Niche magazine issue 24

January/February 2018

The Brexit Effect

#FindYourNiche

Support and funding for businesses

Data Protection Complying with the new requirements

Inheritance Tax

Plan well in advance and create a strategy

THE CHANGING FACE OF FAMILY LAW EXCLUSIVE interview with Glynis Wright, award winning family lawyer

2018 One day of powerful business Inspiring speakers throughout the day Form new business connections 60+ exhibitors Free on-site parking Pop-up food stall The Shack

CT E N N O C

●

INSPIRE

●

T PROMO

16th May 2018

E

Business exposure and where to find it Cross Connections Business Expo is back for a second year and plans to create even more of a buzz to maximise publicity for exhibitors

L

ast May saw the inception of the first ever Cross Connections Business Expo at Leicester Racecourse’s The Kube and featured over 60 businesses exhibiting to the public.

It was born from the urge to put together a business expo based on experience of other expos in the region and was the brainchild of local publisher, event organiser and marketing company Cross Productions the company which brings you Niche Magazine. Based on surveys conducted after the event the next instalment of Cross Connections, which will be back at The Kube this year 16th May, promises to be bigger and better for both exhibitors and guests.

Cross Productions’ Sally Smith explains: “We’ve been to our fair share of business exhibitions but at every one we always felt that – whether it was the atmosphere, the food or the facilities – there was a certain something missing.

So last year we decided to have a go at our own. We did get really amazing feedback last year but this year we like to think we’ve made improvements, which we hope will promote our exhibitors even more than before.

“We’re all about bringing Leicester businesses together and working in partnership to help each other succeed. We feel that we acieved that last year so we can only hope to repeat that

success in March.”

The exhibition has expanded to include up to 80 exhibitors and will feature four seminars packed full of business hot topics throughout the day from speakers who are experts in their field, The Shack will provide exhibitors with a hot delicious lunch with tea and coffee available all day, and in the run up to the March date a radio campaign will promote the expo on Capital FM. Impressed with the reaction, promotion, atmosphere, and business they received from last year, accounting company Torr Waterfield have chosen to sponsor the expo for the second year running. Guests and exhibitors commented last year that the lighting, music (provided

by Natterjacks), and attentiveness of the organisers made for a laid back atmosphere that made their networking and relationshipbuilding feel more sociable.

“As a media company we like to make our clients feel relaxed and comfortable. We work hard to create a warm atmosphere that sets us apart from run-of-the-mill business expos. And we are so pleased that this has inspired Torr Waterfield to come aboard as sponsors again this year,” added Sally.

Book your stand or find out more

crossconnectionsexpo.co.uk

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPO STAND ◆ In the run up to the exhibition ensure all branding is consistent so that people can recognise your company and your message is clear when it comes to the big day ◆ Tell people you are going to be there! Share with your social media following that you will be in this place at this time and that they should come and see you – it will spread the message for a higher footfall which can only be a good thing for you ◆ Know who will be there so you can prioritise any other companies you want to make yourself known to ◆ If you have any meetings that clash with the day of the exhibition, why not invite them over to see you there instead – it’s a great way for them to network and they’ll remember you for making the effort with them ◆ Run through with your team any points you want to get across to guests who visit your stand so they can represent your company in a way you see fit ◆ An expo doesn’t end when you pack up to go home – follow up any leads you made during the day by creating a spreadsheet and collating information on when you’ve called, emailed, or had a meeting – staying in touch will keep you at the forefront of their minds when they next need your services

NICHE | 03

Cover:

JENNY CROSS

THE TEAM

MANAGING DIRECTOR 07815 899 574 jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

The front cover features Glynis Wright of Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors and Mediators. photographed

by Martin Neeves, martinneeves.com

Contributors The Miller Partnership, Glynis Wright, Torr Waterfield, Leicester Racecourse, Beau Aesthetica, Leicester Riders, St Martins House, Soar Valley Press, MNE Accounting, Abbots Oak, Barrie Stephen Hair,

LEANNE BAKER

SALLY SMITH SALES DIRECTOR 07931 220 116

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

sally@crossproductions.co.uk

leanne@crossproductions.co.uk

Georgie Steeples.

Photography courtesy of: Joe Whitmore 07887 812 321 jwhitmorephoto.co.uk Andy Ward 07540 722 628 brill-creative.com Scott Choucino 07843 091 419 scottchoucino.com

KERRY SMITH

SUSAN HOLMES DESIGN EDITOR

SENIOR JOURNALIST

susan.holmes@crossproductions.co.uk

kerry@crossproductions.co.uk

JESS HEWITT

EMILY KIRTON JOURNALIST

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

emily.kirton@crossproductions.co.uk

jess.hewett@crossproductions.co.uk

0116 271 2573

I

Official Media Sponsors of the Leicester Riders

Also Sponsoring Robbie’s Rugby Festival Leicester Law Society Awards Hope Against Cancer Rainbows Dorothy Goodman Academy

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.

niche magazine.co.uk Published by Cross Productions Ltd 17 Mandervell Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5LR info@crossproductions.co.uk

Distribution Media Matters Direct Mediamattersdirect.co.uk Self Select Distribution Selfselectdistribution.co.uk

A WORD FROM JENNY

Happy New Year

T

he last year absolutely flew by. They do say time flies when you’re having fun! We spent 2017 working with and meeting some seriously inspirational and interesting business professionals who have helped us to shape not only the magazine but Cross Productions as well as me personally.

For those who have influenced the positive changes that you will see in Niche during 2018, I thank you!

So what’s new for us? As you will know Niche has grown considerably over the past four years thanks to the continued support of many established businesses here in Leicester and Leicestershire. With our fifth birthday just a couple of months away, we have taken some time to consider our strengths and come to quite an exciting decision.

As a lifestyle magazine targeted at business professionals, 2018 will see Niche transform into a business magazine with a hint of lifestyle. Meaning we are packed full of business news and will also cover many hot topics each issue with a whole array of industry experts giving their professional advice. In a nut shell… we are putting more meat on the bones! If there are topics you would like us to cover please drop me an email!

nichemagazineuk

@magazineniche

Personal development seems to be high on many people’s agendas and with the start of a new year what better way to start.

On a recent road trip I picked up a book called The Rules of Life by Richard Templar. Word is that over two million people have read it and now play life by these rules so, as you can imagine, temptation got the better of me and I had a read. The book is almost a personal code for living a better, happier and more successful life as the author talks over different ways to get on without being drawn in to other people’s problems or letting them affect you.

The book is part of a whole host of titles that look at all different aspects of life – rules of business, management, wealth and so on. I will let you know how I find those!

So as we start a new year full of drive and ambition the team and I really hope you enjoy this issue and find some of the new content useful!

Look forward to seeing you soon

#FindYourNiche

CONTENTS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

BUSINESS FOCUS

NICHE FEATURES

08 BUSINESS NEWS

20 GLYNIS WRIGHT

12 BREXIT

23 PARAGIGN

14 EXPORTING

32 BAKERS WASTE

16

40 KINETAL

NICHE BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

24 BUSINESS EVENTS 26 DIGITAL TAX 30 DATA PROTECTION 35 FIRST IMPRESSIONS 38 MARKETING

48 WHAT MAKES A SUCCESFULL ENTREPRENEUR 49 BARRIE STEPHEN 56 FOTHERGILL WYATT 58 REGENERATION

42 RECRUITMENT

60 EDWARD COOPER YOUNG

CHARTERED SURVEYORS

44 BUSINESS FINANCE

65 CHRYSALIS INTERIORS

46 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

75 OAKDALE DENTAL

54 INHERITANCE TAX

77

70 MENTAL HEALTH

78 BEAU AESTHETICA

REGULARS 11

BUSINESS FORUM

MEDISKIN CARE

80 FASHION WITH GEORGIE STEEPLES 86 ABBOTS OAK 89 RJL EVENTS

66 PROPERTY FORUM

90 ST MARTINS HOUSE

76 HEALTH FORUM

94 MARTIN DALBY

82 FASHION FORUM

96 LEICESTER RACECOURSE

99 SPORTS ROUNDUP

104 EVERARDS BREWERY

101 OUT & ABOUT

107 AMWELL CARE HOME

102 FOOD COURT

109 THE Y

112 SOCIAL EVENTS

111 BAMBOOZLE

06 | NICHE

20 COVER STORY Glynis Wright

32

Bakers Waste on-site shredding

90 St Martins House wedding venue

49

104

Barrie Stephen

Being an Everards Pub landlord NICHE | 07

BUSINESS NEWS LEICESTERSHIRE

Contemplating the Brexit effect MBE for Midlands Technology Businesswoman Technology business owner and Managing Director Leanne BonnerCooke will be accepting her most prestigious award to date and adding the letters ‘MBE’ to the end of her name this year. Leanne who runs software development business Evolve-IT Consulting Ltd in Leicestershire, recently discovered her name had been submitted to The Queen in a letter detailing her appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year 2018 Honours List, by order of The Prime Minister.

Leanne will receive the MBE for Services to Women in Business. Evolve specialise in working with businesses in the construction, pharmaceuticals, FMCG and retail sectors and has customers across the UK and internationally.

Leanne said: “My husband and I were on holiday in Bali when we got the news, which was a welcome distraction as the volcano there was causing huge problems. My Father sent me a message telling me I’d had a letter from the Home Office; I was thrilled with the news and had no idea I had been put forward, I couldn’t quite believe it.”

Leanne plans to break away their rebate management software solution, ‘e-Bate’, into a stand-alone business in 2018: ‘’e-Bate is an end-to-end rebate management solution that can recover and save our customers a lot of money.

In fact, we believe they will see returns within the first six months.”

Leanne will attend a ceremony where she will be presented with her MBE in the next few months by The Queen, or in the name of Her Majesty.

08 | NICHE

A compilation of statistics and findings based on recent surveys from the British Chambers of Commerce reveals what businesses think Brexit will mean for them The findings of the 2016 International Trade Survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed that 31 per cent of businesses were looking to export more. The report found that 65 per cent of businesses felt the referendum had not altered their importing strategy, and that 15 per cent were interested in looking to import more internationally.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, commented on the findings at the time: “These results are an important reminder of the fact that it is businesses that trade, not governments. Although the likely outcome of the Brexit negotiations remains unclear, businesses still see Europe as a primary market for both selling and sourcing inputs – even after the UK leaves the EU. “The best news from this survey is that the EU referendum outcome has sparked a greater interest in foreign markets for a significant number of firms. For that very reason, UK companies need sustained, tangible and practical export support that helps them get their goods and services out to the world.”

