Niche Magazine Issue 15

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July/August 2016

FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING

The

SUMMER LIVING ISSUE Plus Finance & Business advice

#FindYourNiche FASHION | BUSINESS | HEALTH | FOOD | SPORTS

5 Star rated health insurance You don’t have to wait until you’re ill before using your policy.

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Recognising Outstanding Leicestershire Businesses and Business Professionals

SEPTEMBER 9th 2016

BOOK YOUR TABLES NOW for the highlight of the Leicester business calendar

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HIP

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Sponsors

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Beverly Sankey

digitalmagic creative at heart

Hamilton

Leicester Ltd. Bespoke Prestige Quality

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

Ambassadors

I N S U R A N C E

Event Sponsors

#NicheBizAwards

Host Sponsors

Tickets available from EventBrite.co.uk

Cover:

Niche 15 front cover image was shot by Theresa Furey Photography, theresafurey.com for The Dimblebee Catering Company. dimblebeecatering.co.uk

The Team

Photography courtesy of:

Sarah Salotti 07505 114 372 Sarahsalotti.co.uk Joe Whitmore 07887 812 321 Jwhitmorephoto.co.uk Andy Ward 07540 722 628 Brill-creative.com Scott Choucino 07843 091 419 Scottchoucino.com

Managing Director Jenny Cross 07815 899 574 jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

Editor Lee Parkin 07711 043 901 lee@crossproductions.co.uk

Operations Director Leanne Baker leanne@crossproductions.co.uk

Sales Director Sally Smith 07931 220 116

Design Editor Susan Holmes

Senior Journalist Kerry Smith

susan.holmes@crossproductions.co.uk

kerry@crossproductions.co.uk

Sales Executive Sharon Hodges 0116 271 2573

Sales Executive Zara Tyers 0116 271 2573

Tom Wren 07818 421 118 Creativebywren.com

Sponsors of the Leicester Riders

Also Sponsoring Robbie’s Rugby Festival Leicester Law Society Awards Air Ambulance Ball Breast Cancer Pink & Scary Party Menphys Rainbows

Published by Cross Productions Ltd Nichemagazine.co.uk info@crossproductions.co.uk Tel: 0116 271 2573 Disclaimer – Niche Magazine and Cross Productions Ltd are 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 and omissions. We can under no circumstance be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the website or magazine. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials or photography or any other such material supplied by a third party. The views and opinions expressed within our publications are not necessarily those of the publisher or indeed Niche Magazine or any featured parties.

Distribution Media Matters Direct Mediamattersdirect.co.uk Self Select Distribution Selfselectdistribution.co.uk Niche App Download for free!

Social facebook.com/nichemagazineuk Twitter: @magazineniche

Contributors The Miller Partnership, Glynis Wright, Mocha Marketing, City Communications, ER Recruitment, Torr Waterfield, Leicester Racecourse, Beau Aesthetica, Curve, Leicester Riders, St Martins House, Dimblebee Catering Company, Griffin Fit, Soar Valley Press, MME, Brooksure Insurance, Swipe & Tap, RDZ PR, Total Motion, Maiyango, Steamin’ Billy, Abel, Qdos, Matt Hampson Foundation, Hamilton Builders, MNE Accounting, Bray & Bray, Barrie Stephen Hair NICHE | 03

t. e. w.

0116 402 6222 salon@barriestephenhair.co.uk barriestephenhair.co.uk

SALONS ANSTEY The Nook LE7 7AZ 06 | NICHE

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH Castlegate House LE65 2FH

LEICESTER King Street LE1 6RJ

NARBOROUGH Carlton Park LE19 0LF

Editor’s Letter

A Word from the Editor Summer Living

As you settle to read this, the Summer Living issue, I imagine you are horizontal, tanning on an exclusive Mediterranean beach club day bed or maybe quaffing a long G&T in one of our county’s salubrious watering holes soaking up the long awaited British summer. I know I live in a dream world half the time and in reality things are (possibly) very different, the fact remains you are reading this. And as I am duty bound to disclose the gems found within issue 15, I hope I keep your attention.

We’ve gone all sophisticated in the Niche 15 fashion shoot, shot at David Lloyd in Narborough. It provides a venue for business meetings, functions as well as honing your physical attributes - and a huge dose of relaxation in the Celsius spa.

Our shooting doesn’t end there! On a typical wet and windy British summer day we presented a wedding to remember (for our models anyway) at Bridge House Barn, bringing together some of our regions most respected. We thank Sarah Salotti for some beautiful images.

More to enjoy this summer includes the LOROS family fun day at Leicester Race Course on August 7th, that is if you are able after the Air Ambulance fundraiser at Steamin’ Billy’s, The Parcelyard the night before - when Niche is proud sponsor. We also sponsor Robbie’s Rugby Festival, a great local cause in our ‘Out & About’ section.

As they say all roads lead to Rome, in our case it’s to the Athena and the ‘Niche Business Awards’. By now we’ll know our short-listers for the hotly contested 17 categories. So it’s down to our independent panel of judges to, with balanced gavels, make their choices. It’s a Las Vegas theme so bring out your high rollers and expect to see some big winners on the night. You can get a piece of the action for the main event September 9th at The Athena, Leicester book at EventBrite.co.uk.

Cross Productions, our publishing and production house, have laid plans for a new type of networking and development initiative, to be kicked off by an event held at the new Leicester Riders’ stadium. ‘Building Connections’ brings together the construction and property trades to create opportunities and will be working hand in hand with ‘Team Leicestershire’ and the 2017 MIPIM delegation. #FindYourNiche Lee Parkin, Editor lee@crossproductions.co.uk

NICHE | 05

Contents July / August

09

Fashion

18

Health & Beauty

32

Wedding

09 Niche Fashion Shoot

18 Beau Aesthetica 20 Griffin Fit

32 Little Robins Cottage

17 Hair tips from Barry Stephen

23 Amelia Nour

46 St Martins House

45

Food & Drink

66

Property

84

Business

54 Hotel Maiyango 56 Everards

66 Hamilton Leicester Ltd

84 Your Concern 103 Bray & Bray

58 Bottle Butler 65 Kwoklyn Wan

75 Chrysalis Interior Design

106 ADT Taxis 108 Anicca Digital

62 Sapori 63 Steamin’ Billy

79 Advice from Michael Wheat

111 City Communications

122 Sport

122 Leicester Racecourse

130 Motoring

132 Tesla Model S

135

Out & About

136 Burleigh Horse Trials

34 COVER STORY The Dimblebee Catering Company

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114

The Niche wedding shoot

Niche Business Awards BBQ

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Everards unveil their new branding

Leicestershire Golf Club

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205

JOE WHITMORE / PHOTOGRAPHER T. 07887 812 321 E. joe@jwhitmorephoto.co.uk

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FA S H I O N

Oliver wears Adidas Black Bomber, Jog Pants and Hybrid Classic Shoes Amelia wears Munthe Gold Jacket £189, Scotch & Soda Black Top £89, Suzy D Jog Pants £65, Abiti Ladieswear

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Oliver wears Scott Blue Check Jacket £139, Peter England White Shirt £29, Philip James Hugo Boss Chino £119, Oliver Sweeney Blue Loafer £125 Christopher Scotney Amelia wears Rosemunde Black Lace Dress £149, Abiti Ladieswear

Oliver wears Purple Jacket £499, Shirt £145, Armani Jean £155, Christopher Scotney Amelia wears Custommade Skirt £149 & Blouse £159, Abiti Ladieswear

Oliver wears Brook Taverner Stripe Jacket £149, Peter England White Shirt £29, Gold Bow Tie £9, Philip James Hugo Boss Chino £119, Oliver Sweeney Blue Loafer £125, Christopher Scotney Amelia wears Rosemunde Beige with Silver Spot Dress £169, Abiti Ladieswear

Oliver wears La Martina Pale Blue Polo Shirt ÂŁ89 Armani Jean ÂŁ155, Christopher Scotney

Niche Magazine credits and gives special thanks to: Photography by Joe Whitmore T 07887 812 321 W Jwhitmorephoto.co.uk Models: Olivers Smiles & Amelia Colbert Shot on location at David Lloyd Health & Racquet Club Carlton Park, Narborough, Leicester LE19 0LF T 0116 272 7810 W Davidlloyd.co.uk Abiti Ladieswear 21 Francis Street, Leicester LE2 2BE T 0116 270 4379 W Abiti-ladies.co.uk Christopher Scotney Designerwear 128-132 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EB T 0116 254 3957 W Christopherscotney.co.uk Betty Brown Francis Street, Leicester LE2 2BD T 07713 746 010 W Betty-brown.com Philip James Menswear 5 George Street, Hinckley LE10 0AL T 01455 634 323 W Philipjamesmenswear.co.uk Hair by James Taylor, Barrie Stephen Hair 12 King Street, Leicester LE1 6RJ T 0116 402 6222 W Barriestephen.co.uk Make up by Georgie Steeples T 07763 096 688 W Georgiesteeples.com Lee Parkin & Leanne Baker Niche Magazine T 07711 043 901 W Nichemagazine.co.uk Images are owned and copyrighted

by Cross Productions Ltd for exclusive use with Niche Magazine.

Rails Charli Duffy Ochre Munthe Religion Hoss Intropia Brands include American Vintage Samsoe & Samsoe Becksondergaard Marie & Sixtine Twist & Tango Twisted Muse Isle Jacobsen 360 Cashmere AND MANY MORE

www.abiti-ladieswear.co.uk 0116 270 4379 / 07827 909 723

Abiti Ladieswear

21 FR ANCIS STREET, STONEYGATE, LEICESTER LE2 2BE

Adidas Originals Clothing I Adidas Originals Trainers I Adyn I Andersons Belts I Android Homme Antony Morato I Aquascutum I Barbour International I Mountaineering I Barena I Black Scale Blood Brother I Boss I Boss Green I Boy London I Briston Watches I C6 I CP Company Creative Recreation I Crooks & Castles I CruyffI Dead Profit I Denham I Diesel I Dope Chef Filling Pieces I Folk I Fred Perry I G Shock I G-star I Gallis London I Gibson I Gucci Sunglasses Hugo By Hugo Boss I Justin Reece I King Lacoste Live I Lacoste Trainers I Low Brand Mason Garments I Mastercraft Union I McQ by Alexander McQueen I Money I Monokel Eyewear Moschino I Native I Neil Barrett I Neuw I New Era I Nike Clothing I Nike Trainers I Northskull Novesta I Paul And Shark I Paul Smith Accessories I Paul Smith Jeans I Paul Smith PS Paul Smith Shoes I Pretty Green I Ray Ban Sunglasses I Reebok Trainers I Religion I Replay Represent I Scotch & Soda I Sneaky Wipes I Swallow By Mcq I Swims I Thom Krom I Tom Ford Sunglasses I True Religion I Versace Jeans I Vivienne Westwood I Y3 I YMC

netclothing.net I 58 High Street Leicester LE1 5YP 14 | NICHE

www.justsloggi.co.uk Tel: 01332 811732 @justsloggi

Man Style

Holiday suitcase

This season we’re looking back to the rock and roll years of the 1950s and taking inspiration from grandfather’s favourite shortsleeved shirt. As temperatures rise, ditch your heavy knitwear and button down Oxford shirts. Instead get yourself some lightweight shirts featuring the retro Cuban collar. For an even more summer appropriate look, don’t be afraid to go bright and bold.

First and foremost your SOS bag in your handluaggage is vital, if you have ever had the misfortune of a lost bag then you’ll understand. So we are talking lingerie, swimsuit,flip flops,Sunnis, a sundress, possibly hair straightener if you can’t live without.

Being glam on holiday comes from having an organised suitcase.

While we saw plenty of sporty, Seventies-style thigh flashers on the catwalks, perhaps the more wearable shorts trend this summertime is something slightly longer. The majority of shorts hit bang-on knee length, and were either tailored slim without a turnup and pressed with a crease or cut from something more breathable, such as silk. Patterns were big, but navy was the king colour for the season.

Before you pack lay everything out and style complete outfits with accessories which will make a mini capsule wardrobe, I tend to stick to just a few different shades so I have more choice of mix and match, this means that you won’t be wasting space on clothes that your not going to wear. If you can’t wear an item in two different ways then don’t pack it. Take crease free fabrics like Jersey and Lycra ironing on holiday is illegal!

Look around you when you’re next out in the sun, you’ll notice a swathe of men around you will be wearing pool slides with gym socks. It’s something that’s also cropped up on the designers’ radars too - almost every show from the edgiest East End label to the most conservative Italian fashion houses featured sandals on socks worn together. However, the difference is that plastic pool slides have been replaced by beautiful leather straps and those white tube socks with luxurious cotton and cashmere iterations, often in co-ordinating colours. Time to unleash you inner German holidaymaker, gentlemen.

Lee Parkin

Add some scarfs to your case, they add very little weight but multi-task on holiday like a pro, use to double up over a bikini as a skirt on the beach, use as a cover up on route to the bar, wrap around your head as a turban to protect hair during serious sun bathing, of course around your neck to brighten up any outfit out to dinner and to cover over shoulders when nights turn chilly.

In terms of shoes/sandals I always advise to take metallic colours as they match with most colours.

07711 043 901 Cross Productions Ltd

British summer time Hello summer! It’s finally upon us and although in typical British fashion it may not always feel like it, the summer is now well underway. We’re digging dusty barbecues out of the shed, stocking up the fridge with Prosecco and strawberries and flocking to the nearest beer garden at any opportunity. And of course, it’s time to talk summer hair styling!

With summer comes wedding season. Whether you’re a brideto-be or a guest this year, hair is the accessory you’ll wear all day so it’s important to get it right!

Many brides opt for a classic updo but very often, it’s not a style they would usually ever wear. It’s important to be comfortable so if you love your hair down, there are plenty of beautiful styles. Every summer we see the flower crown emerging at the forefront of the trends but this year, we’re toning it down. Think dainty wild flowers placed sporadically, worked into a half-up-half-down style or simply pinned into curls.

Finally I always pop a little lavender bag in my case to keep my case smelling fresh.

Happy Holidays. Sukhina Garcia

Picnics, garden parties and festivals are ideal for perfecting that effortless summer style too.

Let’s embrace our natural texture!

Step away from the styling tongs and hairdryers and let your hair do its thing. Whether you’re blessed with crazy curls, wispy waves or silky sleek hair, work with what you have and accentuate your natural style. Sleeping in a braid saves time, giving you instant boho waves with a fraction of the effort! Barry Stephen

Betty Brown Boutique info@betty-brown.com

0116 402 6222 www.barriestephenhair.co.uk NICHE | 15

Fashion

Those in the fashion have their say

ModelZed

GETS KREATIVE! Established Event and Promotions Agency ModelZed get a complete rebrand for 2016. Exciting times ahead!

Running a successful promotions agency, ModelZed, for the past ten years hasn’t taken its toll one bit on energetic Kate Solomons, in fact she is ready to expand and rebrand.

Kate started out in the modelling industry back in 2002 when she entered the ‘Face of Leicester’ competition, Kate then went on to win Miss Leicestershire in 2004 and competed in Miss England, Miss Great Britain as well as International Pageants. The following year Kate began organising the Miss Leicestershire competition, making great contacts and forming a working relationship with Leicester City Football Club, Kate decided to launch her own business and ModelZed Promotions was formed in 2005.

During the next three years Kate studied, worked and ran ModelZed before qualifying as a primary school teacher. In 2009, Kate decided to leave the teaching profession and

run ModelZed full time. “It was scary, but I felt the time was right to put everything into my business.”

ModelZed went from strength to strength and continued to work with large marketing and advertising companies. In 2012 Kate appointed her first full time member of staff, Jemma Simmonds. At the end of this year, Kate took over the Miss Great Britain contest and became the National Director, turning it into one of the most prestigious and well organised pageants in the UK. Last year ModelZed celebrated their 10th Anniversary, during this time the team have provided promotional staff and models for large National brands, and have always supported local charity Rainbows Children’s Hospice and CRUK having raised over £50,000 for them!

After 10 years in business Kate and the team decided to evaluate where we they taking the business and

decided to rebrand! “We have evolved so much in this time and wanted a name that really captures the essence of what we do.”

ModelZed is now ‘Kreative Group’.

The company have four divisions; Kreative Events, Kreative People, Kreative Management and Kreative Kids. “All four sub brands have a creative element and this is the theme that runs throughout everything we do.”

“We’re excited to officially announce our rebrand in this issue of Niche Magazine. We enjoyed working with the team at Niche and other local businesses to collaborate and pull together the fantastic photo shoot and wedding feature in this magazine.”

The models who featured in the shoot were provided by Kreative Group.

07792 354 009 Modelzed.co.uk

Summer

Lovin’

Ellie wears Pour Moi Paradise Bikini Top £29 Bottoms £19, Al Millard, Carts Lane, Leicester White clutch £34.95, Mimiandthomas.co.uk Lewis wears Hugo Boss Blue Floral Print Shirt £99 Hugo Boss Black Ice Swimshorts £59, Christopher Scotney

Shot on location at Hotel Maiyango by Scottchoucino.com

Health & Beauty

Keeping your cool It’s that time of year again; our summer health and beauty tips emerge to refresh your memory and your lifestyle!

Tips telling you how to stay looking your best for your holidays are appearing everywhere around this time and since your New Year’s resolution might not have worked out so well, Beau Aesthetica have offered their advice based on the latest techniques to help you feel your best in those heavy heat waves.

Bring back your natural glow With Beau Aesthetica’s state of the art technology your skin can benefit from the Endermologie Facial.

Using a natural mechanical massage treatment, the Enermologie Facial re-plumps the skin and ignites a natural glow!

The non-invasive, natural treatment is popular due to its fast and

18 | NICHE

significant results. Stimulating your skins tissues at a cellular level, the treated areas are stimulated, encouraging your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin to accelerate. This naturally firms the skin and works wonders on fine lines and wrinkles as they’re smoothed away.

Enjoy 30 minutes of pain-free, calming pampering that doesn’t just get you in the holiday relaxation mode but also leaves you looking younger and feeling invigorated ready for those summer selfies.

A healthy and active lifestyle will help prolong the effects of the Endermologie Facial.

Sculpt your figure

One thing that is often at the forefront of our minds once we’ve

Health & Beauty

Stay Beautiful booked that holiday is how we’re going to look and feel in our holiday wardrobe.

Beau Aesthetica has access to the patented slimming technique

by Endermologie. If cellulite or loose skin are things that get you down, then Endermologie body contouring is right for you as it helps to shape the body and firm the skin reducing the appearance of lumps and bumps and wobbly bits – leaving you to bask in the sun without a care in the world.

Like the facial, this body contouring technique is completely natural and uses a non-invasive machine to trigger a deep response and reactivation of fat release allowing collagen and elastin production.

At Beau Aesthetica you will receive a personalised evaluation of your body and your expectations by an expert who will determine a treatment plan for your needs.

The end result is a refined firmer figure with smooth skin accompanied by beach body bravery!

Makeup that stays put

Eat lighter, multi-coloured foods during the day to avoid bloating and soak up lots of vitamins

Those lazy days spent looking fabulous by the pool are not so relaxing when your makeup is melting down your face making you look like a sweaty, panda-eyed mess.

Drink before you get thirsty.

Anything chilled, whether its water or iced tea, are good choices to keep you hydrated and your skin looking radiant

Nobody wants to waste time and makeup getting ready for the pool for it to all dissolve away within the hour. That’s why Beau Aesthetica specialises in semi-permanent makeup.

Lighter colours will reflect the rays of the sun keeping you cooler

Perfect for holiday goers and anyone looking to save extra time in their beauty regime, with semipermanent makeup you can get up and go without the hassle every morning of applying makeup.

Their beauticians can create a natural but defined look for brows, eyeliner, lip liner and even beauty marks.

A patch test is required prior to treatment so make sure you leave enough time to fit it in before you jet off.

Beauaesthetica.com 0116 270 9141

Whether you’re prone to burning or not, it’s important to protect your skin. Wear your favourite sunscreen and apply it regularly! SunBLOCK completely blocks UV rays which may prevent tanning, whereas sunSCREEN filters UV rays to prevent sunburn whilst allowing skin to tan Carry cooling spray around with you to keep that flushed look at bay Put after sun in the fridge for a maximum cooling effect.

After sun is not only great for reducing the pain of sunburn but can also prolong your tan and repel insects

NICHE | 19

#Business Take a moment to think about a successful person you know. How likely are they to get up early for a jog or spend extra hours in the gym after work?

According to fitness expert Lizzie Griffin, your fitness levels affect your earnings. She suggests that working out will maintain a strong body and active mind delivering a positive outcome at home and in the office.

As a busy business type you may think hours spent in the gym is precious time that you could spend working to earn more money. But it’s important to be in tune with your body and know when you need to take time off. If you’re exhausted then you aren’t giving your all to your business. Your job role deserves your creativity and resourcefulness.

Lizzie Griffin owner of Griffin Fit says there are many constructive benefits to be had from regular informed work outs.

07817 915 485 Griffinfit.co.uk info@griffinfit.co.uk

20 | NICHE

Enhanced ability to focus Instead of being the first one in the office and last one to leave, it may actually be more beneficial to spend less of your time working in order to get your work done. Don’t shake your head at us. Taking the time to exercise will give you energy allowing you to be more productive in a shorter amount of time. So forget working into the early hours tonight, take an hour off doing something physical. In time, your mind will become clearer, your body keyed up and your concentration sharpened. Start with baby steps - doing something is better than

nothing but it is important to be educated in which exercises to do and when to do them.

Nutrition comes hand in hand with exercise so the better you eat the more effective your hard work will be. This means not skipping lunch to get more work done. You may not realise it but doing this may mean tasks take longer to complete making them more challenging.

Eat at set times during the day to reactivate your mental energy and sip water to keep you hydrated.

Happier outlook on life The more exercise you do the more likely you are to have a positive attitude towards your job, home and relationships. Working out works out tensions and stresses freeing your mind to realise the good stuff in your life. Positivity inspires productivity helping you to respond easily to situations. The way you look at a situation affects your ability to deal with it, so a positive mind-set will help you to overcome challenging clients or arduous tasks.

You’ll then have extra time to make way for business activities or family get-togethers that you didn’t have time for before.

Look like a leader It isn’t just about vanity. As a successful person it comes with the job. Keeping fit and healthy is essential to the prosperous running’s of a business from its employees to

Health & Beauty

Goals its leaders. The more out of shape you appear the less active and performance-effective you will seem to your colleagues and employees. With an improved look comes welcome confidence and selfesteem with which you will find it easier to socialise, meet new people and accomplish public speaking. It will also be easier for you to speak on a one-to-one basis as well as being more assertive and self-assured Feel invincible As we now know, exercise in the long run will make you more productive in many ways. So, if you are able to complete more work and spend less time away from the office using days off for illnesses or recovering from injuries you will reduce the amount of stress in your life. Building up your strength and immune system with the right exercise and nutrition advice results in less ill health. That means more time to enjoy days off doing something that makes you happy whether it’s relaxing, learning a new skill, holidaying or spending time with friends and family (without the dreaded feeling of how much work you left at your desk).

With an attitude change, some determination and the help of Lizzie at Griffin Fit, you can achieve all of the above. Choose to lead a healthier lifestyle in mind and body and get in touch with Lizzie for more information.

NICHE | 21

Those in health & beauty have their say

Smooth as...

The arrival of summer sun (hopefully) can only mean one thing - exposing areas of our bodies that were kept neatly under wraps! Winter months, warm clothes, thick tights and jumpers allow us to let body hair grow and be unkempt. Some cultures advocate total removal of body hair and some advocate the ‘natural’ look. If you decide to go hair free, it can be a minefield out there! Laser, waxing, surgery, how do you choose?

Whilst laser hair removal is on the increase, traditional waxing is still in the forefront. Today’s salon waxes are the best yet, top wax manufacturs have listened to the consumer that prefers organic, natural, nice scented and chemical free. Two of the oldest and best waxes in the world are Lycon and Perron Rigot. These companies take great care and pride in providing clients with a choice of waxes that give excellent results for coarse, fine, fair and dark hair.

New technology ensures that hair is shrink wrapped by the wax, lifted in the follicle hence the sense of pain is lessened. Using certain oils before applying wax ensures no removal of skin, no soreness or ingrowing hairs. Waxing need not be an experience of pain and embarrassment.

Hair removal and personal grooming is a part of everyday life for some people. When you feel good underneath your clothes, you feel good on the surface.

Priti Coles 0116 284 1944/07795 361 288 Priticoles.co.uk 22 | NICHE

Nicotine addicts listen up Nicotine is more addictive than Cocaine, Heroin and Cannabis. With 43 potentially carcinogenic agents and 880 toxic chemicals in one cigarette, nearly 60 per cent of fatal heart disease is caused by smoking, and artery damage can result in strokes, dementia and amputation.

IQS (I Quit Smoking) is a unique treatment programme using the RISE (Reflection Instrument Scanning Electro-Pulse) with a success rate of up to 90 per cent after one to two sessions.

Patches and gums rely on nicotine replacement therapy, whereas IQS combines electro-pulse auricular therapy, which delivers gentle pulses to the key reflex points on the outer ear, with a dedicated aftercare service tailored to you.

Stimulation of released betaendorphins block nicotine molecules and receptors related to tobacco addiction decreasing cravings and creating a surge of energy and sense of calm. Aftercare includes dietary and lifestyle advice.

