“Be kind, be determined and be resilient” – that was the advice from Channel Director Jo Edwards as she spoke to girls aged 11 to 15 as part of the REACH Next Generation Summit at Middlesbrough University.
Jo was among speakers from the worlds of fashion, music, social media, nutrition and business who were brought together to inspire the group of more than 60 girls.
REACH Next Generation is the brainchild of Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk and aims to help women reach the top of their careers and overcome the barriers and obstacles they face.
Ideal Standard has become one of the main sponsors of REACH Next Generation through our ESG program, part of which aims to ensure equality within our own business and to promote it externally too.
Jo (pictured above, centre) said: “I was truly proud and inspired to be invited to speak at the REACH Next Generation Summit in Middlesbrough.
“It reminded me that as a mum of two girls you need to give something back to ensure we empower our future talent at the start of their career path, whatever they choose to do and, believe me, these young ladies knew what they wanted to do.”
She added: “As a mum of a teenage daughter, I see the pressures our world put on her every day and the effect, so it was an honour when asked by REACH to talk about my career journey to our next generation and how I arrived at my position in the construction market and at Ideal Standard.
“My journey has always been about staying true to my core values and as my talk took me back home to the North East it was even more special and relevant.”
The Middlesbrough summit was the third organised by REACH, following on from those in London and Manchester in 2021, and the feedback from those attending and their parents was excellent.
The parent of one attendee said: “My daughter absolutely loved the REACH Next Generation Summit.
“A lot of things that were spoken about really got her thinking, and seeing things in a different light. Thanks for letting her take part in this experience.”
Our ESG program is led by Vice President – ESG Chris Barrett. He said: “This was our first time sponsoring the event and I’m delighted with how successful it was, with over 60 girls attending and the event going out live across YouTube.
“Jo did an amazing job speaking from the heart, sharing her story and inspiring the girls to be whoever they want to be.
“REACH Next Generation is extremely important to our ESG program, demonstrating Ideal Standard’s commitment to playing a proactive role in inspiring the next generation of women and we can’t wait for the next stop on the summit roadmap in London on July 2nd.”
Official external commmunications about our partnership with REACH will follow through PR and social media from June.