In September and October of 2017, the BCC surveyed over 1,300 business people from all regions of the UK online to understand how the devaluation of Sterling is impacting on their business. It found that 39 per cent expect their cost base to ‘slightly increase’, 24 per cent expected no change and 4 per cent are expecting a slight decrease. It also found that 46 per cent of firms are not taking proactive steps to

manage currency risks.

Dr Marshall said: “While businesses await answers on Brexit, and a return to a stronger currency, they must take the necessary steps to prepare for potential risks. It’s concerning to see the proportion of UK companies not actively managing currency risk. For those trading internationally, it makes good business sense to explore the options available to insure against currency fluctuations.”

The BCC/DHL Trade Confidence Index attempts to measure the exporting health of the UK. The quarterly survey, based on the responses of over 3,300 exporting businesses, shows that 29 per cent of manufacturers report improved export sales in Q3 and that 14 per cent of service firms report improved export sales.

The Index also revealed that 68 per cent of exporting manufacturers saw exchange rates as a concern to their business in Q3 2017. Recruitment difficulties were experienced by 58 per cent of exporting service firms, and 70 per cent of exporting manufacturers faced recruitment difficulties, particularly for skilled labour.

The BCC currently expects UK exports to have grown by 3.1 per cent in 2017, 2.9 per cent in 2018 and 2.8 per cent in 2019. The full report details that Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia are prime places for UK businesses to invest. The Quarterly International Trade Outlook Q3 2017 British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with DHL can be found at britishchambers.org.uk.

Sponsored by rdz-pr.co.uk #creatingabuzz

How will technology change how we shop?

If leading futurists are to be believed, automation, robotisation and virtualisation will bring about bigger changes than we can ever envisage today. The assumption is that everything that can be digitised will be digitised and in less than ten years computers will have a bigger capacity than the human brain and will solve certain problems better, faster and more efficiently than humans can.

Software will invade most traditional industries. For example, Pepper the Robot uses IBM Watson’s computer power. Pepper understands human emotions through facial expressions, body language and words and adapts to them. Pepper is being used in business environments such as a retail assistant in stores. The development of self-driving cars could mean that young children of today will never get a driver’s licence and will never own a car. Instead they will simply call for a car which will pick them up and drive them to their destination. There will be no need to park and the only payment will be for the distance travelled.

New smart phones will have 3D scanning possibilities – you will be able to scan your feet and print your designer shoe yourself! Beware because there are apps being developed that will be able to tell from your facial expression if you are lying.

So what will this mean for retail?

Retailers face a seismic change in consumer behaviour with digital and online technologies driving an evolution in retail business models.

Consumers will look for experience over material goods. Millennials (born after 1982) will replace Baby Boomers as the dominant generation and represent nearly 50% of the market.

The Millennials are technologically savvy and will expect more from retailers. They are more connected to devices and data and happily move across multiple media channels making them more informed than ever

before. “When consumers walk into a physical store and they have a positive experience – that’s a huge win. Today retailers cannot compete on product selection and price alone. They must compete on the in-store experience.”

Alexi Agratchew, RetailNext co-founder and CEO There will be fewer and smaller stores in the future, however 90% of sales will continue to involve a physical shop in some way. Different offers will consolidate under one roof so expect to see champagne bars, work spaces and yoga classes in the department stores in the future. New investment will be needed for training and skills development for retail staff so they can facilitate smooth transactions across all channels and understand the brand story for the products they are selling.

The retailers who will come out on top will be those that provide an effective omnichannel approach to sales that seeks to provide the customer with a seamless shopping experience whether the customer is

shopping online or in a bricks and mortar store. However this approach will not be the panacea to increased market share and therefore savvy retailers will need to be aware of the pitfalls of undifferentiated product, less than remarkable customer service and uncompetitive pricing.

Sarah Harrison City Centre Director

Leicester Tigers cook up a storm Fourteen rugby players from the Leicester Tigers Development Squad showed their charitable side in December when they helped to serve evening meals to rough sleepers in Leicester. The players supported staff at The Hope Centre on Melton Street in Leicester during the daily dinner service.

Dave Bassett, Rugby Operations Coordinator at Leicester Tigers said: “It is brilliant to be involved with a local charity who are doing such valuable work for those less fortunate than ourselves. This has been a great project for teamwork and self-organisation.”

Joe Maksymiw, Leicester Tigers player added: “We’re here as a group to give back to the community as we recognise we’re in a fortunate position.

It has been a great experience, working

together as the mighty red machine, which is what we’ve dubbed ourselves after weeks of working in the kitchen, and being able to provide support and food to members of the public in need.”

The Hope Centre was opened in September 2017 and enables The Bridge – Homelessness to Hope charity to offer a range of specialist support services including mentoring and mental health wellbeing. The centre also provides up to 100 early breakfast servings per week and almost 10,000 meals per year to the homeless and vulnerable.

The Bridge – Homelessness to Hope is hosting a fundraising Six Nations dinner on 31 January 2018 at Leicester College. Tickets are £35 each and can be purchased from info@ carolynactonevents.co.uk.

NICHE | 09

NICHE BUSINESS

Forum

WILL AND TRUST PLANNING GLYNIS WRIGHT

CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING Many clients going through the divorce process find it hard to cope with important decisions about their financial settlements and the arrangements for their children after separation. They are often at their lowest ebb and struggle to cope emotionally with what is happening to them.

As well as dealing with the legal side, we talk to our clients about other support available. We encourage mediation wherever appropriate. We also work with other complementary services such as family therapy and a process called ‘conscious uncoupling’.

Conscious uncoupling is a coaching process providing tools to part amicably with mutual respect, remembering the needs of the children. Practitioners work with individuals, not couples, and coach their clients through the emotional trauma of their breakup using selfawareness techniques. Famously, conscious uncoupling was adopted

by Gwyneth Paltrow recently when she divorced Chris Martin, placing the method on the radar.

Individuals recover from their breakups much more quickly if the process is managed in a mutually respectful manner. Conscious uncoupling methods are used to help people release anger and resentment, thus placing them in a better position to work with their lawyers making those hugely important decisions about their finances and children.

Contact us if you’re facing a breakup and want to know more about your legal rights and other support available to you.

0116 238 5680 glyniswright.co.uk 10 | NICHE

A Will states who will inherit your estate and when. However, not many people realise that there is more to take into consideration such as what if one of the beneficiaries you wish to inherit goes through a divorce? In that case, the money you intended for that person will be split with someone else. What if they go through bankruptcy?

Writing a Will makes you think of situations which you may never have thought of. You’re encouraged to consider all the ‘what ifs’ that could occur in life. How would you feel if your child had to split their inheritance with their spouse who they are divorcing?

The modern day Will benefits from Trust Planning. With the rapid change going on in society today, a basic Will unfortunately does have risks that could mean your wishes go unfulfilled.

A Trust can prevent any third party

BHAVIN GANDHI attacks, protecting the inheritance from divorce, bankruptcy, care fees etc.

Trusts are especially important should you have children from different relationships, to prevent sideways inheritance (meaning if one person passes away and the remaining partner/ spouse remarries, then children may not see their inheritance as the estate can go to the new spouse), which unfortunately is a common scenario within the UK. This to my surprise goes amiss far too easily. However, we like to make our client fully aware of this risk.

0800 999 7750 paradigm-wills.com

NON-COMPETE CLAUSES: CAN THEY BE ENFORCED? GREG HOLLINGSWORTH Restrictive covenants in employment contracts are clauses that try to restrict the activity of an employee after they have left the employer’s employment, and usually focus on four areas: ◆ Non-solicitation of customers – stopping an ex-employee approaching the employer’s customers. ◆ Non-dealing with customers – stopping an ex-employee dealing with the employer’s customer even where the customer approaches them. ◆ Non-poaching of staff – stopping an ex-employee recruiting staff from the employer. ◆ Non-compete restriction - stopping the ex-employee working in that industry and competing with the employer.

The non-compete clause is the most restrictive of these, but they can still be enforced by an employer when an employee leaves, provided that the clause goes no wider than is necessary

to protect the legitimate business interests of the employer. Here are some tips for maximising your chances of covenants being enforced: ◆ Keep them under review: the reasonableness of the clauses are assessed at the time that they are entered into, so even if you promote an employee, the court looks at when they signed the contract. ◆ An unreasonable clause is unenforceable: consider the protection you really need rather than use every type of covenant available and making the length of time as long as you dare.

If it’s unreasonable, it’s unenforceable.

A well drafted restrictive covenant that is reasonable will be enforceable, and can be key in protecting hard won client relationships.

0116 204 7260 hlegal.co.uk

Beauty entrepreneur joins legal firm Leicester law firm Hollingsworths has welcomed successful entrepreneur and businesswoman Meesha Kanadia to its commercial team

A

25-year-old law graduate began her solicitor training contract with the New Walk-based litigation and commercial legal practice of Hollingsworths in January after the company talentspotted her at the Niche Business Awards. Meesha Kanadia, who is managing director of Amelia Nour in Stoneygate, brings to her new paralegal role first-hand experience of establishing and building a business.

Meesha had always wanted to combine her passion for business with her interest in law, so after gaining her law degree from Oxford Brookes University in 2014, she worked in sales for Lush, The Body Shop and Harrods. Drawing on this valuable retail experience, she opened Amelia Nour in Francis Street, Leicester in April 2016 – a beauty business specialising in luxury, vegan, vegetarian and well-being products from around the world.

Still keen to pursue a legal career,

Meesha studied part-time for her Legal Practice Course and her Masters in Law, Business and Management at the University of Law in Bloomsbury while running the shop.

Meesha said: “It was hard work studying for my LPC while managing Amelia Nour, but I wanted to do both.

I’m looking forward to becoming a solicitor with Hollingsworths. I’m sure my experience of starting my own business will be of benefit to our clients.

Owning Amelia Nour has taught me things I wouldn’t otherwise have known.

My mum is managing the shop for me now, and our plan is to keep growing the business.”

The cruelty-free advocate was a finalist in the Young Entrepreneur and Independent Retail categories of the 2017 Niche Business Awards. She was also a finalist in the best new business category of the Leicester Mercury Women in Business Awards 2016.

Director Greg Hollingsworth of Hollingsworths is delighted Meesha joined the team. He added: “As a young entrepreneur with a proven track record of running her own business, Meesha brings with her a wealth of firsthand experience which will benefit our commercial clients.”

0116 204 7260 hlegal.co.uk

The Rules for Success With a useful guide for practically all things in life author Richard Templar has the answers you need to lead a happier, more successful life in all aspects Here we review his books on Work, Management and Wealth and after reading all three in record time we are keen to gather the rest from his extensive catalogue of works.

