Local young people inspired by industry leaders

YOUNG people from London’s east end and Bedford gained valuable industry experience from some of the country’s biggest names in public relations when they attended a bespoke learning session at GCU London.

The postgraduate campus of Glasgow Caledonian University – based in London’s east end, which is home to hundreds of up-and-coming entrepreneurs – recently welcomed major industry figures for an event hosted by the UpRising Leadership Programme.

Around 60 local 19 to 25 year olds, who have shown entrepreneurial and community spirit, were selected to attend the event on Monday, January 14th, where they were given valuable public relations advice from high-profile speakers including Tony Blair’s former chief speech writer Phil Collins, former Vice President of public affairs for Starbucks, Jim Godfrey and Shane Greer, executive e editor of Total Politics magazine.

The event followed on from the successful launch of the UpRising Emerging Leaders mentoring scheme which took place at the GCU London campus in December.

Stephen Holt, head of GCU London said: “We are again delighted to welcome such an innovative organisation to GCU London. There is great young business talent throughout the country and it is important this is not overlooked. Organisations such as UpRising create vital new avenues for the leaders of the future, equipping them with the skill set to succeed in whatever they do.”
The UpRising leadership programme is dedicated to supporting and building the capability of young adults in East London and seeks to create the next generation of effective leaders across the public, private and voluntary sectors. UpRising’s combination of leadership training, mentoring and campaigning allows young people to gain personally from the programme, as well as giving back to their local community at the same time. Participants to the course are selected on the basis of a rigorous assessment and undertake a one year programme.

Stephen added: “At GCU London we are very supportive of young up-and-coming entrepreneurs and offer a range of business focused courses including an MSc in International Business and Management and the UK’s only MBA in Luxury Brand Marketing for those who wish to expand their skills and knowledge even further.

“GCU’s vision is to be a successful international university delivering access and excellence, with a strong commitment to the common good, and we look forward to a long working relationship with UpRising.”

UpRising is a national organisation with programmes running in Birmingham, Manchester and Bedfordshire. Uprising also runs an Emerging Leaders Network involves a group of 300+ young, talented, diverse and committed young leaders. All are graduates of the UpRising Leadership Programme and have demonstrated an on-going commitment to positive social change, both nationally and in their communities.

Rushanara Ali, MP Bethnal Green & Bow, chair of the UpRising board of trustees, said: “There has never been a greater need to identify and nurture young talent wherever it is found. However, with this great need comes a great opportunity: an opportunity to develop the enormous pool of promise that lies beyond the often limited networks from which our leaders are currently drawn. “I’d like to extend my thanks to GCU London for inviting us back onto its campus.”

GCU London has earned an international reputation for the high quality of its professional postgraduate programmes, which equip students with the creative and practical skills that are vital for these young professionals to compete as global citizens.