RISE has been installed with the Easyslim programme working on appetite and metabolism. With this, body weight loss varies from 5 to 10 per cent of body mass.

We are the only known IQS trained therapist in the UK to offer these treatments and we hold exclusive rights for this machine in Leicestershire. We also offer Chinese Acupuncture, Cupping, massages and Bowen therapy.

Meesha’s essentials Oskia Renaissance Mask This luxuriously-textured exfoliating mask leaves the complexion smoother, more refined and illuminated. Designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance and packed with OSKIA’s trademark blend of beauty-boosting nutrients.

Elemental Herbology Vital Glow Overnight Resurfacing Cream Plant C-Stem™ helps to reduce blemishes, pigmentation and skin imperfections and to deliver a healthy and radiant glow.

Odacite Vital Glow Serum Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate.

Vitamin A,C, E, working in synergy they deliver extremely effective anti-aging and anti-wrinkle benefits.

Neom’s Real Luxury Intensive Skin Treatment Candle With 24 pure essential oils including lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood simply burn the candle, enjoy the relaxing scent and then use the warm wax pool as a skin treatment!

Mauli Serenity Pitta Body Oil A blissful blend to balance the Pitta energies governing the body’s biochemical changes; Serenity helps to pacify a fiery mood, strengthen joints and soothe inflamed skin.

Quote ‘Niche’ when booking for amazing deals. Adeel Munshi

Wild Nutrition Bespoke Woman Food-Grown Antioxidant Boost Formulated especially for women using ingredients with exceptional antioxidant properties to maximise your protection against free radical damage.

Meesha Kanadia

07742 656 499 Liv-well.co.uk

0116 431 5395 Amelianour

NEW Endermolift Facial 100% natural firming facial powered by Endermologie

Firm sagging skin Smooth frown lines Diminish that double chin

Using motorised pulsating flaps at different speeds and depths, skin is re-plumped and rehydrated from the inside leaving it better protected against expression lines and resurfacing wrinkle(s) by targeting cell stimulation and boosting collagen production.

Naturally lift and firm your skin with this pain free anti-ageing technique

0116 270 9141

I

www.beauaesthetica.com

I

17 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2DA NICHE | 25

An alternative approach to medical treatments using holistic therapy and helping people to Liv-Well.

IQS (I QUIT SMOKING) DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE QI BOWEN THERAPY ACUPUNCTURE EASYSLIM CUPPING 07742 656 499 info@liv-well.co.uk 324 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 6EH

Make a positive decision to change your life for the better

www.stu-niquefitness.co.uk

07828 818 261 Advanced Kettlebell Trainer and Leading functional Strength & Conditioning specialist REAL PEOPLE I REAL SUPPORT I REAL RESULTS

NEW LOCATION

8 Slater Street Industrial Estate Leicester LE3 5AS 24 | NICHE

Eileen Larder 07784 333 851 I 0116 288 9449 facebook.com.larder.eileen I Twitter @Eileen Larder I Instagram

Health & Beauty

Nourished naturally with

New boutique Amelia Nour brings feel-good products to Leicester Meesha Kanadia of new Apothecary boutique Amelia Nour wants to help you feel good on the inside and the out with her carefully selected wellbeing foods and perfectly luxurious pampering products.

The result is a luxurious collection of products from beauty brands such as Oskia (whose Renaissance Gel Cleanser has changed my life!), Elemental Herbology and Neom to name just a few of the glow-getters in store.

Located in the leafy Stoneygate area in Leicester, Amelia Nour is home to Cult Beauty skin and hair products, aromatherapy oils and super food supplements that we ordinarily had to seek out online or in retailers such as Selfridges and Space NK.

Of course, in the everlasting pursuit of glowing skin and looking healthy, it’s important to focus on what is happening on the inside. Amelia Nour provides an exciting range of super food supplements to help us get the glow from the inside out. Sirrocco Teas, Adun Moringa Powders and Wild Nutrition products make us feel healthier by just having them in our kitchens, and their superpower nutrition benefits are endless.

The stunning, bright and airy shop is the perfect backdrop to a range of meticulously selected products, which Meesha tells us are not only good for us and the animals (all vegan friendly) but work too.

“I have always loved looking after and pampering myself. What person doesn’t like to take some time out with a face mask and relaxing soak?

I only choose products which come from brands that share my ethos and that actually do as they claim to,” she said.

special though is Meesha’s passion and knowledge for all things feelgood. She really knows her stuff and welcomes you to the boutique to discuss your skin care needs, explain how supplements could help you or even tempt you with a range of vegan healthy chocolaty treats (really!)

“I want people to feel that they can come and browse, try out products, take home some samples and have a chat and get a bit of advice too. To put it simply, I love talking all things beauty and adore the products that I stock, I just want to share my finds with everyone!”

0116 431 5395 59 Francis Street, Leicester

What truly makes this beauty boutique

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ENHANCE - DEFINE - TRANSFORM All cosmetic Surgical and Non Surgical Treatments performed at a Private Leicester Hospital

✦ Breast Enlargement and Uplift ✦ Body Contouring and Lift ✦ Tummy Tuck ✦ Liposuction ✦ Nose and Ear Reshaping ✦ Eye Bag Removal

Mr T K Sankar

MBBS, BTEC (Laser), FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Plast)

✦ Skin Lumps, Moles and Skin Tag removal ✦ Anti Wrinkle Treatments ✦ Laser Treatments Fraxel Skin Tightening, CO2RE Resurfacing, Scars, Moles, Thread Veins and Birth Marks

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Secretary: Anne Bailey 0116 274 3718 anne.bailey@nuffieldhealth.com www.cosmeticsurgeon.org.uk

Health & Beauty

Cosmetic Surgery

your questions answered We put your questions to our most trusted surgeon concerning the most popular surgeries from boob jobs to lipo – Mr Sankar gives his advice Women

Q

Do you think cosmetic surgery for women has become less of a taboo subject?

A

Absolutely. This is due to various reasons like easy access to the information, health education, social media and affordability.

Q

What would you say is the most popular surgery that women have come to you for?

A

Breast augmentation is still the number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the world and certainly in my practice.

Q A

What can be done to even out A-symmetric breasts?

A-symmetrical breasts can be corrected by either using different sized implants to each sides to enhance them or by a combination of enhancement to the smaller side and reduction to the bigger side.

General

Q

I’m unsure about committing to cosmetic surgery; can you give me any advice?

A

Before you seek advice or undergo any surgery, you must thoroughly research the procedure and the surgeon.

It is always worth speaking to your GP. Choose a local private hospital and surgeon. If necessary, do seek a second opinion.

Men

Q

Has it become more common in recent years to see males looking to have cosmetic surgery in your consultation room?

A

There is an increase in the number of men seeking advice and this is a true reflection of Cosmetic surgical practice.

Q

What would you say is the most popular surgery that men have come to you for?

A

1. Man Breast reduction 2. Tummy Tuck 3. Liposuction 4. Nose Job 5. Calf Implants 6. Hair Transplant

Q A

Is there a way I can improve my jawline?

There are many ways we can improve the Jaw line. This depends upon the problem that needs addressing. Common treatment options are Botox, Fillers, Thread Lift, Liposuction and Facelift.

Q A

How can I make my body look more defined?

Cosmetic Surgery has its limitations. A defined body can be achieved with good diet and regular exercises. Surgery can only help for specific problems or issues. A consultation with your chosen surgeon will reveal the best options available to you.

Will cosmetic surgery make me feel better about myself?

Q

If you are self-conscious about your appearance and if it is correctable by a treatment, then it can certainly help to improve your self-confidence.

A

Q A Q A

What kind of aftercare should I expect?

Most of the surgeons and private hospitals will provide you with a comprehensive care. Your package price will include appropriate after care and follow up appointments.

Is surgery guaranteed to fix my concerns first time or will I need further procedures?

Your surgeon will be able to discuss this with you at the time of the consultation. Some procedures may need more than one surgery. Sometimes, minor revision surgeries are necessary to get the best outcome.

Contact Mr Sankar for more advice and information.

0116 274 3718

Cosmetic.plasticsurgeon@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The Q&As are for information only. You should always seek appropriate medical advice before considering any treatment.

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 NICHE | 27

Indulgence at its tastiest

Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa has introduced a brand new treatment that truly celebrates the Great British summer with a Great British snack-themed package The Strawberry Indulgence Day package introduces the summer exclusive treatment, Strawberries and Cream Delight.

Forty minutes of heavenly strawberry scented treatment is massaged into your skin but first, you are brushed down freeing your skin of its dead cells and providing a satisfying sensation scratching away itches you never knew you had! It’s then followed by a stimulating yet comforting head or foot massage allowing you to fully relax and float away.

The oil-based scrub leaves your body smooth and moisturised for the entire day. Then comes the cream part to lock in that moisture and have you smelling sweeter than ever before! Try out products around the spa and find the Strawberries and Cream scrub priced at just £16.99.

While the spa looks rather quaint and posh, the staff are actually very down to earth whilst being knowledgeable, helpful and always happy to stop for a friendly chat.

Spa-ing is thirsty work at Whittlebury with the extreme Heat and Ice Experiences so tea and coffee, flavoured waters and fruit are freely available in every area. We could not get enough of the two-course buffet lunch consisting of jacket potatoes, quiches, seasoned vegetables, fancy meat dishes and pastas, and fruits and yoghurt.

WARNING: Your full tummy may urge you to have a little lie down in the Whisper Area. If you tuck yourself into one of the heated waterbeds you may not emerge for several hours!

The Strawberry Indulgence Day at Whittlebury Hall is the perfect retreat while your F1-fan relatives and friends disappear ten minutes away to watch the races at Silverstone this summer!

Enjoy your Strawberry Indulgence Day for just £79pp.

Whittleburyhall.co.uk

Heat and Ice Experiences The hypnotherapy pool is surrounded by experience rooms derived from ancient Rome, Greek, Turkish and Finnish rituals.

Caldarium – a Roman hot bath. The intensive warmth penetrates the body stimulating the circulation and regenerating the body’s natural energies.

Steam Bath – Works wonderfully for the respiratory system, rheumatic complaints, and cleansing and toning the skin.

Sanarium – Followed by a stimulating shower, your natural defences are boosted shifting your entire metabolism up a gear and toning body tissue.

Ice Cave – Grab a few handfuls of ice to rub over your body after the sauna or samarium to contract blood vessels stimulating circulation and oxygen intake.

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 28 | NICHE

Meet our cosmetic surgery experts.

Refine the features you always wished were different and live life with more confidence.

If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery and would like to take the first step, talk to Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital about our expert Consultant Plastic Surgeons and cosmetic procedures.

When you are ready for the new you, get in touch to book an appointment or register for one of our free open events.

Call 0116 298 3241 Email leicester.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com Or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/leicester

Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LE5 1HY

Hayfever - could this be the answer?

NEW Natural Herbal Nasal Spray

What is AlpinMist?

AlpinMist nasal spray is a safe, fun, and refreshing way to soothe your pollen filled nose.

AlpinMist clears and rinses away dirt and allergens like pollen and dander from your nasal passages. The emollients can relieve and restore your blocked nose leaving you feeling refreshed and uplifted ready for your day. Order now.

Do you feel stressed, tense, overwhelmed, anxious, rundown and unable to cope with life’s demands?

Would you like to feel relaxed, understood, balanced, energised, clear headed with a sense of wellbeing?

INTIMATE SPECIALITY WAXING

BY PRITI COLES

UK’s leading waxing specialist

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a unique natural way of helping our bodies to rest and recover, treating the source of symptoms on every level, mental, physical and emotional. Helping you to let go and heal.

Safe, Gentle & Non-invasive I Suitable for babies and all ages.

0116 284 1944 / 07795 361 288 www.priticoles.co.uk pritibodies1@gmail.com

Hollywood, Brazilian and Playboy waxing without embarassment.

No sore skin or ingrowing hairs.

Discreet and confidential

WAXING FOR THE SOUL NOT JUST THE BODY 0116 284 1944 / 07795 361 288 pritibodies.co.uk pritibodies1@gmail.com 30 | NICHE

Health & Beauty

Forever Living The aloe way

Are you looking for a new career challenge?

Forever Living and Dean Higgin could have the ideal career for you Forever Living are the world’s largest distributors of Aloe Vera products. They are also fast becoming a household recognised name. You could be a part of this supportive network and start your own Forever Living success story today, just like Dean.

He is now a Forever business owner after being recommended by a friend. After trying the products and researching the company, he decided the opportunity was too great to miss.

Slowly but surely he found that it

was a full-time occupation and as a result left his previous job to pursue his new venture.

A Forever business owner could earn up to £400 a month while team builders can earn up to £2000 and business builders could exceed this amount. Ask Dean about his free trial packs.

“It takes work and drive to make a success of it but you can allow it to be as big or as small as you want,” he said. Forever Living allows you to have your own business, your own hours and all the help you need without any of the risks typically associated with starting a business.

What stood out about the company aside from the great products, was that the company was ethical and that there is a great flexibility.

“I really liked that I could start with the business and didn’t have to go straight into it, that I could keep my existing career and grow the Forever business gradually. Plus, I was genuinely impressed with the products, as were my friends and family. I have a laid back approach to sharing the products with potential and existing customers; I let the products speak for themselves really.”

Why Forever Living?

Forever Living extracts aloe using a patented process, which then cold presses the good stuff to maintain its active ingredients.

What’s more, they offer a 60 day money back guarantee on every single product in their varied ranges!

Dean would be your sponsor, the person you can go to for advice and support and with his help you can grow your own Forever Living success story.

Kick start your own Forever Living success story!

07825 291 779 deano54krig@hotmail.co.uk facebook.com/dean.higgin

Host a party for a free gift!

Have your very own Forever Living party in the comfort of your own home set up by Dean; your exclusive expert. As the host you will receive a free gift valued over £30 as well as 10% discount on your next order.

It’s a great way for family and friends to discover more about our range and how they can benefit you.

This is a self employed opportunity and not an offer of employment. It is illegal for a promoter or participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefits from getting others to join a scheme. Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved, Forever Living is part of the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

NICHE | 31

Wedding

32 | NICHE

Wedding

A visit to

Little Robins Cottage A Somerset couple have just travelled to South Leicestershire to meet our leading lady in all things cute and vintage.

Travelling over 150 miles was well worth the three hours on the road for the couple; claiming ‘there is no one closer to us who does what we want them to do’.

Upon arriving at Jayne Robinson’s Little Robin’s Cottage, any brideand-groom-to-be looking for a rustic or vintage feel to their big day have an instant visual of the endless possibilities they can hire or have Jayne style for them at their venue.

HAY BALES AND CUSHIONS - MARY CUFFLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

All couples are invited to peruse her eclectic mix of accessories that sit daintily around the quaint cottage, to which she says ‘nothing is off limits!’

A white painted vintage bike sits among the flowers in the front garden. The charming kitchen cupboards store elegant glassware.

Hundreds of intricately designed fine china pots and tea cups await their oohs and awws. The picturesque garden is fashionably scattered with charismatic wooden decorations.

And upstairs, the spare room is bursting with a vast range of beautiful table runners, luxurious photo frames, old-style steamer trunks, picnic baskets, antique cameras, hearts, trinkets, fairy lights, black boards, drinks dispensers, tea urns and a whole bunch of other olde-worlde items to choose from.

After gathering her collection over many years, Jayne has recently had to rent a storage unit on a farm, to hold the larger pieces of furniture and more ornate gems. In search of pretty English China and other undiscovered beauties, she travels across the country continually sourcing a variety of items often on request from clients.

The small Little Robins team can grace weddings, hen parties and baby showers with their treasures adding their personal touches throughout from the chair covers to the catering, all while working within budget.

Specialising in afternoon tea, Little Robins can treat your guests to a selection of sandwiches and cakes and Jayne has even been known to create personalised wedding cakes too. With a five star rating from the food standards agency, all food is prepared by hand and homemade.

Since the business began in 2014, Little Robins Cottage has styled a host of charity events, parties and weddings (even some in her own back garden) and is now welcoming couples from as far as Somerset!

View the collection and try their delicious cakes while discussing your options with no obligations.

Littlerobinscottage.co.uk 0116 240 2055

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Quality Outside Catering & Wedding Caterers in Leicestershire & the Midlands.

0116 283 3327

info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk

34 | NICHE

Wedding

What we’ve all been

waiting for

Food! the

The Dimblebee Catering Company have gone and won yet another award making a total of six within just one year The Leicester based professional events and wedding caterers, the Dimblebee Catering Company, have again been commended for their exceptional fare, professional service and trademark high quality handmade style.

for venues, marquees, village halls, tipis, corporate events or clients’ own homes from 20 to 1,500 people but are also a friendly bunch that have been known to strut their stuff on the dance floor every now and then when invited!

The latest award celebrates their wedding catering with the prestigious Guides for Brides ‘5 Star Customer Service Awards for Wedding Catering.’

But the real reason couples’ and clients choose Dimblebee’s is their friendly personal service and ingenious flexible handmade menus that are designed to take into account the style of the couple and theme of their wedding or event.

Owner Robert Dudley said: “We would like to thank all our clients and couples but also our amazing ‘DimCat’ team who battle long hours, rain, snow, mud and summer heat to ensure our events are such a success and who have always gone above and beyond.”

The Dimblebee Team, who now operate in Oxfordshire as well as the Midlands, are fast gaining a glowing reputation across the UK. They specialise in outside catering

Lucky couples have commented on the quality food as well as its imaginative and professional presentation. Executive Chef Samantha Dimblebee and her Team design bespoke menus to complement service from the flavours right down to the presentation.

A few favourites are Dimblebee’s trademarked rustic canapés and the

relaxed family style table sharing platters; all made using seasonal produce from local suppliers.

Their famous Pork Pie and Cheese Wedding ‘Cake’ and large table sharing desserts go down a treat at receptions that require something informal but professional.

Dimblebee’s recently received high acclaim for the two nights of banqueting within Leicester Cathedral for the Guild of St Martins and the Lord Taverner’s fundraising dinner ‘The Alternative Balloon Debate’. Gathered for the candle-lit event were 215 guests and celebrities including former ‘They Think it’s all Over’ presenter Nick Hancock.

The catering company provide cuisine and service for many famous faces, companies and landmark venues that recognise the value and benefit from using and supporting established and highly experienced professional caterers.

Catering can be one of the top three financial considerations of your wedding or event but as well as being high priority on your budget, it will have an enormous impact on the big day being one of the most remembered features of your wedding – if it’s done right.

Get it right with these family-run, multi award-winning caterers.

Dimblebeecatering.co.uk 0116 283 3327 NICHE | 35

Capturing weddings in a real way

Capturing the special moments during one of the most important days in a person’s life is a pretty big job so handing this responsibility over to a photographer requires quite a bit of trust.

After the big day all couples await their wedding photographs with with a great deal of excitement and anticipation. The right photographer allows the newlyweds a chance to look back on their day and discover the little details that they hadn’t even noticed.

Photographs allow them to see emotions so perfectly captured that they bring a tear to their eye. These are the reasons why finding the right photographer is vital to any couple’s wedding day plans.

Starting out as a press photographer and moving into freelance photography, Sarah Salotti soon realised her passion lay in the creativity that wedding photography allowed.

MAKEUP BY

SOPHIE TAYLOR Every bride wants to feel like the very best version of themselves on their wedding day and I work with you to make this desire a reality. Your day should be enjoyable from start to finish and that includes your experience of having your hair and makeup done. It’s important to me that every bride feels relaxed and enjoys the process; I want my clients to feel that they are surrounded by friends and family as they prepare to get married, not strangers.

I use high end brands like Lancome and Daniel Sandler to achieve a look, whether that is natural, glam or vintage, and I meet with the bride for hair and make-up trials in the run up to a wedding so that we can build a visual and a relationship that will make sure they are looking and feeling their best on the wedding day itself.

I believe that great skin creates great makeup and there are lots of things a bride can do in the run up to the wedding to help.

07972 354 545

Sophietaylormua.co.uk

Sophie’s Skin Care Tips

◆ Water, water and more water. ◆ Ensuring you are hydrated on the inside goes a long way to making sure your skin is hydrated and looking as plump and healthy as possible. ◆ Sleep, get as much as you can...it isn’t called beauty sleep for nothing!

As a real people’s person it was like her skill and interest had met their match, “In the press industry you meet total strangers, create a quick rapport and then walk away. With wedding photography the idea of building strong relationships with my clients has always really appealed.”

Capturing the details with a mix of reportage, constructive portraits and a whole lot of creativity, Sarah and her assistant (husband Marco!) record the day as it unfolds, capturing the emotions, drama and details that make each wedding unique.

All of this is achieved with perfect balance and artistically performed without being too obtrusive. Her style is distinct, unique and perfectly ‘real’. Sarah said: “I just love being part of a couple’s day and being able to capture their happy memories and emotions. I always feel immensely privileged to be there.”

Sarahsalotti.co.uk

Wedding

WEDDING Location - Bridge House Barn Suits - Philip James Menswear

Location – Bridge House Barn

Makeup - Sophie Taylor Makeup Artist Hair – George’s Hairdressing Allandale Road Wedding Dress – Noble and Wright Bridesmaid Dresses – Divine Boutique

Rings – Lumbers

Canapés The Dimblebee Catering Company

Décor – Little Robin’s Cottage Food and Service – The Dimblebee Catering Company

Wedding

Décor - Little Robin’s Cottage Wedding Dress – Noble and Wright Suit – Philip James Menswear

Catering – The Hidden Gem Wood Fired Pizza

Catering – The Hidden Gem Wood Fired Pizza

Flowers – Tippets Florist Ring - Lumbers

Location – Bridge House Barn Suits – Philip James Menswear

Wedding

Cake – Helen Alborn Cakes

Décor – Little Robin’s cottage Bridesmaid Dresses – Divine Boutique Wedding Dress – Noble and Wright

Niche Magazine credits and gives special thanks to: Photography by Sarah Salotti T 07505 114 372 W Sarahsalotti.co.uk Models: Bride - Laura Coleman, Groom - Luke Jackson, Bridesmaids - Anna Burdzy & Naomi Griffin, Best Man - Oliver Smiles from Kreative Group.

Wedding Dress: Noble and Wright 110 Queens Road, Leicester LE2 3FL T 0116 270 8668 W Nobleandwright.co.uk Bridesmaid Dresses: Divine Boutique First Floor, Silver Arcade, Leicester LE1 5FA T 0116 251 6924 W Divineladieswear.co.uk

Read more on the Kreative Group on page 16 Venue: Bridge House Barn Wistow Lane, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicester LE8 0RG T 0116 279 6602 W Bridgehousebarn.co.uk

Philip James Menswear 5 George Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 0AL T 01455 634 323 W Philipjamesmenswear.co.uk

Make-up: Sophie Taylor Make Up T 07972 354 545 W Sophietaylormua.co.uk

Lumbers 62-66 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP T 0116 255 1233 W Lumbers.co.uk

Hair: George’s Hairdressing 23 Allandale Rd, Leicester LE2 2DA T 0116 285 8282 W Georgeshairdressing.com

Tippets Florist 19 The Parade, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5BB T 0116 271 2443 W Tippettsflorist.com

Pizza: The Hidden Gem Wood Fired Pizza T 07764 398 769 W Hiddengempizza.com

Images are owned and copyrighted by Sarah Salotti for exclusive use with Niche Magazine.

Canapes: The Dimblebee Catering Company T 0116 283 3327 W Dimblebeecatering.co.uk Styling: Little Robins Cottage T 0116 240 2055 W Littlerobinscottage.co.uk Cake: Helen Alborn Cakes T 07506 344 376 W Helenalborncakes.co.uk 42 | NICHE

Wedding

Look gorgeous, Love George’s

Philip James 5 George Street Hinckley LE10 0AL

georgeshairdressing.com 23 Allandale Road, Leicester LE2 2DA 0116 270 8882 34/36 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DE 01162538777 51/53 The Parade, Oadby Leicester LE2 5BB 0116 2717888

01455 634 323 www.philipjamesmenswear.co.uk pjamesmenswear@btconnect.com

Discover the award winning Kelsey Rose bridesmaid collection at our Leicester Boutique

FIRST FLOOR, SILVER ARCADE, LEICESTER

www.divineladieswear.co.uk NICHE | 43

HELEN ALBORN CAKES idylic waterfront wedding & events venue

Located in the heart of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside

Bespoke wedding cakes, cupcakes and favours “I make your cake, not just another cake for a wedding�

Providing a full consultation and design service to create a cake that reflects your personality both in flavour and style. All cakes are freshly baked from quality ingredients. Sugar flowers are a speciality.

07506 344 376 www.helenalborncakes.co.uk email: info@helenalborncakes.co.uk 0116 279 6602 bridgehousebarn.co.uk Wistow Lane, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicester, LE8 0RG

Business based in Anstey, Leicestershire and covering the East Midlands

Weddings I Flowers & Gifts I Sympathy 0116 271 6589 or 0116 271 2443 tippettsflorist.com 19 the parade, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5BB 44 | NICHE

Bridal Boutique 0116 270 8668 nobleandwright.co.uk 110 Queens Road Clarendon Park Leicester LE2 3FL

A slice of WOW Looking for the wow factor at your wedding?

We’d like to keep them our little secret really, but you need to know about these guys so read on but shhh! The Hidden Gem Wood Fired Pizza is the loveliest Pizzeria this side of Italy who cater for weddings and events right here in the Midlands.

