Empowering Young Professionals – The Story Behind JS. Future Links with Emma Birchall

How do young professionals take their careers to the next level?  “At JS, we believe career development and starting to build your network is important.   That’s why we launched JS. Future Links - a dynamic networking group designed to help below-manager level professionals connect, grow and develop.”

In a recent interview, our Marketing Manager, Claire Pilkington, sat down with Emma Birchall, Accounts Partner at JS, to discuss the origins and growth of this initiative.   Born from our internal ‘Incrementum’ training programme, JS. Future Links was designed to foster connections, enhance soft skills, and create opportunities for young professionals to thrive.

Here, Emma shares her insights into how the group has evolved, highlighting the teamwork behind it:

When did JS. Future Links start?

“Our first event was back in May 2023. It's crazy to think we’ve been running the group for nearly 2 years. We initially started as ‘New to Networking’ but then rebranded to ‘JS. Future Links’ at the start of 2024.

The group is run by me and Sarah Smith, with a lot of help and support from Claire Pilkington, our Marketing Manager. It is a real team effort.”

Why was JS. Future Links formed?

“JS. Future Links was formed off the back of our internal training programme ‘Incrementum’. We formed Incrementum to help develop skills that may sometimes be outside of the usual day-to-day job, including soft skills, raising awareness of looking for opportunities, partner participation in talks about their careers to date and also how to develop their network. 

As part of this programme, we had feedback from the team that there were very few local networking events aimed at their level and that they would generally feel uneasy about going to one on their own. 

JS. Future Links was formed to introduce them to the world of networking, in a supportive environment. Our group is committed to supporting professionals – it's not just about networking; it's about growth, learning and building professional connections.”

Who is JS. Future Links aimed at?

“We aim the group primarily at below-manager level professionals; however, we can be a bit flexible on this. 

We have professionals attending from banks, solicitors, funders, etc.”

What type of events do you hold through JS. Future Links?

“We hold our events quarterly. So far, we’ve organised net-walking events, a virtual race night, quiz nights and our Summer Social last year included two guest speakers.

We are lucky to have Frankie Mills as part of our JS. Future Links group who has taken up the role of quiz master at our Christmas quiz event for the last two years – surely this makes this an annual tradition now?!

Our events are free, although registration is required.”

Why is JS. Future Links important to you?

“At JS we’re really committed to nurturing our young professionals’ growth. I’ve felt very proud seeing the growth in confidence that some of our team have shown by coming along to the events, with some now going to other networking events on their own.  The main thing is that we’re creating events where they feel supported and encouraged. 

At JS, the more senior members of the team have relationships with the preferred suppliers we work with including funders, bankers, solicitors, etc. We wanted to help our young professionals to start to build their own relationships with people of a similar level to them. 

I’m extremely passionate about helping to develop our young professionals.”

What are the plans for JS. Future Links for 2025?

“We have some exciting events coming up with our first one of 2025 in March. 

I hope we’ll be able to grow the group further – so far, we’ve over 100 members, which I’m delighted with, but I hope we can continue to build on this. In the early days, we started with 35 members so it's amazing to see how the group has grown already.” 

What should people do if they would like to come along to an event?

“We send invites out to our events to anyone who is on our member's list. 

If someone new would like to be added, they just need to get in touch with me or Claire Pilkington. If anyone has any questions about our events, I would also encourage them to contact us.   The group is always welcoming new members, and we would be thrilled to have you as part of this supportive and dynamic group!”

Emma Birchall - Accounts Partner, emma.birchall@teamjs.co.uk, 07985 717840

Claire Pilkington - Marketing Manager, claire.pilkington@teamjs.co.uk, 07984 715183