Record number of nominations received for ninth year of the prestigious programme designed to equip young professionals with leadership skills and career development opportunities
Hull and Humber 30 under 30 2026(Image: Simon Jones)
A list of Hull and Humber’s best and brightest young professionals under 30 has been revealed. The 2026 Hull and Humber Top 30 under 30 list is now in its ninth year and names emerging talent in a number of industries.
This year’s list includes people working in wind turbine manufacturing, oil and gas and catering supplies, among other sectors. It forms part of a development programme that helps chosen participants to build leadership capabilities and provides professional growth opportunities.
Having been set up in 2017, the programme nurtures emerging talent within local businesses throughout the region. As part of the scheme, each successful candidate will complete a 12-month development journey aligned with the Leadership Excellence Acceleration Programme.
Simon Jones, founder of Top 30 Under 30, said: “I am proud to announce this year’s winners, and our class of 2026. This year has seen us receive a record number of nominations, making the judging process the most difficult to date.
“Today, we celebrate the contribution of the region’s best young talent. This group have made a significant difference to their organisations, to their teams and to the local business community, and it is an honour to showcase who they are.”
Winners will be guided by industry specialists in leadership, personal development and communication. So far the scheme has helped 35 winners progress to director positions within regional organisations, 14 to become heads of departments and more than 100 to secure new management roles. Organisers reported that this year attracted a record-breaking volume of nominations.
Mr Jones added: “By delivering the Top 30 Under 30s, we create an evidence-based narrative that helps shifts the often common perception that you need to leave the area to climb the career ladder, whereas in fact there are jobs, careers and progressive opportunities worth staying for.
“Seeing more organisations engaging with these awards is a positive sign for the future of our local economy, and our business community. We are upskilling and mobilising Hull and Humber’s future leaders, and I can’t wait to take this year’s winners on that journey.”
The winners are:
Lottie Almey, events and general donations manager, Jon Egging Trust
Michael Atkin, site fuel engineer, British Steel
George Baker, compliance manager, Pure Block Management Ltd
Michael Boland, product lead, Parallel Sophie Broadhead, Customer Service Team Leader, Turner Price Ltd
Scarlet Bulmer, regulatory director, Rubicon Technical
Olly Burdett, content and design executive, Future Humber
Sam Cassidy, order fulfilment manager, Villeroy and Boch
Hannah Cochrane, business executive assistant, Adams and Green Limited
Nathan Cocker, material planner, Bericap (Uk) Ltd
Phil Croft, chemist, AAK
Heidi Donnison, tourism events and projects officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Jack Drewry, production lead, Siemens Gamesa
Adam Griffiths, HR specialist (change and recruitment), University of Hull
Jacob Hodgson, helpdesk team leader, The One Point
Lucy Holland, global marketing manager, Van Ameyde Marine
Tom Hornby, product analyst, Wren Kitchens
Chris Hughes, control design engineer, Aldercote Limited
Abbie Jensen, project surveyor, Hull City Council
Ellie Kerins, customer service liaison officer, Advanced Plastics
Amy Leeman, assistant HR manager, Humber Bridge
Elena Martinez, team leader, Wescot Credit Services
Josh Milburn, business analyst, Rix Group
Tom Needler, project resource manager, Boston Energy
Dainora Olechnovic, shift production chemist, Phillips 66
Lucy Phillips, research and development senior associate, Reckitt
Jessica Pidgeon, process engineer, VPI
Zoi Sarris, assistant accountant, MKM Building Supplies
Jordan Stachan, R&D engineer II, Smith+Nephew
Lucy Whyld, HR manager UK and IE, Flora Group Ltd
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