Emerging Manager of the Year

Summer Brookes works in Internal Sales for a natural and hybrid ventilation supplier, supporting customers across the South West and Scotland. Known for her enthusiasm and positive approach, she enjoys building strong customer relationships and contributing to sales activity through accurate data management and effective communication.

In her role, Summer also supports the training and coaching of colleagues, sharing knowledge and best practice to strengthen team performance. She is committed to continuous professional development and takes pride in contributing positively to both her team and the wider business.

Esther Oywumi is a Business Graduate at Lloyd’s of London, currently completing a CMI apprenticeship alongside her role. She holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Organisational Psychology from the University of Manchester, which underpin her strong interest in people, leadership, and organisational effectiveness.

During her graduate scheme, Esther has completed rotations in Financial Risk Management, Regulation Engagement & Change, and Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, applying leadership theory in complex environments. She is an active member of the Lloyd’s Early Careers Committee and is committed to giving back, recently completing a half marathon to raise funds for The Passage.

Jake Slack is a Chartered Management Degree Apprentice at Safran Electronics and Defense, rotating through six-month functional placements that combine full-time roles with responsibility for project delivery. His experience spans supply chain cost analysis, production management, process improvement in Original Equipment Repair, and project leadership in Research and Development, where he assessed the application of new materials to Safran’s portfolio.

These varied placements have given Jake clear insight into the tangible impact of his work and strengthened his ambition to develop as a leader. Outside of work, he competes in mountain bike races across the UK, including winning the 100km ‘Hell of the North Cotswolds’ event, and actively supports his community through charity fundraising and guest speaking at schools and colleges.

Ned Samuels is a Corporate Business Development Manager at Splendid Hospitality Group, leading growth across the company’s 24-hotel portfolio, which includes IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, and independent properties in London, York, and Scotland. He develops multi-property account strategies, identifies new opportunities, and drives sustainable commercial value within the corporate travel and events market.

Starting his career at 17, Ned has quickly established himself as a tenacious and self-driven professional, contributing to one of the UK’s fastest-growing privately owned hotel groups across economy, midscale, boutique, and luxury segments.