University graduates dominate prestigious Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 list

Nine of the 30 people named in a prestigious list of the Humber region’s top young employees are graduates from the University of Hull.

The Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 list, released last week, celebrates the rising stars of business across the region.

Organised by founder Simon Jones, the awards are now into their third year, and the 2020 list was announced last week.

Almost a third – nine out of the 30 in total – of those on the new list are alumni from the University of Hull.

It highlights the importance of keeping top talent in the region, and re-enforces the University as a critical player in the Humber’s business sector.

Here are the University graduates included in the list:

• Mandeep Kaur - schools and college engagement officer, The University of Hull
• Rob Gillespie - technical marketing & website manager, MKM Building Supplies
• Olivia Tomlinson - communications executive, Siemens Gamesa
• Lottie Bullivant - communications officer, Humberside Police
• Scott Pearson - principal development engineer, Ideal Boilers
• Annabelle Vallance - HR manager, DFDS
• Lily Polak - sales manager, Summit - Changemakers in Online Retail
• Luke Savory - principal chemist and lab manager, Ansell Microgard Limited
• Katriona Russell - finance manager, Bulten Group

Mr Jones said: “We give young people a voice. It is hard to be heard up the chain, but young people are so valuable to an organisation, and it scares me when I hear people say they haven’t got anyone employed under 30.

“Just think of all the challenges, all the tech. Businesses that thrive depend on being ahead of the curve, it is so important to realise what young people bring – be in energy, enthusiasm, innovation. They are the new consumers too.”

One of the nine alumni to feature in the list is Mandeep Kaur.

Now Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer at the University of Hull, Mandeep returned to her academic roots for work, and has shone ever since.

A testimonial for Mandeep as part of the Top 30 Under 30 Awards said: “Mandeep always offers to go above and beyond to cater for everyone's needs.

“After University, Mandeep started working for the Schools and Colleges Liaison Service, where she still resides today, firstly as an office assistant before rising through the ranks and becoming an Officer responsible for student recruitment.

“Throughout her role, she has become an integral member of staff who continues to pursue opportunities to better herself and her costumer service.

“Mandeep is a true unsung hero of the University. All the time and effort she puts into her work is not just because it is her job, but also because it is her passion.”

The full Top 30 Under 30 list can be found here.