Owned by Ben and his wife Natalie,

The Hidden Gem serve world-class pizza and a delicious selection of sides, antipasti and Italian desserts from their perfectly quirky vintage horse box pizzeria. It began in their back garden as they served their increasingly popular wood fired pizzas to friends and family.

This family run business adds a pinch of unique with a dash of quality and a whole heap of flavour to events giving guests the best pizza they have ever had. They use high quality San Mazarno tomatoes and Caputo flour for that unbeatable taste and everything else is sourced from good, local producers. The flavour as a result is truly authentic and creates a real taste of Italy, perfectly crispy and packed with flavour.

You and your guests can enjoy the theatre of live cooking and feast upon a choice of four different incredible pizza’s cooked in their roaring wood fired oven in just 90 seconds!

Hiddengempizza.com Ben & Natalie 07764 398 769

Award winning boutique Designers of mini luxe childrenswear for every special occasion.

Weddings I Christenings I Birthdays

Clothes to treasure that children love to wear!

Bespoke Florals Delivered in Leicestershire and Rutland www.littlebevan.co.uk

020 7821 9499

info@littlebevan.co.uk

www.juliasflowers.co.uk julia@juliasflowers.co.uk 0775 400 7122 NICHE | 45

Wedding

Pre-children, they travelled the world, discovered a passion for Italy and their famous ways with dough and tomato. Fast forward a few years and offspring later, they have now combined their love of Italy, pizza and a desire to get out of the rat race with a pizza oven, a vintage horse box and a head full of dreams.

A wedding like no other When deciding on the venue that will have the honour of hosting your wedding celebrations, there are many things to consider – the experts at St Martins House tell us what to look for in a venue Location, location, location It’s important that your venue is situated in an accessible location for your guests to travel to.

Worrying about being late and being unable to find its location is stress that your guests should be without.

St Martins House can be found in an easily accessible, quiet corner of the city centre. Being part of Leicester’s famous historic quarter, Satnav’s or simple directions can lead guests without difficulty and with on-site parking; making your way to the centre is hassle free.

46 | NICHE

That special something Your day will be special to you in many ways so your choice of venue needs to reflect that. The grounds should offer something that can rarely be found anywhere else.

Keep in mind what your wedding photography will look like.

Photos, whether taken by guests or professionals, should be able to convey that bubbly romantic feeling you felt on the day; inside and outside of the building.

With St Martins House you’re not just booking a venue,

you’re enrolling yourself on a journey steeped in history. With medieval remains standing on the foundations of the fort that was the basis for Roman Leicester, St Martins House offers up an experience for you and your guests that is immersed in fascinating history.

The grade II listed building sits right next to the Guildhall and Leicester Cathedral, providing some excellent photo opportunities. Within a just few minutes’ walk are some of the hidden gems of Leicester’s heritage, including tributes to

Wedding

vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Fully equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, WiFi and serviced by a full kitchen and bar facility, the Grand Hall has everything needed to create the perfect wedding.

The wedding breakfast Food is pivotal to the happiness of your guests. There needs to be supreme catering facilities on offer with a choice of menus and buffet options for receptions.

From sumptuous buffets to complex dinner galas, St Martins House will work closely with their happy couples to provide the right catering for your event, brief and budget. With a fantastic sumptuous range of menus, inventive drinks, cocktails and wine lists, they take great pride in providing quality catering using locally sourced, seasonal produce wherever possible.

When it all goes to plan A venue who truly cares about the couples who come to them to make their dreams come true, will offer a wedding planner. Wedding planners take the pressure of the bride and groom and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.

King Richard III; an area that is saturated in culture and sparkling in contemporary design.

Space Good sized reception areas are necessary to give guests space to move around the room and explore.

The venue needs to be able to accommodate entertainment such as a DJ setup, a dance floor, a band or a disco.

The Grand Hall in St Martins House has an instant wow-effect.

As soon as you walk in, eyes are drawn upwards to the magnificent

Knowing just how important your big day is, St Martins House will assign you a dedicated wedding co-ordinator who will be there to help with the planning from start to finish giving you the flexibility to be as extravagant or as simple as you would like. Your organiser will allow you to enjoy the planning without the stress as well as offering you their expert knowledge along the way. No detail is too small and no challenge too big and with proven expertise and professional service you are guaranteed a bespoke wedding experience, tailored to surpass your highest expectations.

Stmartinshouse.com 0116 261 5200

Christmas at St Martins House For a truly unique Christmas party in an ideal location, choose St Martins House.

What’s on offer?

From 7pm until 1am, enjoy a sparkling Peach Bellini or Peroni Beer on arrival, three course meal, sharing platters on each table, an assiette of desserts, coffee and truffles, a cash bar and disco with Midlands Pro DJ! Available Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th 15th, 16th, and 17th December Company Bookings of 100-150 ÂŁ37.50pp plus vat

NICHE | 47

Those in wedding have their say

Quality canapé receptions We love a good canapé here at Dimblebee’s and so do a lot of our wedding guests it seems by the high demand.

Canapés are a perfect distraction for guests while they wait for the bride and groom to make their first appearance as a married couple.

They’re also a great talking piece for those guests who are unfamiliar with each other and help to keep hunger locked up ‘til the breakfast.

Ours are unique, being both homemade and handmade to your requirements. We use fresh local ingredients and that we ensure you have only the best tasty eyecatching snacks on offer at your wedding reception.

We offer a wide range of stylish presentation ideas. One of our favourites are the Dimblebee ‘Rustic Sliders™’ because of their rustic country style and are more substantial than our elegant bite sized canapés. Rustic Sliders™ are also a very good choice to have on offer for evening catering as well as receptions. Imagine, it’s been a few hours since the wedding breakfast and the guests have burnt a lot of energy dancing and drinking and will be needing a tasty fun night time snack!

Why not try our Mini Bowl Foods - they’re delicious homemade tray-waitered mini bowls with an classic or street food style, or perhaps get hands-on in the evening with our Handmade Pizza selection, made to order!

Simon Cox 0116 283 3327 Dimblebeecatering.co.uk 48 | NICHE

Beautiful bride As a professional make-up artist I am a seasoned pro at making brides look and feel beautiful on their wedding day. Here, I offer my top tips on how to look the best version of you…

Find the right skincare regime for you – this should be in place at least six months before the wedding to rule out any reactions.

Good skin is the best possible canvas for make-up. My favourite cleanser is Emma Hardie Cleansing Moringa Balm.

Use a long-lasting foundation with a glowy finish – the perfect foundation for a bride is one that gives a natural finish but has enough coverage to look flawless in photographs. My favourite is NARS Sheer Glow foundation containing no SPF so there is no flashback in the photographs.

Waterproof mascara is essential – emotions run high at weddings, so be prepared. My favourite is Lancome Definicils waterproof.

Let your bridesmaids carry these bridal bag essentials – lipstick, powder/blotting sheets, mints, perfume, cotton buds and a mini oil free make-up remover.

Choosing your photographer If photographs of your wedding are particularly important to you, I would suggest paying that little bit extra to get the right photographer for you.

Here are my tips for choosing a photographer. ◆ Choose a style of photography you like and then search for photographers that fit this approach. ◆ Meet with them first to ensure you get along and feel comfortable. Your photos will look their best if you are open in front of the camera. I encourage all my couples to have a two hour pre-wedding shoot to get used to being photographed and for us to get to know each other. A good relationship between you and your photographer is key. ◆ Professionals will show you a selection of their best photos but ask to see a wedding from start to finish. This will reveal the photographers true standard. The majority can get great photos out of a beautiful venue and a sunny day but you need to be able to trust them to work when things don’t go according to plan.

Book a trial if you are using a professional make-up artist or hairdresser – a great opportunity to have a practice run and get a feel of how you will look on the day. You should feel confident that you are being listened to and that together you are creating a look that you absolutely love.

Georgie Steeples

◆ Don’t be put off if a photographer doesn’t know the venue. A good photographer will be able to work in any new environment and quite often you will end up with photos that have a fresh look of the venue.

Georgiesteeples.com

Sarahsalotti.co.uk

◆ Most importantly, enjoy your day! Sarah Salotti

Wedding

55mph

Pro Karts

850m Track Outdoor

Floodlit

Night

Racing

The UK’s Premier Karting Circuit Stag/Hen parties, children’s parties or simply a fastest lap shoot out with a few friends a great choice for all your social events.

Corporate clients or larger groups are very well catered for at Stretton Circuit with a wide variety of Grand Prix or Team Endurance formats available. We offer a unique venue to host your event totally flexible in our approach we can tailor make the day to accommodate your business function. Fully licensed bar and catering are available.

Based in the Midlands only 10 minutes from J21 of the M1

Booking and General Enquiries

0116 259 2900

Email info@strettoncircuit.co.uk www.strettoncircuit.co.uk Stretton Circuit, Gartree Road, Great Stretton, Leicester LE2 2FG

Stretton Circuit Go-Karting Stretton Circuit in Gartree Road is known for its stimulating, unbeatable motorsport.

KartingMagazine described the circuit and its owners as intuitive and fresh-thinking. Well, we decided we’d try it out for ourselves and see what all the fuss was about.

Eight of us were greeted by Duty Manager Nick, and we were immediately aware that the friendly team wanted us to enjoy our day as much as we did ourselves. The informal atmosphere made us feel right at home, which eased the nerves of some of the more anxious of us in the group.

We had a go at the Sprint Challenge; a 10 minute qualifying session and 20 minute Final.

Our senses and reflexes were truly tested out on the track. The quick rolling corners and wide bends provided a welcome challenge and the surrounding beautiful scenery really adds to the experience and exhilaration flying round the dynamic and exciting circuit.

The only disappointing factor was that I could have won if it wasn’t for a member of our group being extremely experienced! But overall, it brought us all together and would be a great bonding experience for families or colleagues promoting a bit of healthy competition.

Anyone wanting to take on the Stretton circuit needs to be ready for the action and thrill that this exhilarating course is characteristically famous for.

Sprint Challenge £39pp Mon-Fri £45 Sat-Sun suitable for groups of 8 - 20 7 days a week 10am - 9pm subject to availability Full National Karting Association safety briefing 1 x 10 minute qualifying session and 1 x 20 minute Final Timing system printout of fastest laps trophy, bubbly and medals for top 3

NICHE | 49

50 | NICHE

Wedding

Leicester’s

Heritage Venues

Leicester

City Council

Make your story part of the city’s history Did you know that some of the city’s museums are available for weddings? We welcome more intimate ceremonies amidst the High-Victorian splendour of Abbey Pumping Station and in the charming Belgrave Hall with its delightful Gardens. For larger weddings we have the medieval glamour of The Guildhall or the traditional elegance of New Walk Museum & Art Gallery - with the option of added dinosaurs! Whatever you choose, our friendly teams at each site will help you to create a very special and memorable day.

ABBEY PUMPING STATION BELGRAVE HALL & GARDENS

GUILDHALL NEW WALK MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

© BILL HADDON

© SARAH SALOTTI

museums@leicester.gov.uk Leicester.gov.uk/weddings

GET THE PARTY STARTED

PART OF THE UK PRO DJ GROUP

We offer the very best in entertainment services ranging from DJ’s to musicians, interacting with you and your guests ensuring your event is enjoyable, memorable and talked about.

Weddings, Banquets & celebratory events licensed for civil wedding ceremonies Weston Lane, Bulkington, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV12 9RU 02476 312 989 www.bw-westonhallhotel.co.uk 52 | NICHE

Wedding NICHE | 53

Food & Drink

A taste of

Legendary Leicestershire The last few years have given the people of Leicestershire a lot to take pride in, which have rightly deserved many celebrations throughout the city – The festivities continue with Hotel Maiyango

54 | NICHE

Food & Drink

Champions League Takeover This exclusive package includes:

A magical high has been vibrant in Leicestershire for some time now.

It began in 2012 with the discovery of Richard III, the last Plantagenet King to die in battle, qualifying Leicester to make Lonely Planet’s top 10 must-visit places in 2015 alongside New York and Thailand.

With the recent success of the Foxes united people from all walks of life, the Midlands County has become famed around the world.

Sparks were flying through the city even before Leicester achieved the impossible and won the Premier League. Hotel Maiyango helped light the city blue setting off a buzz of electricity through the city and the hotel and restaurant’s upcoming plans will invite local people to continue rejoicing in Leicestershire’s triumphs as a whole.

Proud of their Leicester roots, Maiyango’s ethos is encapsulated by their ‘love local’ commitment.

In every service they offer, they support local suppliers and producers and take responsibility in developing local talent.

Maiyango’s team have developed brand new packages that give exclusive access to The Glass Bar and wrap-around terrace for fantastic views of the city centre and Jubilee Square.

Local graffiti artist who goes by the name ‘Ample’ has transformed the stunning roof top terrace

with some jungle themed artwork, which will incorporate the legendary Leicester City Fox, tiger and horse to mark the city’s sporting success stories.

The new packages invite guests to stay in one of their 14 modern bedrooms, each designed with bespoke handmade furniture and beautiful commissioned artwork from local artists.

In the restaurant, guests will find inventive courses put together to tantalise their taste buds and reflect flavours from around the world.

Taking great pride in their fare, Maiyango wants everybody to be able to enjoy their offerings by catering for dietary requirements and putting many delicious gluten free and vegan choices on the menu.

With such passion for food and drink, Maiyango displays a fantastic range of tasty cocktails, and eclectic beers and wines, so a visit to the cocktail bar is a must.

The atmospheric setting is ideally located in the historic quarter, just two minutes away from the King Richard III burial site and visitor centre and with award winning food and stylish dining; Maiyango offers a fantastically unique experience for any celebration.

Maiyango.com 0116 251 8898

◆ Accommodation for up to 26 people in 13 modern double bedrooms ◆ Pre match buffet & post-match curry ◆ Buckets of Beer ready on arrival (104 beers in total) ◆ 24hr private roof top bar ◆ TV Highlights of the game ◆ Full English breakfast ◆ Late checkout ◆ Minibus transfers to and from the King Power Stadium (10 min journey) ◆ Optional airport transfers can also be arranged (additional costs apply) Total Cost £3600 for 26 people

Call for available dates

Special Celebration Packages THE TASTING ROOM BIRTHDAY BONANZA ◆ £250 Maximum 20 guests ◆ Bellini Bar (serves 20) ◆ Bucket of 10 beers ◆ Disco Ball Punch (serves 10) ◆ Party Shots (serves 10) ◆ Birthday cake and exclusive use of Tasting Room THE GALLERY CELEBRATIONS PACK ◆ £23.50 per person, minimum 50 guests

available Sunday – Friday

◆ Arrival cocktail ◆ Buffet menu ◆ DJ and exclusive hire of The Gallery THE GLASS BAR PARTY SESSION ◆ £450 maximum 40 guests ◆ Arrival cocktail ◆ Canapes ◆ Birthday cake & reserved seating area THE COCKTAIL CLUB ◆ £300 Minimum 10 guests, maximum 25 ◆ £300 bar tab to spend on drinks as desired ◆ Complimentary nibbles and mezze boards ◆ Reserved seating area MAIYANGO RESTAURANT & TASTING ROOM ◆ £50 OFF your booking in the Tasting Room to continue your night when a minimum of 10 guests each order three courses in the restaurant.

NICHE | 55

A brewing The exciting makeover of one of our favourite

The Famous Four

Beacon Hill Named after Beacon Hill, one of the premier visitor attractions in Leicestershire, it sparked an idea to introduce a new character to Everards; the Leicestershire Fox. 56 | NICHE

Sunchaser The rural countryside of Leicestershire complete with the new fox surrounded by golden straw was a befitting logo for this beer as the Everards family were once local farmers.

Tiger Leicester came to be associated with the Tiger, because the Royal Leicestershire Regiment were named The Tigers after a long service in India.

The regiment gave permission to use some of their iconography in this logo.

brands has been taking place with the help of local companies this year Last issue we shared the exciting plans for local independent family business Everards Brewery to move to a new site to also feature offices, a café bar and a cycling centre.

Ahead of the move, the brewers are investing in their ale brands with a fresh new look hitting the bar this summer.

Since their founder William Everard brewed the very first Everards pint in 1849, the business has been proud of its Leicestershire roots and six generations later, still champions its home county. The rebranding has proven itself to be a great opportunity to work with and support even more local businesses.

The last rebrand of the beers took place in 2005 with the company logo being firmly in place since 1987, so this year sees some brave new changes to the face of Everards.

Erika Hardy, Head of Marketing told us: “It really is time to refresh our look. The beer market is in an exciting phase with more and more people interested in trying different beers.

We hope this fresh new look will create a real talking point. They have interesting local stories behind them and, most importantly, they inform the drinker what they can expect the beer to taste like with the addition of taste and colour descriptions.”

The Leicestershire business community has supported the rebranding by revamping and strengthening the Everards image, proving that Leicester and the midlands is home to many talented industry experts.

Old Original This classic beer is loved by all and as the Everards story began on Southgate Street in Leicester, this new logo resembles their beginnings.

Sourcing from Leicester’s homebrewed talent, Enderby based agency Juice developed the new Everards look and the logos of the distinguished beers; Tiger being the most celebrated of their beverages.

Erika said: “Tiger in particular is very much loved and it has such

a strong Leicestershire story. We are celebrating the reason why the Tiger is synonymous with the county, which is due to the Royal Leicestershire Regiment being nicknamed ‘The Tigers’ after long service in India. They have allowed us to use their scroll and laurels to link the beer to them. Tiger is also the Official Beer of the Leicester Tigers and Leicester Riders so really does have the county at its heart.”

Understanding their history, Juice embraced the Everards story and illustrated the brands new artwork by hand. “Juice are perfect for us and they couldn’t be more local being only two miles away. I was on their doorstep pretty much every day and they were wonderful. All of the new logos have been hand illustrated so they really are unique works of art.

“Juice also do a lot of charity work which fits perfectly with our ethos.

We met them because we both do work with the charity Warning Zone.”

Everards take their contribution to the community to heart. The family’s charitable foundation has donated over £2 million to local causes and both the foundation and the business are involved in many local projects.

The rebranding process has supported local businesses from Leicester and the Midlands wherever possible. The badges on the handpulls are being crafted in the West Midlands and companies in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire have been creating items from drip mats to glassware.

You won’t be able to miss the new lorries and vans which will be driving all over the Midlands featuring the bold new Tiger! The new look will be in Everards pubs this summer.

0116 201 4100 Everards.co.uk

NICHE | 57

Food & Drink

transformation

A new local company is crashing parties all over Leicester

Aren’t the best parties the ones unplanned? Impromptu parties always turn out to be the most memorable (or, not so memorable for different reasons). However, these spontaneous celebrations by their very nature mean catering for your guests is a little tricky.

The food is pretty easy with a wide range of local take-away’s available to most of us. But, what about the drink? It was this very situation that inspired the Bottle Butler team to start their 24hr alcohol delivery service.

The two law graduates behind the venture said: “On a rare summer’s day in July 2012 we decided to have a last minute soirée with friends and family. Food was easily sorted with a quick call to the local pizza delivery, but when it came to getting drinks

me and my sister realised it couldn’t be sorted as easily!

“It was an instant light bulb moment.

We saw this void in the market and wanted to create a great consumer experience that made alcohol delivery as easy and as enjoyable as possible; in effect, revolutionising the booze delivery game!”

The whole process couldn’t be easier and the Bottle Butler is a streamline way to order alcohol from the palm of your hand 24 hours a day.

At the tap of an app designed by Swipe & Tap, the booze-bringing team aim to bring spirits, wine, beer, snacks and tobacco to your doorstep in 20-40 minutes. Even better, this delivery service is FREE and their Butlers cover most parts of Leicester.

Minimum spend £15 excluding tobacco. (surrounding areas may incur a delivery charge) 58 | NICHE

Get the Party Started!

Discover various party packs that allow you to customise according to your taste: #OMG Party Pack £35 #WTF Party Pack £48 #VIP Party Pack £68 #Snack Pack £18 (details of each party pack on website bottlebutler.co.uk)

The Bottle Butler team love to get your party started and are rapidly expanding hoping to have Butlers across more cities very soon.

They also welcome any interest in franchise; please contact via email: info@bottlebutler.co.uk Bottlebutler.co.uk 07779 20 30 40

Food & Drink

SPEND YOUR ‘PENNES’ ON TASTY DELIGHTS

You want lunch and you want it quick?

Our new express menu is served Monday - Saturday, 12pm - 2pm 2 Courses £10.95 / 3 Courses £13.95 T&C’s: The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other promotion.

The restaurant holds the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

Only valid from Monday - Saturday, 12pm - 2pm.

Marco’s New York Italian Leicester | 73 Granby Street Leicester, LE1 6ES

‘THE IMMORTALS’ author finishes tour at Marco’s On Saturday 4th June, Harry Harris finished his three day press tour for his ground breaking book ‘The Immortals’ – a story on the success of Leicester City in the 15/16 Premier League season - in Leicester at Marco Pierre White’s Marco’s New York Italian on Granby Street.

Harry, a multi award winning author from London who has sold one million books worldwide, attended press and book signing events at well known Leicester venues this weekend, such as WH Smith, Walshy’s Sports Pad, San Carlo’s Pizzeria and Betfred. ‘The Immortals’ has been met with huge local success and praise.

Many Leicester City fans from Leicester and beyond came to support the hugely successful book on the LCFC win, with over 500 books signed by Harry in the three days.

Commenting on why he thinks the book has been so popular Harry said, “Because everyone in Leicester sees it as a one off; a small team could go on to win the Premier League is a

fantastic achievment. They fought, had a manager everyone loved and a fantastic city backing them.

The book is a collectors item, documenting this historic moment for this very deserving team.

“The tour has been fantastic, all be it an exhausting one! I’m ecstatic that the people of Leicester love the book, and have been so grateful that this city has welcomed me with open arms. Spending the final afternoon at Marco’s has been a fantastic way to

end my few days in this sterling city, I’ve signed some copies for Marco – as he is a football fan – I hope he likes them and comes to visit soon!”

Marco’s New York Italian will be running exclusive competitions on their social media pages to win exclusive signed copies of ‘The Immortals’. Please visit Marco’s New York Italian Leicester Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @marcosleicester for more information.

RECIPE

My take on the classic

Fish & Chips Ginger Beer Battered Fish 220g Plain flour, plus extra for dusting 2 tsp salt 1tsp Ground black pepper 2 tsp Baking powder Pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika 450ml Ginger beer

Kwoklyn Wan Martial Arts Expert | Chef Entrepreneur | Food Blogger Award Winning Businessman Food fusion is now becoming common practice in kitchens across the UK and not only in the home, but also in many restaurants up and down the length of Great Britain.

A practice that has been perfected in the Wan kitchen since I can remember. Many friends in the past are gobsmacked when I talk about eating a Sunday Roast Dinner with boiled rice and gravy (something I might add you don’t knock til you’ve tried it, as its so yummy) and a firm favourite by every ‘Wan’ I know.

So this month I wanted to create a brand new dish that combines East Asian Ingredients with something truly British. A national dish that kept the British troops fighting fit, and a dish that helped put the GREAT in Great Britain.

2 tsp Ground ginger Sunflower oil, for frying

Five Spiced Sweet Potato Chips

225g White fish fillets

1 Large sweet potato scrubbed and chopped in to long 1/2 inch fries

Method Pour the sunflower oil into a large frying pan and heat it to 190ºC/375ºF. Mix the salt and pepper together and season the fish fillets on both sides. This will help to remove any excess water, making the fish really meaty. Whisk the flour, ginger beer, cayenne pepper, ground ginger and baking powder together until nice and shiny, it should coat the back of a spoon. Dust each fish fillet in a little of the extra flour, then dip into the batter and allow any excess to drip off. Holding one end, lower the fish into the oil one by one, carefully so you don’t get splashed. Cook for 4 minutes or so, until the batter is golden and crisp.

3 tbsp Corn flour Sea salt and pepper Chilli flakes Five spice powder Milk Freezer bag Method Place chopped fries in to a pan of cold water and bring to the boil for 4 mins. Drain and leave to cool on kitchen roll and pat dry.

Add the remaining dry ingredients in to a freezer bag. In batches dip the drained fries in to a bowl of milk, shake of the excess and add the fries to the bag. Shake to coat the fries in the seasoned flour.

Heat a pan of cooking oil and in small batches fry the sweet potatoes until they rise to the surface and the coating has started to colour.

Tip. add each fry individually to stop them sticking together.

Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper.

Sprinkle with more sea salt whilst hot.

www.kwoklynwan.com www.twitter.com/kwoklyn_wan www.facebook.com/BigWan888 www.instagram.com/KwoklynWan

Asian Mushy Peas 2 tbsp olive oil 2 Shallots, peeled and finely chopped 1 Garlic clove, finely chopped 1 x 400g Tin marrowfat peas 1 Red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 1 tbsp Water

Method Heat the olive oil in a small pan.

Add the shallots and garlic and cook over a low heat until softened.

Drain the marrowfat peas and add to the pan along with the chilli, lemon juice and zest and 1 tablespoon of water; gently heat through. Stir through the mint, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Juice and zest of half a lemon Salt and Pepper to taste Half a bunch of mint, picked and finely chopped 60 | NICHE

That concludes this month’s edition of #EasternHeroesKitchen, hope you find the time to try my recipes.

Food & Drink

STEAK MONDAYS

Enjoy 30% off Steaks every Monday!

T&C’s apply: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Subject to availability. Monday evenings from 18:00. Excludes bank holidays.

