Niche Magazine Issue 58

A SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTING SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES

The incredible power of forming partnerships with other local gems in our community allows us to open doors to fresh ideas, shared resources, and limitless growth

When we join forces, we become catalysts for positive change in our communities. Together, we can create a vibrant network where ideas are shared, talents are nurtured, and systems excel

OUR PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The Theatre Little

AW ARDS

Sponsored by

Will the winner please stand up?

Big Difference Company celebrates the business community’s sillier side

Wednesday, June 19 @ 6pm

Hotel Brooklyn

Hosted by Patrick Monahan

Tickets: £35

(Use code ABA2FOR50 to buy two for £50)

Book online at thebigdifference.co.uk/events/alternative-business-awards

Catagory Sponsors

Kerry Smith kerry@crossproductions.co.uk

Senior Journalist: Emily Miller emily.miller@crossproductions.co.uk Feature Writer: Tom Young tom@crossproductions.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Photography: Hitz Rao

ART STUDIO

Head of Design Studio: Susan Holmes susan.holmes@crossproductions.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Marketing Director: Sally Smith sally@crossproductions.co.uk

Marketing Consultant: Tracey Hunter tracey@crossproductions.co.uk

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION

Marketing Director: Sally Smith

Produced by Cross Productions crossproductions.co.uk

Print management: Soar Valley Press

Distributed by Media Matters Direct and Self Select Distribution

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Orders and enquiries 0116 271 2573

Online enquiries nichemagazine.co.uk

Email info@crossproductions.co.uk

PARTNERSHIPS

Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities at jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

MANAGEMENT

Chief Executive Officer: Jenny Cross jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

Off the back of our connections with Leicestershire’s three universities, who have continuously introduced us to many remarkable up and coming individuals, we were inspired to research more of the next generation in business leaders during the first quarter of this year. It’s resulted in us building our own Niche 30 Under 30 listing, a local play on the renowned annual Forbes feature. The collection of impressive U30s is listed in our business section, followed by a story on the side hustle generation in our lifestyle section. Here we look into how younger people are designing additional income streams while juggling a 9 to 5.

On the front cover, we have Glynis Wright and the affiliates of her business, The Alternative Divorce Company, who discuss the impact of divorce and the company’s revolutionary take on navigating the common life event.

We’re excited to have been able to share 10 years of the Niche Business Awards with Leicestershire. We’ve looked at how it started and how it’s going in the run up to celebrating a whole decade of business success in the most extravagant awards ceremony in Leicestershire.

Finally, music, art and theatre feature heavily in this issue with it being festival season, a display of treasured artwork coming to Leicester, and a lineup of quality shows being produced in and touring to local theatres. There’s much to see and do this spring and summer!

LIFESTYLE

CULTURE

Business

NEW LOW CARBON INDUSTRIAL UNITS SET TO GET UNDER WAY

Leicester City Council is working with local firm Brackley Property Developments Ltd to build 21 new units that will provide more than 30,000sq ft of light industrial workspace for local start-ups and growing businesses close to the city centre. Construction work began in February and is expected to take around eight months to complete.

The land off Blackbird Road was formerly The Ian Marlow Centre, a housing depot used by Leicester City Council as offices. The industrial units will be housed in four new buildings which will incorporate a range of low carbon, energy efficiency measures. These include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, super insulation, and low-energy smart lighting. Chargers will be installed for electric vehicles and safe storage will be provided for bicycles.

The development, expected to cost around £6.25m, is

backed with cash from the government’s Levelling Up Fund following the city council’s successful bid for £19.4m of new investment in 2021, to support the growth of high-tech and industrial workspaces in the city.

Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on culture, economy and climate, said: “These new industrial units will breathe new life into a vacant council site and help meet the urgent demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses within Leicester City.

“Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, this development also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy through investment in cleaner, greener low carbon infrastructure which will support the future prosperity of our growing city.”

LEICESTER ARENA BECOMES MATTIOLI ARENA

The Ian & Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust has accepted naming rights to Leicester Arena, the largest indoor arena in the city and home to basketball team Leicester Riders. The venue –previously known as the Morningside Arena – is now being rebranded. It will now be known as the Mattioli Arena.

Kevin Routledge, Chairman of Leicester Riders, Trustee of Riders Foundation, and a Director of the Arena, said: “Once again, Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust has shown its commitment to the city and the work of our Foundation, and the Mattioli Arena,

and we are hugely appreciative of that.

“The work of the Riders Foundation, and the demands on the Arena, continue to grow and we are committed to further enhancements to our facilities. We are hugely appreciative to the Mattioli family’s generous support, which will enable us to deliver an arena, community services, and events that will continue to make the city proud.”

The Trust, established by the Mattioli family in 2016, has donated funds to the Leicester Riders Foundation. The generosity of the Mattioli family has resulted in the Trust

being offered naming rights to the Arena in recognition of their continued support. Recent donations from the Trust are in addition to the £500,000 donation made to help fund the Arena’s extension in 2022.

Ian Mattioli MBE, Founder of the Trust and CEO of Mattioli Woods, said: “Leicester has always looked after our family in the very safest of environments and that is why we are delighted to be part of creating a legacy for the diverse communities we support in the city of Leicester and beyond.

“To also be able to do this through sport and a venue that has the potential to impact so many people is something we will continue to take great pride in, and we hope it will be used by many, many people over coming years.”

The 3,000-capacity Mattioli Arena stages an increasingly wide range of national and international sports and entertainment events. It also offers a wide range of community sports opportunities through the Riders’ extensive underage basketball programmes thanks to the Leicester Riders Foundation. The venue provides opportunities for Leicester College students, wheelchair basketball users, and other community sport users –making it the largest of its type in the UK.

A MARKET FIT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

The first stage in the ambitious transformation of Leicester’s historic market began in March. National construction company Speller Metcalfe was awarded the £8m contract to lead the revamp of the city landmark to create a market that’s fit for the 21st century while retaining all the character of a traditional market place. At the time of publication, the works should be complete, having taken just over two weeks as scheduled.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This investment in Leicester Market is long overdue, so I’m very pleased that our contractors are now on site. If Leicester Market is to be the beating heart of the city centre once again, we need to help it adapt to reflect the way that people shop today. By reconfiguring the space and upgrading the environment, we can create new opportunities for new businesses that will complement the existing offer and attract new activity, and new life, to the market area.”

Among the improvements are better lighting, smart new paving and a shuttered perimeter, with 84 smart new stalls, creating an attractive environment for the fruit and

vegetable traders and other small businesses. On one side of the Corn Exchange are attractive, flexible and lockable units – featuring green roofs and solar panels – installed in front of the indoor food hall to attract a new generation of traders and a wider range of quality goods.

 MATTIOLI ARENA - KEVIN ROUTLEDGE AND IAN MATTIOLI

Launching the 2024 Manifesto for Growth:

Chamber calls on next Government to provide long-term plan for business

Better rail and road services, training support for employers, clearer taxation and fixing the broken planning system all feature heavily in the East Midlands Chamber’s just published ‘Manifesto for Growth 2024’.

The member-led priorities are aimed at an audience including the region’s MPs and council leaders, with the Chamber hoping to play as big a part as possible in shaping the economic and social future of the huge region it covers.

It states that the next Government can drive economic growth in the East Midlands and beyond by delivering in four key areas:

1 Deliver transport and digital infrastructure fit for the 21st century

2 Align the taxation and regulation regime with a long-term vision for UK plc

3 Fix the broken planning system

4 Target skills reform for the realities of today’s workforce

Following its launch at a Westminster reception, the manifesto is being used by the Chamber’s policy team in its lobbying activities with prospective parliamentary candidates on behalf of the region’s business community. Its policy asks were compiled during an extensive consultation exercise with its 4,000-strong membership base

across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “The upcoming General Election offers a huge opportunity for the voice of businesses to be heard loud and clear, as the main political parties seek to find policies that will finally drive meaningful growth to a stuttering economy.

“It is the stories on the ground of real-life businesses, grappling with their everyday challenges, that have informed the specific policy asks in this manifesto and should be listened to by political parties when making decisions on their economic policies.

“By focusing on four key areas –people and skills, infrastructure and connectivity, taxation and regulation, and planning – this document provides the building blocks to help us deliver longterm growth that will create jobs, wealth and better lives for our communities.

“While these issues are relevant across the country, we also present ‘The Big Opportunity’ to Government for developing the future of energy production in the East Midlands – which is home to the three big bases of future energy provision

in nuclear fusion, nuclear fission and hydrogen.

“The thread that pulls all these areas together is the need for a longterm plan for industry with joined-up thinking. This would provide a vision to businesses, people and potential investors about what the UK stands

 CHRIS HOBSON

for, which feels like an opportunity too good to be missed as we enter a new chapter in our political landscape.”

Among the demands included in the Manifesto are a more longterm approach to business taxation, in-line with Government policy –particularly the transition to net zero and decarbonisation of infrastructure which, the manifesto says, is currently “riddled with inconsistencies”.

Also central to the manifesto is the need for a long-term plan for industry with joined up thinking – two points which have been glaringly absent from recent Government policy. It also calls for greater long-term certainty on the delivery of big infrastructure projects – particularly following the Government’s chopping and changing over HS2 and electrification of the Midland Mainline and failure to fix East Midlands to West Midlands rail connections.

Other areas crying out for improvement include helping the two-thirds of Chamber members, particularly manufacturers, who report difficulties filling vacancies.

The Manifesto also urges the Government – whoever it might be after the next election – to prioritise nuclear fusion, nuclear fission and hydrogen in the move to green energy and support the parts the new technologies can play within the East Midlands Freeport area.

Joining the Dots

East Midlands Chamber has launched a publicity drive to make it easier for members to navigate their way through the vast number of services it offers. The Joining the Dots campaign follows a rebrand and new website launch just over a year ago and revolves around seven key themes covering the Chamber’s full offering:

LEARN – covering skills and training

CONNECT – helping members network and link up with other members

SUPPORT – including the expert advice on offer, funding opportunities and peer-to-peer help

GROW – Insight and advice to help members reach new customers in the UK and abroad

ENGAGE – the work done amplifying the voice of the Chamber in Westminster and Whitehall and at local government level

LEAD CHANGE – taking in the many conferences, summits, networks, forums and other campaigns the Chamber runs to promote economic growth in the region

GIVE BACK – campaigns and initiatives that benefit the communities in which we live

Focus groups identified three core reasons why the 4,500 members, the 12,000-plus businesses the Chamber works with each year and its stakeholders interact with it – for themselves, their business and their local area – as well as how they use and navigate its services.

A team of member organisations – Six Degrees Associates, Think3, The Brand Strategy, Bright Owl, Ashton Court, Matthew Jones Photography, Creative62 and JAKT Media – then helped deliver the changes.

Craig Brothers runs Notts digital transformation consultancy Six Degrees Associates, which has worked closely

with the Chamber on the campaign. He said: “Joining the Dots follows hot on the heels of the new digital website journey and rebrand. Chamber members have been crucial to the digital transformation project, their insight helping the team understand how information should be displayed and accessed, to enable a logical and digestible journey.

“The campaign will continue throughout 2024; campaign analysis will further define how the Chamber provides content of relevance to members, further highlighting the ethos of enhancing East Midlands businesses and communities.

Thank you to our members for Joining the dots!”

The Chamber is keen to receive member video stories to profile across its channels. Learn more at joiningthedots.emc-dnl.co.uk.

 CRAIG BROTHERS

Niche Business Awards celebrates 10 years

CELEBRATING LOCAL PEOPLE AND COMPANIES, KERRY SMITH LOOKS BACK AT OUR NICHE BUSINESS AWARDS HISTORY AS WE REACH OUR FIRST DECADE IN THE EVENTS AND HOSPITALITY ARENA

For the 10th year, the Niche Business Awards (NBA) team is planning the most exciting event on Leicestershire’s business calendar, and it’ll be the most extravagant awards night yet.

Since its inception in 2014, we’ve welcomed more than 4,000 nominations. This year, there are 15 categories celebrating local businesses and individuals. Nominations closed in March and judges received their largest influx with over 600 submissions.

Jenny Cross, CEO of our parent company Cross Productions, said: “The number of nominations for the Niche Business Awards has increased year on year, which proves the demand for local business awards. There are thousands of SMEs and many large corporates in Leicestershire and we’re proud to showcase even just a handful of them.”

Headline sponsored by Hollingsworths Solicitors, the 2024 event marks the 10 year anniversary, which we have some tricks up our sleeves for, promising off-the-scale entertainment in a bid to make this our biggest celebration in NBA history.

“We’re going all out for our 10th ceremony to show people what a fantastic night it really is. However, you don’t have to be nominated to attend, so we’re keen to see many more new faces in September, especially after the buzz of last year’s awards,” Jenny assures.

The NBAs 2023 saw more than 500 guests attend Athena in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter in September. They were delighted by an eccentric, interactive carnival theme complete with dancers, drummers and pyrotechnics. While we can’t reveal what’s in store for this September’s awards night, we can advise guests to prepare for the best night out on the Leicestershire business calendar.

The NBAs have gained a reputation as a non-conventional take on the corporate ceremony. They’re bursting with colour, introduce local talent, and encourage business people to let their hair down, dress up fancy, and treat themselves to a night out without all the formalities, with all the trimmings.

HOW IT STARTED

Formed a year after the first issue of Niche Magazine, the original small Cross team of six had learnt just how many SMEs Leicestershire was home to (42,000 to be precise according to Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership).

Working with advertisers like Dr Glynis Wright MBE and expanding their network to include contacts such as Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur OBE, Niche Magazine became a springboard for small businesses to get in front of high-profile professionals.

“There were just so many impressive

businesses and hard-working, dedicated people around us and we were regularly in disbelief that few people knew about them. We wanted to sing their praises from the rooftops,” Jenny told me.

“Eventually, we were coming across so many of these amazing businesses that we simply couldn’t talk to all of them. So, we invited them to talk to us by nominating themselves or people they know who they think should be recognised with an award.”

Armed only with their passion to show off Leicester as a great place for business, and the help of a few sponsors and advice from friends, the first NBA took place at Athena Events Venue in the Cultural Quarter in 2014.

HOW IT’S GOING

The NBAs have remained at the Athena since their inception and have seen an increase in nominations and sponsors.

Jenny said: “The Athena staff have always helped us achieve our vision for each awards night and the venue itself is just perfect for the flow of the event.”

Each ceremony is decorated in its own theme, from 007 in year one to Arabian Nights, and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Altogether, our 10 ceremonies have hosted around 4,500 guests and employed more than 300 people from chefs, technicians, venue staff and internal team members.

A little help from our friends

There’s only so much one small start-up can do on its own.

Jenny and sister Sally Smith, who’s now Marketing Director at Cross, built relationships across the county and beyond. They travelled to France for the annual MIPIM property conference, getting in with local councils, creating their own networking events, and sponsoring and partnering with local sports teams and membership bodies.

Those trusted business relationships developed into friendships over the years. One of those friends was Greg Hollingsworth. As the director of Leicester firm Hollingsworths Solicitors, Greg has become a trusted advisor to Cross, offering invaluable legal advice over the years and even helping out by compering events the team has organised. Having been a Niche Business Awards category sponsor every single year, Greg decided it was time to become our headline sponsor for 2024.

“I’ve been a qualified solicitor for 30 years this year and I’ve spent my entire legal career in Leicester,” Greg told me. “So, I’ve been looking at ways to play a bigger part in the local business community and I couldn’t think of a better way of doing that other than becoming the headline sponsor of the Niche Business Awards during its very

special tenth year and tying that in with my own career milestone.”

Originally from Wirral, Greg came to study at the University of Leicester and De Montfort University and never left. He’s a big fan of all things Leicester, although, he says his allegiance to home football team Tranmere Rovers shall never waver. But, as a season ticket holder, he is a Leicester Tigers supporter and is known to attend a Leicester Riders basketball game now

THE KING RICHARD III HISTORY IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO THE CITY

AND I’D CERTAINLY LIKE TO SEE US MAKE MORE OF THE HIDDEN GEMS and then, and is sometimes spotted at Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Greg admires the local theatres too including The Y, The Little Theatre, De Montfort Hall and Curve, which he most recently visited to see Jesus Christ Superstar

5k run on behalf of the organisation, achieving his biggest feat last year when he raised in excess of £10,000 by completing an A-Z park run challenge with fellow Lamp Business Club members photographer Pete Martin and former trustee Dave Green.

Passionate about the history and development of the city, Greg said: “The King Richard III history is really important to the city and I’d certainly like to see us make more of the hidden gems like the castle area around De Montfort University and the canals. I love running down the canals of Leicester and couldn’t believe my eyes when I discovered Aylestone Meadows.”

A keen runner, Greg gives back to the local community by donating time and funds to mental health charity Lamp. He’s completed many a

We’re certainly looking forward to having the high-spirited Greg and Hollingsworths backing and representing the Niche Business Awards 2024, especially with the solicitor’s proven presenting skills.

Our 2024 Judges

The official line-up of judges for the Niche Business Awards 2024 consists of six local personalities from industries including law, entertainment, technology, and more. Get to know who will be judging the 15 categories and assessing nominations and supporting evidence in the run-up to the ceremony on Friday, September 6.

Aime Ayrehart

Lead Consultant and founder of Ninja HR

Aime launched Ninja HR to help employers support their staff. She has degrees in law and psychology and an MA in HR. She has taught HR at PostGraduate Level, run the HR department in a local authority and been Head of HR and Head of Learning and Development in the NHS.

Darren Willoughby

Director at 2XL Commercial Finance

Darren was named the Youngest Business Development Manager in Lloyds TSB and a ‘Top 10 Performer’ nationally. He went on to establish 2XL and expanded its network to seven offices. Last year, 2XL was identified as one of the UK’s leading commercial finance brokerages.

David Gordon

Associate Head of Department (International) at De Montfort University

An academic consultant, Trustee of Life Multi-Academy Trust, and Associate Editor of the International Journal of Organisational Analysis, David has over 30 years of commercial experience. As well as his role at DMU, he has held many senior academic roles.

Beth Grundy

Head of Marketing & PR at PPL PRS

With over 17 years of experience in B2B sales and marketing environments, Beth is an active member of the East Midlands business community, including her commitments to judging for various awards, such as Generation Next, Enterprising Women, and East Midlands Chambers.

Mandy Bradbury

Legal Secretary at Hollingsworths Solicitors

Initially supporting the company director with the management of the firm, Mandy was appointed Practice Manager in 2022, allowing her to take on networking and representing the Hollingsworths outside the office. She’s also responsible for client care, staff support and marketing.

