Northern Gas Networks’ Young Innovators Council (YIC) – which helps shape the decisions made by the gas distribution network – has been recognised for its fantastic impact by being shortlisted for a prestigious industry Award.

The YIC joins entries from National Gas and Scottish Gas Networks in the running for the Business Innovation Award, which is part of the flagship Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA) and Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) Gas Industry Awards. The winners will be announced in May at the event which recognises and celebrates innovation and exceptional talent in the gas industry.

Northern Gas Networks teamed up with the social enterprise Solutions for the Planet to set up the YIC during the Covid pandemic in 2020 – and continue to work closely with them to ensure its decisions are reflective of the views of its future customer and colleagues.

Their opinions shine a light on what matters to Northern Gas Networks’ customers of the future – such as the transition to net zero, the long-term impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. It’s a key part of the organisation’s comprehensive programme of engagement with stakeholders.

Since the EUA and IGEM launched the Awards in 1998, they have been recognising and rewarding the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations working in the gas sector for over 25 years.

Jenny Wilkinson, Stakeholder Engagement and Research Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’re so proud and fortunate to work with these young people – they’re a cross-regional support network which is truly industry leading – and we’re extra proud that the YIC has been shortlisted for this prestigious award at a flagship event for the industry.

“We incorporate elements of what they tell us into every aspect of our business. They challenge us and help us future-proof our organisation, ensuring we remain a sustainable and resilient business.

“We’ve worked with more than 50 schools in our regions to recruit members. Many of them stay in the YIC throughout GSCEs, A levels, UCAS applications, apprenticeships and further education – it looks fantastic on a CV. It’s so rewarding to work with them, you can see their confidence increase as the months go by.

“They are our future employees, customers and stakeholders, so it’s crucial to give them a voice in the decisions we are making that will affect them.”

Claire Fitton, Youth Insights Manager at Solutions for the Planet, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Young Innovators Council has been shortlisted for the Business Innovation Award.

“At Solutions for the Planet, we believe in the power of youth voice to drive meaningful change. Working with Northern Gas Networks to recruit, support and facilitate this panel of brilliant young minds has shown what’s possible when businesses truly listen to and learn from the next generation. More organisations should be harnessing the power of young people’s ideas and innovation – the results speak for themselves.”

The winners of the Award, which is sponsored by DNV, will be announced in May – find out more here: https://www.igem.org.uk/events-and-training/awards/gas-industry-awards.html

Read the YIC’s latest report and find out more about them here: https://together.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/events/young-innovators-council-march2025/

Find out more about Solutions for the Planet here: https://solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk/youth-insights/