Phoebe Cranmer

I started at Forrester Boyd as a trainee accountant straight from my a-levels. I am now in my fourth year and with only my final exams to go I have achieved more than I ever imagined. During this time I have become passionate about helping other young talent embrace the vast amount of opportunities in the area.

I began by representing Forrester Boyd at local colleges and I now create vlogs for the ICAEW. I did this to show young people that accountancy shouldn’t be perceived as boring and prove what a great career you can have in many industries in your home town.

This is why when I heard about the young talent network I was very excited to get involved. It is a great way to meet other like-minded individuals and hear their success stories whilst spreading the message that the Humber region is a place where you can achieve and exceed your career goals.

Jane Cross

In my role as Marketing Manager at APD Communications, a Hull-based software development company that creates solutions for the emergency services and wider public safety market, I’m proud to make a difference.

APD was founded over thirty years ago and is born and bred right here in Hull. We’ve grown to become a £10 million business and have recently relocated our 100-strong team from our original site on the Hull University campus into a new state-of-the-art office suite in Hull’s old town, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.

As a business, we’ve been a Bondholder for three years and our employees enjoy networking at its variety of events throughout the year. For me, the opportunity to join and work on projects with the Young Talent Network in particular, as a member of the Steering Group, has been very rewarding and has opened my personal network of contacts in the region. There’s lots of opportunity still to tap into and that’s something I’m looking forward to being part of going forward.

Emily Gallagher

At Bio-D we manufacture environmentally responsible cleaning products that are cruelty free, vegan and made with ethically sourced ingredients. My job is to develop the Bio-D brand working in partnership with our customers and helping as many people as possible to be kind to the environment when they are washing their dishes. I joined the Young Talent Network just over a year ago to support young talent in the Humber region. Since I arrived here 4 years ago this region has offered so many wonderful career opportunities that are harder to come by in larger cities. This, alongside the festivals, social activities and general quality of life, makes the Humber such a great place to live and work and I think that’s something worth shouting about!

Sophie Lee

I grew up in the Humber region and am passionate about the area and promoting as a great place to live and work. I moved away to go to university however knew I wanted to return to the region to begin my career.

I got involved in the YTN whilst doing an internship at Local Transport Projects in 2017. I was put forward by my employer to be one of the founding members of the Young Talent Network and spoke at the Bondholder Breakfast YTN launch event in September 2017.

I continued to be involved in the group whilst completing my final year of university, and subsequently joined Shared Agenda as a Graduate Development Manager in July 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for such a great company and in July 2019 gained a promotion to Assistant Development Manager.

Becky Keegan

Digital Coordinator - I am responsible for looking after our brands online and developing and delivering our digital marketing plans as part of the Marketing and Communications team.

When the opportunity arose to join the Young Talent Network steering group, I was in the process of building my own network and establishing myself in my role and this was the perfect opportunity to get involved and work with others in a similar position as myself. Since then I have been very keen to help promote the talent in the Humber region and to open up the opportunities that are available for young people, hoping to fill the gaps for business and personal development for those starting in their careers.

Alex Lowsley

I work as a Building Surveyor for Delaney Marling Partnership. My role as a surveyor varies and I am involved in all matter’s property from project management, dilapidation to residential surveys. We are also the surveyors for Beverley Minster! I joined the Young Talent Network as I felt it was important to promote the region and try to retain the talent in the area. It’s rewarding to work with a group of like-minded individuals who all want to achieve the same goal.

Jack Hearnshaw

I first came to the region in 2010 to study Geography at the University of Hull and have never looked back! I saw the potential in the area when I first came here and I was lucky enough to get a graduate job as a Transport Planner with Local Transport Projects (LTP) straight after university which allowed me to stay in Hull. Fast forward a few years and I’m now a Senior Transport Planner at LTP and primarily work on transport and highways matters associated with new developments.

I wanted to be part of the Young Talent Network to help tell the story about how great this region is to live and work in. It’s easy to criticise and take where you’re from for granted, but from an outsiders perspective I think there is a lot to shout about, and retaining and attracting young talent to the area will help it to become an even bigger future success story!