Encouraging young people to recognise the varied careers available to them when they grow up

Redcar & Cleveland College (part of The Education Training Collective) I work with the engineering department at Redcar & Cleveland College to develop partnerships with engineering firms. This means I can work with companies to complete training needs analysis, working towards closing their skills gaps. My role also involves those same companies working with our current students to enhance the delivery of our curriculum by guide them through career journey’s, offer tours. This role also allows me to work with schools to promote engineering as a career, specifically for girls and underrepresented groups.

My name is Suzanne Barbour and I am a Life Coach. ‘’I wish I had known that at the time!!’’ This is something I have heard and said myself at many times in my life. As someone who has experienced profound loss, as an Air Force Veteran, a Divorcee and more recently a Cancer Survivor, I wanted to give all of those experiences, lessons and a 20+ year career in management, coaching and training a purpose and launched Suzanne Barbour Coaching. Specialising in coaching people through life-changing illnesses and injuries, I offer people instant access to help and guidance at any point in their journey. Whether they are pre-diagnosis, have just been injured or have gone through physical recovery but are struggling to move forward. I want everyone who accesses my services to be able to navigate their own unique recovery path with confidence, positivity and even a sense of humour. Never feeling lost or alone in their experiences like i did, or think later ....“Ugh, I wish I had known that at the time!!” I also offer short workshops for businesses to help them better understand what it means to return to work after long periods out of the office and what we more we can do as business leaders, manager and co-workers to support our team members back into the work place with confidence and positivity. www.barbourcoaching.life

I provide my clients with the opportunity to select from a range of responsible holiday options that have been tailor-made to meet their requirements, so that they can reconnect with loved ones during quality time away and enrich their lives through a range of authentic and immersive experiences. They receive personalised service from initial enquiry to their return home, with me taking on all of the work to allow them to be free of the stress of holiday planning. After departure, I make a donation to one of my charity partners on behalf of my clients, in order to support a wildlife, environmental, or social project, helping to make a positive difference to the world through sustainable tourism.

Anna is a qualified chartered accountant who trained in practice but moved into industry preferring being at the heart of making businesses successful. Anna spent some years working in the construction industries at a project level adding to her finance knowledge by learning more about people management, health and safety and environmental aspects. In 2023 Anna won the award of Northeast accountant of the year and decided to take a leap of faith and set up her own business. She now helps organisations with financial matters which include business plans, cash flow management, risk analysis and year end processes.

Claire, a Teesside University graduate and the inaugural Tees Businesswoman of 2018, previously served as the Commercial Director of North Yorkshire Education Services and led Lexonik's national and international expansion. With over 30 years of experience in management, she volunteers in leadership roles for various organisations, including Chair of the Halo Project and Director of the Open North Foundation. Her mission is to bridge the gap between education and business, breaking down gender stereotypes and empowering individuals through targeted programmes, workshops, and events, with a call for collective involvement.

Ruby Merrick is The Conscious Crone, an holistic therapist and life coach based in Hartlepool. Ruby has spent many years working in the corporate worlds of retail, insurance, sales, and banking. She has also worked within the NHS and had fundraising roles for two hospice charities. This alongside raising two daughters and supporting,, and caring for close family members through depression, ill health and bereavement. Following an emotional breakdown in 2017, Ruby took time to reevaluate her life and this sent her in a completely different direction, including dog walking along the way. A wise women weaving wisdom

As the Campaign Manager at POW Sophie brings a wealth of marketing experience and a deep commitment to community impact. Prior to joining, she played a pivotal role in impactful marketing campaigns at the national charity Shaw Trust. Sophie is enthusiastic about her role, saying, "I'm inspired to make a meaningful impact in the local community, working with the POW team to empower young people and women, helping them realise their full potential." She's passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and is dedicated to strengthening the community through collaboration with local and national businesses.