North East Chamber of Commerce Future Leaders Programme
The North East Chamber of Commerce Future Leaders Programme, delivered in partnership with Gateshead College and supported by two of the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIP), is designed to help early-career professionals build confidence, communication skills and professional presence, while growing their regional networks.
Across 2026, participants can take part in three high-profile bitesize networking sessions and three full-day workshops, all focused on the skills employers tell us matter most in the modern workplace – from communication and personal impact to emotional intelligence and leadership.
Bitesize Session 3: Emotional Intelligence for Future Leaders
Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026
This third and final bitesize session focuses on developing emotional intelligence to better understand and motivate others. It explores how to build authentic connections that foster trust and collaboration, while also learning to navigate challenges with empathy to create stronger, more effective team dynamics.
A follow-up full-day workshop on 21 July will allow a smaller group to explore these themes in more depth, with practical tools they can take straight back to the workplace. Places for the workshop will be limited.
Guest speaker: Lucy Armstrong, Port of Tyne chair
We are delighted to welcome Lucy, who brings more than 30 years’ experience supporting mid-sized corporate businesses to accelerate growth and long-term success. Her expertise spans stakeholder and leadership development, as well as succession planning, built on a career that has ranged from funding start-ups and early-stage manufacturing businesses in the North East to leading mergers, acquisitions and international disposals.
Lucy currently works with a diverse portfolio of organisations, including Holker Estates, Gresham House VCT plc, Cyberhawk Innovations and Drinkaware. She has chaired the Port of Tyne since 2017 and is also a member of the Maritime Commission. Earlier in her career, she held roles in private equity, corporate development and executive search with 3i plc, and has previously chaired both the National Enterprise Research Centre and Northumbria University.
Educated at Oxford University, Lucy also holds an MBA and an MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminology.
AGENDA
09:00 Registration and networking
09:30 Welcome from Gateshead College and North East Chamber of Commerce
09:35 Leading with emotional intelligence – Lucy Armstrong, Port of Tyne chair
10:05 BREAK AND NETWORKING
10:25 Authentic relationships session led by Kerry Leng, Gateshead College
11:05 Gateshead College mentoring initiative led by Laura Morris and Adam Davison
11:25 NECC sprint: “Leading with Empathy: People First Action Plan”
11:55 NECC Policy feedback opportunity: Milburn Review
12:20 Thank you and next steps
12:45 LUNCH AND NETWORKING
SAVE THE DATE:
Full day workshop 3: 21 July (09:30 - 16:00)
The programme can be found here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/792900373/
What do I wear to a Chamber event: We don’t have a dress code, but we suggest dressing as if meeting new clients. Your comfort is key.
Behaviour and conduct: our events create an inclusive space for individuals and organisations to meet, where we expect all our attendees to behave with courtesy and respect, to both each other and Chamber colleagues.
