A group of passionate, forward-thinking young people who help shape the decisions made by the North of England’s gas distribution network, Northern Gas Networks, have met to discuss their views on the organisation’s latest business plan which sets out how it will deliver a fairer, greener future for the North of England.

The views of the industry-leading Young Innovators Council (YIC), who represent future bill payers, are at the heart of decisions made by Northern Gas Networks.

Their thoughts and ideas helped to guide and inform the plan which outlines the future investment that the organisation plans to deliver over the five years between 2026 and 2031 to benefit customers and the environment.

The YIC was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and provides young people aged 14-19 from throughout the North of England the opportunity to develop their skills and increase their confidence, plus an invaluable opportunity to get insights and learn more about a career in the energy sector.

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.

New members recently met up with existing members of the panel in Leeds alongside colleagues from Northern Gas Networks and one of its partners, the social enterprise Solutions for the Planet.

Being part of the YIC opens up a wealth of opportunities. Some former members have progressed to join the Independent Stakeholder Group, which was established by Northern Gas Networks to provide robust challenge and scrutiny around its investment plans and hold them to account for their promises, ensuring that its plans meet customers priorities while crucially delivering value for money. This means they continue to engage with Northern Gas Networks as paying customers.

The members were welcomed by CEO Mark Horsley before they launched into a range of activities exploring their priorities for Northern Gas Networks to tackle which further developed their team building and problem-solving skills.

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.

“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.

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

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

YIC member Hassan Zamier, who’s currently studying A levels, said: “It’s very important that the decision-making process of companies like Northern Gas Networks consider the next generation, and that we work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges we all face. Being a member of the YIC ensures our perspectives are heard and valued, and helps get these really important discussions out there in the open.”

Fellow member Emilia Sample, who’s in her final year of GCSEs, said: “During my time in the YIC I’ve learned lots of skills to take with me in my career. I’ve learned to communicate clearly and improved my public speaking and collaboration skills. My voice is definitely heard at Northern Gas Networks, they’re always asking questions and give us really clear feedback.”

Solutions for the Planet brings young people and businesses together to share knowledge and skills and shape a more sustainable future.

Claire Fitton, Youth Insights Manager at Solutions for the Planet, said: “These young people have amazing ideas, are very creative and think outside of the box, and this partnership with Northern Gas Networks gives them so much.

“It’s helped some of the YIC alumni get university places and apprenticeships, and it’s helped some of them decide on a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) so it’s helping secure a future pipeline of talent into the industry too.”

YIC members will be holding further virtual meetings to discuss further ideas and ensure their feedback continues over the year.

Check out our latest business plan here

Watch a video from a previous YIC event here

Find out more about Solutions for the Planet here

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Baildon to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Baildon, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 6 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with Bradford Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some temporary traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 17 February, there will be temporary traffic lights in place on Otley Road close to Nuffield Health Centre. Once this first phase of work has been completed, the lights will move north along Otley Road for the duration of the work.

Chris Green, Business Operations Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Baildon.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in East Morton, Keighley to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Keighley, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around a week, has been planned in collaboration with Bradford Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some temporary traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 17 February, there will be a road closure on Main Road in East Morton at the junction of Morton Lane and Carr Lane. A signed diversion will be in place for motorists, and access will be maintained where possible.

Chris Green, Business Operations Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Keighley.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Hartlepool to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Hartlepool, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 6 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with Hartlepool Borough Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some temporary traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 10 February, there will be a road closure on Westbrooke Avenue from the junction of Southbrooke Avenue, and a closure on the junction of Westbrooke Avenue and Ventnor Avenue. A signed diversion will be in place for motorists, and access will be maintained where possible.

Steven Storey, Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Hartlepool.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in York to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in York, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 8 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with City of York Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some temporary traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 24 February, there will be temporary traffic lights in place on the Clifton Green junction. These lights will be in place for around three weeks. The temporary lights will then move along Shipton Road for the rest of the project, finishing outside Beverley House.

Mark Mawhood, Operations Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of York.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Leeds to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Leeds, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project has been planned in collaboration with Leeds City Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some temporary traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 3 February, there will be temporary traffic lights in place on Dewsbury Road at the junction of Admiral Street, outside the Spinning Wheel pub. These will be in place for approximately a week.

Chris Reed, Central Operations Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Leeds.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Allerton Bywater to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Allerton Bywater, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The latest phase of the work, which is expected to last around 6 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with Wakefield Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 3 February, there will be temporary traffic lights on Brigshaw Lane, starting close to the railway line before moving towards Preston Lane and finishing at the junction of Brigshaw Drive.

Chris Reed, Central Operations Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Allerton Bywater.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.