Tim Grainger

Director at Weatherwise Services

Weatherwise Services was incorporated in 2017, with 37 sites to look after. Today, Tim services 400 sites a night. Environmental issues are close to Tim’s heart, believing the circular economy is a way forward. Tim enjoys watching sport of all types but is passionate about cricket.

Sue Tilley

Head of Business, Innovation and Productivity at Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership

Sue is a creative, energetic and enterprising leader possessing commercial acumen with a successful background in startups and growth, marketing, business development, and programme management.

Paul Baker

Director at Bakers

Environmental Solutions

Bakers recycles 56,000+ tonnes of materials into raw materials per year. Paul has a team of national consultants providing excellence in collection, reuse, recycling, disposal, and energy generation and aims to create a legacy by supporting the circular economy.

Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE

Sarah Harrison

City Centre Director at Leicester City Council

Working in government administration, Sarah is experienced in business engagement, building networks, marketing, project management and big-picture thinking. She has a Master of Business Administration focused in Marketing from University of Toledo.

Managing Director at LBC Mentoring

After being awarded an MBE for Services to Women in Business and Technology in 2018, Leanne is now the founder of LBC Mentoring helping organisations achieve increased results, engagement and performance. She’s also a co-director of Shine Together CIC, which educates and protects women through collaboration.

Amammoth amount of support has been received for the Niche Business Awards in the last decade. It would be impossible to thank everyone but we’re keen to shine a spotlight on Kazzoo, Leanne BonnerCook MBE, Jerroms Miller Specialist Tax, BP Legal, Dr Glynis Wright MBE, Darren Willoughby, Hybrid AV and Midlands Pro DJ who have played a major role in the production of the awards over the years.

There are also our independent judges who have volunteered months of their time investigating and interviewing nominees. There have been some negative notions developed around business awards ceremonies, with many requiring a fee to nominate or apply, and others rumoured to award those who pay the most. However, the Niche and Cross teams have left the selection of its winners completely to its judges, with no interference from us, and we never charge to nominate. Which is why we’re so incredibly grateful to those who have dedicated so much time to choosing our winners independently for us.

The last 10 years in pictures 2015 2016 2017

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We’re incredibly fortunate to have Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE as our mentor at our business, Table & Kin. Her extensive experience and mentorship have far exceeded our expectations at this early stage of our ambitious journey

Leanne’s ability to simplify complex challenges into manageable, actionable steps has been incredibly valuableespecially for someone like me who’s new to the business world

Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE

Business Booth

YOUR QUARTERLY ROUNDUP ON TWO OF THE BIGGEST FACTORS AFFECTING BUSINESS IN 2024 BROUGHT TO YOU BY TWO INDUSTRY EXPERTS

FINANCE

DARREN WILLOUGHBY Director at 2XL Commercial

WHERE BUSINESSES COME FROM

The amount of ‘next gen’ or business owners aged under 30 is on the increase – and as someone who started my own business at 26, it does come with a significant amount of pressure at such a tender age.

I was very fortunate that I had a business partner – who at the time was my actual boss (and circa 15 years my senior) in the bank that I worked for – to help assist and guide me through that time, but the pressures were very much at the forefront. At that age, you are literally risking it all and, at the time, ‘risking it all’ to me meant the £3,000 I had in savings. That was it. My life and new business came down to those savings.

I recall the moment I told my mum and dad I was leaving the bank, which was a good job and career. They were less than impressed that I was going to give up my job as a bank manager to start my own business. To the point, my dad’s exact words were… well, they can’t actually be repeated here, but you get the gist.

So why did I do it?

In my eyes, it was always to try and better myself and earn more money, pure and simple. At 26 yes, I wanted a Ferrari and a mansion (I am still waiting) but some 18 years later, the things you want change. A business affords me the freedom to spend time with my son and allows me flexible

AT

26 YES,

I WANTED A FERRARI AND A MANSION (I AM STILL WAITING) BUT SOME 18 YEARS LATER, THE THINGS YOU WANT CHANGE

working hours, which in fairness, is now far more important than a car and a big house.

I’m often asked when the moment was that I decided to set up my business – and I have to laugh as it

I BINGE-WATCHED THE SATIRICAL BLACK COMEDYDRAMA TELEVISION SERIES SUCCESSION

LAW

RIK PANCHOLI Partner and Solicitor at Nelsons

SUCCESSION IN REAL LIFE

wasn’t some awe-inspiring quote you read in books!

During my time in the bank, we would ‘wine and dine’ our top brokers once a year. These were the guys who had placed business with us and were our top introducers. On one occasion, we had a box at Chester Races… those who know me know I like a ‘punt’ (more football than racing), and I had saved up that month to be able to place £20 on each race. As I queued up to put my bet on, I got chatting with one of our guests about his selections and business and so on, and I politely let him go in front of me. He took out £3,000 (almost double my monthly wage) and placed it on a 7/2 shot which ended up winning the race and he collected a cool £13,500. I just couldn’t believe my eyes and I had never seen that much money in my life. I spent the journey home on the train badgering my then-boss to leave the bank and set up our own business in true Yosser Hughes style, saying: “We can do that”.

Eighteen years later –Ferrariless and mansionless, I echo – we’re still here to tell the tale! I’m not sure that will impress Steven Bartlett or Ben Francis, but hey ho.

I binge-watched the satirical black comedy-drama television series Succession. Now there’s an admission!

What caught my attention about this programme was just how frequently I come across situations just like those represented in the TV show. Now, the show itself is about a billionaire called Logan Roy, his vast empire and his family. It’s also about who is to succeed Logan in controlling his empire and the challenges he and his family face.

Whilst the value of Logan’s empire may be larger than most, many of the plot lines apply to ownermanaged businesses. Some of those scenarios which resonated with me include:

1. That time I met a father who had to decide which of his daughters was to inherit his successful business if he was to die before it could be sold. Should he pass shares to each of them in equal proportions, even though only two of them worked in the business? What about the one who was married but allowed her partner to make controlling decisions? We explored a number of potential solutions and, just like Logan, the situation and advice he received evolved over time.

2. That time when there was a rift between different family groups when planning for succession in a multigenerational international business. Just like in the TV show, families sometimes drift apart through differing opinions, friendship factions and, sometimes, through wanting to break away from the ‘family business’. In this scenario, we explored what the most important thing for the business was and what the most important thing for the family groups was. After finding alignment, we put the wheels in motion, which resulted in a much happier family. At the same time, we secured the future of the business.

3. That time when someone died. We triggered the plan we put in place before the shareholder passed away to ensure both families were looked after in the way intended, and the business continued as planned.

TV shows may be entertainment, but sometimes – just sometimes – they can reflect real life scenarios.

Planning for succession is important, regardless of the age of the individuals concerned or the phase of growth of the business in question.

So, here’s a question for you: have you planned for your succession?

The top 10 most questions of 2023 Googled

LEICESTER RANKED NEAR THE TOP OF THE UK’S ‘CAPITAL ON TAP LOCKDOWN

ENTREPRENEURIAL HOTSPOTS’ LIST AFTER SEEING AN INCREASE OF 72% IN NEW BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS, ACCOUNTING FOR ONE NEW BUSINESS FOR EVERY 66 PEOPLE. DURING THESE EARLY DAYS IN BUSINESS, MANY START-UP OWNERS MAY BE STRAPPED FOR CASH, SEEING THEM TURN TO GOOGLE FOR BUSINESS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE BEFORE FORKING OUT FOR A BUSINESS COACH OR TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT FOR DATA INSIGHTS. WE LOOKED INTO SOME OF THE TOP BUSINESS-RELATED SEARCH TERMS TYPED INTO GOOGLE TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS IN ONE PLACE.

What’s the trick to increasing customer retention?

Boost customer retention by providing excellent customer service, personalised experiences, and loyalty programmes. Stay in regular communication through newsletters or exclusive offers. Gather and act on customer feedback, and continually innovate your products or services to meet evolving needs.

Which financial metrics should I be tracking?

Key financial metrics for your business include revenue growth, profit margins, cashflow, return on investment (ROI), and customer acquisition cost. Monitor accounts receivable turnover, and inventory turnover, and keep a close eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to your industry.

How can I avoid cybersecurity threats?

Protect your business from cybersecurity threats by implementing robust cybersecurity measures. This includes using strong, unique passwords, regularly updating software, conducting employee training on cybersecurity best practices, and employing firewalls and antivirus software. Consider investing in cyber insurance to mitigate potential financial losses.

What methods can I implement to improve cashflow?

To improve cashflow, focus on managing receivables and payables efficiently. In other words, get creative around enticing people to pay you earlier and look into how you can make extra money. Some top tips from local business people are:

● Offer discounts for early payments

● Negotiate extended payment terms with suppliers

● Keep a close eye on your inventory levels

● Diversify your revenue streams

● Applying a solid budget to control expenses

What should a marketing strategy include?

Effective marketing involves utilising social media platforms, SEO, and engaging with communities. Email marketing and partnerships with influencers can also be powerful tools. Consider running targeted promotions and leveraging customer testimonials to build trust. Include audience segmentation, characterising their needs; brand goals and tone of voice; competetive analysis; metrics and KPIs; and bugdets.

How can I improve my online presence?

Enhance your online presence by optimising your website for local SEO, creating content that is regularly uploaded to your site such as blogs and articles, and engaging with online communities. Use Google My Business to enhance local visibility, and actively engage in relevant conversations on different social media platforms. An additional option is to invest in online and specific print advertising targeted at your audience. Use Google Analytics to track and compare performance.

How do I write a business plan?

Tailor your business plan to your market, and understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. You should include:

● Overview – mission, vision, key products/services, unique selling points, goals

● Legal structure – nature of business, company type, status, legalities

● Industry overview – trends, growth projections, target market, competitors

● Team – structure, key team members and roles

● Offerings – production processes, development plans

● Marketing strategy – branding position, sales funnel

● Financials – funding needed, expenditure, forecasts, statements, projections

● Operations – suppliers and partnerships, technology and equipment

● Risk analysis – challenges and risk mitigation

MOST GOOGLED BUSINESS QUESTIONS

What are the best practices for hiring employees?

When hiring employees, be sure that you’ve defined clear job roles, crafted compelling job descriptions, conducted thorough interviews, checked references, and assessed cultural fit. Use diverse recruitment channels, prioritise diversity and inclusion, and provide a positive candidate experience. Regularly review and update hiring processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with relevant laws.

How do I make my business tax-efficient?

Manage business taxes by staying informed about tax regulations, keeping accurate records, and leveraging available tax deductions. Consider consulting with a professional accountant to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for tax optimisation. Use accounting software to streamline the tax filing process. Look into tax-free pension contributions, and claiming R&D tax relief for any innovative activities you’ve been carrying out.

How do I go about expanding into new markets?

Expand your business into new markets by conducting market research to identify viable opportunities. Develop a localised marketing strategy, adapt your products or services to meet regional preferences, and establish partnerships with local businesses. Leverage online platforms and participate in regional events to increase visibility.

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Our goal is to support SME’s with the most up to date financial information in an easy to understand format (because we know not everyone loves numbers!)

Call Steph on 07930 752203 for a no obligation chat to see if we can help

Planning a Management Buy-out?

TAX EXPERTS NICK WRIGHT AND PETE MILLER, DIRECTORS OF JERROMS MILLER SPECIALIST TAX, LOOK AT HOW MANAGEMENT BUY-OUTS WORK AND WHY BUYER AND SELLER MUST SEEK CORPORATE TAX ADVICE FIRST

Apopular way of selling a business, Management Buy-outs (MBOs) are a way of helping the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners take the helm.

MBOs are generally regarded as friendly transactions. The owners and management team will have usually worked together for several years and know each other well. Also, both parties will be fully aware of how the business runs and its trading history.

Thanks to this close working relationship there is rarely the need for a long and stressful legal process, involving detailed negotiations over terms, as well as warranties and indemnities. But even though the MBO team might already be directors of the business, they won’t usually have the personal funds to pay out the exiting shareholders. Instead, they will pay the vendors using the business profits, which is highly tax efficient.

Given the cordial nature of MBOs,

IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ALLOW FOR FUTURE CHANGES AND INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES WHEN STRUCTURING THE DEAL

sellers don’t like to put too much pressure on the business’s cash flow, so instead of taking all the cash in one go, they will agree to be paid over a number of years. That way, they can be paid from the business’s future profits and the buyers won’t have to remortgage and take on significant personal financial risk. This is usually done by setting up a new company – a Bidco – from day one. That way, it’s the Bidco buying the trading company, not the individual buyers, so the cash paid out to the sellers will be income tax free.

To protect themselves against a downturn in the business, the vendors might choose to take guarantees. They might also add a default clause to the payment terms to minimise their risk and encourage the new owners to pay off the loan as early as possible.

Also, some of the team might be putting in more personal cash than the others, so naturally they’ll want to protect their larger investment.

It’s extremely important to allow for future changes and individual preferences when structuring the deal. Some of the buyout team might want different classes of share, for example, or for dividends to be paid independently of each other.

It’s important to work with a tax specialist with experience in succession planning. If you need help, you can email nickwright@jerromsmiller.co.uk or petemiller@jerromsmiller.co.uk or call 0121 693 5000.

However, you choose to structure your MBO, you should always seek professional tax advice.

PETE  MILLER

 NICK WRIGHT

A business platform for women designed to educate, support, protect and empower through collaboration

Membership

SHINE Together is all about giving women the respect, recognition and reward but we do more than that in our membership community. We provide a place for continual growth for women whatever their age, ethnicity, culture, or wherever you are on the career and business ladder.

Events

Regular events held throughout the year. Check them out shine-together.co.uk/events/

Pod Casts

Our new series of pod casts, providing you with valuable insights. shine-together.co.uk/news/podcasts/

Look at our packages, shine-together.co.uk/memberships/ shine-together.co.uk

The Womens Awards

The pinnacle of the year is our prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the success of women across the Midlands. Get nominating for our 2024 awards. thewomensawards.com/nominations/

DIY Divorces

Are they what they seem?

GOING IT ALONE WITHOUT A LAWYER THROUGH THE DIVORCE PROCESS IS WHAT’S KNOWN AS A DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) DIVORCE.

GAYLE ROWLEY, PARTNER SPECIALISING IN FAMILY LAW AT NELSONS, EXPLAINS

When a married couple makes the difficult decision to separate, the vast majority wish for matters to be dealt with quickly and amicably. Some people believe that involving solicitors will unduly complicate matters and lead to an increase in costs, time, and emotional investment. More couples are now choosing to handle their separation without solicitors and are submitting their own applications for divorce without seeking any expert advice. This is known as a DIY divorce.

Long-term consequences of DIY divorces

Divorce itself does not sever financial ties between spouses, which means that many couples are leaving themselves open to future financial claims by their former spouse without realising it.

how the law may apply in your specific circumstances. If proper steps are not taken to deal with the assets of your marriage at the time of divorce, this may affect your ability to make certain financial claims. You may also not be protected from claims being made against you in the future.

The assets of a marriage need to be divided in a way that is fair, depending on the circumstances of each individual case, and the only way to ensure that any agreement is legally binding is to get that agreement recorded in a consent order. Often, and where appropriate, the parties are more likely to want a clean break on all financial claims, which means that there can be no more financial claims in the future arising out of the marriage.

It is also important to remember to review any Will that you have that leaves gifts to your former spouse, as these gifts will lapse on divorce unless there is an expression to the contrary.

DIY divorces – hit or miss?

If you are considering submitting an application for divorce without legal representation, it is important to exercise caution. Parties need to have expert advice when dealing with the division of their assets on divorce, and this is where DIY divorces fail to address complex matters.

THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE THAT ANY AGREEMENT IS LEGALLY BINDING IS TO GET THAT AGREEMENT RECORDED IN A CONSENT ORDER

Since the introduction of the ‘no fault divorce’, the process of getting a divorce has become a lot simpler and as a result, we are seeing more couples opting for the DIY divorce without seeking expert advice. Whilst there is nothing wrong with submitting your own application for a divorce online, it is always wise to seek expert advice on the legal effects of a divorce and

People who attempt to conduct their own divorces are often not aware of the issues this may present in the future if financial matters are not properly dealt with. To avoid ongoing disputes over financial claims, it is vital to deal with divorce appropriately and in accordance with the law for the sake of you and your former spouse.

Should

 GAYLE ROWLEY

Having 41 staff members taking care of 125 children with diverse needs daily is not easy. I used to face challenges before discovering Linda Neville and her Strive Corporate Solution.

Sickness absences have significantly reduced, alleviating the burden of arranging last-minute cover and the associated costs. One staff member, who had never completed a full month without sickness in years, is now present every day. Dealing with absences and finding suitable replacements was a constant headache, affecting both my company’s stability and finances.

Strive is not just a program; it is a game-changer. The improvements I have seen in my staff have had a ripple effect, positively impacting managers, other employees, and most importantly, the children we care for.

Louise Toombs Owner of Shardlow Hall Day Nursery

The ultimate driving adventure with Quest and Crewe Hall

By Venture Bound

CHARLOTTE MILES REVIEWS THE QUEST DRIVE APP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CREWE

HALL HOTEL & SPA – A MOTORISED TREASURE HUNT WITH A TOUCH OF LUXURY

Atree-lined driveway leads to an elaborate set of gates decorated with stone-carved creatures – its a dramatic entry to the stunning 16th century, Grade I listed mansion Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa, part of the QHotels Collection.

We were invited to stay at the hall and take part in the “ultimate driving experience with a specially crafted predriven route spanning over 70 miles” designed by Quest Drive, a drivingbased treasure hunt app by Venture Bound. Joined by fellow classic car enthusiasts and car club members, we enjoyed an array of breakfast canapés before being briefed on our quest.

Using the Quest Drive app in the car, we followed a series of clues leading us to specific locations, earning points along the way. A route-themed quiz also gave points – the quicker the answers, the more points earned.

The engaging adventure was a great way to see the stunning countryside as well as hidden gems such as Beeston Castle, where we stopped to enjoy our gorgeous picnic hamper courtesy of Crewe Hall. We were blessed with an unseasonably warm day in February to enjoy it, washing down our Greek salad,

sandwiches, crudites and hummus with a mini Prosecco in the sunshine!

Once back at the hotel, we visited the spa. A swim and sauna relaxed us before getting ready for the evening. Our room was beautiful. It had all the original character you’d expect of such a historic building, paired elegantly with modern comforts. We delighted in a glass of wine from the complimentary mini-bar while we dressed for dinner.

Down in the Hall of Pillars, we joined our fellow Questers for a pre-dinner aperitif before being taken on a guided tour of Crewe Hall. Steeped in history dating back to the 16th century, it boasts many original features with plenty of stories. It even has its own chapel!

