Aspirational Autumn / Winter 2017 Edition 16

Magazine

DAKOTA in this edition...

DAKOTA JOHNSON – The Fifty Shades of Grey star who is taking Hollywood by storm 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACADEMY AWARDS – Shining a spotlight on the Oscars INTERIOR STYLE GUIDE – Keep your home bang on trend THE INVICTUS GAMES – A look back on the world’s most inspirational sporting event INFLUENCER CHAMPIONS – Utilising the power of influencer marketing

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

JOHNSON

Dominic Gomersall writes:

As businesses continue to evolve and expand, it becomes somewhat difficult to confidently keep reinventing business ideas and innovative marketing methods. In today’s world, where every marketing company highlights the virtues of the internet, we have decided to take on an old, well-worn path for the next continued enhancement of the Lumbers brand.

Branding is vital, it must be able to transpose your integrity and honesty into the mind-set of the consumer. We have worked hard to ensure the Lumbers name highlights the honesty, that, as a family business, we hold dear. This year sees the inaugural Lumbers ‘Catazine’ - a fully printed coffee table compendium that we feel is a combination of a Catalogue, that shows a synopsis of our products, and a magazine, that highlights everything that is Lumbers. This will be in conjuncture with our successful advertising mediums like Aspirational magazine and I feel will project our image gently across to you all. Please do phone us to check that you will be getting one!

I cannot believe this will be our third Christmas on the High Street. Fortunately, the relocation has been vindicated with a successful two years. Furthermore, we watch interestingly at new arrivals, including a flagship Zara store, right opposite us as the Highcross embark on a £15 million refit of the old Rackhams store - what an improvement this will be to the High Street around us!

The introduction of new brands has always been part of our innovation. This year coincidentally sees us introduce a brand name to the UK that needs no introduction in Leicester as its name is shared by one of my greatest friends who is one of the reason’s most prominent businessmen! Mattioli jewellery advertised on page 71 is one of Italy’s oldest goldsmiths. The brand has a rich history - indeed it is Turin’s oldest goldsmith and is proud to have the first ever hallmark of Turin, T01. The jewellery is very original, quite stunning, affordable and very different to our existing offering. I personally love the inspiration of the multi coloured mother of pearl discs that come with the pendants and earrings giving complete versatility to your diamonds!

On a personal note, I will say that the last two years have been all consuming and, like many working mothers and fathers, I feel it has come at the expense of my family. Now Lumbers is settled in our new home and I have such a fantastic team around me, I look forward to taking more time with my family and especially my son, Freddie who is now 12! He is excelling at sports in his school and, before I miss it and he’s a grown man, I would like to witness his rugby, cricket and football prowess. However, much we build our businesses we should never lose the value of home.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas - please ensure you have our Lumbers ‘Catazine’ to hand to ensure you write notes and clues for your Santa!

Mattioli - Puzzle Collection 18ct White Gold & Diamond Pave Earrings, with interchangeable Mother of Pearl Plates - £5,400 Mattioli - Puzzle Collection 18ct Rose Gold and Diamonds Pendant, with interchangeable Mother of Pearl Plates - £990 Available from: Lumbers

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lumbers.co.uk • 0116 255 1233

Editor Matthew Hayes Sales Director Sophia Hayes Features Editor Frankie Sparano Advertising Executives Roxanna Hayes Kristi Douglas

editor’s note

I’m delighted to welcome you to the autumn/winter edition of Aspirational Magazine!

Features Writers Conor Davies Rebecca Hales Luke Vials Kellie Tillyer Emma Richardson Richard Padmore

We’ve been very busy since our last edition, and once again throughout this magazine you can find the very latest on beauty, health and lifestyle, sports, fine dining and business. Our website www.aspirational.uk.com also provides the latest news, blogs and articles all year round.

You can sign up to our e-newsletter which regularly showcases up to date news on what’s going on in the region.

Senior Designers Kristian Goodeve Terri Burton Designers Liam Creek Annie Taylor Geoff Sanders

With February 2018 seeing the release of the Fifty Shades Freed – the third in the popular trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey, it seems fitting that our cover star is Hollywood starlet Dakota Johnson who has shot to fame in the lead role. We take a look at her glittering career so far and the phenomenon that is Fifty Shades of Grey.

Photography Kristian Goodeve Antonia Doyle Web Development Amad Tababa Dee Adetokunbo Joris Girdzijauskas Tatenda Chuma Jeff Reeve Van Duong

Contributors

Dominic Gomersall Michelle Dilley James Warne John Scanlon Janine Edwards

Chris Darlington Huw Graham Riccardo Albiniano Jon Perkins

Magazine

Next year also marks the 90th anniversary of the Academy Awards, and this edition sees us feature the history of the Oscars over the years. Staying on the theme of films, we also reflect on the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter, the success of Star Wars and pay tribute to the late, great, Sir Roger Moore –arguably the greatest ever James Bond actor.

As a nation of sports lovers, we also take a look at The Ashes. The cricketing rivalry between England and Australia celebrates 70 years in 2017 so we remember some of the biggest clashes between the two in recent years, as well as looking at how the competition first started.

Staying with sport, one of the most inspirational sporting events on the calendar took place in September – The Invictus Games. We spoke to one of Britain’s success stories from the Games, Jamie Weller who gave us an insight into why it’s such a special event. Also, this year saw the first ever European Senior Masters take place at the Forest of Arden. The event was delivered by Champions (UK) plc who also create and publish this magazine.

For mailing list and subscription enquiries please visit www.aspirational.uk.com

An award-winning brand agency, our events team who helped put on the tournament make up one of our perfect 10. The perfect 10 are the pillars of Champions (UK) plc, and focus on the key areas we specialise in which include: creative, digital, marketing, PR, media, events, publishing, advertising, celebrity and web. Building long lasting relationships with clients, as experts in these areas we have an unrivalled track record when it comes to delivering results.

For advertising enquiries please contact: Sophia Hayes on 08453 31 30 31 or email: shayes@championsukplc.com

At the back of the magazine you will find our social pages which highlights the range of networking events we attended which saw the great and the good of the region come together. I hope you enjoy your autumn/winter edition of Aspirational Magazine!

www.aspirational.uk.com

Published By

Matthew Hayes Editor

Champions (UK) plc Barrington House, Leake Road, Costock, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6XA Tel: 08453 31 30 31 Fax: 08453 31 30 32 www.championsukplc.com

Please note: Aspirational magazine is fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors or omissions.

Aspirational Magazine can under no circumstances be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the magazine. We cannot be held liable or responsible for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials, photography or any other matter supplied by third parties.

The views and opinions expressed within this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or indeed Aspirational Magazine or any featured parties.

Sophia pictured with the Hayes family (from l-r): Matthew Hayes (Managing Director), Jack Hayes (Director), Donna Hayes (Director), John Hayes (CEO), Roxanna Hayes (Operations Director), Sophia Hayes (Sales Director) and Louisa Hayes (Project Manager).

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

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76 BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

Dakota Johnson.....................................10

Men’s Style Guide..................................44

Bentons...................................................72

Hollywood actress wowing audiences in Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon

Zenith Cosmetic Clinics........................16 Changing the landscape of cosmetic surgery

Heat Holders..........................................20 Stay warm and cosy this autumn/winter

Bliss Wellbeing.......................................22 Relieving workplace stress

Women’s Style Guide............................26 Stay on trend this autumn/winter

20 Years of Harry Potter.......................36 Celebrating two decades of everyone’s favourite boy wizard

Guide to East Midlands’ Theatre Shows.......................................38 What’s on in the region this autumn/winter

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The coolest styles this autumn/winter

The Star Wars Phenomenon................46

A look at the finest properties on the East Midlands market

Autumn/Winter Interior Trends...........76

How a galaxy far, far, away continues to delight audiences

For all your interior inspirations

Remembering Sir Roger Moore............48

Plug..........................................................82

History of The Ashes.............................54

JES Ltd.....................................................84

Celebrating everyone’s favourite 007 star

Marking the 70th meeting of this iconic sporting rivalry

Farmfoods European Senior Masters.......................................56 The latest event on the European Senior Tour

Invictus Games.......................................62 The world’s most inspirational sporting event

Velocity Track Days............................... 66 Take to the track like a pro

Helping you create your dream interior

Specialists in extraction and cooking appliances

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90 FINE DINING GUIDE

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Fuss Free Flavours Introduces……….....86

Smith Partnership..................................98

Gino’s Pear Tree………………………….......87

SOCIAL AND NETWORKING Aspirational Club Country Pursuits

Legal expertise catered to your needs

Lumbers’ Omega and Chopard Events

Janine Edwards................................... 103

Derby Telegraph Business Awards

The Fish & The Chip……………………......90

Principle Partner at St James’s Place Wealth Management

The Spotted Duck………………….............91

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People....................................... 106

Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship

Supporting families when they need it most

Vordere Legends Ball

David Simms....................................... 110

East Midlands Networking Group

Cocoa Amore……………………………........92 Harts……………………………......................93 Paul Leary…………………………………......94

One of East Midlands’ most influential businessmen joins Champions (UK) plc

Leicester Conferences........................ 112 The perfect setting for your corporate conference

Influencer Champions........................ 114 The rise of influencer marketing

Thomas International......................... 122 Helping employees perform to their best

The Dorchester Celebrity Charity Ball

Lumbers’ Kuku Connect Network Group Event Champions Cricket Dinner UK Agency Awards Nottingham Post Business Awards National Tribute Music Awards Networking Breakfast at Searcys at The Gherkin Antidote

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FIFTY SHADES OF DAKOTA In 2011 a genre-defining book was launched onto an unsuspecting audience, bringing BDSM themes to the mainstream like never before. That book was Fifty Shades of Grey, the first in a best-selling trilogy (a fourth book, Grey, told from Christian Grey’s point of view was released in 2015). The books have topped best-seller lists around the world, with Fifty Shades of Grey becoming the fifth best-selling book of all time, selling a staggering 100 million copies.

Tasked with the no small feat of bringing the trilogy’s female protagonist, the innocent yet curious, Anastasia Steele, to life on the silver screen was the little-known Dakota Johnson.

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While not her first appearance in a big budget movie, (Dakota appeared in The Social Network (2010), Beastly (2011), 21 Jump Street (2010) and 2014’s Need for Speed with Aaron Paul), it was most certainly her most significant, and daunting, yet.

Anticipation of who would be cast in the roles of Anastasia and Christian was high, with social media rife with speculation.

News of Dakota’s casting was confirmed, via Twitter, by the novel’s author EL James: “I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

From this moment on Dakota’s life was set to change forever.

Born into Hollywood royalty, it may seem like somewhat of an inevitability that Dakota was always destined for the silver screen.

She made her first big screen appearance in 1999 aged just 10, acting alongside her mother, eighties superstar, Melanie Griffith in Crazy in Alabama and while she may not have been aware of it at the time, Dakota’s journey to success had begun.

Born in Austin, Texas, in 1989, Dakota is the daughter of 80s icons– Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Django Unchained) and Melanie Griffiths (Working Girl, Mulholland Falls). Her former step father is international movie star, Antonio Banderas (Evita, Puss in Boots) and rather befittingly for a child of superstar parents, Dakota’s early years were unconventional.

Spending her time travelling with her parents, who famously married and divorced - twice - from a young age Dakota was used to spending time on sets, making (and losing) friends and being surrounded by actors and directors.

Speaking of her childhood to Vogue magazine, Dakota said: “I was so consistently unmoored and discombobulated. I didn’t have an anchor anywhere.” She continued: “I never learned how to learn the way you’re supposed to as a kid - I thought,

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why do I have to go to school on time? What’s the point when you’re living in Budapest for six months while your stepdad films Evita and you go to school in your hotel room? I was a disaster, and I thought for so long that there was something wrong with my brain. Now I realize that it just works in a different way.”

While acting was always an option for Dakota, she explored other interests before settling on pursuing her craft, including training in ballet until the age of 16 and carving out a career as a model.

Whether it was her Hollywood pedigree that initially opened doors for her in the world of cinema we’ll never know, but her mix of innocence, humour, intelligence and screen-loving good looks have proven her to be a box office, and industry, favourite.

Director, Luca Guadagnino who worked with Dakota on the 2015 movie A Bigger Splash, told www.anothermag.com: “Alfred Hitchcock said actors shouldn’t be intelligent because they are cattle to be used by the director,” he continued, “I am one of the greatest Hitchcock admirers but I have the contrary advice. I want very clever people and a capacity for surprise.

Dakota is incredibly intelligent, with a determination and wit that’s very exciting. I think she has a big box of surprises that will go on for a long time.”

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“Nudity is really interesting for an actor.”

What was probably not a surprise, given the hype, was the box office success of Fifty Shades of Grey which took $248 million in its opening weekend in February 2015.

While fans flocked to see it, critics were less than favourable, with film critic Claudia Puig at USA Today describing it as a: “plodding, inane and wretchedly acted movie.”

If Dakota was phased by the negative critical response she didn’t show it.

She told Glamour magazine: “… the films have allowed me to do so many different projects and travel so much. In the end, Fifty Shades has plopped me in a world that I really wanted to be in.”

Speaking to Vogue magazine about the movie she said: “I’m truly proud of it. It’s a cool story, and I think it’s different, and different is what I’m about.”

To date Fifty Shades of Grey and its follow-up Fifty Shades Darker have raked in over $900 million at the worldwide box office, with Dakota and her on-screen love interest, Jamie Dornan banking big pay packets too.

That’s not to say the pair didn’t earn their wages. With an eager viewing public expecting to see the pair get up to all the explicit antics covered in the novels, including BDSM, the costars had to get comfortable with each other and spent large parts of the shoots, naked.

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“Nudity is really interesting for an actor,” said Dakota in a Vogue interview, “Jamie and I worked so incredibly closely for so long. There were no inhibitions, and it was very honest, very trusting.”

With filming of the final instalment (Fifty Shades Freed) already wrapped for a Valentine’s Day 2018 release. Dakota has turned her attentions to her post-Fifty career, telling Glamour magazine:

In fact, speculation about the nature of the co-stars’ relationship has been rife from the beginning with claims of an illicit off-screen affair to reports of them being unable to stand each other.

“It’s not that it has put me off entirely, but I’m ready to do other stuff, and maybe they will be sexy [projects], or maybe they will be the complete opposite. But I do know that I’m ready to move on.”

The pair however consistently maintain a warm, if slightly professional, rapport when promoting the movies. Speaking of Dakota, Jamie told USA Today that: “She’s an easy person to get along with. She’s sweet,” He continued: “We instantly had a thing. It’s so important, given what we had ahead of us. If we hadn’t liked each other, I wouldn’t have been cast. I got cast because they thought it worked. Dakota and I get on so well. We’re friends now.”

“I’m truly proud of it.”

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Zenith Cosmetic Clinics are leaders in surgical, non-surgical and dental cosmetic treatments for both men and women. Located in both Nottingham and London, the clinic is underpinned by five core values – Expertise, Caring, Innovative, Excellence and Honesty. We pride in offering the latest and most innovative procedures performed by industry experts. Our core aim is to offer our patients a safe and caring environment where they feel at ease discussing any medical or cosmetic needs.

Since their launch in 2004, Zenith has significantly spread their wings, extending their offering to over 80 treatments and procedures. Available at both their Nottingham and London clinics, their specialisms lie with fat reduction, weight loss, mole/ lesion removal, skin treatments, surgical procedures and dentistry.

Fat reduction and weight loss There are times when dieting is just not enough and a helping hand is needed. Understanding the long and often difficult weight loss journey many people face, Zenith support their patients from the beginning to the end of their treatment. From non-invasive weight loss therapy to more invasive surgical treatments such as abdomino plasty (tummy tucks), Zenith lead the way for innovation and expertise in this area.

Mole/lesion removal Moles and lesions are a common feature on many people and they come in all shapes and sizes. However, for some people they can cause irritation and appear in prominent places which sees these individuals pursue a removal process.

Some patients have been known to travel from America to undergo mole removal at Zenith Cosmetic Clinics due to their pioneering reputation.

Using radiosurgery, mole/lesion removal is carried out by an experienced surgeon and takes just 15-30-minutes. One of the key worries for those undergoing mole removal is the scarring left behind. Luckily, Zenith use the most innovative technology carried out by the best doctor in the industry ensuring scarring is minimal to none.

Skin treatments Your skin says a lot about you, and imperfections can have a detrimental effect on confidence and self-esteem. Whether it be wrinkles, acne, scarring or pigmentation, Zenith offer a number of non-surgical treatments such as skin rejuvenation and laser skin resurfacing to help rejuvenate and improve skin.

Many may believe that a surgical scar will stay with them for life, but leading the way in surgical scar removal, Zenith use state-ofthe-art technology and an industry leading doctor, to significantly reduce the appearance of surgical scarring and burns of many kinds.

Surgical procedures As well as providing a wide range of non-invasive treatments, Zenith’s worldrenowned team of surgeons also carry out larger procedures including work on the face, breasts and body which are available for both men and women.

Dentistry A person’s smile is often one of the first things we notice. From missing, cracked and broken teeth to stained and crooked smiles, at Zenith it is easy to achieve a complete smile makeover with their range of innovative dental treatments which include teeth straightening and dental implants.

To find out more about the full range of procedures available at Zenith Cosmetic Clinics, and to book your consultation, please call either 0115 959 6999 or 0203 011 1103 or visit: www.zenithcosmeticclinics.co.uk.

6 CLINTON TERRACE | DERBY ROAD | NOTTINGHAM | NG7 1LY 64 HARLEY ST | LONDON | W1G 7HB

020 3011 1103

WWW.ZENITHCOSMETICCLINICS.CO.UK

ZENITHCLINIC

0115 959 6999

INFO@ZENITHCLINICS.CO.UK

INFO@ZENITHCLINICS.CO.UK @ZENITHCLINICS

#DCmoments

CoworthPark

CoworthParkUK

CoworthPark

A FAT REDUCTION AND SKIN TIGHTENING

TREATMENT THAT WORKS INSTANTLY • Pioneer treatment available from our clinics • Visible results – instantly!

• Minimally-invasive treatment • Minimal downtime required • Specialist services for male physiques • Complimentary free assessment • Patient hotel and chauffeur service available

BodyTite Body Sculpting With Dr Maini TM

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

6 CLINTON TERRACE | DERBY ROAD | NOTTINGHAM | NG7 1LY 64 HARLEY ST | LONDON | W1G 7HB

020 3011 1103

WWW.ZENITHCOSMETICCLINICS.CO.UK

ZENITHCLINIC

0115 959 6999

INFO@ZENITHCLINICS.CO.UK

INFO@ZENITHCLINICS.CO.UK @ZENITHCLINICS

CELLULITE

TREATMENT THAT

FINALLY WORKS! BEFORE & AFTER

BEFORE: 70.8KG

AFTER 2 YEARS: 79.9KG**

BEFORE: 74.4KG

AFTER 2 YEARS: 69.4KG*

BEFORE: 70.8KG

AFTER 2 YEARS: 79.9KG**

Results from one Cellfina® Treatment after two years.

• 93% patient satisfaction recorded three years after treatment • Precise and reproducible results with just one minimally invasive treatment • No downtime required • Complimentary free assessment • Patient hotel and chauffeur service available *Actual Cellfina® Patient of Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery **Actual Cellfina® Patient of Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute

6 CLINTON TERRACE | DERBY ROAD | NOTTINGHAM | NG7 1LY 64 HARLEY ST | LONDON | W1G 7HB

020 3011 1103

WWW.ZENITHCOSMETICCLINICS.CO.UK

ZENITHCLINIC

0115 959 6999

INFO@ZENITHCLINICS.CO.UK

INFO@ZENITHCLINICS.CO.UK @ZENITHCLINICS

BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

For some, it’s snuggling under a blanket on a rainy day, while others prefer a bean bag, cup of coffee and a book. For many, it is a way of life and the secret to living happily. It’s called hygge, it’s pronounced ‘hooga’ and it’s a trend which is enveloping the world in a warm, cosy hug.

Intrigued to find the root of these results, the then culture minister for Denmark, Bertel Haarder, set out to discover which traits were most important to Danes and discovered that hygge was rated the fourth most important value, after gender equality, legal equality and freedom.

‘Hygge’ is a Danish word with no literal English translation, though it is often likened to a feeling of cosiness or the act of slowing down and appreciating the small and special moments in life, whether alone or with loved ones.

Hygge first became popular in the UK in 2015 and that popularity has continued to grow, with fashion and interior designers picking up on the trend. Now hygge-inspired designs can be found everywhere, from cushion covers, to comfy knits.

Denmark has topped the United Nations World Happiness Reports in 2013, 2014 and 2016 – briefly dipping to third place in 2015. The report asks citizens to submit their opinions on a range of national issues and subjects, ranging from social support to institutional trustworthiness.

How hygge is achieved depends entirely on the person, or people, working toward it and the sensation will mean something different to everyone. The concept of hygge is less about the way in which you decorate your house and more about finding a personal happiness and feeling of cosiness. Here are five steps to begin making your own life more hygge:

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1. Get closer to loved ones. Your partner, close friends and family are an important part of living a hygge lifestyle and can help you to feel comforted and content – important aspects of hygge.

2. Think about your surroundings. Take time to think about how the environment makes you feel. Are your personality, strengths and beliefs reflected by your surroundings and are you truly happy and comfortable in your living space? Try to introduce colours, patterns and textures which make you, and your family, feel peaceful.

3. Take time out. Mindfulness is a technique which has become more mainstream lately, and it goes hand-in-hand with hygge. Practise focusing on the moments when you are feeling content and take in your surroundings – the colours, people, atmosphere and sounds around you. Take a minute to breathe deeply and just be.

4. Log your experiences. For the first few weeks, try making a note of the special moments, colours, textures and feelings that make you happy so that you can reflect later and determine what it is in life that makes you feel more hygge.

5. Give it time. Don’t be disheartened if you do not immediately feel content and full of satisfaction – hygge is a lifestyle which Danes have been practising for generations, and perfecting it will take time. As long as the overall effect is a cosier, more content environment and a happier lifestyle, you are doing it right.

There are a wealth of books, articles and guides available to help you to achieve hygge in your everyday life, so why not make your favourite hot drink, put on some soft music and practise your cosy new lifestyle as you learn?

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MAKE YOUR WINTER WARMER WITH HEAT HOLDERS ®

You could be forgiven for assuming that the spontaneity and adventure that comes with sunny days and summer nights must be left behind now winter is here. However, leading thermal wear brand, Heat Holders®, believe that just because we are approaching the colder time of the year, doesn’t mean we should stop living life to the full.

With the hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) trend sweeping the world, Heat Holders® have taken inspiration from the feeling that hygge gives. Hygge is the art of mastering cosiness and happiness which intertwines with Heat Holders®’ ‘making life warmer’ philosophy. Supplying comfy and warm accessories such as socks, blankets, gloves and hats, Heat Holders® provide a sense of comfort that is hard to replicate.

As winter approaches, we inevitably turn our attention to making our homes as warm and cosy as possible. Something Heat Holders®’ new range of SnuggleUp blankets can help

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with! With a colour to match everyone’s home interior you can be sure to find a blanket to match your style. Heat Holders® have hand-picked their top festive products you can get your hands on this winter.

Snow Fall At this time of year, it can be hard to avoid snow and ice, however Heat Holders’® Snow Fall luxury blanket will leave you anything but cold. In a beautifully pigmented white tone, this blanket will make the perfect companion in front of the TV this winter.

Cranberry Red is of course the traditional colour of the festive season, and the Cranberry blanket idea is elegant and reminiscent of mulled wine. So, why not enjoy a glass with a loved one in front of the fire whilst wrapped up in this product.

Hot Chocolate If you would prefer to opt for a more country-chic look then the Hot Chocolate SnuggleUp is the one for you. A sleek brown colour, this rich tone goes perfectly with contrasting fabrics such as leather sofas and chairs. One of the brand’s most stylish blankets, the Hot Chocolate is a favourite of the winter season.

Winter Fawn This fawn-hued blanket is the perfect addition for homes looking for a contemporary yet classic style. Complementing all kinds of interior schemes, Winter Fawn is sure to add a touch of warmth to your home.

As well as a wonderful selection of SnuggleUp blankets Heat Holders® also has a new range of socks that will make the perfect festive gift. Scientifically proven to be the warmest thermal socks available they have a TOG rating of 2.3 and experts have never tested a sock with a higher rating.

Little ones aren’t left out either, with Heat Holders’® range of character socks which will keep their toes toasty all day long. The range includes a variety of popular characters from childrens’ films including a selection of Disney’s famous princesses. The likes of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel all feature on the socks and at this time of year the matching Frozen Anna and Elsa editions always go down a treat.

Alternatively, if your little ones are superhero fans, then the range of Marvel character socks are here to save the day – or the Christmas shopping dilemma! Spiderman, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk are all available, but if the DC Universe is your preference, then Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman will all keep their feet snug this winter.

