Next generation share their hopes and dreams

Peace in Ukraine, planting more trees or just simply having a safe place to go – these were just some of the asks of the Dream Team of the Future panel at Bondholder Spotlight.

Jointly hosted by Claire Twells, of Spotlight’s headline sponsor Smith Partnership, and April Allman, of Enthusiasm Trust, the debate explored the perspectives of our leaders of tomorrow.

Sharing their take on issues, opportunities and, most importantly dreams, were Liza Nahirniak, a journalism graduate from Ukraine, Kimberley Leask, of Enthusiasm Trust, Nick Martin, a Rolls-Royce apprentice at the newly opened Nuclear Skills Academy, Lennon Hall, of upcoming Derby rock band Marseille and entrepreneur Ali Qureshi.

They were all asked by Claire and April what their hopes and dreams were for the future.

Kim, who has devoted many hours as a volunteer at Enthusiasm, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds, said: “I would like to see more organisations like Enthusiasm.

“I’d like all young people to have a safe place they can go when they need it – and to have someone to mentor them through life.”

Nick revealed his hope would be to see more businesses utilise unused land to plant trees – and himself leave a lasting legacy by planting his own forest.

Ali’s wish was to see more support for budding entrepreneurs like himself – and prove to young people that you do not necessarily have to take a nine to five job in order to be successful.

Perhaps the most moving response came from Liza, who earlier this year was forced to flee her native Ukraine, leaving behind her family.

Liza, who arrived in the UK, via Italy, said: “I want to see peace in my native Ukraine – and for now, my wish is to continue to build me new life here – to keep going and try to live again.”

In his response, while acknowledging that Derby already has some great music venues, Lennon said he would like to see more.

He also said he wanted to see more Derby bands make it big – with his band hopefully paving the way.

He said: “We’ve got an opportunity to be the first to do it in Derby and hopefully others will follow.

“I’d also like to see a world where musicians are embraced more – and more funding being put into music venues.”

And in a Bondholder Spotlight exclusive, Lennon also revealed that he was named after John Lennon as his dad is a Beatles fan.

Lennon said: “My mum’s a Bon Jovi fan so I could’ve been called Jon Bon Jovi. The dog’s called Jon Bon Jovi!”