Join us at Sand Rabbit Bar & Grill for the second Founder Network gathering—a one-off special event in Port Talbot, supported by UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) and in partnership with Stripe Community.
For this event, we’ll be joined by Richard Hibbard—former Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby player and current CEO of Wales Rugby League.
Alongside his career in elite sport, Richard has built a significant business portfolio in Port Talbot. He founded South Wales Water three years ago and has grown the company to employ almost 100 people. He is also behind The Hideout Cafe, The Front Bar & Kitchen, Sand Rabbit Bar & Grill and Mortal Bunny Rum.
Together, Richard’s businesses employ hundreds of people, including many former steelworkers. His story demonstrates how entrepreneurship, strong leadership and investment in local people can create meaningful opportunities during a period of major change for the town.
This event will focus on the great things businesses and entrepreneurs are doing across Port Talbot as the town moves through the Tata Steel transition and the closure of the blast furnaces.
It will showcase what can happen when collaboration, networking, community spirit and resilience come together—and celebrate the people working to create Port Talbot’s next chapter.
There will be no slides or formal presentation. Richard will join us for a relaxed fireside conversation, sharing the experiences, challenges and lessons behind his journey from professional sport to business leadership.
What to expect
- A fireside conversation with Richard Hibbard
- A complimentary welcome drink from Mortal Bunny Rum
- Buffet-style food featuring a selection of favourites from Sand Rabbit and The Front
- Founders, entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups and established business owners
- A celebration of the businesses and people creating opportunities in Port Talbot
- Hosted by Dion Wright and Sid Sidhu
- Supported by UK Steel Enterprise
- In partnership with Stripe Community
About UK Steel Enterprise
UK Steel Enterprise is a subsidiary of Tata Steel that supports growing businesses and economic regeneration in traditional steel communities across the UK through investment and business support.
This is not traditional networking
There will be no sales pitches, forced referrals, points, targets or awkward introductions. The Founder Network is built around honest founder stories, commercially sharp conversations and relationships that develop naturally over time.
Come along, hear Richard’s story, meet the people helping to shape Port Talbot’s future and become part of a growing community for founders, entrepreneurs and business owners across South Wales.
Attendance is free, but spaces are limited and registration is required.