Following our tour, we were wined and dined with three delicious courses in the private dining facilities of the Old Hall, which adds an element of grandeur to what could be a glorious family stay or impressive corporate away day. Whilst dining, we learnt about how Venture Bound creator Elise Whyte’s passion for cars inspired her to team up with QHotels and create a fresh experience for those looking to do something a bit different.

Quest Drive combines a treasure hunt that explores uncharted

countryside that we wouldn’t normally have seen, with an added touch of luxurious relaxation to end a day of on-road questing. The two-night adventure stay is a great way to get extended families and large groups of friends together. It would also make for a great team-building experience or away day to treat clients and stakeholders.

See the routes at venturebound. co.uk/qhotelscollection and visit crewehallcheshire.co.uk to book a room. For bookings of nine rooms or more, or as part of a Quest booking, email the dedicated groups desk at leisuresales@theqhotelscollection.co.uk.

Commercial Mortgages

Property Portfolio Funding

Buy To Let Mortgages

Business Loans and Peer-to-Peer Lending

Invoice Discounting and Factoring

Development Funding

Finance for Pension Funds

Asset Finance

Bridging Loans

Recovery Loan Scheme

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES

These are designed for people looking to purchase a commercial premises such as office, shop, warehousing or all types of property not including residential whether for occupation or investment – you also have the option to remortgage this type of property too to raise funds

BUSINESS LOANS

If your business requires funding for any purpose whether to purchase assets or assist with cashflow or anything else for that matter, then a business loan may well be best suited to you

DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

If you are looking to build houses, flats or any type of commercial building then we can assist – in some cases we can provide up to 100% of the development costs

BRIDGING LOANS

If you require speedy short term funding in order to assist with a purchase or just to raise capital then bridging may well be an option, particularly when time is of the essence – this is regularly used for auction purchases

BUY TO LET / PORTFOLIO FUNDING

If you are looking to purchase any type of property for investment purposes or looking to refinance an existing property portfolio then we can assist – in most cases interest only is also available

SSAS AND SIPP LENDING

This is a specialist type of finance whereby individuals can use their pension fund in order to purchase commercial property, either for owner occupation or investment

EarthSense makes Elite Business 100 list

LEICESTER-BASED AIR QUALITY SPECIALIST HAS BEEN NAMED IN THE TOP 20 OF UK SMES

EarthSense secured 19th place in the UK’s Elite Business 100 (EB100) Top SME Businesses list and is a finalist in the EB100 Sustainability of the Year award category. Beating thousands of other entrants in a range of sectors in the EB100 top 100 SME list, the company will celebrate its achievement at the EB100 awards ceremony on March 13, where it will also hear the results of the EB100 Sustainability of the Year award.

Tom Hall, CEO of EarthSense, said: “We are particularly proud to have received such a prestigious award that was open across all market sectors. Our rich academic

Hi,

heritage in environmental monitoring and modelling of air pollution data is a key reason why we’re respected as a leading service provider in our industry.”

EarthSense has collaborated on a vast range of air quality monitoring projects, including intelligent transport, smart cities, local authorities, construction and more to reduce pollution hotspots, better manage peak times or isolate sources contributing to elevated levels.

It has created a range of products to provide bespoke solutions, including its award-winning ambient air quality monitor, the Zephyr®, and

My name is John, and I’m your local it’seeze website expert.

For the past 9 years, my team and I have worked with many local businesses like yours, providing professionally designed, secure, and affordable websites that make it easy to achieve online success.

I would love the opportunity to talk to you about:

Why hundreds of businesses throughout Leicestershire trust it’seeze for all things web design

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The importance of security, accessibility, and GDPRcompliance for your business website

My role as your local website consultant offering ongoing advice and support

a high-resolution air pollution model, MappAir®, which uses advanced modelling techniques to create realtime visualisations of air pollution levels around the world. Its MyAir® application allows users to seamlessly view, analyse and download air quality data on either a web-based, public portal, or mobile application.

If you would like a free, no-obligation consultation on how to improve your existing website, please get in touch.

John Cooper Web itseeze-leicester.co.uk

Email

john.cooper@itseeze.com

Call 0116 4105 996

THE FACES OF LEICESTER’S FUTURE, FROM APP CREATORS TO CREATIVE LEADS

WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

There’s no place like home and the blossomed young minds of those who call Leicester home are giving back by boosting the economy with inventions, strategy, and progressive mindsets as they practice on home turf. Some are reinventing recruitment while others are carving new paths to success through sport, powering people’s homes and businesses, guiding the generation that follows them, or calculating the next steps in automation.

Introducing 30 innovators, entrepreneurs and change leaders all aged 30 and under*, we’ve assembled this list – a local play on the famous annual Forbes feature – by hand picking some of the stand out youngsters who run their own businesses, have worked their way up to senior positions, or who lead the way in their organisation to a clearer, more confident future for Leicestershire.

Home should be stable, safe and secure and – inspiring in their determination, ambition and attitude to learning – these under 30s reassure that that feeling of home is dependable in Leicester.

*Ages correct at time of writing

CEO at Launchpad AI

DEYAL GILL

Real Estate Rental Manager at Kings Real Estate

“Having grown up in a family very much involved in the property industry, from my grandparents to my parents, I suppose it was natural for me to go into this industry,” Deyal says. But it wasn’t until he completed a university placement at the family business Kings, that he realised how much he loved the industry. Although he feels it may sound cliché, Deyal believes he was ‘born to do this’. After gaining a marketing degree from University of Leicester, his role as a lettings manager and marketing coordinator began in July 2022. He adds: “I feel very lucky and privileged to be in a position where I love what I do and enjoy coming to work because it doesn’t feel like I’m working. Although, like anything, it can get stressful – but that’s why it is important to have a way to release that stress. For me it is going to the gym, it is my way to switch off.” kingsestateuk.com

Named recently as one of the Top 3 Global Young Innovators, Anuj Ashar is a 22-year-old serial award-winning tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of the world-leading start-up Launchpad AI, a platform driving exploration into novel applications for artificial intelligence. His background ranges from launching numerous FinTech companies, co-founding e-commerce businesses alongside world-famous athletes and setting up charity initiatives for orphanages in India. His journey began at school as the kid on the playground always selling sweets and drinks. Fast forward seven years, and Anuj now also sits on the LLEP Innovation Advisory Board as the youngest ever member in the UK to advise a government innovation strategy – and is a consultant to numerous unicorn start-ups. With a passion for space exploration and a background in aerospace engineering, Anuj is a great advocate of investment into SpaceTech and zealously believes his upcoming venture will help humans travel deeper into the universe. launchpad.ai

Founder and COO at tuck.

GRACE BALE

Social Media and Digital Marketing Lead for Leicestershire County Council

As the co-founder and COO of tuck. – a hospitality tech start-up which has launched two standout products –Dhruvesh leads a team driving innovation in the industry. His career background has him well-equipped to become an entrepreneur in his own right, having worked as a key player for finance companies in consulting, technology risk and investment roles at BCS Consulting, KPMG, Atom Bank and St James’s Place Wealth Management. The cashback app he’s created offers enticing local and national deals from 200+ UK venues, amassing a user base of 40,000. Additionally, its all-in-one website provides seamless online ordering and reservation solutions for restaurants. Dhruvesh’s passion lies in preserving the high street and empowering businesses to regain control from industry giants like Deliveroo and Uber. Securing a £750k investment from hospitality luminaries, including the founder of Honest Burgers and executives from Vapiano and Zizzi, tuck. is poised for transformative growth. tuckapp.co

JOSH PORTER

30 UNDER 30

Founder of ExpHand Prosthetics

A product design engineer by trade, Kate started her company during her time at university and has since gone on to receive international praise for her developments in the field of prosthetics. ExpHand Prosthetics, based in Loughborough, makes 3D printed prosthetics for children that can grow with them. After being inspired by the lack of suitable prosthetics for children, Kate set out to design a product for the global market by using 3D printing. The ExpHand is now being used by children across the UK and internationally following its recent product trial in Kenya. Kate used her dissertation at Loughborough University as a chance to prove that engineering can make a true difference to someone’s life. University staff encouraged her to turn that dissertation into a business. In the space of six weeks, ExpHand Prosthetics was established. Most recently, Kate was the winner of the Pitching Platform at the Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards 2023, granting access to a non-executive business board. exphandprosthetics.com

Deputy Programme Lead of Business Management at De Montfort University Leicester

Senior Surveyor at SPACE YASH RAO

In addition to his leadership role at DMU, Jack imparts his knowledge as a lecturer in business management, where he has a focus in a range of subjects including organisational culture, security and defence, strategic management, leadership, and business analytics. Jack’s academic journey is diverse, having initially trained as a mechanical engineer, then shifting his academic focus to the business realm, earning an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance. This foundational knowledge paved the way for his advanced studies, culminating in the completion of a Master of Business Administration qualification. Jack’s multifaceted areas of interest have enabled him to effectively supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate students in academia and industry, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry application. His current involvement in projects centred around pedagogy, innovation, and generative AI reflects his commitment to the forefront of educational evolution. dmu.ac.uk

Founder of #Yastag Visuals

LAURA TILL

Director and Head Coach at AMBITION Sports Coaching

AMBITION was developed by Laura off the back of her own personal experiences of facing mental health challenges. Laura had experience working as a teaching assistant, sports coach and activity leader but in 2019, her life completely changed after a serious car accident in which her vehicle was hit by a lorry on the M1 leaving her facing oncoming traffic in the fast lane. That incident brought her to the realisations that “life is too short” and the need to follow her dreams. It motivated her to set up AMBITION, a company that specialises in, but is not limited to, working with people with special educational needs and those with social, emotional and mental health challenges. AMBITION uses sport to positively impact children and young people. The development of the AMBITION Safe Holding followed shortly after, which works with staff and parents to positively manage challenging behaviour. ambitionsportscoachingltd.com

General Manager at Driving Talent

Laura heads up a team of HGV trainers and recruiters for Driving Talent. With eight years of recruitment experience under her belt, Laura was promoted to Head of Recruitment in December 2022, quickly followed by a further promotion to General Manager in June 2023, which saw her take the reigns of the HGV training side of the business. Taking on a new challenge has been gratifying as Laura says she is always eager to learn new skills and ways of working. She says: “It has been eye opening to understand new markets and open up new possibilities for the business.” Laura is responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating all day-to-day business operations, evaluating current business processes and defining long-term strategic goals and developing plans to implement them. Future aspirations for the business include a focus on expanding both sides of the business into new sectors and becoming a recognised market leader. drivingtalent.co.uk

GRACE POINTON

Head of Growing (Business Development) at Willsow

LAURA CHAPMAN

Founder of Murray’s Maze

Wheelchair racing and sport remains key to Paige’s story. A proud Leicester Lady who has been empowered by sport and community involvement since her school days, Paige was the city’s youngest Honoured Citizen back in 2010 before reaching the top 10 in the world rankings in para-athletics. She carried the Paralympic Lantern through her home city in 2012 and the Queens Baton for the 2014 Commonwealth Games two years before she made her Great Britain debut for the Anniversary Games at the Olympic Park Stadium.

Then unemployment opened the opportunity to set up in business with support of the Prince’s Trust. Paige shares her experiences as a motivational speaker to encourage celebration of individual difference. She was introduced to rehabilitation after a sports injury and decided to nurture her inner teacher as an adaptive yoga instructor, which was inspired by her work as yoga teacher at the Matt Hampson Foundation. paigemurraysmaze.co.uk

LEWIS BAKER

Bakers Environmental Service Delivery Manager

CHLOE IRELAND

Property Finance

Consultant at Empire Finance

Owner and Founder of Roshni Desai Designs

MACAULEY CHRISTOPHER

Client Relationship Manager at Premier Logistics

Macauley was fortunate to start working at his dad’s company, Premier Logistics when he was just 13 years of age. Every summer holiday from school, he would spend his days washing trucks and sweeping the decks of trailers, picking up rubbish in the warehouse and observing how the operations of the company worked. From the age of 19, he began working in the transport office, learning all the roles including administration, controlling and planning the vehicles. Today, his responsibilities include engaging in new business relationships and managing the relationships with Premier Logistics’ customers. His dedication to the business saw Macauley named Rising Star at the Niche Business Awards 2023. His ambitions and plans for the future remain clear to him: to grow Premier Logistics in a sustainable and ethical way, whilst making the company an employer of choice in the logistics and warehousing industry. premier-logistics.co.uk

Born in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Roshni Desai Designs is a maker of lingerie and jewellery. Roshni has created a range of lingerie that allows the wearer to adjust the bra to fit them exactly how they want it to. The bra fits the wearer, not the other way around. Each design allows the wearer to adjust up to four cup sizes, for the ultimate fit. Over the last year, the designs have expanded to include a further 12 sizes, increasing the range to the largest it’s ever been. Roshni hopes to get this sizing range out across all future designs. Receiving orders worldwide including the USA, Europe and Asia, the designer has her designs featured on ASOS MarketPlace and Faire Wholesale. @roshnidesai_designs

EMMA PARRY

Founder of The Bloom Project GEORGE

JOE

ALLEN-

HOULDER

Marketing Manager of Glenfield Electrical

Founder of Ninety Four Group

In 2023, Adam launched Ninety Four Group, drawing on his decade-long project management success in property and construction. Having excelled in both private and public sectors, he has a wealth of experience across diverse areas, including retail, healthcare, residential, education, and events. Adam’s strategic goal for Ninety Four Group is not just to offer bespoke solutions, but to cultivate an environment that fosters a deep, collective expertise. With a meticulous focus on tapping into the wisdom accumulated throughout his career, Adam envisions Ninety Four Group as a hub for ground-breaking solutions that redefine project management standards by actively involving clients in the learning process and aims to create partnerships that go beyond transactional engagements, establishing a collaborative journey toward mutual growth and success. ninetyfourgroup.com

Founder and CEO of On Poynt Creative

Ambitious and never prepared to settle for too long in his professional life, Dan was forced to cut short a travelling trip of a lifetime to Southeast Asia due to Covid-19. The flight back took 10 days and lockdown beckoned with no creative job on the horizon for his return to Leicester. So he set about starting his own creative agency. Looking back on that time, he says: “I didn’t consider it was ever going to be a long-term plan.” But today, On Poynt Creative, a hungry agency, is six designers strong, producing work for household names, concepting disruptive brands and nurturing young design talent daily. The team won Generation Next’s Creative Business of the Year award in 2022, and Best New Business in the Niche Business Awards 2023. onpoyntcreative.com

DECLAN KIELY

Managing Director at DK Wealth Management

Declan is the founder of DK Wealth Management Ltd, a dynamic financial planning firm based in Leicestershire making waves in the industry. Starting his career in a family business, Declan quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a natural flair for building relationships and financial planning. At the age of 27, he took the bold leap to establish his own business within St James’s Place (SJP), a leading FTSE 100 Wealth Management company. Specialising in comprehensive financial planning for business owners and company directors, Declan is committed to shaping the financial futures of his clients. Declan’s entrepreneurial spirit has continued to grow and he has recently acquired another SJP practice, which forms part of his longer term vision to help more clients get a better return on life. dkwmllc.com

NICHE BUSINESS FEATURE

30 UNDER 30

General Manager at East Street Lanes and Caddyshackers

Beginning her career in hospitality in 2019, Alisha’s passion for exceptional customer service and a fascination for business led her to climb the ranks, eventually becoming the General Manager of two thriving venues. Customer-centric, Alisha constantly evolves her approach, recently introducing interactive elements like darts and shuffleboard to the line-up of activities at East Street Lanes and Caddyshackers. Her resilience shone through a pivotal moment when a system hack jeopardised operations. Alisha’s ability to motivate her team and navigate challenges underscores her commitment to seamless business functioning. Guided by a customer-first philosophy, she aspires to push industry boundaries, stay ahead of trends, and create lasting hospitality experiences. Alisha’s journey is a testament to her innovative thinking and dedication to shaping the hospitality landscape. eaststreetlanes.co.uk

Business & Marketing Manager at ER Recruitment

JOE CARNAN Director at Imperial Roofing Supplies

Overseeing all elements of branding, marketing, and partnerships, Scarlett is an asset to ER Recruitment and in the local community. Scarlett is the Vice-Chair of Generation Next for 2024, a young professionals’ network run via the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. She will take over as Chair of the network in 2025. She has been recognised as a finalist in a variety of awards including Rising Star and Social Media Star. Having graduated from De Montfort University in 2018, Scarlett is passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders and this is demonstrated through the work she does on the award-winning BrightER Futures programme. Alongside being an ambassador for EMC’s Enterprising Women network, Scarlett is very active within the local business community, supporting an array of charitable and community causes. eileenrichardsrecruitment.co.uk

SHIVANI DAUDIA

Paralegal at Brethertons Solicitors LLP

As the current President of the Leicestershire Junior Lawyers Division and Ambassador for Young Lawyers at Generation Next, Shivani hopes to impress a positive influence upon the next generation of lawyers that she herself once needed when embarking upon this profession. Thinking her GCSEs wouldn’t be enough to get her into the legal sector, she set about gaining extra educational certificates as a stepping stone to progress to qualification in future. She then joined Brethertons LLP as a Paralegal, working in the firm’s property management department. Shivani is particularly passionate about collaborating with local businesses and supporting local charities. Recent collaborations include fundraising activities with LOROS and Samaritans, as well as establishing a mentorship initiative for law students of Leicester’s universities offering insights and guidance into the legal industry. brethertons.co.uk

Head of Estates at Lionheart Educational

A CITY

THE RISE OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

There has been an unprecedented growth in under 25s launching their own businesses across the country according to Instant Offices. In 2020, companies founded by people under 25 increased by 151%. In 2021, this pioneering demographic grew by another 111%, launching 24,330 businesses in the UK. Leicester ranked fourth in the top cities that have the biggest concentration of young entrepreneurs (2021).

SECTORS WITH OWNERS U25

2,492 entrepreneurs

1,147 entrepreneurs

552 entrepreneurs

574 entrepreneurs

562 entrepreneurs

528 entrepreneurs

30 UNDER 30 NICHE

FOR YOUNG ACHIEVERS

Leicester is leading the way in providing opportunities for people under 30. Here’s the city’s timeline of recent achievements, the sectors in which young people have set up businesses, and how Gen Z see their future.

2019

Millennials (currently aged 28-43 years old) are best off setting up a business in Leicester, according to data revealed by Instaprint, stating that the city has great opportunities for start-ups

2020

CV Library named Leicester the top city in the UK for hiring. Their report suggested more people are choosing the city as a place to work, with Leicester seeing the biggest rise in job applicants year-on-year across the UK.

2021 Achieving first place, Leicester came highest in Superscript’s top 10 most entrepreneurial cities.

2022

Leicester ranked above average for work-life balance, income distribution and safety, and was around average for indicators including jobs, health, new business, house prices to earnings, homeowner occupation rate, transport, and environment (PWC).

