Published on 22 September 2023
The University of Sunderland is one of the sponsors of Sunderland Business Festival 2023 – which this year features footballer turned successful entrepreneur Gary Neville as the headline speaker.
The fire-side chat with the former Manchester United and England fullback will be part of the three-day festival, comprising a programme of business events, sessions and seminars taking place across the city.
Gary will discuss his business career and how the leadership skills that led him to being captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world helped him become one of the UK’s most high profile business people.
During a glittering 20-year career working under the inimitable Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary was acknowledged as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. Now working for Sky Sports, he is one of the nation’s favourite pundits – and an extremely successful businessman.
Having started out as a property developer while playing for United in his early 20s, Gary has continued with an entrepreneurial passion, building a business empire with a portfolio that spans property, hospitality, education, media and sport.
His Stock Exchange Hotel is one of the top hotels in Manchester; his University (UA92), is disrupting a traditional model; his £400m St Michael’s project is one of the landmark property developments in Manchester City Centre; and he will appearing as guest star on the upcoming series of Dragons’ Den.
Gary said: “I’m hugely passionate about the North. All the businesses I run are based here, and I believe we’ve got a thriving business community and I’m really pleased to be part of a brilliant line-up of events in a Northern city that demonstrates such ambition and vision.
“I’m looking forward to sharing the experiences and stories from across my career and in business.”
Sunderland Business Festival, which is running for a third successive year, aims to inspire enterprises from across the region, with a host of engaging speeches and sessions from high-profile business leaders. The event will take place from October 10–12 at venues across Sunderland.
In Conversation with Gary Neville will take place at the Auditorium at The Fire Station on Wednesday 11 October at 10.30am. It is part of a day being sponsored by the University.
Professor Lawrence Bellamy, Academic Dean for the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism at the University of Sunderland, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic Festival, and supporting a packed programme of business events to the city, including what will be a fascinating talk with Gary Neville. As well as being a leader during his playing days, Gary has proven to be a shrewd businessman, with an ever-growing portfolio.
“Add to that his energetic and engaging style of communication, I’m sure this will be a brilliant event with plenty of take-aways for business people from the city and beyond.
“Sunderland Business Festival is a fantastic showcase of this area as a place to do business and we’re delighted to be at the heart of that.”
Rob Lawson, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership, added: “We’re thrilled to have secured someone of the calibre of Gary Neville for this year’s Sunderland Business Festival.
“He is one of the most recognisable business people in the country and I’m sure the discussion will be fascinating. I recommend anyone wanting to go secures their tickets quickly, as I’m sure it will be hugely popular.”
The first day of the festival will include a panel discussion around how to develop a high performance culture and the benefits to businesses. Panellists will include: James Beard from Tombola, Kelly Swinney from Ocado Retail, Sam Spoors from Talentheads, Louise Kennedy from Oculus HR, and will be hosted by Natasha McDonough from MMC Research and Marketing. In the evening Sunderland AFC sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and chief operating officer Steve Davison will be appearing at an event giving attendees insight into how they are looking to build on last season, as well as learning more about work behind the scenes to build a sustainable club.
Day two will include headliner Gary Neville who will discuss his business career and how the leadership skills that led him to being captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world helped him become one of the UK’s most high profile business people. Later in the day, British Esports will be hosting a talk and offering a guided tour of its cutting-edge National Esports Performance Campus. And North East BIC will be running a session exploring how adopting the cooperative principles and ethos can help to create a more engaged, dynamic workforce and a more connected business community. In the evening, there will be the chance to hear about Sunderland Business Improvement District’s new business plan and hear from guest speaker Paul Clement from Locus. Rounding off the day will be former Sunderland AFC Chairman Sir Bob Murray, who will join guests for a special talk-in, hosted by BBC’s lead sports commentator Guy Mowbray.
The final day will kick off with Access to Support Sunderland, showcasing help available to businesses in the city. Later there will be a panel discussion focusing on future skills needs featuring University-based film production company Fulwell 73, following its recently announced plans for a film studio to Sunderland. On the same day, EcoFest 2023 will take place looking at why net zero matters to business. In the afternoon Ladies, Wine & Design Sunderland is hosting its first mini makers market, bringing together local creative lasses and championing their entrepreneurial journeys. The festival will culminate with the Wear Businesswomen Awards, which will shine a light on the Wear region’s female high achievers, with a ceremony held at the Stadium of Light.
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, a key supporter of the festival, said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for Sunderland, with huge levels of investment being attracted to the city, all of which is going to have a hugely positive impact. We’re keen to showcase the great things that are already happening in Sunderland and also highlight the opportunities there are going to be in the future.”
The festival is being organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations – large and small – all with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.
The festival is being organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations – large and small – all with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.
Sunderland Business Festival is sponsored by Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland, Building Design Northern, Sunderland College and Creo Comms.
For more information or to book tickets for specific events visit www.sbfestival.co.uk