How Leaders Can Get the Best Out of Gen Z
March 2025
The expectations of the next generation entering the workforce have shifted dramatically. Gen Z want more than a job, they seek purpose, development, support, and opportunities to grow.
For leaders in today’s evolving landscape, understanding these priorities is essential to attracting, engaging, and retaining the talent that will shape the organisation’s future.
Victoria Hopkins, one of the Manufacturers Alliance’s experts, and a panel of emerging leaders be share an authentic first-hand perspective on what young people value, expect, and look for from employers today.
You’ll gain a clearer view of how to create an environment where young people can thrive, while strengthening succession, future proofing the business and improving long-term performance.
At The Event We Will Explore
✅The mindset and priorities of the next generation entering today’s workforce.
✅What gen Z are looking for from employers today and how that has shifted.
✅How organisations can build environments that enable young talent to grow, feel valued, and stay engaged.
✅Insights from young leaders who have progressed through structured development journeys into senior leadership.
✅Strategies for becoming a workplace where emerging talent wants to stay, contribute, and build their future.
Agenda
8:30am – Arrivals, teas & coffees9:00am - Understanding and Engaging the Next Generation of Talent
10:00am – Break
10:15am - A Gen Z Perspective: What Emerging Talent Looks for in Employers
11:15am – Q&A and Discussion: Sharing Insights and Experiences
12:15pm – Final reflections
12:30pm - Close
Understanding and Engaging the Next Generation of Talent
Victoria Hopkins, Manufacturers Alliance
Victoria leads the Emerging Leaders Peer Group, giving her first-hand insight into the ambitions, challenges, and feedback of the next generation of talent. Her work involves nurturing and developing emerging leaders, helping them grow their skills, confidence, and influence within their organisations.
At the event, Victoria will provide an overview of the shifting expectations and priorities of gen Z and highlight practical approaches for leaders to create environments where emerging talent can thrive. She will also share insights from her experience facilitating the Emerging Leaders Peer Group, helping organisations better support, develop, and retain their future leaders.
A Gen Z Perspective: What Emerging Talent Looks for in Employers
June Barbarel Prince, Preston Technical | Shay Brasier, Central Group | David Bruen, Closomat
Each member of the panel has been recognised early in their career as high-potential emerging leaders and supported through their organisations with meaningful development, investment, and opportunities to grow.
Together, they will provide their perspectives of the challenges, ambitions, and expectations of Gen Z today. The panel will share personal experiences of what emerging talent looks for in employers, explore how purposeful support and development have shaped their careers, and share insights on how organisations can engage, retain, and nurture the next generation of leaders effectively.
Event Details
📅Date: Mar 2026
⏲️Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
📍Location: Bolton
About the Manufacturers' Alliance
Established in 2013, the Manufacturers' Alliance is an independently owned business, with an overarching passion to support the manufacturing community at the heart of our economy.
We are the go to organisation for business leaders in the manufacturing sector that want to develop modern leadership skills, lead a high performing team and be a force for good in the world.
Business owners and leaders that join the Manufacturers’ Alliance are lifelong learners that want to continue to develop themselves in order to remain effective. They are progressive and have a strong desire to continue to improve. They love be around like-minded manufacturers, and share challenges and ideas with each other. And most importantly, they don’t have big egos. They are humble, supportive and open to doing things differently.
When you join the Manufacturers’ Alliance, you are joining a like-minded community that will support and encourage you on your journey towards sustainable business growth and leadership excellence. You will be part of a cause that makes a positive difference in the world.
"The MA has helped me to feel more confident and ready to take on the world. I'm trying to steer the company and when you see others doing it well, that's very valuable"
Rachael Baker, Managing Director, JJ Smith
"You feel you are a part of something where everyone cares about your business. I always take away a piece of gold."
Alex Grace, Managing Director, Banana Moon Clothing
FAQ's
Who can attend the event?
The event is for Senior Leaders.
Do I need to be a member of the Manufacturers’ Alliance to attend?
No, the event is open to both members and non-members.
What is the cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend and is free to both members and non-members.
Who else will be attending the event?
The event will be attended by Senior leaders in manufacturing.
What if I would like to attend an event but can’t make the date?
Don’t worry, we’ll be holding more events throughout the year, register your details and a member of our team will be in touch with you to share details of upcoming events we have.
Register Your Interest
