Think Sunderland Business Week ends when the lights go out? Not quite.
For Paul McEldon, CEO at the North East BIC, the magic of the week is what happens next – the partnerships, the growth, the ideas that take flight.
Paul was part of the launch event’s panel alongside key civic leaders, including Patrick Melia OBE (Sunderland City Council), David Bruce (Sunderland AFC), Sir David Bell (University of Sunderland), Toni Rhodes (Education Partnership North East), and Sharon Appleby (Sunderland BID).
He spoke passionately about Sunderland’s opportunities across all sectors and shared the success story of Growth Lab, noting that some businesses outside of the area even admitted to having ‘Sunderland envy’.
Following that session, attendees were invited to a ‘marketplace’ showcasing business support and giving them the chance to chat to organisations who can provide advice, support and funding to businesses.
But that was just the beginning…
Here, Paul tells us how the event’s real value comes not just from those organised sessions, but from the impromptu chats and chance collaborations between attendees.
Sunderland Business Week is a real highlight in our region’s business calendar, and particularly for everyone here at the BIC, as it’s always incredibly inspiring to see what can happen when people come together to champion all that is great about the region and our diverse business community.
For small businesses, it’s more than just a week of events, it’s an opportunity to be in the same room as senior decision makers, influencers and potential partners. That exposure can be invaluable, especially for those just embarking upon their business journey or looking to grow.
It gives them a platform to share their ideas, make connections, and receive advice that can help shape their future. It is also a chance for them to see other businesses thriving, to learn from their successes, and to be reminded that growth and innovation are possible for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors.
Here at the BIC, we work with businesses throughout the year, and the week gives us a chance to see that work in action. From established companies to start ups and social enterprises, it’s fantastic to hear from and be reminded of the breadth of talent and ambition across Sunderland and the wider region.
What I love most however is the atmosphere. There’s a genuine sense of Sunderland coming together and that inclusivity is important as it’s truly a reminder that success in business isn’t limited to just a few big names, but is evident throughout the entire business community.
One of our particular highlights this year was hosting the ‘Local face of social enterprise in Sunderland’ event which helped shine a light on social entrepreneurs in the city who are doing wonderful things to help others, as well as helping them connect, share ideas and tap into support. It was great to see established organisations, early-stage businesses, and curious newcomers all coming together, learning from one another, and further strengthening Sunderland’s social enterprise sector.
One of our core values at the BIC is to work together for good, and Sunderland Business Week encapsulates that. It’s about championing our businesses themselves – their drive, creativity and resilience. The week once again highlighted the breadth of talent and ambition across our city, and it was a privilege to be involved.
What is Sunderland Business Week?
Sunderland Business Week is a celebration of business, innovation and creativity. It showcases our brilliant city as a dynamic place to do business. The event returned for a fifth time from 13-17 October 2025, featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats, networking, workshops and more. It’s for businesses from the city, but also those further afield, held in venues across the heart of this transforming location – an inspiring week for people in business, or thinking of taking an entrepreneurial leap. To find out more, visit https://sbweek.co.uk/