The evening brought together a distinguished group of entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, accounting alumni and finance alumni,  whose insights and experiences showcased the strength and potential of our local business community.

The panel featured Andrew Trimble (Teamworks), Brian Smith (NBC Sports Next), Mark Shields (Taka), and Rachel Okungbowa (Flexio)—each a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and adaptability. These accomplished individuals shared their personal journeys in the sports technology industry, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Power of Storytelling in Investment

A key takeaway from the event was the importance of storytelling when engaging investors. While financial projections and statistics are critical, they alone are not enough to secure investment. Perfecting a pitch by crafting a compelling story is what captivates investors and gets them to buy into a vision. This lesson resonated strongly with the audience, emphasising that a well-told story is just as important as solid numbers.

Expanding Horizons Beyond Your Industry

Former international rugby player Andrew Trimble spoke passionately about the importance of expanding one's horizons. His own experience of stepping out of the rugby world and into Queen’s Business School for a Master’s in Finance opened up new perspectives, networks, and ideas. Venturing into the start-up ecosystem further exposed him to software developers, product engineers, and investors—reinforcing the notion that a thirst for fresh perspectives can become a healthy habit for any entrepreneur.

The Importance of Building the Right Team

Entrepreneurship is often a lonely and challenging journey, filled with long hours and hard work. Our panellists emphasised the significance of having the right people in your corner—whether investors, co-founders, collaborators, or employees. Success in business is rarely a solo effort; surrounding yourself with trusted and talented individuals is essential to scaling and sustaining a venture.

A Community of Support and Connection

The evening would not have been the same without the skilful moderation of Eoin McMullan, who kept the conversation flowing, and the closing remarks from Eddie Friel, who reinforced the power of connections in the business world. A special acknowledgment goes to the Alumni Team, whose coordination made the event possible, alongside Danielle McConville and Gareth Campbell, esteemed faculty members of our Accounting and Finance programs.

As Queen’s Business School continues to promote meaningful discussions and engagement within our business community, we eagerly welcome more alumni and industry leaders to share their insights, contributing to our mission of serving business and society.

Media

Joanne Harvey - j.harvey@qub.ac.uk