A new networking group is set to bring Sunderland’s next generation of business talent together, creating fresh opportunities for young professionals to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas and play a more active role in the city’s growing business community.
Launching in February 2027, Sunderland Young Professionals aims to reshape the traditional networking experience, offering a more relaxed, accessible and engaging way for people in their 20s and 30s to expand their professional circles and build relationships that support their careers.
Established through a collaboration between Richard Reed Solicitors, Riverside Marketing Solutions and Riverside Mortgage Advice, the group has been created to connect ambitious individuals from across Sunderland and the surrounding area, regardless of their profession or industry. By bringing people together through social events and shared experiences, Sunderland Young Professionals aims to break down the barriers often associated with traditional networking and create a welcoming community where new connections, ideas and opportunities can thrive.
Founded by Laura Kerry and Hannah Cullen of Richard Reed Solicitors, Thomas Halse of Riverside Marketing Solutions and Erin Winship of Riverside Mortgage Advice, the group was born from a shared belief that Sunderland’s younger professionals deserve more opportunities to connect, collaborate and build meaningful relationships across industries.
As expectations around careers and working life continue to evolve, opportunities to develop professional relationships, exchange knowledge and learn from others remain an important part of career development. Research into younger generations entering and progressing through the workplace highlights the importance of skills development, work-life balance and a sense of belonging. Sunderland Young Professionals aims to respond to these changing expectations by creating opportunities for people to grow their networks in an environment that feels natural, welcoming and relevant to modern working life.
Rather than focusing on formal introductions and traditional business networking, the group will bring people together through social events, activities and shared experiences. The aim is to make networking less intimidating, particularly for those who are early in their careers or looking to expand their connections beyond their existing workplace.
Future events will be hosted at a variety of venues across Sunderland, giving attendees the opportunity to meet professionals from different sectors, discover local businesses and develop relationships that could lead to future collaborations, friendships and career opportunities.
Laura Kerry, Marketing Executive at Richard Reed Solicitors and one of the founders of Sunderland Young Professionals, said: “We’re really excited to be launching Sunderland Young Professionals, there are so many talented and ambitious people in their 20s and 30s working in and around Sunderland, and we felt there was a real opportunity to bring that community together.
“Networking can be daunting, particularly when you’re at the beginning of your career or walking into a room where you don’t know anyone. We want to take away some of that pressure and create events that people genuinely look forward to attending.
“It’s about making connections without it feeling like networking. Whether you’re looking to meet people in your industry, learn about a different sector, build your confidence or simply get to know more people locally, we want Sunderland Young Professionals to be somewhere you feel comfortable getting involved.”
Madeline Klimczak, Event Sales Manager for Delaware North at the Stadium of Light, said: “We’re delighted to support the launch of Sunderland Young Professionals and to welcome the group to the Stadium of Light for its first event. Sunderland has a thriving and growing business community, and initiatives like this are a fantastic way of helping the next generation of professionals build relationships, share ideas and feel connected to the city.
“We’re proud to be sponsoring the launch at Quinn’s Sports Bar and look forward to welcoming Sunderland Young Professionals to the Stadium of Light in February.”
The launch comes at an important time for Sunderland, as investment, regeneration and business growth continue to shape the city’s economic future. As new opportunities emerge across the region, connecting local talent and helping professionals build relationships across industries can play an important role in strengthening the wider business community. Sunderland Young Professionals hopes to play a part in connecting that emerging talent and encouraging young professionals to become more involved in Sunderland’s wider business community.
Event tickets: Sunderland Young Professionals Launch Night at the Stadium of Light Tickets, Thursday, 4 February 2027 • 5:30 PM – 10 PM | Eventbrite
