New networking group launched for young professionals in Sunderland

“There are so many talented and ambitious people in their 20s and 30s working in and around Sunderland, and we felt there was a real opportunity to bring that community together,” says one of the organisers behind a new networking group for young professionals.

Launching in February 2027, Sunderland Young Professionals aims to reshape the traditional networking experience, offering a more relaxed, accessible and engaging way for people in their 20s and 30s to expand their professional circles and build relationships that support their careers.

The official launch event will take place at Quinn’s Sports Bar, Stadium of Light, on Thursday, February 4, 2027, from 5.30pm and those interested in attending can register on eventbrite.

Founded by Laura Kerry and Hannah Cullen of Richard Reed Solicitors, Thomas Halse of Riverside Marketing Solutions and Erin Winship of Riverside Mortgage Advice, they say the group was born from a shared belief that Sunderland’s younger professionals deserve more opportunities to connect, collaborate and build meaningful relationships across industries.

Rather than focusing on formal introductions and traditional business networking, the group will bring people together through social events, activities and shared experiences. The aim is to make networking less intimidating, particularly for those who are early in their careers or looking to expand their connections beyond their existing workplace.

Future events will be hosted at a variety of venues across Sunderland, giving attendees the opportunity to meet professionals from different sectors, discover local businesses and develop relationships that could lead to future collaborations, friendships and career opportunities.

Laura Kerry, Marketing Executive at Richard Reed Solicitors and one of the founders of Sunderland Young Professionals, said:“We’re really excited to be launching Sunderland Young Professionals, there are so many talented and ambitious people in their 20s and 30s working in and around Sunderland, and we felt there was a real opportunity to bring that community together.

“Networking can be daunting, particularly when you’re at the beginning of your career or walking into a room where you don’t know anyone. We want to take away some of that pressure and create events that people genuinely look forward to attending.

“It’s about making connections without it feeling like networking. Whether you’re looking to meet people in your industry, learn about a different sector, build your confidence or simply get to know more people locally, we want Sunderland Young Professionals to be somewhere you feel comfortable getting involved.”