On Friday 29th August 2025, Downtown in Business was proud to host the Business of Football event at Everton HQ in the Royal Liver Building. This exclusive gathering brought together business leaders, football professionals, and community partners to explore the enduring relationship between the game and the city of Liverpool.
We were joined by an exceptional panel of speakers:
Trevor Steven, Former Everton and England international, who shared his perspective on the evolution of the game from a player’s point of view, and the lessons football can offer modern business.
Rick Parry, Chairman of the English Football League (EFL) and former Chief Executive of Liverpool FC, who discussed governance, commercial realities, and the future of football’s financial ecosystem.
Jason McAteer, Former Liverpool midfielder and Republic of Ireland international, who spoke about life in the modern game, the pressures players face, and how mental resilience is more important than ever.
John Barnes, Liverpool and England legend, who reflected on football’s role in tackling racism, building community, and shaping social change both locally and globally.
The panel offered unique insights into the past, present, and future of football, the business dynamics driving the sport, and what the game means to Liverpool as a city.
A key part of the discussion focused on our partner, Mindflow. Mindflow is a pioneering organisation dedicated to improving mental health in the construction workforce by drawing inspiration from football — a sport that embodies teamwork, resilience, and community. Their mission is to connect industries that don’t usually intersect, using the power of football to open conversations around mental wellbeing and to create lasting cultural change in high-pressure sectors like construction.
The connection between football and construction is unique and powerful. Football provides a common language that resonates across workforces, while construction offers a platform to reach individuals who may otherwise feel isolated. By “joining the dots,” we can drive meaningful progress in tackling mental health challenges and help make a real difference to people’s lives.
The Business of Football event was not only a celebration of the game’s history and culture, but also a demonstration of how football can inspire innovation, improve wellbeing, and deliver positive impact beyond the pitch.
