‘Meet the Buyer’ event will give Sunderland-based businesses an exclusive opportunity to secure new contracts in £7.8bn esports and video game industry
British Esports, the national esports federation for the United Kingdom, is inviting Sunderland-based businesses to its National Esports Performance Campus for a unique opportunity.
The free ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will take place on Thursday February 12th 2026 from 1pm to 4.30pm at Athenaeum Street, Sunniside SR1 1QX, giving Sunderland businesses an exclusive opportunity to learn more about British Esports’ Arena plans, and to supply their products and services for Sunderland’s newest, exciting venue.
Suppliers will also benefit from expert advice and guidance on how their business could engage and generate revenues from esports, while building new contacts.
The event is funded by Sunderland City Council and the North East Combined Authority via the £2.6bn+ UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Businesses attending will be required to complete a short questionnaire.
Whether the local business is an industrial cleaning service, gardener, a temp staffing agent, entertainer, ad agency or energy supplier, this is an opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting and ambitious developments in the region.
The event comes as work is underway on British Esports’ upcoming Arena, a venue set to become the national home of esports, further expanding the federation’s footprint in Sunderland. This is on track to open in August 2026 directly opposite Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.
With the £7bn+ UK video game market now larger than the UK film, TV and recorded music sectors, this is a major development for the city, and an unmissable opportunity for local businesses to engage with a growing industry.
Stephen Gallagher, Commercial Vice President at British Esports, commented: “This event is all about supporting and opening the door to local businesses in Sunderland, and showing them how they can be part of what we’re building at our Arena, which is set to become the national home of esports.
“We want to develop a strong local supply chain, working with Sunderland-based suppliers wherever possible so the economic benefits are felt locally. From transport and logistics to catering, technology and services, there are real opportunities for businesses to engage with esports, generate new revenue streams and build lasting partnerships.
“This is about investing in Sunderland, learning from industry experts and creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth. And as British Esports is a not-for-profit, any revenues generated fuel our work to provide education opportunities for young people and valuable skills development in preparation for employment.
“We look forward to meeting a plethora of local businesses later this month.”
Local businesses can sign up to the free ‘Meet the Buyer’ event here