Marco's New York Italian Leicester, 73 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES 011625 75533 | info.marcosleicester@jupiterhotels.co.uk @marcosleicester | Marco's New York Italian Leicester

The Dunton Bassett Arms Just by the name ‘Dunton Bassett Arms’ you would not expect to find what awaits inside.

A quaint, British pub with idyllic log fires, that old wooden tavern feel and an extensive fine wine list accompanied by… a Chinese restaurant?

An authentic bustling Chinese restaurant sits side by side. Two traditional cultures mix together providing a special experience for any occasion. It occurred to us that this would be an ideal setting to visit with friends, family or clients from overseas; experiencing a good old pub followed by internationally loved Chinese grub.

We were met by Rob Wann, who had us in good spirits being a very witty and attentive host and we were surprised by the authenticity of the restaurant. Chopsticks, rice bowls and spoons, plentiful assortments of various dishes and efficient service had us engaging in a true eastern experience.

Chinese dining is a communal sharing activity with plenty of

conversation and Dunton Bassett Arms gets the atmosphere for this right with an upbeat energy. We sampled the egg fried rice, boiled rice, chicken skewers, barbecue ribs, honey and lemon chicken and steak.

The satay chicken on skewers were a reliable choice for us loving everything about the traditional recipe but this had something extra special to what we have tried elsewhere. The meat was crispy with a tenderness on the inside and correctly coated in a rich sauce of peanut butter, garlic and soy sauce.

A golden star goes to the sizzling hot trays that came out presenting our Cantonese style steak. Definitely a highlight, it was sweet, moreish and delightfully filling.

Dunton Bassett Arms delivers a standard that is hard to come by outside of China itself.

01455 209 786 Duntonbassettarms.co.uk NICHE | 61

They’ve got good taste The trip out of town to Sapori is well worth it to sample the pure flavours of Italy We’re off to Sapori for a meal and expectations are high. This family-run establishment nestling 10 minutes outside Leicester city centre in the village of Anstey took the accolade of best Italian restaurant in the country at the 2015 English Food Awards, so our tastebuds are tingling with anticipation.

First impressions? The classy frontage and equally stylish separate bar that you pass by on the way to your table bode well. Then the restaurant itself, with its subtle modern décor and kitchen open for all to see, beckons you in with its chilled-out vibe.

While head chef Andrea Scarpati marshals his team of cooks, his brother-in-law Luigi, who has mastered the art of being attentive without becoming overbearing, takes care of customers at the tables. It all adds up to an atmosphere that’s welcoming and relaxing.

values of fresh, quality produce and superb presentation shone through.

We were off to a great start.

For our mains, we decided against pasta or pizza and went for meat dishes: sage-marinated, oven-roasted tenderloin of pork with pea purée and the special of the day – chicken stuffed with pork in a red pepper sauce. Both were succulently tender with delicious sauce and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Our desserts – chocolate hazelnut ice cream and white chocolate cheesecake – finished the meal off beautifully, with a typically stylish Sapori twist. ‘Sapori’ means ‘taste’ or ‘flavour’ in Italian – and our visit proved the food and the restaurant itself are loaded with both.

So what about the food? Well, we kicked off with antipasto misto – a starter for two to share, with a selection of Italian cured meats, served with delicious deep-fried goat’s cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, 0116 236 8900 olives and home-made warm Sapori-restaurant.co.uk focaccia bread. The traditional Italian UTCC Active Ad 125x90 final.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2016 10:45 Page 1

WIGGY’S CAFE Sandwiches, Baguettes, Salads, Wraps, Jacket Potatoes, Sausage Rolls and Pasties with a variety of hot and cold fillings ALL FRESHLEY MADE ON THE DAY

Celebrity Cricket Family Sports Day Thursday 11th August 2016

Uppingham Town Cricket Club, Rutland LE15 9SD Sporting Activities and Fun Attractions from 1.30pm Demonstrations and tuition on Archery, Cricket, Fly Fishing, Football, Golf, Kickboxing, Netball, Rugby and Shooting.

Cricket Coaching, Sporting Celebrities, Inflatable Fun Zone, Bat Making Demonstration, Food Court, Premier League Replica Trophy, Craft Stalls, Traditional Sweet Stall and more!

U9s Cricket Tournament 2pm Teams from around the County Celebrity T20 Cricket 5pm Rutland XI v Lord’s Taverners ‘Leicester Legends & Friends’ Captained by Paul Nixon

For tickets or for further information, please call 01572 758752 or visit the website: www.facebook.com/UTCCevents

07399 489 214 wiggysbuffets.co.uk 27 Leicester Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1NR 62 | NICHE

Adults - £5 Under 16’s - £2 Under 5’s - free Raising funds for Lord’s Taverners. Charity No. 306054

Food & Drink

How the youngest brewer in the country went on to create a brand that would employ over 150 people across Leicester

The ice cold taste of success

Billy Allingham began his working life in the veg store at his parent’s hotel in Derbyshire. Surrounded by hundreds of hungry holiday makers, he introduced a bar menu of traditional pub classics with a ‘kids eat free’ offer during certain hours every day. As the banner went up, the car park filled. Taking over the running of the bar, Billy began ordering specific beers to stock at the requests of customers.

Billy said: “One bank holiday we ran out of guest beer. I went to Mallards in Nottingham to pick up two firkins of ale. There it was a 2.5 barrel brewery in the garage of a semidetached.

after his dog. “We were up and running and I was the youngest brewer in the country and the 150th licensed brewery!”

Billy transforms the values and traditions of the great British pub inviting all kinds of people into the friendly environment.

Speaking honestly he said: “I was in my twenties, brewing and delivering beer and having fun. I was not the most professional or organised and slowly other better breweries started taking my regular customers.”

The local brewers now employ over 150 people and raise approximately £20,000 annually for their chosen charities with bike rides, golf days, Jolly Day’s Away, mud runs and other events. This year’s chosen charity is The Matt Hampson Foundation.

Instead of asking his customers ‘do you want any beer?’ he asked ‘how many do you want?’ and began to run, not a pub, but a business.

“My brain started working overtime we had sheds at the hotel bigger than that storing potatoes. ‘Here is my way out to my fortune’ I thought, brewing something I love - beer!”

Steamin’ Billy now has 12 pubs and aims for another 12 in the next five years. Their most recent opened this year, The White Bear in Hinckley. It’s undergoing a massive refurbishment with a street food concept and is introducing a new ‘Burgers and Brews’ menu to the brand.

He submitted a business proposal for his Steamin’ Billy brand named

Buying forgotten pubs that most would pass on investing in, Steamin’

Steamin-billy.co.uk

31st July 2016 Join Steamin’ Billy for the Bike Ride that stops for a beverage at every pub.

Call for more information on

0116 2619 301

NICHE | 63

Drinks

to tickle the tastebuds Crabbies Alcoholic Light Ginger Beer 330ml £1.69 With half the ginger for a lighter taste. Add a wedge of lime in the bottle and drink ice cold, or use as a mixer for a cocktail! available at Tesco

Heartsease Farm Soft Drinks 750ml £2.29 Sparkling Premium Pressés with real fruit juices. Whet your appetite with Elderflower Pressé, Traditional Lemonade, Fiery Ginger Beer, Raspberry Lemonade, British Blackcurrant Crush, or Apple and Rhubarb.

Available at Ocado

Galvanina 355ml £1.59

Firefly 330ml £1.55

Made from the finest organic fruit juices and naturally filtered, gently sparkling spring water, these delicious blends bring you a real taste of Italy, wherever you are in the world.

Available at Waitrose

Naturally revitalising juice drinks with botanical extracts and absolutely nothing artificial.

Grapefruit & Passionfruit, Bramley Apple & Ginger, Pomegranate & Elderflower, Lemon, Lime & Ginger, Kiwi, Lime & Mint, Peach & Green Tea Available at Ocado, Waitrose, WHSmith

64 | NICHE

Food & Drink

A luxury escape Stapleford Park is a country house hotel and sporting estate boasting beautiful extensive gardens that are home to two Luxury cottages and a Championship golf course.

The hotel can be booked for that special occasion with exclusive use of the property and the 55 individually designed luxury bedrooms.

Onsite there is a luxury Spa and Fitness centre, in addition to offering great activities on site such as Falconry, Hawk walks, Archery, Duck herding, Golf simulator and Clay pigeon shooting and outdoor games such as Chess, Croquet, Boules and Mini golf.

Chef profile

Grinling Gibbons is a two AA Rosette restaurant, head chef Luke Holland has a wealth of experience which he’s gained from a varied and exciting career. He began life as a chef in the Royal Marines which took him all over the world working learning his craft, having travelled to places like Thailand, Cambodia and Australia. Once he left the Marines he worked in outstanding and unique establishments such as Elton Hall, Haycock Hotel and The Wicked Witch which was owned by Darren Ferguson (Alex Ferguson’s son) where he earned 3 AA Rosettes – he is maintaining the high standards at Stapleford Park. Luke was the first team chef for Peterborough United where is was responsible for the diet of the footballers. He has also worked at Tetsuyas which was once voted 4th best restaurant in the world. He has shown his skills off at the RAC Charity Foundation alongside chefs such as Albert Roux, Michel Roux and Pierre Koffmann.

“Smartly appointed restaurant with evidence of coordinated design providing an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for guests.” AA inspector.

Seared wood pigeon, beetroots, blackberry, almond granola & chicory

Rump of saltmarsh lamb, courgette, lamb sweetbread, goats curd & truffle

Mascarpone & black pepper pannacotta, truffle soil, pickled vegetables & foraged herbs (v)

Milk & chocolate textures, aerated chocolate, milk ice cream, chocolate soil, milk foam

Luke ensures all ingredients are locally and ethically sourced with as much as possible grown on site in our Chefs Garden.

01572 787 000 Staplefordpark.com

NICHE | 65

Hot Property

Hamilton

Leicester Ltd. Bespoke Prestige Quality

building design Hamilton Leicester tells us the secret to lighting up your life and gaining the luxury wow factor in any home or work environment 66 | NICHE

Property

Hamilton Leicester, a family business in every sense, have come to be known as trusted traders in the community. As members of the Federation of Master Builders and found on Checkatrade, Business and home owners are guaranteed quality and reliability with the reputable traders.

The local firm is run by Steve Hamilton who established himself in the industry over 18 years ago.

Steve set out with the ethos that to succeed, you have to give something back. Him and his team love to support local people and have been known to offer ‘free TLC’ to needy clubs and businesses around Leicester. They were also asked to help out on TV show DIY SOS: The Big Build last year after the BBC sought them out presumably through Checkatrade.

It is this discernable reputation that built a strong business relationship with skylight manufacturers RoofMaker. Hamilton’s were chosen by RoofMaker to be the only registered, fully insured and approved specialist installers of their products in the UK. This collaboration has served Midlands homes and businesses with something exceptional for their guests and clients to remember them by.

Specialising in the highest quality bi-fold doors and glass lanterns, RoofMaker entrust Hamilton’s with the task of installing their products to give the customer the most paramount experience living with their new-look home or enjoying turning up to work in a bright, unique and refreshing office.

Believe it or not, these specialised minimalist roof lights and bi-folding doors don’t just look pretty; they incorporate impressive technologies, which Steve explained to us.

Bi-folding doors You can maximise your view of the world with secure yet elegant aluminium bi-fold door systems.

Therm-fold technology means these doors are energy efficient harnessing the natural daylight and minimising heat loss. Basically, they keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Their technology also means that thermal barriers offer insulation and limit the risk of condensation as well as the argon filled glass units providing unrivalled energy savings and noise insulation.

Another bonus feature is the Easy Clean glass surface protection that guarantees a fresh look all year round; self-cleaning properties help to keep the view outside clearer for longer whilst protected from discolouration. Little fingers are also protected with child friendly gaskets to prevent any incidents.

For a contemporary cutting edge design that adds the luxury factor of a ‘glass wall’ effect to homes and offices, design options remain totally flexible to get the look you’re after with a 20 year guarantee.

Customers also get the satisfaction of Hamilton’s secure advice and guidance from their years of expert industry knowledge.

Roof lights In all shapes and sizes, RoofMaker roof lights are in keeping with their

bi-folding doors with minimal aluminium frame design and UV blocking safety glass as standard.

Supplied in clear, bronze or subtle blue tint for glare reduction and sand blasted for obscured privacy, roof lights and bi-folding doors can be personalised to the max with no extra charge for bespoke sizing!

There’s no need to worry about accidentally leaving your roof light open when it rains, free rain sensors are include in installation, which automatically close the roof light if it should start spitting.

Something Hamilton’s love about RoofMaker is that all their sizes are internal, meaning you’re roof lights specified size is actually the amount of sky you will see, giving customers great value for money; not a smaller space like other products on the market. The ultramodern design gives an elegant, breath-taking minimalist finish that work wonderfully with modern and period properties.

Hamilton’s install flat, pyramid, slim line and walk on roof lights that have transformed properties with a dramatic effect. Walk on roof lights can be sunken into a surface for a flush fit creating a stunning visual effect that can be used to expose cellars or features such as the buildings workings, water or archaeology – an eye-catching office feature to make your company stand out.

0116 271 1048 Hamilton-leicester.com NICHE | 67

Those in Property have their say

Stylish Surfaces Get a wow factor in your kitchen without changing the cabinets.

If your kitchen needs brightening up, opt for a reflective work surface such as polished stone, glass or stainless steel. Glass is commonly used for its hygienic, non-porous properties and the choice of colour and creativity. Add a backlit glass splash-back for that instant wow factor! Mirror is another fantastic option. Tinted mirrors in grey or bronze can add an elegant touch.

If space allows, combining two finishes and textures creates a warm, homely touch. Solid wood is a, natural material and can help combine the kitchen and living areas. Solid wood can also be treated in various ways with oils or sandblasting techniques to give incredibly unique results.

In a more traditional setting, stone work tops are still the most popular option. Composite work surfaces offer anything ranging from plain flat colours to granite/ marble effect slabs and are less porous than natural granite and marble, with better heat and scratch resistant properties.

Before you start designing your kitchen, think about the light available and if reflective surfaces are the best option. Consider existing materials and try to contrast not combine. Think about the look you are trying to achieve, whether you want the surfaces to be the feature point and what purpose they will fulfil. Finally try something new and exciting!

Francis James 0116 262 4440 Pluginteriors.com info@pluginteriors.com 68 | NICHE

Boundless natural light in your home

Ethical home design

As the official installers for Ultraline, we wanted to talk about the latest trends in home design.

Natural hard wood flooring delivers a variation meaning that no two planks are the same.

An oiled finish gives a matte, raw wood effect that will need maintaining, or a lacquered finish gives a varnished look that protects it from damages.

It’s warm to the touch, hard wearing, and once it’s down it lasts a life time.

It’s an unnerving task transforming the look of a property, and the windows, doors and roofs will alter its appearance radically.

Ultraline products are designed around giving a home ‘more of a view.’ That’s because open plan living is on trend. People are knocking down walls to create a home that flows from room to room. A-Rated and Ultraline expand on that idea.

We install Ultraline’s glazing systems providing the opportunity to create what you imagined and re-define the boundaries of what you thought was achievable.

Every door, window and roof in your home holds the opportunity to release your creative side. Ultraline has every product you need to add to the concept of your natural, flowing, open space home.

Their folding doors and rooflights have been developed to maximise contemporary design combined with high security and electrically operated locking that are unrivalled in security whilst remaining aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Much like buying an antique desk for its character and history, you would not find the same kind of appeal in a desk at Ikea. This is the same principle with hard wood flooring; the same charm cannot be found in synthetic products. Solid wood planks get better with age: it will alter over time with colour changes and scratches, which all add character and make it unique to your home.

Our wood comes from bona fide retailers across Europe. We’ve all seen images of devastation to forests and animals with mass tree cuttings but Michael John will only source from European companies that have the Forest Stewardship Council stamp of approval.

Balance and symmetry are an integral characteristic within the Ultraline systems creating unobtrusive design with invisible framework to complete the look of your transformed home.

Kelly Dance

The FSC ensures only few trees are cut and replaced with me so as to not disrupt the wildlife.

Trees that are illegally felled in countries like China are forcegrown meaning that the climate change will make the wood shrink and expand in high and low temperatures.

Mark Lucas

01455 888 633 A-ratedglazing.co.uk

0116 254 1853 Michael-john.co.uk

Property

Smarter

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Each specifically designed and tailored security system protects and secures businesses nationwide giving company owner’s paramount peace of mind.

Businesses benefit from security systems with the highest standard and as a National Security Inspectorate (NSI), Gold approved company, Abel provide the highest level of protection for your employees, students, staff and visitors.

Personalised intruder systems, fire alarms, fog bandits, automation systems enable you to save costs and energy and view all CCTV remotely.

Abel can combine your devices to make them Smart and take advantage of their full potential leaving you free to focus on running your business the way it should and allowing you to experience the technology of the future today.

www.abelalarm.co.uk 08448 00 22 77 NICHE | 69

HR Niche 04-16.qxp_Layout 1 31/03/2016 09:35 Page 1

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BE CONNECTED - BE SMART 58 | NICHE

Property

Summer Psychedelia It’s finally arrived! Summer is here and things are getting hot hot hot!

This season is all about slightly kitch vibes, bright and vibrant patterns which are a little bit folksy or full of 70s louche nostalgia.

Get the look by accessorizing with glam metallic framed mirrors, such as this gorgeous gold butterfly design from Graham & Green; bring a touch of the jungle to your living space with this amazing palm print wallpaper by Graham & Brown.

Rattan is back! Think modern shapes rather than Edwardian tea party and you won’t go far wrong.

Habitat has a great affordable range. Indulge your flair for patterns by investing in a bright kilim rug. The ethnic/eclectic look of these style of textiles will go with pretty much any interior. I love this bright monochrome blue-black-white geometric design from Heal’s.

Finally, as I do have a penchant for things that are a bit unusual, my favourite pick this time around is this bedside table from Atkin & Thyme. I love the mix of finishes, cowhide and wood and the rustic feel keeps it edgy rather than polished. Perfect!

Graham & Brown - Honolulu Palm Green Wallpaper £20 per roll Vibrant and fun. The next best thing to actually sitting outside!

Habitat - Rattan Chair £250 Nothing like an old classic made new again. Gorgeous!

Graham & Green - Gold Butterfly Mirror £225 Pretty and summery and bang on trend.

Heal’s - Palermo Kilim Rug £385 A perfect ménage à trois: geometrics, monochrome and kilims. It doesn’t get much better.

Atkin & Thyme - Montana Bedside Table £179 I’m totally loving this item. Grab yours before they sell out, they’re amazing.

While I usually don’t encourage trend following, these particular styles are fun and can be incorporated into your existing schemes to update your home without too much commitment.

It’s summer! Have fun!

Enjoy

Samantha

x Tel: 0121 647 6709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com

NICHE | 75

Those in Property have their say

Rills: coming back into fashion

How to get your dream garden

Young savers get a starter 4 Ten

So last month I said I would be talking about rill’s, but what is a rill?

It’s so easy to make a start on your dream garden, and here’s how.

Just a tenner is all it takes to get a new young saver into a good habit for a lifetime.

A rill genrally speaking is a small channel of water no deeper than 10 cm. It can be any length and can move from one end of the garden to another.

Rills used to be very popular years ago and I’m finding that they are starting to come back into fashion. So what are the advantages?

Well because the rill is so shallow it actually has little water in it.

Even if it is big in length for example a 30m rill metre wide and 10cm deep would only hold 3,000 litres which is about the same as a small pond. This makes filtering and treating easy.

Its also a great way of getting moving water around the garden, creating sound, and giving the wildlife something to bath and drink from.

Ideal places could be at the side of a patio, near a planted border, or even running down the edge of a lawn.

The reflection of light and movement can really add to a garden setting and can add a different dimension to the garden!

Next month I’m going to be talking about doing something different with large patio areas.

Michael Wheat

Michaelwheat.co.uk info@michaelwheat.co.uk 0116 240 3735/07590 535 623 78 | NICHE

You need a master plan. This is necessary because it helps to focus on the two most important factors of your garden design: what you want from your garden , and how you’ll use it when it’s finished.

We will only suggest alternatives to your vision if we don’t think it will physically work and there is no benefit to you having it. Once you give us an idea we can get to the hard work of the hard structural standings and the softer features like shrubs and plants.

Think about your garden in three different categories.

Hard Landscaping – these are the practical elements; where you want to sit, how big you want the patio, if you’d prefer sweeping curves or geometric lines, safety and sustainability.

Soft Landscaping – your own ‘mini micro climate’; how much upkeep your plants need, how you’ll water the plants, whether you will be growing vegetables.

Completing the Garden – The extra touches; will you want lighting, storage, space and utility areas?

Or maybe you’ve always wanted a pool, hot tub or sauna? Maybe even a special office secluded from the rest of the house?

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society’s Starter 4 Ten account is designed for young people up to the age of 18. And it’s ideal for local children, as they can pay into or withdraw from the account in any of our nine branches and five agencies in Leicestershire and Warwickshire.

It’s the perfect introduction to saving. Children learn that putting away a little money from their birthdays or even a bit from pocket money will help the total grow as the account pays interest of two per cent on balances up to £1,000 and 2.25 per cent up to £10,000.

Children can open and operate the account themselves if they are over seven years old, or a parent or guardian can do so on their behalf.

Because it has a passbook, the young people can see how their money grows with each payment in. Access is instant and any withdrawals are penalty-free.

Saving money may not sound like the most important or interesting thing to do but learning how to do it at a young age will stand anyone in good stead for the future.

It’s our pleasure to help you achieve a stunning outdoor space.

Barry Randall

Starter 4 Ten is only available for children living in local postcodes.

See the Hinckley & Rugby Building Society website for full details of eligibility, or pop into a branch with just £10 (and a passport or other identification) to get started.

Andy Gilgrist

Leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk 0116 214 7837

Hrbs.co.uk/saving-product/starter4-ten-childrens-saver-account/

Property

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NICHE | 79

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Authorised and regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority. Bentley`s Garden Buildings Limited, Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leics, LE7 4PN (Company Number: 4807454) acts as a credit broker and not the lender and only offers products from Barclays Partner Finance. Barclays Partner Finance is the lender. Barclays Partner Finance is a trading name of Clydesdale Financial Services Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. Clydesdale Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register number 311753) Registered in England. Registered No 2901725. Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, London. E14 5HP.

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Property

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NICHE | 81

JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

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Join in the warehouse or online: www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

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NICHE | 83

Property

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Business

Estate planning at its best

We probably all understand that we should have a Will but far too often we are seeing assets being wrongly inherited.

Incredibly, two thirds of the UK don’t have one in place. It’s important to understand what will happen to our estate if we pass without a Will (intestate).

Anyone can contest the Will if there is a problem with it so it is important to cover all outcomes.

Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass. If you have not 84 | NICHE

made a valid Will, your property will be inherited according to the Law of Intestacy. This may not be what you would have wished, and during this time, your beneficiaries may not be able to draw any money from your estate. It can lead to arguments and distress for your relatives.

The Bona Vacantia division of the Government Legal Department

handled 4,332 estates in England and Wales in the year ending March 2015 collecting £18.4m, according to the BBC.

Will writing doesn’t have to be stressful but it’s important to find a trusted professional to cover all eventualities. Phil Izzard, owner of Your Concern UK, and his team aspire to bring a fresh and personal approach to estate planning and

Business

“Being on the panel for the Society of Will Writers means I know how the law can affect families,” offer free consultations from the comfort of your home, workplace or preferred location. Your Concern believes you need to be treated as an individual with support in every instance.

relationships with you and your family members and offer our support in every instance because every single case is different,” Phil said.

An initial visit from Phil or another Your Concern Consultant will give you the opportunity to discuss what is important to you but also for the experts to educate you in any issues that could occur with your wishes. A second visit puts a plan in place taking into account everything and everyone that matters in your life.

Your Concern is code compliant and they guarantee that their knowledge is current and informed by taking exams every month so they are up to speed is essential due to ever-changing legislation – something impossible for those outside of the industry to keep track of when writing their own Will.

It is their responsibility to prepare their clients for any contingencies that may happen. In every person’s lifetime circumstances change, opinions are influenced and relationships move on. Every two years a consultant will review the will to keep it up to date with your needs and wishes.

“Being on the panel for the Society of Will Writers means I know how the law can affect families,” Phil says.

“We meet quarterly to discuss changes in the law so that I can take care of my clients the way I would take care of my family.”

There are tempting options such as DIY Wills that have become a growing trend for their accessibility and competitive prices. However, without the use of a professional, the chances are it will cost significantly more in legal fees to amend mistakes than if you had consulted with professional Will and Estate Planners.

Make sure your loved ones are protected with Your Concern UK.

“You need to be treated as an individual. Our consultants form

Testament tips from Phil Here’s what to think about before getting in touch ◆ Who your executors or guardians will be ◆ Who you DON’T want to inherit ◆ What age you want your kids to inherit and what guidance you want given to them after you’re gone ◆ And finally, DO A WILL. Have control over what is yours!

0800 380 0098

Yourconcernuk.com NICHE | 85

#BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

The people who push the boundaries, make a difference and develop business

Ramsy Dhillon

Director and Chartered Financial Planner at Intelligent Financial Advisory Ltd Celebrating his companies first year in business this month along with his fellow directors, Ramsy’s main ambition is to run a successful and happy independent financial advisory (IFA) firm.