The Rules of Work

Packed with hints and tips on how to succeed in the workplace, this book leads the way with ideas on how to cultivate successful working relationships with co-workers and is especially useful for those that have spent some time away from an office working environment. No fluff, no fillers just straight-talking advice makes this book a must read for all those that want to improve their working life. It will help to give you that air of confidence which will gain you admiration, respect, and help you towards your next promotion – it’s a great read.

The Rules of Management

Perfect for those who are already in a management position or newly appointed, this book lays out some excellent tips and advice on how to be effective as a manager in the workplace. Clear, concise and full of confidence-building information it’s a must for anyone looking for a boost in a new role or some advice on becoming more organised in managing a team and themselves.

Learn how to inspire your team in a way that gets results by understanding how to handle workplace situations that arise every day.

The Rules of Wealth

This book lays out simple rules that will help you generate more money, handle it more wisely, grow it more effectively, and use it to live a happier, more fulfilling and comfortable life – who doesn’t want that? Set out clearly with a tone that makes it a quick yet informative read, one of the biggest lessons in this book is the power of saving your money, which sounds so simple and straightforward but is so hard for so many of us to achieve!

All three books are available from Amazon and all good retailers.

NICHE | 11

BUSINESS FOCUS

The Brexit effect: funding for the future Local businesses are encouraged to take advantage and benefit for their future success and growth with business support and funding available across Leicester and Leicestershire via the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) DESPITE THE OUTCOME OF THE REFERENDUM ON THE UK’S MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU, THERE ARE STILL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESSES TO BENEFIT FROM EUROPEAN FUNDING

MANDIP RAI Director at LLEP

I

n 2014, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) was allocated approximately £111 million of European funding (around £103 million at current exchange rates) to invest in projects and programmes across Leicester and Leicestershire. European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are the European Union’s main source of funding for supporting jobs and growth and over £6 billion have been provided to the UK under the current 2014-2020 programme.

Over the past few years, the LLEP has supported its local ESIF Committee to commission a wide range of activities to support business growth and improve skills and employability across the city and county.

To date, the LLEP has committed nearly 70 per cent of its ESIF allocation and will be issuing further funding calls over the next few months in order to commit all of its remaining money. This will include calls for projects supported through both the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF).

ERDF is primarily aimed at providing support for businesses, while ESF is focused on developing skills and supporting people into employment.

Despite the outcome of the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, there are still opportunities for businesses to benefit from European funding. Last year, the Treasury gave

12 | NICHE

an assurance that any projects which start before the UK leaves the EU will be fully funded, meaning they will continue be delivered beyond March 2019.

There are also a wide range of European funded projects currently being delivered across Leicester and Leicestershire that offer help to businesses in areas such as start-up, R&D, digital skills, energy efficiency and access to finance.

To provide further information on what support is currently available, the LLEP and its partners have produced an ERDF guide for businesses found in the ESIF section of the LLEP website. This is a quick and easy way to find out about European funding opportunities and includes information on the 12 existing ERDF projects operating within the county.

These are: ◆ Leicester Innovation Hub ◆ Productivity and Capability Enhancement ◆ Growing Enterprise ◆ Smart Innovation and Networking for Growth ◆ Digital Growth Programme ◆ Collaborate Growing Business Together ◆ Manufacturing Growth Programme ◆ Midlands Engine Investment Fund ◆ Exploring Enterprise ◆ Internationalising SMEs ◆ Green BELLE ◆ SoLSTICE

Brexit

Potential trading partner for UK “People say Uganda is a land locked country, but no, it is a land linked country,” the High Commissioner of Uganda H.E. Julius Peter Moto told his audience at Oadby’s Tip Sultan restaurant in November last year.

In a last minute series of fortunate events, Shahid Sheikh OBE, Managing Director of EMITA member Clifton Packaging, managed to arrange for Moto to deliver a talk presenting Uganda as a place to invest with Brexit looming; a rare opportunity from the influential speaker.

He outlined the very latest developments and opportunities the country can offer to the UK. The invitation to the event extended to EMITA members as well as those working in and/ or with an interest to export and international trade.

The High Commissioner touched on Uganda’s unsettled

history but averred that the country is now able to offer strong partnership to the UK. He went on to explain that there are opportunities for investment from the UK in Uganda in industrial grade sugar for the pharmaceutical industries; starch and textiles sector; iron and steel to support manufacturing industries; lithium mineral in Uganda; copper mines; and tailor made (group) tourism to Uganda.

“We want to use Brexit as an opportunity for us to reach larger markets. We are looking to build relationships for trade investment and leisure. Come and partner with us,” he said. The High Commissioner stressed that Uganda is to be considered a land linked country that is able to export soap, coffee, raw tobacco, cement, gold and many other products, working in partnership with surrounding countries.

The 2017 Conservative Manifesto states that the Government ‘will use the structural fund money that comes back to the UK following Brexit to create United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund, specifically designed to reduce inequalities between communities across our four nations. The money that is spent will help deliver sustainable, inclusive growth based on our modern industrial strategy.’ Development of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is being led by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The LLEP will continue to track Government policy closely to ensure we can swiftly take advantage of future funding opportunities as and when they unfold.

For further information sign-up to our ESIF newsletter by emailing admin@llep.org.uk Mandip has over 20 years of economic development experience including senior roles with local authorities in Leicester and Leicestershire. He was appointed Head of Strategy and Engagement at the LLEP in 2010 to lead the formation of the partnership and became the Director of the LLEP in 2016.

UK RESULTS LEAVE

51.9%

17,410,742 votes

REMAIN

48.1%

16,141,241 votes

LOCAL RESULTS: LEICESTER LEAVE

48.9%

67,992 votes

REMAIN

51.1%

70,980 votes

The UK is scheduled to leave on Friday, 29 March 2019

Support Leicester Innovation Hub

The hub will support initiatives such as the REF, build relationships with industry partners for future research bids and initiate engagement with the InnovateUK funding portfolio (including KTPs).

The Innovation Hub offers bookable and supported space for academics to meet with businesses to explore possible collaborations.

There is a social area, a board room style meeting room (with a capacity of 10-12) and a lecture theatre style room (with a capacity of approximately 25). (www2.le.ac.uk)

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) Supported by the European Regional Development Fund, MEIF provides commercially focused finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of concept and Equity Finance funds. MEIF is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the West Midlands and East and South East Midlands. (meif.co.uk)

Green BELLE

Green BELLE gives grants of £1,000 to £10,000 to support SMEs in Leicester and Leicestershire to install low carbon measures and increase their energy efficiency. Green BELLE is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). (greenbelle.org.uk) NICHE | 13

BUSINESS FOCUS

Exporting Your Way to Success Trading internationally can be a huge benefit to your company. Billions of pounds’ worth of goods and services are exported from the UK every year, do you want government help to get a peice of the action?

IN A REPORT FOR BARCLAYS, KINGSTON UNIVERSITY LONDON INTERVIEWED 1,500 SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) OF WHICH 1,000 WERE EXPORTERS. 80% OF EXPORTERS SAID THAT EXPORTING HAD ENABLED THEIR BUSINESS TO GROW

IAN HARRISON

THE FACTS TWOTHIRDS OF BUSINESSES WHO EXPORT SAID THEY FELT THE IMPACT IN THE FIRST YEAR ALONE

ALMOST HALF OF EXPORTERS REPORTED INCREASED SALES IN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS COMPARED TO 24% OF NONEXPORTERS 14 | NICHE

Director of Exports at The Midlands Department for International Trade

A

s of the end of January 2017 exports of goods and services from the UK totalled just under £48.5 billion, and with the clear challenges that we are facing in Europe, there has never been a better time to consider the business benefits of trading internationally.

In a report for Barclays, Kingston University London interviewed 1,500 small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) of which 1,000 were exporters. 80% of exporters said that exporting had enabled their business to grow and whilst the speed of impact on businesses can vary, two-thirds said they felt the impact in the first year alone. Almost half of exporters reported increased sales in the previous two years compared to 24% of non-exporters.”

The Department for International Trade (DIT) works to help UK companies sell overseas – our remit really is as simple as that. However, we know from surveys and as a result of speaking directly to businesses that there can be a misconception about exactly what we do and who we help, as well as confusion about what is suitable for export, and even misunderstanding

about when an export sale has actually occurred.

We are a truly inclusive government department working with companies of all sizes and in all sectors – not just large ones that make ‘things’. We advise on many areas including helping with export strategy, suggesting suitable markets and modifications to products/services where necessary, as well as making introductions to contacts overseas and advising on the financial side of things. An ideal client for us is simply one that has the motivation to export.

What then is suitable for export? The answer to this is ‘most things’. If there is a need for a particular product or service in the UK, chances are there is a need for it elsewhere in the world.

A company has exported if they have sold something overseas, including via ecommerce or if an overseas client has taken up a service.

On many occasions, clients have referred to the DIT as a ‘best kept secret’. We want this to change. We want companies to know we are here, what we do and how we can help them.

Please contact us on info@tradeem.co.uk to find out how you can benefit from our services.

Export THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO EXPORT

ROB AVERY-PHIPPS Director, China-Britain Regional Initiative

W

ith Brexit looming on the horizon, there has never been a more important time for British SMEs to explore new markets. With a population three times larger than the EU and an economy that is set to dominate the world’s top spot for the next century, businesses must put China as ‘number one’ on their export wish list.

I would be retired by now if I got a pound every time a business person makes the excuse: “It takes time to do business in China, it’s very much relationship based out there.” The e-commerce revolution has blown this myth out of the water. On ‘Singles Day’, the Chinese equivalent of Black Friday,

ADRIAAN VICKERY Chairman of East Midlands International Trade Association

E

ast Midlands International Trade Association (EMITA) is a membership organisation developed by exporters for exporters. As an exporter myself with over 40 years’ experience, I wholeheartedly endorse export as a way of sustainably growing your business. There’s never been a better time to export.

I understand why many SMEs are wary, however. It’s a fact that many shy away from export and international trade citing it as a ‘risky activity’. Whilst I don’t want to appear flippant, there is a simple response to this; pretty much anything you haven’t done before is liable to being considered ‘risky’ but the more you know, the better equipped you are as business people to make a decision on any aspect of business. That includes whether export is for you and your business or not.

At EMITA we offer help, advice and support to exporters both experienced and inexperienced. Our two pieces of advice have always been: 1 Take it step by step.

2 Do your research.

There are plenty of fantastic organisations out there including DIT and the Chamber who will be able to help you, along with organisations such as ourselves. There are also banks like Santander, whose International Portal gives a wealth of information which will inform your research.

