North East Chamber of Commerce launches new Future Leaders programme in partnership with Gateshead College
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The North East Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its inaugural Future Leaders Programme, a new initiative designed to nurture early-career professionals and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the modern workplace. The programme will be delivered with Gateshead College as the skills partner and supported by two of the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).
The Future Leaders Programme directly responds to employer feedback gathered through the LSIPs. More than 3,500 employers across the North East identified a growing gap in communication and soft skills among early-career professionals, including professional confidence, customer interaction and verbal communication.
The programme will offer participants the opportunity to:
- Develop communication, networking and leadership skills through tailored CPD sessions
- Build confidence and a strong professional presence
- Explore emotional intelligence and its role in effective leadership
- Form lasting peer connections within the Chamber community
- Access continued development through Gateshead College’s expert facilitators
Structured around three high-profile, bitesize networking sessions across 2026, the programme will combine professional development with peer connection. Each session will feature a keynote speaker, a bite-sized training session on a key workplace skill and opportunities to build lasting professional networks.
The first session will explore Personal Brand, Business Etiquette and First Impressions. The second on Peer Mentoring, Strategic Networking and Public Speaking, and the third will delve into Emotional Intelligence for Future Leaders and Authentic Connections.
Alongside each bitesize session, participants will also have access to three full-day workshops delivered by Gateshead College. These smaller, interactive sessions, with spaces limited to 18 per workshop, will explore each theme in greater depth, giving attendees the chance to develop practical skills in communication, mentoring and emotional intelligence. A graduation event will celebrate the achievements of participants completing the full programme.
John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, 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.”
Nadine Hudspeth, director of brand and learner experience at Gateshead College, 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.
The first bitesize session, focusing on Personal Brand, Business Etiquette and First Impressions, takes place on 13 February 2026, with the full-day workshop planned for 13 March 2026. The second and third sessions will take place on 24 April 2026 and 23 June 2026, with corresponding full-day workshops scheduled later in the year.
To book onto the programme or find out more, visit Eventbrite.
For further information, please contact Chamber policy manager Jessie Kelly-Baxter at [email protected], or view the programme brochure here.
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Download an image of John McCabe here
Download an image of Nadine Hudspeth here