After graduating, computing was all the rage leading Ramsy to become an IT Trainer for a number of years.

But when reassessing where he wanted to go in life he began working in a bank and became a Financial Adviser enjoying helping people with their savings and investments.

He received excellent training while working for Alliance & Leicester and

Kari Mellon

Senior Tax Manager at Grant Thornton The buoyancy of the region’s economy has inspired Kari immensely. In just under four years, she has won a variety of client assignments that have led to greater exposure to tax matters and further expanding the talents of her team. Pushing this attitude outside of her company, she recently worked on the East Midlands 2016 Top 200 Report, which recognises dynamic companies helping to build a vibrant economy.

and support their families. She describes every client as unique and in just one day she will be advising how to maximise a claim for Entrepreneurs relief, how to extract profits from a company and how best to set up pensions for grandchildren! Her compassion spreads into her personal life where she chairs the Fundraising Committee for Women’s Aid Leicestershire supporting abuse victims.

Tax has always fascinated the Leicester University graduate but what she loves about her job is that she is able to help her clients achieve their aspirations

After training with Coutts & Co in London and developing a vast range of qualifications, she continues to turn to her parents for advice and inspiration.

86 | NICHE

Halifax before leaving to work for a local IFA firm. Continuing to work while studying to gain a number of qualifications and Chartered Status, Ramsy and some colleagues set up their own IFA in order to have more of a say in the day to day running of the business and the way in which they helped their clients.

The team is motivated by the LCFC story. Ramsy described it as ‘pretty inspirational in terms of team work and working to achieve what nearly everyone thought was impossible!’

Chaz Thandi

Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing at DWS Legal Chaz has implemented procedures and training schedules that have simplified processes and organised staff to save time and money to prepare expert staff for the varying complexities of residential conveyancing.

After all his hard work is done, he thoroughly enjoys the happiness felt when clients collect the keys for their new home and the joy of a house sold. He also likes to ensure his clients understand the conveyancing process; something they are usually excluded from with other firms. Since the success of our now world famous football team,

Chaz believes anything is possible, that hard work pays off and luck will be attracted to you. DWS Legal has seen clients drawn to them from outside the city because of this.

Along with this great story, he loves to watch American drama series Suits as it puts him in a positive mindset for work the next day.

His wife is his inspiration investing her time into making a foundation for him to excel in his career. She always has the energy to juggle her career and motherhood, motivating Chaz to avoid excusing himself for being too tired or not having enough time for something.

Richard Osborn

Midlands Regional Office Head at Weightmans Richard fell in love with Leicester after studying in the city for his law degree at Leicester University and then at DMU and secured a training contract with Edge and Ellison in Leicester. After a spell working with Eversheds in Birmingham, and Freeths back in Leicester, Richard is now in his current position as Midlands Regional Office Head for Weightmans covering Leicester and Birmingham and his practice area is real estate/commercial property.

One of the most interesting jobs Richard has worked on in his career to-date was acting for MG Rover in 2003/2004 during the sale and leaseback of the Longbridge site to the property developer, St Modwen and to the then-Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands. The complex deal had a tight timescale (involving a number of all-night sessions) and was hugely sensitive given the operational issues around Longbridge and political sensitivities given the number of jobs and livelihoods at stake at the site.

If Richard was not a lawyer, his alternate career would be in music, with a love of both playing (guitar and clarinet) and listening to all genres of music, as well as the occasional karaoke performance.

He has always liked the idea of owning and running a record shop, particularly with vinyl having such a revival!

NICHE | 87

LEICESTERSHIRE

Leicester Racecourse run exciting campaign to get local businesses involved in Ladies Day Ladies Day is always a special occasion at Leicester Racecourse, and this year promises to be no exception. This year, the Racecourse aimed to create a community feel by encouraging local businesses in Oadby and Wigston to decorate their shop windows in the spirit of Ladies Day in a ‘Best Dressed Shop Window’ competition.

To launch the start of the campaign, Leicester Racecourse handed out invitations, cupcakes and posters and encouraged the businesses to share their ‘Glitz and Glam’ themed shop window designs on social media. Representatives from the Racecourse, the Mayor, Councillor Robert Eaton, and the Mayoress, Councillor Lynda Eaton joined businesses for the judging process on Monday 27th June.

After a tough decision over the 15 businesses involved, the Mayor and Mayoress awarded both Tippetts Florist in Oadby, and Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance in Wigston with two pairs of tickets to Ladies Day itself, and a bottle of Prosecco for their innovation and creativity. The prizes were presented by the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston, and Corporate Events and Hospitality Sales Manager at Leicester Racecourse, Nicola Moss.

‘We’re delighted to have been selected as one of the winners.

Everything in the window was donated and it’s really good for our shop, it’s fabulous. We can all live the ‘Glitz and Glam’ life, even in a charity shop way. It was great fun.’ - Anne Jones, Shop Manager at Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance in Wigston.

“I feel really chuffed. As soon as we were handed our invitation last month, and we knew that there was a competition, my competitive side came out! I started thinking about 88 | NICHE

different things we could do. We tried to make our window display as glamorous and fun as Ladies Day is!”

- Abigail Tennear of Tippetts Florist in Oadby.

The Mayor, Councillor Robert Eaton, believes that the campaign was a great way to encourage community spirit: “It was great to see so many local businesses getting involved in the Shop Window Competition in the lead up to Ladies Day; I hope it will bring a sense of community spirit to the borough and I was delighted to be included in the event and indeed judging the competition.”

Leicester Racecourse General Manager Rob Bracken, constantly strives to make Leicester Racecourse an integral part of the local community.

Rob says: “Ladies Day is always a prestigious event, but we at Leicester

Racecourse want everyone to experience it and our ‘Best Dressed Shop Window’ campaign was just one way of doing this. We have a great community in Oadby and Wigston, so we were delighted that this was a chance for the community to come together, and a great opportunity for businesses in the local area to show their shops off!”

For the Racecourse, last year’s Ladies Day was hugely successful. Around 9 500 attended the Racecourse’s events and the venue made half of its yearly profits on Ladies Day alone.

This year, Leicester Racecourse aims to bring in 14 000 attendees.

With so many businesses getting into the Ladies Day spirit, Leicester Racecourse are delighted that the day proved to be a fun community day. For more details on Ladies Day, visit Leicester Racecourse’s website: Leicester-racecourse.co.uk

Business

Wo elit sec

Bui tog the

Connecting property professionals Building Connections has been formed to connect professionals across the property, construction and development industries celebrating success throughout the region to build great relationships and maximise local knowledge and national opportunity.

With a strong team attending MIPIM (The worlds largest property and construction conference in Europe held in France) each year, ‘Team Leicestershire’ have witnessed the immediate effects of networking at the highest level.

Introducing business owners and decision makers to other like minded professionals has opened many doors with economic growth across the region creating new jobs essential for continued development.

Hosting two dinner events each year ‘Building Connections’ aims to cement the future for local Leicestershire based businesses who work within these linked sectors. The dinners provide a professional platform offering the opportunity to meet with new key decision makers and connecting with other industry professionals.

Working together to build a brighter future by becoming a member of ‘Building Connections’ offers frequent industry updates as well as blogs and press releases regularly posting on our website from members will ensure subscribers are up to date with the area’s most exciting projects and industry news.

The first dinner will be later this year in collaboration with the

@ #Te #M

For you info

launch of Team Leicestershire’s MIPIM 2017 delegation with the second being May 2017 to provide the opportunity for Team Leicestershire and their connections made at MIPIM to meet and debrief. These events will act as the official MIPIM dinners here in our City.

Building Connections 1/2.indd 1

If you’d like to know more email info@building-connections.co.uk

Search giants Google and Bing to speak at Leicester E-commerce Conference Anicca Digital will be joined by Google’s European shopping guru when it hosts its second E-commercial Conference on Monday 31st October.

Leicester’s leading digital marketing agency is co-hosting the e-commerce marketing and technology conference, which will see Google’s European Shopping Lead for Small and Medium Businesses, Philip Shearer have his first visit to the city delivering the event’s key talk on the future of shopping.

The partnership comes after Anicca Digital was ranked as one of the UK’s leading AdWords agencies and handpicked by Google for its Elevator Programme, designed to

help businesses fast-track their growth plans.

James Murray, UK Search Advertising Lead at search engine Bing, will also deliver a talk on voice and visual search.

Following the success of the 2015 event, which attracted 100 delegates, the conference will move to the Marriott Hotel to allow for up to 500 attendees and is supported

by Bing, Berea, Segmentum, Whoop and Leicester Digital Networking.

The event has been set up by Ann Stanley, Managing Director at Anicca Digital, who will deliver her own talk, along with other speakers from digital agencies and e-commerce

brands, with presentations covering acquisition, conversion, retention and technology.

Ann comments: “We are planning a bigger and better event for this year. We are delighted to be joined

by Google’s Philip Shearer, and we are planning a wealth of other talks that will provide businesses and digital marketers with access to the latest knowledge and advice from experienced industry professionals.

“We will also be hosting practical seminars and round table discussions on key topics, which promise to be lively and engaging, allowing attendees to increase their knowledge and understanding of the latest e-commerce marketing channels and technology.”

In need of an I.T specialist...?

Tailored solutions for all - let’s talk 0844 372 9893 www.kazzoo.com NICHE | 89

Those in Business have their say

A sporting chance in business With one eye on Footballs Euro 16 and another on the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio, it brings to mind the talent required to achieve sporting excellence.

The passion, drive, determination, will to win, resilience and vision required to win an Olympic medal or score the winning goal are often what employers need from their employees in order to take their business to the next level.

Often athletes find the devil is in the detail, small changes can make the difference between gold and forth place; this is true in business. Athletes need to be brave and trust their team to help them succeed; business leaders find this to be true in their organisations.

The right team is critical to business success. If sport can tell us anything, it’s that small changes can make a massive difference.

Just as every second counts in sport, every employee counts in business. In today’s competitive world, just one team member not performing will have a disproportionate impact.

So when you are watching the summer festival of sport, let your mind wonder to the DNA of your business and the qualities you are looking for to achieve your gold medal. Be inspired to be brave enough to make changes.

And don’t forget, sometimes you need to pass the ball in order to score! Toni Robinson Qdoshr.com 01455 852 028 90 | NICHE

Marriage isn’t for everyone.

But cohabitation has its traps too! Cohabitation defines two people living as a couple who are not married or in a civil partnership. While cohabitation has been on the rise for fifteen years now, it is important to note cohabitees are not given the same legal protection as married couples or couples in a civil partnership. Very little legal protection is given to cohabitees.

To emphasise the risk of a cohabitee breakup, consider the complicated property and child care risks that may arise. If you were cohabitating with your partner and they had ownership of the property you both resided in, you would have no legal rights over it unless you could claim a beneficial interest; complicated and can result in expensive proceedings if contested.

To combat these issues, a Living Together Agreement (a Cohabitation Agreement) can be drawn up to regulate the finances and record the parties intentions in relation to any interests in the property. This document defines the assets and can set out what steps are to be taken if a break up occurs. The agreement can include details on property, payment of the mortgage, ownership of bank accounts, outgoings, ownership of contents, liabilities for debt, and much more.

Saving tax on buying a Commercial Property You owned a house and moved in with your partner and decide to rent rather than sell. You haven’t let HMRC know because the rent just covers the mortgage.

Unfortunately, it is only the interest element of the mortgage that qualifies for tax relief.

Four years later, HMRC enquire why you haven’t declared any income because they find out at Land Registry you have two properties. Leading to years of tax assessments, increased by penalties for not informing or filing a return.

Also significant responsibilities fall onto landlords such as: ◆ keeping your rental properties free from health hazards ◆ gas and electrical equipment safely installed and maintained ◆ providing an Energy Performance Certificate ◆ protecting your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme ◆ checking your tenant is entitled to rent your property ◆ giving your tenant a copy of the how to rent checklist ◆ fitting and testing suitable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms ◆ ensuring fire regulations are in place You must also have permission from your mortgage lender to rent the property. What a minefield.

Find out about your rights and protection available, book an appointment with us.

Glynis Wright

We will guide you through your duties as a landlord and help ensure there are no unwanted tax surprises years down the line.

Mark Torr

Glyniswright.co.uk 0116 238 5680

Torrwaterfield.co.uk 0116 242 3400

WE HELP WITH: DIVORCE SEPARATION FINANCES DISPUTES OVER CHILDREN COHABITATION BREAKUPS

Award Winning Legal Firm of the Year 2015 CALL:

0116 238 5680 OR VISIT:

glyniswright.co.uk NICHE | 91

Accountancy & Finance Customer Service & Sales

Executive Search & Selection

Specialising within seven business sectors, each of our consultants have industry experience within their sector, this enables us to be truly consultative with our clients and candidates.

Our success rate is 3:1 in terms of candidates attending an interview to an offer being made, by this stage we have tested all skill set and Due Diligence.

Human Resources

Insurance & Financial Services

The time we invest meeting every client and candidate is so important and ultimately the key to the success of not only our business but to our clients and candidates also

Legal

Office (inc Marketing)

Connecting People, Businesses and Opportunities

With over 20 year’s expertise in the recruitment arena, Eileen Richards Recruitment Ltd offer an unrivalled service to our customers - clients and candidates alike. In most industries it is fair to say that people engage with people they can relate to.

What takes these relationships to the next level is the experience and knowledge that enables us to be consultative and tailor a service to meet our customer’s needs.

Working with some of the Midlands leading organisations, we continually ask our clients and candidates what we can do to promote their business as employers of choice and find the best talent to complement their business and values.

I had taken a career break abroad for 6 months and was looking for opportunities across multiple sectors for a marketing manager role. Unlike other agencies, Eileen Richards Recruitment were never too busy to help me in my search, and even offered advice and support over the weekend when I needed reassurance. Meeting with the consultants and the team was a wonderful experience – they both briefed me thoroughly on the position I was interviewing for and made sure I was happy and confident before I left the office. I cannot thank Eileen and the team enough in their efforts to place me in my job, their enthusiasm and positivity was infectious and I am thrilled to say that my search lasted just 10 days before I was successfully employed!” Fantastic bunch, highly recommended.

Hannah Tomlinson

0116 254 9710 Eileenrichardsrecruitment.co.uk Twitter: @ERRECRUITMENT1

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“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle” Sir Winston Churchill

Tax Avoidance is Not a Crime The recent media furore resulting from the revelations in the leaked Panama Papers has again thrown up the big question of what constitutes tax evasion and, indeed, tax avoidance.

Banking secrecy is not a crime nor is tax avoidance, despite what the media might be suggesting. Just because people choose to keep their money in offshore accounts does not mean they are doing anything unlawful or ‘dodgy’ – in respect of their tax liability or anything else for that matter.

For the moment all we have is information about people using Panama for their banking affairs, not that they are avoiding or evading tax. By the way, it’s important to make the distinction between evasion and avoidance: If you are hiding untaxed profits in an offshore account, deliberately concealing your profits from the tax authorities, then that constitutes tax evasion which is illegal.

It is also inaccurate and wrong to suggest that David Cameron’s £200,000 gift from his mother is tax avoidance. The Prime Minister has not broken any taxation rules by accepting the money, as there is no tax on gifts of cash. Under the UK’s inheritance tax laws, tax-free gifts are permitted if the donor survives for seven years after making the gift. Parliament says that this should be the case, so it is hardly tax avoidance to take advantage of those rules.

Despite the hard-hitting front page editorials following the Panama fallout, every newspaper’s financial pages tell readers to make the most of the seven-year gift rules as part of sensible inheritance tax planning.

Perhaps the editorials should concentrate on the need for informed specialist tax planning to enable people to make some sense of an overcomplicated tax system, rather than berating people who have done nothing wrong?

For more information on corporation tax and advice on your own tax liability, please contact Pete Miller on 0116 208 1020

UK Tax legislation is the most complex in the world and, when you’re looking at the Taxation Of Company Reorganisations, Pete, literally, wrote the book The Miller Partnership are experts in all aspects of corporation tax, specialties include: Taxation of corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions, disposals, demergers, reorganisations & reconstructions HMRC clearances Transactions in securities anti-avoidance legislation Taxation of corporate intangible assets & goodwill Disguised remuneration Taxation of partnerships Patent Box

T: 0116 208 1020 M: 07802 197 269 The Miller Partnership 5 Museum Square, Leicester LE1 6UF

www.themillerpartnership.com pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com

Talk Business

It’s all in the detail...

We can help you make your business stand out from the crowd.

We love nothing more than going through your accounts to try to find ways to help you increase profit and pay less tax.

GIVE US A CHANCE TO SHOW OFF AND CALL TODAY!

0116 242 3400 www.torrwaterfield.co.uk

HR Outsourcing

Giving your team a sporting chance Outsourcing not only saves you money and time, but adds real value to the bottom line

104 | NICHE

Talk Business

“

We have been continually delighted with Qdos who have been an integral part of building our winning team.

Barry Horne – CEO – English Federation in Disability in Sport

”

Speak to Qdos to get your team pulling in the right direction 01455 852028

www.qdoshr.com

Those in Business have their say

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Employing overseas workers

Savings, simplicity and service

The problem with empty properties

An employer can be fined up to £20,000 per employee found to be working without the right to work in the UK.

Saving money, time and effort where utilities are concerned is always of interest to us all. Utility Warehouse do all three of these things making utility bills far less likely to cause you a headache, and even better, you are very likely to end up with more money in your pocket!

Insurance policies for unoccupied commercial properties are complex. A vacant property falls into the ‘high risk’ category because there is nobody occupying the building daily, which increases the possibility of fires, floods and break-ins.

The Government’s message is clear.

They won’t hesitate to take action against an employer who fails to carry out appropriate right to work checks.

A common problem is employing staff whose immigration status is unclear. This often involves international students who have restrictions on their employment.

Consider the following when engaging new employees;

Utility Warehouse combines all of your bills under one roof. So, that’s one bill, one provider, and therefore far less hassle. Savings with simplicity and exceptional service mean your bills are no longer the mystery that so many of us are used to dealing with.

As a landlord, if you’re investing in redeveloping or refurbishing a derelict building, you cannot simply enrol in a normal commercial property owner’s policy if you plan to project manage yourself.

You will need a redevelopment policy that may need to include contract workers and liability insurance to cover the building, value of works and any issues during development. If you employ a professional to lead your project then you must ensure they have proof of their own insurance.

Gas, electricity, broadband and mobile bills are all under the same roof and with such competitive rates you can sign up and never worry again about whether you are on the right tariff. One bill makes everything so much easier too; perfect for people with little time or those who hate the stress and confusion that comes from having lots of providers (all of us then). Joining the Utility Warehouse Discount Club means you not only enjoy savings but cashback too on many high street purchases.

On the other hand, there are also risks as a business owner when signing a lease for a landlord’s property. The landlord signs all the responsibility over to you as the business owner and this can be manipulated. Even if, for example, the roof had a leak before you signed, it is your responsibility to have the leak fixed before you leave.

Keep record for the duration of their employment.

Ivan Spibey

Thousands of businesses and individuals have reaped these benefits. The process is made really easy with a supportive team taking care of all the switching and changing. All you do is sit back and enjoy the savings and simplicity of it all.

David Goadby.

We wouldn’t try to benefit from their misdemeanour; we make sure you’re fully aware of reinstatement clauses and understanding the needs of owners, we have specific markets with specific needs that we can tailor to suit.

To be continued issue 16.

Andy Shore

0116 212 1153/07712 115 663 info@atomhr.co.uk Atomhr.co.uk

07736 146 400 Davidgoadby@uwclub.net Save-earnmoney.co.uk

02476 499 000 Brooksureinsurance.co.uk

Ensure there is a clear ‘right to work’ policy.

Specify in writing to the prospective employee that any offer of employment is conditional on them having the correct right to work documents to work in the UK. Complete any right to work check prior to the start of employment to prevent delay.

Check original documents in the presence of the holder.

Documents produced e.g. passport and/or visas should be on the acceptable documents checklist known as list A and B.

98 | NICHE

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Whether you are the Landlord of a few properties for income and investment purposes or run a business and earn a living from commercial property, it’s vital that you protect your investment by having the right level of insurance.

Commercial property ownership is not limited to just investment companies, we also cater for the individual landlord with one or two properties.

Types of commercial property include factory units, retail units blocks of flats, HMOs, care homes, newsagents, hotels.

I N S U R A N C E

02476 499 000 www.brooksureinsurance.co.uk info@brooksureinsurance.co.uk

Those in Business have their say

Know your business inside out

What people want from their leader

Premiums and excess

The problem with accounting is that it can be expensive for small companies to work with an accountant to get their finances in order. For bigger companies, employing someone in-house could result in actually overpaying them to oversee absolutely everything involved in the running of a business.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

A leader should:

The cost of your policy will be a major factor in the decision making process of the right private medical insurers for you.

Show genuine concern for others.

Empathy. Understanding. Evidencebased caring. Consistency.

Be a communicator, a networker and an achiever.

Highly visible in their marketplace.

Has clear views. Engages well with peers. Demonstrates success, both professionally and personally.

Trust others to lead.

Effective delegation leads to task ownership, leads to full engagement, leads to great staff retention.

Be honest and consistent.

Reactions are in line with the situation. Admits mistakes. Fair to everyone, without favourites.

Be accessible, approachable, flexible.

Willing to change when required.

Works within the business and is not isolated from it. Socially active without being ‘one of the boys’.

Helps colleagues succeed.

Be decisive, determined, ready to take risks.

Has the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions. Tenacious and rigourous in their follow-up.

Sees opportunities and allocates appropriate resources to maximise.

Draw people together with a shared vision.

Clearly communicates the Why’, engages with colleagues, delivers outcomes that match the vision.

Once you have decided on the right plan you may want to add an excess (the amount you pay up front in the event of a claim) to help manage the premiums.

It can be tempting for some advisors to offer a high excess in return for low monthly premiums but also meaning a lower level of cover.

It is quite impossible for one person to take hold of all of your accounting matters: did you know there are around 260 changes to tax every day for example? One person cannot know everything there is to know in order to fulfil your business destiny!

MNE staff have different skillsets for different needs and will allocate all the aspects of your business to relevant specialists in the team. This way, your accounts are cleared up quicker saving you time and saving you money rather than paying for someone in-house who will undoubtedly take sick days and have holiday allowances.

With a team of experts working on different areas, you are able to see clearly how much profit you are making and where your biggest losses are coming from. You will get a better idea of your business with detailed information at the touch of a button.

This means we can charge less at year end because everything is carefully prepared monthly resulting in a much simpler and stress-free end of year for you.

Natasha Harris 0116 255 2422 Mneaccounting.co.uk 100 | NICHE

This can be a false economy if the excess you pay is more or less the same as the level of cover. The level of cover will be reduced by the excess when paid meaning in some cases you can wipe out your benefit early on.

As well as the plan type there are many factors that will determine the cost of premiums, namely: ◆ Your individual age ◆ The age profile of a group of employees in a company scheme ◆ The size of a company scheme ◆ Your post code At MME FS Limited we specialise in the area of employee benefits comprising of Private Medical insurance for individuals and businesses, cash plans to help you claim back dental and optical expenses and various protection policies such as Life Cover.

If you want to make better decisions, gain momentum in business, and sleep at night, get in touch. Chris Everard

Please feel free to call Stefan Wardle for an informal discussion. Stef Wardle

07850 182 199 Chris.everard@vistagechair.co.uk

07419 764 565 Mortgagesbymme.co.uk

Emma owns a fashion boutique.

She always has time for her business now she’s free from her accounts.

Outsource your accounts to MNE Accounting and focus more of your time where it matters.

For more information visit www.hellomne.co.uk or call 0116 255 2422

Solutions in Human Resources & Employment Law

Atom HR are Human Resources and Employment Law consultants based in Leicestershire, with coverage throughout the UK

We believe that understanding and complying with HR & Employment Law shouldn’t be like splitting the atom

102 | NICHE

0116 212 1153 0771 211 5663 www.atomhr.co.uk info@atomhr.co.uk We offer solutions to suit organisations of all sizes, but typically provide a comprehensive service to small and medium sized business. We can provide full Human Resources and Employment Law advice, but also act as a partner with larger organisations who already have a HR specialist in place.

Atom HR will simplify the world of human resources and employment law, and this will enable you, the employer, to make the correct commercial business decisions.

Our approach is flexible and we can provide a full or ad-hoc service.

To fully understand how we can help you, contact us for a free no obligation consultation

Problem? or Solution?

These are anxious and uncertain times, which means that we are very busy advising our clients.

This is not a boast, but an acknowledgment of the value of professional advice. Nobody has the political or economic answers, so we and our clients have to make the best of what we have.

All of this makes life stressful.

Many colleagues and clients have referred to the stress that they are experiencing, at home or at work.

The thing about stress is that it is not caused by events or changes in the world around us. Instead, it is the result of our response to those changes and events.

The world keeps on turning whether or not we are there to experience it. How we respond to the world turning is based on a mixture of instinct and choice.

We may be able to control or modify our instinctive (fight or flight) behaviour, but I am not qualified to say how or why we might do that.

What we definitely can change is how we choose to respond to events and change. At times of uncertainty what is most important for us, for our clients, for business and for society, is to make sure that our individual and collective response to uncertainty, to the behaviours of others, to the confusion, speculation and misinformation that surround us, is the product of reasoned and pragmatic choice.