LAURA HOWARD Head of International Trade at East Midlands Chamber (Derbys, Notts, Leics)

A

fter bumping into a customer, I found myself reflecting on exporting. The Chamber managed documentation for more than a thousand customers exporting £467m worth of goods around the world in the past 12 months and the customer in question, following Chamber advice, successfully registered in six countries via an online marketplace in just a few weeks thanks to the current strength of ‘brand Britain’.

Talking to the customer I realised some excuses businesses make for not exporting, none of which really hold any validity. This is a list ranked in order of how often I hear them.

1. My domestic market is strong 2. The risks are too high

online sales equalled the entire GDP of Uganda – it’s impossible every transaction was based on relationships with the merchants.

What about the language barrier? There has never been an easier time to communicate with China. We have over 100,000 bilingual Chinese students in the UK who are actively looking for ways to engage with British businesses. These students hold the key to unlock huge export opportunities for UK SMEs. There are now clear avenues to bring products to the market in China. If it sells well in the UK, the likelihood is it will sell 10 times as well in China.

3. I won’t get paid 4. The business won’t afford it 5. Exporting is only for large businesses 6. There is too much local competition 7. I don’t speak the language 8. Export is only for products not services 9. We can’t reach customers 10. It’s too complicated The strength of the domestic market is a safety net, not an excuse not to export.

The risks are not high, payment is rarely a problem and any business can afford to export, it’s not a size thing. Once you start dealing on international markets you very quickly realise how easily the language barriers are broken down. While the UK is not good at learning foreign languages, other countries are very good.

Goods and services can be exported equally – design and education are among the UK’s top exports – and reaching customers is as easy as sending an email.

If you want physical connection, find a local agent to represent you. The Chamber can help with documentation and you may already be attracting overseas attention from your website.

Brand Britain is hugely popular and valuable overseas, helped by the fall in the value of the pound since the Brexit vote, so it’s time to explore overseas opportunities.

You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

NICHE | 15

NICHE BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

2018

Meet this year’s judges Introducing this year’s Niche Business Awards judging panel. Get to know

HEADLINE SPONSOR

who will be adjudicating each category, and who could potentially be assessing you or your business in the run up to

7th September 2018

the ceremony in September

LEANNE BONNER-COOKE

BOB JOHNSON

Managing Director at Evolve IT Consulting

Partner at Mazars LLP

N

B

iche Business Awards Businesswoman of the Year, Leanne Bonner-Cooke, is Managing Director of EvolveIT Consulting Ltd and launched her Software Solutions business back in 2007. With her strong business acumen and an outstanding talent in software solutions and technology, Leanne has grown her business over the last decade into a successful, multi award-winning software solutions provider across many industries with customers worldwide including Lafarge, Breedon, Hope Construction, MSD and Bridgestone Tyres.

With more drive than a 4x4 in 5th gear, Leanne is an inspirational leader keen to embody her passion for people and technology in everything she does, including growing her business to currently employ 15 members of staff in the UK and 17 offshore developers in Ukraine and Malaga offices.

Leanne lives with her husband Tom and their two dogs Molly and Lucy in Mountsorrel where Leanne loves to hike around the Beacon and take in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

16 | NICHE

ob qualified as a chartered accountant in 1993 and is an all-round business adviser with technical roots in international audit and accounting.

The Leicester-born accountant has wide-ranging experience of providing audit and assurance services across a variety of sectors with clients ranging from SMEs to listed entities. He has led international assignments based in Minneapolis, London and other European locations, and continues to advise those with cross-border activities.

Whilst not specialising in any one sector, Bob has particularly strong experience with businesses in property, construction and related service sectors. As a recognised leader in advising entrepreneurs and their businesses in his local East Midlands market, his passion lies in helping company owners with strategic issues, and stakeholders with maximising their wealth and returns.

Bob follows Leicester City Football Club and enjoys spending time on the golf course or the ski slopes – depending on the season. Married with two sons, he enjoys spending his leisure time with his close family.

Meet the Judges

TRACEY MILLER

CHRIS GREENWELL

Partner at The Miller Partnership

Partner for Gateley PLC

W

C

ith Leicester business roots stretching back to her grandfather’s development of the iconic Crescent on King Street, Tracey is the co-founder of taxation specialists The Miller Partnership, and the owner and managing director of Fashion & Fizz; a not-for-profit organisation which specialises in putting on charitable events.

A keen and vocal member of the Blue Army, Tracey is a ‘Fox in the box’ for husband Pete’s expert solo tax practice and for a number of local children’s charities, including Soft Touch Arts and the Lord’s Taverners.

The Miller Partnership is a fiercely passionate advocate for Leicestershire in business, charity, sport, art and culture, and is proud to have sponsored the Niche Awards since their inception in 2015.

hris has practiced as a Dispute Resolution Solicitor in Leicester since qualifying in 1986, specialising in shareholder, contractual and disputes, professional negligence and contentious probate. He is a partner in Gateley PLC, which in 2015 became the first UK law firm to float on AIM. He is also a Trustee of LOROS, a committee member of The Wooden Spoon Charity, a firm member of Leicestershire Cares and past Area Chairman of Round Table.

Living in Rothley, Chris is married to Solicitor, Katrina, with two children and two labradoodles. Chris has lived in Leicestershire all his professional life, and is interested in all sports, mountaineering, military history travel and wine.

He is a lifelong (and disappointed) Newcastle fan.

STEVE ADAMS

CHERIE CONCANNON Success Coach at Concannon RPO

A

fter 25 years supporting individuals and businesses in achieving success, Cherie Concannon has now established herself as the pioneering expert in her field.

Many esteemed business leaders seek her advice and consider her an invaluable ally in their journey towards personal and professional growth.

With a history of successful professional relationships and an extensive list of testimonials from highly regarded business leaders, Cherie has often been described as being the ‘best at what she does’.

The success coach says she is delighted to be a part of an evening devoted to celebrating the innovation and success of our local business leaders. Cherie has stated that working with these people on a daily basis has shown her how much goes into such achievements.

Cherie’s latest project may be her most ambitious yet - the creation of a Business Community. Readers can find more on this project at concannonconnection.com.

Business Development Director at Cambridge & Counties Bank, East Midlands region

B

ased at the head office on Leicester’s New Walk, Steve leads the team of Business Development Managers who work with business advisers and finance brokers to deliver property-backed lending to SMEs and investors.

The East Midlands Business Development team has been a key driver in the Bank’s year-on-year growth in lending which now exceeds more than £650 million.

Steve joined Cambridge & Counties in 2015 from Norwich & Peterborough Building Society where he was commercial lending manager. He has more than 30 years of experience at Allied Irish Bank where he worked across the East Midlands.

Steve, who has lived in Leicester with his family for 20 years, is highly experienced and has worked in various roles including being an underwriter, a branch manager and working with the public sector and charities.

NICHE | 17

NICHE BUSINESS AWARDS 2018 Why I am headline sponsor for the Niche Business Awards

GLYNIS WRIGHT Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors and Mediators

A

s a business owner, I have observed the rapid growth of Niche Magazine and Niche business events with great interest. The company has gone from strength to strength in a very short time and I have been impressed by how much support they give to

their business community and the opportunities they create for bringing business people together.

I started working with Niche from the inception of the magazine. Initially, I took some advertising space on a bit of a punt and was pleased with the return on investment I received from that advert. From small beginnings this developed into a vibrant and effective business relationship where Niche and I have partnered on a number of business initiatives such as the Women in Business Seminars run by myself and Jenny Cross, and my company’s sponsorship of different business awards including Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Eco Company of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year.

This year, we decided to show our total support for the Niche Business Awards by becoming the headline sponsor for 2018! The Niche Business Awards are a prestigious and glittering event, last year attracting around 400 businesses to the evening held at the Athena! The awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and energy that is the Leicester business culture and to come together with our peers and colleagues in a fantastic and inspirational evening.

The team at Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors are really excited about the awards ceremony this year and look forward to seeing you all there!

The Catagories WEDDING SERVICES TRADE & CONSTRUCTION Sponsored by Michael John Flooring MOTOR Sponsored by ADT INDEPENDANT RETAIL Sponsored by Everards Brewery HOSPITALITY HEALTH & BEAUTY CHARITY Sponsored by Leicester Racecourse 18 | NICHE

FASHION Sponsored by Beau Aesthetica SPORTS BEST NEW BUSINESS Sponsored by Hollingsworths Solicitors PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Sponsored by The Miller Partnership YOUNG ENTREPRENUER EMPL0YEE OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Fothergill Wyatt

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Evolve IT Consulting BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Cherie Concannon BUSINESS GROWTH Sponsored by EHL Commercial Law ABOVE & BEYOND Sponsored by Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors

The Sponsors

LE

R PA RT N

E

AT I

The Ambassadors

ST

X TA

S

HIP

THE

IL

RS

M

TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE

ON

SPECI

AL

I

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

Nominate online at nichemagazine.co.uk NICHE | 19

NICHE FEATURE

The changing NICHE is proud to present the Niche Business Awards 2018 headline sponsor Glynis Wright of Leicesterbased family law firm Glynis Wright & Co – in this exclusive interview she reveals why it’s never ‘too late’, why settling separation disputes outside of court are on the rise, and the impact of science on family law

How long have you worked in family law?

About 12 years now. I became a lawyer at the age of 42 when I decided to change my life and my career. I love being a lawyer and have never looked back since. I set up Glynis Wright & Co six years ago. We have rapidly grown to a team of eight specialist family lawyers and 22 staff, making us one of the biggest suppliers of family law services in the East Midlands. We have won awards for our family law services and are taking increasing numbers of clients from London and other counties.

What has changed in family law since you entered the profession?

Most members of the public are now aware of the potential impact of a messy divorce on their children if the divorce becomes a battleground.

People used to believe that they had to instruct a ‘Rottweiler’ lawyer to represent them in a divorce. Now, mediation and other ways of resolving things outside of the court arena are much more well-known and people look for family lawyers with talent across a range of skills – specialist family lawyers who can broker an

face of family law amicable resolution confidently as well as act as a strong advocate in court if all else fails. This is a much better approach and is to be encouraged.

Your firm is known for doing a lot of work in the community to raise awareness of the need to protect children in divorce.

Is that something that you are personally committed to?

Yes. It is very close to my heart. It is so important for children’s voices to be heard in divorce. If divorces and breakups are managed well, children can be cushioned from the emotional trauma. I teamed up with the amazing charity Soft Touch Arts to work with school children who scripted and acted in their own films about the impact of divorce called Pulled Both Ways. The films can be viewed on my website and are hard hitting. They highlight what it can feel like to be a child whose parents are constantly fighting. We are now working on a second phase of Pulled Both Ways in partnership with the Learning without Limits Academy Trust which incorporates four local schools, and we have teamed up with the national campaign Voices in the Middle to roll out more films made by our local schoolchildren on a national level. It’s really exciting work.