One of the biggest film releases of 2017 takes place in December with Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi hitting our screens. Heat Holders’® Star Wars socks can make the perfect stocking fillers for fans of the franchise with R2-D2 and C-3PO character socks on offer as well as Stormtroopers.

If Star Wars isn’t your child’s thing then how about mischievous minions from the loveable Despicable Me films?

Bright and vibrant like the Minions themselves, the socks are perfect for the cheeky little ones.

Wanting to encourage the nation to go outdoors and enjoy all the beauty the winter season brings, Heat Holders® also have a range of thermal hats, gloves and wellie socks in a variety of colours, to keep you warm and on-trend this season. The thermal range follows the theme of the socks when it comes to warmth. With the gloves measuring a 2.3 tog and even more impressively, the hats have a 3.4 tog rating.

Available in all leading High Street stores, make sure you avoid the winter chill this year and get kitted out for the months ahead by checking out what else Heat Holders® have on offer by visiting their website www.heatholders.co.uk

Visit our website to shop the range

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Find your

s s i l b

It may come as a surprise to learn that in 2015/16 the number of working days lost due to stress, depression or anxiety was a staggering 11.7 million.*

For a long time, stress was an untalked about subject both in the workplace and indeed the wider community. However, thanks to raised awareness of the physical and mental impact that stress can have, more employers are turning their attentions to how they can manage it within the workplace.

Helping employers find a way to support their staff is Annice Kay Miladinovic of Bliss Wellbeing, a former Operations Development Manager in the aerospace industry who witnessed first-hand how stress played a part in day-to-day working life in the corporate world.

Understanding that stress can not only affect the individual, but impact their colleagues too, Bliss Wellbeing is a unique service that visits workplaces, large and small, across the country promoting wellbeing by providing hard working employees with either seated acupressure massages or Indian head massages.

Perfect for eliminating stress, the other key benefits of a massage from Bliss Wellbeing include: • Easing tense and knotted muscles • Improving mobility and flexibility • Relieving anxiety and stress • Lowering blood pressure and heart rate • Improving circulation and immune system • Increasing mental alertness and clarity • Boosting morale *www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress/stress.pdf

Annice is able to sit down with employers to understand where stress lies and employers then have a choice of how many staff they want to nominate for a massage. Offering a range of minutes. Packages include: • 10-minute (30 members of staff) • 15-minute (24 members of staff) • 20-minute (18 members of staff) • 30-minute (12 members of staff) Along with massages that leave clients feeling relaxed, revitalised and able to tackle the day ahead with a clear mind, Bliss Wellbeing are set to expand their range of services to include: reflexology, mindfulness sessions, yoga at desks, health checks and workstation assessments.

What clients say…

“I rewarded my team with an onsite seated acupressure massage from Bliss Wellbeing.

Everyone was genuinely thrilled with the massages. It gives excellent return in terms of morale and motivation with minimum outlay. We were very pleased with the service and would definitely recommend.”

David Torrington, Managing Director at Sky Recruitment Solutions

“We are always looking for new ways to help increase the health and wellbeing of our staff and working with Bliss Wellbeing is a fantastic addition to our workplace initiatives.

Such was the quality, professionalism and outcome of Bliss Wellbeing’s seated acupressure massages, we have recently signed a 12-month contract with the team and we are looking forward to working with them each month.”

Matthew Hayes, Managing Director at Champions (UK) plc

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To discuss your workplace wellbeing, contact Annice on: T: 07398 627 656 E: Annice@blisswellbeing.co.uk @blisswellbeing1

blisswellbeing1

@blisswellbeing1

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Charlotte Tilbury at houseoffraser.co.uk Lipstick (night crimson)

£24

Mattioli at lumbers.co.uk Siriana 18ct rose gold bangle

£6,000

Lipsy (Michelle Keegan) at lipsy.co.uk Embroidered suede biker jacket

£170

Jimmy Choo at selfridges.com Lux 100 suede heeled ankle boots

£1,250

Oscar de la Renta harrods.com Corded chevron top

£2,250

Breitling at lumbers.co.uk Galactic 32 sleek edition watch 18ct rose gold & diamonds

£25,290

Perfect in pastel

This season sees an abundance of pastel shades hitting the stores, to work the look pair textured suede or fur coats with rose gold jewellery for a look that is effortlessly chic.

Who said women can’t wear heels in winter? A pair of classic Valentinos should be a style staple whatever the season. Simply style down with jeans and a jumper for an everyday look, or dress them up with a statement dress for the office Christmas party!

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Kilian at selfridges.com Straight to Heaven eau de parfum 250ml

£450

Molto 18ct yellow gold & diamonds

£13,800

Gucci at lumbers.co.uk Horsebit 18ct yellow gold ring

£1,610

Chopard at lumbers.co.uk Verona Carmine red handbag

£1,160

Valentino at selfridges.com Rockstud patent leather heels

£650

Alice + Olivia at harveynichols.com Kinsley leopard-print faux fur coat

£780

Mattioli at lumbers.co.uk Siriana 18ct rose gold & diamond earrings with interchangeable mother of pearl plates

2,200

Urban Decay at selfridges.com Naked heat eyeshadow palette

£39.50

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16 | 29

Go to our NEW website aspirational.uk.com/gift-guide to see more

Rachel Galley at lumbers.co.uk

Winner - Inspirational Salon of the Year Offering clients an opportunity to forget the stress and strains of daily life and indulge in a luxury pampering session, Femi’s team of beauty experts use their skills to leave clients looking and feeling refreshed.

From the talented team to the premium products the salon uses, no corner has been cut when it comes to giving clients the ultimate day spa experience, including the salon’s contemporary and welcoming interior design.

Carefully designed to offer a tranquil ambience that aids relaxation, along with 12 treatment rooms, each tastefully decorated, the award-winning salon boasts a dedicated manicure and pedicure lounge, double treatment room which is perfect for those enjoying a pamper session with friends or family. As well as this there is a relaxation room complete with twinkling lights and comfy chaise longues to lie back and just…breathe.

Clients can also choose to unwind in the airy conservatory where they have the chance to relax, read and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Visit www.femi-health-beauty.co.uk/our-salon to experience a virtual tour of this modern salon which is located in Leicester, one of the country’s most thriving cities. With a comprehensive range of treatments on offer, the Femi range includes everything to leave clients feeling pampered from head to toe. Treatments include the advanced sculpt & lift 50+ facial to turn back the hands of time, as well as new mum body treatments specifically designed to meet the delicate needs of new mums.

A popular destination for both men and women looking for some me-time, the Femi team recently took their beauty and wellbeing skills to a pop-up salon located in the rolling Warwickshire countryside. The experienced team were attending for the fifth consecutive year, at the highly regarded Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2017, where they offered a choice of relaxing and refreshing treatments to players and spectators in a purpose built pop-up salon.

A mainstay on the golfing calendar, the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship attracts golfing pros and famous faces from the world of music, sport, TV and entertainment who took on the challenges of the Cromwell course in the Celeb-Am tournament.

Held within the picturesque grounds of Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire, the Femi team offered manicures, pedicures, massages and facial treatments to celebrities and spectators alike, all delivered to Femi’s high standards. Using only the finest products, including Elemis, Carita and Décleor, of which the salon has been awarded Decléor Regional Salon of the Year for 25 consecutive years, the pop-up salon was a phenomenal success.

Femi Health & Beauty 60 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN | t. 0116 253 2393 | www.femi-health-beauty.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm FemiHealthandBeauty

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Binge-worthy Box sets Your autumn/winter viewing sorted There used to be a time when, shock horror, we had to watch our favourite TV shows when TV schedulers told us to! Yes, long before streaming, downloading and one-touch serieslink recording, we were all slaves to the TV guide.

want to watch! With this in mind, check out our guide to binge worthy boxsets this autumn/winter season…

These days of course our TV viewing is very much on our terms, with more and more of us choosing when and where we watch our favourite shows.

Violence, sex, betrayal - GoT has it all. If you are yet to get into this multi-award-winning fantasy series, do so now, you’re sure to be hooked. There are six series to catch up on while the seventh, which contains just seven episodes, aired in July 2017.

From Netflix to catch-up TV, Amazon Prime, NOW TV and on demand viewing, our choices are vast with many of us using these services to binge watch our favourite shows, often getting through an entire series in just one weekend!

Of course, with so many viewing options it is easy to miss shows you might love or, as often happens, waste time scrolling through hundreds of options to find something you

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Game of Thrones

Modern Family Following three families as they navigate the highs and lows of family life, this mockumentary is packed with loveable characters and plenty of laughs. With eight seasons to get through, you can binge until your heart’s content!

The Crown

Stranger Things

Bafta nominated, this drama focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, in particular the years 1947 to 1955. With its big budget and impressive cast, The Crown has had viewers hooked at this look at our Royals. There is currently one season to sink your teeth into, although season two, covering the years 1955 to 1964, is expected soon.

Released in 2017, Stranger Things has captured the imagination of viewers everywhere. Sitting somewhere between sci-fi and horror, Stranger Things casts Winona Ryder as a mother whose son has gone missing in what could be supernatural circumstances… season two is currently underway, much to the delight of fans everywhere!

Better call Saul

Orange is the New Black

Fans of the phenomenally successful Breaking Bad will already have met Saul, a lawyer with questionable values, who is the protagonist in this successful spin-off. A prequel to the events of Breaking Bad, three seasons are currently available, so plenty for those looking to kick back and relax to get stuck into.

Easy viewing, Orange is the New Black (OITNB) follows Piper Chapman, a woman sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security prison as she negotiates her new foundcircumstances and we learn more about her fellow inmates through flashbacks. A comedy-drama, OITNB is Netflix’s most watched original series and for those looking for a serious binge-watch, you’ll find five seasons ready to watch.

House of Cards With a cast led by Academy Award winner, Kevin Spacey, fans of political dramas are in for a treat with 65 episodes spread over five seasons to discover. Based on the original BBC drama, House of Cards is set in America’s political heartland - Washington D.C and follows politician, Frank Underwood (played by Spacey), as he strives for greater power -through whatever means.

If you are yet to indulge in a boxset binge, with the weather now turning gloomier, now is the perfect time to sit back and take your pick!

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

And the Oscar goes to...…

4 March 2018 will mark a very special anniversary for movie buffs everywhere – the 90th Academy Awards.

The very first Academy Awards took place in 1929, (with two in 1930), and was a private dinner, which brought together less than 300 people at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, California.

Since then, it is fair to say things have changed somewhat.

Now watched by millions around the world, The Oscars, as they are known, are a huge advertising opportunity, with nominated ‘Best Picture’ films receiving a significant boost in revenue and nominated actors and actresses able to command even higher salaries following their nomination or win.

The earning potential of winning an Oscar continues beyond the role for which the award was won. Subsequent movie promotion will almost always capitalise on the fact they have an Oscar winner or nominee on the cast list.

Rebranded in 2013, after the nickname given to the muchcoveted golden statuettes that winners receive, The Oscars are an icon of modern culture and that little golden figure is the must have accessory for movie stars everywhere.

With an Oscar win under their belt, movie stars are not only able to earn more, but the type of roles open to them often change, with weightier, meatier roles now on offer.

While in the long term The Oscars are undeniably a way to boost earnings, the ceremony itself is all about glamour.

The best dressed list…

From who wore which designer, to the jewellery and hair, every aspect of a star’s outfit is scrutinised, with actresses often bearing the brunt of the media’s attention.

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If something is out of place, whether it be a dress that doesn’t flatter or photograph well or shoes that aren’t bang on trend, a spot on ‘the worst dressed list’ is sure to follow.

For actresses, the pressure of looking great when walking the red carpet can be intense. British actress and star of 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson, told The Edit: “Getting ready for an event can feel like a lot of pressure. You have to consider, ‘Will people see up my skirt? If a flash goes off, can you see through this?’ So, I’ll do a test sitting, a test standing… It’s nerve-wracking. People really scrutinize. On the red carpet, I’m usually in so much discomfort – my shoes are uncomfortable, I can’t breathe in the dress. I don’t compromise like that in my everyday style.”

Facing so much scrutiny, it is no wonder that actresses can try on dozens of dresses before they feel they have found the right one for them. Often loaned to stars, designers can benefit from the kind of publicity money can’t buy, making it well worth the effort it takes to get a superstar to wear their brand.

90th Birthday Presiding over the 90th anniversary celebrations and presenting the awards for his 2nd consecutive year, is talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who announced his appointment in his typically irreverent style with this tweet: @jimmykimmel Thanks to @TheAcademy for asking me to host The #Oscars again (assuming I opened the right envelope)

…

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twice and

Of course, Jimmy was referring to the now infamous envelope mix up at the 2017 ceremony, where La La Land was mistakenly announced as winner of ‘Best Motion Picture’ (it was actually coming of age movie, Moonlight). Naturally much confusion, and embarrassment for the producers, followed.

The Academy

This isn’t the first time (nor will it be the last) that the awards have left people with red faces. In 2013 on her way to collect her ‘Best Actress’ award, Jennifer Lawrence fell up the steps on the way to the stage…and then did it again in 2014 on the red carpet!

Deciding who will triumph is down to the 6,200 film industry professionals who make up the Academy. Deciding on the nominations can be complicated with different members allowed to vote on different categories. However, once the nominees have been set, each member gets to vote on their favourite within each category.

Controversy Apart from slips, trips and getting names wrong (remember John Travolta’s inability to pronounce Idina Menzel’s name in 2014?), over the years The Oscars have seen more serious controversy. In recent years the Academy has come under fire for a lack of diversity amongst nominations. In 2016, for the second year in a row, every actor nominated was white, leading US actress, Jada Pinkett Smith, to call for the ceremony to be boycotted. The story rumbled on for months, with many big stars weighing in, with even the then President Barack Obama making comment.

In the end, the Academy was forced to make changes to its voting process and in 2016 a record number of new members were added.

There are 24 awards on offer at each Oscar ceremony including ‘Best Cinematography’, ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Costume Design’.

With reports that many Academy members were over 50 and that 94% were white and 77% male, to steer the awards away from the accusation that it lacks diversity, the Academy’s president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, knew that mixing things up was essential in maintaining the awards’ credibility.

Recent additions to the member’s list include British actors, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, Lion) and Tom Hardy (Mad Max, Legend) along with La La Land’s Emma Stone and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Jack Reacher).

Whether you stay up late to catch all the action live from the red carpet or wait to see the morning headlines, one thing is for sure, the 90th Academy Awards will be one to remember.

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

THE FILM THAT HAS GIVEN US THE TIME OF OUR LIVES FOR 30 YEARS “Me? I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life, the way I feel when I’m with you” – Baby

It was the autumn of 1987, a year which saw Margaret Thatcher re-elected as Prime Minister, Wall Street crash on the now infamous Black Monday, and the Great Storm lash through south-east England and yet it was the gentle nostalgia of a 1960s set movie which captivated the hearts of audiences everywhere.

For many it may only feel like yesterday that dance lothario, Johnny Castle, and the innocent Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman first graced our screens with their on-screen story of firstlove, discovery and of course dance, but this year the film celebrates its 30th anniversary!

When director Emile Ardolino, and screenplay writer Eleanor Bergstein, began putting their heads together to create the film, they and all the cast involved, were unaware of the impact the film would go on to have.

The film was a box office smash going on to become a global sensation, making an all-time $213,900,000 in the worldwide box office!

30 years on, people everywhere now know that nobody puts Baby in the corner, that the place to practise a tricky lift is in a cold lake and that carrying a watermelon into a club is a sure-fire way to meet the man that will sweep you off your feet – literally.

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The key aspect that shaped the film’s success was arguably its perfect cast. Johnny Castle needed to be confident in himself but vulnerable in his social standing while Baby needed to project quite the opposite and after blowing the crew away with their auditions, the responsibility for the film’s fate was placed into the hands of 34-year-old Patrick Swayze and 27-year-old Jennifer Grey.

However, Ardolino and Bergstein didn’t go in blind with these choices. Patrick and Jennifer were an on-screen romance that people were not completely unfamiliar with, as the duo had starred alongside one another in 1984 disaster film, Red Dawn. Despite this, it is their iconic on-screen chemistry in Dirty Dancing, which many directors to this day look for when casting a couple. This, though, is testament to Patrick and Jennifer’s acting ability because it was famously reported that the pair did not get on, off-screen.

Such has been the impact of the film, it has been reworked to suit the stage and the TV throughout the years. The most successful of which came in 2006 when Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage took residency at Aldwych Theatre, on the West End, for over five years, drawing audiences from around the world and selling out time and again.

In 2004 Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, set in 1950s Cuba was released – but didn’t quite go down in history the way its predecessor did. Neither did the most recent television remake of the film which came in May 2017. ABC created a reimagining of the film across a three-part series which was pulled apart at the seams by viewers and critics alike. Nothing seems to, or probably ever will live up to the original!

Sadly 22 years after Patrick performed that lift the world’s heart broke when, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer, he passed away aged just 57.

His passing was a sad day for Hollywood and movie fans everywhere, but while the world mourned the loss of one of Hollywood’s iconic and most talented actors, it was acknowledged that he had carved a legacy that would live on forever.

Patrick once said: “If I leave this earth, I want to leave this earth just knowing I’ve tried to do something worthwhile with myself.” His career certainly reflects his commitment to his art and during his years in the spotlight he starred in some 35 films.

Seven not-so dirty secrets about the film • Both Jennifer and Patrick were 10 years older than the characters they were playing.

• 27-year-old Jennifer Grey won her part in just five minutes after successfully proving to filmmakers that she could convincingly play a teenager.

• Mountain Lake Lodge, known as Kellerman’s in the film, regularly hosts Dirty Dancing weekends.

• The iconic scene of Johnny and Baby in the dance studio, was a spontaneous warm-up the duo did before filming.

The director loved it so much he made them re-enact it and went on to play a huge part in the film we know today!

• Johnny’s annoyance at Baby’s ticklish behaviour during dancing, was real anger towards the actress – the scene took countless takes due to Jennifer Grey being unable to control her tickles.

• The title of the film was nearly named ‘I Was A Teenage Mamba Queen’ due to Canada thinking Dirty Dancing sounded too much like a porn film.

• Dirty Dancing is based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s personal adolescent experiences.

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20 years on and the Harry Potter magic continues…

1997 was a significant year for several reasons, Tony Blair became Prime Minister ending Labour’s 18 years as opposition, NASA landed the Pathfinder probe on Mars and the literary world was taken by storm when the boy who lived was introduced to audiences for the very first time.

It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we first met Harry Potter and the magical world of Hogwarts and quidditch but it is impossible to ignore, even now, the impact this literary phenomenon has had on many levels.

On the 26 June 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published and no-one, including author J.K. Rowling, could have predicted what would happen next. To date the first book alone has sold 107 million copies, been translated into 67 languages and become an international best seller as the world fell under the spell of Rowling’s fantasy world.

The Harry Potter universe has captured the imagination of an entire generation with seven books, eight films, four theme park attractions, an Olivier award-winning West End play and the start of a new spin-off film series (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) expanding the franchise.

One of the most remarkable things about the Harry Potter story is the rise of J.K. Rowling, a famously single mother struggling to make ends meet to one of the most significant authors in British literature. Incredibly, the idea for Harry and his magical world first occurred to Rowling whilst she was on a delayed train from Manchester to London. In the biography of her life she has previously said the character of Harry Potter “just fell into my head” and by the time the train journey had come to an end a lot of the magical world had been formed.

Inspired, Rowling spent the next five years in Portugal and Scotland developing her idea. By 1995 she had completed the

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first novel and she had also planned out large sections of the following six books on everything from scrap paper to airplane sick bags.

Wholeheartedly believing in the success her books could bring, the next challenge was getting published. In total, 12 publishers rejected the manuscript of the first book, a decision they would later come to regret. Finally finding a home with Bloomsbury Publishing, they advised her to use her initials ‘J.K.’ on the front cover rather than her first name Joanne as they believed it more likely to appeal to male readers.

Always destined to be a hit, J.K. Rowling’s life was never the same again. One year later the second book in the series Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was released instantly claiming the top spot on the UK best-seller list. Each subsequent book continued to break records and by the time the final book in the series was released at midnight on 21 July 2007, Harry Potter had become a global phenomenon. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the final novel in the series and a record-breaking number of copies were sold on the day of its release; 8.3 million in the USA and 2.65 in the UK. As well as the books, Harry Potter is also one of the most successful film franchises of all time. The eight movies, (Deathly Hallows was split in to two films), have grossed a total of $8.5 billion and launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the roles of the lead trio.

The Harry Potter legacy continues to live on through an eighth story, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a play which focuses on (spoiler alert!) Harry’s son Albus Potter and his own adventures at Hogwarts. With tickets for the play selling fast and the script also released as a book selling over 2million copies on the first day of its release, this frenzy began in

July 2016 in London’s West End and it has recently been announced it will travel to Broadway in 2018.

A spinoff franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which takes place in Potter’s wizarding world 70 years prior to the events of the first book, was released in 2016 with four more films set to follow.

Fans can continue to experience the magic in a number of ways. Since filming ended on the final movie back in 2011 Leavesden studios in Watford, where all eight films were shot, has opened its doors. Visitors are able to experience the film like never before seeing the real sets that the actors worked on to costumes and props. People can even step onto platform 9¾ and venture into the spooky Forbidden Forest.

Harry Potter inspired theme parks have also been launched in USA and Japan where the wizarding world has been recreated. Guests can eat in the Leaky Cauldron, go shopping

in Hogsmeade or even buy a personalised wand from Diagon Alley. All the parks also have fantastic Harry Potter themed rides and rollercoasters.

However, perhaps the biggest triumph Harry Potter has achieved since it first became a part of British culture 20 years ago, is that it inspired millions of children across the world to pick up a book and read, something easier said than done in the modern age of television and computer games. This has seen J.K. Rowling become the first ever billionaire author, although her charity endeavours has seen her give much of this away.

One of the most famous quotes from the first novel was spoken by Professor McGonagall in the very first chapter: “There will be books written about Harry Potter, every child in our world will know his name.’ Little did J.K. Rowling know that this would turn out to be exactly true.

10 magical things every muggle needs to know about Harry Potter...

• Tom Felton, who played school villain Draco Malfoy originally auditioned for role of Harry Potter • J.K. Rowling was offered the role of Harry’s mother, Lily, but turned it down stating that she would ‘mess it up somehow’ • Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, was actually the very last actor to be cast, and he only got the role after a chance encounter with the casting director in a London theatre •

The late, great, Robin Williams actually wanted to be cast as half-giant Rubeus Hagrid but was rejected with Rowling insisting all Hogwarts staff members had to be played by British actors

•

Alan Rickman who played potions master Severus Snape was the only other person in the world who knew the fate of his character before the release of the final book.

Rowling told him as she believed it would help Rickman in his portrayal of the character on screen

• The ‘T’ in Voldermort should actually be silent but the film producers were unaware of this when they began filming and it was too late to change the pronunciation • Daniel Radcliffe broke 80 wands over the 11 years he played Harry. He also had his scar painted on 5,800 times and went through 160 pairs of glasses in the final movie alone • Both ‘quidditch’ and ‘muggle’ have officially been entered into the Oxford Dictionary • To match Harry’s green eyes producers gave Daniel Radcliffe some special contact lenses but they had to stop using them after he suffered a severe allergic reaction • The actor, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, who played Tom Riddle/ Voldermort as a boy, is actually Ralph Fiennes’ nephew

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

East Midlands’ Theatre Guide Enjoy a great night out - there’s something for everyone The arts world across the East Midlands is growing year on year, with theatres across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Northampton buzzing with new shows and a plethora of talent from both local and touring companies.

Our latest selection of shows come from both big and small venues covering a range of genres. From ballet to comedy; and from classic storytelling to musicals, our East Midlands theatre guide has everything you need for the autumn/winter seasons ahead.

Happiest Days of Your Life Where: The Little Theatre, Leicester When: Monday 13 November-Saturday 18 November The saying goes that your school days are the happiest days of your life and this hilarious production will certainly make you wish you could go back and experience them all over again.

Set at the end of the Second World War, this feel good play concentrates on the pupils of Hilary Hall School for Boys who discover they have to share their premises with a girls school!

What follows is a fantastic performance which can be loved by people of all ages and has been a hit in the world of theatre since its very first production in 1948.

Tickets start from £15 per person.

Strictly Musicals Where: Loughborough Town Hall When: Wednesday 15 November- Saturday 18 November Whether you have never seen a musical before, or are a seasoned theatre goer, Strictly Musicals has something for everyone. Brought to Loughborough’s audiences by the award-winning ESNA Players production team, this show combines six of the world’s most loved musicals into one unforgettable evening.

With popular showtunes including I Dreamed a Dream, Mamma Mia and The Sound of Music all performed by an incredibly talented cast, Strictly Musicals, is sure to have audiences singing along all through the night.

Tickets start from £15 per person.

