Hull KR announce Business Academy in conjunction with University of Hull

Hull Kingston Rovers Business Academy, in conjunction with the University of Hull.

The Hull Kingston Rovers board of directors, and Hull University Business School are proud to unveil an exciting new Business Academy, as revealed by the Robin’s Chairman, Paul Sewell, at the club’s end of season awards night.

The group, limited to just 25 places, is not just another business club or networking group, it is a highly exclusive and tailored business leadership academy. The programme of events will be shaped by its members, and will give other business people access to the club’s board of directors, and the region’s best business and sporting brains.

Since 2023, Hull KR have assembled a board of directors to provide governance and strategic direction to take the club back to the very top of the sport. Joining Owner Dr Neil Hudgell, is business heavyweight Dr Paul Sewell OBE, Ian Richardson, James McNicol, David Kilburn OBE and Becky Oughtibridge. Each bringing different skills and specialisms to the table.

The 12 month programme will include the below, however, participants will help shape the agenda in real time to tackle any current or real world issues which occur for their business:

• Peer support & mentoring programme.
• Open house local learning visits to see good practice.
• Speaker presentations & interviews.
• Workshops on specific popular/requested subjects/issues.
• World class group visits to see best practice internationally.
• Network with like-minded individuals looking to supercharge their business.

Dr Paul Sewell OBE, Chairman of Hull Kingston Rovers said: “We are delighted to bring this new business proposition to market. We have such a breadth of talent and expertise on our board, we decided we should open that up to the region to help grow the next generation of leading businesses and people.

If we can apply the sprinkle of magic we’ve brought to the club as part of our transformation on and off the pitch, to other businesses, that’s something the whole region can benefit from in terms of economic impact and employment.

Our initial market test has been well received, with businesses looking for tailored and specific mentoring, as well as inspiration to pursue excellence and business growth.

Alongside the programme of events, we will also visit ‘best in class’ examples so we can see the theory in practice in the real world.”

Professor Rob Dover, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics at Hull University said: “The University of Hull Business School is proud to support this new Business Academy as part of our wider strategic partnership with the club.

As two anchor organisations within Hull, we have been improving the community of Hull for a combined 230+ years.

Sport and business of course come together in professional clubs, and we know they have much to learn and gain from each other. Here we want to exploit that for mutual benefit.

We have come together once more to accelerate the development of the local businesses, with the aim of seeing more collaboration, better leaders and stronger organisations grow in the area.

The School’s activities pivot around its ‘authentic business education’, in supporting businesses through knowledge transfer partnerships and CPD, in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and those seeking to scale, and in helping motivated individuals to realise their leadership potential.

Therefore, we see this partnership as the perfect fit to help us in achieving those aspirations.”

Places were initially offered to and snapped up by club sponsors, with the final ten places now opened up and available on a first come, first served basis.

The price of an annual membership is just £5,000 +VAT per person, and further details can be requested via commercial@hullkr.co.uk.