So what do you see as the key areas that are changing in family law?

Not divorce. It is still the case that around 42 per cent of all marriages end in divorce or break down according to ONS. It is true that the numbers of people choosing to marry are falling, but cohabitation breakups can be just as complex and messy in law. So, it would be fair to say that this area of law is not diminishing at all.

What is changing is the impact of science on family law. IVF has been around for years now but family law has had to catch up to deal with the emerging issues. For example, who is considered to be a parent under the Family Law Act when a child is born from IVF given that one or both parents may not be biologically linked

to the child? What are the implications of being a sperm donor with respect to child maintenance? What are the rights of same sex parents? Does an unmarried father of an IVF child have automatic parental rights or not?

These are complex areas of family law and anyone thinking about IVF whether they are married, unmarried, heterosexual, or in a same sex couple should really seek legal advice before they go further. Particular consideration needs to be given to what can go wrong if the relationship breaks down and there is a custody battle.

Is the law changing for people who are cohabiting?

Sadly not but it should be. So many people believe there are ‘common law’ rights that people get after so many years together. This is a total

What about prenuptial agreements? Are they now legally enforceable?

More people than ever are now entering into prenuptial agreements.

If people have inherited family wealth or might do in the future, or their parents have gifted assets to them already, they might feel a moral obligation to protect this wealth.

Prenuptials are also increasing in popularity for those who are marrying for the second time who want to protect assets for the children of their first marriage. However, it is still the case that prenuptial agreements are not automatically binding in the courts. Having said that, case law around prenuptials is changing fast.

The current thinking is that if the agreement is freely entered into, both parties understand the implications

It is so important for children’s voices to be heard in divorce. If divorces and breakups are managed well, children can be cushioned from the emotional trauma. myth. Common law rights do not exist.

Women in particular can be really disadvantaged if they choose not to marry. If they are not a house owner and have had children with their partner, they could find themselves in a position where the only rights they automatically have on a breakup is the right to claim child maintenance from the father. They have no automatic rights to remain living in the property if they are not an owner, they cannot claim spousal maintenance like wives, and if they have given up their careers to bring up the children they cannot claim a share on their cohabitees’ pensions. Anyone thinking about cohabitation and particularly those considering having children with their partner outside of marriage should seek legal advice so that they know where they stand and can consider entering into a ‘Living Together Agreement.’

of entering into the agreement and the agreement is not unfair in the circumstances, the courts are likely to uphold the agreement on breakup. The formalities are really crucial however and people should not be tempted to draft their own agreements from the internet. If an agreement were found to be technically deficient by a court at a later stage, there is a much greater likelihood that the court will set the agreement aside.

Where do you see Glynis Wright & Co going in the future?

I would like to see a much more joined up approach to the delivery of family law services in the future.

As we are so specialist in our field, we can signpost our clients to complementary mechanisms which allow them to handle their breakups in NICHE | 21

Running my own business in my 50s has been so empowering for me that I want to do all that I can to encourage women in particular to consider business as a serious option the best possible way during the legal process. Most people have heard of mediation, but very few know there is such a thing as Child Mediation or that they can hire a private judge to resolve their family law matter outside of court (this is called family arbitration). Also, there needs to be greater access to essential support services to families going through the trauma of a relationship breakup such as family and child therapy, conscious uncoupling or individual counselling. The most important first step for anyone facing this situation is to appoint a family lawyer from a firm such as my own that only deals with this area of law, a true specialism. The second step is to ensure that the firm is knowledgeable about methods of resolving matters out of court and the wider support services that exist for clients.

And finally, what about Glynis Wright the businesswoman?

Being a businesswoman is as important to me as being a lawyer.

I had no idea I was going to find business so thrilling when I became a lawyer in my forties and had no intention of setting up my own law firm.

The belief and desire grew organically.

I recently won Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Inspiring Female Leader of the Year in EMWA (East Midlands Women’s Awards 2017) which was a humbling and amazing experience and made me realise that age is no bar to business success! I want to give back and for that reason decided to be headline sponsor for the up and coming prestigious Niche Business Awards. I have supported the Niche Business Awards since its inception and in particular the Businesswoman of the Year category.

This year, I decided to throw all of my support in for the event by being its headline sponsor owing to the fact that the event is so effective in promoting and celebrating our local business community including start-up businesses.

Running my own business in my 50s has been so empowering for me that I want to do all that I can to encourage women in particular to consider business as a serious option, especially those who are thinking it is too late to change their lives. I do not believe in ‘too late.’ Women in my age group make fantastic entrepreneurs.

They are passionate, purposeful and free of childcare responsibilities.

Barclays recently reported a 67 per cent increase in the number of women over 55 years of age opening their own business bank accounts! That is an incredible statistic and proves that more and more women are turning to business later in their lives. I want to play my part in encouraging that onward trend.

0116 238 5680 glyniswright.co.uk

GLYNIS WITH HER TEAM 22 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

Will power A YouGov survey based on 1,794 adults estimated that 38 per cent of people in England and Wales had a Will in 2015 – Paradigm Wills & Legal Service explains why your Will may turn out to be powerless

W

hat if those 38 per cent of people were at risk of having their children, money and possessions in the hands of people they did not wish for? A Will states who you wish to inherit your estate but it is not necessarily guaranteed.

“People often forget they’ve made a Will and that marriage or divorce can revoke it and changes in circumstances can leave it outdated. Therefore, it needs to be reviewed and kept up to date,” explains Bhavin Gandhi, co-director of Paradigm Wills & Legal Services.

“It’s essential to consider all the people around our customers and all the situations they might find themselves in when they’re gone. Lots of factors can affect how your beneficiaries inherit.”

He adds: “It’s all about educating the client and prior to us doing that, we fully understand them

and their requirements, so they have all the information to make the right decisions on what they want in their Will.”

Co-founder Satwinder Sidhu says: “We write to our clients every three years as a reminder to update their Will if there has been a change in circumstances, this way their Wills remain up-to date.”

The company was built on the ethos to offer full Will and Estate Planning Solutions to clients and not that of a onesize-fits-all organisation. Both Bhavin and Sat, who have known each other since the age of five, wanted to ensure they provide clients with exceptional service and nothing less.

“Providing a great customer experience is key to building a successful business and for our existing clients to continue

MAKING A WILL DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE GOING TO DIE BUT INSTEAD IT ALLOWS YOU TO LIVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WORRY FREE

to recommend our services,” explains Bhavin.

As members of The Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW) and approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Paradigm Wills and Legal Services has secured business with large corporations and council organisations providing staff benefits within just three years in business. It was in 2015 that Sat decided to go into the Will writing profession making contact with an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) and Accountant in London, who are now valued partners. Now, with an array of collected contacts, Paradigm Wills and Legal Services is able to understand all aspects of its client’s lives nationwide.

Sat tells us: “We try to make the process as easy and painless as possible for our clients.”

With the New Year here it may be time to give that Will a power boost. Speak to Sat and Bhavin to secure the future of your loved ones.

0800 999 7750 paradigm-wills.com NICHE | 23

EVENTS NETWORK WATERMEAD 11-01-18 7.30-9.30am Starbucks, Thurmaston Retail Park, Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8GP

NETWORK WATERMEAD

Business events around Leicester

Free No Need To Book On-site parking

08-02-18 7.30-9.30am Starbucks, Thurmaston Retail Park, Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8GP Free No Need To Book On-site parking

QUORN NETWORKING 25-01-18 NETWORKING LUTTERWORTH

8.00-10.00am

11-01-18

Quorn Country Hotel, 66 Leicester Road, Quorn, LE12 8BB

5.30-7.00am Lutterworth Golf Club, Lutterworth Free book at eventbright.co.uk On-site parking

Free book at eventbright.co.uk On-site parking

LOVE BUSINESS 22-02-18 10.00-4.00pm Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough. Holywell Way, Loughborough LE11 3GR Free On-site parking

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN in business EMITA MASTERCLASS: GROWTH & PROFITABILITY 17-01-18 5.00-7.30pm Ramada Encore Leicester City 84-90 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1GE book at emita.org.uk/emita-events/ event-calendar/ NCP parking

BISTRO LIVE BUSINESS CLUB 25-01-18 12.00-2.00pm 91 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FA £26 book via Bistro Live 24 | NICHE

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS 26-01-18

BISTRO LIVE BUSINESS CLUB

10.00-2.00pm

22-02-18

St Martins House, Peacock Lane Leicester

12.00-2.00pm 91 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FA

£15 book at eventbright.co.uk

£26 book via Bistro Live

NETWORKING LUTTERWORTH 08-02-18 5.30-7.00am

QUORN NETWORKING 22-02-18 8.00-10.00am

Crab and Cow, Leire

Quorn Country Hotel, 66 Leicester Road, Quorn, LE12 8BB

Free book at eventbright.co.uk On-site parking

Free book at eventbright.co.uk On-site parking

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

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

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

IVAN SPIBEY

INCREASING RISK FOR EMPLOYERS Director of Atom HR, Ivan Spibey, advises what businesses should expect after employment tribunal fees were abolished last year

Y

ou may be aware that employment tribunal fees became a thing of the past in July 2017.

This change indicated an increased risk to employers which has now been backed up by statistics which have shown a 66 per cent rise in the three months after fees were abolished in July last year.

Employers now should be taking steps to scrutinise their employment policies and practices in order to minimise the risk of claim. This includes having up to date employment contracts, and an employee handbook which should contain clear policies and procedures

to manage issues which may arise.

Individuals can now make claims without financial outlay, and this will potentially result in an increase in frivolous claims.

Employers should potentially expect claims in the following areas: ◆ Holiday pay ◆ Sex discrimination and maternity discrimination ◆ Equal pay ◆ Low value cases which would have been previously prevented by the level of fee required for an employment tribunal hearing • Multiple claims by trade unions on behalf of their members

With the above in mind it is now more important than ever that an employer’s house is in order from an HR perspective. This includes regular reviews of employment documentation, and a thorough HR audit to minimise risk.

For further advice and action, you can contact us at Atom HR for peace of mind.

0116 212 1153 0771 211 5663 atomhr.co.uk NICHE | 25

Wework workwith with the the Leicester We LeicesterRiders.

Riders.

We work with are the Riders.

Torr Waterfield theirLeicester official accountants.

Torr Waterfield are their official accountants.

They are the 2015/16 and 2016/17 BBL League Champions.

They are the 2015/16 and 2016/17 BBL League Champions.

They Torr are the 2015/16 and BBL League Champions.

Waterfield are2016/17 their official accountants.