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Scrooge The Musical Where: Curve Theatre, Leicester When: Saturday 18 November- Sunday 7 Janaury Everyone knows the story of Charles Dickens’ festive story A Christmas Carol but director Nikolai Foster gives the classic story a new lease of life with Scrooge the Musical. This new interpretation of one of everyone’s best loved Christmas stories sees the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge taken on a wonderful journey of his Christmas past, present and yet-tocome complete with a whole host of musical hits including the Oscar-nominated Thank You Very Much, I Hate Christmas and Happiness.

Join Scrooge and the loveable Cratchit family as they bring festive spirit in a spectacular showcase that is sure to see you fall in love with one of Britain’s greatest stories all over again.

You certainly won’t be saying Bah Humbug after this!

Tickets start from £10 per person.

The Circus of Horrors Where: The Retford Majestic Theatre When: Saturday 2 December With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, The Circus of Horrors are back on tour with their latest show Voodoo VaudEvil. The Circus of Horrors includes a range of superb acts all included into a spine-tingling horror story sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Having impressed Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent the group became the only ever circus to reach the live finalists of the show in 2011. Having performed their act at festivals alongside some of the biggest names in the world including Eminem, Oasis and Iron Maiden, The Circus of Horrors is sure to delight (and terrify!) Retford’s audiences.

Tickets start from £25 per person.

Peter Pan Where: Derby Theatre When: Saturday 2 December- Saturday 6 January Rediscover the magic of Neverland as you join Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys on their journey to defeat the evil Captain Hook in this adaptation of J.M Barrie’s classic tale. Perfect for the festive season, this production sees

audiences transported to the magical land of pirates, fairies and mermaids.

Complete with original music, fantastic costumes and choreography this superb production will make you wish you had never grown up.

Tickets start from £12 per person.

Chicago Blues Brothers Where: Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering When: Friday 19 January 2018 Join Jake and Elwood in a spectacular award-winning show, re-thought for a bigger and flashier stage set. The Blues Brothers award winning story and production has once again donned it’s dancing shoes and is back with an, energy-filled, feel-good show that is not to be missed in Kettering.

Filled with laughter, puns and a legendary soundtrack from Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and Tina Turner, this blues and Motown-infused journey will have you dancing through the night one moment, and falling out of your seat with laughter the next.

Fat Friends – The Musical (Touring) Where: Nottingham Theatre Royal When: Monday 26 March – Saturday 31 March 2018 Champions Celebrity Talent Management star, Sam Bailey, stars in Fat Friends -The Musical as it tours the country in early 2018. With Kay Mellor’s hit TV sitcom adapted for the stage, fans can look forward to reacquainting themselves with Betty, Lauren, Kelly and the rest of the Super Slimmers as they battle their way through dieting and weight loss.

With Mellor’s fantastic writing and music by composer Nicholas Lloyd Webber, this show is set to take the UK by storm and have audiences laughing until they cry during the tour which sees the show visit many prestigious theatres around the UK. Tickets start at £19.50 per person.

Tickets start from £23 per person.

Heaven on Earth Where: Motorpoint Arena Nottingham When: Saturday 27 January – Tuesday 30 January 2018 The classic story of Adam and Eve’s fall from Paradise is stunningly performed on stage by an all-star cast, including Wicked’s Kerry Ellis and Miss Saigon’s Hugh Maynard alongside the voice of Russel Watson.

The production promises a night full of special effects, pyrotechnics and animatronics to bring the Garden of Eden to life before your eyes and engross you in a story you think you know inside out – but you’ve never experienced it like this before.

Prices start at £21.28 per person.

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BEAUTY, HEALTY AND LIFESTYLE

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Royal romance

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss Over the course of her 65 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II has seen many poignant milestones and 2017 marks, perhaps, the most special of them all. On 20 November Her Majesty and husband Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.

The couple first met in 1934 at the wedding of Philip’s cousin, Princess Marina of Greece where, the then Princess Elizabeth fell in love with her future husband. They then began corresponding by writing letters to one another, and became engaged in secret in 1946, the announcement was made public on 9 July 1947.

Marrying at Westminster Abbey, where some 64 years later Kate and Wills tied the knot, interest in the Royal wedding was international. The ceremony was broadcast to 200 million people worldwide with the happy couple receiving more than 2,500 wedding presents and 10,000 telegrams from wellwishers. Just five years later Elizabeth’s father King George VI sadly passed away. Becoming Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, her coronation took place a year later and the couple have established themselves as an integral part of the British way of life.

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Roy

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The last seven decades have not been without their challenges. From the very outset Queen Elizabeth II and Phillip had to overcome hurdles including the Duke’s Greek heritage. He was forced to abandon his Greek and Danish titles and was announced as a British subject prior to the wedding to fall in line with protocol.

The couple’s relationship has seen four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren to date, with the Royal family remaining as popular as ever, something that is down to the stable and solid foundations Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip have provided over the years.

To celebrate, a special black-tie banquet will be held at Windsor Castle followed by a celebratory service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, the setting for many Royal celebrations over the years.

ance

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

HOW A GALAXY

FAR FAR AWAY continues to delight audiences 40 years on…

“May the force be with you” is one of cinema’s most famous quotes and when George Lucas created his own space adventure story in the early 1970s he could not have imagined the impact his creation would have on the world.

40 years ago, Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope was released capturing the imagination of a generation and the franchise has been delighting audiences everywhere ever since.

The iconic lightsabers, spaceships and loveable characters have become a major part of the world of cinema and the cultural impact the films have had can truly be felt across the globe. With action figures and merchandise commonplace in virtually every country on the planet, a lot has changed since we first saw the likes of Harrison Ford, Mark Hammill and Carrie Fisher on screen in 1977. The UK’s Ealing, Elstree, Leavesden, Pinewood and Shepperton studios are where most of the films were shot and the British influence in the films cannot be ignored. There was also a large amount of British cast members in the films, most notably Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker who played lovable droids C-3PO and R2-D2.

The first Star Wars blockbuster became the highest grossing film of all time and focused on a civil war in a fictional galaxy between a rebel alliance and a galactic empire controlled by the evil Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. The original trilogy is comprised of three movies A New Hope (1977) which focuses on Luke Skywalker, a farmer on the planet of Tatooine who after meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers that his father used to be a Jedi knight. Becoming friends with Han Solo and Chewbacca the group go about rescuing Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil empire and Darth Vader.

The second movie The Empire Strikes Back (1980) sees Luke discover his true heritage and begin his Jedi training alongside the legendary Jedi master Yoda. The film delivered one of the greatest movie moments of all time when Luke discovered that Darth Vader was his father, a scene that has become synonymous with the franchise over the years.

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Return of the Jedi (1983) was the final film in the original trilogy and saw a final confrontation between the rebels led

by Luke and Han Solo and the empire. The film saw Luke and Leia discover they were twin brother and sister and as good overcame evil, saw Darth Vader turn away from the dark side by saving Luke from the Emperor and sacrifice himself to defeat the empire.

The original trilogy grossed over $1.8 billion worldwide and perhaps more valuably created a legion of loyal fans. Following the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983 there was talk that a sequel trilogy would shortly follow. However, in 1987 George Lucas said he had no plans to return to the franchise instead turning his attentions to other projects. This changed in 1993, when it was announced that whilst a sequel trilogy would not be happening Lucas had been persuaded to begin work writing a prequel trilogy which would be set 32 years prior to the events in A New Hope and focus on Anakin Skywalker’s descent to the dark side.

In 1999 Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace was released and was a smash hit at the box office raking in $1billion.

Two more prequels followed: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005). However, despite the financial success of the films they fell victim to criticism by fans and critics alike.

While this could have marked the end of the Star Wars legacy in 2012 the film rights were purchased by Disney in a deal believed to be worth around $4billion. Following this announcement, the sequel trilogy, first mentioned by Lucas over 30 years previously, would finally be made. Despite being based on Lucas’ ideas it was also confirmed he would have no involvement in these new movies.

Much to fans delight the new films would see Harrison Ford, Mark Hammill and Carrie Fisher reprise the roles they had left behind 32 years previously. In 2015 Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens was released combining old characters with new. Directed by self-confessed Star Wars fan and former

Star Trek director J.J. Abrams the film was both a critical and commercial success. Taking home $2billion at the box office The Force Awakens was 2015’s most successful film.

The next edition of the franchise, Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi is due for a December 2017 release with the final edition of the sequel trilogy due out in 2019. Sadly, Carrie Fisher who portrays Leia Organa (Princess Leia) in the films passed away during production of The Last Jedi and the film will have a dedication in her honour.

With an ever-expanding universe, the franchise has also recently produced a standalone film, Rogue One which was released in 2016. The film follows the journey of rebel Jyn Erso (Brit actress Felicity Jones) as she tries to steal the plans of the Death Star which plays such a vital role in the subsequent films. A yet untitled Han Solo origin story has also been announced for a 2018 release, and there seems to be no signs of stopping beyond the sequel trilogy with Disney CEO Bob Iger stating that they had Star Wars content planned into the 2030s.

The cultural impact of the Star Wars franchise cannot be ignored, with theme park attractions in both Florida and China. A new Star Wars theme park is currently undergoing construction with a 2019 opening date.

Beyond this, there is a children’s animated television series called The Clone Wars and several newly discovered organisms have been named after Star Wars characters (including the Chewbacca wasp!)

There has even been a religion created based on the films called Jediism which is based on a spiritual code as demonstrated by the Force in the films. Followers of the religion abide by the 16 Jedi teachings as seen in the films and in the 2001 census 0.7% of the people of Brighton classified themselves as Jedi more than Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism.

A trip through the light years Star Wars past, present and future...

ORIGINAL TRILOGY A New Hope The Empire Strikes Back Return of the Jedi

(1977) (1980) (1983)

PREQUEL TRILOGY The Phantom Menace Attack of the Clones Revenge of the Sith

(1999) (2002) (2005)

SEQUEL TRILOGY The Force Awakens The Last Jedi Untitled-Episode IX

(2015) (2017) (2019)

ANTHOLOGY FILMS Rogue One Solo: A Star Wars Story Untitled Anthology film

(2016) (2018) (2020)

TELEVISION SERIES The Clone Wars Rebels Forces of Destiny

(2008-2014) (2014-present) (2017-present)

With plenty of Star Wars still to come over the coming years the franchise is sure to continue to capture the imagination of the next generation as well as continuing to delight its existing fans.

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

y p e S Th d e v o We L

Remembering Sir Roger Moore Earlier this year, the world mourned the loss of the longestrunning James Bond actor, Sir Roger Moore, who starred in seven consecutive Bond movies, raking in just under $1.2 billion for the franchise. Now, we take the opportunity to look back and celebrate his impressive career and tumultuous life.

James Bond legend Credited with the reinvention of the James Bond character, from the cold-blooded killer of the books and previous films, to the gadget-adorned playboy with endless one-liners and wit, Roger Moore’s legacy will live on forever.

Charismatic Moore’s first foray into the world of 007 came in 1964, when he made a guest appearance for a comedy skit in Millicent Martin’s BBC series Mainly Millicent, as James Bond. Following this casting, Moore did not believe he would be considered to play the part in the film franchise, as Sean Connery continued to portray the secret agent throughout the first five features. Sir Roger only began to consider that he could be cast as Bond when Connery stepped down from the franchise in 1966. He was finally approached in 1972, following the release of Diamonds are Forever, which was Sean Connery’s final appearance in the role.

Sir Roger Moore played 007 for a total of seven films, filming for the franchise throughout his 40s and 50s and retiring from the role at the age of 58 following the release of A View to a Kill in 1985. This makes Moore the oldest actor to have played the part.

Whilst both Moore and Connery played the character for a total of seven films, Moore has the title of longest-running Bond actor, as he held the role for 12 consecutive years, whilst Connery ran for five years, with two further films following independently. Although, Daniel Craig will surpass this milestone when his final Bond film is released in 2019.

A chance breakthrough Born in 1927, Sir Roger Moore was an only child who was evacuated from his hometown of Stockwell, London to

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Holsworthy, Devon during the Second World War. He was an apprentice at an animation studio until a mistake involving animation cells resulted in his termination.

His entrance into the world of entertainment happened by chance when his policeman father investigated a robbery at director Brian Hurst’s home. Brian was seeking extras for his film, Caesar and Cleopatra at the time and cast Moore after being introduced to him by his father. During filming, Hurst watched Moore’s female fan base grow exponentially and offered to pay for Moore to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. During his three terms at RADA, Roger developed the relaxed demeanour and mid-western accent which became staples of his characterisation of James Bond.

Before embracing the Hollywood lifestyle, Moore was conscripted and commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Royal Army Corps. He combined his love of entertainment and his army service as an officer in the Combined Service Entertainment Section, working his way up to the rank of Captain.

Breaking into the industry After his role in Caesar and Cleopatra, Moore expand his portfolio in the late 1940’s as a model, appearing in various print advertisements for knitwear, toothpastes and other products. In 1949, he made his first television appearance in the 1949 TV movie, The Governess.

In the early years of his career, Moore struggled to land any prominent parts, in 1954 he signed a seven-year contract with MGM, but was released from it after just two, as none of the films he was cast in during those years came to any success.

Despite this frustration, Moore was determined to keep going.

In the years following his release from MGM, Sir Roger landed a range of single-episode appearances on TV before accepting a long-term contract with Warner Brothers Studios in 1959.

This contract led to Moore landing the lead role in the play, The Miracle. This was followed by an appearance in an episode of The Third Man, before being cast as Orson Welles in the film version of Welles’ life story.

From 1958 to 1972, he held recurring roles in five television series, including his seven-year run as Simon Templar in The Saint and in The Persuaders! Both of which saw him dabble in producing and directing alongside his acting responsibilities.

Life beyond Bond Moore’s big screen success was not limited to Bond and his impressive range of facial expressions, in fact he starred in a range of other successful films, including Sherlock Holmes in New York, Escape to Athena and Curse of the Pink Panther.

Following A View to a Kill, Moore had parts in a further 11 films, including Spice World and Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. Throughout his career, Sir Roger earned seven acting awards, including the now retired, Henrietta (World Film Favourite – Male) Golden Globe.

In 1991, inspired by the work of his good friend, Audrey Hepburn, Moore became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and thirteen years later, he lent his voice to the part of Father Christmas in The Fly Who Loved Me, a cartoon released by UNICEF in 2004. Moore was also an active voice on behalf of animal welfare charity PETA, narrating a video protesting against the production and wholesale of foie gras, which led to the removal of the product from the shelves of Selfridges.

Throughout his career, Sir Roger earned five charity awards, including his CBE alongside nine lifetime achievement awards, including a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and Commander of the French National Order of Arts and Letters.

Sir Roger received his knighthood in 2003, the honour was bestowed by HRH Queen Elizabeth II to acknowledge his charitable work for more than ten years prior.

Moore’s private life was often as colourful as his on-screen personas. He and Mr. Bond shared a reputation for being womanisers, with Moore ending three marriages before settling with his soul mate Kristina Tholstrup. Moore has three children and two granddaughters. His step-daughter, Kristina’s only child from a previous relationship, died tragically at the age of 47 in 2016 after battling cancer.

Whilst Sir Roger Moore’s memory is sure to live on in the films he starred in, his loving family and the legacy he leaves behind, there is no question that he defined Bond for a generation and that the silver screen will be duller for his absence.

A View to a Thrill: Five Unforgettable Roger Moore Bond Moments Octopussy fight scene: Showcasing his on-screen fighting skills, Sir Roger brilliantly portrayed his character in this scene which was packed with spinning blades.

Acting the Muppet: In 1980, Sir Roger Moore guest-starred in The Muppet Show as James Bond, where his karate-chop moves and romantic encounter with Miss Piggy left a lasting impression.

Wedding crashing: In 1985’s A View to a Kill, Moore careers a taxi through the streets of Paris – narrowly avoiding many obstacles – apart from a wedding cake.

‘Something came up’: In 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, he delighted viewers with a thrilling opening scene involving skis, hidden weaponry and a Union Jack parachute.

The Santa Clause: 1981’s For Your Eyes Only features an epic scene in which Moore’s Bond takes over a rogue helicopter and confronts his nemesis – he then sends him off in true Christmas fashion – down a chimney.

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A LOOK AT THE SUCCESS OF REEP MIDLANDS 12 MONTHS ON A year on from their opening, Reep Midlands have continued to establish themselves as experts in the luxury automotive sector. With a growing clientele and enviable reputation in the lucrative industry, the busiest and largest of all of Reep Detailing centres provide a range of bespoke services for their clients, understanding the importance of having quality when it comes to caring for your dream.

With a total of seven new centres having recently opened in the Reep Detailing Network, Reep Midlands based in the heart of Leicestershire have demonstrated the brand’s extremely high standards since they opened their doors in 2016. Focusing on the luxury vehicle market, the broad spectrum of high net worth clients include a range of high profile individuals, with some of the rarest and most sought after Supercars, Hypercars, SUVs, mobile homes and even helicopters taken care of!

With a vast range of services, and on top of being industry leaders when it comes to luxury car care, Reep Midlands also hold various onsite events, hosting some the world’s greatest cars for private clients to gather their collections and showcase in a fitting environment. Due to their team’s commitment to ensuring their clients receive the highest level of service, they have worked alongside some of the region’s most prestigious automotive companies including: XL Leasing, SmarTrack, Supercar Driver Club, The Porsche Owners Club GB and Ferrari Owners Club GB. Focused on establishing strong relationships with their clients from the initial conversation through to after sales, customers always leave the Studio impressed with the high level of service that Reep Midlands provide as well as their enviable craftsmanship and post-collection communication which makes them truly unique in the industry.

They are continuing to improve their offering with additional services becoming available frequently. Their bespoke detailing studio is the largest in the country and works alongside some of the industry’s leading manufacturing brands, accredited by the likes of Swissvax, Gtechniq and Koch Chemie. Able to tailor their services to the exact 54 |

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requirements of the client, Reep Midlands are already planning for the future, hosting numerous events and engaging with an increasing amount of individuals with car collections wanting the quality and skill that Reep Midlands so elegantly provide.

While the past twelve months have seen them grow significantly in size, there is still room to increase their offering. One large ambition for their future is to increase their female customer base in a market which is growing all the time. Aiming to abolish the stereotypical image of female drivers they appeal to women who are keen to maintain their car to an elevated standard. Their expert detailing team utilise the most luxurious brands to make sure that the end result is the highest possible quality. Some of the services they use to make a client’s car look its best include exterior detailing, interior detailing and paint protection. Trained and approved by industry experts, clients can rest assured that their pride and joy is in the safest possible hands.

As the brand continues to expand, their professional and friendly team are also gaining more exposure in the equestrian sector tending to SUVs, horse boxes and similar bespoke vehicles. As high value investments, these type of vehicles require precise and dedicated care to keep them in the best possible condition, and this is an area Reep Midlands are sure to excel in going forward.

2018 looks set to be another exciting year for Reep Midlands as they expand their current 7,500sq ft site to offer even more fantastic services, enhancing that luxury environment their business brings to clients across the region. This will include a roof garden, large screens and an online live stream of vehicles being worked on so clients can check on the progress of their cars in real time. They will also offer a dedicated international covered delivery and pick up service, again ensuring the customer’s lifestyle can remain uninterrupted by the services Reep Midlands offer.

As their list of clients and services continue to increase, there is no doubting that they are the go-to company in the region when it comes to luxury car care.

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Porsche recommends and Official fuel economy figures for the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo in mpg (l/100km): urban 13.1 – 12.9 (21.6 – 21.9); extra urban 7.4 – 7.3 (38.2 – 38.7); combined 9.5 – 9.4 (29.7 – 30.1). CO2 emissions: 217 – 215. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated tests, are provided for Officialpurposes fuel economy figures XXXXXXX mpg (l/100km): comparability and may not for reflthe ect your actualindriving experience.urban X.X - X.X (X.X – X.X), extra urban X.X – X.X (X.X – X.X), combined X.X – X.X (X.X – X.X). CO2 emissions: XXX – XXX g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

70 YEARS OF THE ASHES

- the history of sport’s most iconic rivalry November marks the 70th edition of The Ashes, the competition which brings age old rivals-England and Australia together for one of cricket’s fiercest battles. The origins of The Ashes span more than a century with the first ever series won by England in a hard-fought campaign in 1883.

However, the story of The Ashes actually began a year earlier at the Oval in London. A three-day test series saw Australia shock the sporting world by defeating England, who, at the time were considered one of the best cricket teams on the planet.

This led to British newspaper, The Sporting Times publishing a tongue in cheek obituary about ‘the death of English cricket’ where they wrote “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” This was the first time that the term ‘ashes’ was used in association with a cricket match between England and Australia and it has stuck ever since.

Prior to the 1882/83 series which is regarded as the first official Ashes series, England captain, Ivo Bligh had been quoted in the media saying the team was determined to

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“recover those ashes.” The media attention surrounding the series, in an era before social media, was remarkable, with England coming out on top winning 2-1 and reclaiming The Ashes.

And so, The Ashes were born and what followed was a biannual meeting between these two giants of the cricket world with each country taking it in turns to host.

With games taking place in the summers of the respective nations the series has also become a part of Australia’s Christmas traditions with a test played on Boxing Day at the world’s biggest cricket stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Following England’s first Ashes victory a pair of cricket bails were burned and the ashes placed in an urn which also acts as the trophy given to the winning team at the end of each series. The urn itself also has a rich history; upon winning the first series in 1882, Ivo Bligh was presented with the urn by a local social group called the Melbourne Women. The leader of the group was Florence Morphy who Bligh went on to marry. Due to its delicate nature, a replica has been given to

the winning captain of each series, with the original kept at the Marylebone Cricket Museum. It has only travelled back to Australia on two occasions. Once, in 1988, for the Bicentenary Test, which celebrated colonial settlement in Australia, and then again in 2006 for a tour of the country prior to that year’s Ashes series.

To date 69 series have been played, with both sides winning 32 and drawing five. Therefore, this year’s meeting will be highly contested with both teams determined to gain an edge on the competition.

Howzat! Four Ashes series which will go down in history...

1891/92 - Aussie’s achieve first Ashes success Up until 1891 The Ashes had been completely dominated by the English, who had won the first eight consecutive series.

Captained by wicketkeeper Jack Blackham, Australia claimed a 2-1 victory in what was then a three-day test series rather than the five we are used to today. However, this maiden victory for Australia did not do much to curtail England’s dominance in the 19th century as they went on to win another three back to back series.

1932/33 - Bodyline controversy

and England romped to a 4-1 win. However, a lot of attention surrounded the bodyline incident. In fact, representatives from both countries even had to step in to prevent relations between Australia and England being damaged. The laws of the game were even changed to prevent it happening again.

2005 - The country falls in love with cricket as England record a historic win Claiming the famous urn for the first time since 1987, this was the series that is often regarded as the most thrilling of all time. Every match was tightly fought and England narrowly achieved victory with a 2-1 series win. The final test at The Oval ended in a draw meaning that The Ashes would return to English shores for the first time in 15 years.

The second test at Edgbaston reflected just how tightly contested the series was. England won the test by just two runs with Marcus Trescothick scoring 90 runs in the process.

The victory and subsequent celebrations saw the triumphant players become heroes, with bowler Andrew Flintoff MBE winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year and the team taking home the team award at the ceremony.

2013/14 - England humbled

Going into the 1932/33 series Australia had one of the most formidable attacking batting teams in the world with the likes of Archie Jackson, Bill Woodfull and Stan McCabe. Knowing that this batting line-up could cause them trouble, England captain Douglas Jardine adopted a tactic to combat it which resulted in controversy.

Having won the last three series in a row, England went into this campaign with high hopes and took a squad to Australia which included three uncapped players. However, Australia were rampant and England suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat. It led to the retirement of all-rounder Graeme Swann and batsman Jonathan Trott from international cricket and batsman Kevin Pietersen’s last ever appearance for the national team.

Dubbed ‘Bodyline’, the bowlers were instructed to bowl at the bodies of the batsman causing them to protect themselves with the bat resulting in easier catches. The tactic worked

This defeat will surely be fresh in the minds of the current England squad as they head back to Australia in November for the first time since this loss.

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WELCOME to the European Senior Tour’s new UK event...

Since the foundations of the European Senior Tour were laid in 1992, the Tour has grown to become one of the most challenging seasons a golfer can face. Those on the Tour are better suited than most for the challenge, with the roster comprising of Major champions, ex-Ryder Cup players, European Tour winners and Hall of Fame members, all aged 50 and over, and all competing to top the esteemed Order of Merit list.

The 2017 season began all the way back in March, and comes to its conclusion in December on the paradise island of Mauritius, the setting for the season-ending MCB Tour Championships. Before the top players jet off to the Indian Ocean isle for one last battle, the penultimate tournament of a challenging 15-round season, sees the Tour’s finest head off to a brand-new setting in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside.

