This autumn marks the launch of the Rising Stars Development Programme, an exciting new initiative from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. Designed for early-career professionals, the programme aims to give the city’s next generation of leaders the skills, confidence, and perspective to thrive in a fast-changing business landscape.
The Chamber has already seen the demand for spaces where young professionals can connect and grow. Its Rising Star Networking Evenings have drawn more than 400 individuals from over 145 companies over the past year. Building on this momentum, the new programme moves beyond networking to offer a structured pathway for professional and personal development.
At its core, Rising Stars is a six-part series of interactive workshops combining theoretical learning with practical application. Topics will range from harnessing AI in strategic thinking and mastering emotional intelligence, to leading high-performing teams and developing a personal leadership roadmap. The final session focuses on innovation and problem-solving, equipping participants with the tools to lead with confidence and creativity.
A key feature of the programme is the calibre of contributors. Senior figures from organisations including Edinburgh Airport, Apex Scotland, YourGB Events, and the Port of Leith Distillery will share insights from their own leadership journeys. Their experience will be complemented by the academic expertise of the team at the University of Edinburgh, creating a powerful blend of research-led learning and real-world perspective. Rachael Findlay, Events and Professional Development Manager at the Chamber said: “Together, we’ve developed a programme that’s practical, forward-thinking, and tailored to the real challenges emerging leaders face today. This programme is designed for people that are ambitious, curious, and ready to lead. You’ll gain real-world skills, hear from inspiring leaders, and explore new ideas that help you grow both professionally and personally.”
For participants, the benefits are clear: sharper strategic thinking, stronger communication, and a deeper understanding of leadership in practice. But meaningful development programmes go beyond skills – they create space for early-stage professionals to build self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities are consistently highlighted by UK employers as critical, yet often underdeveloped. The structured Rising Stars programmes provides a safe, reflective environment where emerging leaders can explore their strengths, learn from peers, and grow with purpose – laying the foundation for long-term success in a rapidly evolving workplace.
For employers, investing in early-stage professionals is more than good practice – it’s a strategic imperative. It supports retention, motivation, and succession planning, ensuring future leaders are equipped to drive innovation and growth. In the UK, over 50% of early career hires leave within three years, often due to limited development opportunities and unclear progression paths. With entry-level hires costing an average of £3,200, early attrition can be a costly challenge. Structured development programmes significantly improve retention, engagement, and team performance, helping build a stronger, more future-ready workforce. Applications for the first cohort will open soon, with limited places available. Whether you’re an ambitious young professional seeking the next step, or a business leader looking to invest in rising talent, this is an opportunity to shape the future of Edinburgh’s business community.
Edinburgh has long been a city that nurtures talent. With the Rising Stars Development Programme, its emerging leaders will have every chance to shine. Find out more about the Rising Stars Development Programme here.