Call 0116 242 3400 or visit www.torrwaterfield.co.uk

Call 0116 242 3400 or visit www.torrwaterfield.co.uk Call 0116 242 3400 or visit www.torrwaterfield.co.uk

BUSINESS FOCUS

Digital Tax

Making Tax Digital You may have already heard about the TIM EMMONY

Government’s plans for Making Tax Digital but what does this actually mean and how could it affect your business?

THE TIMETABLE HAS ALREADY CHANGED FOR INCOME TAX SO THAT THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BECOME MANDATORY BEFORE AT LEAST APRIL 2020.

MIKE WATERFIELD Director at Torr Waterfield

T

he plan is to require businesses to keep digital records and update HMRC quarterly for income tax. The intention is that it will be easier for businesses and individuals to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs with the expectation that this will reduce the amount of money lost to the Exchequer through error.

The timetable has already changed for income tax so that the current requirements will not become mandatory before at least April 2020.

Instead, the first businesses that will be affected are those that are VAT registered – those with an annual turnover of more than £85,000. As of 1st April 2019, digital record keeping will be mandatory for VAT. Currently all VAT returns must be submitted electronically but the transactions can be recorded in any form including paper. The new requirements should not be underestimated as they mean all transactions will have to be recorded digitally. Businesses will have to use ‘compatible software’ so that it can connect to HMRC systems. This software must be able to:

◆ Keep records in a digital form ◆ Create a VAT return from the digital records held and submit this to HMRC digitally ◆ Provide HMRC with VAT data on a voluntary basis If, as a lot of small businesses do, you currently use spreadsheets or paperbased records for your VAT records, it is likely that you will need to combine these spreadsheets or move to another software product to comply with the new requirements.

Whatever the size of your business, there will be great changes ahead. While we still await more details from HMRC and software providers, it is important for VAT registered businesses to start considering the implications now, particularly if transactions are not being recorded digitally.

Please note that if you registered for VAT on a voluntary basis then you will not be required to comply with this legislation, it is optional.

At Torr Waterfield we are happy to help with any issues or queries arising from Making Tax Digital.

THREATS TO THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY

T

he perfect storm of GDPR and Making Tax Digital will be detrimental for unprepared accounting firms. Although the switch to digital tax records for businesses through the HMRC’s Making Tax Digital initiative is now set to be rephased for April 2019 rather than a year earlier as initially suggested, accounting firms and small businesses will have barely caught breath after the GDPR regulation comes into effect from May 2018.

With this level of regulatory change, combined with the adjustments already impacting the accounting industry, not to mention Brexit – now, more than ever, small businesses will look to accountants for advice.

Small businesses need to learn how to effectively manage these changes – not in the future, but right now. The role of the accountant has changed far beyond what it was traditionally.

Some accountants will try to weather the storm, but may find themselves in a constant effort to stay afloat.

The firms that embrace these changes within the accounting industry, maintaining pace by staying connected with their clients through cloud accounting software, will be able to ride on the crest of this oncomung wave of changes.

0116 255 2422 mneaccounting.co.uk

This article was written prior to the autumn budget and may be subject to change NICHE | 27

E

AT I

ST

X TA

S

HIP

THE

M

E R PA RT N

RS

L IL

ON

A SPECI

LI

“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

Autumn Budget 2017: Index allowance removal and what it adds up to for your company Philip Hammond’s autumn 2017 Budget was a quiet one for corporate taxation, which is something of a relief given the massive changes we’ve seen in recent years.

The Chancellor limited himself to tinkering around the edges and fixing things, rather than implementing any dramatic new measures.

Probably his most noticeable amendment was the move to scrap indexation allowance for companies, aligning the treatment of capital gains tax with the rules which apply to individuals.

Indexation allowance currently allows companies to index link the price of assets between the date of purchase and the date of sale, so that capital gains or corporation tax on chargeable gains only tax the genuine increase in the value of an asset, not the inflationary increase.

It was abolished in 2008 for individuals and others who do not pay corporation tax so, from March 31st that year, they received no indexation allowance for all future gains.

Companies will still be able to claim their accumulated indexation up to December 31st 2017, but no further indexation will be given after January 1st 2018. This is in marked contrast to the treatment of individuals in 2008, where the relief’s immediate abolition doubled or trebled the latent gains in certain cases!

For further information on how the removal of indexation might affect your company, please email pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com or call us 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.

Our specialities 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 New Walk House, 108 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6UF

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

Hello Freedom.

Make the move to Xero accounting software. It will change your life and it’s a lot easier than you might think.

Benefits of using Xero against other accounting software Easy-to-access accounts in real time. Online, anytime, anywhere via desktop, tablet or mobile devices.

A system that’s always up-to-date and compliant.

Any changes to tax rates or compliance legislation are carried out automatically. With Xero, your data’s sat in the cloud on world class encrypted servers – there’s no need for back-ups.

Real time reporting. If you need a cash report or a profit and loss statement, the numbers you see truly reflect the current position of the business.

0116 255 2422 mneaccounting.co.uk

BUSINESS FOCUS

The General Data Protection Regulation The GDPR applies to all companies worldwide that process personal data of European Union citizens. For the first time the European Commission is exporting European data protection principles to the rest of the world.

This means that any company that works with information relating to EU citizens will have to comply with the requirements of the GDPR, making it the first global data protection law.

W

ith so much of our personal and professional data stored digitally, the GDPR attempts to protect all EU citizens’ privacy and eradicate data breaches. But despite Brexit, GDRP will become law in the UK. You will need to prepare for this if your company resides inside or outside of the EU and you offer goods or services to, or monitor the behaviours of, EU subjects (eugdpr.org).

If you fail to have sufficient customer consent to use their data or infringe upon Privacy by Design (the minimisation of necessary data and limited access to this data), you are subject to a fine of up to €20 million (£17 million). Fines may also be imposed if you are made aware of a data breach and do not report it to the data protection authorities and to those affected within 72 hours.

According to eugdpr.org, consent to use the data (a name, photo, address, email address, social media posts, medical information, computer IP address, bank details etc.) of a ‘natural person’ must be completely clear and unambiguous. Consumers need only say they ‘opt in’ to meet these requirements but the wording used to request the use of such data must be in clear and plain language and it must be made as easy to withdraw consent as it is to give it.

Companies will need to prepare before the regulation is set in place in May 2018 but the end result should be a positive one. Much of our sensitive data is collected and exchanged digitally putting our personal information at risk but if the public are confident in a business to protect their information, they are more likely to use its services.

ico.org.uk eugdpr.org 30 | NICHE

To help you prepare for the GDPR, Information Commissioners Office (ICO) have put together 12 steps you should take now.

Awareness You should make sure that decision makers and key people in your organisation are aware that the law is changing to the GDPR. They need to appreciate the impact this is likely to have.

Information you hold You should document what personal data you hold, where it came from and who you share it with. You may need to organise an information audit.

Communicating privacy information You should review your current privacy notices and put a plan in place for making any necessary changes in time for GDPR implementation.

Individuals’ rights You should check your procedures to ensure they cover all the rights individuals have, including how you would delete personal data or provide data electronically and in a commonly used format.

Subject access requests You should update your procedures and plan how you will handle requests within the new timescales and provide any additional information.

Lawful basis for processing personal data You should identify the lawful basis for your processing activity in the GDPR, document it and update your privacy notice to explain it.

Consent You should review how you seek, record and manage consent and whether you need to make any changes. Refresh existing consents now if they don’t meet the GDPR standard.

Children You should start thinking now about whether you need to put systems in place to verify individuals’ ages and to obtain parental or guardian consent for any data processing activity.

Data breaches You should make sure you have the right procedures in place to detect, report and investigate a personal data breach.

Data Protection by Design and Data Protection Impact Assessments You should familiarise yourself now with the ICO’s code of practice on Privacy Impact Assessments as well as the latest guidance from the Article 29 Working Party, and work out how and when to implement them in your organisation.

Data Protection Officers You should designate someone to take responsibility for data protection compliance and assess where this role will sit within your organisation’s structure and governance arrangements.

You should consider whether you are required to formally designate a Data Protection Officer.

International If your organisation operates in more than one EU member state (ie you carry out cross-border processing), you should determine your lead data protection supervisory authority. Article 29 Working Party guidelines will help you do this.

General Data Protection Regulation

LEANNE BONNER-COOKE Managing Director at Evolve IT Consulting

G

DPR. We’ve all heard about it, but have you taken action yet?

The new rules are not enforced until May 2018 but we must all be prepared if we want to avoid investigations and those hefty fines we’ve seen that bring business owners out in a cold sweat.

You may not glide seamlessly into this new data protection era as there is a lot to think about, but by doing all you can to protect yourself and your business simply through effective auditing, you’re half way there.

GDPR forces businesses to be accountable for the handling and processes of all personal data they have in the business – that’s customer and employee data. By introducing a process that shows you have taken action to protect your data and recorded that action accordingly, you will be reducing your risks, highlighting accountability, improving visibility, and ensuring that, should a breach take place, you can trace that breach back through your audit records to determine what went wrong, and most importantly, you can provide any GDPR investigator with the evidence. Can you imagine doing all that with a paper-based system!? If you do one thing before May 2018, make sure your GDPR preparation and actions are fully auditable using a good, web-based software solution that facilitates your business’ compliance and mitigates risk.

We’re here to help.

0116 298 7460 evolve-consultants.co.uk

GREG HOLLINGSWORTH Litigation and Commercial Solicitor at Hollingsworths Solicitors Limited

D

on’t panic! The GDPR contains a lot of the requirements from the Data Protection Act 1998 – so hopefully you are already doing some of the right things. There is still time to plan for the 25th May 2018 start date and the enhancements to data protection laws that the GDPR brings.

Here are three tips to do now:

you entitled to process that data under the GDPR? If you have a lawful basis, then document it.

1 Add the Information Commissioner’s website to your favourites! There is help and guidance on the ICO website.

Don’t rush into attending expensive courses and buying GDPR compliance packages – the ICO website has some very helpful and practical advice.

Understand what GDPR is about and start your planning now.

2 Review what personal data you hold; where did it come from? Are

SARRAH AHMED Digital Manager at Unity Media

I

t has now become essential that all businesses regardless of size and industry are in line with the new General Data Protection Regulation. Generally speaking, the majority of businesses are to some extent already in a good position and have the basics in place thanks to current data laws.

That being said, protecting your data is paramount. Our top five tips help to summarise what you need to do: 1 Document your current data process, in line with GDPR

3 Review contracts and terms and conditions on how consent is obtained and recorded. The GDPR places greater emphasis on the documentation that you must keep.

Accountability Principle.

