VIDEO: Candid Chats with Gef 30 Under 30 Winners and Supporters

We threw a proper knees-up for this year’s Gef 30 Under 30 winners and their plus ones at Kiki Lounge on 15 May — and yes, the Kiki’s cocktails were flowing.

Sure, it wasn’t just about the drinks (although, let’s be honest, they did go down a treat). It was a chance for this year’s cohort of legends to come together, soak up some well-earned praise, and bask in the glory of being some of the island’s brightest young stars.

Our Official Campaign Partners popped by too, meeting the winners from their categories and getting a proper look at the talent they’ve helped shine a spotlight on.

Patrick Goodby turned up on behalf of Prospero Group, who backed the Leadership category this year.

He said: ‘We’re an island community, we’ve got a finite amount of resources and a finite number of people, and getting the most out of them is what’s best for the island. It’s been great to see the talent that the Isle of Man is producing. I’m a very proud Manxman, I’ve grown up here, and to see what the island is doing now is absolutely fantastic. We’re delighted to be part of it.’

Other Campaign Partners, like Zurich Isle of Man and the Isle of Man Arts Council, echoed the importance of backing young talent and making space for the next generation to thrive.

The whole night was a cracking reminder of just how buzzing our island’s community is, and how much of a difference today’s young guns are already making.

One of them is 28-year-old Kennedy Thompson, who picked up a Trailblazer award, supported by Boston Multi Family Office. That category’s all about people who are innovating, pushing boundaries, and generally shaking things up. Kennedy’s the island’s only Adult Learning Disability Liaison Nurse, a job that’s as vital as it is trailblazing, helping to improve care in communities across the Isle of Man.

She said: ‘I’m really humbled, to be honest. The reason I’ve won is something I’ve done every day for the last 16 years, pretty much. It’s really exciting and really nice to be recognised for what I do. I feel really happy.