MORE than 200 North East business leaders heard the Earl of Wessex speak with passion about the benefits of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme for both young people and employers.

Prince Edward was guest speaker at North East England Chamber of Commerce’s President Club lunch at the Baltic, Gateshead.

He said: “The awards show how non-formal achievements are just as important as academic ones. When young people achieve one of these awards it enables companies to see who that individual really is. I encourage all North-East businesses to engage with young people who do the awards.”

Ruth Collins, NE operations manager, Duke of Edinburgh Awards said: “We really need more of our region’s employers to become involved with our awards. I would urge them to see an award as a kite mark of quality. Young people who achieve one of our awards have shown they can work as a team and they can devise their own programme of work and have the ability to improve. We also have opportunities for businesses to get involved as volunteers and use us as part of their CSR programmes.”

Chamber president John McCabe also reiterated the benefits of using the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to encourage young people to move out of their comfort zone, improve their confidence and resilience.

Mr McCabe then used his speech to also criticise the Government for the lack of progress on Brexit and said no deal was not acceptable for the business community.

The lunch was sponsored by Gateshead College and the President’s Club is supported by Brewin Dolphin.

Businesses wanting to know more about the awards, email ruth.collins@dofe.org.