Future Forward
This event aims to inspire businesses and companies to partner with us in supporting pathways to leadership and career opportunities for young people in Salford and Manchester.
With the theme Future Forward the event highlights how EMPOWER Youth Zones are the trusted gateway to future talent. We have the relationships, trust, and insight into young people's potential, making us the ideal pipeline for companies looking to support youth employment initiatives.
Through collaboration, companies can strengthen their social value while actively contributing to youth development. Businesses will learn how they can go beyond traditional apprenticeships and T-levels by offering work experience, mentorship, and wider support. This event provides a platform for businesses to discover how their involvement can create lasting impact, align with social value goals, and build a future-ready workforce.
Let’s partner to create sustainable opportunities for young people in Salford and Manchester.
Key Discussion Points
- What more can we do to create meaningful opportunities for young people in Greater Manchester?
- How can we tackle inequality?
- Are existing efforts enough to truly make a difference?
- How can we go beyond apprenticeships and T-levels to offer greater opportunities?
- EMPOWER has creative, talented young people with skills that businesses need – let’s close the gap together
Agenda:
8:30-9am – Breakfast & Networking
9am-10am – Panel discussion with Q&A
10-10:30am – Networking
10:30am – Event close
About the Speakers:
Adam, former Head of Youth Strategy and Engagement at Manchester City Council, was appointed CEO of HideOut Youth Zone in January 2019. He has over 20 years of experience in leading and managing youth projects and has a keen interest in bringing communities together in support of young people. Adam now serves as the CEO of Empower Youth Zones, overseeing HideOut Youth Zone and the new Salford Youth Zone, which opened in June 2025 – a major step forward in expanding youth support services across Greater Manchester
Kerin began her OnSide journey working as a youth worker at Wigan Youth Zone, before moving to Bolton Lads & Girls Club as their Creative Arts Coordinator. Kerin joined Empower as Senior Club Coordinator, then moved to Deputy Head of Youth Work & Partnerships and then was promoted to Head of Youth Work & Partnerships. A true advocate for youth voice, Kerin’s creativity and energy is a driving force for engaging thousands of children and young people.
Hired in 2005 in Manchester, UK, as part of an apprenticeship / early careers programme, during his almost two decades, Sean has worked across multiple businesses and disciplines within the global financial services company.
In 2016, Sean was named ‘Banker of the Year’ in the Greater Manchester, ‘Made in Manchester’ awards.
In December 2017, Sean was appointed as ‘Senior Director’, and in 2022 an ‘Executive Manager’. He is responsible for approx. 2,000 people over 16 locations across the globe in his Operations function.
In addition to his operational role, Sean has also been appointed the role of Manchester Site Executive. Manchester is 1 of 6 Strategic Growth Locations and has over 2,000 employees across 30 functions. Sean is responsible for leading the site and driving the strategy, including people engagement, BNY’s relationship with charity, government, and industry partners, amplifying the firm’s brand to attract talent and for the development of our real estate and infrastructure execution.
Joe held the role of Assistant Youth Manager at Wythenshawe Housing Group before joining Empower in 2019 as the Head of Youth Work and Partnerships at HideOut Youth Zone. With the development of Empower’s second site Salford Youth Zone he now brings his expertise and passion to a new community in the same role, where he leads the delivery team and drives strategic partnerships to help advance the organisation’s mission and impact.
Phil is Managing Director of the North West at Muse. He joined Muse in 2014 and has over 25 years’ experience within the property industry. During his time at Muse, Phil has played a key role in delivering a number of significant projects across the region, working particularly close with Salford City Council delivering long term regeneration on the Salford Central development. Now, as Regional Managing Director, Phil provides strategic guidance to the North West team with a continued focus on delivering high quality, sustainable places for our partners and the communities where we are working.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
