Young business enthusiasts paired with Lincolnshire leaders in first Mini Exec Club

Business-minded young people in Lincolnshire began a new journey to growing their talents with the help of already experienced talents at the new EBP Mini Exec Club.

On Wednesday, November 4, 20 young people from a range of Lincolnshire schools attended a dinner at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln and each was introduced to a mentor from a local business.

The new Mini Exec Club is an idea born out of the Exec Club – a bi-monthly networking dinner organised by Streets Chartered Accountants and Langleys Solicitors LLP.

Twenty senior directors of local companies were involved.

A ‘Matching Pairs’ icebreaker exercise, where the young people find and meet their business mentors. Photo: EBP

Lincolnshire schools were invited to nominate a young person to attend the event and be paired with a chief executive, who was their host for the evening.

The young people had the opportunity to talk to their allocated partner about their particular industry and ask general questions about the world of work.

At the end of the evening, the young person and the business mentor discussed how to continue their relationship through telephone calls, by email, with visits to the workplace, support with university and job applications and a work experience placement.

The EBP gave advice to the businesses on working with young people and on good safeguarding practice. A follow-up dinner is planned for June 2016.

Photo: EBP

Elaine Lilley, chief executive of The EBP said: “This is a great opportunity for the worlds of business and education to interact, and to give young people an insight into the world of work.

“I am hugely grateful to members of The Exec Club for their willingness to give up their valuable time to support the project, which is part of a wider drive to nurture and retain local talent and tackle skills shortages in the county.

“To this end, The EBP has recently launched a new service called ‘Communitree’, which offers a recruitment service to local employers by sourcing and shortlisting young people for jobs.

“Communitree staff will coach the candidates in appearance and dress code, punctuality & time management, written & oral communication skills, attitude and initiative, customer service, teamwork, writing CVs and cover letters and interview skills.”

Companies interested in getting involved with initiatives to develop employable young people in Lincolnshire should contact Laura Hopton at The EBP on 01522 5741113 or email [email protected].

For the latest dispatch of business news from across Lincolnshire delivered in your inbox every Friday, subscribe to the Lincolnshire Business magazine.