2 Update your privacy policy, highlighting what, where and why you are collecting data.

3 Ensure you have a process in place to provide individuals the data you hold on them and the ability to delete data records if necessary.

4 Seek consent from current individuals you hold data for if your current process doesn’t support GDPR. 5 Ensure data is held in a safe and secure platform that is GDPR compliant.

For more detailed information on how you can ensure your business is GDPR compliant and you’re data safe, get in touch with Unity today.

NICHE | 31

NICHE FEATURE

Recycling company Bakers Waste gives advice on preparing for the upcoming confidentiality legislation

W

ith the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into play in May, it’s safe to say the EU is getting serious about consumer confidentiality, which means confidential waste will be regarded as equally important to online security. Even with Brexit deals being made, GDPR will still go ahead for us in the UK. As the digital world becomes more strictly regulated, and rightly so, many business owners may worry if they are covering all bases. It’s important to become more vigilant and take measures to secure yourself as a business. This is why Bakers Waste are offering onsite shredding so you can watch the brilliantly branded ‘Shredasaurus’ truck shred all your confidential papers before your eyes.

Business Development consultant Ali Beddow told us: “The way we recycle at Bakers Waste is slightly different as we shred onsite right in front of you. With the recent breaches of Talk Talk and the NHS it’s really important that businesses keep everything secure internally. On-site shredding means we can prove to people that their confidential waste gets mangled there and then.”

The personal data of 156,959 Talk Talk customers was accessed by hackers in 2015. The company was fined £400,000 as it failed to secure its database. And, in 2017, the NHS experienced a cyber breach from hackers threatening to delete files unless a ransom was paid, which affected an estimated 19,000 appointments, the BBC reported.

The effect that data breaches could have on any kind of business could be devastating to owners and their customers. The GDPR will work

to encourage businesses to maximise their security measures to protect the personal data of every individual they come into contact with. Fines for unreported data breaches or failure to comply could be as high as €20m or 4% per cent of global turnover.

With GDPR looming, Bakers Waste are undertaking a rebrand of the Shredasaurus onsite shredding truck in an attempt to get people talking about confidential security. Ali commented: “We’re in our 15th year of business now and as a local company it’s nice to retain some personality. Let’s face it shredding isn’t very interesting,” she laughed, “so the rebrand will hopefully get people thinking more about how this is one way they can prepare for the new GDPR coming up.”

officials.

But Bakers Waste is not just a data-secure company; it is also an eco-friendly one. Ali added: “We have a really fantastic reporting system that’s useful to manage your waste percentage as its weighed and monitored regularly, which helps you make informed choices on how to be more eco-friendly and keep your costs to a minimum. We also hope to encourage people to want to work in recycling as it’s very important to us as a company.”

The waste solution firm won the Eco award at the Niche Business Awards last September. Ecofriendliness is the foundation of the business and a practice that is important to the company and its owner Paul Baker, who also won the Businessman of the Year accolade.

Paul said: “We’re always looking for more ways of working as an ecofriendly company. For example, we take any food waste to our anaerobic digestion plant for it to be recycled into electricity. The Eco award was great

The way we recycle at Bakers Waste is slightly different as we shred onsite right in front of you Bakers Waste provide a service that will run an onsite audit of all the kinds of waste your business produces and a survey of how often that waste will need to be collected. For confidential waste, the Shredasaurus will arrive at a convenient spot near your offices for you to witness the shredding of such material. This is an effective method as a certificate is then granted to you to prove you have disposed of this waste giving you credibility and equipping you with proof that you are taking the necessary measures to abide by the new GDPR should any checks be made by

PR for us and I believe that we have had people contact us off the back of this because the public is beginning to take caring for the environment more seriously.”

So by using Bakers Waste’s services, you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that your customers’ personal data has been safely destroyed, and that you are working with a company with a mission to save the environment too.

0370 350 6350 bakerswaste.co.uk

Reducing the risk 32 | NICHE

The Eco award was great PR for us and I believe that we have had people contact us off the back of this because the public is beginning to take caring for the environment more seriously

of a data breach NICHE | 33

Business travel

how to stay tax efficient Dominic Shaw Of MNE Accounting shares the latest on taxing company cars and mileage claims

H

MRC taxes you heavily for owning a car with high CO2 emissions including charging Class 1A National Insurance.

In the Autumn Budget the government increased taxes on new diesel cars in a bid to persuade drivers to move to cleaner cars. Furthermore, as part of the government’s bid to raise the popularity of cleaner vehicles, it is set to invest in the wider roll out of charging points for electric cars.

There are benefits for employees who use their own vehicle for business journeys under the Mileage Allowance Payments scheme. Cars and vans can claim back 45p per business mile for the first 10,000 miles.

One extra perk companies might not be familiar with is that if your employee carries another employee on a business journey, you can claim an extra 5p per mile tax-free. So buddy up folks!

You’re treated in far less contempt if you drive an electric vehicle. In some cases, you might not pay any company car tax at all on some electric cars.

Generally speaking, unless a company has a fleet of electric cars, it’s more tax efficient to get employees to do a mileage claim rather than have a company car.

Company car tax is only applicable for drivers who use a vehicle for personal use as well as business.

P R I VAT E

BUSINESS

COMMERCIAL

Business Contract Hire Personal Contract Hire Flexible Lease Finance Lease Short Term Lease Maintenance Packs Low Deposit / No Deposit At Vehicle Consulting we pride ourselves in supplying vehicles to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Please ask for personal quotations

0116 278 8160 or 07896 944 168 34 | NICHE

ALL CARS DELIVERE D TO YOUR DOOR

BUSINESS FOCUS

Marketing

First impressions count Seven seconds. That’s all it takes for us to make a full first impression of someone or something

F

rom a person we meet to a shop front or a business’s head office, the imprint is made and it’s made fast. As a business owner these first impressions are particularly crucial; from careful branding and marketing to what kind of front door you have on your property – all these factors go towards your potential client or customer’s first impression and, ultimately, to the success of your company.

So, what can you do to make the right impression every time? Well, if you have a shop or business premises in which clients or customers visit, everything from the location, the door, the exterior paint job and the business signage will already form a vital image of what your business is all about before anyone even steps through the door. Therefore, these very things need to be very prudently considered; of course there are things out of your control but where possible choose your touches wisely. Your branding, choice of colours and

even lettering should all seamlessly work together to project your image clearly and professionally.

Then come the choices you make inside. If your premises has a waiting area this all-too-often neglected domain needs to be considered in depth.

In fact, this space ought really to be left to the professionals and an interior designer will work to your brief to ensure everything from the lighting, the seating, accessories and even the reading material is exactly as it should be to get your message and the right impression across. The ‘vibe’ you go for here can say everything to your clients about who you are and how you want to make them feel.

In fact, it really is all down to creating the right authenticity and ‘vibe’ and of course this goes further than the shop front and waiting area. How your team approach everyone, how your social media ‘sounds’ and how your website sits along side it all is where an image is formed – but a great front door and sign is a notable place to start!

NICHE | 35

BUSINESS FOCUS

Marketing

Creating the right impression since 1888 Broughtons Lighting and Ironmongery of Anstey, Leicester, know a few things about how to get the exterior and décor of your business property spot on creating the right image to those who visit

I

n a world of easy-to-purchase mass made interior and exterior décor pieces and tighter budgets when starting a new business, it can be far too tempting for us to pick them up off the shelf.

However, this can result in a dull effect where every shop front or business office looks the same – not what you want when trying to carve out a unique and striking image. Broughtons is home to well made, unique exterior and interior period style pieces which will really help set your business apart from the rest – making it memorable for all the right reasons.

Managing Director Jonathan Allcock said: “What we sell has changed little over the years but it’s the varied ways in which customers can buy our products and how they choose to receive their purchases that is simply unrecognizable from the ‘olden days.’”

From the door knob to indoor chandeliers there are pieces to suit every style from Georgian, vintage and Art Deco to industrial, contemporary and more. Handforged door accessories, exterior 36 | NICHE

CHRIS GOODMAN

SIGNING UP

lighting, window fittings and switches, sockets and bells are all available in the converted cinema store in Anstey with expert advice and comfortable surroundings which are all part of the good old fashioned infamous Broughtons service.

“First impressions are always very important, we have a fabulous 1930s art deco cinema for our showroom which provides a wonderful characterful setting for our products. Customers find it very inspiring and it really has the wow factor. We have ample parking in a relaxed village location.”

“Customers can expect to receive an old fashioned professional personal service, where they feel valued and listened too, we want every customer to be delighted with their experience of dealing with us either online or in our showroom - we recognise after 130 years in business this remains a key focus now and always.”

In business a bad first impression sticks. One sure-fire way to create a negative impression before clients even deal with the business or meet anyone involved in it is to have an outdated, tatty, handmade or incorrect sign. And, if your offices are notoriously difficult to find, a lack of ‘way marking’ could get the better of your clients and put them in a bad mood.

Clear external signage makes a great first impression often subconsciously. How often is it that you specifically remember a great sign? Well you’ll definitely remember a bad one. Signage and way marking also act as an advert promoting your business to passers-by so it’s money well spent.

Once you’ve got your customers through the door, the internal signage will also affect your reputation. Throughout your reception and other public areas, your signs need to look as professional as your external ones and reinforce branding.

Signage needs to work with you and your brand to support your key messages and business practise.

Some signage can be portable such as pull-up banners in a reception area, an A-frame/forecourt sign or an eyeletted banner for a shortterm promotion. These are great for temporary promotions and events. Other signage needs to be permanent and long-lasting; especially if that is the impression you want to give to your clients!

0116 234 1888 broughtons.com

0116 259 9955 soarvalleypress.co.uk

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

Stop Stuffing Envelopes‌ ...we can design, print and distribute your direct mail campaigns If you would like to reach your clients and prospects in the most effective way* then talk to us today

*Direct mail household response rate is 5.1% (compared to 0.6% email, 0.6% paid search, 0.2% online display, 0.4% social media) DMA Response Rate Report www.thedma.org

WILL

ROOPAL

DAVE

ALFIE

ALI

ANNA

CHRIS

BEN

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

BUSINESS FOCUS

RACHEL HARGRAVE

A CRYSTAL CLEAR VISION Whilst shopping I stopped in my tracks as a particular magazine (figuratively) jumped off the shelf at me. It was the December edition of Vogue – a magazine I read avidly many years ago but, ultimately, tired of.

The image on the front cover was so incredibly powerful. Fast forward a couple of weeks and I’m reading FT Weekend and there is an interview with the brand new British Vogue editor – Edward Enninful.

Enninful is the first man to hold the post in the magazines’ 101 year history and its first black editor.

