OLYMPIC GOLD medallist Richard Whitehead was special guest at the Nottingham Means Business (NMB) lunch – to talk to local businesses about achieving success despite adversity.
The Nottingham paralympian spoke at the busy NMB event at the city’s St James Hotel before more than 120 members. He also showed the packed audience the gold medal he won the 200 metres at London 2012 Paralympics when he broke the world record.
Richard said: “Business and sport can learn from each other. There are many similarities. In both spheres; there can be difficulties to overcome, but with hard work and determination, your goals can be achieved.
“I worked really hard for eight years in order to win a major gold medal and I know that many business people have to work incredibly hard to achieve their own goals.
“Because of this, there are many benefits to employing retired professional sports people – because they understand the need to push themselves to achieve their aims.”
Sport was a major theme at the lunch with Paul Southby, NMB chairman, talking about Be a Player – the city initiative to attract major sporting events to Nottingham.
“With Trent Bridge bidding for test match cricket in 2016 and the 2016 World Archery Europe Outdoor Target Championship coming to the Market Square, it is clear that Nottingham is now a major city for sport,” said Paul.
David Bishop, corporate director of development at Nottingham City Council, talked to members about the city’s India Campaign – and a recent delegation of local businesses to the country.
“India is seeing a huge transformation in terms of infrastructure and growth over the next ten years,” said David.
“The country is looking to create 100 new cities, develop more airports and railways, increase skills and health services. There are endless opportunities for Nottingham and with our developing partnership we can create an investment bridge.”
Also speaking at the NMB lunch was Stuart Ross, the founder of the High Growth Academy which is working with the government-backed Growth Accelerator programme – which is helping companies with big growth opportunities.
