Following the success of the business programme last year, Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council have linked with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerces (GBCC) young professional division, Future Faces, and sponsored 12 places across the two authorities.

These free places are aimed at young professionals within local businesses, offering the opportunity to network, develop and be recognised for their talent across Greater Birmingham.

Future Faces is a multi-sector programme and aims to develop future leaders. The one-year membership includes the opportunity to attend a minimum of two events per month.

The first is a relaxed social networking meeting at a Birmingham venue, providing members a chance to talk to other like-minded professionals from a mix of sectors and expand ideas, business contacts and support, as well as making new friends.

The second event is a professional development workshop, designed to help members develop their leadership and professional skills.

We are really pleased to have been able to collaborate with the councils in this project, and hope to continue to work with them and more young professionals in Lichfield and Tamworth.

Sessions are led by influential business leaders from across a mix of sectors, all offering an insight to improving individual business potential, access to a personal development mentor and the opportunity to be on the Future Faces executive committee.

Members of the programme will also have access to feature their business news on the Future Faces page in Chamberlink Magazine or the weekly e-newsletter.

In addition, the programme also invites all members to their flagship event the Future Faces Annual Dinner and Awards which recognises the talent of all young professionals in the area.

Successful applicants are from a variety of business sectors including catering, finance, marketing, photography, music education and accountancy.

Laura Sutton, a business owner for The Cake Spa in Lichfield, describes how she feels being successfully accepted for Future Faces: As a business owner in my first year of trade, I am really excited to part of the Future Faces membership. The programme offers free events and great networking opportunities, plus support for training and knowledge sharing. I cant wait to get involved; it can only benefit my new business.

Alex Perry, a Business Development and Marketing Manager for The Training Initiative in Tamworth, said: I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Future Faces programme. Im looking forward to attending the different events, learning things that will benefit my career in the short and long-term; and also increasing my confidence.

Being from a small town like Tamworth, I have found it hard to connect with likeminded, career focussed individuals, so this programme is amazing for that. Another benefit is getting discounts and free tickets to events, the first being tickets to the ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome.

More information regarding Future Faces is available at: http://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/our-group/future-faces/

James Blackman, president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, said: We are really pleased to have been able to collaborate with the councils in this project, and hope to continue to work with them and more young professionals in Lichfield and Tamworth.

TheLichfield and Tamworth Chamber are committed to endorsing and supporting young professionals, helping them to connect, collaborate and grow.

Cllr Jeremy Oates, Tamworth Borough Council Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said: Future Faces is an excellent opportunity for diverse, talented, young professionals to expand their skills and knowledge within a programme that offers professional support and a strong network of business contacts.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce have created this annual membership to help network, develop and recognise young professionals across all sectors. Congratulations to all 12 successful applicants, I hope they will take full advantage of this rewarding membership and investment opportunity.

Cllr Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Councils Cabinet member for Investment, Growth and Tourism said: I am really pleased for all the winners of the Future Faces competition. This will give them a competitive advantage and could really help shape their careers. Its wonderful to see so much talent coming forward and to hear about their business ventures. I wish them all the best and hope they get a lot out of the Future Faces initiative.

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Young professionals receive a free 12-month business programme - Tamworth Informed