Event organisers Champions (UK) plc, will bring the 2017 Farmfoods European Senior Masters to the Midlands, which will take place across four days at the Forest of Arden Marriott

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Hotel & Country Club, between 19-22 October. The event looks certain to attract the biggest and best players from the Tour and will test participant’s golfing credentials, with the winner receiving an impressive €50,000 from the overall €200,000 prize fund.

The event will bring with it a fresh challenge, something that is sure to thrill both amateurs and professionals alike. Former Ryder Cup captains, Paul McGinley and José María Olazábal, both now 50 years old, are eligible to play, along with 1993 Ryder Cup player Peter Baker, the official tournament host, who will be competing in his first European Senior Tour event on the Arden course.

Peter discussed his expectations for the event: “It’s going to be an exciting week at the Forest of Arden, and to be able to bring such a high-level tournament back to the Midlands is great for fans in the region and beyond.”

Other professionals currently entered include, British Senior Open Champion, Paul Broadhurst, three-time European Senior Tour winner, Gary Wolstenholme MBE, European Tour winners *Correct at the time of writing

2018’s tournament is set to take place between 4-7 OCTOBER at the FOREST OF ARDEN. For more information please visit:

EUROPEANSENIORMASTERS.COM ESMastersGolf

David Gilford, Barry Lane, Costantino Rocca and Jarmo Sandelin, Order of Merit winner Paul Wesselingh and two-time Senior Major champion, Roger Chapman*.

The Forest of Arden is a fitting stage to host such an illustrious event, with its two courses, the Arden (the Championship course) and the Aylesford, and it has hosted the British Masters on five occasions. Past winners include Barry Lane, Colin Montgomerie OBE and 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn.

With a breathtaking backdrop of tall oak trees along the back nine, the beauty hides the tough challenge of the lush, yet

ESMastersGolf

testing rough, before reaching the immaculately maintained putting greens. While it may not have hosted an event as significant as the Farmfoods European Senior Masters for a number of years, the world-renowned hotel and golf resort is more than ready to re-make its mark in professional tour golf.

David MacLaren, Head of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to add the Farmfoods European Senior Masters to the schedule, when we initially met with Champions (UK) plc we were highly impressed with what they have achieved with the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship and look forward to establishing a world class event with them long into the future.”

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THE TONY JACKLIN RYDER CUP COLLECTION

By Joe Austen “The win had an electrifying effect on golf in the UK, and that is when my admiration for the sport was rooted.”

This is how British artist and writer, Joe Austen, described the impact of Tony Jacklin CBE’s Major wins at both The Open Championship in 1969 and the U.S. Open in 1970, on how he, and many others viewed the future of golf.

Praising that historical triumph as “a time of promise for British golf”, Tony’s win also marked the point where Joe had his first glimpse of inspiration for what went on to form a phenomenal collection of golfing artwork.

At his most content with golf portraiture, Joe has been nurturing his love of oil painting for well over 40 years and in that time has painted some of history’s greatest ever golfers.

His works permanently reside on the illustrious walls in

The Gallery of Champions at the Macdonald Rusacks hotel, St Andrews, Scotland.

The gallery is located next to the eighteenth fairway at one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, the Old Course, making it the perfect place for Joe’s artwork to hang.

His most recent collection of pieces, titled the ‘Tony Jacklin Ryder Cup Collection’, was created in association with Tony himself and now holds permanent residency in the hotel and honours 24 of the greatest Ryder Cup captains of all time.

Tony Jacklin’s bold portrait is situated alongside the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Paul McGinley and Ian Woosnam OBE. Such has been the impact and reception of The Gallery of Champions, on both the art and golf world, a select few of those featured in the collection were made honourees of the gallery. The artwork has also been graced with autographs of the game’s biggest names including Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Roberto de Vicenzo and Sandy Lyle MBE. Great praise came for Joe, with legendary Argentinian golfer Roberto de Vicenzo stating that the “paintings will get you into heaven.”

Also on the walls in The Gallery of Champions are Joe’s other collections, including the ‘Macdonald Collection’, the ‘Historical Collection’ and the ‘Portraits of the Royal Captains’, which showcases iconic golfers through time.

‘The World of Golf’ painting which is in the possession of the owner of the Old Course, is the piece of artwork that formed the foundation for all of Joe’s subsequent pieces. It features portraits of the greatest golfing champions, starting with pioneers of the game such as Allan Robertson, who is widely regarded as one of the first ever professional golfers, through to later legends such as Lee Trevino and Peter Thomson CBE. The Tony Jacklin Ryder Cup Collection, and Joe’s other collections, are truly a sight to behold and anyone is welcome to visit The Gallery of Champions at the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel.

Visit: www.joeausten.com to find out more about Joe and his artwork.

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A brief look at the artist behind the easel

Tony Jacklin

Jack Nicklaus

Paul McGinley

Tom Watson

Seve Ballesteros

Ian Poulter

Justin Rose

Arnold Palmer

Phil Mickelson

Lee Westwood

Darren Clarke

Sam Torrance

Joe Austen was born and raised in St Andrews, Scotland, where he first established himself as a writer, artist, producer and director. As one of the world’s foremost golf portraitures he has an extensive portfolio of work to his name. Prolific in his output, Joe has over 30 published books, has written Lanny Wadkins Paul Azinger Ben Crenshaw more Ian Woosnam than 100 television programmes, and has written the lyrics for more than 150 broadcast songs.

Just some of his notable career achievements include creating the popular children’s animation show The Magic House which ran across ITV networks from 1994-1998 and Bumper Storybooks which were a hugely successful series of illustrated children’s stories. He has also been part of the conceptualising Colin Montgomerie Nick Faldo Eamonn Darcy Langer process for numerous other television shows and Bernhard screenplays.

For more information or to book Tony Jacklin CBE Percy & Peter Alliss Samuel Ryder Abe Mitchell Walter Hagen for your next event please contact Benny Lawrence at blawrence@championsukplc.com or call 08453 31 30 31

www.championscelebrity.com

son

Ian Woosnam

Lanny Wadkins

Paul Azinger

Ben Crenshaw

almer

Colin Montgomerie

Nick Faldo

Eamonn Darcy

Bernhard Langer

ance

Percy & Peter Alliss

Samuel Ryder

Abe Mitchell

Walter Hagen

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INVICTUS Britain’s military heroes celebrated at Invictus Games 2017 Not many sporting events could get the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama to appear in a promotional video, but then again, the Invictus Games is an event like no other. One of the most inspiring events on the sporting calendar, the Games returned in September for what once again proved to be a wonderful celebration of sport and the military.

The inaugural event was founded by HRH Prince Harry as a multi-sport event which sees wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen and women compete across a range of sporting disciplines.

When interviewed in June ahead of this year’s Games, Prince Harry talked about how one of the key messages of the Games is how servicemen should not be defined by the injuries they sustained. He said: “They want to prove to the rest of the world that you know what, if I’ve lost a leg, two legs and an arm, or if I’ve been suffering from depression or anxiety for many, many years, no matter who you are, you can fight back from that. I think that is the key message for everybody to take away from Invictus … if you have a second chance in life, to make the absolute most of it.”

In 2014, London was the host of the first ever Invictus Games which saw 300 competitors from 13 different countries take part. Nations who had fought alongside Britain in recent conflicts were invited to compete with the likes of United States, Australia, Afghanistan and many more involved. The inaugural event was a huge success and concluded with a fantastic concert featuring performances from Foo Fighters, James Blunt and Ellie Goulding.

The long-term objective of the Games is to use sport to help with the rehabilitation and recovery of these servicemen and women and to create a wider understanding and respect of the issues these people face. 2017 marks the third edition of the games which took place in Toronto. Venues across the city were used as athletes competed in a range of sports including archery, swimming and cycling.

Prior to the event in September a 37-day Invictus flag tour took place across Canada visiting 22 military bases, 15 legions and 50 communities in an attempt to bring the Games to a wider audience. The event, which saw more countries and athletes compete than ever before with over 500 athletes making the journey to Canada, was opened by a cast of hundreds who put on a stunning show in front of over 19,000 people at the Air Canada Centre. The spectacular event then culminated in the finale of the flag tour which saw the official Invictus Games flag being raised.

The Games were a huge success and one British athlete in particular won the heart of the nation. Former Royal Marine, Mark Ormrod, didn’t stick to just one discipline; winning medals in indoor rowing and swimming. When serving in Afghanistan he was devastatingly injured in a bomb explosion where he lost both his legs and his right arm. In response to his exceptional performances Mark was awarded the ‘Exceptional Performance Award’ by HRH Prince Harry, a special accolade which celebrates the athlete whose performance is considered particularly impressive.

After a week of truly inspirational sporting activities the curtain came down on the third Invictus Games. World renowned acts including Kelly Clarkson and Bryan Adams performed at the closing ceremony as the Invictus Games were officially passed onto Sydney, Australia who are the 2018 hosts.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

JAMIE WELLER

When Jamie Weller suffered the complete loss of his central vision, the Royal Navy Aircraft Engineer lost more than just the majority of his eyesight. No longer able to pursue his dream of a life in the military, Jamie then faced a battle with depression and anxiety as he tried to rebuild his life and adjust to his disability.

Despite his career come to a premature end, Jamie used his love for sport as a way to maintain a positive outlook on life.

This September he was a key member of Great Britain’s Invictus Games team. Travelling to Toronto to compete in the sporting event, it was the first time he’d ever competed at the Games. Taking part in both athletics and cycling events, he won a total of four bronze medals.

Including the 100m, 200m and 400m distances in athletics and the tandem event in cycling.

Aspirational Magazine spoke to Jamie about his fantastic achievement and the Invictus Games experience…

What was the highlight of the Games for you?

For me, it has to be my two daughters and my wife being there with me to experience what Invictus is all about. I train really hard and went on camps to prepare, which my family don’t really see, so it was really important for me that they were there alongside me at the Games.

I was also really pleased with my competition results. I’m 47 years old so for me to be running those distances on the track in front of a crowd like that was phenomenal. Although I didn’t win gold I was still happy with my performances, the guys I was up against were Paralympic champions and Iron Man competitors so I think I did well!

What was it like competing alongside athletes from the different nations and learning of their experiences?

One thing that particularly sticks in my mind is competing alongside Michael Lyddiard who won gold in the 100m. Having suffered with PTSD, as well as being visually impaired, he told me before the medal ceremony that his demon was being able to deal with the noise and lights of the opening ceremony. It really made me think that the Games wasn’t about competing, but the whole environment of being together and celebrating our differences and triumphing in the face of adversity.

We are all military and all had that team spirit which was evident when my bike broke down and everyone chipped in to fix it.

What was it like meeting Prince Harry?

He really is just a normal guy. You could tell he was genuinely interested in you and is really passionate about helping the wounded, injured and sick community when it comes to their recovery. We all face different challenges, me with my sight loss and my friend Mark Ormrod who lost both of his legs and one of his arms, so it makes us appreciate what we have got. I don’t like to use the word disability, I will say it’s about the ability we’ve all got.

What was your role in the military?

I worked as an aircraft engineer working on the Sea Harriers, and it was my dream career. From the age of four or five when my dad had a model aircraft, I was always interested in aviation and technology. I always wanted to serve my country so when I lost my sight it meant I couldn’t do that anymore which was devastating.

I have always tried to have a positive outlook and I hope the way I have approached the loss of my sight, which remains a massive challenge, helps inspire other people. I do not let my blindness manage me, I simply see it as an inconvenience to work around.

Next year the Games visit Sydney and Jamie has ambitions to continue his good form once again.

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Snow and ice aren’t what you’d normally associate with South Korea but in February this sovereign state will embrace all things winter as the world turns its attention to Pyeongchang and the 23rd edition of the Winter Olympics.

will play host to all of the skiing events and to make sure it was up to scratch, Britain’s most famous skier, Graham Bell, tested the downhill ski course at the Jeongseon Alpine centre as part of his work on BBC’s Ski Sunday.

Over 2,000 athletes from nearly 100 different countries will descend on the South Korean province for what is the first ever Winter Olympics and Paralympics to be held in the country.

Having represented Great Britain at five Winter Olympics, Graham will have a keen eye on proceedings in February and there will be plenty of British interest as Team GB hope to improve upon the four medals they won in Sochi in 2014 (which equalled their record medal haul for the Games).

This was Britain’s most successful performance at a Winter Olympics for 90 years and with plenty of British talent set to hit the cold climes there is no reason why more history cannot be made.

Getting underway on 9 February the Games will commence with a spellbinding opening ceremony at the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium which seats over 50,000 spectators. The action will also be beamed to millions of people all over the world. Following this, the Winter Paralympics will take place a month later.

Along with marking the first time the Games have been held in South Korea, history will also be made with a record 102 gold medals on offer across 15 different sports-with four disciplines making their debuts. New to the Games is big air snowboarding, mixed doubles curling, mass start speed skating and mixed team alpine skiing.

One of the standout events at every Winter Games is skiing with the races often providing some of the most exciting scenes of the entire competition. The famous Alpensia Resort

In their entire Winter Olympics history, Great Britain have only won 26 medals, tending to perform better at the summer Games. However, a funding boost in recent years has seen a rise in participation with new initiatives and charities being set up in an attempt to get future GB hopefuls to engage in winter sports from a young age.

One of the heroes of the 2014 Games was skeleton competitor Lizzy Yarnold MBE who has gone on to become perhaps one of Britain’s most recognisable Winter Olympians following her victory. Skeleton is arguably one of the most dangerous, but most thrilling, disciplines at the Games. Re-

GRAHAM BELL’S GUIDE TO THE

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introduced in 2002, Britain have traditionally done well in this event medalling every year. Lizzy will be hoping to become the first ever Briton to successfully defend her skeleton title following her 2014 victory.

Success on the snow may have been hard to come by for Team GB but in 2014 Jenny Jones ended 90 years without a medal in snow events when she claimed bronze in the slopestyle snowboard event. Incredibly ambitious about the future of winter sport in this country, The British Ski and Snowboard organisation hope to make Britain a top-five nation in the sport by 2030. There are now several hopefuls who will be in podium contention with Katie Ormerod, Jamie Nicholls, Billy Morgan and Aimee Fuller all taking World Cup medals in the last few years.

As well as the individual events, Britain will also be hoping they can perform well in the team sports- most notably in curling. In 2014 the UK, somewhat surprisingly, fell in love with the game which involves sliding stones on ice into a target area. David Murdoch captained the team to a silver medal in Sochi and Eve Muirhead guided the womens’ team to bronze and in 2018 both will be hoping to build on these achievements. A new gender mixed version of the game has also been included into the Games increasing Team GB’s medal hopes.

As is tradition, the Winter Paralympics will follow a month after the Winter Olympics and as with Olympic team GB, Paralympians will also be hoping to increase their medal haul.

In 2014, they claimed six medals overall but only one of these was gold. Won by visually impaired Kelly Gallagher MBE and her guide Charlotte Evans MBE, Kelly took the top spot with her awe-inspiring super-G alpine skiing.

During the Games, the organisers will also be including a taste of Korean culture in the form of mascots Soohorang and Bandabi. Following a nationwide competition, the South Korean public selected Soohorang a white tiger, an animal that plays a big part in Korean folklore and mythology. Bandabi, is a black bear who will act as the official mascot of the Paralympic Winter Games and is a symbol of strong will, determination and bravery.

The Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle for all winter sport athletes and both events represent the very best the sports have to offer.

They are a fantastic opportunity for athletes to make a name for themselves and represent their country, as well as providing a platform for sports which may not get the attention they deserve, to be showcased to a large-scale audience. The first time South Korea have hosted an Olympic event since Seoul 1988, the Games will see over a month of the most exhilarating, exciting and adrenalin fuelled sport on the planet.

For more information or to book Graham Bell for your next event please contact Victoria Marconetto-Tyson at vmtyson@championsukplc.com or call 08453 31 30 31

www.championscelebrity.com

YMPICS 2018

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The ultimate trackday experience with

Motorsport continues to be one of the most popular sports in Britain, with many people across the country spending their time watching supercars hurtle around a track in one of the world’s most adrenalin filled sports.

Kelvin and Martin are both part of UltraTek Racing Team RJN in the GT4 classification of the 2017 British GT Championship and are well placed to offer their support and advice to drivers tackling the circuit.

Those wanting to experience the same high-speed thrills can enjoy a track day. Whether as a way to engage with clients, offer a treat to employees, or simply to enjoy a day with friends, Velocity Trackdays have put themselves at the front of the starting grid when it comes to the perfect track day, perfect for both corporate and social occasions.

Speaking of the Velocity Trackdays experience, Martin said: “What makes us different to other track days, is that we aim to give our clients an experience, as well as help them develop and improve their driving. It isn’t just about sending people out on a race track in a car. We will assess their skills and give them pointers and benchmarks to reach, which means at the end of the day they will have learned something.”

Able to offer a bespoke service which tailors the track days to the client, Velocity Trackdays’ experienced and dedicated team are committed to making sure the experience lives long in the memory of their clients.

The Velocity team are made up of three individuals whose passion and drive for the industry is unrivalled. These include Le Mans winner, Indy 500 racer and the 2013 FIA World Endurance champion, Martin Plowman, Emmerdale actor turned racing star, Kelvin Fletcher, and international motorsport manager, Ben Snowdon. Together, the trio are able to help people get to grips with a range of different motors, from supercars such as the 650bhp Lamborghini and McLaren 570 to their very own Nissan 350Z GT4 which has proved a favourite with track day guests.

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These driving skills are assessed through the use of a driving simulator which provides a comprehensive breakdown of each individual’s driving experience.

Velocity’s cars come with equipped with data loggers which are then used for driver development to help people become familiar with the track, it also shows them valuable statistics and data including breaking time, and overall speeds to help them improve their performance. This all adds to the unique service Velocity Trackdays provide and it’s little wonder that some of their returning clients have even expressed an interest in pursuing a motorsport career of their own.

Kelvin said: “Some people have approached us about the next

Martin Plowman and Kelvin Fletcher steps of getting into racing. It can be difficult to know where to start when first getting into a new sport whereas we can act as that introductory point and give advice and consultancy as well as provide information on championships to join. The responses we get from clients is always positive, when they get out of the cars they are euphoric and full of adrenalin which is great to see.”

He continued: “We always engage with our clients and care about their experience, if they enjoy it the more we enjoy it.

For many people in this industry the car is the star, but for us it’s a vehicle people drive around in and our customers are the stars. We use the same ethos from our racing team UltraTek, and bring it to our track days, and we are all about driving with passion and style.”

Martin and Kelvin are not the only famous faces on board with Velocity Trackdays. Rock band drummer, Neil Primrose, from the band Travis has worked as a guest instructor. They also have an ARDS driving instructor on board, Stephen Johansen, meaning clients are taught by the some of the best possible professionals in the industry.

As well as offering people the chance to get behind the wheel, the entire day can be made special with the help of Velocity’s expert chef who can provide a fine dining experience and a Champagne reception, once guests have stepped off the track.

Offering a truly immersive experience, Velocity always go above and beyond to put on the perfect track day which in the past has seen them include personalised flags and banners, gourmet food and drink and even chauffeur guests to and from the circuit in high class Mercedes saloon cars.

Not restricted to just one speciality, Velocity Trackdays can also provide a wide range of services across the industry.

They are able to provide marketing and management services including consultancy, racing career support and film and video services for drivers at all levels.

So, whatever your expectations when it comes to track days, Velocity can put your needs on pole position ensuring a memorable day for all your guests.

For more information on all of the services Velocity Trackdays provide, contact them on

info@velocitytrackdays.co.uk | www.velocitytrackdays.co.uk | 0115 888 8388 AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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Leicester Tigers “It truly is the ultimate rugby VIP experience.”

Here at Leicester Tigers we welcome businesses and individuals from across the Midlands and East Anglia and beyond. What sets us apart is the informal but high quality experience we can offer on top of world class rugby in our fantastic facilities.

VIP Hospitality A truly memorable day out, our VIP match day experience is a fantastic way to entertain clients, reward staff or simply enjoy a day with family and friends. Beginning two and half hours before kick-off this VIP day out gives you access to our incredible matchday suite, a four course pre match meal, complimentary pre match bar, premium padded seats on the half way line for the game, and a player Q&A.

Premium Clubs There is high demand on our Premium Clubs with our Clubhouse and Try Line Club sold out for the 2017/18 season.

There is still limited availability memberships left in our 1880 Club which is the very best in matchday hospitality with fine dining, guest speakers, player interaction and premium padded seating on the half way line, as well as 4 course meal, pre match drinks and post match supper.

Open to individuals and businesses, the 1880 Club is a seasonal membership and extends beyond matchday with exclusive 1880 members access to a players BBQ, Players Awards Dinner and our international tickets ballot.

Executive Boxes Our 26 Executive Boxes offer a private facility for business or personal use, with outstanding uninterrupted views of the pitch. As a box holder you will occupy the suite for all 17 scheduled home games and can choose catering options to suit your day and party. Executive Boxes are available in both 8 and 12 seater and we have new opportunities available for seasonal, or part season occupation. This really is a Room with a view.

Players Table One of our most prized hospitality experiences, the Player’s Table is an unforgettable way to entertain at Welford Road.

You will dine with, and be looked after by, a Leicester Tigers first team player or a club director who will present you with a signed Tigers shirt before the game kicks-off and you will have the opportunity to capture the memory through our official matchday photographer.

On and off the pitch we believe passionately in excellence, and are proud that we remain world-class in all that we do.

For more information and prices on all of these packages either go to our new website www.leicestertigers.com/vip or call the VIP team on 0116 2171 215.

THE ULTIMATE IN BESPOKE TAILORING… A well-made, well-fitting suit says a lot about a man. It says he knows quality, it says he knows style and perhaps most importantly, it says he knows what he wants.

Newland Tailoring is a bespoke personal tailor serving clients across the UK, matching them with their sartorial style. Joel Newland, owner and founder of Newland Tailoring, noticed the demand for a bespoke suit but understood first-hand what it’s like to be time-poor, so throughout the years he has perfected his service of bringing first-class tailoring to a client’s home or office.

Joel’s team of tailors extends to Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Coventry and London, and who go beyond creating stylish bespoke garments, becoming confidants and friends, taking the time to get to know a client’s way of life.

As for the garments themselves? They are made from the finest quality fabrics, which can be hand-selected by the client from an extensive choice.

One man, one event and the ultimate suit One man who has embraced the ultimate tailoring experience is Managing Director of the IM Group, Andrew Edmiston.

Joel and Andrew met in 2006, when rather bravely, Joel knocked on Andrew’s door, handed him a Newland Tailoring coat hanger and asked for Andrew’s time to present his tailoring business – and the rest, as they say, is history.

11 years later and Joel has made perhaps the most significant business suit he’s ever made for Andrew – the one he wore to celebrate IM Group’s 40th anniversary at a packed event at London’s 02 arena.

Having designed and fitted more than 20 suits for Andrew, the pair were confident on the fit, but Andrew required a completely hand-stitched suit that would reflect the prestige of the event and make an impact under the bright stage lighting. The result was a flattering two-piece created with super 200s cloth and constructed with thousands of hand stitches.

Speaking of the Newland Tailoring experience, Andrew said: “When Joel visits it really is like having Savile Row in your front room, just a better quality of service.”

Newland Tailoring truly cater for the man that knows the importance of a quality suit, with every garment representing great value with tailoring that looks great, feels great and lasts.

For more information about the unique tailoring service visit www.newlandtailoring.com

Ta i l o r i n g • A f t e r c a r e AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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GOLF

Wartnaby House, Wartnaby, Leicestershire A lavishly appointed and completely restored period country home situated within 60 acres of magnificent gardens and parkland complete with uninterrupted open views over rolling Leicestershire countryside.

Offering six reception rooms, a luxury kitchen and six en-suite bathrooms, the property also offers a five car garage with gym, steam room with changing rooms above and a completely separate fully restored four bedroom detached Clock House offering excellent accommodation for extended family, offices or guests.

Situated on the edge of a hamlet, Wartnaby House is the former home of Lord and Lady King and has two impressive tree lined private drives, extensive parking and a wonderful rural setting yet is ideal for fast access to Loughborough, Leicester and Nottingham. EPCs - Wartnaby House D \ Clock House C

\ Garage Flat B

Guide Price POA

Alderman Haw, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough An outstanding and substantial detached historic property of considerable period integrity and character dating back in part to the 13th century.

Beautifully presented, the property is situated within its own valley in complete privacy and seclusion within approximately 7 acres of magnificent landscaped garden grounds and wildflower meadows and features an arboretum and dozens of varieties of shrubs, plants and trees. Offering a degree of space, tranquillity and quality impossible to appreciate without inspection, the stylish interior features a delightful split level drawing room with cathedral ceiling, 49’10” luxury dining kitchen and three further reception rooms. In addition are five/ six bedrooms, four bathrooms/shower rooms and the most idyllic gardens with natural ponds, stream and paddock/wild flower meadows. EPC - G

Guide Price £2,250,000

Cranhill House, Billesdon, Leicestershire Cranhill House is a lavishly appointed fine period property in 12 acres situated amongst some of Leicestershire’s finest rolling countryside.

