Small business owners in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, can attend a free workshop on 18 February 2026 to learn how to use data to grow their profits. The Inspired Learning event is organised by Sunderland BID and will take place at The Founders Bar, Stadium of Light, from 4pm to 5:30pm.
The session is part of Sunderland BID’s Foundational Businesses Academy and is aimed at local shops and services that form the heart of the city. Speakers include David Bruce (Chief Business Officer, Sunderland AFC), Adam Humphries (Retail Operations Manager, Greggs), Paula Richardson (Store Manager, Primark Sunderland) and Jasper Maudsley (Managing Director, Nucleus — a McDonald’s franchisee). They will share practical tips on how they use digital information for customer insight, sales tracking and operational efficiency.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said the event gives organisations the opportunity to update skills and learn new ones. David Bruce of Sunderland AFC will join the panel to discuss how better understanding customers can drive improved results for independent traders.
The initiative is backed by Sunderland’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) investment, managed by Sunderland City Council, to help ensure local businesses can compete in an increasingly digital world. The event is free but booking is required; places are limited to a maximum of three tickets per business and owners are encouraged to register in advance via the Sunderland BID website.
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