Paralympic gold medallist announced as latest headline speaker at Sunderland Business Week
“We believe great businesses are built by great people, and Jonnie's story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when ambition meets action”
Two-time paralympic gold medallist and NatWest ambassador Jonnie Peacock has been confirmed as a guest speaker at Sunderland Business Week, running from 12–16 October.
The Paralympics GB star joins entrepreneur and TV personality Spencer Matthews who at the end of June was announced as the first headline speaker at the flagship SunFest with NatWest event which takes place on Thursday, October 15.
Aged just five, Jonnie contracted meningitis, which resulted in him having his right leg amputated. Having originally been interested in playing football, Jonnie was directed to a paralympic sports day and shortly after took up athletics.
In a distinguished sprinting career, he won five paralympic medals - including gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016 – as well as two World and European Championship golds.
Off the track, Jonnie has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Jonnie’s Blade Camp, Netflix documentary Rising Phoenix, and Hollyoaks.
Nickie Kilkenny, Accelerator Community Manager, NatWest Accelerator Newcastle, said: "We're incredibly proud to support SunFest 2026 by bringing Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock to Sunderland Business Week.
“Entrepreneurs face setbacks, uncertainty and constant change, so hearing from someone who has achieved at the highest level through resilience, focus and determination offers invaluable inspiration. We believe great businesses are built by great people, and Jonnie's story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when ambition meets action."
The SunFest event will include inspiring talks, workshops, exhibitions and networking. As well as the headline speakers, there will be sessions on the national and regional economy, AI, confidence in leadership, and employee wellness.
The day is part of Sunderland Business Week – running for a sixth successive year – which 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.
The event is being organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations – large and small – all with an interest in the city’s development and ensuring Sunderland is a dynamic destination for businesses.
Rob Lawson OBE, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce Jonnie as part of the line-up for SunFest, thanks to our partners NatWest. He’s someone who has faced adversity and showed that – with belief, desire and determination – there are no limits to what can be achieved. I’m sure he will be inspiring and entertaining.”
Sunderland Business Week is sponsored by Sunderland City Council, North East BIC, NatWest, Robson Laidler, FutureReady, Ward Hadaway, Sunderland College, Procure Smart, Creo Comms, Sunderland AFC and Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts.
Early bird SunFest tickets are available for £90. You can find our more and book tickets for all events via the Sunderland Business Week website at https://sbweek.co.uk/