Downtown in Business kicked off its post-summer events programme in Birmingham on Tuesday 1st September 2026 with an exclusive lunch at San Carlo, featuring EFL Chair Rick Parry.
Rick took guests through an extraordinary career that has placed him at the heart of some of the most significant developments in English football over the past four decades.
Beginning his professional life in finance, his journey into sport came through his involvement in Manchester’s Olympic bid before he went on to play a key role in the formation of the Premier League. He later served as Chief Executive of Liverpool FC and is now Chair of the English Football League.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Rick offered his perspective on the future of football finance and governance, both domestically and internationally, including the challenges facing the game and the role of organisations such as FIFA.
The discussion also explored the increasingly important relationship between football, stadia, and regeneration.
Rick highlighted how new and redeveloped stadiums can act as powerful catalysts for investment, economic growth and the regeneration of towns and cities. However, he stressed that successful stadium-led regeneration cannot be delivered by football clubs alone.
Realising the wider potential of these projects requires genuine partnership and strong leadership, bringing together clubs, local and national government, developers, investors, and other key stakeholders behind a shared vision. The event provided a fascinating start to Downtown in Business’s autumn programme in Birmingham, bringing together Downtown members to discuss not only the future of football, but its wider role in shaping places, communities, and economic growth.
