- The Future Faces division of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced this year’s shortlist
- Alex Kyte, who’s studying BSc Business Enterprise Development at Aston University, has been nominated in the Start-Up, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship category
- Staff members Dr Samantha Strong, Dr Shuai Qin, Katrina Raipuri and Elise White are also up for awards.
Four Aston University staff members and students have been nominated at the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards.
The Future Faces division of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced this year’s shortlist. Over 80 young professionals across wider Birmingham are up awards, spanning across a wide range of sectors and professions.
Alex Kyte, a second year BSc Business Enterprise Development student at Aston University, has been nominated in the Start-Up, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship category for his joint business venture, Build an Experience, which specialises in providing customised team-building and travel experiences aimed at students.
Dr Samantha Strong and Dr Shuai Qin make the Training & Education shortlist, while events coordinator, Elise White made the Events, Retail & Hospitality one and Katrina Raipuri was nominated in the Sales, Marketing & Communication category for New Vine Marketing.
Alex said:
“It’s great to be nominated for another award.
“Although, it’s an individual nomination, I am one part of a trio, working with two other students doing the same course as me - Louis Silvestri and Alex Follows.
“This is a great opportunity to continue growing our business as we are currently taking part in the BSEEN programme as well, and won Aston University’s Ideas Launchpad Pitching Competition (funded by Santander Universities) back in March.
Dr Samantha Strong said:
“Being shortlisted for this award really means a lot because it’s based on the work I do to maximise opportunities for students to succeed, with a particular focus on students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, or those who experience unexpected challenges along the way.
“Success is always more likely when we feel appropriately supported, so this is what I strive to focus on every day through things like creating inclusive materials, promoting pragmatic approaches to skill development, and my commitment to creating opportunities for young people to thrive, both inside and outside of the University.”
Dr Shuai Qin said:
“I am deeply honoured, this recognition underscores the significance of my work in leveraging research and education to develop innovative, practical solutions that support marginalised entrepreneurs and promote inclusive entrepreneurship in the Greater Birmingham area.
“At the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University, my focus has always been on advancing world-leading academic research on inclusive entrepreneurship, creating real-world relevant educational activities, and generating tangible impact.
“This nomination motivates me to continue expanding the impact of my work through collaboration with a broader network of stakeholders for a brighter future for the region.”
Elise White said:
“It is wonderful to receive this recognition.”
“In my role as an event coordinator, my primary responsibility is to ensure that every event runs smoothly. However, I am driven by a belief that events should be more than just well-executed - they should also be led by the heart and inclusive to all.
“This belief has led me to go beyond the traditional scope of my duties and actively advocate for inclusivity and accessibility within our events.”
Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said:
“This year, we are proud to have shortlisted a record number of exceptional young professionals, each showcasing incredible talent, dedication, commitment and passion to the Greater Birmingham region.
“They are a testament to the bright future of our region’s business.”
There is also a bonus category, Future Faces President’s Award, chosen by the Future Faces division’s president, Kasim Choudhry.
The overall winner from the 13 sector categories will be crowned the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2024.
The winners will be announced at the annual dinner and awards, taking place on Friday 18 October at the ICC Birmingham.
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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