A leading line-up of speakers has been announced for Sunderland Business Festival, which is taking place from 14 – 18 October.
The programme includes fire-side chats with Alex Partridge and Si King, who will be discussing their lives and careers at an event hosted by former BBC Look North newsreader Jeff Brown, on Thursday 17 October.
Alex, one of the pioneers of social media content as we know it, founding LADBible and UNILAD aged 21, they would go on to be two of the most popular social news and entertainment internet companies in the world, with an astonishing following of 100 million people around the globe.
After being diagnosed with ADHD in later life, Alex launched the ADHD Chatter podcast, with each episode featuring diverse experiences and expert insights, aiming to combat stigma and provide support. In just a year, ADHD Chatter has grown to reach over 1 million listeners with 100,000 monthly downloads.
Si is best known for fronting numerous TV shows as one half of the Hairy Bikers. As well as discussing his career in business and on-screen, he will share more about an exciting new business venture he has planned in the city.
Other organisations taking part in the events include the Bank of England, North East Combined Authority, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Sunderland AFC and Hummel.
The first day of the festival will include a presentation and panel discussion exploring the North Economy. Speakers will include Mauricio Armellini from The Bank of England, John McCabe from the North East Chamber of Commerce, Martin McTague from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Henry Kippin from the North East Combined Authority. The day will also feature a panel of Sunderland leaders who will be discussing the city’s developments and key business priority areas.
Day two will be begin with a business breakfast at the Beacon of Light with a panel discussion focussing on Women in Leadership. Expo Sunderland will also be kicking off the first day of its Delivering the Future City conference, which will feature a series of keynote sessions, guided city tours, round table discussions and delegate networking. In the evening the popular networking concept ‘The Ladies Collective’ will be hosting an event at Lookers Nissan, Sunderland.
As well as the second day of the Delivering the Future City conference, the Wednesday will feature The Business of Football, an energetic and insightful discussion with senior leaders from Sunderland AFC, Hummel UK and Fanatics, giving a unique glimpse into how exciting business partnerships and innovation have captured the imagination of fans. There will also be a workshop looking at the role of social enterprises.
Day four will see headline speakers Alex Partridge and Si King take to the stage at the recently opened Sheepfolds Stables for a fire-side chat with former Look North newsreader Jeff Brown. Following that session, there will be an event showcasing business support, with a series of short presentations and a ‘marketplace’ where attendees can chat to organisations who can provide advice, support and funding to businesses.
The final day of the festival will include a strategy masterclass delivered by North East BIC. The day will be wrapped up with the launch of Wine on the Wear, a networking event taking place at Sweeney Miller Law’s Sunderland head office.
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, which is sponsored by Sunderland City Council, is running for a fourth successive year. It aims to inspire enterprises from across the region, with a host of engaging speeches and sessions from high-profile business leaders and personalities who have pushed boundaries in their field.
For more information or to book tickets for specific events visit www.sbfestival.co.uk
Download a copy of the Sunderland Business Festival Programme here>>
