St Albans is the place for young professionals

A networking group for young professionals in St Albans has been launched by the City of Expertise, with local entrepreneur, Zoë Jackson MBE, as guest speaker drawing in the crowds.

The launch event was held at The Bakehouse in St Albans and was attended by over 40 young professionals, who work in local firms.

The City of Expertise is a cluster of legal, property and finance organisations who are working with St Albans City and District Council to raise the profile of St Albans as a “City of Expertise”. The group continues to grow and 20 local firms, including Debenhams Ottaway, have signed up. In addition the Council and St Albans District Chamber of Commerce are also members.

Local entrepreneur Zoë Jackson MBE told the group at the launch event about her story and the challenges she faced. Zoë set up the Living the Dream Performing Arts Company in 2006 aged just 16. She is passionate about championing young talent and inspiring young people to live their dreams and regularly campaigns to raise awareness and support for the challenges facing young people.

The City of Expertise was set up by St Albans District Council a number of years ago to bring together the St Albans community of professional services, to raise the profile and strengthen the offering of St Albans, and to encourage everyone to use local expertise rather than go to London.

Cllr Julian Daly, Executive Leader of St Albans City and District Council commented: “The business community in St Albans is vibrant with many networking and other events taking place regularly. However, the existing networking tends to be at the senior level, so the City of Expertise decided to set up St Albans Young Professionals group to fill a gap. It is very positive to see young professionals in the area getting together. It’s a great opportunity for them to connect with other people at their level, to share information and encourage business opportunities.”