Sophie Lee

Estates Consultant, Shared Agenda

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 and again to a Consultant in January 2021.

Jack Hearnshaw

Senior Transport Planner, Local Transport Projects

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!

Katy Robinson

Project Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

I got involved with the Young Talent Network in 2021 when my employers encouraged me to apply for the YTN Steering Group vacancy. It has been brilliant to meet a likeminded group of young professionals who are passionate about promoting Hull and the Humber region.

As a young woman in the construction industry, it is often an isolating experience with the vast majority of the industry professionals being older and male. The Young Talent Network has provided me with an opportunity to widen my professional network with other local young people in different industries and sectors through professional development and social events.

Becky Keegan

Group Marketing Manager, Bostonair Group

I work closely with our teams, clients and partners to manage and deliver the marketing strategies and activities across the Bostonair Group brands within the Aviation, Rail and Renewable Energy sectors.

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 previous 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.

The YTN has opened up many fantastic development opportunities for me, including my position on the Bondholders Board.

Aaliah Bhamji

Trainee Accountant, Sowerby Chartered Accountants

I have always lived studied and now work in Hull. I finished my degree in accountancy with professional experience at the University of Hull in 2020 and now work as a trainee accountant at Sowerby Chartered Accountants, a firm based in Beverley, as well as studying towards my ACCA qualification.

I learnt about the YTN through a work colleague who suggested I be part of the steering group and help promote the region. I was already starting to do this through my blog where I log my career journey and discuss the issues I have faced and how I overcome them, as well as discussing various topics related to accountancy and finance as well as promoting small businesses in the local area, and the positive impact they have on our community.

Alex Uney

Senior Communications Officer, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust

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Emily Gallagher

Sustainable Business Development Manager, MYgroup Hull

I joined the Young Talent Network to support people in the first phase of their careers, providing development and network opportunities and to create a community. Since I arrived here 8 years ago this region has offered so many wonderful career options that can be 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!

Morgan Blakewell

Sales Associate - CMF and Neurosurgical, Stryker

I came to Hull in 2013 to study chemistry at the university and have been compelled to stay in the area since!

My first role out of university was as an analytical assistant at RB (Now Reckitt) providing analytical test data for their digestive relief portfolio, including Gaviscon. After a year of this, I moved to Smith & Nephew, a local-turned-global medical device company, where I spent 4 years working on the science behind wound care products. More recently, I've taken a slight directional change to work as a sales representative for Stryker, promoting our Maxillocraniofacial and Neurosurgical products to hospitals across the region. 

I got involved with the YTN in 2021 when the opportunity presented itself because I wanted to give something back to the region that has given so much to me and promote the interests of young professionals in the area.

Phil Winter

Content Manager, Meehan Media & Comms

Having been born and raised in the city of Hull, Phil spent three years studying Journalism at the University of Sheffield, before returning to his East Yorkshire roots to join the Goole & Selby Times newspapers as a Trainee Reporter in 2015.

Phil went on to work as a Senior Reporter at the Hull Daily Mail, before becoming Business Editor at the paper – a role he served for two years. Phil then joined the Press & Communications team at the University of Hull, helping to promote and showcase the institution as a key stakeholder in the Humber region.

He is now Content Manager at Meehan Media & Comms.

Throughout all of his career to date, Phil has been a passionate advocate of celebrating young talent across the Humber region, a role which is at the heart of his work at the University. He is also keen to highlight the variety of careers and opportunities on offer in Hull and surrounding areas, and help keep talent in the city.