2023

Leicester was named the best city in the East Midlands to live and work in the Good Growth for Cities Index. It was also the highest-performing city in the East Midlands and was placed at number 16 in the index.

2024 High status

The Best UK Cities for Small Businesses Index 2024 (Simply Business) included Leicester in its top 10 locations. It ranked them based on:

● Business growth

● Average turnover

● Average monthly rent

● Coworking locations

● Quality of life

● Start-up programmes

GEN Z: POINTS OF VIEW

One third of young people are consistently concerned around job security

32% of young people say they have a dream job

57% of young people say they have lowered their long term aspirations over the last 2 years

10 top dream jobs of young people

8% Business owner / self-employed

5% CEO

4% Nothing / prefer not to work

4% Work with animals

4% Teacher

4% Technology role

4% Lawyer / Solicitor

4% My current job

4% Influencer / content creator

3% Professional athlete

MURRAY’S MINT

MY FAMILY WERE PRESENTED WITH A ‘LIFE SENTENCE’ OF THINGS I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO DO. THE WORD ‘NO’ HAS ECHOED LOUDLY THROUGHOUT MY LIFE

Exclusive discount for Niche Readers

Use the code

MURRAYSMAZE10 to get 10% off.

Eligible for the first five bookers of speak sessions to use the code. Only available for business and corporate events.

As a yoga teacher, business owner, motivational speaker and athlete, Paige Murray, founder of Murray’s Maze, is determined to live her life beyond any adversity and challenges.

Paige has a zest for life, always in search of new opportunities and adventures. With a mission to live life, by the time you read this, she’ll have travelled to the other side of the world to complete a sponsored skydive.

Professionally, her history includes high-level competition as an athlete, charity work with the Matt Hampson Foundation and the founding of her own business through which she teaches adaptive yoga and delivers motivational speeches. This would be impressive for anyone, but for a woman whose family were told a list of things she’d never do after living through a brain injury at birth that resulted in a medical diagnosis of cerebral palsy, it shows a unique level of drive.

“My family were presented with a ‘life sentence’ of things I’d never do. The word ‘no’ has echoed loudly throughout my life, which I’ve always pushed back against to find a way forward,” she says.

The name Murray’s Maze reflects the notion that life is full of obstacles and dead-ends, yet there’s still a way to move forward with perseverance, purpose, and positivity. Paige’s story encourages celebration of identity and difference.

It’s not surprising that her determination to disprove the low expectations for her life led her to competitive sport. She raced for Team GB in the T34 100m, 400m and 800m until shoulder injuries caused her to change focus. Paige was ready for something new – and yoga was the self-led physio she’d unknowingly been searching for.

“My reaction for many years had been: ‘Yoga? Seriously? I have cerebral palsy!’ which is ironic, having fought to dispel preconceptions about what I can do, I heard that echoing ‘no’ come calling,” she says. “I decided to give it a go and, having always felt a disconnect from my lower body, it’s helped me become far more attuned to myself.

“Fast-forward 12 months and I decided to nurture my inner teacher. Soon after qualifying, I was invited to teach yoga at the Matt Hampson Foundation and now I teach one-toone, group adaptive practices, and workshops for our beneficiaries.

“Adaptive yoga is not just ‘yoga for disabled people’. I want to make yoga accessible and welcoming to as many people as possible. From those who’ve tried before and been put off, to people who just want to try something new, and be as inclusive as possible.”

Already on to the next challenge, Paige is getting into a new sport, switching from wheelchair racing to frame running.

“After a challenging time finding my place in the world, I channelled my energy into sport. It gave me focus and direction, and I haven’t looked back.”

A new sport brings excitement but also requires new equipment, for which Paige is seeking sponsorship.

“I competed for the first time last year and cried with happiness when I got home. I’m so passionate about sport and, like the maze, it’s given me so many pathways to choose from.”

Anyone interested in adaptive yoga can visit paigemurraysmaze.co.uk to book a discovery call. Businesses, organisations, and educational providers can also book Paige as a motivational speaker.

The Directory

Advice, organisation, and growth

This issue’s directory is themed around businesses that will help your organisation through consultancy, efficiency, and expansion.

Leicester is a key area for growth, with the city’s rejuvenation well underway, including overhauls of the railway station and market place, and the ever-developing Space Park facility continuing to expand. Both the city and wider county are populated by businesses with the experience and know-how to take your company to the rejuvenation station! No matter whether you need a new CRM, a music licence, or even fresh glazing, there’s an expert who can help you.

4S BUSINESS SUPPORT

By partnering with 4S Business Support, you can focus on core competencies while leaving specialised tasks to our team of experts, helping your business achieve your goals more effectively, affordably, and efficiently. We are outsourcing specialists, with over 6 years of expertise in the financial services sector. We have recruited and managed a variety of teams from data analysts to IT, finance, and HR support staff.

07771 638842 | 4sbusiness-support.co.uk suja@4sbusiness-support.co.uk

AIRBORNE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

Our independence gives us access to the whole market and a wide range of mortgage lenders and products, so there’s absolutely nothing ‘standard’ about our offering. We tailor our services to your specific circumstances. We take away the stress of finding a mortgage, using our expertise and knowledge to find you the very best product.

kamlesh@airbornems.co.uk | airbornemortgagesolutions.co.uk

ASHIOMA CONSULTS

Ashioma Consults was established to empower individuals and give leaders in organisations the support and tools to harness and grow talent and embed cultural intelligence as part of its leadership culture. We operate as consultants with internal training/HR teams to improve recruitment, retention, and progression of staff.

07811 151237 | ashiomaconsults.com info@ashiomaconsults.com

BESPOKE BENEFITS

We believe that your business’s greatest asset is your people and we want to help you to look after them. We are an employee benefits agency that advise and manage a range of benefits designed to keep employees healthy, effectively manage sickness and absence and improve employee engagement. Our experienced team have been in the industry for many years working with companies of every size and from every sector. 0116 502 0960 | hello@bespokebenefits.co.uk

CYMER MARKETING SOLUTIONS

We support businesses to achieve more from their customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing using insight, integrity, and integration. Bespoke solutions are tailored to fit the organisation – there is not a ‘onesize fits all’ approach. Getting to know you and your business is fundamental to understanding all your stakeholders and ensuring that a CRM platform or marketing campaign can fit your structure, systems, processes, and budget.

07791 284542 | cymermarketing.co.uk

58 Longbreach Road, Kibworth Harcourt, LE8 0SR

EMERGENCY GLAZING

A trusted family business and your go-to supplier for all your glazing, home improvements, lock changing and more.

24 HOUR CALL OUT SERVICE for securing doors and windows. We also carry out all types of glazing work, from a small window to a large shop front.

07534 488929 | 0333 577 3338 sales@emergencyglazingleicester.co.uk

GIGA OPS

Giga Ops provides IT & Telecoms solutions and support services with a difference by translating IT issues into simple solutions – taking the headache away from your IT support needs and leaving you to do what you do best in your business. We’re based in the Midlands, where we have a proven track record for delivering reliable, trustworthy and cost-effective IT support services to SMEs. Take advantage of our FREE IT Review.

03300 10 10 98 | info@giga-ops.com

JOHN HARLOW INSOLVENCY

John Harlow Ltd is a firm of Insolvency Practitioners dealing with companies and individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties. The aim is always to find a rescue remedy where possible, but where this is not the case, we can guide directors and business owners through the various insolvency procedures which may be required.

0116 275 5021 | harlowinsolvency.co.uk

mail@harlowinsolvency.co.uk

HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDIATION & COACHING

Peaceful dispute resolution without going to court. Improve communication, make informed decisions on separation, divorce, children, property, finances, and more. Holistic Family Mediation & Coaching is an online solution supporting couples in conflict to secure positive outcomes with compassion and care. Save costs and emotional strain. Dignified approach to separation and divorce. Tools for happier, healthier lives.

Book a free 15-minute discovery call with Sushma via our website.

0330 912 7403 | holsticfamilymediation.co.uk

HOLLINGSWORTHS SOLICITORS

Based in the heart of the city, on historic New Walk, our clients see us not just as lawyers but also as problem solvers. Employment, debt recovery, dispute resolution, contentious wills and probate and insolvency are among the areas we cover. So, if you need clear, focussed advice on anything from settling a business dispute and updating existing employment contracts, through to collecting a long-standing debt or drafting terms and conditions, talk to us.

0116 204 7260 | hlegal.co.uk

mail@hlegal.co.uk

INTRUSTED PENSION SERVICES

Intrusted Pension Services provide trusteeship and administration for small, self-administered pension schemes (SSAS) which are the most versatile pension scheme available, exclusively for business owner managers, their families and key employees. SSAS vehicles allow business owners to take control and utilise their pension savings to support business growth and implement tax efficiencies in both their personal wealth and business planning.

0116 456 0181 | hlegal.co.uk

Premal@intrustedpensions.com

IT’SEEZE LEICESTER WEBSITE DESIGN

As a business owner, we know that you’ve got more important things to spend your time on, so we take care of everything while you get on with running your business. It’s not just the web design we handle, but digital marketing, SEO, hosting, domain registration and renewal, emails, online security, and lifetime support for your website.

0116 410 5996 | itseeze-leicester.co.uk

She Inspires Community & Enterprise Hub, 10 Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF

JAY WEBB

As an HR and IT consultancy service, we support organisations of all sizes in human resource management including contracts of employment, employee handbooks, employee relations, disciplinary management, organisational change, policy development, TUPE, redundancy, absence management, independent investigations, grievance handling, and mediation. 01509 216 395 | jaywebbconsultancy.co.uk

JERROMS MILLER SPECIALIST TAX

Business advisers and accountants founded in 1972, we are a leading accountancy and business advisory practice in the region with over 130 employees. We work with over 4,000 individuals and businesses across a range of sectors, who stay in a long-term relationship with us because they trust us to give them the best advice. 0121 693 5000 | jerroms.co.uk

MEESH CONSULTING

We can provide the business intelligence and process optimisation expertise you need to translate strategy into action. A highly bespoke service offering, we work with you to develop and implement a result-driven strategy – whether you’re a small business that needs help establishing fast and effective data analytics, or an enterprise level corporation looking to connect and analyse data across a fragmented organisation.

0330 111 2904 | meeshconsulting.co.uk

PPL PRS

TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS allows you to legally play music for employees or customers in your business through the radio, TV, other digital devices and live performances. After our business costs, all the music licence fees we collect go back to PPL and PRS for Music who then distribute the royalties to music creators they represent.

0800 182 2001 | pplprs.co.uk

SANAMENTE

Elevate your business with Strive Corporate Solution: a proactive approach to workplace mental fitness. Boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance employee accountability. With practical tools and personalised support, cultivate a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. Save on the bottom line whilst investing in your employees’ mental fitness. Join Strive today and watch your business prosper.

0116 340 0630 | hello@sanamente-hypnotherapy.co.uk sanamente-hypnotherapy.co.uk

Wednesday 12th June

Supporting Lingdale Golf Club

12.30pm Bacon cobs on arrival

2.00pm Shotgun start

5.30pm Beers in the club house

6.00pm Presentations

6.30pm Dinner

£300 for a group of four (£75 per person) Sponsorship opportunities available from £100 teamworkpartnership.co.uk

incredible

Leicester’s Lanes, arcades and squares are brimming with eccentric emporiums filled with rare finds and one-off bargains. Kerry Smith reviews seven of Niche’s favourite finds

THE WARDROBE

Royal Arcade Fashion

This vintage clothes store stocks ‘60s to ‘80s retro style garments and accessories featuring bold prints and colours. Find Adidas and Nike trainers, Levi’s denim jackets as well as current brands such as Motel, Rock Off and Native Youth.

YE OLDE SWEET SHOPPE

Hotel Street Food

As traditional as they come, Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe is an experience with their old school methods of weighing out their wide range of classic sweets and handing them over in a paper bag. A bonus for the environment with less packaging waste!

FLOWERWORKS

Loseby Lane Botanical goods

Founded in 2003 by Parveen Rana, Flowerworks brightens up Loseby Lane with explosive seasonal displays of flowers and botanicals that appear to be growing from its doorframe. Parveen draws influences from the natural world, art and travel. She’s also a parttime olive oil farmer and is studying for a degree in clinical herbalism.

JUST… FAIR TRADE

Silver Street Sustainable living

The Just store offers three floors filled with varying ethical and sustainable fair trade products. Just... Fair Trade strive to sell the best range of top-quality fair trade products, which includes everything from bags and clothing to homeware and food.

POMPONETTE

Loseby Lane Homeware

Living and lifestyle brand Pomponette fuses classic and contemporary homeware with rustic interiors. Items are sourced from the UK and around the world, beautifully displayed in the eclectic store. Owner Jo Purtill has created a haven brimming with decorative items and furniture for aspirational homemakers.

TIN DRUM BOOKS

Narborough Road Books

Book lovers need to experience Tin Drum Books. A little outside of the city centre hustle and bustle, it has that quiet mysteriousness about it with its olde worlde, jumbled bookshelves, reminiscent of the bookshop in The NeverEnding Story! You can spend hours browsing their beautiful collections ranging from modern Terry Pratchetts to vintage art publications. There’s also a regular 10p book sale too!

LANES FINE JEWELLERY

Loseby Lane Jewellery

The official jeweller to Leicester City Football Club provides an array of fine diamond jewellery, unique wedding rings and custom-made engagement rings. Run by husband and wife Carli and Ecran Onguc, services also include alterations and repairs, engraving, valuations and purchase of some second-hand diamond jewellery.

A NEW BEGINNING FOR THE END OF A MARRIAGE?

Is it possible to have a ‘beautiful’ divorce or breakup? One where the couple behave with dignity throughout, shield their children from the impact of the divorce, settle their finances and parenting plans out of court and avoid acrimony?

It’s a complex question and one that I posed to Dr Glynis Wright, who last year left her career as one of Leicester’s most renowned and respected senior divorce lawyers to launch an exciting and new specialist divorce coaching business, the Alternative Divorce Company.

“It may seem like blue sky thinking, but it is possible to achieve a beautiful

WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

‘Beautiful’ isn’t how most people would describe divorce, but it can be exactly that, says Dr Glynis Wright MBE

divorce if the couple commit to that and have the right specialist support along the way. Many couples set out to break up amicably but get derailed easily into fighting.

“It is common for one or both to become consumed by fears and uncertainties such as being forced to sell their home, not having enough money after the divorce, or losing their children to the other parent. This intense anxiety often leads to knee jerk reactions, aggressive outbursts, overwhelm, and poor decision making, which ultimately costs the couple financially and emotionally. A divorce coach is there to help with all of that.”

Since I have never heard of a divorce coach, I ask Glynis to explain what they actually do. She told me: “We support our clients throughout the process to be the very best versions of themselves. We help them to manage the triggers that lead to feelings of anger, revenge or overwhelm, and we support them to avoid making devastating mistakes along the way – like throwing the towel in or filing unnecessary court applications out of hostility or panic.

“We coach them to practice and prepare for the difficult conversations they will need to have with their spouses or their children.

We help them to manage the triggers that lead to feelings of anger, revenge or overwhelm and we support them to avoid making devastating mistakes along the way

My goal is to empower couples to take control of their own divorces, to tap into the full range of expertise they need to support them

Most importantly, we help them in every way possible to place their children at the centre of their thoughts and to remain as amicable as possible. One question we often ask is: ‘What would you want your children to remember about the way you divorced?’”

Thinking of my own breakup, I found myself wishing I had known about divorce coaching back then, because so much that Glynis said about those trigger points resonated with my own experience. She agrees: “Couples who are unable to manage their breakup amicably are not only worse off financially because of the huge legal bills they run up by fighting, but also take much longer to recover emotionally from the trauma of the divorce process. By having a divorce coach on board, a client is equipping

themselves with a toolkit that can save them considerable sums of money and can help to mitigate some of the emotional trauma of breakup.”

I asked Glynis whether she thought people could afford to have a divorce coach and a lawyer.

“I am really glad you asked that question, Emily. Lawyers are essential to provide critical legal advice to the client at key stages. However, the coach helps the client to remain calm and in control throughout the process. This means they use up less time with their lawyers emotionally venting and raging about their spouse, and are more receptive to taking on board their lawyer’s advice and making thoughtful and sensible decisions.

“This can lead to a much quicker resolution of the divorce. Since the

hourly rates of a divorce coach are significantly lower than lawyer’s rates, this makes the partnership of a divorce coach and lawyer affordable to clients.

“Also, the traditional view is that the only expert you need is the lawyer. But in fact, there are a number of experts who can support you in breakup. Every case is different. Some families are so impacted by divorce that they need therapeutic help from a family or child therapist, others may not be able to deal with their grief after divorce. For them, a life coach may be the answer.

“Some struggle with their coparenting and need specialist family support with their contact arrangements. Increasingly, there are many cases where the lawyer bills are simply unaffordable, and a client is having to face litigation on their own, unrepresented. For them, a ‘McKenzie friend’ who can be with them at court to offer essential signposting is a godsend. And then there are the professional services that are so much needed to make informed decisions about your money, such as wealth managers, accountants, and estate planners.”

The Alternative Divorce Company is not simply offering divorce coaching. It offers a range of affiliated expert services that are drawn from those Glynis has personally referred clients to in the past, in her work as a divorce lawyer. These are right across the spectrum from therapeutic to legal services.

“My goal is to empower couples to take control of their own divorces, to tap into the full range of expertise they need to support them throughout the process at different key points, and ultimately to help them achieve that beautiful divorce we talked about at the beginning of this interview, Emily. In my view, this is the way forward now for divorce – and I am so excited to be at the forefront of this new approach to managing breakup!”

For anyone affected by the subjects in this article, for more information or guidance, visit alternativedivorce.co.uk.

WHAT THE AFFILIATES SAY

MATTIOLI WOODS

mattioliwoods.com

Divorce is one of the most stressful things you can experience in life and for those who go through it, the vast majority are completely inexperienced as to how this will make them react.

There can be so many extreme reactions, from just wanting to get it over and done with to struggling to comprehend this new dynamic in their lives. Traditionally, financial planners have not been introduced into the discussion of divorce until a valuation is needed and therefore, only deal with a snapshot of the numbers on one given day when the settlement is reached. There is usually no investigation into a review of all the options, so our involvement means we can provide advice and consultancy in line with short, medium and longerterm objectives. This is all with the aim of creating clarity in the mind of the person getting divorced so that they can rationalise their financial position, allowing considered choices and

discussions to take place.

As a financial planning company, we pride ourselves on offering advice and consultancy through various life stages. For example, for younger people who are possibly starting families and may need mortgages and financial protection in case things go wrong and separation becomes part of their story. For the over 30s, personal financial planning and business planning focused on accumulating wealth is often an objective, with tax efficiently entwined, and longer-term hopes of retirement.

The Alternative Divorce Company guides people to understand the process they are going to go through and gets them in a state of mind that will help them deal with the situation more clearly. This in turn reduces friction, stress and the costs of the legal side of their case. It might even preserve relationships in the longer term.

John Kelly

EDWARD HANDS & LEWIS SOLICITORS

ehlsolicitors.co.uk

At Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors we know first-hand how difficult it can be, even with the best of intentions, for clients to achieve an amicable divorce without going off the rails into acrimonious disputes. We are committed to providing a more holistic approach to family law. Our services are aimed at those who wish to protect their children from the impact of their parental breakup and whose hope is to maintain amicable and civilised relations with their ex-spouse post divorce. We believe a client working with a lawyer and a divorce coach in

parallel is a recipe for success.

We are pleased to have appointed Lisa-Marie Leanders as our new Head of Family Law, a highly experienced local family lawyer with a superb reputation. Lisa-Marie is accredited in collaborative law techniques and will be applying the ethos of the Alternative Divorce Company to support best practice and to achieve amicable solutions wherever possible for our family clients.

Our family law team has dealt with vast numbers of cases over the years in a caring and sensitive way, including divorce, financial settlements, parenting agreements, cohabitation breakup and domestic violence injunctions.

The Alternative Divorce Company ethos supports the provision of a multi-skilled approach for those who recognise that their marriage has run its course for whatever reason, but are looking to move forward in a positive way. At Edward Hands & Lewis, we want to help clients to come out of the divorce with as little cost to them as possible, both financially and emotionally, and are excited to be collaborating with the Alternative Divorce Company to achieve this. It’s the way forward for family law!

Leanne Hathaway

Lisa-Marie Leanders Head of Family Law

John Kelly

PARADIGM WILLS AND LEGAL SERVICES

paradigm-wills.com

When someone goes through a divorce, there is so much that needs to be arranged from legals to finances, business re-structurng, parenting agreements and much more. The Alternative Divorce Company can now support many individuals by referring to trusted people and businesses who support those in breakup and we are excited to be one of the company’s affiliates. We share in the ethos of the company in its drive to transform the way that divorce is handled.

We have always encouraged anyone going through a divorce to make sure their affairs are in order, especially a Will and Lasting Power of Attorneys. They may have made a Will previously, making their spouse the main beneficiary. So, if they’re going through a breakup, it’s important to make a new Will stating who they want their share

of the estate to go to or who they would want to name as power of attorney. So, continuing to support people through this difficult time made the decision very easy to be associated with The Alternative Divorce Company.

At Paradigm Wills and Legal Services we’re a friendly, caring team of professionals who aim to change how people think about wills and estate planning. There are many myths about Will writing and lots of them come into play when it comes to separating couples. We are highly experienced in the intricacies of the varying different scenarios here and we make sure people have peace of mind by helping to arrange their affairs in the event that their circumstances change.

Satwinder Sidhu

FAMILIA CO-PARENTING SUPPORT

Familia Co-Parenting Support familiacoparenting.org

Traditionally, people going through divorce and separation have had little choice in terms of support, and finding other sources of support has required extensive Google searching or a chance discovery. What’s so unique about The Alternative Divorce Company is that it will allow people to explore a variety of options, and they can then make more informed decisions about which pathway might suit them best. The idea of a ‘one stop’ company to assist with the most difficult aspects of divorce and separation is not only needed but very exciting.

The Alternative Divorce Company will be offering a variety of pathways

to people going through divorce or separation, which creates more choice. As we have always offered what is considered to be a less traditional route in respect of coparenting and proceedings relating to children, this fits with our approach perfectly. We believe that parents and those separating should be given all the options at the outset, including quality support if they decide to selfrepresent.

As a team of McKenzie Friends (people who can support and help you in court if you’re representing yourself), run by a mother and daughter, we offer our services to people who have decided to represent themselves through the Family Court. This includes advice, guidance, assistance with paperwork, and helping with decision making. With 25 years of experience between us, we are able to provide a very reassuring presence for ‘litigants in person’. We also facilitate peer support for parents and have just started to organise monthly meetings for support in Leicestershire, which we hope we will be able to extend in time.

Amanda McPherson

Amanda Mcpherson with daughter and business partner Ashley Pledger

Satwinder Sidhu

THE ALTERNATIVE DIVORCE COMPANY

HOLISTIC LIFE COACHING WITH LISA MARIE

holisticlifecoaching.org.uk

Iam on a mission to help individuals live authentically and unapologetically themselves, inspiring personal growth with integrity at its core. As a certified and accredited international life coach, grief coach, certified grief educator, keynote speaker, podcast host and international best-selling author, I help my clients discover who they are, what makes them tick, and what they value so they can live the life they desire and deserve.

It is important that I live in alignment to my core values personally and professionally with integrity, vulnerability, and authenticity at the forefront of everything I do. After speaking with Glynis on numerous

occasions, it was clear that our values aligned. We care for people, especially those who are going through some of the most difficult times in their life. As Glynis shared the ethos and heart of The Alternative Divorce Company, it was a no brainer to be a part of such a caring organisation.

I offer one to one grief coaching and personal development coaching. I also have an online four-week group coaching and mentoring programme for women, called ‘Wildly Authentic Woman’.

A separation is a huge event in anyone’s life and navigating the changes to your current life and your future one is essential. The holistic approach to The Alternative Divorce Company is like no other. Each client will be listened to and truly cared for, whilst being given the best advice and support to allow them to make the most informed decisions every step of the way. Divorce can be expensive and extremely painful, but it doesn’t have to be.

Lisa Heacock

JIGSAW COUNSELLING

jigsaw-counselling.co.uk

As an experienced family and couples psychotherapist, I witness first-hand the immense cost – both financially and emotionally – that an acrimonious divorce can cause. This damage can trigger inter-generational distress and trauma, with ruptured attachment patterns leaving a lasting legacy. However, I also believe the reverse to be true; a well-managed divorce can set everyone free to follow a healthier emotional pathway, creating excellent foundations for co-parenting.

I’m so excited by the ethos and vision offered by The Alternative Divorce Company whereby separating couples are

given a safe, professional environment in which they can calmly consider the best possible outcome for all involved. The traditional routes, by their very nature, set opposing narratives and a ‘winner takes all’ approach. The children are often the silent victims in all of this. I genuinely believe, particularly at this time of underresourced and over-stretched legal services, the vision as offered by The Alternative Divorce company is the contemporary way forward.

The opportunities to offer couples ground-breaking resources, all working cohesively to ensure the best possible outcome, is uniquely positive in this domain. It will be fascinating to witness the alchemy created by such an environment.

Jigsaw Counselling is a perfect match to Glynis’s company, offering counselling services for couples, individuals and families. I am a senior accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist with 20 years experience. I’m also a systemic trained family therapist and fully qualified to work with young people.

I spent many years in public and private sector companies before setting up Jigsaw Counselling. I offer an integrative therapeutic style, which means I can work from different therapeutic modalities to tailor-make the most effective route to match the client’s needs.

Heather HailesGranger

Heather Hailes-Granger

Lisa Heacock

What people say about Airborne Mortgage Solutions

What people say about Airborne Mortgage Solutions

HELEN FROM LEICESTER

January 2020

HELEN FROM LEICESTER

January 2020

“It was an absolute pleasure working with Airborne Mortgage solutions. It is evident that Mr Lodhia is passionate about what he does and the service received is therefore exceptional. Thank you for turning a daunting experience into a positive one. Forever grateful“

DAN FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT

November 2020

DAN FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT

November 2020

A mortgage that suits your lifestyle is out there We’ll find it for you

BECCA FROM LEICESTER

“It was an absolute pleasure working with Airborne Mortgage solutions. It is evident that Mr Lodhia is passionate about what he does and the service received is therefore exceptional. Thank you for turning a daunting experience into a positive one. Forever grateful“

January 2020

BECCA FROM LEICESTER

January 2020

“Our first mortgage, we had no idea where to start. But after the very first call with Kamlesh he guided us through the whole process from the beginning, right through to the day we collected our keys. With Kamlesh’ professional experience and knowledge he was able to secure us a great mortgage offer. Brilliant mortgage broker, I definitely recommend and will be very happy to use the service of Airborne Mortgage Solutions in the future.

What our clients say:

“We’ve just got the keys to our dream home in St Lawrence on the Sunny Isle of Wight. Kamlesh was fantastic throughout the whole process. He made things super clear and gave candid advice throughout. Moving home is stressful, but Kamlesh always gave us reassurance and belief. We genuinely felt he cared about what happened to us which makes a big difference - would highly recommend. Many thanks Shelley and Dan.”

“We’ve just got the keys to our dream home in St Lawrence on the Sunny Isle of Wight. Kamlesh was fantastic throughout the whole process. He made things super clear and gave candid advice throughout. Moving home is stressful, but Kamlesh always gave us reassurance and belief. We genuinely felt he cared about what happened to us which makes a big difference - would highly recommend. Many thanks Shelley and Dan.”

ASHOK FROM BIRMINGHAM

August 2020

ASHOK FROM BIRMINGHAM

August 2020

Big THANK YOU for your help in getting our first home!

“Our first mortgage, we had no idea where to start. But after the very first call with Kamlesh he guided us through the whole process from the beginning, right through to the day we collected our keys. With Kamlesh’ professional experience and knowledge he was able to secure us a great mortgage offer. Brilliant mortgage broker, I definitely recommend and will be very happy to use the service of Airborne Mortgage Solutions in the future. Big THANK YOU for your help in getting our first home!

FEISAL FROM LEICESTER

FEISAL FROM LEICESTER

Mr Lodhia and Savraj were incredibly professional and prompt with my mortgage. Mr Lodhia was honest, well informed and was able to offer sound advice. I was given options within 24 hours, and they remained supportive throughout the process. I was thoroughly impressed and grateful

January 2020

January 2020

“Having used Airborne Mortgage Solutions on several occasions. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Altogether a first-class professional service. Kamlesh at Mortgage Solutions was really, really helpful when we were looking to move - he made it possible. We also went to Kamlesh when we wanted to re-mortgage & he found us a fantastic deal. Since then, Kamlesh has also been on hand to help with advice when needed! 100% recommend, 5* - Thank you!”

Kam and his team at Airborne have been a real game changer for us. They were understanding of our requirements from the beginning and accessible on the phone throughout the process. We had a fairly complex case, but this didn’t stop Kam from finding a tailored solution for us, and we will be using Airborne again moving forward

“Having used Airborne Mortgage Solutions on several occasions. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Altogether a first-class professional service. Kamlesh at Mortgage Solutions was really, really helpful when we were looking to move - he made it possible. We also went to Kamlesh when we wanted to re-mortgage & he found us a fantastic deal. Since then, Kamlesh has also been on hand to help with advice when needed! 100% recommend, 5* - Thank you!”

KRISHAN FROM LEICESTER

September 2020

KRISHAN FROM LEICESTER

September 2020

“I have been using Airborne for my buy to let mortgage finance for many years now and the service and mortgage rates have been the best I have experienced whilst doing my competitive research. I would highly www.airbornemortgagesolutions.co.uk

My brothers and I were looking to jointly buy our first home and weren’t sure of how to go about it, High street banks couldn’t help us. A friend recommended Kamlesh at Airborne Mortgage Solutions. He understood what we wanted and advised us on a great mortgage Call

“I have been using Airborne for my buy to let mortgage finance for many years now and the service and mortgage rates have been the best I have experienced whilst doing my www.airbornemortgagesolutions.co.uk

“An excellent mortgage broker. Very professional and keeps you in the loop. We managed to get our mortgage very fast and without any issues. Always just a phone call away to give support and advice. Kamlesh explains the process and provide options as well and answering any questions you may have. We are first time buyers and it was a nice easy smooth process. I would definitely recommend using

“An excellent mortgage broker. Very professional and keeps you in the loop. We managed to get our mortgage very fast and without any issues. Always just a phone call away to give support and advice. Kamlesh explains the process and provide options as well and answering any questions you may have. We are first time buyers and it was a nice easy smooth process. I

e ve it e y our okers…

CornerHome

The place in which we live is more than that, its our home.

I’m looking at what it means to decorate your rental home, modern ways to sell your property, and how adding plants to your home can make a big difference to the aesthetics and health of the air!

WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

MAKE YOUR RENTAL YOUR HOME

There’s a growing movement of interior designers encouraging renters to find dynamic ways to improve the decoration in their home without losing their deposit. In addition, there are those who are encouraging them to work on their interiors in a way that they love – even if it does mean losing their deposit.

Having rented my property for over five years now, I find this whole trend fascinating. My landlord appears from a distance to be pretty relaxed about things. I’ve kept the walls white, hung up some pictures and asked permission before getting a cat.

However, despite this relaxed approach, I have never thought I might be able to decorate, add shelves or change flooring, for example, even though it is my home, has been for a long time and likely will be for a little

bit longer. I simply thought I wouldn’t be allowed; that I’d be pushing my luck when it comes to getting my deposit back, which already feels like a worry due to the general wear and tear after five years – who knows what counts as wear and tear? And, what changes will make me lose my deposit?

There’s quite a bit to worry about –so, largely, I’ve kept it low key. If it was ‘mine’ though, there’s lots I would do differently, especially to the garden and the wall colours, but I haven’t touched

them because of these worries. Oddly, I have felt like somehow even though it’s my home, I shouldn’t spend my money on something temporary. It’s only now I am writing this five years into renting that I see that as a little silly.

Here’s my guide to decorating your rental with a more permanent mindset without potentially losing your deposit.

TOP 5 RENTAL RENOVATIONS

1. Temporary wallpaper

I personally have used temporary wallpaper on the tiles that were in the decorative fireplaces; the colours just didn’t go with my designs in the room. It’s cheap, leaves no marks and is a great way of either covering a design you don’t like or adding colour and design to a space that is plain.

2. Put the pictures up!

Most landlords will accept that tenants will want to put pictures up. If you use proper wall fixings and are prepared to repair holes upon moving out, there really shouldn’t be a deposit issue here.

despite my landlord’s relaxed approach, I have never thought I might be able to decorate, add shelves or change flooring, for example

3. Invest in furniture

The temptation can be to make everything temporary, including the purchase of furniture such as a chest of drawers or wardrobe that you genuinely like. Chances are, when you move out, you’re going to need a removal van anyway. You can always move the furniture and it can make such a big difference to the look of a room.

4. Paint

Not every landlord will be OK with you painting, but some will be happy for you to as long as it’s done well. You might think that you don’t want to spend on the walls this way, but paint can be very reasonable. And, transforming that yellow bathroom with some white paint or adding a dark painted feature wall will be more than worth the low investment!

5. Add plants and soft furnishings

Go for full personality with lots of plants or floral arrangements and soft textiles such as rugs, cushions, curtains and even lighting – you can change the main ceiling light shade, for example. It creates that casual lived-in aesthetic and doesn’t cause any damage.

Of course, you could just see it as your home, make your amendments and not worry about your deposit. Why not have your house decorated as you like, for the price of your deposit? Especially if you’re staying put for longer than a year or two?

However, before anything too major, it’s best to consult with your landlord. You might be surprised to learn that they’re happy with your changes, especially if it only adds value to the property overall.

THE MODERN WAY TO SELL

There’s been growing popularity for online auctions in the sale of property. In fact, according to auctionhouse.co.uk, the auction market revenue reached its highest annual rate in the past ten years, with an 11.3% increase in the number of auction sales over the previous year. In 2023, Auction House achieved remarkable results, setting new records.

The nationwide auction group generated an astounding £641m in property sales last year, demonstrating growth in lots offered, lots sold, and total revenue from the previous year.

Auction House presented 6,622 properties for sale in 2023, a substantial 34% rise from the previous year’s 4,950 properties.

The group successfully sold 4,841 properties, showing a remarkable increase of 22% compared to their sales in 2022.

WHY ARE HOUSEPLANTS GOOD FOR YOUR HOME?

House plants are not only attractive additions to any living space, but they also offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance your home environment.

One of the many reasons why house plants are good for the home is their ability to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, helping to improve the air quality in your home. This can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

Additionally, house plants can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that being around plants can have a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting relaxation

and a sense of tranquillity. Taking care of plants can also be a therapeutic activity, allowing you to disconnect from the stresses of daily life.

Furthermore, house plants can add a touch of nature to your indoor space, creating a more inviting and peaceful ambience. They can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and bring a sense of freshness to any room.

So, house plants are not just decorative elements; they are beneficial companions that can improve the air quality, reduce stress and enhance the overall atmosphere of your home. So why not bring some greenery indoors and enjoy the many advantages that house plants have to offer?

The modern online auction, akin to eBay, features a distinct pricing structure to encourage multiple bidders to compete and drive up the property price. Following this, the property is promoted in a pre-auction marketing status (PAM) on platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla. Meanwhile, an auction pack comprising essential documents and legal details is compiled for potential buyers and their solicitors. Subsequently, an auction end date is set based on the interest generated during the advertising phase.

By using this sales method, sellers have the option to avoid paying commission. Instead, the successful bidder covers this cost, ensuring their financial commitment to the sale. Upon acceptance, the buyer is required to pay a non-refundable reservation fee, typically after the auction concludes and a reserve price is met or exceeded. The fee is often much lower this way than traditional methods.

This approach helps secure a committed buyer, significantly reducing the risk of a sale falling through compared to an open market transaction where no commitment is guaranteed. Buyers must finalise the purchase within 56 days of receiving draft contracts, with the aim of exchanging contracts within 28 days.

The goal is for all parties to complete the sale within a maximum of eight weeks.

The auction process differs significantly from selling on the open market. It not only provides a more secure and swift way to sell property, but it also ensures the best possible price at that moment.

Connecting Leicester

Leicester’s progression towards a pedestrianised city centre continues, with the creation of a pocket park link between Market Place and Cank Street; a new opportunity for retailers

Leicester City Council’s strategic redevelopment of the city centre has led to the engagement of architects Hickman & Smith to design the latest regenerative project.

A new connective path between Market Place and Cank Street will comprise the demolition of units 14 and 16 Market Place. The remaining properties at 12, 18 and 20 will create an opportunity for new businesses in the retail (class E), bars and restaurants sectors.

The pocket park link will extend the existing buildings alongside the addition of a new shipping container retail development, brightening up the edge of Green Dragon Square.

The pedestrianisation of the city centre runs parallel to Leicester having one of the best green transport networks in the country, with significant investment into a zero-carbon bus station, electric bus fleet and improved cycle routes, all of which have been recognised as a national success.

WORDS BY TOM YOUNG

Elsewhere, the Covid-era pop up scheme to create more outdoor seating space in Granby Street has been made permanent.

Work was carried out during the first quarter of the year to convert the former pay-and-display parking bays – which have been out of use for three years - into wider, high-quality footpaths, allowing for extra outdoor café seating to enhance the route

between the railway station and the city centre.

The verdict on plans to revamp the railway station itself is expected in July this year. In December 2023, approval was given to demolish the neighbouring pub, The Parcel Yard, in order to create space for the new station entrance.

The combination of these projects will create a whole new gateway for visitors arriving in the city.

Looking good, not fake

Unnatural and overdone isn’t how modern beauty treatments have to be Words

by Emily Miller

In the last two years, the rise of aesthetic treatments in the UK has been huge, with 7.7 million people having had an aesthetic treatment in the UK in the last 12 months. That’s 11% of the population, according to Policy Bee.

So, it’s most definitely increasing in popularity. And, as with anything on the upward trajectory to this scale, there’s often a rise in negative narratives alongside it.

With many clinics battling some of the negative press about aesthetic treatments, Niche journalist Emily Miller asked leading Aesthetic Doctor (and social media sensation) Dr Nora, why the bad press? “I think we need to look at where the opinion is directed – often you might hear people say that ‘too many young people are having procedures done’, or that ‘someone has had so many procedures done that they look fake’ or that it ‘doesn’t suit them’.”

So, is experience and consultation key to combating the negativity? I ask Nora. “Absolutely; a good practitioner wouldn’t allow someone to get what I deem ‘unnecessary procedures’ – I only ever want my clients to look good without looking fake.”

This, I add, must be down to experience of the people that are providing procedures too? Meaning, that many people can provide nonsurgical procedures now.

“Yes, when people are going to have procedures by practitioners that might be fully trained in providing lip fillers, for example, but not having a great deal of medical experience or of real consultation. They may not be able to offer a long-term perspective for their client or the journey they are on.”

I know that Dr Nora isn’t about short-term ‘fixes’, it’s a journey that she goes on with her clients with extensive consultation that puts honesty at the forefront of the work. “It feels like it’s about integrity for me, and it’s personal. I don’t want my clients to have work done by me that’s fake-looking, predominantly for them, but also for my work! I would always advise only having work done by doctors who don’t appear fake to you. Ultimately, people shouldn’t look like they have had work done – they should simply look their best, that’s how they will feel their best!”

Post-treatment, clients can even call Dr Nora personally with any further questions or advice. “I am always available to our clients if they want to chat about their options or have

questions after over the phone or through Instagram messages. I know this helps them to get to the honesty of what they don’t need doing more than anything. It’s real advice, much like you might get from a friend. It prevents clients from getting ‘carried away’ with procedures that might make the work look fake – I wouldn’t let my friend get the wrong work done so she looks fake, so I won’t let my clients either.”

GEN Z the side hustlers

Some say it’s the new wave in entrepreneurship, led by Gen Z. Others say it began with millennials who needed to pay the bills, showing the next generation how to earn more. Either way, the side hustle is a big deal in 2024

WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

Driven by the aim to gain more financial freedom and stability, Gen Zers (born between 1997 and 2012, although these years are widely debated) and millennials (1981-1996) are coming up with creative ways to make more money.

With the strongest desire of all the generational groups to have hybrid working options, Gen Z and millennials are seeking more accommodating arrangements. They want work/life balance and flexible hours to work on their passion projects.

Although they may strive for similar things, millennials are side hustling to generate more income to

live comfortably. It’s Gen Z that has taken the side hustle to the next level, rejecting the idea that their 9 to 5 is part of their identity.

In 2024, 43% of Brits have a side hustle as an additional source of income. On average, they’re making around £207 a week, or £900 a month from these secondary money makers.

While millennials make the most from side hustles, with an average income of £1,208 a month, Gen Z accounts for the majority of side hustlers. The analysis from Finder.com reported that more than two-thirds (68%) of Gen Z are earning money from side hustles.

Why Gen Z are side hustling harder Millennials have struggled through recessions and a cost-of-living crisis and Gen Z witnessed their 9 to 5 restraints and anxieties. The coronavirus pandemic then saw us break away from inherited ideas around work, such as the need to be in the office, that we had to answer work calls out of hours, or that work comes first, even before family.

Almost a third of Gen Z respondents to a Fiverr survey said one motivation to leave full-time employment is that there is ‘less chance of being laid off or replaced by AI’, and 17% believe that UK companies have no loyalty to employees.

So, it’s not just aspiration and freedom that drives Gen Z to sack off the 9 to 5; it’s fears around financial security.

Gen Z will account for 27% of the workforce by 2025 (McCrindle) and companies are going to have to make exceptions to their traditional rules to attract them to their workforce. Whether they choose to work for a company or not, they’ll continue to reinvent ways to make money.

What side hustles are out there?

There’s no glass ceiling, it seems, when it comes to the side hustle. However, secondary incomes seem best made from pre-existing skills or interests.

I know many side hustlers who have chosen to boost their income from a subject they’d previously studied, a cause they felt strongly about, a hobby they were already engaged in, a skill they’d developed during Covid-19 lockdowns, or a knowledge base they’d built over years based purely on intrigue.

Turning his hobby into a professional offering, Matt Barton-Ashcroft is a freelance fitness instructor on the side. Investing some of her savings in learning how to do lashes and brows, Becci Houlston created her business, Lazy Lash. Katie Brennan developed an online female empowerment blog called Girls Can. Theatre company

KW Productions was set up alongside Keiran Whelan-Newby’s day job as a retirement housing officer. Joshua Taylor-Williams also founded a theatre company, Williams Creatives, whilst continuing his career in education. Tom Young founded The Same Faces improvised comedy group, which he tours the UK with during evenings and weekends. Silversmith Kat Ardley began crafting jewellery from her spare room – her brand Stop the Moon became so popular that she’s now able to do it full-time in her own studio. Whilst studying at university, Danielle Tomlinson offered hand-drawn portraits of people’s pets and is now a full-time artist commissioning urbanstyle paintings of animals. There’s money to be made from your skill set. It could be:

● Renting out your room or driveway

● Buying and selling

● Tutoring

● Freelancing

● Influencing

● Podcasting

● Photography

● Blogging

● Fashion designing

● Landscaping

● Decorating

● Food delivery

● Dog walking

HOW TO SIDE HUSTLE WHILE WORKING A 9 TO 5

Check with your employer

In case of a conflict of interest, it’s always best to let your full-time employer know what you’re doing. Let them know your plans so you can clarify whether you might cross boundaries. Employers should be OK with you making money outside of work if there is no conflict of interest and it doesn’t disrupt your working hours.

Should you be paying tax?

Once you start making money outside of your main job, track how much money you’ve made and keep logs of what you’ve needed to fork out for and include receipts. This is because anyone who makes more than £1,000 a year from their side hustle will need to tell HMRC and complete a self-assessment form. Be aware that, as part of HMRC’s crackdown to tackle tax evasion, digital platforms like Amazon, Deliveroo, Upwork and Uber are required to report when people are earning through them.

Stay on top of both income streams

Don’t let your day job suffer at the hands of your passion project. Likewise, you don’t want to ruin your own reputation by not fulfilling expectations that form your side hustle. Make sure you’re organised by sticking to set hours to work on your secondary money maker. Work smarter, not harder by using apps and spreadsheets for prioritising workloads.

Take care of yourself

Don’t allow yourself to lose sleep or touch with friends and family. Your side hustle should elevate your lifestyle, not compromise it. The key is remembering your ‘why’. Remind yourself why you started this side hustle. If it was to gain financial freedom but you’re tied to your desk 5 to 9 every day, then something may need to change.

Doctors’ orders AROUND FACIAL AESTHETICS

Soften those 11s between the brows, plump the lips to a pillowy perfection – it’s so tempting now that non-surgical cosmetic treatments have become quicker and cheaper

WORDS

BY KERRY SMITH

More than seven million people had an aesthetic treatment in the UK between January 2023 and January 2024 and 13.9 million people are considering it in the following 12 months (Rare Group). There are also tonnes of providers to choose from, making it easy enough to fit treatments into a lunch break. But after over 3,000 complaints to the Government in 2022, they’re calling for professionals and individuals to give insights on proposed measures to ensure safety and quality.

Speaking to Dr Ravi Damani and Dr Karishma Kanabar, the clinicians who make up Dr & Dr Aesthetics, it’s clear that safety and quality are a top concern for professionals in the industry.

“Anyone can provide treatments, there is no regulation. Someone can work in finance and start doing facial procedures,” Karishma said. This is the idea behind the husband and wife’s company name: to assure patients that they’re dealing with suitably qualified healthcare professionals.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN A CLINIC

Karishma, a resident dentist at Smile

Essential Dental Practice, and Ravi who is an NHS doctor, say that products can now easily be obtained from black markets and foreign countries which allows people to practice at cheaper

rates, whereas Dr & Dr Aesthetics use only government-approved products.

“People seeking these treatments need to check their practitioner is appropriately trained, insured and credible, because there are associated risks which are underappreciated in our industry,” Ravi advised.

Patients should look out for the CE mark which signifies that products comply with health, safety and environmental protection standards.

WHY HAVE COSMETIC PROCEDURES?

Many patients are seemingly more open to admitting to treatments nowadays, with some even tagging their provider in their social media posts sparking vanity vs confidence debates.

“It doesn’t make a person vain for wanting to look the best version of themselves. Tattoos, teeth whitening and having hair and nails done is never associated with vanity. Our goal is to empower our patients to feel their best physical selves,” Ravi explains.

Their patients range from those in their early 20s to late 60s. One 23-yearold patient recently had injectables to reduce prominent wrinkles on the forehead, while an older patient wanted fuller lips as they had in their youth.

Karishma said: “We’re all going to grow older and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not about making someone who’s 60 look 20, it’s about giving our patients their confidence back.”

HOW DO TREATMENTS WORK?

Dr & Dr Aesthetics use hyaluronic acid – a natural sugar molecule that occurs in our bodies but breaks down as we age – for facial rejuvenation and lip and

People seeking these treatments need to check their practitioner is appropriately trained, insured and credible

dermal fillers. This helps to restore the skin’s youthful appearance.

Anti-wrinkle procedures, such as Botox, use naturally occurring proteins to block the messages transferred between nerves and muscles, causing them to relax and smooth out lines.

Injectables can also be used to reduce sweat production for people in jobs where it’s socially unacceptable to have sweat patches or those who experience excessive sweating.

Check in on @DrAndDrAesthetics and dranddraesthetics.co.uk to see the results.

CULTURE

THEATRE

IN LEICESTER

There’s an epic season of stage entertainment this year and we’re lucky enough to enjoy the magic of many theatres across the county. Kerry Smith lists just a handful of the incredible choices of show coming up at some of our greatest theatres

CURVE

curveonline.co.uk

SIX May 2-12 | From £10

BEST FOR: WEST END TOURING BIG BUDGET SHOWS MUSICALS

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical Six makes its royal return to Leicester following its previous sell-out success!

RENT June 4-8 | From £10

Based loosely on Puccini’s La Bohème, Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, in the midst of the AIDS crisis.

A CHORUS LINE

June 28 – July 13 | From £10

A musical masterpiece that revolutionised Broadway, with creator Michael Bennett using real-life testimonies from late-night recording sessions with dancers.

KILWORTH HOUSE

kilworthhouse.co.uk/kilworth-house-theatre

LAVELLES – THE LADIES OF MOTOWN

April 20 | £89

An exciting, smooth, slick homage to the golden era of America's soulful vocal stylists. Prices include ticket, welcome drink, three-course dinner plus coffee and petit fours.

MURDER MYSTERY BADA BING BADA BOOM!

May 31 | £60

You've got a 'moider' to solve! Ticket price includes arrival drink, three-course dinner and murder mystery entertainment.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

June 18 - July 28 | From £49

One of the world’s best loved movies and Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival in 2001, Singin’ in the Rain’ features all the songs from the glorious MGM score.

THE LITTLE THEATRE

thelittletheatre.co.uk

LEGALLY BLONDE

BEST FOR: MUSICALS & PLAYS

LOW PRICES

LOCAL TALENT

April 16-20 | From £17

Based on the novel and smash hit motion picture, Legally Blonde: The Musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner.

DANGEROUS CORNER

April 29 – May 4 | From £15

JB Priestley, author of An Inspector Calls, again plays with time in this gripping play, showing what might happen should a careless, seemingly innocent question, be asked.

GREASE May 21-25 | £19

Following the success of last year’s award-winning production of Ghost, WAOS are proud to present their production of Grease

TABLE MANNERS

June 10-15 | From £15

The events of one weekend, as seen from the dining room in this serving from Alan Ayckbourn’s Norman Conquests trilogy.

THE DARLING BUDS OF MAY

July 1-6 | From £15

A wonderfully warm-hearted adaptation by H E Bates of his novel that led to the 1991 television series.

CONCORDIA

concordiatheatre.co.uk

SALUTE TO SINATRA & THE KINGS OF COOL

April 21 | £22

BEST FOR: TRIBUTES

LOCAL TALENT

LOW PRICES

Award winning singer Matt Ford and his all-star band perform the hits of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Michael Bublé, Dean Martin, Matt Monro and many more.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR

DREAMCOAT

May 7-18 | £17

The story of Joseph and his coat of many colours comes alive in this musical retelling.

DIVA OF THE DECADES

June 1 | From £15

Diva promises to have you on the edge of your seat, singing along and dancing to the timeless hits of incredible divas such as Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston.

THE Y THEATRE

ytheatre.co.uk

BEST FOR: MUSIC COMEDY SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE

HEJIRA: CELEBRATING JONI MITCHELL

April 18 | From £5

Expect an evening of the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue, such as ‘Amelia’, ‘Woodstock’, ‘A Case Of You’, ‘Song For Sharon’, ‘Edith And The Kingpin’ etc.!

THE VOICES OF BLACK FOLK

April 26-27 | From £15

Learn about the true character of black leaders such as Septimius Severus, an African emperor of Rome, who campaigned in northern Britain in an attempt to subdue the Scots and expand the empire.

JOHN LYDON: I COULD BE WRONG, I COULD BE RIGHT

June 23 | From £33

The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. In this spoken word show, he will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career.

DE MONTFORT HALL

demontforthall.co.uk

BEST FOR: MUSIC COMEDY TRIBUTES

THE MUSIC OF ZIMMER VS. WILLIAMS

April 27 | From £35.50

Music from The Lion King, Top Gun, Gladiator, Superman, Man of Steel, Harry Potter, Inception, Jurassic Park, The Dark Knight Rises, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars and many more.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

May 10 | £34

This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other.

STRANGER SINGS!

May 22-23 | From £36

Straight from off-Broadway to a UK premiere three-month sell-out run in London, this award-winning sci-fi spoof is a wild, irreverent twist on the hit Netflix series.

RHOD GILBERT AND THE GIANT GRAPEFRUIT

June 15 | £38.50

Hilariously dark, passionate and way too personal, this is classic Gilbert, squeezing every last drop out of life’s latest curveballs... with a little help from an old adversary.

TREASURES LOCAL AND NATIONAL ART

City Centre Director Sarah Harrison discloses the latest of Leicester’s art news

RENOIR MASTERPIECE TO BE SHOWN IN LEICESTER IN NATIONAL TREASURES PROJECT

One of the world’s most iconic impressionist paintings will take pride of place in a landmark exhibition at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery.

National Treasures: Renoir in Leicester will see PierreAuguste Renoir’s masterpiece The Umbrellas loaned to the city from May as part of UK-wide commemorations marking 200 years of the National Gallery in London.

The National Treasures project, which forms part of the National Gallery’s NG200 year-long festival of arts and culture, will see 12 important artworks being loaned to 12 cities around the UK, including Leicester. It will be the first time that the paintings have left the gallery since they were acquired.

National Treasures is a key strand of the programme celebrating the National Gallery’s Bicentenary. Each partner venue will receive a masterpiece from the gallery’s collection and will curate around it, involving interpretation, community engagement and events, or exhibitions.

Christine Riding, the Jacob Rothschild Head of Curatorial Department, said: “We thought carefully about where to

send these most iconic and well-loved paintings in our collection. As well as being able to look after these works to an extremely high standard, we approached our partners for National Treasures because of their exciting ideas and brilliant reputations within their community.

“We are very excited to see the interpretation and audiences that our partners will bring to these most treasured paintings.”

Renoir was one of the best-known painters from the impressionist movement, centred around Paris from the 1860s and 1870s onwards, which also includes artists such as Claude Monet, Eduard Manet and Edgard Degas.

The Umbrellas, painted between 1881-86, is considered one of the greatest works of impressionist art and shows a busy Paris street scene full of people using umbrellas against the rain.

Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, added: “In our Bicentenary year, we want to reaffirm our role as the nation’s gallery. Our collection belongs to the British public and we’re very pleased to work with such an exciting range of

PHOTOGRAPHY: BETH WALSH

NICHE CULTURE FEATURE

partner venues to help realise this.

“These exhibitions provide a unique opportunity for people all over the country to see up close some of the greatest works from the history of Western art – and we hope that many visitors will discover their local museums and be inspired to visit us in Trafalgar Square to see even more of our collection.”

The displays will all open simultaneously on May 10, the 200-year anniversary of the National Gallery’s opening in London. For the duration of the exhibitions, 35 million people – more than half the UK population – will be within an hour’s journey of a National Gallery masterpiece. The paintings will be loaned for between two and four months, with the final displays concluding on September 10.

More on the 12 partners and paintings they’re receiving can be found at leicestermuseums.org/news/nationaltreasures-renoir-in-leicester.

LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL

OPEN: THE PEOPLE’S EXHIBITION

The Open Exhibition celebrated its thirty-third year at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, attracting nearly 1,000 artists’ entries from complete beginners to seasoned professionals aged 19 and over.

Entry was open to artists who lived or studied in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Northamptonshire. Work by young artists aged five to 18 was also on display during the exhibition, which ran from December 16, 2023 to January 19, 2024.

A portrait that shows a characterful male face in profile won the top prize. Ken Tye: A Portrait by artist Pete Underhill painted in oil on illustration board was awarded the £1,000 Attenborough Prize at a ceremony at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.

Pete is the first artist to have been awarded the Attenborough Prize twice, having previously won it in 2019. The subject for his winning portrait this year was a man he met at a classic car show in Leicestershire – an ex-miner and retired bus driver called Ken Tye.

“When I explained to Ken that I paint portraits of people I find interesting and that he had a fabulous face, he patiently allowed me to gather my references to enable me to complete this work,” said Pete.

“As a member of the Leicester Society of Artists, I regularly submit work to the Leicester Open, but I was more than shocked to be awarded the Attenborough Prize for the second time.”

Attenborough Prizes were also awarded in the children and young people category. Ellena Wardle’s self-portrait won her top place in the 16–18 years category. Olivia Van Der Ende’s piece Trauma won the 11-15 years category, while Ava Green-Varnham scooped the prize for 5–10-year-olds with her interpretation of Wednesday.

The Open is generously sponsored by Arch Creative, Art House, Leicester Museums & Galleries Development Trust, Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) East Midlands, Curve, De Montfort Hall, LCB Depot, Leicester Gallery, Leicester Print Workshop, Leicester Lo-Fi Photography, Soft Touch Arts and The Sparks Arts for Children.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BETH WALSH

Riders reveal sponsorship packages for 2024-25

Leicester Riders have launched their sponsorship packages for next season - with a host of opportunities on offer for businesses of all sizes.

From player sponsorship to full kit deals, each package is designed to offer maximum benefit for your brand. By associating with the UK’s oldest basketball club, partners can reach audiences around Leicestershire and to a global audience of viewers on Sky Sports and YouTube.

The new guide also sets out a range of hospitality options, with its 1967 Club hosting corporate guests, and the Mezzanine offering a unique view of the action for up to 50 guests having fun at office parties and family events. Game day sponsorship packages build

Remaining games 2023-24

Friday 22 March (7.30pm): Caledonia Gladiators

Sunday 31 March (3pm): Newcastle Eagles

Thursday 4 April (7.45pm): Bristol Flyers

Friday 19 April (7.45pm): Manchester Giants

For tickets, call 0116 326 9700 or visit riders.basketball/tickets

awareness of your brand, while partners can also explore a range of advertising opportunities, from courtside hoardings to promotion through the club’s digital media platforms.

Why sponsor the Riders?

There’s the brand benefit of being associated with the UK’s oldest professional basketball club and the biggest indoor venue in Leicester.

You can also tie CSR objectives into the Leicester Riders Foundation - the trusted partner of a host of community programmes around the city and county.

Partners also get access to the Riders Business Club - a unique networking platform offering the opportunity to connect with other prominent sponsors, partners, and supporters.

Scan the QR code to view Leicester Riders’ sponsorship opportunities for next season

LEICESTER’S BIGGEST EXPORT

One of the UK’s most successful bands is set to play a Victoria Park Summer Solstice show on July 6. Emily Miller sets the scene

Arguably Leicester’s biggest export (certainly our coolest) Kasabian have six number one albums, multiple awards and stadium tours under their belt. They have done things differently from the start, relocating to a remote farmhouse to produce their music here in Leicestershire leading to a collaborative and communal lifestyle. They held notorious gigs that picked up interest with gig-goers locally – I know a few people who attended these early gigs at the farm wearing it like a badge of honour as long-time fans of the band. Their electronic, rock-orientated sound came at a high time for alternative music in the UK with the charts full of alternative music. Kasabian were unique to this new popular alternative music scene however, with early singles Club Foot and Processed Beats commanding audiences to dance, belting out every lyric across dancefloors UK-wide. Their self-titled debut album released in 2004 and whilst it only reached number four – unlike their subsequent five studio albums reaching number one – it made a huge impact on the scene. Their press style did too with lead singer Tom Meighan and lead guitarist and vocalist Sergio Pizzorno injecting much-needed personality into the scene with plenty of soundbites for the UK music press to delight in.

I consider myself an ‘indie kid of the 2000s’ and therefore, as part of the scene here in Leicester, often found myself watching the band perform live and climb the charts and popularity with each new release. I even did so in Paris once and felt so much pride that a Leicester band was taking the world by storm. They have always been grateful to the fans who have been with them from the start, as they grew in popularity and success, it didn’t change them – I recall Sergio even offering to buy us a drink at the party after for our troubles!

TO PLAY VICTORIA PARK MARK II

Success happened. Big time. The band scored charttoppers with Empire (2006), West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009), Velociraptor (2011), 48:13 (2014) and For Crying Out Loud (2017). Their latest album, released in 2022 with its alternative line-up that sees Sergio on lead vocals after Tom’s departure, Alchemist’s Euphoria marks their sixth number one album. Their seventh is on the way later this year entitled Happenings. During that time, they have had major stadium tours, headlined huge festival slots and played our own Victoria Park over 10 years ago.

Summer Solstice mark II, aka massive second homecoming 'Vicki park' gig, is on its way this July 6, again at Victoria Park, this time with support from Kaiser Chiefs.

Sergio said of the second must-see gig of its kind:

“We are truly honoured to be playing Victoria Park in our beloved hometown, with all our people for summer solstice two. We cannot wait to get out there and play the biggest party of the summer with you all. See you in the mosh pit.”

MUSIC FESTIVAL PICKS

and-coming artists.Glastonbudget is not just about the music. It's also a family-friendly festival with activities and entertainment for all ages. Kids can enjoy face painting, circus skills workshops, and even their own music stage. And of course, no festival is complete without great food and drink. Glastonbudget offers a range of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Y NOT FESTIVAL

Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire

When: August 2-4, 2024

Who: Snow Patrol, Jamie T, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks, The Vaccines, Yard Act

Tickets: ynotfestival.com

For one weekend every year, the stunning Peak District countryside transforms into the lively and vibrant Y Not Festival. What started as a small gathering of young people at an overflowing house party in the depths of Derbyshire has grown organically, yet still retains the carefree and fun-loving spirit of its early years. Despite its growth, the festival is still managed by the same passionate team of enthusiasts.With breath-taking panoramic views of the countryside, an impressive selection of local ales and ciders, a mouth-watering array

Niche music journalist Emily Miller previews her top three festivals for the region and their headliners this summer

an experience that should not be missed. All you need is your sense of adventure and a killer fancy dress outfit to make unforgettable memories.

CAMP BESTIVAL

Where: Weston Park, Shropshire

When: August 15 - 18, 2024

Who: Faithless, Paloma Faith, Rick Astley, McFly, Orbital, The Darkness, Level 42

Tickets: shropshire.campbestival.net

A festival firmly fixed as one the best family festivals on the UK calendar, there’s a whole host of jam-packed activities and fun as Camp Bestival returns to the beautiful grounds and woodland of Weston Park. The lineup includes Horrible Histories: Rotten Royals, Brainiac Live, Dick and Dom, Hacker T Dog & Katie Thistleton, as well as mischief and singalongs from Mr Tumble, Mister Maker, Mr Motivator, Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer and The Pop Bingo Disco. As Camp Bestival’s name suggests, the campsites are excellent. There are several different types of camping and accommodation fields at Camp Bestival – each with car parks relatively close by to reduce how far you’ll need to walk with all your kit (phew!), and each with tasty food stalls, recycling points, and showers.

RETURNS FOR ITS 21ST EDITION

Recently described as 'the last sincere festival experience' by VICE, Download continually proves just why people keep coming back for more.

The UK’s premier rock festival is back with Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, Avenged Sevenfold and more this June. Emily Miller previews Leicestershire's heaviest weekend...

Download Festival returns for its 21st instalment, reborn and recharged in 2024 as DLXXI. Announced so far are headliners Queens Of The Stone Age, Fall Out Boy and Avenged Sevenfold, as well as over 80 more huge names from the rock world. This year’s festival will take place on June 14-16 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Also announced are UK and international heavyweights Royal Blood, The Offspring, Sum 41, Corey Taylor, Machine Head, Pantera, BABYMETAL, Fear Factory, While She Sleeps, Billy Talent, Bowling For Soup, The Used, Hoobastank (playing ‘The Reason’ in full), Atreyu, Counterparts, Bad Omens, Dying Fetus, The Black Dahlia Murder, Those Damn Crows, Holding Absence, Silverstein, Charlotte Sands, Thy Art Is Murder, Fit For A King and so many more. The headliners and other acts announced highlight the multi-generational appeal of the festival, with something for everyone.

Download Festival’s Andy Copping says: “After our unbelievable 20th anniversary celebrations last year, we couldn’t be more excited about what DLXXI has in store. I can’t wait to join the fans there – it is our home. With first time headliners and our first headline partner, Liquid Death we are embracing the evolution of Download Festival. We have the best and friendliest community together and we can’t wait to celebrate the next 20 years with you all.”

Queens Of The Stone Age will be headlining Download for the very first time this year. Last time they played at Donington was in 2013, and now they return over a decade later to headline at the hallowed grounds. Formed in 1996, the band have been a driving force in modern rock music.

This year’s critically acclaimed In Times New Roman… album saw the band once again at their heaviest, darkest and twisted best. Known for their dynamic live performances, QOTSA have maintained a devoted fan base throughout their career, solidifying their status as rock icons.

Fall Out Boy need no introduction, but it will also be their first ever time headlining at Download Festival. Formed in Chicago in 2001, the Grammy-winning pop punk band have gone from strength to strength, selling millions of records and winning countless awards for their energetic live shows.

The festival’s grand finale will come at the hands of Avenged Sevenfold, who last headlined Download in 2018.

The Californian heavy metal five-piece – which recently released their eighth studio album – fronted by M. Shadows, have sold over eight million albums since they formed in 1999 and are well known for their incendiary live shows.

Download’s legacy includes the sensational artists who have performed there over the years as well as its unrivalled community, warm atmosphere and amazing afterhours entertainment at District X.

Tickets can be purchased at downloadfestival.co.uk.

BRING THE PAINT

The streets of Leicester are once again set to be transformed by large-scale pieces of public art throughout the week of May 20-26, 2024.

Award-winning festival, Bring The Paint (BTP), boasts the largest line-up of internationally acclaimed street artists in the UK, with this year’s edition set to be its most ambitious yet. Over 30 large-scale public artworks will be created across the city, by artists both local and international. Additionally, there will be exhibitions, workshops, live music, street art tours, and other family-friendly activities.

Izzy Peacock, artistic director of BTP, said: “We are incredibly excited to stage Bring The Paint for the fourth time in Leicester. Our world-class line-up speaks for itself, and we are proud to be working with such an incredible selection of artists. The festival is set to be one of the biggest street art events in the UK this year.”

Leicester’s annual celebration of street art returns this May for its fourth year.

Tom Young speaks to the artistic director

Since the first festival in 2017, BTP has drastically changed and improved the visual landscape of the city, creating one of the largest free open-air art galleries in the world.

The festival is produced by local arts organisation Graffwerk, with the theme of this year being collaboration. It brings together artists from across the world who would not normally meet and gives the public a chance to witness the spectacular works being created first hand. It will see world renowned artists from Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, Portugal, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France and the UK.

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I’m delighted that the city council is sponsoring Graffwerk to bring the event here once again this May and look forward to welcoming world-class street artists from around the globe to our city.”

Over the seven days, the festival will attract thousands of visitors to the city to witness the artists’ progress as they paint fresh locations. There will be many opportunities for all ages to get involved with workshops, live music, multiple exhibitions located around the city, and both walking and cycle street art tours.

Simon Jenner, director of BID Leicester, said: “The festival has an international reach, helping to put Leicester on the map as a cultural destination and showcasing the city’s creative spirit.

“Our businesses will benefit from increased visitors to the city centre, and the festival’s legacy of vibrant and colourful artwork will continue to make Leicester a more attractive place for residents and regular city centre users.”

The full festival line up, a map, and a list of sites is available at bringthepaint.co.uk.

CULTURE REVIEW

MOVING IN THE

SHADOWS

A new documentary about Leicester’s creative scene in the 1960s has been released online, with a pay-per-view model to raise funds for Soft Touch Arts and BrightSparks Arts in Mental Health

Group

Words by Tom Young

Moving in the Shadows is a 100-minute documentary that delves into the vibrant creative scene of 1960s Leicester. The film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, exploring the artistic and cultural movements that shaped Leicester’s identity during this transformative era.

Set against a backdrop of post-war Britain, the combination of archival footage, interviews with key figures, and expert analysis studies the newfound opportunities and freedom that enabled young people to create new identities and spearhead innovation in fashion, music, literature, art and design. Leicester, like many provincial cities, became a hub for this creative revolution.

Music and social history author Shaun Knapp said: “Leicester’s 1960s creative scene was buzzing, and some of the faces that emerged from that period aren’t as well-known as they should be. Leicester doesn’t celebrate its homegrown talent like other cities, but this film will hopefully start to change that.”

It was written and directed by Arch Creative co-founder, Joe Nixon. A deeply personal project inspired by his late father John – affectionately known as 'Jelly'. John had carried out a series of audio recordings for the University of Leicester’s East Midlands Oral History archive. Joe discovered these tapes following his father’s passing from pancreatic cancer in 2017, and they revealed a compelling story that he wanted to tell.

“This film is a tribute to the creative spirit of Leicester during the 1960s and the influential individuals who shaped its cultural landscape,” said Joe. “We hope it will inspire viewers and ignite a renewed appreciation for the city’s artistic heritage.

“I was thrilled to present the film to a sold-out audience at Leicester’s independent cinema, Phoenix. Due to popular demand, we will be looking at the possibility of future screenings, but in the meantime, I’m pleased to be able to make it available online.”

Moving in the Shadows serves as a tribute to expectationdefying, working-class kids who made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Leicester and beyond, including the likes of singer/songwriter Roger Chapman from Family. A must-see for anyone interested in the history of Leicester, the cultural impact of the 1960s, and the power of creativity to shape communities.

To watch the film online will require a minimum donation of £5, granting viewers a week’s temporary access. As a not-for-profit initiative, donations will go towards the cost of making the documentary, with any additional proceeds going to young people’s charity Soft Touch Arts and BrightSparks Arts in Mental Health Group.

Watch the film at movingintheshadows.co.uk, which is prompting conversations on social media through #MovingInTheShadowsFilm.

SUE TOWNSEND , ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK, RIC GRECH AND JOE ORTON

ROGER CHAPMAN AND KENNY WILSON

NEVILL HOLT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FULL PROGRAMME

Afestival of performing arts, exhibitions, opera, concerts, conversations and performances will descend upon Nevill Holt’s award-winning theatre, medieval chapel, and the beautifully landscaped grounds of the thirteenth century estate from June 1 to 26.

The festival will welcome 150 artists and musicians, premiere six original commissions, engage more than 2,000 young people in creative projects, mentor 40 emerging musicians, champion 10 emerging singers, and provide reduced-price ticketing for hundreds of young people.

Melly Still’s new production of Mozart’s classic The Magic Flute will open the festival, conducted by Finnegan Downie Dear. Created in partnership with Britten Sinfonia, the production will champion the most promising singers emerging today.

The festival’s opera and concerts strand will include new work by Isabella Gellis and Shadwell Opera (The Devil’s Den); Benjamin Kwasi Burrell (Solitude); Sergey Akhunov (Passacaglia); Jessica Walker and Joseph Atkins (Barbara) and Nicky Spence, Mary Bevan and Joseph Middleton (A Most Marvellous Party). Alexis Ffrench will join the lineup which includes previously announced Max Richter’s Four Seasons

In jazz and contemporary music, there'll be Jalen Ngonda, a two-day festival residency from Ronnie Scott’s jazz orchestra, and the premiere of A French Affair featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dan Tepfer and Britten Sinfonia.

The visual arts programme includes centenary exhibitions of modern British master Anthony Caro and pop

On the edge of Market Harborough, the Nevill Holt Estate’s 400-seat theatre is set to host its annual festival this June. Tom Young takes a look at the lineup

art pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi, celebrating 100 years since the artists’ birth. A celebration of British pop artist Pauline Boty’s work will include the world premiere screening of a new film by Vinny Rawding called BOTY

The festival’s literature and history days will include appearances from Michael Morpurgo, Alice Roberts, Emma Dabiri, Jenny Kleeman, Anthony Quinn, Mary Wellesley, Amy Trew, Audrey Osler, Love Ssega and Kassia St. Clair.

Onstage podcasts will include Elizabeth Day’s How To Fail; Richard Coles, Cat Jarman and Charles Spencer’s Rabbit Hole Detectives; Jonathan Agnew’s An Audience with Aggers; and Rachel Johnson and Plum Sykes’ Difficult Women. Comedy includes Jason Byrne Austentatious, and Mark Watson, alongside a lineup of emerging comedians.

Actor Anton Lesser, who played Thomas More in the TV drama Wolf Hall, will read excerpts from Hilary Mantel’s Booker prize-winning novel, with original music. The festival will partner with the Josephine Hart Poetry Hour on “The Poet in the Garden”, featuring a cast of distinguished actors.

Over 1,500 primary schoolchildren will create 50-minute versions of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, which will be performed across the region in partnership with Royal Opera House. One of these productions will play during the festival.

Festival tickets are available now at nevillholtfestival.com.

Membership starts from £35 with a range of further benefits including invitations to exclusive festival events.

RAISING THE PROFILES 0F LEICESTER CHARITIES

Marketing and advertising are famously expensive. So, here’s a dedicated special feature for some of Leicestershire’s deserving charities to give their brands a boost

Words by Tom Young and Kerry Smith

There are around 2,400 registered charities and an estimated 3,800 grassroots community organisations across the county, according to Voluntary Action Leicestershire. In the spirit of celebrating them, our community resilience and compassion, this section of Niche shines a spotlight on our often unsung heroes – local charities that tirelessly work to make a positive impact.

One charity that caught our attention is The Bridge, a beacon of hope in our community. They have been making waves with their innovative programmes and unwavering commitment to delivering specialist housing-related advice, assistance services and accommodation options to homeless and vulnerably-housed people in Leicestershire and Rutland. Falcon, another charity helping the homeless and those in need find independence through housing and community support, is also featured here. They’ve supported 1,770 people and cooked 26,841 nutritious meals at The Falcon Centre in the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, representitives from Menphys, a charity for children and young people with disabilities, talk about their upcoming events and Love4Life explains how to refer a young person to their services specialising in supporting vulnerable

girls to develop their self-esteem.

The Little Theatre is also one of Leicestershire’s great charities. For more than 100 years, The Little has provided top class shows at affordable prices, aiming to make theatre accessible to everyone – and along the way it’s provided an essential platform for those wanting a career in the arts and acted as a creative outlet for the mental health and wellbeing of its members and audiences. Many research papers and surveys over the years have suggested that creative arts can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, which is why Soft Touch Arts also exists in this sector. Helping families in Leicestershire since 1986, Soft Touch Arts has used the arts to engage young people who are struggling to reach their potential because of family problems, difficulties in mainstream education or other issues which are holding them back.

Brand awareness and marketing is invaluable to charities, and they deserve plenty more recognition than they already get. But advertising and marketing is expensive. We dedicate many pages of Niche Magazine to charities each issue, but during such turbulent times, here’s a dedicated special feature to some of them.

One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others

– Lewis Carroll

CHARITY (MINI) GOLF DAY

Following a successful families’ day at Treetop Adventure Golf in January, Menphys are tying this success into their next business club event

South Wigston-based charity Menphys supports children and young people with disabilities to have equal choices, opportunities and live ordinary lives. Menphys Sports Club is described as ‘a business club with a sporting twist’. Often taking the form of a networking event with a speaker from the world of sport (previous guests include Emile Heskey and Martin O’Neill), the next edition, on April 18, will take members to a more participatory level.

The concept of a charity’s business club hosting a golf day isn’t new… but why not add some adventure?

Menphys are hosting their April event at Treetop Adventure Golf in the city centre. The venue also hosted one of the charity’s Families’ Days earlier in the year, and the Menphys team are excited to mirror this event for their business club partners.

“The families loved it,” said Emma Sharpe, Menphys’ head of services. “The venue gave us exclusive use, and were so understanding – from a sensory perspective, they were

able to turn the music down, so it wasn’t too overwhelming, and we allocated everyone a time slot so there was never any waiting around or pressure from other groups.”

Sports Club members can come for free, and non-members can attend for £10. Head of fundraising and marketing, Laura Shephard, is excited to connect the families’ event to the business club. “It’s more than a networking event; it will help us provide opportunities like this for families year-round.”

To become a member of Menphys Sports Club, visit menphys.org.uk/menphys-sports-club. They will also be hosting a traditional golf day later in the year.

And help provide essential items for local people in need. When? Sunday 22nd September 2024.

Niche Business Awards Leicestershire Charity of the Year 2023

THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

Ending homelessness is not impossible, but preventing it from happening again is where the challenge lies. Nash Chhatralia and Anna Maudsley of Leicester-based charity, The Bridge East Midlands, told us how business can help prevent homelessness

One of the most incredible things that happened during the first weeks of the pandemic was the overnight eradication of homelessness.

Concerned about the health risk, the government and local authorities moved quickly to get every rough sleeper into accommodation. Hotels and hostels were only too happy to take the business – all other bookings had been cancelled, with expected guests unable to leave their homes. And so – for a few months at least – homelessness was solved.

Ending homelessness is not impossible. Preventing it from reccurring is more difficult. It’s not so much a case of ‘we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it’, but more, ‘how can we prevent the stream from blocking our path in the first place?’

Nash Chhatralia is the new CEO at The Bridge East Midlands

– the Leicester homelessness charity that will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. When the pandemic hit, he was the director of business development at The Peepul Centre; his experience during this time urged him to move to a new sector.

“I played a major part in implementing the Covid food project and bringing the vaccine centre to the Peepul Centre throughout the pandemic,” says Nash. “It gave me an understanding of what the charitable sector was like, but I couldn’t make a real impact from there. I wanted to move somewhere that I could make a difference. Now I’m able to bring my marketing experience and a business perspective to The Bridge.

“Addressing the perception of homelessness is a key strategy. A lack of public sympathy means people often think that you have to make bad choices to end up homeless. That’s not true. Most people are just three lost paycheques from homelessness. And not all homelessness is rough sleeping – it includes sofa surfers, people who’ve moved back in with their parents or family… it comes in many forms.”

Another strong component of The Bridge’s strategy to prevent homelessness is making the argument for business to get involved.

“The reason hotels took in rough sleepers during the pandemic was because they had no other trade,” observes Anna Maudsley, head of programmes and services. “By showing businesses how fighting homelessness is of benefit to them, we can make them a key partner.

“That could be as simple as making the point that preventing rough sleeping enhances the perception of the city centre and makes people more inclined to visit. Or it could be about opportunities to enhance the job market by offering training to those looking for work.”

If you think your business could help, visit thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk.

AGED 11-18 EVERY YEAR

A dedicated team of youth workers committed to making a difference

Through Love4Life groups, 1-2-1s and workshops in secondary schools and in the community, we help young girls to:

● Form positive and empowering relationships

● Embed positive self-worth and body image

● Develop self-esteem

● Handle emotions

● Build resilience

At the start of my Love4Life group, I was extremely shy and would not talk to anyone about my feelings. Since then, I’ve had the confidence to perform twice at Love4Life celebration events. I am so grateful for the youth workers’ constant support and the opportunity to make amazing friends

HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR YOUR BUSINESSES

Falcon Support Services on the mutual advantages of fundraising between business and charity

Fundraising and partnerships should provide a business with as much value as it does for the charity, according to Falcon Support Services. That’s why they’ve been helping organisations lead a shift in their culture, centralising health and wellbeing in any fundraising activities by making it as much, if not more, of a priority than any monetary gains.

Exercise and use of outdoor spaces has a positive impact on wellbeing. With poor mental health, stress and workplace sickness rising dramatically, it’s important to leverage this.

Falcon works with a complex client group, where up to 97% have poor mental health or a long-term mental health condition. They see huge benefits in using fundraising as a vehicle for teams to improve their overall health, such as:

● Improved mental health and wellness

● Increased teamwork and cohesion

● Reduced stress levels

● Fewer staff sickness and unplanned absences

● Increased productivity and profitability

Falcon runs a monthly virtual challenge, such as steps, weightlifting, runs, push ups, and more, and a regular all-

encompassing 24-hour challenge where participants can do any activity such as sewing, art, crafts, or Lego building.

They also work with organisations to help facilitate mountain climbs, half-marathons, hiking, walks, shark tank dives, and sleepouts. The team can work with businesses to tailor an event that suits the organisation pitched at the right level and designed to be as inclusive yet challenging as possible. To partner with Falcon on designing an event for your business, email janine.lane@falconsupportservices.org.uk.

PEAKS AND TROUGHS

Words

By Tom Young

The lowest low for some creates the busiest peak for others. With society still discovering the longterm impact of Covid-19 and lockdown, while battling a cost-of-living crisis, and enduring an increasingly drawn-out period of global instability, mental health services have rarely been more in demand.

Leicestershire mental health charity Lamp has recently reopened its service to new intake, having been forced to declare itself ‘at capacity’ for much of 2023. CEO Richard Kotulecki acknowledges how difficult it can be to accept you can’t help everyone.

“You never know you’re in a peak period until you’re back on the decline. But when you’re at a point of having to say, ‘we can’t help everyone’, it’s important to recognise the 500 people a year that we have helped through our community advocacy service.

“One in four people will be experiencing a common mental health issue at any given time. That means that Thousands of people across the county are in need of mental health support services. Increasing resources is vital for charities such as Lamp, with this year’s annual 5k campaign now in full swing

goal is to have supporters complete 5000 challenges that raise £50 each. The five-month campaign started in February and will include the annual Lamp park-run event in May, that coincides with mental health awareness week (May 13-19) before concluding in June.

We’re not asking individual people to do anything magnificent or monumental – we’re asking for lots of people to do something small

across Leicestershire and Rutland there are thousands of people who need support services. We want to help as many people as we can, but that depends on us having the resources to do so.”

The annual Lamp 5k campaign aims to do just that. With the theme ‘your challenge, your choice’, this year’s

“It’ll make a huge contribution; without those people, there would be no Lamp. Every small contribution helps, and that’s the point of this year’s 5k. We’re not asking individual people to do anything magnificent or monumental – we’re asking for lots of people to do something small, and let the accumulation make an impact.”

Five-thousand challenges raising £50 each would generate £250k. Lamp’s services cost £750 per person on average, meaning they could support an additional 333 people.

Businesses have also been able to support Lamp by selecting the organisation as charity of the year, or sponsoring a Lamp event.

“In exchange, we can go into the business to talk about mental health issues and our services, as well as provide mental health first aider training, and help to develop people’s listening and analytical skills. I did one in January, and it’s made me a better leader and manager.”

Go to lampadvocacy.co.uk to learn more about and get involved in the 5k campaign.

SETTING THE SCENE

Here at Niche we have many talents, some we all know about and others we perhaps don’t know enough. With this is mind, Niche journalist Emily Miller spoke with colleagues Kerry Smith and Tom Young about their acting talents which are showcased regularly at The Little Theatre outside of their day job

The Little Theatre in Dover Street has community at its core. Home to Leicester Drama Society since 1930, it’s seen almost a century of passionate theatre enthusiasts volunteering their time to populate its stage.

Although by no means Leicester’s biggest theatre (the clue’s in the name), it is a much-loved one. While De Montfort Hall brings theatre to Leicester, and Curve makes theatre in Leicester, it’s at The Little where Leicester makes theatre.

Both Kerry and Tom have featured in many shows, some of which I have dutifully attended, proud as punch! I asked Kerry what amdram means in 2024.

“When you say ‘amateur dramatics’, I think some people picture a village hall production directed by the local vicar,” she says. “That has its place, but when you step into The Little, you realise it’s a fully professional theatre… except for the part where no-one’s getting paid!”

I’ve visited The Little a few times but realised I didn’t know much about it. After a little research, (sorry!) I discovered that despite more than 100 years of history to its name, Leicester Drama Society is currently hungry for growth. Plans to expand the property into neighbouring land – provided funds can be raised – remain a key agenda point, but bringing new audiences to the theatre is the burning priority.

Of course, we couldn’t not talk about the pandemic, given

how it changed things in recent years. “The pandemic rocked our audience base. Even after restrictions lifted, people who’d been regulars for decades were, at best, hesitant to sit in a room full of people.”

Covid recovery is still ongoing for the theatre, but steady progress is being made. I learn that the 2022-23 season saw an average ticket sales increase of 16%, and – so far –numbers are up again for the 2023-24 season.

“It’s nice to have something to show for my newly acquired grey hairs!” Tom jokes. “Rebuilding our audience is not an easy feat, but it’s been incredibly gratifying to see the numbers moving in the right direction.”

The theatre continues to offer a diverse programme that showcases incredible local talent. September will host productions of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and this December’s everpopular panto will be Sleeping Beauty

“The quality of work at The Little is incredible. These are massive, much-loved titles produced by a passionate community, which is a major part of why I am so involved in it. To create theatre this good shows how much everyone here adores what they’re doing.”

Plan your visit at thelittletheatre.co.uk and maybe catch Kerry and Tom at a show soon!

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITIES

Almost 500 guests packed the Athena for East Midlands Chamber’s annual celebration of the diversity that helps define our region.

Guests were invited to wear traditional clothes for the Celebration of Culture and Communities – the fourth of its kind – marking all the work the Chamber does outside the traditional fields of business.

Singers and dancers shared traditional and modern music and dance as the Chamber paid tribute to the vast array of nationalities that contribute to our home towns and cities. Entertainment was provided by award-winning acts the Choy Lee Fut Lion Dance; BBC Songs of Praise Choir of the Year 2023; Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalists EAGA Gospel Choir; The Voice UK semi-finalist Bizzi Dixon; the Burden Academy of Irish Dance; Ultimate Bhangra; and DJ “The Old Boy” Chetan Patel.

The night was hosted by toast master Geoff Harris with a three-course Indian meal provided by hospitality partner Sanjay Foods. Headline partners were Samworth Brothers, emh Group and De Montfort University. The event partner was Sanjib 8, the entertainment partner was Tomato Energy, and the drinks reception sponsor was Barclays Eagle Labs.

In his opening speech Chamber president Stuart Dawkins said: “This event started out a few years ago here in Leicester as the Chamber recognised the varied, diverse culture that makes our place what it is. At the time, it was a bit of an experiment but now, a few years later, we can see the success of that experiment. Interest has grown and grown, and this is now one of the major evenings hosted by the Chamber.”

WORLD SNOOKER TOUR

The Spreadex World Snooker Tour WST Grand Prix 2024 chose our very own Mattioli Arena (formerly Morningside Arena), to host the event, televised by ITV from January 15-21.

Home to the Leicester Riders basketball team, members of the Riders Business Club were invited to explore the arena’s snooker set up. Guests got to see the team testing the tables and walk through the players' triangular neon entrance corridor.

Chair of Leicester Riders Kevin Routledge welcomed the Business Club attendees and allowed the opportunity to access all areas. Sponsors George Oliver and Amy Orton from 1284 Ltd also spoke to guests and set a brilliant example of how to successfully sponsor an organisation. Snooker Player Tom Ford also joined and gave an insight into the life of a snooker player.

As for the Grand Prix itself, Ronnie O'Sullivan won, beating Judd Trump 10-7 in the final. It is the first of three events in the Players Series. Only the top 32 on the one-year ranking list earn a place in the field, so it brings together the players in form. From the first ball of the season, players are battling to climb the one-year list and earn a spot in this lucrative series of events.

LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL NETWORKING

As the Leicester Comedy Festival approaches each year, the Big Difference Company ramps up its marketing in the lead up to the February lineup and invites key players on the local business scene to several networking events.

Partners and sponsors of the festival attended the Gala Preview Show at De Montfort Hall in partnership with De Montfort University on January 12. Guests were hosted in the Garden Suite for a business networking reception with Everards Beers and canapés before the Live at the Apollo style show format. The Gala Preview Show featured an incredible set of up and coming comedians hosted by Sindhu Vee (QI, Mock the Week, Netflix) including Raul Kohli, Daniel Petrie, Grubby Little Mits, Olga Koch, Marcel Lucont, Connor Burns, Michael Odewale and Jessica Fostekew. As always, the after-show party at The Belmont was a hoot and provided a unique opportunity to mingle with the comedians and local business people.

The City Mayor’s First Night Reception event followed on February 7 at Phoenix Cinema with a fabulous spread provided by the venue’s chefs. Guests heard from the organisers and City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who introduced the official first night of comedy of the Leicester Comedy Festival and sister celebration the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival.

LOVE BUSINESS EXPO 2024

Sir John Peace, a time machine, AI, virtual reality and a robotic dog – all in a day’s work at the Love Business Expo (lovebusinesseastmidlands.com).

Sir John, a guest of event partners KuKu Connect, kicked off the event, talking about the immense strengths and opportunities on offer in the heart of the Midlands.

A fantastic lineup of speakers shared their expertise and insight into what the future might hold for business, and the new technology that will shape it. The expo areas were packed with amazing exhibitors, showcasing the best the region has to offer.

Fancy Entertainment brought the theme to life with immersive time travel-related experiences throughout the day. Several networking opportunities gave people the chance to catch up with old friends, make new connections and share opportunities.

The panel discussion – a firm favourite every year –once again didn’t disappoint. East Midlands Chamber (Love Business’s long-time headline sponsor) assembled a stellar line-up of local business, education, regeneration, digital and creative leaders to share their thoughts on the region’s strategic priorities for skills and economic growth.

LEICESTER INNOVATION FESTIVAL 2024

This year’s Innovation Festival proved to be the biggest yet, with a combination of workshops, Q&As, networking, conferences, and the Innovation Awards finalist announcement taking place in February.

More than 1,000 attended the busy fortnight of events, making it the biggest innovation festival to date, according to organisers. The festival is an annual celebration of ideas and improvements for organisations of all sizes operating in Leicester and the wider county.

Led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub, the sixth annual festival had 22 events and launched at Space Park Leicester on Monday, February 5.

This year’s theme was ‘Small Change, Big Impact’, with a keynote speech delivered by Federation of Small Businesses National Chair, Martin McTague OBE. Learn more about the festival at innovativeleicestershire.co.uk/festival.

Other highlights across the fortnight-long festival included:

● A visit from Health Minister, Andrew Stephenson CBE MP, to Charnwood Campus

● Hundreds of people attending the inaugural Leicester Music Conference

● The launch of VentureVersity – a joint programme from the county’s three universities for incubating innovative business ideas

● A special event, hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, at the National Space Centre to encourage innovators to enter the King’s Award.

PHOTOS: BUSINESS GATEWAY GROWTH HUB / WILL JOHNSTON

THE WINNERS

The winners of the Leicestershire Innovation Awards were held on March 20 at Space Park Pavillion 4. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who were:

INNOVATION CATALYST

Tobias Gould

INNOVATION IN CREATIVE

Camira Fabrics and De Montfort University

INNOVATION IN EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

De Montfort University and East Midlands Chamber

INNOVATION IN FOOD & DRINK

The Bug Factory

INNOVATION IN MED-TECH & LIFE SCIENCES

Bioxhale Ltd

INNOVATION IN SPACE

Rolls-Royce

INNOVATION IN SPORT, WELLBEING & ACCESSIBILITY

Moti Me

INNOVATION IN STEM INDUSTRIES

Loughborough University

INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY

Abacus Flooring Solutions Ltd

UNIVERSITY STUDENT INNOVATION

Snowball Community Ltd

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Rolls-Royce

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO FESTIVAL

Julian Bowery

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

Sue Tilley

NICHE CULTURE REVIEW

OPEN

A glimpse into unique workplaces in Leicestershire

OFF CE

Once the building that housed Leicester Mercury, the 1960s-built Mercury Place now provides over 81,000 sq ft of office and leisure space. We toured the Mercury Place offices of PPL PRS, providers of TheMusicLicence, which have been expertly composed for a harmonious environment.

THE ICONIC MURAL

On one continuous sheet of paper, the mural shows the history of music licencing. Starting back in 1914 with the launch of PRS for Music, representing songwriters, composers and music publishers, followed by the creation of PPL, which was set up in 1934 to represent record companies and performers for the use of recorded music. The mural contains icons and lyrics from across the decades, which PPL PRS gained permission to use from each artist. In 2018, the two companies joined forces to form PPL PRS and launch TheMusicLicence.

MUSIC MAD

Every meeting room is named after music genres from Pop and Soul to Gospel and Garage, and everything in between!

Training takes place in the ‘Recording Studio’ and all staff gather ‘Backstage’ for a monthly ‘Download’ to hear company updates.

At every opportunity, artists are paid homage – from Freddie Mercury’s picture to a Jessie J quote.

EMPLOYEE MORALE

Staff nominate each other for internal ‘You Rock’ awards. Chosen by the directors, winners receive a personalised plectrum and a decorative vinyl record. The awards are presented at ‘The Broadcast’ ceremony at Curve.

Thank you cards are available for colleagues to show appreciation to one another.

PARTNERSHIPS

Employees spin to win a prize when they reach goals or achieve targets.

Leicester Tigers fans and players have the oppotunity to choose a playlist with PPL PRS which is played on matchdays. TheMusicLicence company also works closely with Curve, HQ Recording Studio and Pedestrian, naming them partners who can host events and meetings in the offices.

THE TEAMS

The lower floor is split into wings A and B. A consists of legal, complaints, marketing, and national accounts teams, while B is where you’ll find customer service, key accounts teams, and live events and festival teams. Core values are written on all the pillars metaphorically and physically holding up the business.

An unknown employee has been gifting ducks to colleagues. The investigation continues…

Proudly Presents

All proceeds go to 10TH August 2024, 7pm Loughborough Town Hall

Tickets £25

VIP £35

Scan QR code above for tickets & info