In the end we must understand ourselves, our instincts and our

choices. We must know our values and principles. We must use that knowledge and understanding to improve our responses to change, to threats, to uncertainty and to events. If we can do that, then we will be able to influence our environment for the better. If we all work together in the same way we will be able to produce the best outcome for ourselves, for our businesses and for our society.

Armed with that knowledge and understanding, when making those choices, answer this question: “Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?�

0116 254 8871 Braybray.co.uk

NICHE | 103

Take your business meetings

to the next level Cini Restaurant knows how to present the outsidethe-box, forward thinking company that you are

Italian restaurant Cini has built its reputation as an exceptional food destination, perfect for celebrations or business lunches. But there’s more to Cini than meets the eye.

The restaurant steals the spot light day to day concealing a secret speciality of Cini.

Owner, Andrea Paduano said: “It is not well known what we have here and it can really make business owners stand apart from competitors.”

The ‘ristorante’ is an ideal spot for business types to conduct meetings or treat clients in the tucked away quaint lane of High Street in Enderby. As well as having charming staff and on occasion a sassy pooch named Diva to greet the guests, Cini can become a business venue like no other.

Upon request, Cini opens the doors to reveal its hidden abode, elevated from the eatery. The stunning countrified villa awaits 104 | NICHE

business guests providing them with a home-from-home venue to hold conferences, interview days, team building getaways and private dining experiences.

Invisible to the public, the hotel type villa is ideal for those needing a private, undisturbed location to talk business and show that you are leading the way when it comes to entertaining clients and colleagues.

Encircled by a quirky peaceful patio; note the flower filled bath tub upon arrival, it’s the perfect environment to enjoy welcome breaks and a pleasant change of atmosphere.

Two board rooms able to accommodate 14 visitors on the ground floor are inviting and unlike many other ‘stuffy board rooms’ you may have seen. Furnished with a mix of modern and traditional Italian furniture, they are impeccably designed and complete with modern technology (yes that means WiFi included too), audio

visual facilities and an impressive contemporary kitchen.

Guests can enjoy a convenient private dining service and be served in the board rooms for an effortlessly flowing meeting with no time wasted, or they can take some time away and enjoy the ambience of the charismatic restaurant.

Andrea added: “This is a great way to treat clients and show them a good time.”

Upstairs, five beautiful bedrooms sleep eight guests all with ensuite facilities and a simple homely feel.

In the centre of the country, Cini is geographically well placed and parking is stress free with 35 private spaces. Surrounded by many businesses, the villa and restaurant is a popular site with varied clientele from retail professionals to bankers.

0116 286 3009 Cinirestaurant.co.uk

Talk Business

Not sure which way to turn next?

Since 1893, we’ve been helping our clients plan for and overcome times of change, uncertainty and difficulty. We help clients just like you navigate and succeed in uncharted waters.

Call our expert legal team 0116 254 8871

www.braybray.co.uk info@braybray.co.uk

Leicester 0116 254 8871

Market Harborough 01858 467181

Hinckley 01455 639 900

Driving

good business An exclusive cab service to be launched this month will deliver elite travel experiences to commercial and business passengers TAKE ME is the stylish alternative for company travel where the cars are fast, the service top notch and the prices fixed.

Solely aimed at businesses, the innovative service will be launched this July. It is the brain child of David Hunter, owner of ADT Taxis who, as a business owner himself, recognised that the travel needs of company leaders were very different to those of his regular customers.

The new luxury service will be an easy-to-use tool accessed online or via the ADT app and targeted towards receptionists needing instant map-based information to track their booked vehicles in real time.

The web and app based company are offering the latest technology and eco travel to the business community. The app enables users to track their vehicles, and have a record of their journey whilst every booking will be managed online or over the phone by an experienced account manager for a high quality, efficient service.

TAKE ME were recently lucky enough to chauffeur for the X Factor

David explained: “People will choose TAKE ME for speed, ease of use and the exclusive feel of travelling in a chauffeured, unmarked car with mineral water and Wi-Fi.” The new company service is very focussed on the quick and easy system that allows bookings 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as its use of up-to-date payment methods with card machines and Apple and Android paying schemes.

As well as modern luxuries, David has instilled traditional values in the company’s new service. Uniformed chauffeurs are trained to the highest standard to ensure you travel like a business professional and arrive like a star; in style, safe and sound.

TAKE ME travellers will receive detailed information on their chauffeur including their name, picture and registered information. For the utmost in passenger safety, it is part of David’s business philosophy that all drivers are DBS checked (formerly CRB), complete specialised driving tests, pass

BTEC courses in health and safety and receive regular medical checks.

“It’s a professionalised industry now and I know that from a female perspective, it’s a safe journey,” he said.

Business passengers can choose an Executive journey travelling in a Mercedes Benz, BMW or Volvo among others, or go for the Eco service with a choice of efficient hybrid vehicles such as the Prius.

With many airport runs and long journeys needed by the business community, no destination is off limits. ADT has become one of the largest firms in Leicestershire with bases in Loughborough, Leicester, Wigston and soon Oadby, and takes on 10,000 jobs a week with the use of 150 vehicles. That’s travel arrangements for over 39,500 people each month. Once TAKE ME is on the road, David hopes to expand to 200 vehicles.

Book your premier journey for your next meeting or celebration.

Adt-taxis.co.uk

perspective, it’s reassuring to know that it would always be a safe journey with TAKE ME”

Business

“From a female passenger’s

ANICCA DIGITAL Gears up for Leicester E-commerce Conference The digital world moves so fast that it can be hard to keep up, which is why Leicester’s leading digital marketing agency is aiming to keep local businesses up to speed when it hosts its E-commercial Conference on Monday 31st October.

Anicca Digital, which is based on King Street and specialises in Pay Per Click advertising, Search Engine Optimisation and PR, will be joined by search giants Google and Bing when it co-hosts the e-commerce marketing and technology conference.

The event will provide businesses, online retailers and digital marketers with the latest updates in the industry.

Ann Stanley, Managing Director at Anicca Digital, explains: “Following the success and popularity of the 2015 conference, we are planning a bigger and better event for this year.

Our aim is to grow the conference into the region’s biggest digital marketing event by bringing in key speakers to deliver inspiring talks that will give attendees new ideas and new skills they can take away to help transform their businesses.”

A big talking point for the event will be the attendance of Google’s European Shopping Lead for Small and Medium Businesses, Philip Shearer, visiting the city for the first time to deliver the event’s key talk on the future of shopping.

“We are really excited to be joined by Google’s Philip Shearer” adds Ann, “who will be delivering a fascinating insight into Google shopping. As specialists in digital marketing, we have to make sure we are on top of our game and are keeping up to date with the latest developments at Google, but we’re also keen to ensure our e-commerce clients are also up to speed and understand how changes can affect their business.

“We will also be joined by James Murray, UK Search Advertising Lead at search engine Bing, who will deliver a talk on voice and visual search. Plus, we will have a wealth

of other talks that will provide businesses and digital marketers with access to the latest knowledge and advice from experienced industry professionals.”

Following the success of the 2015 event, which attracted 100 delegates, the E-commercial Conference will move to the Marriott Hotel to allow capacity for up to 500 attendees and is supported by Bing, Berea, Segmentum, Whoop and Leicester Digital Networking.

Ann continues: “It is exciting to have outgrown our original venue within just a year and we have had a huge response for this year’s event already. E-commerce is continuing to grow in the region, and Leicester is becoming something of a hub for digital businesses, so businesses are seeing this as a great opportunity to learn how to improve their online presence and how it can positively impact on sales.

“We will be joined by various agencies, technology partners and established e-commerce brands for the conference and are confident that all of our speakers will deliver thought provoking talks. Topics covered will include acquisition, conversion, retention and technology.

“In addition to the talks, we will be hosting practical seminars and round table discussions on a number of key topics, which promise to be lively and engaging, and will allow attendees to increase

108 | NICHE

Business

their knowledge and understanding of the latest e-commerce marketing channels and technology.”

As well as planning a conference, Ann is also celebrating Anicca Digital’s latest success after becoming one of the first of an elite group of agencies to earn Premier Google Partner accreditation for specialisms in Search, Mobile, Display and Shopping Ads. The agency has recently been accredited the new Google badge due to its substantial portfolio of Google advertising campaigns.

“Having originally earned our Google Partner badge in 2010, we

are now ranked among the top 20 Google AdWords agencies in the UK,” explains Ann. “which is quite an achievement for a Leicesterbased agency.

“This badge highlights our expertise in four out of five of Google’s specialisms and we are pleased to discover that we have achieved more specialisms than some of the country’s bigger digital agencies.

This proves that while we may be smaller in size, our knowledge and expertise is beginning to outweigh that of our peers. Video ads are the only specialism currently absent from our portfolio, which is something we are looking to for future development.

“The new badge is really designed to highlight and celebrate the agencies that are at the top of their game and are continually developing their portfolios and the skills of their staff, so we are proud to add this to our list of accreditations.”

The E-commercial Conference takes place on Monday 31st October at the Marriott Hotel, near Junction 21 of the M1. Tickets are £50 per person and include refreshments.

For further information or to book a ticket, please go to the addresses below.

Leicesterdigital.co.uk enquiries@anicca.co.uk.

NICHE | 109

Those in Business have their say

Roller banners to help you get noticed

PR - just press releases?

Why your business needs a mobile app

Everybody knows what a roller banner is, they’re also referred to as pull up banners, and most are considered as an essential promotional tool. But are you sure you’re making the most of your roller banner? Does it really work as a tool to get your message across?

The short answer is no. PR (or Public Relations) is all about raising your profile and enhancing/ protecting your reputation and whilst press releases are a useful way of doing both, they are not the only way. A properly structured and engaging PR campaign may also include some or all of the below (which is far from a comprehensive list but I’ve only got 230 words!).

Smart phones are dramatically changing the way we work, shop and socialise. The average mobile user spends at least 2 hours a day on their mobile device, so having a bespoke app can have huge potential for your company.

◆ Comment into planned Forward Features (a mechanism used by – predominantly – magazines to aid their content panning) ◆ My Opinion pieces (often used within Trade Press but also the local press including our very own Leicester Mercury) ◆ Interview opportunities used across the media to gain expert opinion on a huge variety of topics ◆ Business agony columns or ‘problem page’ type answers ◆ Blogs/Google+ updates ◆ Tweets, Facebook and LinkedIn updates and, of course, other social media channels appropriate to you, your message and your product/service ◆ Interaction in online forums and debates ◆ How I Did It (how I achieved success and/or how I started up my company. Run across local papers and trade press through to The Sunday Times in various guises)

Mobile apps can help you stay closer to your customers, creating a sense that you are just a ‘fingertip’ away.

We have learnt over the years that the best performing roller banners have a few things in common; they make use of engaging images, they don’t have too much copy on them, the most important message appears at eye level, and the least important points are positioned at the bottom.

Although many people only use them at conferences, exhibitions and events, they can be used for many other things. They’re a cost effective solution for making a reception area look more professional, they can be used as waymarking or for information points for staff and visitors.

The other thing to bear in mind is that they come in a variety of sizes from 800mm to 2m wide!

Make sure you know what size suits your needs best – do you have space for the larger one? If so, they can be a real talking point as most people have only seen the 800mm wide versions.

If you need help creating eye catching artwork for your roller banners, get in touch to find out how we can help you ensure they are the most eye catching banners at your next event!

Chris Goodman

With contact details being easily available online have a go and see what you can do with just a little bit of time and a little bit more research. Have fun!

Rachel Hargrave

0116 259 9955 Chris@soarvalleypress.co.uk

07976 806 578 Rachel.hargrave@rdz-pr.co.uk

110 | NICHE

Apps serve many functions; they can provide information, prices, booking forms, search features, news feeds, and so much more.

A mobile app can provide your customers with all the information they need at any time of the day, whilst push notifications are a great way of connecting with your customer base.

Mobile apps can also enhance awareness of your brand. A well branded, beautifully designed app with features your customers will love can increase customer loyalty. Customers that are engaged with your app will be more inclined to buy your product or use your service.

Mobile apps for small business are still quiet rare, and this is where you can get a competitive edge; being the first to offer a mobile app will surprise your customers by your progressive approach!

Talk to us today, and let us help you unleash the power of mobile apps for your business.

Aaron Wardle 0116 268 8722 Swipeandtap.co.uk

Business

Telecoms

Digital marketing

In this age of comparison websites, ask for a quote from a local company for your telephone needs whether one business line or switchboard. We can beat all quotes, just contact us for a no obligation quote without the hard sell!

All businesses will now be aware of the importance of advertising through social media such as Facebook, Twitter and the like. Don’t hesitate to ask us how we can make this work for you at prices that are instantly affordable.

Web You may not realise just how many people make a website search their first approach to you for business.

Make sure their first impression is a good one by utilising our web building expertise at really competitive prices.

Unbeatable for price and reliability

Quote ‘Niche’ to get a special rate on any of our services www.citycommunications.co.uk Trent Business Centre, Thoroton Road, West Bridgford, NG2 5FT - 01158 384 284 - sales@citycommunications.co.uk

HORIZON by Thanks to the wide-scale availability of superfast broadband, we’re all making productive use of the cloud for storing data and online applications and we do this without even realising it So why should it be any different for your voice communications?

City Communications offer Horizon that is a fully-featured, businessgrade hosted telephone system that is easy to configure, requires no maintenance and takes the support burden away from your IT team. Local administrators can manage and configure the system according to your organisation’s needs and employees can then manage their calls easily and effectively, which helps maximise individual productivity.

City Communications provides everything from handsets to core network access so you don’t

need an IT department. Horizon is a highly reliable and scalable solution. We provide full support including training, number porting, provisioning and assistance from our expert team in Nottingham.

Why wait?

Unlike a traditional phone system, Horizon is hosted on your behalf. There are no expensive maintenance or running costs and you pay for what you use on a simple per-user basis, meaning you could actually save money by making the change.

01158 384 284 Citycommunications.co.uk

The benefits of

Horizon Price - just £16 including all calls to local, national and major mobile networks Hardware - Choose between global brands Polycom or Cisco Flexibility – Work from Home or in the office. Horizon also offers a mobile app.

Future Proof – All updates and new features are automatically downloaded into your handset.

Expansion – Easy to add new users without changing contract terms or large equipment expenses Multisite – Horizon can be used across different locations by using a simple extension.

NICHE | 111

DESIGN + PRINT

Roll up, roll up...

Soar Valley Press

ROLL UP

Roller banners to help you get noticed Roller banners are cost effective, easy to put up and great for exhibition stands, receptions or waymarking information points.

Contact our team for advice on how to make the most of your roller banner.

WILL

ROSIE

DAVE

ANNA

0116 259 9955 SOARVALLEYPRESS.CO.UK

UP TO 2M WIDE

CHRIS

KATIE

0116 259 9955 www.soarvalleypress.co.uk | inspire@soarvalleypress.co.uk 122| NICHE

Start by breaking down what it is you’re trying to say. This could be as simple as writing out a bullet point list, or several lists.

Keep it simple though.

Imagine that you’re talking to someone who knows nothing about your industry.

Don’t be tempted to use industry terminology (unless, of course, you’re talking to your trade press in which case it may be appropriate).

The purpose of this bullet point list is to help you clarify your thoughts and put in order what you are wanting to say.

Step 2

think it’s worth doing, do it properly.

You’ll be surprised how successful you are just by being one of the very, very few who follow up.

Step 5 If they are interested they will either interview you so you don’t need to write a thing or ask you to write up a short piece of, say, 450 words and supply a photo (so have a photo up your sleeve ready and not one you’ve taken on your iPhone – a proper photo shot by a professional. It’s part of your story and a picture does speak a thousand words after all!).

Step 6 Sit back and wait for it to be published.

Step 7

Keep the emotion out of it.

Repeat above steps... and enjoy!

How to ….

Implement Your PR Plan In the last issue of Niche magazine we showed you how to set write your strategically focussed PR Plan.

We hope it didn’t give you too much of a headache and that you enjoyed the process. What you should now have is either a six or twelve month plan from which you can work.

So now it’s all about implementing the plan and suddenly it can become a bit scary. If you were ever told as a child or young person that you weren’t creative you’re probably hearing those voices right now but don’t worry. Creativity means a million different things to a million different people and all we are after is a way of raising your profile and enhancing and protecting your reputation in a way that’s authentically you. Now if you are a fabulously brilliant creative working in a heavily creative environment – fabulous. If you are a patent attorney beavering away safeguarding innovations and inventions then you are as creative as the next person in our eyes. Put simply human beings are by our very nature creative… it’s just about releasing that creativity when, for far too many of us, that’s been hidden away for years and years and years.

You may be passionate about your new innovation, product or service but too much emotion can muddy the waters.

You need to give enough information and emotion to hook the member of the media you’re talking to without scaring them off.

Passion is a grand thing but it can be a scary thing too! Tread carefully!

Step 3 Ensure you’re talking to the right person.

Is it really their topic of interest? Is there someone more suited to what you’re looking to talk about? With information freely available on the internet you shouldn’t have too much bother finding the person you want to talk to and understanding what they cover but if in doubt give us a bell and we’ll help you out wherever we can from our media database.

Step 4 Don’t write a press release.

Yes, you heard us right. Before you go to the bother of writing a press release are they interested? Compose a short email giving the headline facts, figures, successes …whatever …. and email it in.

Then, follow it up!

Members of the media get, quite literally, hundreds if not thousands of emails and you need to follow up. Call them and don’t be put off by answer machines and the almost inevitable request for you to resend the information through. Go for it! If you

RDZ PR Ltd, 3 Barrow Road, Sileby, Leicestershire, LE12 7LW 01509 813 913 www.rdz-pr.co.uk

Business

Step 1

Sponsors and Ambassadors Night A rare warm June evening saw the sponsors and ambassadors of the Niche Business Awards 2016 gather for a night of cocktails, canapes and chatter.

Over 50 guests enjoyed the hospitality of fellow ambassador Hotel Maiyango. The event provided an opportunity for guest to learn about each other’s businesses and share the anticipation of the forthcoming awards ceremony.

Tuesday 12th July is the date for Niche Networking event where the category shortlisters for the awards will be announced, this is to be held at MNE Accounting and you can book to attend via EventBrite.co.uk.

And shortlisters will be invited to attend a special ‘Meet the Judges’ event held at Leicester Racecourse, headline sponsor, when they can demonstrate why they are a deserved winner in their category.

Meet the Nominees The nominations are in and talk of the awards ceremony is buzzing in the city.

Glynis Wright CATEGORY: Professional Services Business Woman of the Year

“Glynis offers a service that surpasses most. She is willing to go that extra step to ensure the best outcome for all. She is knowledeable, professional and genuinely cares about the families and individuals she is representing.”

Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors and Mediators are one of the most valued family law firms in the Midlands. The multi award winning Leicester based company has been built up to the success it has since 2011 when Glynis started the company on her own. Glynis now employs 10 staff, 4 of whom are family lawyers specialising only in family law matters such as divorce, financial settlements, disputes over children and cohabitation breakups.

Glyniswright.media 0116 238 5680

The firm also offers a specialist family mediation service for those who wish to resolve their disputes

through dialogue facilitated by a mediator.

It is Glynis’ view that one of the key reasons for the firm’s success is that it only takes on family law work which allows the firm to maintain a level of expertise second to none.

The firm has continued to grow and go from strength to strength winning multiple awards thus far including Highly Commended Lawyer of the Year in a national award, a joint win of Law Firm of the Year and Best Professional Services at our very own Niche Awards 2015.

Beauty Defined CATEGORY: Health

and Beauty

“I truly believe that the whole team deserve recognition for all their hard work!”

City style salon Beauty Defined is a Beauty Aesthetic Clinic based in Market Harborough.

Beauty-defined.co.uk

Donovan Goode Hair & Beauty CATEGORY: Health

and Beauty

Owner Natalie has provided a comfortable surrounding. The team at Beauty Defined have a highly regarded reputation. The relaxing location is nothing short of idyllic and the area is perfect for a leisurely lunch across the road and a treatment or two at Beauty Defined.

Attracting regular clients who visit time and time again (because a beauty clinic with a warm atmosphere is a rare find), and with plenty of new clients coming through the doors, it’s easy to see why they are award nominees.

The specialist Permanent Cosmetic Artist boasts many other up-to-date treatments you thought you could only receive in a city; it is a haven for people looking to be pampered.

Exquisite treatments are delivered by

The expert advice on skin care, the luxurious and indulgent specialist treatments, the chic surroundings and the welcoming atmosphere make Beauty Defined the gem in Leicestershire’s crown.

“Friendly, professional staff who take the time to understand what it is you are looking for.”

Finding a salon that you want to revisit time and time again is no easy thing, put simply, there are just so many small things that can make or break a salon visit.

Donovan Goode specialise in weddings and makeovers and have all the elements right that keep clientele coming back – friendly atmosphere, skilled staff and a relaxing yet vibrant setting. The salon has made quite an impact in the South Leicestershire area since opening its doors in 2015!

Donovangoode.co.uk hello@donovangoode.co.uk

Emma Brown Hair CATEGORY: Health

and Beauty

Emmabrownhair.co.uk

friendly and professional staff who use state of the art equipment and the very latest in botanical, scientific and mineral based products.

With all the ingredients that make your pampering enjoyable from start to finish, the team have adopted an in-depth consultation service, which

not only helps them determine what you need to feel like the very best version of yourself, but helps them get to know their clients too.

The friendly, highly skilled team have made quite an impact on their customers and their innovative cuts, colour and beauty services use the very latest techniques and products to achieve looks their clients love.

Never ones to stand still, the business is constantly evolving and with the introduction of workshops to help clients create their own makeup and hair styles at home, they further expanded their horizons. There is no slowing down for Donovan Goode!

“Amazing creativity. Great cut, color and service. Gorgeous space and always busy. They deserve every success!”

Emma Brown Hair and Beauty have quickly become one of the Midland’s most reputable salons. In just two years they have taken the industry by storm and won countless awards, expanded their salon and gained devoted clientele with high acclaim coming from professionals, celebrities, publications and Leicestershire’s public alike.

The salon is the UK’s leading Kevin Murphy retailer and session stylist to the brand and the skilled team are headed to Download Festival this year to style backstage. They are no stranger to A-list clients and yet every Emma Brown Hair and Beauty client, celebrity status or not, gets the same red carpet standard.

Their award shelf is filling up having been finalists at both the HJ British Hairdressing Business Awards and The Most Wanted Creative Head Magazine Awards in London. Locally they were voted the second best salon in Leicester by the readers of the Leicester Mercury in their online poll. Other local notable work includes working with action homeless styling hair for those that live at the city refuge and being session stylists for the hit show Hairspray at Curve.

More than your average salon, Emma Brown Hair and Beauty is making a real impact in the industry with innovation and passion driving them to their increasingly successful future.

CATEGORY: Eco

Business

“Eco Clean use 100 per cent natural plant based cleaning products used for cleaning all carpet types!”

Eco Clean use only all-natural products without the use of nasty chemicals or lots of water.

Going about their business, they deliver exactly what their customers desire with minimal disruption to their family life or business.

Their unique cleaning process leaves carpets ready for use immediately with no waiting around for drying or that damp smell that is often the result of standard wet carpet cleans.

Ecocleanfloorcare.co.uk 0116 355 2680

Wayne Lord Plumbing CATEGORY: Trade

Construction

&

Waynelordplumbing.co.uk

Ultimate Home Builders CATEGORY: Trade

Construction

&

The process is child and pet safe and has been tested and approved by the Woolsafe organisation and they are Woolsafe accredited.

Allowing family life and businesses to carry on as usual, nationwide clients such as Aurum holdings, Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, and Watches of Switzerland who all stock high end jewellery and watches, trade without interruption when Eco Clean come to the rescue.

“Helpful, reliable and friendly. Professional staff who were knowledgeable and carried out the job to the highest quality.”

Wayne Lord Plumbing and Heating is a name synonymous with competitive pricing and reliable services and round these parts they are a household name. With over 20 years of experience and a spotless reputation in the industry, as well as a commitment to providing a safe, professional and fast service, they are strong contenders in this category.

The hard working team are all fully qualified and are gas safe registered, have a seven year guarantee for Valliant & Worcester boilers and provide Landlord Safety Certificates for their customers assurance and satisfaction.

A call to Wayne Lord means you’ll receive competitive prices, honest advice and free quotes and emergency call out services should you happen to need it. The team are approachable, friendly and professional when they come into your home or business, providing a service with excellent communication, reliability and skill. This is why customers recommend them to friends and businesses.

Plumbing, heating and boiler installation and repair services are all part of the Wayne Lord package for the home, where no job is too big or too small.

“Chrissy & Adi’s team are amazing, putting back into the community and creating fabulous buildings and refurbs!”

What does it take to create properties that look the part? An eye for design? A commitment to creating something beautiful? A desire to create a dream space?

Ultimate Home Builders believe it takes all of these things and more.

They have the eye, commitment and desire to create brilliant buildings in Leicestershire and beyond that are a dream both for residential and commercial builds. Exceeding expectations is their mission!

Ultimatehomebuilders.co.uk 07903 851 104

There is zero risk of shrinkage or colour run so customers have peace of mind knowing their carpets are having the best cleaning process available to them without worrying about damage. The gentle cleaning process improves air quality by eliminating spores and allergens deep within the carpet pile.

Born from a passion for all things property, the team at Ultimate Home Builders are designing and creating stunning builds right here

in the Midlands. Having already made quite an impact in a variety of spaces within the area, they look set to continue their success as more of us become familiar with their work and impressed with their creations.

