Gary Neville is known to most as a football legend – a stalwart of Manchester United and England, a leader on the pitch, and now a respected pundit. But away from football, Neville has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most thoughtful and ambitious entrepreneurs.
From co-founding the University Academy 92 (UA92) in Manchester to launching successful hospitality and property ventures, Neville’s business credentials are increasingly commanding.
I caught up with Gary at one of his hotels in Manchester – a city he’s invested heavily in – to talk about the challenges facing small businesses, the crucial role of technology, and the mindset needed to grow something meaningful beyond the pitch.
“Let’s be honest,” Gary begins, “it’s hard work setting up a business. Anybody who does it, I admire – the courage, the risk, the grind. It takes smart decisions, relentless effort, and a bit of luck. Sometimes a lot of luck.”
It’s a typically grounded assessment. And one rooted in experience – Neville has juggled multiple ventures since retiring from football in 2011. He’s well-placed to observe the pressures facing entrepreneurs, and right now, he says, they’re mounting.
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