North East business leaders have hailed the success of a popular business event as hundreds of people attend sessions across Sunderland.

Sunderland Business Week, which returned for a sixth year, ran from October 12 until October 16, with headline speakers Spencer Matthews, entrepreneur and TV personality, and Paralympic gold medallist and NatWest ambassador Jonnie Peacock.

The pair took part in fire-side chats, discussing their lives and careers at SunFest, a one-day conference that formed part of the week, on Thursday, October 15.

Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is a city that’s open for business and a place where companies can thrive.

North East business leaders have hailed the success of a popular business event as hundreds of people attend sessions across Sunderland.

placeholder image — North East business leaders have hailed the success of a popular business event as hundreds of people attend sessions across Sunderland.

"Sunderland Business Week shone a spotlight on the fantastic opportunities there are here for growth and the major part Sunderland can play in the regional and national economy.

"It was a celebration of business and entrepreneurialism right here in our city and a great chance for people and businesses to connect and collaborate.”

The week was organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collection of organisations with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow.

Rob Lawson, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership, said: “Sunderland is a brilliant, dynamic place for enterprise and innovation and we are delighted to have been able to deliver another successful Business Week.

Sunderland Business Week ran from October 12 until October 16.

“It was truly inspirational and I’d like to thank all our wonderful speakers, sponsors and venues who made the event so enjoyable.”

The week’s flagship event, SunFest, was a full day event at The Fire Station and Culture House Sunderland, where Spencer and Jonnie were joined by senior representatives from organisations including the Bank of England, North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Hays Travel, NatWest and the North East Chamber of Commerce for a day of inspiring talks, workshops and networking.

Paul McEldon, outgoing CEO at North East BIC, said: “Sunderland is home to many successful businesses of all sizes and events like Sunderland Business Week offer the chance for them to build connections, spark ideas and collaborate.

"It was a great week that highlighted everything the city has to offer for entrepreneurs and businesses.”