The work force are experts in their field and bring to each project, no matter the size, their skills, professionalism and eye for detail making each design stunning.

The future looks good as they grow with a variety of projects and investment opportunities in the pipeline and client feedback proving they are one of the stand-out property developers in the Midlands.

Business

Eco Clean

Liz Robson CATEGORY: Business

of the Year

Woman

“Liz has set up a successful vineyard, from ground to grape to supplier. She has been successful in winning regional, national and international awards and is a bit of a one woman dynamo!”

Liz Robson, owner and producer of Rothley Wines is no stranger to awards having already experienced medal success in the UK Vineyard Association’s awards 2015 achieving silver for her dry white named Kind Richard, and bronze for her sparking pink wine Spirit of Freedom.

A midwife by profession, Liz started Rothley Wine as a hobby over seven years ago and now enjoys the success of her vineyard through a lot of hard work and determination.

Her small, but well-stocked collection of 1,200 vines is located within the grounds of the former

Rothleywine.com 0116 237 5168

V:GD CATEGORY: Best

New Business Eco Business Young Entrepreneur

Colette Wyatt CATEGORY: Above

& Beyond

V:GD is an inspiring new business born from one woman’s pursuit of a refined sugar free, healthier lifestyle.

Tasneem Dakri started the delicious Vegan and Gluten Free dessert business after becoming diagnosed with Coeliac disease and adopting a vegan plant based diet.

You can find the five wines at a number of local retailers, wine bars and at Ragdale Hall.

looking for. Consumers, including non-vegan and no particular dietary requirements are noting how they taste just as good if not better than their sugary, cream laden alternatives.

With an appetite to make her desserts accessible to more of the population, her range continues to grow and are available to pre-order and found in carefully selected cafés across the Midlands.

A company whose foundations are built on kindness, V:GD is animal friendly, uses biodegradable packaging, and is friendly to your body too!

“Colette really has gone above and beyond her role to help me further establish Evolve as a business. Colette is a great asset to me and the Evolve Team and is really committed to the business.”

Colette Wyatt joined the award winning UK based company Evolve in October 2015 and has proved invaluable to Company Director Leanne Bonner-Cooke.

To highlight her confidence in Colette, when Leanne was ill earlier this year, she took over the Evolve reins in her absence – something she hadn’t felt able to do in the nine years before Colette joined.

Evolve-consultants.co.uk 0116 298 7460

All but one of the wines are made here in Rothley and with Liz now retired as Principal Lecturer in Midwifery at De Montfort University, she is able to dedicate all her efforts into the increasingly successful winery. Attracting a great deal of interest across the region and rest of the UK, this success story is definitely one to watch!

“I am inspired by her quest to heal and nourish herself and share her discovery and passion so we can choose a wholesome dessert comprised of unrefined ingredients that are beneficial to the body.”

She created alternative dessert options, which not only tasted amazing but are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and free from gluten, wheat, dairy, soya and refined sugars.

The best part is that these desserts do not taste or look like a healthier choice making them the healthier yet indulgent treats we have all been

V-gd.co.uk tasneem@v-gd.co.uk

Manor of Rothley, and will grow to about 1,500 vines once the crop reaches maturity.

Evolve are a growing company who offer something different to the client. More than an IT firm, they offer unrivalled bespoke IT solutions and consultancy services to find

ways in which clients can improve their technology strategies in order to reach their full potential. This kind of business needs the right kind of people on board, especially as it has built up such a strong reputation since it started.

With the business growing year on year at 20-25 per cent, Leanne needs people who share her passion, who will bring their skills and determination for success to the business, and give her confidence in her team to continue to adhere to the values and vision that Leanne has had from the start Colette does exactly that!

CATEGORY:

Young Entrepreneur

“Lea is a very professional businessman with creativity running through his veins! A young man to watch out for!”

Harnessing his keen eye for photography, video and music in one creative hub, Lea Edwards’ Digital Magic is a one stop shop for photography, video, printing, and music services.

Specialising in commercial and family photography, Lea has shot for weddings and events far and wide across the UK and his work is often featured in our very own Niche Magazine working with celebrities and products from major brands. His eye for the little details in a moment result in images and projects, which make for unique and exciting results and has clients coming back for more.

Digitalmagic.uk 0116 201 9772

Leicestershire Garden Design CATEGORY: Eco

Business Trade & Construction

S E Newman Decorating CATEGORY: Above

& Beyond

Senewmandecorating.co.uk 0116 367 8492

The creativity of Lea and all who work at Digital Magic is really something else and their signature style is making waves across the county and beyond, whether in the visual or audio arena, they bring their creativity and passion to any project no matter how big or small.

“If all companies operated like LGD we wouldn’t need programmes like Watchdog! They are a joy to be around and by far the best trades people I have ever come across.”

Leicester Garden Design Company is one of the UK’s leading outdoor design space specialists.

They have won a host of awards, delighted thousands of happy garden owners and have even made a few appearances on the BBC. Brothers Barry and Jeff Randall have built the business from the roots up to become a household name in the UK. The close-knit skilled team provide a client focused service but always with honest and real advice.

Leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk 0116 214 7077

As well as a passion for the visual, Lea also works with audio and offers mixing and mastering services along with live entertainment for any type of function or event. The team’s sound engineer is fully qualified and experienced working closely with record labels such as Baby Camp Records producing, mixing and mastering for many years.

The goal with each and every job is to create an outside space that

clients love but that is also right for their home too; resulting in dream gardens for owner’s right across the UK. Each team member takes great pride in their work with Barry and Jeff leading by example when it comes to being dedicated and passionate about their roles.

The business is dedicated to providing spaces with an ecoapproach in mind, and staff feedback shows that Leicester Garden Design are not only excellent at what they do, but are brilliant to work for too.

“Fantastic planning and execution of decorating services, attention to detail, professionalism and commitment - second to none!”

S.E.Newman Decorating have earned themselves one of the most highly regarded reputations in the Midlands over 11 years and owner Samuel Newman has been decorating homes and commercial properties since the age of 16. Ever since he picked up his first brush, he has known the trade was for him.

In demand since his very first job, Sam is professional and highly skilled, with his team providing decorating services for both residential and commercial contracts.

Their approachable and amiable manner, efficiency and their absolute perfectionist attitude is recognised by all customers, each and every

time, as is their friendly manner and build-up of trust with the customers, which is so very important when inviting tradesman into your home.

Selected to join the Dulux Select and government endorsed Trustmark Scheme’s, they are fully tested and accredited to perform work to Dulux standards and are right up there with a 100 per cent quality seal of approval on every customer feedback.

Sam has big plans for the future and will start a sister company focusing on commercial and industrial work offering apprenticeships to give back the opportunities he had. Sam is set to move from strength to strength.

Business

Lea Edwards

Withers Sports CATEGORY: Sports

“Staff are always very helpful, a great range of products. One of the few specialist sport shops left, I do not shop anywhere else for my kit!”

As one of the largest racket retailers in the UK, the team know a thing or two about getting the best racket for your buck. The in-store hitting wall is a definite advantage over online purchases or chain sports stores, but more than that, Withers provide the kind of customer service that in retail is very hard to find.

Staff are continuously in training when it comes to knowing the latest rackets and accessories, and having played sport at high levels themselves, they provide real advice and real conversation in helping you find the right

Withersonline.com

Rutland County Golf Club CATEGORY: Sports

Rutlandcountygolfclub.co.uk 01780 460 330

JRB Events CATEGORY: Best

New Business

It’s not all about getting a sale in; rackets need maintenance and Withers pledge to support your purchase long after you leave the store with re-stringing or regripping advice and services.

A truly specialist service provided by people who really know their stuff, Withers Sports are the kind of retailers that so many of us lament don’t exist anymore!

“I love playing golf and being a member at this golf course. It’s a second family to me and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Rutland County Golf Club may be located in England’s smallest county but there is certainly nothing small about its impact and value for its members.

The inland links-style 18-hole Course is highly regarded by all who play there and the Club is very proud of its reputation as being a friendly, warm and welcoming club to both existing and new members alike.

A social place for keen golfers or dabbling newbies, the Club welcomes all levels of skill set to give golf a go and provides a great deal in the way of accessing golf for all ages and abilities. In addition to a Par 3 Course and floodlit Driving

Range the Club also provides a full range of practice and world class training facilities.

The Academy nurtures growing talent and the club is highly committed to introducing the sport to young people and those who haven’t even been near a golf ball before. This commitment is balanced perfectly with providing the right environment for Club Members and Pros.

The sociability of the club is often remarked highly upon by Club Members and the Clubhouse Bar and Restaurant provides an excellent social area pre and postgame!

“What a great new business for Leicester! With their event management experience and commitment to quality of service they are an exciting company for the region.”

JRB Events; Leicester’s mobile bars and beverages was born out of love for creative hospitality. With a great deal of event experience behind them having spent a decade as wedding planners and running restaurants and cocktail bars there is nothing stopping them.

Jrbeventsleicester.co.uk 07341 892 313

equipment for your needs. From correct grip sizes to properly fitted shoes, Withers like to get it exactly right by meeting you and ensuring you give the best performance.

The idea for the business came from the event planners after spotting a gap in the market for a customer focused mobile bar with a luxury feel where smart, friendly and professional bar staff provided excellent cocktails, wines and spirits at great prices.

With an ethos to provide value for money, to listen to their clients and deliver great events, the foundations of this new venture are strong. Providing high quality drinks, whether for a hen night cocktail party for 20 or a corporate event for 1000, JRB give a bespoke service based on your ideas and budget, all of which will be achieved and delivered by highly trained staff.

With their efficiency, any event will be memorable. The future looks good for this new venture with clients already lined up to express their praise on their services.

CATEGORY: Young

Entrepreneur

“I’ve known Chris for six years and I’ve never met anyone who works as hard as he does. He is light minded, business focused and always looking to add value.”

Chris’ journey started just as he turned 18. His property journey started in 2012 when he realised his family were doing very well in property. He began educating himself in how to be successful in the field.

Cppropertiesinvestments.co.uk 0116 332 5415

The Finance Lab CATEGORY: Professional

Services

The first few years were slow and challenging being young and out of his comfort zone, but despite having many challenges along the way with little money, he continued to build the business. He now has an investment and management property business that has grown at a great pace this year from managing only 12 units to now over

50! He has also helped many people get in to property and make a great return on their cash.

CP Properties is constantly looking to the future and staying one step ahead of the competition, offering a completely unique service and driving the business forward to achieve excellence.

Property investing is a life changer for anyone if you get the right property investment. Using his experience and drive, Chris helps investors find the right property opportunity to suit their needs.

“Family run business with a friendly, caring approach to finding out exactly what you want and advising accordingly.”

The Finance Lab is a family orientated financial planning consultancy. We provide the structure for our clients’ so that they may use their wealth to enjoy their long-term lifestyle aspirations without the fear of ever running out of money.

We help our clients answer the following questions: ◆ What is it that I really want to do with the rest of my life? ◆ Can I retire with confidence? Can it be early?

◆ How much of a legacy can I leave my children & grandchildren? ◆ How much is enough?

The only way to provide answers to these questions is by placing the client at the centre of the process and NOT their money. To understand the lifestyle aspirations of each individual and then planning for it. To promise that as a firm we will do everything to help them meet those aims.

Using your wealth to give you the life you want. Now that’s financial planning.

Finance-lab.co.uk 0116 319 5877

◆ How much do I need to sell my business for?

Soft Touch Arts

“Soft Touch has been creating opportunities for the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Leicestershire for 30 years.”

CATEGORY: Shaping

Tomorrows Leaders

Soft Touch Arts is a prolific charity.

Through arts, media, music and cooking activities they engage around 1000 young people each year with very challenging lives many of whom are not in education, employment or training.

They play a key role in developing young creatives by providing them with work experience placements from leading establishments such as De Montfort University and Leicester University, as well as helping them develop freelance work skills that will build their portfolios and experience.

Soft-touch.org.uk 0116 255 2592

They are highly successful in moving young people from being participants

in creative projects to taking up creative employment opportunities, both within Soft Touch and the wider creative industries whilst supporting them to develop their own enterprise skills and creative careers. They also pair young people with a mentor and in just nine months they have moved three young people into employment.

The sMASHing sustainable food programme with its pop-up cafe provides a starting block for those looking to go into catering Constantly paving the way for youngsters who have so much talent and ability that can be unlocked with encouragement and positivity, their work is of immeasurable benefit.

Business

C P Properties

Sport

Competing in a

one-horse race As the number of horse racing fans continues to grow, Leicester Racecourse has developed a niche technique of drawing attention to your business

128 | NICHE

Sport

“We like to think we offer something a little different” Across Britain’s 59 racecourses, attendance grew 5.3 per cent in 2015 according to The Racecourse Association. For the first time since 2011 race goers surpassed the six million mark, that’s 309,463 attendees more than in 2014.

Leicester Racecourse has witnessed this rise in attendance for themselves with stats from Ladies Day alone bringing in a crowd of 10,000. That’s an attendance growth of 20 per cent making them the best performing racecourse in their regional category.

After last year’s Ladies Day shenanigans showing off what the racecourse has to offer and the truly remarkable venue that it is, conference and event sales are up by 85 per cent as companies are looking to appear superior to the competitors.

Set in over 200 acres of spectacular beauty, the racecourse immediately sets itself aside from other venues with its appealing location.

Businesses hold meetings and conferences at the racecourse to treat their employees and clients to business lunches in an unusual environment.

Business professionals choose from seven exquisite quarters to host their events or meetings. General Manager Rob Bracken said: “We are able to hold a whole host of meetings, conferences, exhibitions and product launches all year round and we like to think we offer something a little different.

“One of our great selling points is The Kube. With over 700 square metres of space, it really gives you the opportunity to express your creativity, making it ideal for a whole range of events.”

For the more formal or intimate meeting, the other six suites can provide spectacular views of the racecourse, their own bar, retractable partitions, electronic blackout blinds, presentation flip charts, delegate stationary, projectors and screens, and integrated PA systems. Meeting at the racecourse also means you’ll have friendly expert staff on hand to keep the energy flowing.

Rob noted: “Within each of these rooms, we have a great range of different conference and meeting equipment to assist you with your event. Of course, there is free Wi-Fi available throughout. Our team are always on hand to assist with any specialist equipment, as we want to make each experience tailored in line with the individual’s requirements.”

As well as an interesting meeting in a superb venue with an eccentric twist, your conference guests will be also be treated to a unique fine dining experience. The racecourse caters for breakfast conferences, all-day events, product launches and dinner dances.

Rob likes to keep the racecourses roots firmly planted in Leicester. He said: “We are determined to promote the local economy and support small businesses, which is key to our engagement work.”

Leicester Racecourse sources everything from afternoon teas to champagne three course meals.

Catering Manager Andy Mullen has catered for high end fine dining clients to conferences of over 2000 delegates. With a great passion for horse racing and time spent as General Manager at Worcester Racecourse, your conference or event is in good hands.

Horse racing as a pastime is favoured by a hugely varied demographic, making it an ideal activity for business owners to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

0116 271 6515 Leicester-racecourse.co.uk Facebook: Leicester Racecourse Twitter: @LeicesterRaces

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NICHE | 123

The largest selection ExpertRackets Advice l In storein Practise Wall to try Rackets out in store of the UK Expert Advice

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EMAIL: sales@withersonline.com 6 Carts Lane, Leicester LE1 5FL Just off of the High Street, two doors away from Pilot Menswear

Leicester sports round-up We are entering unchartered territory when it comes to sport here in Leicester I hope you know what you’re going to do because I haven’t got a clue.

Whether Leicester City decide to have enormous letters on the side of the stadium welcoming the opposition to the home of the champions, or not, we’re not used to having the title and everything that comes with it so breath it in.

Whilst it may not have sunk in just yet, it’s still the talk of the town.

Jamie Vardy has committed his future at The King Power Stadium, Claudio has started with some excellent business and those badges on the sleeves of the shirt look beautiful.

So this unchartered territory; tell me you haven’t been away, or know somebody who has, and the conversation ensues “so where are you from?” “Leicester” “wow, what a season it’s been for you” - somebody at work said to me the other day that 124 | NICHE

their Dad, 70 years old, had been bitten by the big and wanted Jamie Vardy to stay having disliked the game before last season.

Home shirts have never been so popular and I don’t recall unofficial t-shirts and scarves being sold by gentlemen with a cockney accent on the streets leading up to the ground.

Going away and wearing the blue is a real sense of pride and generates conversation and evokes memories, harness them and remember them.

This term may not be the same, if the downs do come and anybody has the audacity to try and bring you down a peg or two, fine, “oh you’re no good now are you? Not playing like champions this season” - that matters not in my view.

The lesson Claudio’s charges gave Man City, Vardy embarrassing Simon Mignolet and the continued demolition of all comers during those

Ian Stringer final few games should be thrown back in their faces. They can never take the etching away on that trophy and the fact our club wrote the most incredible sport story ever.

So whilst we don’t really know what to expect this season, enjoy the waters we find themselves in and the discoveries along the way, particularly in Europe.

Scream em on for me, I’m not allowed, well......

Sport

A golfing gem in the heart of Leicester encourages all ages and abilities to get hooked on golf and is set to hold the prestigious Leicestershire & Rutland Golf Union (L&RGU) Amateur Championship this year Spectators are welcome to watch the local area’s finest players at The Leicestershire Golf Club, ideally located close to the city centre, for the Amateur Championship on Sunday 10th July.

The Leicestershire Golf Club, whose clubhouse was designed by local firm Pick Everard in the 1960s, brought golfing to the city of Leicester. Renowned golf course architect James Braid transformed The Leicestershire in 1910 and the course is regularly remarked upon for being the finest quality course that its members and visitors have played in the area.

The beautifully designed tree-lined course with fast and true greens and excellent fairways is cared for by experienced green keeping staff. The mature parkland course has magnificent greens to sustain the true spirit of golf even in winter months.

The professionals at the club deliver coaching to players of all abilities and encourage children to join their fun junior section, which includes coaching by Head Professional Tim Stevens.

Juniors receive full access to the course and are provided with the support to further their abilities with coaching every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Jevann Parmar 19, became a member at just nine years old and, aided by Tim’s lessons, has gone on to win the L&RGU Spring Tournament this April; one of the toughest local golf competitions for amateurs, played over two days and 72 holes on two different courses.

The Leicestershire Golf Club offers all its members a great number of benefits, from the health and social aspects of the game to perks of reduced green fees at

hundreds of James Braid designed golf courses across the world, as well as advantageous reciprocal arrangements that the club has with other major sporting clubs around Leicester.

The club’s membership is extremely diverse and includes thriving Ladies and Senior Sections. A recently introduced ‘New to Golf’ package has seen club memberships flourish with new players.

The unique and architecturally significant circular clubhouse commands superb views over the course and offers excellent facilities for entertaining, dining and relaxing. Societies and enquires for membership are welcomed.

0116 273 8825 Theleicestershiregolfclub.co.uk NICHE | 125

Those in Sport have their say

England beats the Wallabies

A lesson in hitting longer drives

The Olympics arrive in Rio

An extraordinary thing happened at this year’s Rugby Union Spring Tour. It was thanks to head coach Eddie Jones who has, in a number of ways, transformed the gameplay of the England team which showed in a confident 3-0 routing of a strong Wallabies squad.

Are your playing partners out driving you? Are you maximising your driving potential?

It has been a long four years since we all celebrated the Olympic Games in London 2012.

This time the location is far away Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and the build up has been very different.

Eddie has stabilised the team leading them to a historic whitewash of Australia; a first whitewash since 1971. His management and leadership has instigated a new outlook for England.

Hit the ball on the wrong trajectory with too much or too little backspin and you’ll be missing out on vital yards from the tee. Aim to achieve a launch angle of between 12 – 15 degrees and 2000rpm – 2500rpm of backspin on your drives.

Following a disappointing World Cup, the team has appeared more resilient and confident. This is the effect that a coach who truly believes in his players has.

In the media, Eddie has used clever tactics in order to keep the focus on himself; distracting the rest of the world and protecting his players. He has always stood by each and every one of them, offering the team as well as the public, an unwavering faith and belief in their abilities.

Like the England team, someone who is making the most out of their abilities is Matt Hampson.

The Matt Hampson Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre is due to be open soon. They are calling on local businesses to help out with the final works of the centre from plasters to decorators. Any help offered will make a huge difference to the lives of those who have been affected by serious sporting injuries.

Louis Deacon Matthampsonfoundation.org

126 | NICHE

If your playing partners regularly out drive you, they’re probably making the most of their power by achieving the correct launch angle and backspin.

Backspin is normally associated with wedge shots but it’s also crucial for long driving. The most common combination I see whilst coaching is low launch with high spin caused by poor ball position.

This results in a low flight, lack of carry and very little roll, all contributing to lost distance.

Changing this doesn’t mean endless days on the driving range hitting thousands of balls, a few simple changes will have your playing partners trailing in your wake.

This time there has been no Olympic Torch relay for us all to get involved with locally. Instead there have been scare stories about the Zika virus and a host of drug-related bans, particularly affecting both Russia and Kenya, which has hardly been ideal.

However, once the action starts all of that will be quickly forgotten as we become absorbed in the action from the beautiful Copacobana Beach and beyond. Will Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah be the darlings of the British team once more or will some exciting new names emerge during the three weeks of action?

Adam Peaty looks set to become Britain’s new hero of the swimming pool; Laura Trott could rule the roost at the velodrome; the equestrian and hockey teams will again have us on the edge of our seats, as will the track relay quartets; and someone we have all never heard of will grab the back page headlines at some stage.

Increase launch angle and decrease spin by teeing your ball up higher, have half the ball above the top of your driver and tee up in line with your left heel to encourage an upward strike and a higher launch with less spin.

And, of course, there is always some fellow named Bolt for us all to keep an eye on!

Fine tune your driving by visiting Head Professional Tim Stevens

Yes, I freely admit it: I, for one, can’t wait.

Dave Smith

0116 249 8792

Nichemagazine.co.uk

Sport: Leicester Riders

The Leicester Riders have re-signed Drew Sullivan in their second signing of the summer on a new two-year deal with the club.

Sullivan, who completed his fourth season with the club this season, was named as the BBL Trophy Final MVP as well as being in the running for MVP of the league season.

Sullivan averaged 14.8 points per game, over 7 rebounds per game and almost 4 assists helping the Riders to their second best season in the club’s history.

Head Coach Rob Paternostro was pleased to know Sullivan will remain in the black and red.

“I thought he was one as good as any player in the league on both ends of the floor this season. I think his versatility and ability to impact the game in many ways is unique and is what separates him from a lot of players.

“He is able to lead the game and find the best way to impact it on a nightly basis. His ability gives a coach great luxury no matter what line up he has around him.

We know that Drew is as competitive as anyone and has a passion for winning. He is someone that is excited about the future of the club moving forwards both on and off the court.

“Drew is a player that I have great familiarity with after working with him for four seasons, you are always happy when you look out on to the floor and the number eight is wearing your colours.”

Sullivan is the second Riders player to re- sign on a multi-year deal for the upcoming season following the announcement of Tyler Bernardini continuing with the club next season.

RIDERS TICKET OFFICE www.leicesterriders.co.uk +44(0)116 255 8635 NICHE | 127

Those in Sport have their say

Sports personality of the twentieth century

Taking on the Tallawahs

England exits the Euros

I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Muhammad Ali recently. He was a big influence on me because his style of boxing genuinely broke the mould boxing, his attitude to life in general, and his strong civil rights beliefs. What an influential man of our times he was – definitely the sports personality of the twentieth century.

It was heart-warming to see 17,000 people in attendance at the Fischer Cricket Ground recently even though there was not a cricket ball in sight. I was lucky enough to meet Elton John before his recent sell-out show where he was merciless to our Australian lads on the evening after England had just turned them over on the rugby pitch.

England’s shock exit of the Euros competition at the last-16 stage to underdogs Iceland in June saw our very own Jamie Vardy join for thirty minutes in an attempt to salvage the game. Vardy, who has had an impressive season firing Leicester to league glory who have been disappointed to have not started the match.

Ali was a major influence on the young and working with children is also something that is really important to me. I am currently training with 35 young people and if just half a dozen of those are inspired to go on and do good things in their life that will make me happy. Ali also used his fame to draw attention to a number of important causes and I like to think that, in my own way, I can use my own recognisability to dome something of the same.

I am heading out to the West Indies in June to spend seven weeks coaching the Jamaican Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (for more info visit www.cplt20.com) where I will be working with the likes of Chris Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara, Dale Steyn and Andre Russell.

It is also important to me to keep moving forward. My plans post-retirement were to train as a Personal Trainer, which turned out to be costly but has given me the chance to show young people that opportunities are there for the taking.

My father taught me that hard work is what leads to success and this, combined with drive to succeed, and is what I try to teach children. That includes my own son, who will need to work hard to attain a college place or he just might find himself living in the shed at the bottom of the garden!

Rendall Munroe Nationalwhitecollarboxing.co.uk 128 | NICHE

We regularly get a 20,000 sellout crowd for games and the first time I coached there, in 2013, we actually won the competition!

The end result was a shock to us all and with it, Manager Roy Hodgson quit immediately after the game. The debate has now begun as to who should become the next manager and whether they should be home-grown.

One thing is for certain, with the talented youngsters such as Alli, Dier and Kane coming through the ranks, the next manager has to take advantage and return England to top status on the international stage.

As a player you only need to focus on what you have to do.

