How To Run A Successful Football Club with Carol Shanahan OBE

Part of a series of events to celebrate the launch of Staffordshire University's new building The Catalyst

Carol Shanahan OBE is the co-owner and Chair of Port Vale Football Club and Synectics Solutions. She also founded the charity the Hubb Foundation which supports children and families with food and activities during school holidays.

Since purchasing Port Vale FC in May 2019 Carol has guided the club through the challenges of a global pandemic where revenue streams were severely-curtailed and supporters were not allowed to attend matches. She has expertly navigated financial and PR hurdles while growing the club’s fanbase, evolving the talent pool of its Board and investing significantly in the infrastructure at Vale Park.

Putting people at the heart of the organisation, whilst continuing to invest in the club – on and off the pitch – Carol transformed the club into a genuine community hub, leading to Port Vale being named the EFL Community Club of the Year (the best of all 72 EFL clubs).

During the pandemic, the club – together with volunteers, local businesses, staff from Port Vale plus its sister companies Synectics Solutions and Summit Hospitality, along with charities The Hubb Foundation and Port Vale Foundation – distributed more than 350,000 meals to local people in need during the pandemic. Families in need were also supplied with personal hygiene and cleaning products and WiFi dongles, while more than 6,500 children's educational activity packs were distributed to help relieve lockdown boredom.

Carol Shanahan’s story is one of a unique approach to running a unique business – something which has been consistently recognised by her peers as Port Vale’s fortunes on the pitch and reputation off it continue improve.

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