Future Leaders Programme

We are delighted to launch 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). This new initiative is designed to help early-career professionals build confidence, communication skills and professional presence, while growing their regional networks.

Across 2026, participants are able to 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.

AGENDA

09:30–10:00 Registration & Networking - Informal peer connections

10:00–10:45 Keynote: The Power of First Impressions - Speaker Q&A

Break

11:00-12:15 Workshop: Presenting Yourself Confidently - Interactive exercises

12:15–12:45 Group Reflection & Action Planning - Peer feedback

12:45 -13:30 Lunch & Networking

Event 1: Personal Brand, Business Etiquette and First Impressions

Date: Friday 13 February 2026

Our first bitesize session will feature award-winning creative entrepreneur Chloë Clover, co-founder of Wander Films, as the keynote speaker. She will share how personal brand, business etiquette and first impressions can shape a career. Participants will also join an interactive, bite-sized training session and connect with peers from across the region.

A follow-up full-day workshop in March 2026 (date tbc) will allow a smaller group to explore these themes in more depth, with practical tools they can take straight back to the workplace. Places in the workshop will be limited.

Who is the programme for?

The Future Leaders Programme is ideal for colleagues who are:

• New to their role or organisation

• At an early stage in their career journey

• Returning to work after a break

• Moving into a new sector and building foundational professional skills

SAVE THE DATE

Full day workshop: 13 March

Bitesize networking event 2: Peer Mentoring, Strategic Networking and Public Speaking - 24 April (09:30-13:30)

Full day workshop: 22 May

Bitesize networking event 3: Emotional Intelligence for Future Leaders and Authentic Connections - 23 June (09:30-13:30)

Full day workshop: 21 July

Participation is limited to a maximum of two representatives per member organisation. Places on full-day workshops are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum capacity of 18 participants per workshop.

The programme can be found here:

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.

Also check out other Workshops in Gateshead, Business events in Gateshead, Meetups in Gateshead.