Sunderland AFC is to offer local businesses a unique opportunity to hear first-hand how its new owner plans to bring success back to the club.
Taking place as part of Sunderland Business Festival, a celebration of the dynamic businesses based in Sunderland, Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman and Chief Operating Officer, Steve Davison, will be hosting a talk-in at the Stadium of Light on Thursday 7 October.
The event, ‘The Business of Football’, will provide attendees with an insight into what it takes to run a football club and how solid foundations are the key to success both on and off the pitch.
Attendees will also be given the opportunity to participate in an ‘energetic and inspirational discussion’ with Davison and Speakman, with Frankie Francis, singer and host of SAFSEE, compering the event.
Speaking about the event, Davison said: “Building resilience and great teamwork are not only the building blocks of any successful football club, but of any business success story, and we’re looking forward to welcoming business owners from across the city to the Stadium of Light to share our plans for the future and to discuss how – together – we can all help make Sunderland a real destination city.
“Whilst we all know that our matchdays and concerts are an important part of life in the city, one of the other huge positives I have witnessed in my first few months has been the common desire within the city to improve the experience of working and living in Sunderland.
“Sharing this common aim is extremely beneficial and we will continue to work together to accelerate progress, which is why we are delighted to be sponsoring and supporting the city’s first ever business festival, where we will showcase our recent actions and present our future plans.”
The football club will also host a Recruitment Fair at the Stadium of Light as part of the festival, which takes place from 4 October to 8 October, as well as hosting a number of talks and events taking place across the week.
Leading experts and opinion formers regionally, nationally and globally, will be part of the line-up for business-focused events, while residents attending the Recruitment Fair will be supported with information on training options, job opportunities and guidance, as well as a lively line-up of sessions at the Bridges shopping centre, including speed careers “dating”, an entrepreneurs day and a spotlight on homegrown businesses which started life as a hobby and have become hugely successful.
Tickets for the event with Steve Davison and Kristjaan Speakman are £5 with all proceeds going to the Foundation of Light.
For more information or to book your place, visit: https://sbfestival.co.uk/programme/