Blending considerable original integrity and character with the latest in kitchen and bathroom fittings, the property offers 8,500 sqft of remodelled and extended accommodation with five reception rooms, six bedrooms and four bathrooms/en-suite shower rooms. With approximately 11 acres of paddocks, leisure facilities including a media centre/cinema, gym and hard tennis court, in addition are magnificent landscaped garden grounds, triple garage block and self-contained apartment. The property is ideally located amongst open countryside, ideal for fast access to Leicester and Market Harborough with an intercity line to London St Pancras in under one hour. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the quality, size and character of the property. EPC - D

Guide Price ÂŁ2,250,000

Hollybush House, Quorn, Leicestershire Set well back from Meeting Street behind two sets of electric gates, an individually designed and built five bedroom detached family home of exceptional quality.

With three en-suite shower rooms plus a luxury five piece family bathroom, the property offers a sophisticated CCTV security system, gas fired central heating, sealed unit double glazing and solid oak doors, magnificent staircase and flooring. There is a through lounge, superb garden room, study and a luxury open-plan dining kitchen, the property also offers an integral double garage with heating and up and over door. There is a landscaped sunny west facing rear garden with the backdrop of mature trees, two large garden stores and a full width sun terrace. EPC - C

Guide Price ÂŁ795,000

SO

LD

Kingsbrooke, Stanford on Soar, Loughborough

£769,950

The Old Vicarage, Grimesgate, £700,000 Diseworth, Derby

Kingsbrooke presents a rare opportunity to acquire this individually designed and built home on an exclusive and private development.

Located in the heart of the highly regarded village of Diseworth is this former vicarage offering large family accommodation set over three floors.

A rare opportunity to acquire this individually designed home on an exclusive and private development. The property was constructed in a barn style in 2014 to the highest of standards. This property is incredibly deceptive from first appearances and boasts over 3,000 sq. ft. of stylish accommodation. Entering the property into the glazed double height atrium doors lead of in all directions and there is a central oak staircase rising to the first floor galleried landing. Also on the ground floor are 3 large receptions, fabulous handmade living kitchen with integrated appliances, utility room & cloakroom. On the first floor are 4 double bedrooms, en-suite shower to bedroom four, an en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom plus a balcony. Outside is a double integral garage and large gravelled driveway plus a delightful rear garden with paddock beyond. The total plot extends to approx.

1 acre. The internal specification is particularly high and the property demands internal inspection. EPC - B

There are six sizeable bedrooms, bathroom/shower and separate en-suite shower room/ dressing room, three principal reception rooms, breakfast kitchen with inglenook fireplace, utility room, cloakroom and cellar. Externally the rear garden has been beautifully designed and enjoys a high degree of privacy being mainly walled with a variety of established shrubs and trees. There is an oversized detached garage and a range of brick outbuildings. The property is ideally placed for commuting being within close proximity to the Park Way train station, the M1 and East Midlands Airport and there is quick access to Leicester, Nottingham, Loughborough and Derby, however the property is surrounded by unspoilt countryside.

Early viewing is highly recommended and the property is sold with no chain. EPC - F

Thornhill House, Eaton, Leicestershire

Guide Price £675,000

Church Acre, Rearsby, Leicestershire N

ADDITIONAL PADDOCK LAND (UP TO 6.69 ACRES) IS AVAILABLE

BY SEPARATE NEGOTIATION.

Thornhill House is a fine detached residence dating back to the 18th century in the main with earlier additions believed to date back as far as the mid-1500s.

A fine detached residence dating back to the 18th century in the main with earlier additions believed to date back as far as the mid- 1500s. The property boasts a wealth of character and offers large accommodation and is situated on an elevated position with far reaching views across open countryside. Built predominately from local ironstone, this former farmhouse has a highly attractive facade, and is set within mature gardens and benefits from an extensive range of outbuildings including a double open front garage, a row of timber stables and feed store and a range of brick and stone built outhouses and stores. Within the main house is a formal entrance hall, side lobby and entrance, fabulous farmhouse style breakfast kitchen, large pantry, laundry room/utility room and cloaks/WC, a formal sitting room, dining room and snug. The bedrooms are situated across the first and second floors with six bedrooms in total. EPC – EXEMPT

Guide Price £675,000

EW

Situated adjacent to the ancient village Church and on the very edge of the village of Rearsby with open views to the rear and on a plot of approximately 1.1 acres is this superb detached family home built in 2014 and considerable improved and altered by the current owners.

Offering four double bedrooms, three en-suite shower rooms plus family bathroom, the property features a 29’6” x 16’3” open plan dining kitchen together with a living area measuring 16’3” x 11’, study and family room/playroom opening onto a superb sun terrace with steps up to the lawned gardens which stretch out to over an acre and benefitting from views of the church adjacent, a cloakroom and utility room. Offering handmade sealed double glazing, oak internal doors throughout and underfloor heating to the ground floor.

Deceptively spacious, the property is individually architect designed and viewing is essential to appreciate the quality of the property and the size of plot. EPC - B

The White House, Quorn, Loughborough

Guide Price £585,000

Chamberlins, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire N

Situated within the centre of this highly desirable and well serviced village, a restored and modernised five/six bedroom detached Grade II Listed property dating back to 1659 with considerable period integrity and character.

With gas fired central heating (underfloor heating throughout the ground floor), the property features a superb open plan bespoke living/dining kitchen, four generous bedrooms on the first floor with en-suite shower and family bathroom with freestanding bath plus two further bedrooms on the second floor and a further bathroom. Blending a wealth of original features with modern fittings, the property also offers off road parking with an electric gated drive and a private rear garden. Immediate vacant possession is available and viewing is highly recommended. EPC - EXEMPT

Rose Cottage, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire N

£485,000

EW

Rose Cottage is a stunning character home situated within the centre of this highly regarded village.

A stunning character home situated within the centre of this highly regarded village. This limestone built property sits beneath a slate tiled roof with many decorative timber carved features. The property has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment circa 2013 to a high standard to include the lavish use of oak including high quality replacement SuDG oak framed windows with decorative handles, brushed stainless steel light switches and numerous additional power points and TV points. There is a refitted oil fired central heating system powering numerous refurbished cast iron radiators and also underfloor heating in the living /dining kitchen, plus feature fireplaces, exposed brickwork, many original doors. There are many modern conveniences such as a stunning bespoke fitted kitchen with granite worktops, tiled flooring and a timber and glass roof extension at the rear of the kitchen. The property also benefits from off road parking and enclosed gardens with a self-contained one bedroom annex at the rear. EPC - D

O.I.R.O £575,000

EW

Enjoying an outstanding aspect from all the main reception rooms and bedrooms of the ancient Village Church immediately opposite, a substantial five/six bedroom period stone built detached family home offering five large reception rooms, a fitted kitchen with four oven Aga and an excellent two storey attached barn consisting of two offices, workshops and stores.

Ideal for those seeking additional accommodation for dependent relatives or for home offices, etc, the property offers a wealth of original features including delightful exposed stone work, doors, beams and fireplaces and high ceilings with generous bedrooms, the whole being immaculately presented. To the rear a completely private courtyard style garden, extensive hardstanding for parking and double garage. In all, a substantial period family home within a highly desirable and well serviced village without a large garden, however, offering extensive accommodation of over 5,500 square feet in total. EPC - E

Chapel Cottage, Saltby, Leicestershire N

Guide Price £465,000

EW

An outstanding conversion of a former chapel and two adjoining cottages, carefully blended together to create a contemporary country feel with high quality fit and finish throughout to an exacting specification by October House Developments LTD. An outstanding conversion of a former chapel and two adjoining cottages totalling just under 2,500 sq ft of space, carefully blended together to create a contemporary country feel with high quality fit and finish throughout..The project has been executed with great sensitivity and sympathy to the original building and now offers a great deal of versatile and flexible of living space. There is an open plan living dining kitchen with large central island unit, double height Apex ceiling with lantern light window above, a large mezzanine bedroom which could also be used as a sitting room/library. There is an additional rear entrance lobby giving way to a utility room and shower room, plus a formal lounge/dining room in addition to a snug sitting room. There are two further bedrooms and a luxury bathroom. Outside, the property has a delightful low maintenance landscaped rear garden.

EPC - D

HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

DFS at dfs.co.uk Left hand facing arm pillow corner sofa

£1,998

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Tall hammered vase

Roberts at very.co.uk.com

Very at very.co.uk.com

£39.50

Pastel cream radio

Gallery metallic bee cushion

£169.99

£25

Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com

Smeg at very.co.uk.com

Marble effect heart wine stop

Blender

£12

£149.99

Next at next.co.uk

Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com

Marble effect kettle

Jewellery stand

£35

£26

Heat Holders at heatholders.co.uk Luxury fleece blanket - in snow fall

£26.99

Very at very.co.uk.com Soft velour grey cushion

£12

Timeless elegance This time of year is all about making our homes as cosy and welcoming as possible but that is not to say that our homes still can’t be stylish!

Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Le Cocktail velvet pink chair

£425 80 |

ASPIRATIONAL.UK.COM

Interior inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere, including our travels, movies, books and even High Street fashion.

If your home is in need of a style update this autumn/winter, then check out Aspirational Magazine’s run down of the hottest interior trends and styles emerging this season.

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Valiant silver stag wall art

Easy fit pendant light

£18

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com

£45

Large sand timer

£29.50

Amara at amara.com Newgate clock

Tom Dixon at johnlewis.com

£60

Set of two martini glasses

£80

Very at very.co.uk.com Baroque dressing table, stool and mirror

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com

£199

Brampton console table

£299

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Cabin table lamp

£99

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Loft leaning tripod lamp

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Lucia antique copper latern

£25

£95

Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Marble makeup brush holder

£24

Marks & Spencer at marksandspencer.com Lena coffee table

£149 AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16 | 81

Go to our NEW website aspirational.uk.com/gift-guide to see more

Next at next.co.uk

Where the cooks go...

Cookware

Our outdoor spaces can often provide additional living space; providing a place to dine, relax and socialise, however, Range Cookers Glassware Gadgets for most of us as the evenings start to draw in, the garden furniture and the BBQ gets packed away, not to be used again until late spring.

BBQs

However, with the right additions, gardens can be used all year-round as a place to cook and eat, maximising a home’s living space and helping to create fantastic memories with friends and family.

tion

With this in mind, leading Hobs cooking appliances supplier, Refrigeration Ovens

Cookers of Distinction, have a wide range of outdoor cooking appliances available throughout the year.

Stocking pizza ovens, smokers and BBQs from leading brands, including Alfa Pizza, Viking BBQ’s, Flaming Grills, Grill Dome & Traegerills. The available ranges provide exceptional cooking functionality while also adding aesthetic appeal to any garden.

For more information contact: Simon Barrs 01530 443648 07889 320678 simon@codltd.co.uk www.codltd.co.uk

Cookware

raction

Range Cookers

Refrigeration

Glassware

Hobs

Gadgets

Ovens

Warming Drawers

BBQs

Accessories

Warming Drawers

Accessories

Outdoor living redefined When it comes to outdoor cooking, for those looking to make a statement, there is Aemyrie. This luxury range of outdoor kitchens redefine outdoor living. With appliances as beautiful as they are practical, the Aemyrie range offers an exceptional cooking experience for both food enthusiasts and professional cooks.

Designed by the in-house team of artisan craftsman and experienced designers, the result is a bespoke outdoor kitchen which has been designed and built around the specific needs of the individual. The core design of Aemyrie’s products is inspired by the automotive and nautical industries for a look that is both classic and stylish.

The perfect marriage of state-of-the-art technology paired with the authenticity of a classic wood fired grill, every outdoor kitchen is built to order.

ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDE FREE DELIVERY & INSTALLATION WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘COD ASPI’

Built by hand in England by professional fabricators, as such, production is limited, making Aemyrie owners an elite group.

Choosing an Aemyrie means: • The ability to cook enough food for 30 or more people, perfect for family gatherings and professionals • The option to adjust temperatures allows for perfect cooking • Cool-touch exterior makes it safer for children and pets • Digital display allows for fingertip control • A choice of finishing panels providing the perfect way to personalise Along with outdoor cooking appliances, Cookers of Distinction also supply a wide range of extractors, range cookers, induction hobs and gas hobs. They are also able to offer appliance installation from one of their highly-trained professionals.

BRANDS WE SUPPLY: Falmec | Barazza | ABK InnoVent Cooking Appliances | ILVE Cooking Appliances Steel Cucine Cooking Appliances | Godin Range Cookers | Faber Extraction | PITT by Reginox | Viking Range Cooking Appliances Officine Gullo Cooking Appliances | Alfa Pizza | Aemyrie | Flaming Grill

Here at deVOL we are really proud to call ourselves designers and makers of handmade English kitchen cupboards, we also sell beautiful things for your home, both old and new. We sell four kitchen ranges, all handmade in our workshops in Leicestershire and displayed at our incredible showrooms at Cotes Mill here in

Leicestershire. We also have two fabulous London showrooms in the design driven area of Clerkenwell EC1. The Cotes Mill showrooms are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. For design appointments we generally recommend booking in advance but you’re welcome to visit anytime, there is so much to see.

Email: enquiries@devolkitchens.co.uk - Cotes Mill, Nottingham Road, Cotes, Loughborough, LE12 5TL - 01509 261000 2 Tysoe Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4RQ - 020 3837 5900 - 36 St. John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 4JJ - 020 3879 7900

DISCOVER BELGRAVIA’S BOUTIQUE BEAUTY.

Located in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel offers a warm welcome with a choice of stylish guest rooms and suites. Enjoy contemporary dining in Lowndes Bar & Kitchen, discover London with a self guided tour on our complimentary Belgravia Bikes and relax in the indoor swimming pool or jacuzzi at the nearby Peak Health Club & Spa.

For more information, visit jumeirah.com or call +44 (0)20 7823 1234

Interesting Interiors.

Whether it's a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living area we create interiors that capture your imagination.

Through clever design, we can transform every element of your space into something functional and interesting. With access to the most innovative product and design ideas from Europe's leading brands there is no limit to what we can create for you. By listening to you and understanding your needs, we can translate your ideas into interesting interiors.

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For further details call 0116 262 4440 or email info@pluginteriors.com Visit our stunning showroom 20 South Churchgate, St Margarets Way Leicester, LEI 3AE

www.pluginteriors.com

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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

FOR THE LOVE OF

COOKING… When it comes to updating your home, finding a specialist capable of doing the work is often a stumbling block. From poor workmanship to non-genuine replacement parts, choosing the wrong supplier can lead to problems.

Thankfully, for those looking to enhance their cooking facilities by upgrading to a new appliance, or for those maintaining or repairing their current one, JES Ltd are on hand to help.

Launched in 2005 JES Ltd have built a reputation as experts in the industry, offering a nationwide service. Covering all aspects of cooking appliances from induction hobs, range cookers, pizza ovens and BBQ’s to extraction systems.

JES Ltd’s workmanship takes the worry out of finding a reputable company to service your appliances. JES Ltd are fully qualified in their industry and offer reassurance of being fully insured; gas safe registered and electric safe registered.

Services include:

INSTALLATION

JES Ltd can provide all the relevant professional advice to enable a stress free installation of all cooking appliances and extraction systems.

SERVICING

JES Ltd can invest in high-quality appliance warrants undertaking a servicing plan. Our team of experts can fully service a wide range of gas and electrical appliances to ensure optimum efficiency and maintain its lifespan.

SUPPORT

JES Ltd can make minor fixes to more significant maintenance, only authentic parts are used by our trained engineers when repairing an appliance.

COMMISSIONING

JES Ltd can test and commission any cooking appliance, indoor, outdoor and extraction system to enable the appliance to work correctly, safely and efficiently.

Offering a nationwide service, to find out more about the wide range of services available, call the JES Ltd team on 01530 220693 or email simon@jointes.co.uk

www.jointes.co.uk @info_jointes

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ASPIRATIONAL.UK.COM

J.E.S LTD

J.E.S LTD

10% OFF WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘ASPI16’

*Cooker featured is a Godin BRANDS WE SUPPORT:

Lacanche Range Cookers | Godin Range Cookers | Viking Range Cooking Appliances | ABK InnoVent Cooking Appliances Officine Gullo Cooking Appliances | PITT by Reginox | BORA Appliances | Barazza | Falmec | Fornair Extractor Hoods Steel Cucine Cooking Appliances | Mercury Range Cookers | La Cornue | DACOR Cooking Appliances Wolf Cooking Appliances | Five Star Cooking Appliances | ILVE Cooking Appliances | Tuscany Chef Range Cookers | Westin Extractor Hoods

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

| 89

Eat well, Eat fresh, Eat seasonal

Any restaurant worth its salt will often declare that it uses locally sourced, seasonal produce for its dishes, a boast that, as diners, we recognise as a sign of freshness, quality and taste.

However, when it comes to choosing seasonal ingredients for the home, few of us follow the example of our favourite restaurants.

A reason behind this could be the huge variety of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer all year-round in supermarkets up and down the country. As an island, with a somewhat questionable climate, to give shoppers this amount of choice means that food needs to be transported, often over massive distances.

While importing food on a vast scale does give consumers choice and has opened up a whole new world of ingredients and tastes, it does come at a price.

‘Food miles’ - the distance our food travels from where it is produced to the consumer’s plate, has been a hot debate for many years thanks to the environmental impact they have. Often travelling vast distances, (many supermarkets stock food from as far away as New Zealand (lamb) and South Africa (apples) some 6,000 miles away), importing food in this way means extra vehicle movements along with plane or ship transportation – all of which results in carbon emissions.

While having out of season foods available to us year-round does promote a reliance on foods from further afield, another potential barrier to consumers choosing to eat seasonally could be a lack of knowledge.

A 2014 BBC Good Food Magazine survey of 2,000 people identified that many of us simply did not know when foods were at their best. For example, only 4% of those polled knew when blackberries were in season.

Clearly, eating locally grown, seasonal produce makes sense in terms of the environment, but what other benefits does choosing seasonal foods bring?

Chef, Daniel Burridge at popular Nottingham restaurant, Hart’s outlined other reasons to choose to eat in season: “The difference between, for example, a local, in season strawberry in May and an imported one from Morocco in December is startling. The flavour, texture and juiciness simply cannot compare.”

Eaten at the optimum time and travelling such a short distance from field to fork undoubtedly impacts on flavour and as Daniel points out, is why so many restaurants choose seasonal produce: “Chefs are all about flavour and by choosing ingredients that are at their best and most delicious, dishes are off to a great start from the outset.”

Choosing seasonal food can also have cost benefits too. It is a simple case of supply and demand, when something is in season, prices tend to fall, when it is harder to get, prices go up.

What’s more, by eating locally sourced produce, consumers can help to support local traders and British producers.

Of course, the Great British weather means that certain foods will never completely thrive, however, by knowing what’s in season, it is possible to find plenty of homegrown options that will taste great.

Helenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tips on what you should be eating, and when

JANUARY TO MARCH

January will see apples, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflowers, leeks and pears all in season. As the months move on, add Jersey Royals, parsnips and purple sprouting broccoli to your shopping list.

APRIL TO JUNE So things are starting to warm up seasonally and along with apples, cauliflowers and Iceberg lettuce, asparagus and strawberries start to hit their peak. By June raspberries and sugar snap peas will also be available.

JULY TO SEPTEMBER Fruit and veg is in abundance at this time of year, help yourself to locally sourced broad beans, celery, carrots, cherries, courgettes, Piccolo tomatoes, plums, sweetcorn, Pak Choi, and new potatoes amongst many others.

OCTOBER TO DECEMBER While the cold weather is now settling in there are still plenty of fruit and veg seasonal to the UK available.

Look out for apples, cauliflower, parsnips, tenderstem broccoli and savoy cabbage.

@fussfreeflavours | www.fussfreeflavours.com

FINE DINING GUIDE

ASPIRATIONAL

FINE DINING GUIDE Helen Best-Shaw, otherwise known as Fuss Free Flavours, is a freelance food writer and blogger who knows a thing or two about eating well. Sharing her simple, yet delicious, recipes with her thousands of followers, Helen is loved by her fans for her fuss-free approach to cooking, producing dishes that look and taste great but with a little know-how are easy to prepare.

While loving hitting the kitchen to cook up a storm, Helen also puts her discriminating palate to good use by reviewing restaurants. Here, Helen shares her highlights from our Aspirational fine dining guide…

For those looking for a taste of the Mediterranean, Gino’s Pear Tree in Leicestershire won’t disappoint. For tastes a little closer to home there is Perkins Bar & Bistro. This charming former railway station in Nottingham serves a wide choice of modern and classic dishes. If it is a celebration, Rutland’s Hambleton Hall will provide the perfect setting to eat and drink in style!

Two new additions to the restaurant scene of Leicestershire arrived in 2017. The Fish & The Chip which stands in the place of the former Maiyango Restaurant, gives diners the chance to dine on their favourite British dishes, but enjoy the twist the new restaurant brings.

Having opened its doors in Leicestershire’s Mountsorrel, The Spotted Duck is fine dining without the pretentiousness that this form of dining can often bring. For anyone passing by this Leicestershire town, The Spotted Duck should be top of your list.

Fuss Free Fl avours Chicken Thig ’ Honey Mustard hs Traybake The perfect di sh when you need a quick meal on a chilly da y…

Ingredients Method 1 medium on ion 1. Heat the peeled and sli , oven to 180° ced C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4.

3 cloves of ga rlic, 2. peeled and sli Scatter the on ced ion and garlic into an oven 2 tbsp Heinz proof dish.

New 3. Mix the mu York style mu stard, olive oil stard with honey an d soy sauce, or any mild and use it mustard and to coat the ch a spoon icken thighs.

Pla ce th e of honey chicken piece s on top of the on 2 tbsp olive oil over any rema ions. Pour ini ng mustard 2 tbsp soy sa mixture. uce or tamari 4. Season we ll with salt an Salt and pepp d pepper. er to season 5. Tuck the pie ce s of lemon 4 large chick between the en thighs chicken thigh with skin an s.

6. Bake for d bone 50 - 60 minu tes 1 lemon, qu until the chick artered en is cooked through and the juices ha ve thickened.

For more information on Helen Best-Shaw or to enquire about booking her for your brand’s campaign please contact Amelia Neate at Influencer on 08453 31 30 31 or email aneate@influencerchampions.com.

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ASPIRATIONAL.UK.COM

GINO’S PEAR TREE, PIZZERIA, WINE BAR & RESTAURANT Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire

A slice of authentic Italian life in the heart of rural Leicestershire, Gino’s Pear Tree of Woodhouse Eaves manages to transport the charm, class and quality that comes with a traditional pizzeria into the East Midlands. The 18th century inn has been transformed into a stylish Italian restaurant, bar and pizzeria by the Albiniano brothers, Riccardo, Gianni and Marco.

Described by The Sunday Times, no less as, ‘the best Italian outside of London’, the siblings have continued the legacy of authentic food alongside sumptuous décor, set by their father, the late Gino Albiniano, who founded the restaurant and is regarded as a legend in Italian culinary circles. Gianni and Marco are both head chefs, striving to maintain the true traditional southern style of cooking to deliver customers the optimum in Italian dining, while front of house, Riccardo, oversees, ensuring that visitors are comfortable and happy during their meal.

Serving up fresh fish, sourced from the coast, as well as locally reared meats and seasonal vegetables, alongside the extensive wood-fired pizza menu, there’s something for everyone at Gino’s. A delicious selection of desserts will tantalise your taste buds too, so try and make room for one!

With an intimate dining room optimised to provide a classy dining experience, you can be sure to find a spot either inside or outside the restaurant. The outside terrace area is the perfect place for a bite to eat and a drink in the summer, as it attracts sunshine from 11am to 9pm. Since it opened its doors in 2015, it has already become a firm favourite with customers, with outdoor heaters to extend your evening.

Consistently delivering a high-class food experience to the masses from the East Midlands and beyond, is no easy feat, but is something that Gino’s manages time after time, come and check out the best Italian restaurant in the region.

Food served: Tuesday from 5pm Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm to 2pm. Then 6pm till late.

Sunday: 12pm to 4pm.

Gino’s Pear Tree 8 Church Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire LE12 8RT Tel: (01509) 890 243 www.ginospeartree.net

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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FINE DINING GUIDE

ASPIRATIONAL

FINE DINING GUIDE

PERKINS BAR & BISTRO

IBERICO WORLD TAPAS

WORLD SERVICE RESTAURANT

Plumtree, Nottingham

Nottingham

Nottingham

Perkins Bar & Bistro, located at Plumtree’s beautiful former Victorian railway station, enjoyed an exciting transformation last year. Emerging as Perkins Bar & Bistro to fanfare from critics and public alike, the new eatery offers food that’s modern and fresh.

