Could you be the next leader?

The race is on to identify the business leaders who will shape the face of Midlands industry in the next decade.

The Emerging Leader Awards, run by the Institute of Directors, across both the west and east Midlands, is the business community's version of "succession planning" for the region, according to Peter Rees-Steer, chairman of the Young Directors' Forum (YDF) that organises the event.

The brightest young stars in business will be on parade at the gala presentation dinner at Birmingham Town Hall on Thursday, November 8. Nominations close on Friday, September 14.

Peter Rees-Steer said: "With bodies such as the West Midlands Regional Assembly having been abandoned, the Emerging Leader Awards is a vital means of recognising the leaders of future.

"It is essential that we know today where the talent lies and the names and faces that are likely to take us into the next generation of development and growth in the Midlands.

"But these awards are not just to enable us to identify future business leaders, they are also a celebration of the talent that is available, as yet largely untapped, in the region."

The Young Directors' Forum was established in the West Midlands four years ago.

For information contact the Institute of Directors' office on 0121 632 2300 or email sharon.woollaston@iod.com