PAN PROFESSIONAL EVENT - RACISM BRENDON BATSON - OBE

Brendon Batson OBE

PROFESSIONALS OF CHESTER & NORTH WALES

Pan Professional Event - Racism

The Chester & North Wales professional societies (i.e. Chester and North Wales Society of Chartered Accountants, The Insurance Institute of Chester & North Wales, The Chester Association of Property Professionals and Cheshire and North Wales Law Society) joined together to create their second Pan Professional event.

Jonathan Jones of Morris & Co, who spear headed the event, commented that “The local professional societies have a lot of common objectives. We are looking to pool our resources and organise worthwhile events for all professionals. This may take the form of a social/networking event, the continual professional development and/or act as a platform to promote regional prosperity.

The event that took place at the The Storyhouse in Chester was a huge success. The breakfast event saw more than 70 professionals attending a networking session followed by a thought-provoking interview with Brendon Batson OBE. The interview was streamed live on the big screen and showcase The Storyhouse’s cutting-edge audio-visual equipment.

Brendon Batson OBE is one of England’s pioneering black footballers, held a pivotal position in the Professionals Footballers Association and played a significant role in talking racism and discrimination in society.

Brendon spell binding interview covered his journey from Grenada to

England as part of the “Windrush” generation, his first exposure as a young boy in England to racism, his football successes together with the charismatic and larger than life management of Ron Atkinson and fellow black team mates Cyrile Regis and Laurie Cunningham, his horrifying experiences of racism, the conflict felt when Ron Atkinson broadcast a racial remark live on television, the incredible work undertaken by Professional Footballers' Association and opportunity his executive position presented to address racism in football, sport and society.

Jonathan Jones of Morris & Co commented “Everyone was in awe of the challenges Brendon faced and what he has achieved. He is a real super hero”.

The second Pan Professional Event was a huge success and the committee were all overwhelmed from the positive feedback from attendees. No doubt, the next event will be announced shortly. The local professional societies have a lot of common objectives. We are looking to pool our resources and organise worthwhile events for all professionals. This may take the form of a social/networking event, the continual professional development and/or act as a platform to promote regional prosperity." Jonathan Jones of Morris & Co