Iberico World Tapas offers wonderful Spanish cuisine in the heart of Nottingham. Creating a wide range of tapas style dishes with the very best ingredients, Iberico offers its diners delicious and varied food drawing inspiration from a range of different cultures, including diverse Moroccan and Japanese flavours, all delivered in their stylish restaurant.

The perfect combination of heritage, tradition and modern elegance, World Service is one of Nottingham’s most innovative and elegant dining offerings. The restaurant and lounge bar are given their own personality, using unique furniture and decoration to reference both traditional and contemporary design, as well as different cultures from all over the globe.

The atmospheric vaulted restaurant is the perfect place to provide diners with a taste of the culinary team’s exciting flavours. The tapas dishes make for a great way to sample some of the most delicious cheeses, cured meats, fish dishes and classic Spanish creations.

Focusing on fresh, seasonal produce and an ever changing menu of eclectic global dishes, the restaurant is characterised by the outstanding quality of its food.

Diners benefit from the choice of set menus, the variety of the à la carte selection and specially designed celebration menus.

There are sharer-board starters, ‘bistro bites’, main plates and daily specials using ingredients from Perkins’ very own smokehouse. There’s an ever-changing daily menu Prix Fixe and afternoon teas. Perkins’ Sunday offering is extended until 5pm - offering modern and classic seasonal dishes that commit to ingredients sourced from quality suppliers and local when possible.

The modern menus are not restricted to food – there’s also an accessible wine list, aperitifs, gin & tonics, spritz & cocktails, and new local draught beers.

In terms of interior, think rustic tables, brass light fittings and bar seats amid reclaimed textures and materials.

The re-designed interior offers a relaxed countryside bistro feel, somewhere you’d be equally happy to pop in for a pint and a snack or enjoy lunch or dinner.

There’s weekly Smokehouse & Blues, with live acoustic music, every Friday evening, monthly Taste The Season evenings, the sell-out Perkins Gastronomic Series, and wine tastings taking place throughout the year.

If you’re looking for private dining, Perkins Bar & Bistro offers a dedicated 26-cover dining room. If you’re looking for something even more grand, the neighbouring Carriage Hall is one of the region’s most prestigious event venues, able to host 200 guests – perfect for weddings.

And, new for 2017, there’s also luxury accommodation at Perkins in the shape of three hand-crafted Shepherd’s Huts.

The restaurant, in the city’s atmospheric Lace Market, is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening, surrounded by the delightful sights and smells of wonderful food, great wine and the very best customer service.

Diners typically order a selection of dishes, enjoying the chance to taste so many different culinary creations at once. The dishes can be shared and enjoyed by the whole party, promoting the warm and lively atmosphere of the underground eatery and ensuring that the restaurant continues to be acclaimed by patrons and critics alike. Iberico is also the county’s only Bib Gourmand entry in the 2018 Michelin guide.

The historic setting of Newdigate House boasts a traditional English walled garden, perfect for alfresco dining and offers a tranquil escape from Nottingham’s busy centre. The lounge bar provides the ideal accompaniment to a delicious meal. With a range of traditional and modern cocktails, a variety of spirits and over 200 different wines, the lounge bar has seen World Service recognised as one of the city’s best destinations for both great dining and drinks.

World Service also offers private dining spaces, available for a wide range of events and allowing guests to celebrate their event in style and comfort.

After opening their second restaurant in Derby in November 2013, Iberico are delighted to announce that this too has been included as a Bib Gourmand entry for the 2018 Michelin Guide. Located at: 9-11 Bold Lane, Derby DE1 3NT. Tel: (01332) 345 456 Also open is Bar Iberico, located on Carlton Street the bar provides an all-day tapas experience so you can indulge in delicious food any time of the day. Food is served at Bar Iberico from 10am-10pm Mon-Sat and 10am-9pm on Sundays.

Food Served: Monday to Friday: 12noon - 2pm & 7pm - 10pm Saturday: 12noon - 2pm & 6.30pm - 10pm

Food Served: Monday to Saturday: ALL DAY from 12noon Sunday: 12noon - 5pm (last order 3.30pm)

Sunday: 12noon - 3.30pm

Breakfast: freshly served on Saturday mornings from 10am Prix Fixe Monday to Saturday 12-2.15, 2 courses £13.50, 3 courses £16.95

Food Served: Monday to Friday: 12noon - 2pm & 5.30pm - 10pm Saturday: 12noon - 2pm & 6pm - 10pm

Perkins Bar & Bistro Station Road, Plumtree, Nottingham NG12 5NA Tel: (0115) 937 3695 www.perkinsbarbistro.co.uk

Iberico World Tapas The Shire Hall, High Pavement, Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1HN Tel: (0115) 941 0410 www.ibericotapas.com

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CLOSED Sunday night except for bank holidays and throughout December

World Service Restaurant Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF Tel: (0115) 847 5587 Email: info@worldservicerestaurant.com

HAMBLETON HALL

HART’S

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Hambleton, Rutland

City Centre, Nottingham

Kibworth, Leicestershire

Celebrate the occasion with Hambleton & Penhaligon’s

Hart’s in Nottingham is the city’s most successful upmarket eatery and winner of the Nottinghamshire Food & Drink Awards 2016. With over 15 years’ experience providing a flawless service and stunning British cuisine, Hart’s possesses a calming and peaceful setting so difficult to find in a city, truly setting the standard for diners and guests.

The Lighthouse at Kibworth Beauchamp is really quite unique; billed as a Seafood Restaurant but it offers so much more! Sarah and Lino Poli work tirelessly to create a thoroughly modern menu, beginning with an exciting selection of tapas-style nibbles, which you are encouraged to enjoy in the truly Tapas way, sharing and enjoying the fabulous variety of flavours, ideally with a glass of something delicious from their Around The World wine list.

Birthdays, anniversaries and memorable dates are all worth celebrating in style.

Stay a night in an intermediate, superior, master bedroom or The Croquet Pavilion with stunning views over Rutland Water.

This special occasion offer includes: • • • • • • •

A Penhaligon’s ‘Blenheim Bouquet’ classic candle Seasonal fruit plate upon your arrival The Penhaligon’s cocktail to start the evening Bouquet of flowers to take home Six course gourmet tasting menu Personalised dinner menu Full Hambleton breakfast and morning paper

For prices, terms & conditions, please view our website: www.hambletonhall.com

With a menu selection to intrigue even the most seasoned diner, Hart’s has something for everyone.

The stunning Gourmet Corner served daily, is perfect for that extra special occasion.

Situated above the restaurant is Hart’s Upstairs, catering for the needs of larger parties. Accommodating up to 100 guests, it is one of the finest venues for your private party or wedding.

Located next door is Hart’s Hotel, boasting awardwinning architecture design by Julian Marsh and opened in 2003. Rooms are designed by Mrs Hart to combine practicality and the luxury you expect from a boutique 4 star hotel. Combined with the quaint garden and serene surroundings which mimics the countryside, yet situated only a short stroll from the city, this hotel is in an idyllic location where guests can relax in true style.

Turn the page and there is an array of seafood on offer embracing the retro to the modern, the classic European to exotic Eastern flavours; the emphasis on all of these being the freshest ingredients beautifully prepared, alongside a smaller selection of meat and vegetarian dishes.

It is possible to pop in and enjoy an affordable mid week treat, either with the supper menu, offering two courses for £14.75, or simply have nibbles and tipples, a selection of the scrummy nibbles with a glass of your favourite tipple. All this starts bright and early at 6pm and is entirely perfect for a cheeky supper on the way home from work.

On the first Thursday of every month, in addition to everything else, The Lighthouse offers a little taste of Spain, paella and tapas all washed down with jugs of fabulous Sangria. Sarah and Lino, despite their Italian origins, love to embrace all good foodie things, and also celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau in November with a thoroughly retro French menu.

For that special occasion, or just because you fancy pushing the boat out, The Captain’s Table is offered throughout the week, serving a ‘long thin tasting menu’, usually of five courses selected to show the very best of the day, you set the guidelines with likes and dislikes and the chef does the rest. It really is the best way to eat!

A light, fresh and contemporary maritime themed interior provides the ideal background to relax and enjoy your meal whilst the passionate staff share their pride and infectious enthusiasm for the culinary delights they serve.

It is little wonder that The Lighthouse received the coveted accolade of Bib Gourmand in the Michelin guide, and features alongside its sister restaurant, Boboli, in The Good Food Guide.

The Lighthouse has proven its credentials as a pre-eminent culinary destination in Leicestershire, delivering consistently good food at affordable prices.

The Lighthouse won Best Restaurant in Leicestershire 2017, and at Boboli, Best Leicestershire Family Restaurant 2017 plus inclusion in 2018 Good food Guide and Michelin Guide. Indulge yourself in The Lighthouse experience.

Food Served: 12 noon to 2.30pm 6pm to 10pm (9pm on a Sunday)

Hambleton Hall Hotel & Restaurant Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH Tel: (01572) 756 991 Email: hotel@hambletonhall.com www.hambletonhall.com

Afternoon Tea is served in either Hart’s Restaurant or the Park Bar at Hart’s Hotel from 12 noon to 4.30pm

Food Served: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm

Hart’s Nottingham Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN Tel: (0115) 988 1900 www.hartsnottingham.co.uk

The Lighthouse No.9 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics LE8 0LN Tel: (0116) 279 6260 www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk

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There are some things that are just quintessentially British, a cup of tea, the Royal family and of course, fish and chips.

Now, in the heart of Leicester city centre, The Fish & The Chip are redefining the British favourite having launched their new restaurant earlier this year.

The team behind the highly successful Maiyango restaurant, who dominated Leicester’s restaurant scene for over a decade, are back with this new venture. Set to delight diners across the city, The Fish & The Chip’s menu features a blend of traditional meals, as well as a modern twist on classic favourites.

The exciting menu offers a range of British favourites including classic fish and chips served with a portion of mushy peas and tartar sauce, as well as pie of the week, a homemade pie with a choice of chunky chips or skinny fries all in a delicious red wine gravy.

For those of us fancying a more modern dish, then The Fish & The Chip offers lobster and skinny fries which comes chargrilled with a garlic and coriander butter alongside salad and lobster bisque. Also on offer are delicious Thai fishcakes, which are served with a ghost chilli mayo, fries and salad.

Little ones are also catered for with a fun kids’ menu providing a drink (served in a fish bowl!), main and dessert, sure to keep them happy! Not just your standard chippie, they are also a licensed bar with a range of standout cocktails to choose from, meaning you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink before continuing your evening on the lively High Street!

THEFISHANDTHECHIP

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To mark the launch the frontage was decorated with a giant Union Jack painted on the restaurant’s exterior, The Fish & The Chip restaurant certainly makes an impact! Founder, Aatin Anadkat, spoke about how the restaurant caters to the needs of all customers: “We are super allergen friendly and our menu caters for vegans, coeliacs, and people who are lactose intolerant. The batter for our fish is gluten free, and we focus on food that we know people love but add our magic touch to it.

We are always looking for ways to evolve traditional dishes and give them a makeover!”

Knowing that nowadays people want their food in different ways, whether visiting a restaurant or ordering online, The Fish & The Chip reflects the different ways people eat in modern Britain.

Whether you want your food to go or to spend an evening dining out with friends and family, their offering is perfect for everyone.

Aatin continued: “What we have created is fresh, vibrant and fun. We’ve taken a very traditional concept and given it a modern twist. The biggest trend in the restaurant scene now, and going forwards is convenience. People are always interacting with their smartphones and apps and going out and eating in a restaurant isn’t necessarily the special occasion it was 10 years ago. I think we have struck the perfect balance between the two. Whether you book to come and eat inside our restaurant, or if you fancy staying in and don’t want to go out for your food then you can use our app to have your meal delivered, we have something for everyone.”

With a family friendly atmosphere inside, The Fish & The Chip looks set to be an excellent addition to Leicester’s restaurant scene.

@TFANDTC

THEFISHANDTHECHIP

19-21 | ST NICHOLAS PLACE | LEICESTER | LE1 4LD

WWW.THEFISHANDTHECHIP.COM

The Spotted Duck in Mountsorrel is owned Johnny Prince, 22 years old, who brings something unique and authentic to the dining scene of the quaint Leicestershire village.

O pening t imes Monday – closed Tuesday – closed Wednesday – 12-12:30pm & 6-11:30pm Thursday – 12-12:30pm & 6-11:30pm Friday – 12-12:30pm & 6-11:30pm Saturday – 9:30-11:30am & 12-2:30pm & 6-11:30pm Sunday – 9:30-11:30am & 12-4pm

Johnny fell in love with the kitchen when he had the opportunity to work at The Woodhouse restaurant in Woodhouse Eaves and with a little nurturing, went quickly to learn the art of cooking – and it was only up from there.

“My wages would be spent on different ingredients as I continued to push myself and develop my skills” Johnny said.

After his GCSEs, Johnny went on to experience work in Michelin starred restaurants, this journey took him to work at the likes of Hambleton Hall. After then going on to sample what the restaurants in the capital had to offer, he returned back to his roots of Leicestershire gaining a Head Chef role at The Grey Lady, Newtown Linford.

Johnny then purchased the residence in Mountsorrel in December 2016 and just three months later, in March 2017, Johnny became the UK’s youngest restaurant owner when The Spotted Duck was opened to the public.

“It’s cliché but I let my ingredients do the talking. It’s my job to use the ingredients and present them to the best of their ability” Fine dining, without the associated pretence, The Spotted Duck serves classic British dishes with a twist. Having spent seven months learning what dishes his diners enjoy from the menu, Johnny has now comprised a stunning menu brimming with fresh ingredients and locally sourced meat.

He has particularly honed-in on the likes of fresh scallops, langoustines, seabass and fillet steak which have become staple mainstays for the restaurant.

Johnny’s passion for letting the ingredients speak for themselves really shines through. His skills have matured over the years and he now understands the relationship between seasoning and ingredients and what it takes to strike the right balance between the two every time.

T: 0116 442 2571 | E: reservations@thespottedduck.co.uk www.thespottedduck.co.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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Passionate about Chocolate In late 2013 we first opened the doors to Cocoa Amore and began to share a little piece of chocolate heaven. Our Silver Street boutique soon became the No.1 shopping experience in Leicester on tripadvisor, thanks to our high level of service, affordability and tellingly the wonderful quality of our award-winning handmade products.

We are proud to use fine Casa Luker chocolate from Colombia for all of our house made products, which include corporate gifts and wedding favours and we invite you to enjoy an immersive and exciting experience at one of our fabulous chocolate making workshops.

Why not pop into our Leicester city centre store and try some of the best chocolate available in the UK. Or to find out more, please visit our newly launched website at www.cocoa-amore.co.uk

20 YEARS OF REDEFINING DINING 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Nottingham’s Hart’s restaurant, which for two decades has been an icon of style, sophistication and quality food.

It was in the 1990s that owner, Tim Hart, looking to expand his business, noticed Nottingham was lacking a highend restaurant which offered a relaxed experience with outstanding food and exemplary service.

Opening its doors in November 1997, Hart’s was fully booked from the outset, soon establishing itself as the place to be for Nottingham’s food lovers to dine and socialise.

Focusing on creating modern British cuisine, the team of talented chefs at the restaurant update menus daily to utilise the seasonal ingredients available. Sample dishes include roast lamb rump, Mallorquin tumbet and rosemary sauce and yellow bean and courgette salad, feta, mint, dukkah spices and lemon, pleasing even the fussiest of eaters.

And it’s not just the food and service which stands out, with his passion for wine, Tim personally selects every bottle to cultivate a delicious and exciting wine list that complements the menus.

With space for 80 diners, the restaurant, which was updated in 2015 to include an extended bar area, offers a contemporary, stylish environment in which to dine. A palette of cobalt blues and burnt orange adds a zesty vibe, making diners feel warm and welcomed.

With its private dining room, capable of holding sixteen people, Hart’s is the perfect place for a celebration dinner or business meetings. What’s more, Hart’s Upstairs, located above the restaurant, is the perfect venue to hold a private celebration, such as a wedding reception or party for up to 100 guests..

Open every day, whether it is a lunchtime sandwich, afternoon tea or an á la carte evening meal, you can reserve your table at Hart’s by calling 0115 988 1900 or by emailing

ask@hartsnottingham.co.uk

Tim’s highlights…

With 20 years at the top to reflect on, Tim has picked his top five highlights…

Off to a great start: “We knew early on that we had a good thing going; shortly after opening we were featured in positive articles in The Times and The Guardian.”

Rave review: “In January 2011, renowned food writer and critic, AA Gill, visited the restaurant, naturally with his knack for delivering cutting reviews we were eager to see the review in The Sunday Times and we were thrilled to see he had awarded us four stars!”

Award-winning: “We won Nottingham restaurant of the year in 2006, 2007 and 2008 – what an achievement!”

Highly-rated: “Since 1999 we have consistently been the highest rated restaurant in the city.”

Valued customers: “Our focus has always been to serve excellent food and offer outstanding customer service something validated by two of our most regular customers notching 1000 visits in 2015.”

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0800 246 5121

Fine Dining IN FOCUS

An icon of the East Midlands dining scene, chef Paul Leary is enjoying quite the successful career. Formerly of The Woodhouse in Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire – a restaurant which won two AA Rosettes – Paul has now gone on to new and exciting ventures.

Aspirational Magazine caught up with Paul to discuss where his career has taken him since he sold The Woodhouse in 2014.

What has been your most exciting private dining brief to date?

Earlier this year I was approached by Dominic Gomersall of Lumbers Jewellers who was set to host the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning, Sunset Boulevard the Musical, on their UK stop in Leicester. The event was to take place in the lavish setting of the jewellery store, so to complement the evening, he required a menu that not only reflected the glamour of the musical, but one that was also representative of 1950s Hollywood cuisine.

I spent a great deal of time researching food that would have been enjoyed by stars of the 1950s such as Marilyn Monroe and came up with a menu. This included my own take on a seafood cocktail – a seafood cannelloni served with cucumber, cucumber powder and apple essence.

The desserts seemed to be the highlight of the evening though. Simple but sumptuous blondie brownies, the cast couldn’t get enough – in fact Danny Mac sneaked into the kitchen to take more!

Firstly, many will want to know, why did you choose to sell The Woodhouse?

Unsurprisingly, I have been asked this question a lot. I think, because so many restaurants unfortunately come to a bitter end, many people conjured up the story that I sold up because the restaurant wasn’t doing well.

This was absolutely not the case. The restaurant was thriving but our lease was coming to an end, and I decided to embark on a new project.

I had been running The Woodhouse for twelve years and was excited by the prospect of starting a new culinary journey.

So, what was the next move for you from there?

Since selling The Woodhouse, I have been here, there and everywhere, but mostly in the kitchen! Just two weeks after closing the doors on the restaurant, I started a new challenge of catering for the masses at local prestigious golf clubs and became a bespoke catering consultant to several boutique hotels.

We hear that you have also returned to your fine dining roots, is this true?

While the cuisine I provide for the golf clubs falls into the fine-dining category, I often find myself missing the freedom that comes with private fine dining.

So, for some time now I have been bringing private fine-dining experiences to exclusive guests whether it be in their homes or another venue of their choice. From an intimate dinner party of 10 to a networking dinner, I spend time with my clients and learn more about all aspects of their brief. It’s a challenge that I truly love.

I thrive when it comes to bringing people’s culinary visions to life and the more interesting the brief, the better!

What is your favourite cuisine/foods to cook?

Easy, seafood. It’s so easy to get seafood wrong and then the beautiful, fresh, fish is wasted. However, once you have mastered the skill that comes with preparing and cooking seafood, you have that skill for life. I am particularly proud of how I go about cooking seafood as it is something I have honed throughout the years. Rather than dowsing it with a mix of flavours, I keep it simple. Only pairing the fish with seasoning and ingredients that complement it to perfection.

Finally, what does the future hold for your fine dining experiences?

A lot. I really believe I stand out from other exclusive fine dining experiences in that I have a great deal of passion about what I do, and I truly want to make sure all guests are enjoying the food – and I will go out of my way to create a menu that will delight and enthral!

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

IS THE HIGH STREET IN ITS DEATH THROES? While rumours of the imminent death of the British High Street may have been greatly exaggerated, to borrow Mark Twain’s witty riposte, do they highlight a kernel of truth?

The inexorable shift of retail from brick to click.

We’re sociable types, us humans. Since the days of the hunter-gatherer homo erectus, we’ve stood tall and walked the Earth to seek out and pick up those everyday essentials.

outlets in recent years is alarming. And it will grow.

But that was before they invented the internet.

But, if you look at the trend as an opportunity rather than a threat, if you embrace the reality, the rewards are there.

There will always be those of us who enjoy a stroll and a browse around town. Physical shopping, so to speak, will never disappear completely.

Look at John Lewis. Fully 25% of their sales are now online.

Tesco’s online revenue stacks up at £2.9 billion, second only to Amazon in the UK.

For one thing, you can’t get your brows waxed online - but you can certainly book the appointment.

The ONS stats for December 2016 were stark. High Street sales slumped to a four-year low, despite pre-Christmas sales.

Contrast that with a year-on-year 21.3% bump online over the same period.

The fact of the matter is that the digital space offers increasing possibilities for those of us looking for convenience, choice and searchability. And we’re taking full advantage.

So, too, should your brand.

The Facts We’ve all seen the number of boarded-up shops in city and town centres these days. And we’ve witnessed the winding up of old British institutions like Woolworths.

Sad but true, on average 35 post offices close every year and almost 1500 UK towns no longer have a bank.

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HMV, BHS, Blockbuster, Banana Republic, Thomas Cook and Thomson. The list of brands haemorrhaging

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And, when Accenture’s retail strategists, Javelin Group, estimate that ecommerce will account for 34% of all UK retail spend by 2020, the direction of travel is plain to see.

The Solution So, how best can a forward-thinking brand harness the full potential of this digital revolution?

With an increasing number of online platforms available, you’ll need the help of an agency with a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience.

SOCIAL MEDIA

WEB DESIGN

SEO

WEBSITE

LANDING

PAGES

CREATION

INFOGRAPHICS

CONTENT GENERATION

Champions (UK) plc has both in spades. The leading brand agency has a unique architecture, with ten in-house departments well-equipped to deliver a tailored suite of outcome-driven services.

Creative : Digital : Marketing : PR : Media : Events : Publishing : Advertising : Celebrity : Web Unlike traditional agencies, they don’t restrict themselves to a niche service or a particular sector. Instead, their team focuses on targeting end-users. The people who buy your products and services.

And in the digital space Champions has taken great strides in recent years.

Their offer has grown organically, branching out from website design and construction into digital advertising, SEO, mobile app design and social media management and outreach.

The net result? Clients enjoying an optimised web presence, great online visibility and real audience engagement – the drivers of online results.

Having doubled the size of Champions’ Costock offices to 13,000 sq. ft. in 2015, he and his father, CEO John Hayes, have now decided to further invest in a state-of-the-art digital and media centre.

Converting a barn on site, they’re backing their teams to add yet more expertise and extend the range of digital services they deliver to clients aiming to reap online rewards.

With planning permission granted in September, and construction due to commence in the middle of 2018, they have big ambitions for the future.

Brands with similar aspirations should get in touch and learn more about how they can really sweat their digital assets.

For more information, call Grace Golden on 08453 31 30 31 or email ggolden@championsukplc.com.

Growing Capabilities The success delivered and the knowhow accumulated by the Champions Digital and Web teams have inspired the £25 million turnover agency’s Managing Director, Matthew Hayes.

/+Championsukplcagency

/ChampionsUKPlc

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Smith Partnership, one of the largest firms of solicitors in the Midlands, employs over 200 experts across all fields of law for both its commercial and private clients, and is very proud to have been named again as a leading law firm in the Legal 500 report!

The full service leading law firm has a network of offices throughout the Midlands, with over 30 specialist commercial lawyers at hand to support the sporting business community with a national and regional network of associates including accountants, HR professionals and tax consultants.

Smith Partnership is very proud to represent a number of high profile regional sporting clients, including Derby County Football Club and Burton Albion Football Club as well as sporting individuals. The firm has recently supported the Derbyshire County Cricket Club with their “This Girl Can” campaign.

The leading law firm provides a full range of commercial services for these clients to resolve issues as soon as possible, including litigation support when disputes arise, credit control training as well as a debt recovery function.

The property team is also highly experienced in the need for growing sports teams to expand and develop their grounds, so for example their lawyers assisted in the move from Eton Park to the Pirelli Stadium for Burton Albion Football Club.

Smith Partnership is delighted to be headline sponsor again at the Derby Telegraph Sports Awards 2017 and to sponsor the Community category.

The Derby Telegraph Sports Awards celebrate and reward the outstanding achievements of Derbyshire’s exceptional sporting successes. Across professional and amateur sport in the area, disabled and non-disabled people will be recognised, demonstrating that Derbyshire really is home to some of the most successful sporting talents and rising stars in the country today.

James Johnson, Head of Sports Team and Partner said: “Everyone at Smith Partnership is both honoured and excited to be headline sponsors and to be backing the Community Award. Sport is close to all of our hearts and we know it plays an enormously positive role in binding the local community together and inspiring people of all ages to be active.

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STAY ON TRACK…

â&#x20AC;&#x153;These Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the many sporting achievements we have seen in Derbyshire over the last year and, given our commitment to the local area, choosing to recognise all those who work so hard was a very simple decision.â&#x20AC;?

Close Community Connections Smith Partnership is very proud of its strong community connections, as its partners are active at many levels, as members of networking groups, clubs and sporting bodies, trustees of various charities and governors of local schools.

The economic well-being and regeneration of the region is very important to Smith Partnership, both as residents and as a growing business, dependent for its success on the financial and social health of the local community.

The company is a keen supporter of various local charities and has recently raised monies for the RSPCA at Abbey Street.

Matching up Businesses through Networking Smith Partnership has continued to develop its relationship with Marketing Derby in 2017, not only as a bondholder, but by becoming its first Official Partner at the forefront of its programme of investor events, in order to raise the profile of the City and the East Midlands via the power of three Campaign.

High Scoring Commercial Knowhow The firm has implemented a new strategic Business Development and Marketing plan in which has raised its profile and market share considerably in the region, with a firm focus on commercial sector business.

The strategic programme has involved launching a new website in 2017, increased networking activities and a whole host of advertising and promotional campaigns, as well as extensive social media engagement.

All of these activities offer potential opportunities for all its commercial clients and the team would welcome any sporting club to maximise their potential with Smith Partnership!

Join our Team!

Established in 1987, Smith Partnership prides itself in delivering excellent service and building long lasting relationships with its clients and the communities in which it serves, across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire.

The company prides itself on offering its clients a no-nonsense, straight talking approach with practical advice and specialised legal talent for the sporting sector!

If you want to stay ahead of the competition and join our team, get in touch today!

0330 123 1229

www.smithpartnership.co.uk @smithpartnership

@smithpship

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

State-of-the-art digital and media centre, under construction in 2018.

CHAMPIONS (UK) plc

- A BREAK FROM THE NORM Wherever you want to take your brand, the East Midlands’ leading full-service brand agency, Champions (UK) plc, does things differently. They find a better way to deliver the results you seek.

As an 80-strong, family-run agency, they know it’s all about relationships and they understand the importance of your long-term objectives.

And they know that success has to be on your terms.

However you weigh that up, whatever your chosen metric, that’s where their focus lies.

They get to know you, your brand and your precise aims to create and roll out bespoke strategies that take you where you want to go.

To do that they’ve developed a unique architecture.

They don’t limit themselves, or what they deliver on your behalf, to a niche.

Instead, they give you access to ten fields of expertise, all working together in perfect harmony – The Perfect 10.

Rather than engage several agencies, each with a different interpretation of your brief and each with its own margin, you get joined-up thinking and just one chest to poke.

End User Focus Key to delivering in this nuanced way is their ability to understand a wide range of audiences. That and their expertise in devising and delivering campaigns and strategies focused on the end user.

With a unique structure of 10 in-house departments, they have the architecture and the knowledge to create and execute complex and consistent cross-channel campaigns that target the right audiences.

Rather than focusing on individual business sectors, they have always thought first about the end user.

They have developed their expertise along those lines, tailoring both the messaging and the platforms they use to reach out in the most effective way.

So, they treat each campaign on its own merits and use the most suitable range of promotional tools.

With a full spectrum of expertise at Champions’ disposal, you benefit from the services you need – simple as that. /+Championsukplcagency 106 |

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/ChampionsUKplc

Plotting a Course From the very first touchpoint, the moment your potential customers first encounter your brand, they embark on a journey.

Champions (UK) plc owns that journey. They turn an initial awareness of who you are and what you do into a positive decision to purchase your products or services.

To stimulate that decision, they take your target audience through a series of further touchpoints, each of which builds understanding, confidence and trust.

The team creates consistent and clear messages that reinforce the values you represent and the benefits you deliver.

They increase the frequency and broaden the range of those touchpoints, raising the probability of your customers encountering them.

Growing Capabilities Since they were first established in 2003, Champions has looked to the long-term. Whether that’s building enduring client relationships or reinvesting in the agency team and infrastructure, there’s always an eye on the future.

They use the same far-sighted vision that has kept dozens of clients loyal for over a decade to build on their expertise and technical capabilities - and expand the range of services they deliver.

Look at the digital space. It may have been just two short years since they doubled the footprint of their headquarters on the Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire border but they’re not content to stand still.

Instead, they recently celebrated the granting of planning permission on a project that will transform an on-site barn into a state-of-the-art digital and media centre.

With the ground scheduled to be broken in the middle of 2018, they’re equipping themselves to help yet more client brands take full advantage of the ongoing digital revolution.

Champions (UK) plc has already developed a broad palette of capabilities. With a team of over 80 set to push past the 100 mark, their offering will only become even more comprehensive.

So, whatever your brand’s needs, they’re the right people for the job.

For more information, call Grace Golden on 08453 31 30 31 or email ggolden@championsukplc.com.

championsukplc.com AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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Advertising Feature

Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management We focus solely on providing face-to-face advice and offer a dedicated, personal wealth management service to build longterm, trusted relationships.

We have the experience to help you successfully secure and enhance your financial future by offering specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: • Corporate Financial advice and protection • Exit Strategy Planning for business owners • Investment Planning • Retirement Planning • Tax and Estate Planning For further information, or to request your complimentary guide to wealth management, please contact Janine Edwards: 01676 530606 or 07785 295341 Janine.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

Janine Edwards Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Janine Edwards is a trading name of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd.

Advertising Feature

The perfect partnership of

quality and service Within every household in the UK there is likely to be at least one item printed by Qualvis. It is little wonder that this leading print and packaging firm has recently been awarded Company of the Year at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards 2017.

A ringing endorsement of the firm’s outstanding success, not only within its sector but generally within business, scooping this coveted accolade is recognition of the company’s hard work, commitment to client care and innovation.

“Qualvis is a family run business, started by my father and his business partner and now owned by myself and siblings” said Chairman, Jason Short.

Nestled on the outskirts of Leicester in a 76,000-square foot site, Qualvis was launched in 1982 with a focus on food packaging – something they continue to excel at – and as such are accredited suppliers for many of today’s biggest brands.

Qualvis employs 106 members of staff and in recent years the firm has diversified its offering, taking its decades of packaging experience to the cosmetics and confectionary industries.

“The time was right” confirmed Jason, “we knew we had the know-how and capabilities to create virtually any type of packaging design and we could see a gap in the confectionary and cosmetics markets and a way to deploy the skills we had built up over many years.”

Making many recent investments of nearly £5m in technology and equipment that sets them at the forefront of their industry. Investment has included a double digital packaging line – making them the first packaging company globally to install such equipment and a sevencolour KBA Rapida 106 litho press, which can be used for a wide range of packaging, including cosmetics and high-end food packaging; Qualvis are constantly trying to improve their offering.

The move has paid off, with Qualvis now the manufacturer of choice for a wide range of household names, including luxury haircare brand, John Frieda.

“Our diversification has meant that not only are we now recognised as a leading producer of specialist food packaging but we are also leaders within confectionary and cosmetics packaging, with the packaging printed at our Leicester site making their way into High Street stores, and homes, across the UK.” It is Qualvis’ ambitious and forward-looking nature that has seen the company thrive for more than 30 years. Three years ago, Jason also decided the firm needed a fresh perspective when it came to the financial advice it was getting.

To arrange a meeting please contact Janine Edwards:

01676 530606 or 07785 295341 or email: Janine.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Home Farm Stables | The Berkswell Estate | Meriden Road | Berkswell | West Midlands | CV7 7SL

www.janineedwards.co.uk

“I felt that the advice we were getting was based on what we had done in the past - it was more about caretaking than growing” said Jason.

we want to go as a business and what I want as an individual for my financial future.”

It was through this realisation that Jason decided he needed to seek wealth management advice that could help him achieve his personal and business ambitions and got in touch with Janine Edwards who is a Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.

When coming on board to work with Qualvis, which includes supporting the company’s pension and life cover schemes, Janine took the time to visit the site and speak with staff to understand their financial aspirations, something that not every wealth management organisation offers.

Through the fresh perspective Janine has brought to the business, Jason and his team have been able to leave their own, and the company’s, wealth management needs to Janine, leaving them free to concentrate on achieving year-on-year growth, and Jason commented: “We have increased turnover for the last four years and have increased profit in line with this too.”

With Janine’s focus on relationships, Jason has felt that his vision for his, and the business’ future, have been recognised, and that by understanding his ambitions, the advice Janine offers is targeted to his specific needs.

“The great thing about working with Janine” said Jason, “is that she takes the time to look at the bigger picture and to understand where

Principal Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, Janine provides an unrivalled service, building long-term relationships with her clients.

Janine can provide: • Corporate financial advice and protection • Exit strategy planning for business owners • Investment planning • Retirement planning • Tax and estate planning

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Janine Edwards is a trading name of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd.

Jessie’s Story…

Eleven-year-old Jessie suffers from a rare and catastrophic form of intractable epilepsy.

When she was 10 months old, Jessie had a febrile convulsion and ended up in hospital. Two weeks later the same thing happened and Rachel was told not to worry. But after three agonising hours, the family’s world started to crumble as Jessie was taken to Intensive Care and put on a life support machine where she spent a couple of days.

She is attached to me 24/7.She can’t go outside because it is too stimulating for her. She gets over excited and with the temperature change, these are all triggers for a seizure. I feel guilt all the time as she misses out on so much. It is so sad knowing that your child can’t play outside. When you wake up in the morning, you never know what you are going to get.

“You do worry about everything; the next seizure could kill her. We dread winter, if she gets a cold, it can put her on life support.

Jessie pulled through but once back at her Ripley home, the seizures continued and became more frequent. For the next two years, she was constantly in and out of hospital and at least once a week, she was blue lighted there in an ambulance.

“Despite everything, Jessie is so positive, she doesn’t know any different and she is so happy and is always smiling. There are some days when I could cry at the drop of a hat but she brings us joy every day.”

Finally when she was two-years-old, Rachel and Daniel were told their daughter had Dravet Syndrome.

In January 2014, Rachel and Daniel, who also have a son, Tom, discovered Rainbows. “Rainbows is amazing,” said Rachel. “With having Tom too, he really needs us and we can’t do normal things with him as we are so consumed by Jessie. Rainbows gives us that time.

Her condition means Jessie has learning difficulties and finds it hard to socialise with other children. She is autistic and has a gastronomy tube, which she has nicknamed Beryl, to feed her. Before she was tube fed, Jessie’s seizures robbed her of her appetite until she was admitted to hospital with organ failure due to her being medically anorexic.

“Jessie can never be left on her own, you even have to go to the toilet with her,” said Rachel. “She sleeps in our room as the risk of seizures at night is even higher.

“Trusting someone with Jessie is a big thing for me, at Rainbows, I know Jessie is safe. It isn’t just about the care Jessie receives, Rainbows is also a support network for the whole family.”

Sam Bailey Raises More Than £10,000 For Rainbows

Fans of former X-Factor winner Sam Bailey have raised more than £10,000 for Rainbows, by donating at her shows.

Earlier this year, Sam announced Rainbows as the charity partner for her 2017 ‘Sing My Heart Out’ tour, and at each of the 32 UK performances there was a collection for the hospice which cares for children and young people with life-limited illnesses.

In July, Sam visited the hospice to meet children, young people and staff and also to present her donation.

She said: “I’m so pleased that I have been able to raise £10,300 for Rainbows, the work they do there is just outstanding and every time I visit I feel so proud to be a Patron for them. I had such an amazing time on tour and raising much needed funds for such a deserving charity has been the icing on the cake for me.”

excellence 30 YEARS OF

THE FRIENDLY FACE OF LEGAL CARE With one eye firmly on the future, leading Midlands law firm, Smith Partnership, aren’t ones to dwell on the past.

to realise their full potential with plenty of training and development opportunities available.

With its progressive culture, the firm is focused on delivering solutions for its clients. From the jargon-free, straight-talking approach clients experience to innovative solutions such as their web-based debt recovery system, Smith Partnership is all about solutions and service.

Supporting clients with a wide range of issues, the firm has in-house experts in:

While Smith Partnership is future-facing, 2017 marks an opportunity for the firm to reflect on their journey so far as they celebrate the 30-year anniversary of firm.

BUILT ON SOLID VALUES Formed with a simple ethos at its heart in October 1987, from the beginning Smith Partnership knew they wanted to do things a little differently from their competitors. Of course, exceptional legal expertise and know-how was always going to be a cornerstone of this Legal 500 ‘Top Tier’ firm’s offering, but from the outset, the founding partners wanted to marry this with a commitment to outstanding client care and communication.

Clearly, this is something that the firm has achieved, reflected by the Law Society’s LEXCEL mark; evidence of their commitment to excellent customer care.

With the client at the heart of everything they do, every member of Smith Partnership’s team understands how overwhelming and stressful legal matters can be, especially when it comes to understanding those complex legal terms.

This is why the firm commits to communicating with clients in a way that works for them, whether that is face-to-face, over the phone or via email and, depending on the case, solicitors can even visit clients at home or a location of their choice.

ON HAND TO HELP Since it first opened its doors, Smith Partnership has advised over 250,000 clients and grown to include 28 partners and over 200 staff spread over eight offices across the Midlands. Including the original centres at Burton upon Trent, Derby and Swadlincote, the firm also has branches in Stokeon-Trent and Leicester.

Building long-lasting relationships, Smith Partnership serves a wide range of clients from individuals to businesses. Dealing with diverse and often complex cases, employees thrive, with staff at all levels encouraged

0330 123 1229

www.smithpartnership.co.uk @smithpartnership

@smithpship

• Corporate and commercial matters • Criminal charges • Debt • Disputes • Employment • Tenancy issues • Buying and selling property • Clinical negligence • Professional negligence • Personal Injury • Child care • Family law • Wills and inheritance FUTURE FOCUS Still managed by its founders, the firm’s original vision to be a place that treats clients as real people, is still intact. With their direct and welcoming approach setting it apart from its competitors, it is little wonder that Smith Partnership are one of the only family and crime legal services teams in Derby and Leicester with Legal 500 ‘Top Tier’ status.

To find out more about the complete range of services available, visit www.smithpartnership.co.uk.

WITH 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATED CUSTOMER CARE TO BUILD ON, ONE THING IS FOR SURE, THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR SMITH PARTNERSHIP.

£1.4m

HAVE BEEN IN

REGIONAL OFFICES

1987

12 YEARS LENGTH OF TIME THEY

FOUNDED

£5m

AMOUNT THEY HAVE SECURED IN PROBATE CASES

TOP TIER

41,000

NUMBER OF HOUSE SALES

THE LARGEST INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM THEY HAVE SECURED

2017

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

A NEW CHAPTER FOR

CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC… One of the East Midlands’ most influential business figures has joined leading UK brand agency Champions (UK) plc. David Simms, who has spent over two decades in the digital, print and broadcast industries, joined the firm as Group Sales Director.

Prior to this move, David worked at Trinity Mirror as Regional Managing Director for the East Midlands where he established himself as one of the region’s most highly respected businessmen. Now, he has joined forces with Champions (UK) plc, one of the most successful businesses in the East Midlands. Based in Costock on the Nottinghamshire/ Leicestershire border, the award-winning agency have an unrivalled track record when it comes to delivering results to their ever-growing client base.

David will be heading up Champions’ new business development team bringing invaluable experience of running large teams and communicating with market leaders. Speaking of his delight at joining the company, he said: “I am honoured to be playing a part in this new chapter for Champions and am thrilled to be coming into the company at a time of great growth and expansion. CEO John Hayes and Managing Director Matt are extremely lucky to have such a young and dynamic team on board and with so many creative minds buzzing around the building, and with a constant drive to spread their wings, Champions are extremely relevant in the market.”

celebrities, Champions look set to reach a turnover of £30m at the end of the financial year, and with ambitions of a £50m turnover by 2022, the company are continuing to strive for even more success. Focusing their expertise on 10 key pillars; creative, digital, marketing, PR, media,

events, publishing, advertising, celebrity and web, the firm’s offering appeals to companies of all sizes.

As well as David’s addition to the team, Champions have recently announced another new development for the business. Having recently received planning permission to start work on the conversion of an unused outbuilding, Champions are set to invest £1m in a state-of-theart media suite to support their thriving digital team.

This development will extend Champions’ existing office space to more than 17,000 sq ft and will also generate an estimated 40+ jobs for people in the East Midlands, increasing their current staff of around 80 to more than 120. With their eyes firmly set on the future, and with the addition of David Simms to the company, 2018 and beyond looks set to be an extremely exciting time for the business.

As well as his role in the new business development team, David will also become the company’s eighth board member, helping to make strategic decisions that help shape the company’s future.

Working alongside some of the country’s most high-profile brands and

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ASPIRATIONAL.UK.COM

For more information on opportunities at Champions (UK) plc, get in touch by calling 01509 85 29 27 or email careers@championsukplc.com

Whatever the event, the De Vere Orchard Hotel & De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre have you covered • Set within 330 acres of landscaped parkland, the contemporary eco-friendly 4 star hotel & conference centre, based in the heart of the UK, just 2 miles from Nottingham city centre, is close to major transport links and has complimentary parking • The hotel provides complimentary ClickShare wireless system software allowing for stress-free presenting with no messy cables or installation while the conference centre boasts a complimentary, dedicated on-site AV team and a retractable remote-controlled tiered seating theatre for up to 520 delegates • Together, the hotel and centre provide a variety of flexible meeting spaces whether you are looking to host a small away day, a private meeting, a training session or even a large banquet for up to 1000 delegates • Having opened in September, the light-filled Brailsford Suite, adjacent to Bramleys Brasserie and Bar, provides additional space for private meetings for up to 48 cabaret style and can be used for smaller dinners and wedding receptions too

Winner of the CHS Awards 2017 for Best Auditorium & Best Green/Sustainable Venue CHS Awards 2017

To find out more about the De Vere Orchard Hotel & De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre call 0871 222 4836 or email EMCCall@devere.com

www.devere.com AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

MODERN HOSPITALITY

in the heart of the East Midlands

Whether your visit to the East Midlands is for business or pleasure, a warm welcome awaits you at each and every one of our award-winning venues.

With each venue ideally located near to the vibrant Leicester city centre and boasting exceptional facilities, our trademark attention to customer care, will see you experience hospitality like never before.

Blending original 1960s design with state-of-the-art facilities and located just minutes from Leicester city centre, our conference facilities and stylish 123 bedroomed hotel, mean we are a popular choice with visitors from both near and far.

•

52 Conference rooms

•

State-of-the-art facilities

•

AV specialists

A choice of 16 conference rooms make College Court a favourite with businesses across the UK looking for a centrally located venue for conferences and team-building events.

Offering flexibility of layout, an all-inclusive approach and a choice of catering options, from small one-day events, to week-long conferences, whatever your requirements, we can help.

•

123-bedroom hotel

Stamford Court

•

2,000 bedrooms available July to September

•

Multi award-winning venues

•

Capacity from two to 500

From the restored traditional features to our dedicated staff, at Stamford Court you’ll find everything you need to create your next event or conference.

•

Outstanding catering

•

All-inclusive packages

•

One incredible team

Across our venues we offer:

With each of our four venues boasting their own personality, facilities and amazing staff, read on to discover the perfect venue for your next Leicester visit…

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Of course, period features are all well and good, but when it comes to technology we all want it bang up to date, which is why we boast state-of-the-art tech solutions so there is no compromise between ambience and practicalities.

With four-star campus accredited en suite accommodation located nearby and available during the summer months, whether you are with us for the day, or a little longer, you are sure to enjoy your Stamford Court experience.

Oadby Village

Want to find out more?

Sometimes it’s nice to just get away from it all and at Oadby Village you can escape from the stresses and strains of city life and enjoy our picturesque location, which is just a short journey to Leicester city centre.

To discuss your next conference or event or to find out more about our special offers call us now on 0116 223 1680 or email info@leicesterconferences. co.uk.

Packed with period detail, Oadby Village is a modern venue too, with hi-tech facilities and high-speed Wi-Fi along with our attentive, experienced staff who are not only on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, but can also offer conferencing services including delegate registration and event management.

Leicester Campus If you want a venue that delivers flexible meeting spaces complete with state-of-the-art AV equipment, backed up by in-house tech support, all located just a stone’s throw from one of the UK’s most diverse cities, then look no further than Leicester Campus.

Nestled within the grounds of Leicester University, our purpose-built meeting rooms, which are designed to adapt to different layout requirements, excellent catering options and 800 bedrooms available July to September, mean our guests come back time and again.

“Please pass on my thanks to your team for delivering an excellent event for us this week. The venue was first class and suited our needs perfectly, and the service was very well executed in a friendly but unobtrusive way. Everything worked, and we were able to deliver our conference messages in a professional way.”

Mark Samworth, Director Samworth Brothers

www.leicesterconferences.co.uk

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ISSUE 16

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“

People influence people. Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. A trusted referral influences people more than the best broadcast message. A trusted referral is the Holy Grail of advertising.

- Mark Zuckerberg

These ‘trusted friends’ the Facebook pioneer speaks of are not only the physical friends who we see in our day to day lives, but also ‘online friends’ who, for many people, come in the form of social media influencers.

Recognising their influence on consumers, top brands are now investing more time and money into developing their relationships with social media influencers.

”

However, there are a great number of social media influencers out there and an issue many brands face when creating a successful influencer campaign is how to pick the right influencer for them.

With much to consider, selecting the right influencer can take time; something busy marketing teams often have a limited amount of. This is where Influencer Champions comes in.

An agency that manages the interests of both the influencer and the brand, Influencer Champions seeks-out the perfect influencer and brand partnerships, for a mutually beneficial relationship that delivers results.

The brands and influencers the agency work with speaks volumes...

The brands Influencer Champions has worked with many high-profile brands on their influencer campaigns including: Dell, Philips, Feel Unique, Arla, Cully and Sully, Harvey Nichols, Schwartz, Rennie, VonShef and Philadelphia. …

CELEBRITY LIFESTYLE FITNESS TRAVEL FOOD & DRINK MUSIC PARENTING

ENTERTAINMENT FASHION INTERNATIONAL HOME BEAUTY GAMING

1. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-networks-influence-buying-decisions/ 2. http://www.business2community.com/marketing/key-influencermarketing-stats-inform-marketing-strategy-O1817533#xTQsiKJWPeFQvEIz.97 3. http://www.acorninfluence.com/blog/1O-influencer-marketing-statistics/

The Influencers The agency has both worked with and manages some of the best social media influencers from a wide-range of categories. These influencers include: Scarlett London, Fuss Free Flavours, Talk Becky Talk, Holly Sheeran, Mark Ferris, Jake Boys and The London Thing Three statistics that will make you want to re-think your current marketing campaigns to accommodate social media influencers: • 74% 1 of consumers use social media to make purchasing decisions.

• 86% 2 of marketers today use influencer marketing to fuel their content marketing strategies – 88.5% of whom find the influencer content valuable.

• 7O% 3 of teenage YouTube subscribers say they relate to YouTubers more than to traditional celebrities

Spotlight on the Senior Manager – Amelia Neate After noticing more and more brands were also looking to work with social media influencers, Amelia could not ignore the increasing demand for influencers and launched Influencer Champions.

Since its launch, Amelia has nurtured relationships between some of the country’s best-known brands and high-profile influencers. Not only keen to grow the agency’s portfolio of influencers and brands, she is also keen to stay on top of industry trends and updates and so she recently secured sponsorship at one of the UK’s biggest events – the UK Agency Awards.

aneate@influencerchampions.com O8453 31 3O 31 @InfluencerChampions

@InfluencerChampions

@Influencer_Ch

influencerchampions.com

make your wedding day one to remember A marquee is one of the few venues that offers complete freedom of choice and total control over the design, layout and timing of your special day.

OFFICIAL Marquee supplier for Champions (UK) plc

George Mudford & Sons Ltd realise the importance of your wedding day and understand that every detail must be perfect.

We also realise you only have one chance to get it right and we recognise our role in the success and smooth running of your day.

• Large range of marquees to suit all requests

George Mudford & Sons Ltd.

• Luxurious linings, furniture, lighting and decorations

T: 01777 703489 F: 01777 704743 E: info@mudfordmarquees.co.uk

• Excellent crews of specialist erectors with guaranteed excellent service

www.mudfordmarquees.co.uk

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sushma Kotecha Family Law Solicitor

Sushma has more than 20 years’ experience in all aspects of family law and is an Accredited Family Mediator and a Member of Resolution. Sushma leads Shoosmiths’ East Midlands Family Team.

sushma.kotecha@shoosmiths.co.uk 03700 86 50 27 www.shoosmiths.co.uk

FAMILY LAW

EXCEPTIONAL. DISCREET. EXPERT.

