Supporting the Next Generation at Derby College Group’s Live Networking Event

On 25 March 2026, we had the pleasure of supporting a fantastic live networking event at Derby College Group, an initiative designed to help students build confidence, develop employability skills and experience real-world business interactions first-hand.

As a digital marketing agency, we were proud to represent the marketing sector and contribute to an event that brought together education and industry in such a meaningful way.

The event welcomed more than 100 students from Business Studies, Travel and Tourism, and T Level courses, alongside representatives from 17 local businesses across a wide range of industries, from cyber security and photography to business consultancy and marketing.

Organised by Jonathan Leach of Derbyshire Business Networking (part of Indigo Drum Communications), the session aimed to give students a realistic insight into professional networking and the importance of strong communication skills.

After an introduction covering the fundamentals of networking, particularly the importance of first impressions and clear communication, students took part in a live speed networking exercise.

This gave them the opportunity to practise:

• Speaking clearly and confidently
• Active listening
• Asking meaningful questions
• Building professional relationships

Just as importantly, the session encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and tackle common challenges such as nerves, fear of rejection and self-confidence, while learning how to read body language and adapt to different personalities.

From our perspective, it was incredibly rewarding to see how quickly students grew in confidence. Many embraced the challenge head-on, engaging in thoughtful conversations and showing genuine curiosity about the businesses they were speaking with.

Debbie Porter, our Managing Director, said: “It was fantastic to see the students getting involved and really pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. Events like this are so valuable in helping young people build confidence and develop the skills they will need in the workplace.”

The experience wasn’t just beneficial for students, businesses also gained valuable insights and the opportunity to connect with future talent. The energy in the room made it clear that these kinds of interactions are just as impactful for employers as they are for learners.

Why Events Like This Matter

Opportunities like this play a crucial role in preparing young people for the world of work. While classroom learning provides essential knowledge, it’s experiences like live networking that help students develop the confidence and interpersonal skills that employers are really looking for.

By engaging directly with businesses, students have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of professional expectations while building skills that extend far beyond their future careers. At a time when UK youth unemployment is increasing, we hope this experience has given them the confidence and tools they need to stand out and take the next step towards the roles they want.

We’re always keen to support initiatives that connect education with industry, and this event was a brilliant example of how effective that collaboration can be.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and supporting the day. We look forward to seeing how these students continue to grow and succeed in their future careers.

Contact Us

If you’d like to talk to us about this news piece, or you’d like help with digital marketing strategy, content marketing, SEO or anything else digital, please email us on info@destination-digital.co.uk or give us a call on 01629 810199.