Monday 14 September 2026 | 8am–11am | Trent Bridge
Nottingham has an outstanding sporting reputation, with world-class venues, successful teams, leading universities and internationally recognised athletes. But how do we capitalise on that success to create new opportunities for our economy, businesses and communities?
Join Nottingham Partners at Trent Bridge on Monday 14 September for a morning bringing together leaders from sport, business, universities and the public sector to explore how Nottingham can make more of its sporting strengths.
The event will open with Veronica Pickering, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, followed by a welcome from Michael Temple, Interim CEO of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.
The morning will then feature three panel discussions looking at economic growth and opportunity, the role of our universities and how we ensure inclusion and accessibility remain central to Nottingham’s ambitions.
Using our sporting success to drive growth and opportunity
Our first panel will explore how Nottingham’s sporting success, venues, clubs and major events can support wider economic growth, investment and opportunity.
Joining the discussion will be:
- Alison Clarke, Director of Culture, Visitor Economy and Sport, East Midlands Combined County Authority
- Vicky Evans, UKIMEA Cities, Planning and Design Leader, Arup
- Mark Gowdridge, Co-founder and Director, GT3 Architects
- Joe Palmer, CEO, Notts County Football Club
- Paul Taylor, General Manager, Nottingham Rugby
Together, they will consider how sport can contribute to Nottingham’s wider ambitions and how collaboration between businesses, sporting organisations and the public sector can help maximise its impact.
How universities are using their assets to drive GVA and create opportunities for legacy
Nottingham’s universities play an important role in the city’s sporting landscape, from facilities and participation to research, talent and major events.
Our second panel will look at how these assets can contribute to economic growth and create a lasting legacy for Nottingham.
The panel features:
- Christine Bailey, Assistant Director of Sport: Business Development, University of Nottingham
- Chris Campbell, Director of Sport, Nottingham Trent University
Making inclusion and accessibility a golden thread
Sport’s impact goes far beyond economic growth. Our final panel will explore how inclusion and accessibility can remain a golden thread through Nottingham’s sporting ambitions, ensuring opportunities reach communities across the city and county.
Joining the discussion will be:
- John McCay, Beeston Cycle Club
- Tranai Todd, Founder & CEO, Support Through Sport
- Richard Whitehead MBE, Paralympian
The morning will conclude with a Q&A session, providing attendees with the opportunity to put their questions to our speakers and continue the conversation around Nottingham’s sporting future.
Be part of the conversation
Nottingham already has many of the ingredients needed to be recognised as a leading sporting city. The opportunity is to consider how we connect those assets more effectively and translate sporting success into economic growth, investment, stronger communities and a lasting legacy.
This Nottingham Partners event provides an opportunity for businesses and organisations from across the city and county to hear from those working at the heart of Nottingham’s sporting landscape, make new connections and contribute to the discussion about what comes next.
Nottingham: How We Capitalise on Our Sporting Success
Monday 14 September 2026
8am–11am
Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge