Learning and development (L&D) professionals are being invited to join a new network which is being launched in Norwich.

Elevate East aims to lift the profile of L&D in the east of England and raise the standards in the field.

The group will be launched at an event at the Norfolk Showground on Friday, November 22.

It came about after talks between founders Michael Casanova, director and consultant at Norwich-based Wilby Jones Consulting, Nadine Tapp, head of group academy at housing provider Flagship Group, and Margaret Burnside, director at Norfolk coaching, mentoring and leadership firm Cake People Development.

Elevate East's founders: Nadine Tapp, Margaret Burnside and Michael CasanovaElevate East's founders: Nadine Tapp, Margaret Burnside and Michael Casanova (Image: Supplied) Mrs Tapp said: “We are three passionate people professionals who care about helping people to develop their skills and their careers.

“We realised there wasn't a network in Norfolk and Suffolk for like-minded training and L&D professionals to come together and share experience, techniques, challenges and ideas.

“We also identified that there was no clear or easy route into L&D as a career, and so Elevate East was born.”

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Andy Lancaster, chief learning officer at the consultancy Reimagine People Development, will be the keynote speaker at the launch event at the Showground. 

Andy Lancaster, chief learning officer at the consultancy Reimagine People DevelopmentAndy Lancaster, chief learning officer at the consultancy Reimagine People Development (Image: Supplied)Mrs Tapp added: “If this sounds like you, come and join us and help to create this community with top tips from Andy based on his recently released book, Organisational Learning Communities.”

The launch event will run from 2pm to 4pm at the Showground’s MacGregor Building, off Dereham Road.

Elevate East's logoElevate East's logo (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Norfolk firm presents 23 long-serving staff members with special gifts

Admission is free and, although the event is now fully booked, people can find out more or join the waiting list at https://tinyurl.com/44nhc7bk, or search for 'Elevate East' on Eventbrite.com for more information.