Rising stars: Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 class of 2024 unveiled
TALENT: The Top 30 Under 30 class of 2024
By Rick Lyon, Co Editor
Thirty young people in business have been chosen for a prestigious training programme.
The Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 has announced its full list of 2024 winners.
It is the seventh year of the programme, which is designed to recognise young business talent in the region and equip rising stars with skills for their ongoing professional development, including towards leadership.
Each of the selected winners will undergo 12 months of development in line with the Leadership Excellence Acceleration Programme (LEAP). The scheme not only equips each winner with the skillset to become effective leaders, but also provides an opportunity for businesses to recognise and invest in their own aspiring young talent.
The programme culminates in a glittering awards ceremony at the end of the year.
CELEBRATION: Simon Jones speaking at the Top 30 Under 30 ceremony
Simon Jones, founder of Top 30 Under 30, said: “I’m proud to announce this year’s winners, and our class of 2024.
“This year, we’ve seen more employers than ever nominating their very best talent for recognition, making the judging process the most difficult to date.
“Today, we celebrate the contribution of the region’s best young talent. This group have made a significant difference to their organisations, to their teams and to the local business community, and it’s an honour to showcase who they are, inspiring ambition amongst the next generation.”
The programme provides the winners with a unique opportunity to further enhance their leadership skills, led by industry experts in leadership, self-development and communication.
Jack Moore, 26, from Hull, took part in the Top 30 Under 30 scheme in 2022, and said it was a “game-changer” for his career.
Jack, group marketing and communications manager at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, said: “Taking part in the LEAP programme had a huge impact on my career progression.
“The various training sessions encouraged me to think differently in my professional life and armed me with the tools and techniques I needed to put into practice to be the very best version of myself.
“As a result, I’m more confident, I can communicate effectively, and I feel that I’m a better leader for my team. In turn, this has enabled me to expand my team, and collectively we’re stronger than we’ve ever been before – and it’s all down to the skills I acquired as part of the LEAP programme.
“The Top 30 Under 30 scheme has been a real game-changer for me and my career, and for those businesses who want to invest in their employees, both personally and professionally whilst making a real impact – it’s totally worth it.”
The scheme also campaigns to raise awareness of the various career opportunities that are available in the region, including the different pathways to success, and the range of professional industries that operate in the area.
PROUD: Simon Jones, founder of the Hull and Humber Top 30 Under 30
Since the programme started, it has supported 23 winners to go on and become directors, 11 heads of departments, three in group positions and 63 new managers.
Simon added: “By delivering the Top 30 Under 30 scheme, we create an evidence-based narrative that helps shifts the often common perception that you need to leave the area to climb the career ladder, whereas in fact there are jobs, careers and progressive opportunities worth staying for.
“I’m always humbled by the support I receive for Top 30 Under 30, and with 14 new organisations on the list this year, it showcases the intense competition we now face when selecting our final 30.
“I believe that through this scheme, organisations are now recognising how important their young talent is to their long-term future and prospects. As such, seeing more organisations engaging with these awards is a positive sign for the future of the Hull and Humber economy.
“In essence, mobilising and activating Hull and Humber’s future leaders is what the scheme is all about, and I can’t wait to take this year’s winners on that journey.”
The full Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 class of 2024
Joe Bannister, IT operations lead, Cloud Design Box
Melissa Boyce, finance business partner – supply chain, Ideal Standard
Jordan Briggs, reactive shift manager, CorrBoard UK
Heather Brown, HR business partner, rradar
Iestyn Cale, service desk team leader, Giacom
James Duffy, social media executive, Quickline Communications
Ryan Dunn, IT support manager, Keyzo IT Solutions
Ibrahim Farah, technical product manager, AAK
Sam Fenton, indirect supply professional, Siemens Gamesa
Jack Forrest, marketing executive, Swift Group
Tonicha Grist, account manager, Simplytrak
Lily Hellwig, assistant category manager, MKM
Nirvanah Lacey, senior compliance manager, Ideal Heating
Jack Mayhew, project manager, MS3 Networks
Joseph McKinnon, operations director, Stonemere IT
Molly Melia, HR business partner, Wren Kitchens
Leo Muratovs, transport planning manager, TEPS
Rachel Naulls, technical team leader, Informed Financial Planning
Emma Ormiston, internal communications officer, University of Hull
Marjorie Salmon, compliance project lead, Ramsden International
Lindsey Saxby, misconduct and hearings officer, Humberside Police
Matthew Sweeney, team leader, Wescot Credit Services
Daniel Swift, CEO and co-artistic director, Concrete Youth
Bronte Thompson, accountancy assistant, East Riding Council
Tatiana Trindade, team leader, GTS Logistics UK
Shelby West, administrator, Sailors’ Children’s Society
Fran Williams, people and culture partner – operations, Connexin
Marta Wojciechowska, financial accountant, Bauer Engineering
Hollie Woodcock, portfolio lead, KCOM
Ellie Zealey, senior account manager, Summit Media