Shoosmiths’ private client team offer help with all the important and often sensitive issues that can arise within any family or when a relationship breaks down.

With a heritage spanning 165 years, Shoosmiths has built strong

The range of services we provide from our network of offices in England and Scotland includes:

relationships with its clients based on the exceptional service for

• Divorce and separation

which it is renowned.

• Financial provision on divorce or separation

Shoosmiths’ national family

• Child residence, contact and education disputes

offering is a go-to service for high

• Dissolution of civil partnerships

• Applications to relocate overseas with children

net worth individuals, with its

• Nullity proceedings

• International child abduction

experienced and trusted family

• Pre and post-nuptial agreements

• Adoption

lawyers able to provide bespoke,

• Financial provision after an overseas divorce

• Child Support

strategic advice across a wide

• Cohabitation agreements

• Family Mediation

range of family matters.

• Variation and set aside of existing financial orders • Financial provision for children

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be...

Thomas International is the global champion of the people assessment industry.

Our assessments empower business leaders to transform the performance of their people, teams and cultures. Having been at the forefront of assessment innovation since 1981, our assessments are available in 56 languages and support clients in over 60 countries.

Speak to your consultant or contact us on 01628 475 366 or email info@thomas.co.uk

Scan me

@ThomasInt_UK

Thomas International Š Copyright Thomas International Ltd 2017 www.thomasinternational.net

POLITICAL SPEAKERS MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS SPORTS SPEAKERS BUSINESS SPEAKERS ENTERTAINMENT COMEDIANS TV & CELEBRITY CHEFS HOST & AUCTIONEER MUSIC ACTS CONFERENCES | CHARITY EVENTS | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS | AFTER DINNER SPEAKERS | ENTERTAINERS | PERSONAL CELEBRITY APPEARANCES

0207 1010 553 | champions-speakers.co.uk member of

EA SB

European Association of Speakers Bureaux

UNMISTAKABLY LONDON. DISTINCTIVELY JUMEIRAH.

Experience the ultimate London stay at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge. Relax in a luxurious room or suite with stunning views over London, indulge yourself at The Peak Health Club & Spa with our range of cutting-edge treatments and enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea in the opulent Chinoiserie lounge.

Visit jumeirah.com or call 020 7235 1234 to find out more.

Adrian Dixon performing

Bowers Electricals winner of the Derby Small Business of the Year

Guests were greeted with a Champagne reception

HEADLINE SPONSORS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CHARITY

Derby College - headline sponsor

Comedian Rod Woodward performing at the awards

The Roundhouse, Derby College

Thursday 8 June 2017 On the night of the 8 June, businesses from across Derbyshire congregated at the Roundhouse, to celebrate those who had been selected as finalists for the Derby Telegraph Business Awards 2017.

This annual event is a way of acknowledging businesses across all sectors and those businesses that have demonstrated determination, innovative thinking and hardiness, especially in tough economic climates.

Gail Emms MBE co-hosting

The evening began with a Champagne reception that was sponsored by Marketing Derby, followed by a delicious three-course meal, before the main event began. The dazzling ceremony was hosted by comedian and presenter Mark Dolan and Olympic legend Gail Emms MBE, who kept the audience entertained.

Graham McIntosh - CEO of Bionical, winners of the Leadership Team of the Year and Company of the Year

Support of the awards came in the form of category sponsors which included headline sponsors Derby College, Thomas International and NFT as well as a whole host of category sponsors.

Bionical, a pharmaceutical and healthcare company based in Mercia Marina had a very successful night, winning the ‘Leadership Team of the Year’ and the most acclaimed accolade of the night, the ‘Company of the Year’ award.

Guests enjoying the Champagne reception

Guest enjoying a charity game of Stand Up Bingo

Maple Your total business partner

JANINE EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD

Janine Edwards and guests at the awards

ENTERPRISE CENTRE

Mark Dolan co-hosting

Category Sponsor

2017 Winners NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION AWARD WOMEN’S WORK (DERBYSHIRE) LTD CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD G. WATHALL & SON LTD

International Trade winner - EPM Technology

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD EPM TECHNOLOGY CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PURPOSE MEDIA RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NK MOTORS LTD

Steve Hall of Derby Telegraph delivering his speech

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARD ALERTER GROUP PLC JANINE EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AWARD BOWERS ELECTRICAL PLC NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SALES & MARKETING AWARD SMITH PARTNERSHIP

The room is ready for the evening’s event

LEADERSHIP TEAM OF THE YEAR THE BIONICAL GROUP SERVICES AWARD PATTONAIR

Maple Your total business partner

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR JONATHAN GRAY OF GREENDOG MEDIA

Thomas International - headline sponsor

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ELEGANT TOUCH BEAUTY DERBY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BOWERS ELECTRICAL DERBY COMPANY OF THE YEAR THE BIONICAL GROUP Contribution to the Community winner, G.Wathall & Son Ltd.

Andrew Springhall of Breedon and guests

Bjorn Jones of Blusource and guests

Claire Twells of Smith Partnership and guests

EMNG - Afternoon at the Aegon Open Wednesday 14 June 2017 David Simms and guests

George Selby and Laura Fall

Some of the biggest businesses from the East Midlands gathered at Nottingham Tennis Centre for an afternoon of food, tennis and networking with the East Midlands Networking Group (EMNG). Champions (UK) plc joined Blusource, Breedon, Cowens, Gleeds, Harts, Maverick, Mazars, The Nottingham Post and Smith Partnership on the day which proved to be thoroughly enjoyable for all involved.

With the sun shining, guests enjoyed a Champagne and canapé reception upon arrival with lunch and afternoon tea also on offer. Members had access to top of the range hospitality in the Centre’s Sherwood Suite, where they were then able to witness some of the highest rated tennis players in action as they prepared for Wimbledon.

Q&A with No.5 seed Lucie Šafářová

Tracey Griffiths of Gleeds, Jennie Holland and Jill McCarthy

With the Aegon Open underway, guests watched as Australian, Ashleigh Barty, defeated Croatian Jana Fett and Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova overcome Japan’s Kurumi Nara, in the Women’s Singles Round of 16 on Centre Court.

Once the action had concluded, members then had the opportunity to speak to a current tennis champion, Lucie Šafářová. Lucie is the current women’s French and Australian open winner and was the number five seed going into the Aegon Open. Guests took part in a Q&A with the tennis star where she was able to provide an exclusive insight into life as a professional tennis player.

John Hayes, Jan Barrett and Tim Reed

Mark Wilson of Cowens and guests

The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity for some of the biggest businesses from the region to come together, exchange ideas and forge relationships whilst enjoying some delicious food and high-quality sport.

View from the hospitality box

Aegon Open at Nottingham 2017

Dominic, Lady Gretton, Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson

Ercan Dogan, Sam Hagger and guest

Ian Morris, Darshan Rajput and Danny Gohil

KuKu Connect’s First Birthday Lumbers Jewellers / Bruxelles

Thursday 5 October 2017 Jake Wright and guest, Vicky Brain, Anna Bal and Adam Ball

Maddie Rose, Joanna Betts and Sally Davis

Lumbers Jewellers and Bruxelles Leicester played host to KuKu Connect’s First Birthday, which was attended

by Jennifer, Lady Gretton, DCVO JP, Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Leicestershire who was joined by the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, businesses and dignitaries from around the county including, Hon. Consul-General to Uganda Jaffer Kapasi, OBE, Karamjit Singh, CBE, Professor Surinder Sharma, DL, Beverley Brooks, MBE and LieutenantColonel David Young, TD. KuKu Connect, which offers a fresh and effective alternative to traditional business networking in Leicester, celebrated it’s first year. A glittering evening of business and luxury took place amidst the stunning showroom of Lumbers where businesses connected amongst the sparkling jewels and Swiss watches. Lumbers introduced an exclusive new Italian jewellery designer, Mattioli, from the historic jewellery makers in Turin, Italy.

Lillith Hunt-Shepherd, Shaf Islam and Helen Howe

Mark Eydman, Stephanie Richichi, Chairman of Northwest Leicestershire distric Council Cllr. Virge Richichi

Over 160 businesses guests enjoyed a delicious supper from the Boot Room Restaurant and heavenly chocolatier CocoaAmore who were rolling fresh truffles dipped in melted chocolate, with cocktails and signature G&T’s from Burleighs Gin and the 45 Bar Group. The Lord-Lieutenant addressed guests and celebrated the success of KuKu Connect and the business community in Leicestershire concluding by raising a toast the KuKu Connect and their second year ahead.

Mr & Mrs Mahesh Patel

KuKu Connect mixes business with luxury holding monthly Connect Receptions which take place at a different venue each month which have included the 45 West gin bar, Oberon Gallery, Chutney Ivy, Sherwin Hall Kitchens, Marco’s, Helen Howe Atelier, the King Richard III Visitor Centre with their next reception being held at the showroom of Lexus in Leicester.

Nicola Gavin, Cleo Whitehead, Kinga Clusek, Dominic and Daniella Smith

Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson, Directors of KuKu Connect thanked members and guests for supporting the celebrations which raised funds for the NSPCC, Twenty Twenty and the Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign. The evening didn’t stop there with the celebration moving to Bruxelles for cheese and biscuits, live music, speciality Belgian beer and special celebration cocktails all under Bruxelles ornate dome ceiling. www.kukuconnect.co.uk

Professor Surinder Sharma, DL, Simon Wright, Lady Gretton, DCVO, JP, Philip Brooks-Stephenson, Lieutenant-Colonel David Young, TD

Oliver Rayns and guest Pantone 871 Metallic

Pantone C465

Surprise international guest, Mike Procter entertaining guests with his cricketing stories

Steve Adams of Cambridge and Counties Bank, with his guests and Geoff Miller OBE

Special guest, David Gower OBE

In association with

Dominic Gomersall of Lumbers, presenting the stand-up bingo winner with her prize watch

Annual Charity Cricket Dinner - An evening with David Gower OBE

James Upton of Upton Steel, with his guests and Mike Procter

King Power Stadium, Leicester

Thursday 22 June 2017 Leicester City’s King Power stadium played host to a cricket dinner like no other as some of the most familiar faces from the world of cricket came together to share some fascinating anecdotes and raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Mike Procter personally signing his book for Tania Lee of Champions Music & Entertainment

The black-tie event opened with a Champagne reception and a game of stand-up bingo was played to get everybody involved in the evening’s proceedings. The night was hosted by former England and Derbyshire cricketer Geoff Miller OBE and guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal.

Geoff Miller OBE, David Gower OBE, Simon Edgley from the Trinity Mirror and Mike Procter

World renowned auctioneer Charlie Ross then conducted a charity auction with all proceeds going to Rainbows.

Supporting children who suffer from life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, as well as helping their families through this tough time, the work rainbows do is invaluable and Champions (UK) plc have supported the cause for many years.

Cricketing star, Darren Bicknell and his wife Claire

Adding even more excitement to the event was special guest David Gower OBE. He shared some of his career highlights with the audience including his time in Leicestershire’s 1975 County Championship winning team and representing England at the highest level of the game.

Paul Addison of M2K Services, with his guests and Basher Hassan

The famous faces didn’t end there, with a surprise special guest making an appearance. Former South African cricketer Mike Procter, who is regarded as one of the greatest allrounders to ever play the game, delighted audiences sharing his expert insight on the game.

The event was enjoyed by all, with guests thrilled to have spent time in the company of true legends of the sport.

Charlie Ross auctioning off a piece of W.G. Grace signed memorabilia

Bob Johnson of Mazars, with his guests

2017 Winners BEST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN MediaCom North

Category Sponsor

BEST SEARCH CAMPAIGN BlueGlass & Expedia BEST PR CAMPAIGN Reddico Dominic Holland and Champions (UK) plc’s Matthew Hayes with Digital Agency of the Year, Click Consult

Amelia Neate announcing a winner

BEST NOT-FOR-PROFIT CAMPAIGN Click Consult & Oxfam BEST EVENT Canvas Conference by 383 Project BEST NEW BUSINESS CAMPAIGN Engine

In association with

The Media Com North team celebrate with Dominic Holland and Amelia Neate

BEST AGENCY WEBSITE Found - found.co.uk

Category Sponsor

Category Sponsor

BEST MARKETING STRATEGY FOR AGENCY GROWTH BEcause - Building love for our brand

The UK Agency Awards 2017 Montcalm Marble Arch, London

CAMPAIGN EFFECTIVENESS AWARD Crafted & Generator Hostels

Wednesday 13 September 2017

BEST AGENCY CULTURE Kin&Co

Category Sponsor

RISING AGENCY STAR AWARD Returning for its third year, the UK Agency Awards 2017 Atticus “Maximus” Peart celebrated the very best creative, design, digital marketing, advertising, media and public relations agencies across the BIDDABLE MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR country.

Merkle|Periscopix

Guests eagerly await the winners

With 22 awards up for grabs, the awards acknowledge the DIGITAL AGENCY OF outstanding contribution that agencies make to the industry.

THE YEAR This year’s event took place at one of London’s most lavish Click Consult locations, the Montcalm Marble Arch. The venue is located in one of the most famous parts of the capital and the B2B AGENCY OF THE YEAR awards took place in the building’s stunning Grand Ballroom. Stein IAS Guests were welcomed with drinks upon arrival before being treated to a delicious three-course meal. The event was hosted by one of the UK’s most well-loved comedians Dominic Holland who oversaw proceedings in his own hilarious style.

Dominic Holland, Amelia Neate and Engine

Influencer Champions, an agency that pairs top influencers with high-profile brands, were on board this year as event sponsors supporting the ‘Best Social Media Campaign’ award. This award recognised a successful social media campaign that was innovative and stood out above all others.

Category Sponsor

SEARCH AGENCY OF THE YEAR Epiphany SOCIAL MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR Born Social MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR M&C Saatchi Mobile MARKETING AGENCY OF THE YEAR Intermarketing Agency

The winners of this award were MediaCom North for their #NaughtyFriday campaign for women’s clothing brand PR AGENCY OF THE YEAR CubanEight Missguided.

Photography: Don’t Panic / The Art of New Business / Barney Newman

INNOVATIVE AGENCY OF THE YEAR WeAreFearless.

MOST IMPRESSIVE SMALL AGENCY GROWTH The Honey Partnership

Influencer Champions’ table

MOST IMPRESSIVE LARGE AGENCY GROWTH Hogarth Worldwide

Category Sponsor

Ade Potts of Experian presenting award to Sean Reddington

Venue for the evening

Headline Sponsor, Browne Jacobson with host Gail Emms MBE

7 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CHARITY

Champions (UK) plc and guests

Guests playing Stand Up Bingo

East Midlands Conference Centre

Wednesday 24 May 2017 The biggest names from Nottinghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business community gathered at the East Midlands Conference Centre for the annual Nottingham Post Business Awards.

The awards acknowledge the very best the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses have to offer and saw representatives from a diverse range of categories come together to celebrate Nottinghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business success. Overall 13 accolades were awarded on the night, including â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Company of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which went to construction firm J Tomlinson.

Hosts with John Wallis of Page Kirk, host sponsor

Other winners included Fortis Contracting who took home the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;New Business of the Year awardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Gigantic Tickets who won â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Retail Business of the Year.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Jamie Raven performing

The evening, which was hosted by comedian Mark Dolan and Olympian Gail Emms MBE, also provided the opportunity to raise money for two worthwhile causes. One of these charities was Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, who provide support to children and their families who suffer from lifethreatening and life-limiting illnesses.

Money was also raised for the We Love Manchester fund following the attack at the Ariana Grande concert which happened two days prior to this event.

John Hayes with John Harris and Mark Dolan

Headline sponsor, Mazars with Mark Dolan

Sponsors Your IT Department at Champagne reception

Headline sponsor Robin Hood Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s table for the evening

Category Sponsor

2017 Winners NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION AWARD STAR TRUST CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD TDX GROUP

Mark Dolan hosting the evening

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD AGILITAS CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR HALLAM INTERNET RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR GIGANTIC TICKETS

J Tomlinson, winners of Nottinghamshire Company of the Year

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARD AZOTIC TECHNOLOGIES EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AWARD BROWN DOG INTERIORS NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SALES & MARKETING AWARD DAVID JAMES ESTATE AGENTS

Services Award winner Agilitas with Alistair Wesson of Mazars

SERVICES AWARD AGILITAS BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR SEAN REDDINGTON OF MIND CLICK NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FORTIS CONTRACTING

Gail Emms MBE hosting

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR INTERACTIVE CODING EQUIPMENT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR J TOMLINSON Guests enjoying the Champagne reception

Derek Redmond and Kriss Akabusi MBE

Eric Herd of Farmfoods with guests, Bernard Gallacher OBE and Peter Baker

presents

Brabazon Course, The Belfry Janine Edwards of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd with guests and Mark Regan MBE

Tuesday 5 September 2017

Dominic Holland, Peter Baker and Cat Mitchell

A whole host of stars from the world of sport and entertainment came together at Sutton Coldfield’s Belfry Hotel & Resort for Tony Jacklin CBE’s annual charity golf day. The Belfry’s Brabazon course is famed for the four times it has hosted the Ryder Cup. Located in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside, it was the backdrop for Europe’s first ever triumph in the competition.

In Tony’s absence, this year the event was hosted by Europe’s victorious 1995 Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher OBE and saw a range of famous faces take part including: Mike Tindall MBE, Derek Redmond, Kriss Akabusi MBE, Dan Walker, Roy Walker, Alan McInally and Thom and Max Evans. Sponsors Paradise Promotions hosted a rum tasting workshop on the first tee in what proved to be a wonderful day of golf.

Dominic Holland hosting the evening

Following the day’s play, guests were treated to a Champagne reception before enjoying a delicious three course gourmet meal. The evening also saw some fantastic entertainment hosted by Perrier award-winning comedian Dominic Holland. After the main course, The X-Factor’s 2013 winner Sam Bailey performed before comedian Ian Irving entertained audiences with a hilarious comedy set.

Katie Niland of The Belfry with guests, Thom and Max Evans

All money raised on the day was donated to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People who care for children suffering with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

Maurice Addison of M2K, Tyrone Hanlon of Tiger Foods with guests, Chris Broad and Alan McInally

Event host, Bernard Gallacher OBE

Bentley at the Belfry, from Bentley Leicester

William Hill guests and Don Goodman

Stand Up Bingo winner - Tim Reed of Bentley Leicester

Entertainment included steel drums

Mike Tindall MBE

The team gather for a photo

Sam Bailey performing

The Belfry team enjoying the day

Philip De Freitas, Sean Cook and John Hayes

Don Goodman at the event

Ian Irving performing

Badness ready for the Tribute Awards 2017

Roy Orbison, George Michael and Ultimate Elton recieving their awards

Craig Phillips and Alan Warner FEAA and Executive Vice President of the Agent’s Association

HEADLINE SPONSOR

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CHARITIES

Biggest winner of the night, Totally Tina

Lady Gaga winning the Offical UK No.1

Athena Leicester

Wednesday 5 July 2017 Tribute acts from across the country came together at Leicester’s stunning Athena venue to celebrate the very best the tribute industry has to offer.

Little Fix arriving at the awards ready for the evening ahead

The biggest winner on the night was Totally Tina who took home both the acclaimed ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and ‘Best Sound & Lighting Production’ award.

Justine Ruddock is the star of the act and was rewarded for her years of dedication to the industry.

Marilyn Monroe at the Awards

The night was a resounding success, organised by Champions (UK) plc alongside the Entertainment Agents’ Association (GB), the ceremony marked the highlight of the tribute industry’s calendar.

The evening also provided the opportunity to raise money for two worthwhile causes. One of these charities was Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, who provide support to children and their families who suffer from life-threatening and lifelimiting illnesses.

Oasish ready to take the night by storm

Some of the evening’s winners and performers

Money was also raised for the We Love Manchester fund following the attack at the Ariana Grande concert which happened two days prior to this event. Funds on the night were split evenly between the two causes.

Patrick Monahan, comedian and the evening’s host

Soul Kinda Wonderful and Diana Ross

Category Sponsor

2017 Winners BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION MARK SUMMERS AS ELVIS LEGACY

BEST SOUND & LIGHTING PRODUCTION TOTALLY TINA

The Killerz performing on stage

BEST WEBSITE GLASTONBUDGET

BEST MARKETING AND PR LMS WORLDWIDE The stage is set for an amazing night of entertinment

BOOKING VENUE OF THE YEAR THE CONCORDE CLUB

TRIBUTE AGENT OF THE YEAR PELLER ARTISTES

BEST BAND HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN

Totally Tina and her dancers performing on stage

BEST FEMALE ARTIST TANIA ALBONI AS CHER

BEST MALE PAUL REASON AS ROBBIE WILLIAMS The tables are set ready for the National Tribute Music Awards 2017

MUSIC INDUSTRY AWARD BOURNE LEISURE INC BUTLINS, WARNERS AND HAVEN

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TOTALLY TINA Winner of the Best Band Award - Hats Off to Led Zeppelin

Jack Hayes addresses guests

The showcase gets underway

Andrew Neil engages with guests

Champions After Dinner Speakers Political Showcase

Nigel Farage MEP alongside Sir Christopher Meyer and Sir Simon Gass

The speakers alongside Jack Hayes

The Gherkin, Central London

Tuesday 10 October 2017 Some of the country’s political heavyweights gathered at Searcys’ restaurant located on the top floor of London’s Gherkin for an exclusive networking breakfast. Organised

by Champions After Dinner Speakers, the political showcase saw Andrew Neil, Sir Christopher Meyer, Nigel Farage MEP and Sir Simon Gass debate the latest topics affecting the world of politics today.

Nigel Farage MEP meets a guest

Some of London’s most influential and successful business people attended, and after enjoying a delicious breakfast, former editor of The Sunday Times and Sunday Politics and Daily Politics host, Andrew Neil, took to the stage to give a talk.

Sir Simon Gass at the event

Following this, he and his fellow speakers took part in a lively political discussion and held a Q&A session. Sir Christopher Meyer is one of the world’s most respected diplomats who served as the UK’s Ambassador to the United States between 1997 and 2003. Nigel Farage MEP is well known as twice being the leader of the UK Independence Party and being a strong member of the ‘Leave’ campaign ahead of Britain’s EU referendum in 2016. Sir Simon Gass has held some of the biggest roles in international politics having worked as British Ambassador to Iran between 2009 and 2011. Most recently he was the Director General, Political, Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

The event was coordinated by Champions Speakers agency, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Derek Redmond enjoying the showcase

The view of London’s skyline

Andrew Neil puts a question to Nigel Farage

Sir Christopher Meyer answers a question

A guest taking part in the Q&A

Nigel Farage MEP chatting to guests

Guests watching speakers in action

Watching on as Andrew Neil talks

Searcys at the Gherkin hosted the event

Guests listen to the fascinating political speakers

Andrew Neil, Sir Simon Gass, Nigel Farage MEP and Sir Christopher Meyer before the event

The event was a great networking opportunity

Guests mingle at the Searcysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gherkin event

Beautiful art on display

Canapés for guests to enjoy

Delicious selection of cured meats

Antidote Art new collection showcase Dwaine Hayden performing with a guitarist

Dwaine Hayden, Sara Lovatt and Mason Noise

Lutterworth

Saturday 15 April 2017 One of Leicester’s most established fine art galleries, Antidote Art are synonymous with exhibiting contemporary collections within their Lutterworth-based gallery.

Dwaine Hayden singing at the exhibition

On Saturday 15 April, esteemed guests were invited to the gallery to help celebrate a new collection by artist Kealey Farmer. Winner of ‘Best Selling Published Artist 2017’ awarded by the Fine Art Trade Guilde, Kealey creates stunning hand embellished prints using materials such as glass, diamond dust and Swarovski crystals.

Exhibiting Artisit - Kealey Farmer

The event was one of Kealey’s 12 stops at galleries across the UK and the event was a great success with guests greeted with a Champagne reception and served authentic Italian canapés.

The beautiful art that Kealey showcased, was complemented by the fantastic vocals of Dwaine Hayden and Mason Noise.

Dwaine rose to prominence in the 2016 edition of The Voice, where he was a beloved member of Paloma Faith’s team while Mason Noise is known for making the live finals of 2015’s The X Factor.

Lauren and Sasha from event supporter, Wishbone Publishing

Simon & Jill Warner enjoying the evening

The pair brought a special touch to the event, and their vocals went down a storm with all attendees.

Guests enjoying the new collection event

Vistors enjoying the exhibition

Mason Noise performs for guests

The Continental GT First Edition.

The first. The finest. The rarest.

Discover the most extraordinary interpretation of the world’s finest grand tourer at Leicester.BentleyMotors.com/Continental The new Continental GT fuel consumption – EU Drive Cycle in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 16.0 (17.7); Extra Urban 31.7 (8.9); Combined 23.2 (12.2). CO2 Emissions 278 g/km.

The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2017 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Continental GT First Edition.

BENTLEY LEICESTER