New programme aims to nurture North East leaders

A North East business network is launching a new development programme aimed at helping early-career professionals build confidence, capability and leadership skills as they take their next steps at work.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has unveiled its inaugural Future Leaders Programme, created to support emerging talent across the region and address skills gaps identified by employers. 

The programme is being delivered in partnership with Gateshead College as skills partner and supported by two Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIP).

Developed in direct response to feedback from more than 3500 employers, the initiative targets a growing need for stronger communication and professional skills among early-career employees. 

Employers highlighted areas including confidence, verbal communication, customer interaction and broader workplace behaviours as priorities for development.

By combining professional development with peer connection, the programme aims to create a pipeline of confident, capable future leaders ready to support business growth across the North East.

John McCabe, chief executive at the NECC, said: “Our members have told us repeatedly through the LSIP process that the next generation of talent needs support to build confidence, communication skills and professional impact.

“The Future Leaders Programme is our answer to that call. 

“Together with Gateshead College, we are helping to equip early-career professionals with the tools they need to thrive and to make sure the North East has the leadership pipeline to match its ambitions.”

The Future Leaders Programme is structured around three high-profile, bite-sized networking and development sessions taking place across 2026. 

Each session will combine a keynote speaker, focused training on a key workplace skill and opportunities for participants to connect with peers from across the Chamber’s business community.

Themes across the three sessions include personal brand, business etiquette and first impressions; peer mentoring, strategic networking and public speaking; and emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. 

The programme is designed to help participants build a strong professional presence while developing the interpersonal skills required to lead effectively.

Alongside the networking sessions, participants will also have access to three full-day workshops delivered by Gateshead College. 

These interactive sessions, limited to 18 places each, will allow for deeper exploration of communication, mentoring and emotional intelligence, with a strong focus on practical application. 

A graduation event will mark the completion of the full programme.

Nadine Hudspeth, director of brand and learner experience at Gateshead College, pictured below, added: “We’re really excited to launch the Future Leaders Programme, knowing the difference it can make not just for individuals, but for the region. 

“Having personally benefitted from being part of strong peer networks during my own career, I know how powerful it can be to learn alongside people from different sectors.

“This programme gives early-career professionals the chance to build self-awareness, confidence and leadership skills, grow lasting networks and develop in a way that benefits their own organisations while helping to create a more connected, confident North East.”

Nadine Hudspeth, director of brand and learner experience at Gateshead College

The first bite-sized session will take place on February 13, followed by a full-day workshop on March 13. Further sessions are scheduled for April 24 and June 23, with additional workshops taking place later in the year.

For further information, contact Chamber policy manager Jessie Kelly-Baxter at jessie.kelly-baxter@necc.co.uk, or view the programme brochure here.

To book onto the programme or find out more, click here.

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