SME Leaders Forum October 2025

Leeds University Business School is delighted to invite local small business owners and senior leaders to join us at our next SME Leaders Forum in October 2025. Our forum events bring together industry experts and business leaders to exchange ideas and strategies for success. Join us for an afternoon filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing.

Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow SME leaders from the region and gain valuable insights to help your business. Register now to secure your spot!

Blind footballer, Paralympian, former RNIB Director, and CEO of Paralympics GB

David will share his journey from a time when his achievements seemed impossible to a point in his life where it became inevitable. He will also focus on the mindset behind his progress in a world where exclusion was the norm and in which he constantly had to play the role of trailblazer, breaking down barriers and fighting for inclusion. The session, which will include the opportunity to ask questions, will undoubtedly rekindle your enthusiasm to embrace the opportunities that life has to offer and explore the power of actively adopting a positive personal narrative.

Diagnosed with glaucoma as a baby David has been blind his entire life but has used his condition, and the opportunities that it has presented him, to beat a pathway in business, in sport, in the charity sector and is now CEO at Paralympics GB.

His sound academic footing helped push him to a successful career in the banking sector spanning 24 years. David indulged his love of football and pursued his dream of representing Great Britain and England's blind football team 144 times, scoring 128 goals in the process, including for Paralympics GB at the 2012 London Paralympics.

In 2023, David was appointed as the first disabled CEO of the British Paralympic Association, a role that brings together his sporting, commercial and third sector skill set in to what he describes as a truly dream role. He is now keenly focused on leading best prepared teams in to the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and driving forward the social impact ambition of the organisation to inspire a better world for disabled people through sport.

Read more at https://www.davidclarkeblindfootballer.com/

3.00-3.15pm – Welcome & Refreshments

3.15-4.15pm - David Clarke, CEO of Paralympics GB

4.15-5.00pm - Q&A

5.00-6.00pm – Networking & Drinks

Notice of photography

Photography from the event may be used by Leeds University Business School to share news about the event, and to publicise future events. Images may be used in press releases, printed publicity and published on the website and social media.

If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken, please notify a member of staff.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nexus - University of Leeds, Discovery Way, Leeds, United Kingdom