An audience with Rob Law (creator of Trunki) and graduate showcase

Hosted by Northumbria University's School of Design, we're delighted to be able to bring Northumbria graduate Rob Law MBE to speak as part of Tyne Design Week. Rob is an award-winning entrepreneur, product pioneer and strategic advisor with a track record of building and scaling purpose-driven consumer brands. Best known as the founder of Trunki, the iconic ride-on suitcase for kids, he turned one of the most famous rejections on Dragons' Den into a global success, selling over 5 million units across 100+ countries. Over 17 years, he secured private equity investment from BGF, reshored manufacturing by acquiring a factory out of administration, and built a vertically integrated supply chain, employing 50 people and winning 120+ awards along the way. He exited the business in 2023. Today, Rob channels his energy into mentoring founders, advising boards, and building ventures that create meaningful impact.

Alongside Rob's insightful talk, we will be running guided tours of the School of Design's REVEAL degree shows, showcasing incredible student work across 3D design, fashion, Design for Industry and interiors.

About the speaker

Rob Law MBE

Founder of Trunki, Zeepy & Aphelion Agency

As a seasoned entrepreneur Rob transformed an initial setback on BBC Dragons' Den in 2006 into the foundation of a revolutionary children's travel product empire. His company has redefined the market with innovative solutions that simplify family travel. The flagship Ride-On suitcase a staple of his UK-based manufacturing since 2012 has reached homes in over 100 countries with sales surpassing 5 million units and has garnered more than 120 industry accolades. In February 2023 Rob exited his business to Heroes Technology Ltd marking a new chapter in his business journey. Rob's entrepreneurial spirit remains undimmed as evidenced by his latest ventures with his brother: Aphelion Agency Ltd a firm that empowers brands to thrive on Amazon and Zeepy Ltd an innovative start-up devoted to enhancing natural sleep in infants and young children. In addition to his business accomplishments, Rob is a passionate supporter of fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators, a cause for which he has received two honorary doctorates and an MBE for his business contributions. His autobiography "65 Roses and a Trunki: Defying the Odds in Life and Business," serves as a testament to his journey offering a source of motivation and a blueprint for resilience and success in the face of adversity.

About the venue

You can find further details about this venue here.