As a coach you have to know everyone’s role and get them to all work together to gel into an effective unit.

Paul Nixon

Meanwhile back in Leicester, Juventus could be contending to sign our midfielder N’Golo Kante. Kante played a huge role in Leicester’s astonishing Premier League triumph and his form has earned him a starring role holding the midfield in France’s starting eleven. His impressive displays in the 2016 Euro championship have made him extremely indemand across Europe. Leicester have already successfully held on to Vardy after Arsenal made a bid for him earlier this month, suggesting that any attempts from Juventus to gain Kante will be snubbed. However Spanish giants, Real Madrid are also reportedly interested.

Matt Elliot

Zingperformance.com/zfns

Mattelliottblog.co.uk

Coaching is very different from playing. However, being in business has helped with a lot of transferable skills. It is all about working together and getting people to appreciate each other and understand what everyone’s role is. You have to find something that is a common bond and I will have ten solid days to do that before the action starts.

Sport

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Motoring

LET THE MOBILE GARAGE COME TO YOU Servicing I Clutch & Flywheel Replacement I Brakes I Diagnostics I Head Gasket Repair I Towbars Vehicle Electrics I MOT Repairs I Gearbox Replacement Suspension I Remapping info@themobilegaragepeople.co.uk 130 | NICHE

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Official fuel consumption figures for Abarth range mpg (l/100km): Combined 45.6 (6.2) – 48.7 (5.8), Urban 34.4 (8.2) – 37.2 (7.6), Extra urban 55.4 (5.1) – 60.1 (4.7), CO2 Emissions: 145 – 134 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Abarth UK is a trading style of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK Ltd. The New Abarth 595 Competizione range starts from £19,890 OTR. Model shown is an Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4 T-Jet 180 hp at £22,110 OTR with Cordolo Red Tri-Coat Metallic Paint at £660, 17" Formula – Matt Black Finish Alloy Wheels at £190, Black Stripe and Door Mirrors at £170 & Abarth Corsa Front Seats by Sabelt in Leather/Alcantara at £1200.

Those in motoring have their say

Keep clutching on

Tesla Model S 90 D

There is nothing worse than having your clutch fail so we have put together some tips to prolong your clutch life

King pin of the electric market.

The only vehicle readily available that can do 300+ miles on pure electric and it is mightily impressive.

The visual presence is fantastic, futuristic, but without looking like it has been designed by a child, like most electric vehicles do. The drive and specification are fantastic.

But you have to get used to the tyre roar, which would normally be hidden by the engine noise.

For so many of us our vehicle is our pride and joy, not just a mode of getting from A to B. Your vehicle is often something you have worked hard to purchase and you want to make sure it looks its best.

Exterior: Great presence and styling. The car still has a silhouette of a front grille as the car market still believe it needs one. The next Models to be released have got rid of the Grille and are trying to push the new look of what the future holds with alternative fuels.

Paint Wagon will fix any minor or major scratches and scrapes your vehicle may be in need of or even a full re-spray should you need it. Valeting, bumper repair, alloy wheel repair and paint correction are just some of the specialist services that this team offer.

Interior: When upgraded to ‘Next generation’ seats, it is luxurious inside. The centre console is a giant tablet screen which is touch screen, and it looks brilliant.

With over 40 years’ experience, this family run business have nothing but glowing reviews from their customers with many expressing how impressed they are at how fast, efficient and what exceptional value for money they are.

Know your Biting Point When you first learnt to drive, one of the hardest things was finding the ‘bite point’ of the car. Once you find this, it is important to release the clutch pedal to prevent unnecessary wear.

Look for a smooth gear change, too slow means you ride the clutch too fast creates a clunky gear change.

Coasting – some people will ‘coast’ along to either come to a slow stop or to save fuel. If you do this then make sure you depress the clutch fully, to disconnect the engine from the rest of the drive train.

Hill Starts – we are all guilty of sitting at traffic lights or a junction that is sloping holding the clutch on its bite. Not doing so will increase the life of your clutch. Instead use your handbrake, engaging the clutch and gear when you are ready to move off.

Think ahead - sometimes just looking ahead and thinking more about what you are doing can help.

It is not necessary to change gear if you have eased off the accelerator at the right point. Think more and save money!

Engine/Power: Full electric Ride and Handling: Drives very well. The 4 wheel drive system holds the road incredibly well and enables you to put the power down when required. Even so, should you choose to go for the 2 wheel drive you will still have a brilliant drive as the car is geared up to do so.

Restore, revive, renew with Paint Wagon Paint Wagon are the crew to turn to when your car paintwork is in need of some TLC.

If you think your clutch may be slipping or failing then get in touch with us today. We have a great reputation as a reliable, knowledgeable and helpful garage.

We can offer advice or book you in at a time to suit you.

Dean Riley

The Competition: BMW 6 series, Mercedes E & S Class and Audi A7 Closing Thoughts: Fantastic car.

Has to be contract hire, as the risk isn’t known of whether these will be desirable in 3,4 or 5 years time.

Harry Hill

Complete with a three year paint finish guarantee, Paint Wagon use high quality materials including Meyer paints, 3M polishing and Diamondbrite, one of the most enduring paint protectors on the current market.

Priding themselves on their quick turnaround at getting to you for an efficient same day collection and delivery service, the meticulous Paint Wagon crew will get your car back looking like new in no time, come rain or shine.

Colin Tidman

0800 859 5283

0116 251 1122 Totalmotion.co.uk

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Leicester’s Total Motion is one of the East Midlands’ fastest growing businesses Leicester family-run business Total Motion, the largest privately owned leasing and fleet management provider in the UK, has registered an average 26.9% growth in profits each year since 2013 which has earnt the company its first-ever ranking on a region-wide report in the East Midlands.

Total Motion is featured for the first time on the 2016 East Midlands Top 200 Report produced by the Leicester-based East Midlands regional office of business and financial advisers Grant Thornton, in partnership with the CBI.

Leicester’s prestigious Meridian Business Park last year, where it employs over 50 staff with a further 60 across the UK. As well as its Leicester HQ, the company has offices in Belfast and Spain, with more than 600 clients in Europe and Australia.

The FN50 (Fleet News Top 50) listed vehicle management company is a specialist provider of complete,

bespoke solutions to a range of clients from SME’s to multi-million pound turnover businesses that operate fleets for up to 60,000 vehicles. Directly responsible for over 12,000 drivers in 14 countries on behalf of over 200 clients, Total Motion’s Fleet Management Consultancy Service supports clients with a combined fleet size in excess of 460,000 vehicles a cross the world.

The Report highlights the 200 fastest growing companies run and managed from the East Midlands on the basis of profit growth, and Total Motion’s average 26.9% average growth each year for the last three years has earned it its first placing on the Report this year in the top 100 in the region, with 97th position.

Founded in 1999, Total Motion Vehicle Management moved to NICHE | 133

Out & About

Summer Drinking Summer is finally here and one thing we can’t wait for is all of those after work beer garden drinks, lazy Saturday gin & tonics al fresco and Sunday afternoon pub BBQs. But where are the best places to go? If you’re in the city centre there are a number of top notch outside drinking spots and here are just a few of our favourites:

Bruxelles, High Street, Leicester One of Leicester’s best hidden gems is the Hendrick’s Gin Garden at Bruxelles. It’s the perfect spot to hire for a private party, or to spend a sunny evening with a cocktail and friends. With quirky décor and an unrivalled selection of Belgian beers available this is a summer must visit.

Rutland & Derby, Millstone Lane, Leicester

Who doesn’t love a roof terrace? The Rutland & Derby on Millstone Lane is one of the city’s very best bars with a tasty menu to match. Their outside area has become a very popular spot but if you can get a table we guarantee you’ll be there all day. Up the spiral staircase is a wonderful roof terrace looking over their patio below where you can enjoy a range of wines and beers, or why not try their fantastic DYI Pimms kit, the ultimate after work treat!

The Attic, High Street, Leicester

Situated upstairs at The Cookie is a wonderful cocktail venue, The Attic.

With fresh produce from Leicester Market and a fabulously creative menu to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Attic has a small but perfect terrace underneath the spotlight of Leicester Cathedral and there’s no better spot to enjoy a Bloom Gin & Tonic with fresh strawberries this summer.

The White Bear Coventry Road, Hinckley

Recently renovated in the unmistakeable Steamin’ Billy style, this is our newest summer haunt.

While away a balmy evening with friends in the large beer garden.

You must try the burgers!

Splashing Summer Fun Whilst we’ve got you, don’t miss out on one of this summer’s hottest attractions as the UK’s largest inflatable Aquaglide Aqua Park opens at Rutland Water on 9 July for just 8 weeks. Yes, Aqua Park Rutland will be the most splashing fun you’ll have this summer. This super-soaking immersive experience has huge potential for epic fails and total wipeouts and will offer one of the most entertaining ways to enjoy the Great British outdoors this summertime, whatever the weather!

Pre booking is strongly advised, go to www.aquaparkrutland.co.uk.

Coolasleicester.co.uk Twitter @coolasleicester.

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1 – 4 September 2016

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials The Box Office for one of Britain’s most prestigious sporting events: Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2016 is now open and for those looking to get maximum value for money, there has never been a better time to book.

There are significant discounts on a range of tickets including memberships, caravan memberships and coach passes if purchased in advance and for the second year, flexi admission tickets are available for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday, interchangeable at no additional cost.

Last year’s competition was the forerunner to the 2015 Eventing European Championships and saw a strong international field including Michael Jung riding La Biosthetique-Sam FBW, who became the first German rider to win this prestigious 4* competition.

The 2016 competition looks set to be as action packed as ever, with approximately 80 elite horse and rider combinations drawn from across the globe taking part in what is recognised as eventing’s toughest challenge. ‘Hot on the 136 | NICHE

heels’ of the Rio Olympics it’s anticipated that visitors will have the chance to welcome home Team GB riders and witness Olympic medal winning combinations in action.

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials starts with two days of dressage in the main arena (Thursday and Friday). Saturday is cross country day, when competitors test their nerve around Burghley’s famously demanding course, designed

by Captain Mark Phillips. The competition comes to a climax with show jumping on Sunday to determine who will carry home the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy and the substantial first prize money.

Situated within the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in Stamford, on the Cambridgeshire/ Lincolnshire border, Land Rover

Burghley is renowned not only as a major international sporting event, but also as the premier occasion in the autumn social calendar.

Each year more than 500 carefully selected exhibitors offer everything from handmade cheeses, artisan breads and rare breed meats to luxury goods such as fine jewellery, contemporary fashion and exotic holidays. For the equestrian enthusiast every possible type of horse-related wares are on sale, ranging from stabling, feed and tack to riding boots, hats and clothing.

Advance admission ticket prices start at £14.50 07768 462 601 Burghley-horse.co.uk Carole Pendle CAA Sports Consulting cpendle@caa.com

Out & About

ADAPTOR DAVID WOOD DIRECTOR MAX WEBSTER

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Martin Dalby A scale of success

Prolific composer Martin Dalby talks about his time with the BBC and some memorable moments in his career

THE KINGFISHER During his time in the Italian orchestra, Martin was known by his friends as ‘the Kingfisher’ due to his large apetite! It was because of this that Martin wrote Concerto Martin Pescatore, which translates to Kingfisher in Italian.

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Out & About

To borrow is a good composer but to steal is a genius You’ve had such a varied career, what are you up to now?

I am in Scotland now; I can see Glasgow through the gap in the hills.

It really is beautiful. I’ve broken my hip from a fall so I’m spending most of my time resting.

What have you been doing to keep your mind busy?

My wife has been looking after me and I listen to Radio 4 a lot. John Whittingdales (Culture Secretary) has now decided to destroy the BBC – can you imagine! I am also critical of it but politicians don’t think about all the marvellous drama it puts on and the music and intelligent discussion – it’s brilliant!

Changes to the bbc must mean a lot to you having spent the majority of your career with the trust?

Yes, my job at the BBC was to support other artists. I ran a symphony orchestra with a producer to help me. I hope I inspired it. Part of the policy, which to an extent I inherited, was to give young people you’d never heard of a chance and get their career on the road. I think I achieved that. I made sure that we went for it but we didn’t take risks, we knew in our blood that this kid was going to be good and we were more or less right. A lot of them are still going now.

How does the music of a good composer affect you?

[Laughs] I want to steal it! To borrow is a good composer but to steal is a genius and we all do that and hope nobody notices! I’ve stolen things from composers and on more than one occasion they’ve come back to me and said ‘thank you for stealing my music, I’ve just heard some of yours and I’m going to steal it right back!’

You’ve written music for tv and film, how do you come up with scores for these?

I did music for a film about Edinburgh Zoo and some

documentaries and dramas. I was featured in a BBC 2 drama called ‘Dreaming’ featuring Billy Connolly where I performed a piece called ‘Cod Opera;’ a Mozart spoof. I watch the film with a clock in the middle of the screen. Then I usually have an argument with the director and tell them ‘no you don’t want music there you need that to be quiet’ and, ‘now THAT I could do something nice with!’ We then go to the studio with a bunch of musicians and record it to the clock.

Can you pick just one moment in your career that you are particularly proud of?

When I was head of music for BBC Scotland I was talking to the late John Drummond about one of our proms; we’d got the programme more or less set up but we hadn’t got a solo spot. He said we needed something really special and I said ‘what we need is John Ogden.’ He’d been ill, we all knew that; he’d had a breakdown but he did come and play with us and it was fantastic.

Even though I wasn’t a fan of the music that I knew was safe for him to play, I put my job on the line and the audience went spare! I had the courage to go with it and I knew it would work. And that was Oggy back on the map.

What can you say to young musicians or composers hoping to be successful?

Success is a bit like the pop world; you’re successful if you get the performances but that doesn’t mean to say your music is any good. And if you don’t get the performances, it doesn’t mean your music is bad. I received some advice when I was 23 in 1971. I was stuck and couldn’t get going.

The late Hans Keller told me in his Austrian accent: “Get some manuscript paper. Put some notes on it. Any notes. It doesn’t matter but keep going!”

Find out more about Martin at Impulse-music.co.uk/martindalby

BIOGRAPHY BORN Aberdeen, 1942 EDUCATION Aberdeen Grammar School Royal College of Music, London Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship, which enabled him to spend two years in Italy WORKS 1965 Music Producer to BBC’s Music Programme (later to be Radio 3) 1971 Became Cramb Research Fellow in Composition at University of Glasgow 1972 returned to BBC as Head of Music, Scotland 1991 pursued a more creative role in BBC Scotland. A result of this was the production, amongst other things, of BBC Scotland’s massive radio history, for which he won a Sony Gold Award 1993 Dalby retired from the BBC and composes full time.

Martin has written a large amount of music for orchestra, chorus, brass and wind bands, Church, film, radio and television.

From festivals to orchestras, his work has been performed widely throughout the world.

Now retired, he takes interest in railways, literature and bird watching and holds a private pilot’s licence.

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InsideOut Fashion Industry heavyweights pooled their talents to put on a night of Inside Out Fashion, hosted at the King Street Barrie Stephen Salon.

A beautiful champagne reception provided by Champagne Occasions awaited the savvy guestlist with canapes courtesy of Soft Touch Arts.

Guests were treated to the behind the scenes tip, tricks and predictions from make-up artists from Femi Health & Beauty. Contouring, smokey eyes and the perfect foundation were the topic of a few of the workshops.

James Taylor, Barrie Stephen colour director, lead the guests through wet look hair techniques, big curled styling and summer hair tips. Lizzie Griffin of Griffin Fit gave an insightful talk on how healthy eating and exercise have a natural correlation to looking good.

With our eight models all madeup and coiffured they were to be dressed by Betty Brown for a runway show, showcasing her stunning summer collection.

Leicester Law Society After celebrating the glitz and glamour of the Leicestershire Law Society awards the Society held their Annual General meeting at Provincial House, New Walk and after a review of the year from exiting President Mehmooda Duke, the meeting saw the official inauguration of Imogen Cox of Cartwright King.

The awards event saw a stunning dance performance and was a great reflection of Mehmooda’s year in office.

Imogen will hold the office as President for one year (2016/17), during which time she will be the public face of the organisation.

Imogen is a Director at Cartwright King Solicitors and a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the Legal 500 and was voted Leicestershire Law Society Solicitor of the year 2015

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Qdos Bike Ride Qdos Consulting’s annual charity event this year was a mammoth 24 hour spinathon covering the length of the Amazon River, at over 4,000 miles!

The event which took place outside of the stunning Leicester Cathedral on the day of the Leicester Alternative Balloon debate, kicked off at 3pm Thursday 19th May. The team raised over £5,000 and counting all in aid of Hope Against Cancer, LOROS and Lord’s Taverners and completed the challenge with 45 minutes to spare.

Toni Robinson, Director commented: “I am so proud of what we achieved as a team, which was made up of Qdos Employees, Clients and Friends of Qdos, it is certainly one of the hardest challenges we have ever done – and a true demonstration of community spirit with all the help and support we received.”

The Alternative Balloon Debate It’s August 22nd 1485 at Bosworth Field. Richard III realises that treachery is going to cost him the crown of England. Above the battlefield a hot air balloon is falling to earth containing four icons who could help the King in his hour of need - but the Balloon can only land safely with one person in it!

Two-hundred local business people joined at Leicester Cathedral for the debate run by The Lord’s Taverners in May. Martin Bell played Richard III, comedian Nick Hancock, Angela Knight CBE and journalist Caroline Aston battled to persuade the audience to vote to keep their Icon in the balloon. Angela Knight was crowned King’s Champion!

Total Motion were Headline Sponsors and Pochins, Leicester Racecourse, Howes Percival and The Miller Partnership were involved in sponsoring elements of the evening, and thanks go to Cross Productions who helped promote the event.

Yet another example of how powerful #TeamLeicestershire has become!

Michael John Bus Trip Leicestershire’s leading independent flooring retailer, Michael John Flooring, recently held a charity event aimed at raising valuable funds for the Leicester based hospice, LOROS. The event, involved a number of clients from across the construction, architecture and home-improvement industries and was hosted by Leicester City legend, Matt Elliott, and part-organised by the ‘Steamin’ Billy’ brewery. The invited guests had the chance to enjoy some of Leicestershire’s finest pubs and restaurants, with a number of activities throughout the day to help raise as much money as possible.

2016 is a special year for Michael John Flooring, as it’s the 70th year since the doors opened to the Leicestershire public, and the LOROS Hospice is the official nominated charity for a number of events throughout the year.

Mattioli Woods - A Running Success Over 700 runners descended upon the village of Rothley on June 14th for one of the most celebrated charity road races in Leicestershire, the Matteoli Woods Rothley 10K. Runners from all age groups and backgrounds showed up in force for its 31st year to raise essential funds for a variety of local causes, including LOROS, Rainbows, County Air Ambulance Service, Age UK, Eye Camps and RNLI. Last year saw donations of circa £16,000 from runners and supporters and this year it is estimated that over £20,000 will be raised.

The Anstey Amblers and Runners won the Affiliated Female Team and Hermitage Harriers Running Club won the Affiliated Male Team. The race also included junior categories, where Luke Pole won overall in 41.04 minutes.

Other local businesses who sponsored the Mattioli Woods

Rothley 10k included The Fleet Auction Group, Juice, Marcol, Gateley, Champions (UK) plc, Fairline, Van Monster, Lafarge Tarmac, RWP, Swithland Spring Water, Sowden Group, Storage Concepts, Mazars, HSBC, Dimbleby Catering Company, Print Wizards, Stones Events and Anne Mills Recruitment.

Ian Mattioli, Chief Executive of main sponsor Mattioli Woods plc, said: “The event was a huge success and I was taken aback by the support that was demonstrated to help raise vital funds for organisations and charities based in Leicestershire”.

Stuart Spencer from Nottingham AC was the overall winner of the race with a time of 32.19 minutes as well as winning the Affiliated Male category. Anne Holyland from Wreake Runners won the Affiliated Female category as well as Female Veteran. Jason Williams won the Male Veteran category.

MATT HAMPSON FOUNDATION

GET BUSY LIVING! CENTRE

The ‘Get Busy Living!’ Centre has always been a dream of mine, a place for the Foundation’s beneficiaries to visit and to help in their rehabilitation after a life changing injury through sport.

This dream is now set to become a reality. However we need further help to achieve our goal, so that we can continue to support our everincreasing number of beneficiaries.

The Centre will be a focal point for the Foundation, a place where our beneficiaries and their families will be able to share their experiences, be motivated to move on with their lives and allow them to Get Busy Living again.

The Matt Hampson Foundation is now inundated with requests for help on a daily basis. The Get Busy Living centre will enable us to support even more people and their families and friends, not just physically but more crucially to provide that peer support that is so important in overcoming these injuries.

Our beneficiaries are now acting as ambassadors for the Foundation and going out and spreading the Foundation’s positive message of Get Busy Living!

I believe the Centre will be so important because people who have suffered catastrophic injuries and have got busy living can become role models and mentors for newly injured individuals and their families.

We will be able to provide a useful insight and vital life experiences in to what it is like living with a catastrophic sporting injury: as well as helpful information on travel, nutrition and equipment needs etc..

The Centre will also be a place for specialist companies to exhibit state of the art equipment and technology. We want to offer our beneficiaries the chance to sample the best rehab equipment without having to endure the astronomical costs.

THE CENTRE WILL CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE MY DREAM A REALITY. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Demolitions and Alterations Substructure Frame Upper Floors Roof Stairs External Walls Windows and External Doors Internal Walls and Partitions Internal Doors Wall Finishes, Floor Finishes Ceiling Finishes Sanitary Appliances Services Builders Works External Works Drainage

There will be many opportunities for you to support the Matt Hampson Foundation. Please contact us for more information.

Email: info@hambo.co.uk

Discover our residential care homes Vista provides high quality residential care for people with sight loss, dementia and complex needs.

New Wycliffe Home, Rushey Mead T 0116 266 7093 E residential@vistablind.org.uk

Kathleen Rutland Home, Leicester Forest East T 0116 239 4234 E residential@vistablind.org.uk

www.vistablind.org.uk Registered charity number 218992

Local figure supports national charity Hairdresser Graeme Donnelly has helped raise £1000 for SENSE charity It was national deafblind awareness week in the last week of June and in the run up, Graeme Donnelly made it his mission to put his local SENSE charity shop in the spotlight raising money and awareness for the condition that affects around 250,000 people in the UK.

Echo to attend the Loughborough SENSE Store tea party.

The national charity has been supporting and campaigning for children and adults who are deafblind or have sensory impairments for over 60 years. Yet after researching, Graeme found that SENSE appeared to be overlooked in comparison to other bigger charities.

The social butterfly promoted the event to his large online following and secured raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

Owner of Lox Hair Design Graeme is a big believer in giving back to the community. On the 20th June he organised for Niche Magazine, Leicester Mercury and Loughborough 148 | NICHE

“The aim was to create as much of a buzz around the shop as possible,” he said. “It would be great for SENSE to give the shop more presence in the town.”

Prizes won included beauty treatment vouchers for permanent makeup and Russian eyelashes worth £500, brand new FLS London clothing, gift packs and treatment vouchers from four separate salons, Juice Plus products, Forever Living Aloe products and two tickets to the Leicester tiger first match.

After donating £500 himself on the day, cake sales and raffle tickets helped to raise £1000!

The Loughborough store welcomes donations throughout the year and volunteers are always needed. So if you want to help out a worthy cause, get in touch for more information.

01509 233 008 Loughborough store Sense.org.uk 0116 261 0755 Loxhairdesign.co.uk

Gardeners world

Aberry House residents visit Aylestone Hall A Leicester residential care home has rekindled some of its residents love for gardening with a special visit.

Aberry House, a residential care home in Monsell Drive, Aylestone, took some of its residents to visit the Grade II listed building which has around 1.8 hectares of beautiful gardens surrounding the hall.

The day out was part of the care home’s continuing list of activities

which are designed to help give residents the chance to get out and about in the city.

Aberry House staff walked with residents around the gardens admiring the herbaceous, rose and ornamental beds, while appreciating the wide range of

trees and shrubs, including mature yews, rhododendrons and azaleas.

Residents even got a chance to watch the end of a bowling match between Aylestone and Syston and chatted with a number of players afterwards.

Aberry House residential manager Anne-Marie Henry said: “Lots of our residents used to love gardening so, the aim of taking them to Aylestone Hall and Gardens, was to rekindle their passions and hobbies for gardening.

“We took them on a walk around the gardens and it was very relaxing for them looking at all the beautiful flowers. It also provided them with some gentle exercise which has a multitude of health benefits too.”

Aberry House 0116 291 5602 manager@magnumcare.com

BLOODWISE BEATING BLOOD CANCER SINCE 1960 Furnitue & Book Stall 1 Bell Street Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 4DW

01455 553 094

Donate now or get involved 01455 556 649 www.bloodwise.org.uk

Charity Shop 33a Station Rd Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 4AP

01455 556 649

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PinK & Scary Party October 28th Queens Hall Mercure Hotel Leicester 7 ‘til late Fizz and Canapés on arrival

Disco, Fun Games and Drag Acts

£10

Tickets online at Eventbrite or call 07711 043 901 for more information Fancy Dress optional - Pink and Scary

Beast Cancer Awareness Month Part of Leicester Business Festival

t. e. w.

0116 402 6222 salon@b-styled.co.uk b-styled.co.uk

SALON LEICESTER 6B Hotel Street LE1 5AW

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