TWO-time paralympic gold medallist and NatWest Ambassador Jonnie Peacock has been confirmed as a speaker for a North East business event.
The ParalympicsGB star will be one of the headliners for SunFest with NatWest – the flagship event of this year’s Sunderland Business Week, running from 12–16 October.
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.
SunFest, a full day event at The Fire Station and Culture House Sunderland on Thursday 15 October, will also feature entrepreneur and TV personality Spencer Matthews.
The day 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.
Jonnie is appearing at the event as a NatWest Ambassador. The bank is a headline sponsor of the Business Week.
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."
Early bird tickets for SunFest, which provide access to the full day of activity, are available for a discounted rate of £90.
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, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.
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.
For information and to book tickets visit www.sbweek.co.uk