THE Premier League of the North-East business community will celebrate regional business achievement at a gala dinner at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

This year’s North East Chamber of Commerce Durham and Wearside Annual Dinner will feature a stirring keynote address from SAFC favourite and senior professional development coach, Kevin Ball.

The black tie event, which will be held on March 27, is being sponsored by Sunderland construction firm and social housing providers, Gentoo.

Kevin Ball is one of the most loved and respected figures in Sunderland AFC’s recent history, giving nine years of exemplary playing service, most of which were spent as the club captain, before turning to coaching.

He was voted the club’s Player of the Year in his first season which he played mainly at centre half before transforming into the tough tackling central midfielder winning two First Division titles and one FA Cup Final appearance that ensures his place in SAFC folklore.

The annual NECC dinner attracts around 250 guests from across the regional business spectrum and acknowledges the excellent work of companies who are spearheading the regional economic upturn.

NECC Sunderland committee chairman, Gary Hutchinson, said: “The Durham and Wearside Dinner is an event that has for years attracted the cream of the regional business community and provides an opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about our businesses and organisations.

“The city, the area and the region has achieved so much in the face of some pretty challenging economic conditions and this dinner is a way of showcasing our fantastic businesses and organisations and highlighting the significant progress made by the NECC over the last 12 months. There is much to celebrate and I’m sure everyone attending will have a marvelous evening in some excellent company.”

Peter Walls, Gentoo Group Chief Executive said: “We’re very proud to be supporting Durham and Wearside business by sponsoring one of the key events in the North East.

“This event is going to be a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of people in our area. These are the people who work hard every day and are making the North East a serious place to do business. It’s going to be an exciting event.”

Individual bookings can be made via card payments on this website, for full table bookings, invoicing and President's Club registrations, please email events@necc.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0300 030 33662. Details are available by visiting: http://www.necc.co.uk/events-and-news/necc-events?task=view_event&event_id=481