At Else Solicitors, we are proud to support the growth of young professionals in Burton upon Trent and the wider East Staffordshire business community. That is why we are proud to be spearheading the re-launch of Future Faces in Burton, a network originally conceptualised right here in our town over a decade ago.
The Origins of Future Faces
The idea for Future Faces was first developed in Burton upon Trent in 2012, during the time when the Burton Chamber of Commerce operated from Else Solicitors’ offices on Centrum 100. The initiative was spearheaded by Dave Bryon (Chamber Director), Andy Rudkin (Litigation Solicitor with Else Solicitors, and Becky Hickman (Accountant with Smith Cooper).
Andy Rudkin, one of the original founders of Future Faces in Burton now a Partner at Nelsons Solicitors, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative’s relaunch. “It’s great to see Lakhvir reigniting such an important initiative,”
Andy shared, “The concept from the very beginning was to enable business leaders of the future a forum to meet and to build strong relationships which could evolve to create future business opportunities. Else very much supported that initiative from the beginning and understood the importance of creating valued relationships with other professionals from an early stage of your career. It will be exciting to watch Future Faces in Burton thrive and grow moving forwards.”
The vision was simple yet powerful; to create a space for young professionals at the start of their careers to network, share experiences, and support one another. The aim was to connect individuals from diverse industries, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Although Future Faces began in Burton, the concept was quickly adopted by the wider parent Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Today, their branch of Future Faces boasts over 1,000 members and is one of the fastest-growing sections of the Chamber. However, its roots remain firmly planted in Burton.
The Challenge
Despite its promising beginnings, Future Faces in Burton did not initially gain the traction it deserved. Challenges such as limited engagement from larger corporates in the area, concerns over networking events being perceived as sales-driven, and the busy schedules of senior professionals contributed to its decline locally.
Moreover, younger professionals often lack the authority to make high-level business decisions, which can deter them from attending traditional networking events where they may feel out of place.
Future Faces aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where professionals early in their careers can learn, grow, and build lasting connections without the pressure of sales pitches or hierarchical structures.
Reviving the Vision
Speaking with Becky Hickman recently, she reminded us that an integral part of the original vision for Future Faces was also building strong links across generations. This included ensuring representation within the Chamber itself, bridging the gap between established leaders and emerging talent.
By doing so, Future Faces aimed to create an inclusive and collaborative network where professionals at different stages of their careers could share experiences, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships that benefit both individuals and the wider business community.
At Else Solicitors, we also believe in the importance of investing in the next generation of professionals. That’s why we are thrilled to play a key role in relaunching Future Faces in Burton. This initiative is now being led by our newly qualified solicitor, Lakhvir Singh, who is dedicated to ensuring its success.
Lakhvir is actively engaging young professionals from a wide range of industries within Burton, including law, accountancy, surveying, estate agencies, and local businesses. The goal is to create a thriving network where individuals can develop their networking skills, gain confidence, and establish a strong base of professional relationships that will serve them throughout their careers.
A Different Approach to Networking
The Future Faces in Burton focuses on fostering genuine connections rather than transactional interactions. Events are designed to encourage participants to “know, like, and trust” one another, creating an environment where meaningful relationships can flourish.
For young professionals, the benefits are immense. Future Faces offers a platform to practice networking, exchange ideas, and grow both personally and professionally. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, Future Faces is not just about career advancement, it’s about building a supportive community.
Lakhvir Singh says:
“Future Faces has the potential to bring together young professionals across Burton, regardless of whether they work for large organisations or smaller businesses. It emphasises inclusivity, collaboration, and professional development, ensuring that participants feel valued and empowered.
If you’re a professional early in your career, or know someone who could benefit from joining Future Faces in Burton, then I invite you to get involved. If you are looking to attend events in Burton, this is your opportunity to be part of a dynamic network that prioritises learning, growth, and connection.”
For more information about Future Faces in Burton, including upcoming events, please contact Lakhvir Singh at Lakhvir.singh@elselaw.co.uk or 07791 238146.
Together, let’s ensure that Burton continues to champion the next generation of professionals.