We recently brought together our Talent Academy cohort of 2025/2026 at the Radisson Blu Sheffield for an day dedicated to recognising the progress, commitment and achievements of our latest graduates.
Colleagues from across the business gathered to reflect on a year of learning and development, share experiences and celebrate the success of this year’s graduates, with the evening featuring presentations, guest speakers and a celebratory dinner.
A huge congratulations to all of our 2025/2026 academy members, and thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to the programme throughout the year.
Reflecting on a year of growth
The event opened with Andy Pearce revisiting the ambitions set at the start of the programme in May 2025. Graduates were encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and revisit the letters they had written to themselves at the beginning of the academy. It was a moment of honest reflection, highlighting both individual progress and the commitment shown across the cohort.
Pabi Rathband shared her personal experience of the academy, offering insight into how the programme has supported her development across the year. This theme continued with Ashleigh Jackson, a previous graduate and our Senior Learning and Development Consultant, who spoke about maintaining momentum through continuous professional development and building on the foundations of the academy.
Showcasing ideas and achievements
A key part of the event focused on the project work delivered by the cohort. Following an introduction from Kirsty Given, our Director of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, each team presented their work to Redmond Walsh, CEO of Portman Travel Group.
The presentations explored project objectives, progress, outcomes and the challenges faced along the way. The quality of thinking, delivery and collaboration was clear throughout, with positive feedback shared across all teams. Project Nest was recognised as the overall winning team.
Project Nest focused on strengthening how we support colleagues through family leave, including maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave. The team explored support at every stage of the journey, from preparation through to returning to work, while also equipping managers with clearer guidance and practical tools to provide consistent and effective support.
Redmond also shared insight into his own career journey, offering perspectives on leadership, decision-making and the wider direction of Portman Travel Group.
Celebrating success together
Alongside the more formal elements, the graduation included lighter moments that brought the group together. The live final of our long-running Traitors game, hosted by Andy Pearce in character, created a memorable end to the competition. Collette Lindsay and Nikea Wright emerged as joint winners, sharing the prize after both were revealed as faithfuls.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all graduates, marking the end of their Talent Academy journey and recognising the commitment each individual has shown over the past year.
Our 2025/2026 Talent Academy graduates
- Anisha Tansley, Corporate Responsibility Manager
- Becky Mills, Insights Analyst
- Bethany Lowe, Product Co-ordinator
- Cameron Robertson, Venue Find Consultant
- Christopher Davis, Billing Manager
- Collette Lindsay, Online Operations Team Manager
- Dawn Thorburn, Venue Find Team Manager
- Ellen Goodman, Project Manager
- Emily Thwaites, Learning and Development Consultant
- Leane Peacock, CCS Account Manager
- Madeline Riches, Business Travel Consultant
- Nikea Wright, Change Coordinator
- Pabi Rathband, Group HR Advisor
- Rebecca Bleasdale, PWC Meeting Services Consultant
- Taylor Greenough, Brighter Project Manager
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The Talent Academy continues to play a key role in supporting development across Clarity, and it was great to see this year’s cohort come together to mark the end of their programme and look ahead to what comes next.
