Two senior leaders from Inspire Education Group (IEG) have been recognised in the Peterborough Top 100, celebrating individuals making an outstanding contribution to the city’s business community and economy.
Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer of IEG, was recognised in both the Business Leader and Civic Leader categories, while James Whybrow, Vice Principal for Apprenticeships and Higher Education, was recognised as a Talent Champion.
The Peterborough Top 100 was officially unveiled at Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce’s Centenary Dinner at Peterborough Cathedral on Thursday 24 September, as the Chamber marked 100 years of supporting, representing and championing businesses across Peterborough.
Rachel’s recognition in two categories reflects both her leadership within the region’s education and skills landscape and her wider contribution to Peterborough.
As Chief Executive of IEG, Rachel leads a Group supporting thousands of learners across Peterborough College, Stamford College, University Centre Peterborough and Anglia Professional Training, while working closely with employers, civic leaders and community partners to help address skills needs and create opportunities across the region.
Her recognition as a Civic Leader also highlights the importance of collaboration between education and the wider community, with IEG continuing to develop partnerships that support people, businesses and communities across Peterborough and beyond.
James was recognised as a Talent Champion, reflecting his work to strengthen connections between education, skills and employment and support the development of talent across the region.
As Vice Principal for Apprenticeships and Higher Education, James works closely with employers and partners to ensure education and training responds to workforce needs, while creating opportunities for apprentices and learners to develop the skills and experience needed to progress in their careers.
His recognition follows continued work across IEG to strengthen employer partnerships and expand opportunities for businesses to recruit, train and develop talent.
IEG also played a part in the Centenary Dinner as sponsor of the Environmental Impact Champion Award, recognising those helping to drive positive environmental change.
The sponsorship aligns with IEG’s strategic priority to Lead a Sustainable Future and its commitment to embedding sustainability across education, skills, partnerships and the development of its campuses.
The evening brought together leading figures from Peterborough’s business community to reflect on a century of the Chamber’s work in the city, celebrate the achievements of local people and organisations, and look ahead to the future of Peterborough’s economy.
The Peterborough Top 100 forms part of the Chamber’s centenary celebrations and recognises individuals driving growth, innovation and success across the local economy.
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