with 29 other people faced with similar challenges helped a massive amount.”
Now heading up a team of 20-contractors and a smaller in-house team, Jack also enjoyed the self-discovery through the personal side of the coaching, understanding his work ethic and qualities.
“There are not many things in this area that champion good young people and this is such a good way to show an employee what you think of them,” he said. “It could change their career path, it could be the difference between someone in middle management becoming more senior, or even managing their own business. It is an excellent platform.”
Nominations are now being welcomed for 2023, following a celebration event at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Hull. It closes on Friday, January 20.
Full entry details, nomination forms and sponsorship information can be found at www.top30under30.co.uk
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