Recognition helps Institute of Directors organise football talk

Graham writes........

Recognition was delighted to help the Institute of Directors organise a members event in Houghton Le Spring. Members in County Durham and Sunderland have heard an inspirational insight into the life and work of one of the North East’s leading football bosses.

Margaret Byrne, chief executive of Sunderland AFC, addressed a lunch event of business leaders at the Evolve Business Centre, Rainton Bridge. 
Northern Ireland-born Ms Byrne talked about her life as a solicitor prior to joining the Premier League outfit as Club Secretary, a position in which she was involved in a range of activities, including player negotiations. 
And she described the day club’ owner Ellis Short asked her to take on the position of Chief Executive as the best day of her life, closely followed by being appointed to the FA Council. The challenges clubs face under new Financial Fair Play legislation and the diversification of the club into areas such as event management and concerts, as well the commercial links with overseas markets, also formed a part of an insightful talk on management of a top flight club. 
I am the chairman of the local Institute of Directors committee and I thought that Margaret’s talk was hugely inspirational for members and guests, who were enthralled by her story and ambitions for Sunderland Football Club.

The links between football and the wider community, including business, are increasingly important and the economic contribution made by clubs is huge, and we are very grateful that Margaret took time to attend the event.