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Derbyshire Business Networking (May 2026) at Great Northern Classics

  • Great Northern Classics 274-278 Osmaston Road Derby, England, DE24 8AE United Kingdom (map)

We are honoured to welcome Paul McAnulty.

Paul leads Rebuild East Midlands, supporting survivors of modern slavery and forced labour across our region. But his leadership journey began with adversity.

As a teenager, he experienced homelessness, family violence and exploitation. Years later, while working in recruitment, he met a young man trafficked into Derbyshire and forced to work without pay. That moment shaped his mission.

Paul went on to serve in Derbyshire Police, working within the East Midlands Serious Organised Crime Unit, tackling gangs involved in drugs and slavery. Today he works directly with businesses, communities and partners to combat exploitation and rebuild lives.

This talk is particularly relevant for business leaders.

Forced labour does not only exist overseas. It can sit within complex supply chains, seasonal labour pressures and subcontracting models. Often not through malice, but through gaps in oversight.

Paul will share practical insight into:

How exploitation infiltrates legitimate industries
Why peak demand periods increase risk
What responsible businesses can do to protect their supply chains
How ethical leadership strengthens reputation and resilience

This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility and the role business plays in shaping safer communities.

What to Expect

✨ An inspiring guest speaker with practical insights you can use straight away
✨ No pressured pitches just genuine conversations (with an optional spotlight moment if you’d like to share what you're working on)
✨ Fantastic food and drinks
✨ Your first drink is on the house
✨ Warm, open, supportive networking with professionals from every industry

Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, leader, or simply curious to meet great people in Derbyshire’s thriving business community, this evening is designed to help you connect, collaborate, and leave inspired.

Why You Should Be There

  • Build new relationships that genuinely move your business forward

  • Meet people you want to work with

  • Exchange ideas, opportunities, and support

  • Enjoy a brilliant atmosphere in a standout Derby venue

  • Be part of a growing business community that champions each other

This isn’t just another networking event, it’s a chance to be part of something vibrant, human, and genuinely enjoyable.

We’d love to see you there.
Come for the connections. Stay for the community.

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23 April

Derbyshire Business Networking (April) at Great Northern Classics

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18 June

Derbyshire Business Networking (June 2026) at BEAR