Colleagues from Northern Gas Networks mentored inspirational young people at the finals of an exciting competition focusing on STEM and sustainability – and they were joined by an MP whose team won the competition in 2010.
Northern Gas Networks has a long-running partnership with the social enterprise Solutions for the Planet, and supports the organisation’s Big Ideas Programme.
Colleagues volunteer with schools – which are often located in areas of disadvantage – and use their expertise to guide young people through the competition.
Students came up with ideas to solve a sustainability issue that matters to them, then work with their mentors to turn their ideas into business plans. A panel of judges review the entries, shortlist Regional Finalists – and the winning teams progress to the National Finals at the Palace of Westminster.
Northern Gas Networks transport gas through a vast network of pipes in the North of England – and four schools from this region made it through to the final.
The teams and colleagues were joined by Kate Dearden, MP for Halifax, who has a special link to the competition – she was on the winning team for the first ever Big Ideas Programme in 2010.
Beth Swinburn, Quantity Surveyor at Northern Gas Networks, mentored teams from Oxclose Community Academy who finished in second place.
The team from Oxclose, which is in Washington, Tyne and Wear, presented their idea of a blend of real meat and plant-based protein, offering the taste and texture of traditional meat with half the environmental impact—healthier, sustainable, and planet-friendly.
Beth said: “The young people and teachers at the school were great to work with. My role was to guide the young people and answer their questions. It was amazing to see the teams’ confidence increase throughout the programme, especially presenting to a room full of strangers at such a young age. This experience will definitely help build their skills for the working world in a few years’ time.
“For me, throughout my career I’ve generally been the youngest on my team. So learning how to communicate with people younger than me, without patronising them, has been really valuable.”
A team from Halifax Academy secured third place with their prenatal health kit to help reduce infant mortality in Sub Saharan Africa.
Other finalists from Northern Gas Networks’ region were Bradford Girls’ Grammar School – with their idea for repurposing plastic waste into a paper-like material, offering a sustainable solution to both plastic pollution and deforestation – and Easington Academy’s plan to deconstruct derelict homes and industrial sites and replace them with parks, nature and wildlife.
The overall winners were a team from Perton Middle School in Staffordshire. Their business plan featured a dinosaur with three types of renewable energy attached to it – solar, wind turbines and hydroelectric.
Jenny Wilkinson, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “This competition is a joy to be involved in and we’d like to congratulate all of the finalists.
“The fantastic ideas from all the young people completely align with our vision for a fairer, greener future for the North of England and our huge focus on sustainability which is outlined in our recent Business Plan.
“Our mentors love volunteering at these schools, helping to challenge and guide the young people. They learn a lot from the young people too and develop their own skills and confidence – it’s a mutually beneficial experience for everyone.”
Jen Baughan, CEO from Solutions for the Planet, said: “The finalists brought an incredible spirit of creativity, passion and drive to their pitches, reminding us just how powerful young people’s ideas can be.
“Having Kate Dearden, MP for Halifax, return to present an award was a wonderful full-circle moment. Her team was one of our very first Big Ideas winners 15 years ago for their life-saving idea to tackle infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria.
“The Big Ideas Programme is vital because it doesn’t just ignite imagination; it equips participants with critical thinking, collaboration and leadership skills, empowering them to turn vision into action and build a more sustainable future.”
Well done to all of the teams – and a huge thank you to the fantastic Northern Gas Networks colleagues who have been involved in mentoring them!
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