Career Accelerator success 2025

The Insurance Institute of Stoke-on-Trent relaunched their successful mentoring programme in 2025 with a new name, the Career Accelerator Programme.

This was a 6 month development programme, fully funded by the local institute and hosted by DJH Accountants and Business Advisers.  It is designed to address one of the sector’s biggest challenges; talent development and retention.

Katie-May Beardmore returned as coach and facilitator.  She is passionate about helping business leaders and emerging talent utilise their strengths, develop their emotional intelligence and progress in their careers.

This year’s participants were Jack Ingram (JCB Insurance Services), Ruth Carson (JCB Insurance Services), Jessica Steele (Richard Jacobs Pensions), Jo Platt (Davies Group), and Frank Amponsah-Mensah (student at Keele University and local Institute Council member).

Comments from the participants after completing the course included:

“Being part of the Career Accelerator Programme has helped me truly appreciate how mindset influences personal and professional growth. The tools and insights we’ve explored have already shaped the way I approach challenges. Most importantly, the programme has given me a sense of connection and support from others in the industry who are on their own development journeys.” (Frank)

“It was a good experience, that strengthened my professional skills and broadened my perspective” (Jack)

‘Loved being part of this CII programme looking at the future of our industry. It was packed with useful tips that I’ll definitely keep using.’ (Ruth)