Bringing the X-Factor to Northumbria

Former X-Factor contestants Sharna and Silvar Laidlow, also known as He Knows She Knows, have visited Northumbria University to offer their experiences and advice to business students.

The second-year Tourism and Events students heard how Sharna and Silvar have developed their own careers as motivational speakers since appearing on the X-Factor show with Simon Cowell and Sharon Osborne, and how this led to international touring opportunities to countries including Japan.

Sharna and Silvar also shared practical insights on how to promote events in what can be a hectic and highly competitive industry. The students will be able to use these insights on a range of projects they are working on including a marketing plan for a St Patrick’s Day event, a summer picnic on campus and collaborating with Tyne and Wear Museums to raise awareness of a series of Late Shows promoting regional culture.

Commenting on the visit Dr Sharon Wilson, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, said: “This was an inspirational visit by Silvar and Sharna to help our students expand, innovate and succeed in events management. It offered some great ideas, especially on how to use the digital aspect of our industry to good effect, which is so important.   Our students are the future of new ideas and I’m sure they all benefitted greatly by the visit of such cool, switched-on music industry people.”