Winners announced for scheme celebrating young employees in Hull and the Humber

Vicky Smith, one of this year's winners, said: “It's such an honour and surprise. I was so flattered to have just been nominated by my workplace, but to have made it as one of the winners is amazing and I’m so over the moon.

“It’s often a misconception that to be successful in business, you need to be in a big city like Leeds, Manchester or London. It’s really great to have this recognition in Hull, and see how supportive all of the businesses are in both the scheme, and in the development of Hull’s up-and-coming young people.”

Ms Smith is digital account manager at marketing agency Bluestorm, which she joined in 2021.

This year, the scheme also received a record number of nominations.

Simon Jones, creator of the scheme, said: “Every year, I am amazed by the support I receive for this scheme. But having seen the scheme break records once again, it gives me a real sense of optimism about the region’s future.

"Reading through the nominations is not only testament to the work from our winners, but the trust the organisations they are part of have in their talent.

“This is a real statement. A statement from the region's talent to say that you can trust them to take the lead and make a difference, and a statement from the organisations involved to say that they are prepared to back young people to make a difference, and that they are seeing the benefits that strategy brings.”

Winners are also enrolled on to the schemes “LEAP” programme, designed to further develop the leadership skills of participants, led by industry experts in leadership, self-development, and communication.

Natalia Rudd, a marketing executive at property developer Wykeland, who is also one of this year's winners added: “I’m excited to push myself out of my comfort zone, meet the other 29 winners and get stuck into the LEAP programme.

"I am also excited to see how I can use all of my learnings over the programme back in my day to day role at Wykeland.

“I think it’s really important to recognise local achievement in this way. As a young person who is towards the start of their career you can have imposter syndrome and don’t always realise your true value. This can sometimes hold people back in their careers, but this programme will bring out and grow the skills people need to excel and be a future leader.”

Winners of the scheme have come from a variety of employers including Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, The University of Hull, Humberside Police and Giacom.

Mr Jones noted how the scheme had been designed to differ from other business awards by celebrating local employees, rather than those who have started their own companies.

He added: “Today’s announcement is a celebration of the work, energy and contribution of our region’s talent, who have made a significant difference to our businesses and organisations.

"These young people have excelled in their respective fields, and have shown the qualities and behaviours that have stood them out amongst a very competitive field.