Sunderland to host UK startup festival

Sunderland is preparing to lead the UK's entrepreneurial charge as it hosts UK Startup & Scaleup Week, a dynamic five-day festival spanning multiple venues from June 2-6.

Designed to inspire and educate over 500 attendees, the event will provide resources on how to start, grow and fund a business in the UK.

Organised by entrepreneurs Paul Lancaster and Neil Stephenson, who recently teamed up to launch Stellar Business Events, along with support from Sunderland City Council, NatWest, North East BIC, BearTech, Business Enterprise Fund, BJSS (now part of CGI), The Federation of Small Businesses, Northstar Ventures, Sweeney Miller Law, Tennick Accountants, UMi, Ward Hadaway, Waterstons and Wubbleyou, the festival aims to bolster entrepreneurial spirit and put a spotlight on Sunderland’s growing reputation as a thriving business ecosystem.

Paul said: “After running three hugely successful and internationally renowned business festivals in Newcastle, we’ve chosen to run this year’s event in Sunderland because we genuinely think it’s the most exciting place to live, work, start and run a business in the UK right now!”

“As someone who lives and runs a business in the city, I believe Sunderland has all the ingredients necessary to be a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity so I encourage anyone who is thinking of starting a business, wants to grow their existing one, is a funder or investor or just wants to play a role in supporting the future success of Sunderland and the wider North East of England to come along!”

The week kicks off with an inspirational conference featuring industry leaders, including Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies MBE, award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author Daniel Priestley and Paul Mort, twice-voted UK Mastercoach of the Year and an Audible bestseller. 

The following days will cover topics such as getting started, securing funding, scaling a business and pivoting for success.

Venues across the city will host specialised sessions tailored to diverse industries, including esports, tech and creative sectors. 

For further details and to purchase tickets, see here.

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