Students stage takeover at Biz Week launch
LEADING ROLE: Healing Academy students interviewing Future Humber chair Andrew Dawes
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Young people took centre stage to challenge perceptions of the region and explore its future at the launch of Humber Business Week.
More than 250 people attended Future Humber’s ‘Flipping the Script’ breakfast event at the MKM Stadium, which brought together business leaders and students to explore opportunity, shape how the Humber is seen and celebrate the stories driving the region’s future.
Pupils from Healing Academy and Sirius Academy North were given a leading role throughout the morning, interviewing senior leaders and sharing their own views on the opportunities available to young people.
Students took to the stage to interview Andrew Dawes, chair of Future Humber and Humber director for ABP, asking questions around ambition, pride in place and the future of the region.
Andrew said: “Too often, young people are talked about in conversations around skills, talent and opportunity, rather than being involved in them. We wanted to change that and show that their stories and ambitions matter now, not just ‘someday’ in the future.
“In recent years, thousands of new jobs have been created across the Humber, giving young people the chance to build strong careers and stay rooted in the region. With continued investment, even more young people will be able to share in that growth.
“Industry has a role to play in connecting with and creating opportunities for the younger generation, so they can ultimately lead the way. If we’re serious about shaping the Humber’s future and deliver its full potential, the next generation can’t just sit in the audience. They need to be part of the conversation itself.”
Year 9 Healing Academy student Amelia was one of the students who took part in the event. She said: “We need more opportunities to gain work experience in the real world, not just find out about what careers might be available to us by searching social media or websites.
SPECIAL OCCASION: Delegates experienced a red carpet arrival at Future Humber’s event
“Traditional education routes to careers aren’t for everyone, and companies need to put themselves out there to let young people know there’s a range of sectors they can go into, and that they’re welcome there.”
Hosted by Hull-born broadcaster Lucy Thompson, the film-inspired event incorporated storytelling, video, performance, audience interaction and conversation.
Several of the region’s business and community leaders shared their personal stories, influencing pride in place and celebrating the grassroots stories that collectively form Humber’s identity, including:
Ian Sharp, founder of Sharp House and Revolution Talent and co-owner of Scunthorpe United
Former England women’s football captain and Tigers Trust mentor Kaz Walker
Katy Robinson, current holder of the UK’s Most Influential Woman in Construction award and senior project manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Caine Wild, managing director of Wild Intervention.
Students also interviewed delegates as they arrived on a red carpet and during audience participation at the event.
This is Humber: Flipping the Script was the first in a raft of events organised by Future Humber as part of its support for this year’s ‘Biz Week’, which also includes:
The launch of a new training programme for future leaders at the Leading Through Change: The Skills Future Workplaces Need event
An industry insight event with Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership
Hosting a table at the Humber Business Week lunch with regional leaders
Managing director Dr Diana Taylor hosting a panel at Opportunity Humber
Digital marketing executive Elleanor Siddall speaking at Humber Tech Fest
Content and design executive Olly Burdett joining the panel at Charities Question Time Live.
BRIGHT FUTURE: Students from Healing Academy and Sirius Academy North joined host Lucy Thompson, centre, and, from left, Andrew Dawes, Kaz Walker, Caine Wild and Ian Sharp
Future Humber also helps develop the programme for Humber Business Week throughout the year, with head of marketing and communications Paige McGowan as deputy chair.
Pat Coyle, marketing and business development consultant at Wilkin Chapman Rollits and Humber Business Week chair, said: “Future Humber is always at the heart of Biz Week, bringing fresh energy and inspiring events to the programme - connecting people, inspiring fresh thinking and helping make the week such a powerful celebration of business across Humber.”