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The Leasing Foundation has launched a new Industry Insights programme to provide young talent with a range of experience in different industry roles.

The initiative, supported by the Finance and Leasing Association, will give ‘high potential’ asset finance professionals the chance to gain exposure to businesses outside their own organisation, with support from their employer, as part of their professional development.

Experiences can range from bank-owned lessors to captives, brokers, independents, advisors and technology service providers.

In total, participants will have full-day sessions at 15 different businesses over an 18-month period, which will include insights into the career journeys of senior executives, along with networking with peers and engaging in discussions about industry issues.

As part of the programme, member organisations also agree that participants can’t be approached about potential employment.

Corporate partners include Metro Bank, Shawbrook Bank, Simply, Grant Thornton, Wesleyan Bank, AFL, Locke Lord, Alfa, Funding Circle, Haydock Finance, Aldermore, Midlands Asset Finance, White Oak UK, Hitachi, Lombard and the Finance and Leasing Association.

Leasing Foundation board member Nathan Mollett (pictured), director of Metro Bank Asset Finance, said: “This is a cross-industry initiative focussed on developing young talent in the asset finance sector by enabling a group of “high potential” young asset finance professionals to gain exposure to businesses outside of their own organisation as part their professional development.

“We’ve picked our corporate partners carefully to make sure we get a good mix of banks, independents, brokers, captives, service providers, and fintechs.

“The support we have had from friends and peers in the industry has been incredible; without their support the initiative wouldn’t work.

“We are also very proud to collaborate with the FLA on this and are looking forward to building a closer working relationship with them on other initiatives moving forwards.”

The cost of the Industry Insights programme is £1,800 per person or £3,000 for two individuals from the same company, with the programme expected to take its first intake during Q4, 2020.

The Leasing Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the business finance industry through personal and professional development. It has three key focus areas – innovation; young people; and diversity and inclusion while also driving initiatives that promote innovation and research.