HEADLINE SPONSORS

Colson Smith

Colson Smith is an English actor best known for his 14-year portrayal of Craig Tinker on ITV’s Coronation Street, a role he began at age 13 in 2011. Throughout his tenure, he tackled impactful storylines, including his character’s journey with OCD and his path to becoming a police officer.

Born on August 13, 1998, in Dorchester, Dorset, and raised in Castleford, West Yorkshire, Smith developed an early passion for acting. He honed his craft through classes with Northern Film and Drama before securing his long-running role on Coronation Street.

Beyond the soap, Smith has appeared in short films such as Platform2C, Hollows Wood, and Jailhouse Dog. He also co-hosts the podcast The Sofa Cinema Club alongside co-stars Ben Price and Jack P. Shepherd.

In 2020, Smith underwent a significant personal transformation, adopting running during the COVID-19 lockdown. He documented this journey in his YouTube film Bored of Being the Fat Kid, highlighting his commitment to health and well-being.

After departing Coronation Street in 2025, Smith expressed a mix of nostalgia and excitement for future endeavors, reflecting on his time on the show as a “perfect first chapter.”

Damini Sharma

CEO The OM Group

Damini Sharma is a passionate leader in the construction industry, serving as the CEO of The OM Group. Her commitment to integrity, innovation, and putting people first is the driver behind her desire to reshape industry standards. In 2023, she was awarded with the ‘Most Influential Designer’ accolade at the NFB Top 100 Most Influential Women Awards, celebrating her dedication to design excellence and sustainable practices.
 
As a devoted advocate for diversity in STEM and business, Damini is committed to working to break barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated fields, as well as ensuring that the topic of EDI is integral to every project. This earnt her a place among the Most Inspirational Women in STEM, an honour recognised at the House of Lords. Beyond her professional achievements, she loves collaborating with others across the construction sector on innovative projects, making a tangible impact industry-wide.
 
When Damini isn’t leading The OM Group, she takes on multiple influential roles. She serves as a Visiting Industrial Fellow at Aston University; as the Vice Chair of the IoD British Asian Business Group and as an Ambassador for Be The Business. Through these roles, she continues to inspire and drive positive change.
Scroll to Top