He is also incredibly clear about the magazine he wants to create saying: “I thought I would love to create a Vogue that is inclusive, that represents the world today…

I wanted Vogue to be inviting and not so intimidating.” The part that really caught my eye was when Enninful was asked about comments made by the previous editor: “All I can say is she was at Vogue for a quarter of a century.

She has her Vogue, it represented the times, and I’ll have mine.”

With a crystal clear vision you can achieve anything. Enninful has created a master issue with December’s Vogue which has encouraged me to become a subscriber again, but what’s the lesson for businesses? In business we can achieve anything we set our hearts on… and it all starts with that crystal clear vision.

So what will you create in 2018? I can’t wait to see!

01509 813 913 rdz-pr.co.uk 38 | NICHE

Forum

ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PR WORK TOGETHER Advertising, marketing and public relations are all the same thing… aren’t they? Well, not entirely

O

ften confused and used in place of each other they are all communication and branding, but they each have their own purpose. Working with and for each other they all need each other to be most powerful. Invest time, energy and money in just one of them and it simply won’t be an effective communication strategy.

So, why do you need all three? A good place to start in understanding why is giving them a distinct definition.

Advertising

Advertising is a controlled message through ad space or air time focusing on a targeted audience. Simply ‘getting it out there’ in a way in which a business decides it wants to be seen is hugely valuable.

Marketing

The word marketing simply means preparing what you have to offer accordingly for the marketplace. It entails understanding what motivates your target audience and from there producing the design and colouring of your logo, packaging, slogan and website in accordance to appeal to that target.

Public Relations

Through tactics like press releases, pitches and press conferences, a business can gain exposure and build credibility, and this is essentially what PR does, it earns media coverage for free. Of course, the drawback here is that isn’t absolutely controlled like paid advertising is.

How do they work with each other?

Advertising, marketing and public relations are at their most powerful when they work together. The message needs to be consistent and this can only be achieved effectively if everything has the same overarching goals. The benefits of using all three to grow your brand, with the same message, allows you to reach your target audience most efficiently. We all respond differently, and some of us are motivated by an advertisement, others by a newspaper article and yet others are drawn to a product’s packaging and placement. By using all three you are ensuring your message and brand is heard loud and clear.

NICHE FEATURE

Time to show up Video has taken social media platforms by storm and businesses need to join in, creative director Adam King of Kinetal Media explains

A

t the start of December, I decided I was going to show up. I had been hiding behind the filming, the editing, client meetings and all the admin and it wasn’t good enough. Yes, these tasks will always remain a major responsibility but for me, it’s now about committing to prioritise working on my business not just in the business.

But what does ‘showing up’ really mean? Well to start with it’s about an online presence and personality. It’s about reaching out, telling stories and showing 40 | NICHE

your journey. Social media is the most powerful tool at our disposal and everybody in business should be engaging in it.

My story? I’ve dreamt of editing video since I was old enough to hold a camera. It started with reimagined horror movies, unfunny comedy sketches and local music videos and yes, I still have all the tapes!

After a stint in marketing for Otis Lifts I partnered with old friend Matthew Hughes and together we’ve grown Kinetal into a leading Leicestershire media

SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL AT OUR DISPOSAL AND EVERYBODY IN BUSINESS SHOULD BE ENGAGING IN IT

company. I now get to connect with businesses and the people behind them, offering help and advice to grow their audience.

Video content is a marketing tool but at heart it’s a story, a journey and a connection.

There’s no right or wrong way to market your business on social media – it’s all about finding what works for you, but you must start by showing up.

adam@kinetal.com kinetalmedia.com

G R OW I N G C O R P O R A T E VO I C E & P E R F O R M A N C E

C O R P O R A T E

D E B T

S O L U T I O N S

Founded in 2010 and incorporated in 2016, CDS Global is an international debt collection company based in the UK WHY USE CDS?

SOLUTION MANAGEMENT

software allows us to apply and adjust

We apply a strategic approach to credit control continually analysing a ledger and applying a collections strategy based on the propensity to pay, external credit scoring and client direction.

collections for each individual case

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Utilising our state of the art bespoke

behaviours. We believe this strategic

Once a client’s ledger is in order we look to work with the customer from an invoice lifecycle perspective supporting the front end ‘new business’ strategy along with managing cashflow.

approach allows us to control and

UK BASED CONTACT AGENTS

based on a client’s credit scoring and

All our agents, many of whom are multi-lingual, are trained to the highest standard allowing credit control and collections to take place across a number of continents.

actively manage any size of client portfolio adding value to the P&L.

NO WIN NO FEE I CICM AFFILIATED

0116 296 1438

I

0800 368 8637

I

www.cdsolutionsglobal.co.uk

St James Place, 71 Main Street, Broughton Astley, Leicester, Leicestershire LE9 6RE

BUSINESS FOCUS

Finance

Business Finance Finding financing in any economic climate can be challenging, whether you’re looking for start-up funds, capital to expand or money to hold on through the tough times. How do you decide which lending platform will work best for you and your business?

THE LENDING MARKET FOR SMES IS MUCH MORE VARIED THAN EVER BEFORE BOTH IN RELATION TO DEBT FINANCE AND EQUITY

VIKESH SAMANI Managing Director at Mason Row Ltd

T

he question posed on how to decide which lending platform will work best for you and your business is one which is fairly broad and is best looked at from two aspects.

Firstly, I would be inclined to explore the reason why a business requires finance? I appreciate there is likely to be an array of common reasons for this such as working capital, asset purchase, start-up funds, growth funds, debt restructuring; however a prudent business must consider organic growth as an alternative as funded capital needs to pay and not be used for speculative expenses.

Hence I would advise all businesses initially to undertake a full review of the company finances, structure, systems and processes and decide if savings can be made by taking a belt and braces approach and making the business leaner where possible.

Secondly, if it is decided that funds are required then a few key fundamentals are likely to determine which lending platform/institution will be suitable for the business such as how much is required, over what term and for what reason funding is needed.

To further explore the question of choosing the right lending platform I put this to a private mastermind group which consists of a variety of experienced business owners and entrepreneurs who suggested the following elements as being important to them when searching suitable funding avenues: ◆ Lenders who operate or specialise in the sector of the business they are in. ◆ Lenders who offer flexibility and cater for individual needs (as opposed to a one size fits all approach). ◆ Reasonable terms/fees being

offered which is vital for business cash flow. ◆ A lender with a solid track record of being reputable which can be verified via testimonials using independent search engines such as Trustpilot. ◆ Lending platforms which are regulated to offer a higher level of protection in addition to offering wide product coverage.

To conclude it is quite clear that the lending market for SMEs is much more varied than ever before both in relation to debt finance and equity with the growth of institutions such as challenger banks, crowdfunding/ peer2peer platforms and private financiers. The challenge of choosing the most suitable funding vehicle for your business should be led by aligning the business principles, aims and objectives to that of the lenders to ensure the leveraged funding borrowed adds value to the business.

NICHE | 43

#BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

The Fastest Growing Companies in Leicestershire RACHAEL RITCHIE

was persistent in asking her to work for them and that she chose to work for them as she felt comfortable with the business and its values. She first worked as a freelance sales and marketing team member seven years

ago and has been in her current position of sales manager for three months. She’s responsible for the commercial sales, HR, health and safety and supporting the sales and delivery teams. Rachael has a business studies qualification and gained a CIM qualification after studying part time at Loughborough University four years ago.

Describing herself as a good listener (and talker), she has the ability to empathise and, having been brought up in a family business, she has a good work ethic. She understands that employing people and making sure you’re compliant in both employment and health and safety legislations is paramount.

The JRR Tolkien fan and Tough Mudder racer feels inspired by Dragons’ Den’s Hilary Devey for her sheer determination having been constantly faced with adversity, describing her as ‘one gritty lady’.

visible to all. Those who achieve their targets go on an all expenses paid holiday – this year was to Lanzarote.

She is currently a council member of Nottingham City Business Club and co-chair of the D2N2 Public Sector Compact.

Feeling fortunate that the business she runs is owned by her family, she says being mentored by her father for a number of years has allowed her to learn the skills she needs.

Charlotte has a degree in Management and Economics from University of Sheffield along with workrelated courses. Having worked since the age of 13, Charlotte has a strong and driven work ethic. Her mother and father, as parents and owners of several business, have supported and encouraged her and been the most influential part of her life. She lives by her father’s teaching that ‘a good

attitude is the most important attribute a person can have’. Growing up with the freedom to roam in the fields and attending a school with well-rounded young people has been essential to developing her confidence – not to mention the fact that she climbed Mount Everest at 17.

Sales Manager at Qdos Consulting

R

achael grew up in Ashby de la Zouch, she is fascinated by and proud of its history, and feels that this has given her a strong sense of community and belonging. She is also lucky enough to have been supported by family and friends who have consistently believed in her and encouraged her to be herself. It might be due to surrounding herself with such support that instilled in her the confidence to go after her dreams.

At 18 she wanted to be an air hostess and made it as far as ground staff at East Midlands Airport before another company made it known that they saw great potential in her.

Rachael says that Qdos Consulting

CHARLOTTE MORELAND Managing Director at Training for Business

C

harlotte, a Gloucestershire-born Lord of the Rings fan (with a guilty pleasure of Stilton and chocolate Rice Krispie cakes), ensures the quality of the training for the apprenticeships her company delivers is to a high standard and that they remain an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ training provider as well as maintaining a healthy profit margin. She says that Training for Business is lucky to have such a vibrant business community that never fails to amaze her.

In the workplace, Charlotte has introduced a new employee strategy which rewards staff with birthdays off, star employee awards, and transparent individual Key Performance Indicators that are

44 | NICHE

Sponsored by

ehlcommercial.co.uk SAMANTHA GAMBLE Marketing Executive at Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors

PAUL ATKIN General Manager at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground

V

ariety is the spice of life, says Paul, who deals with many different types of business that can include anything from testing a battle tank to dealing with TV programmes like Top Gear or even hosting weddings. Paul takes care of the events side of the business as well as securing the proving ground, but as it’s a family-run business, he admits he has a hands-on approach in most areas of the company.

Starting his career as an aerospace engineer helping to design military aircraft for British Aerospace, he even got to work on the latest Typhoon military jet before leaving for the automotive industry. What drew him to his current role were his two passions; planes and cars. To achieve such a career, Paul gained a degree in mechanical engineering and is still a Chartered Engineer. Gaining his first 18 years’ experience in the automotive industry he worked for MIRA Ltd where he benefitted from sales and marketing aspects of the business and looking after overseas offices. MIRA’s Gerry Newbury was a considerable influence on Paul, having spotted potential in him beyond his engineering skills.

A young Paul grew up in Blackpool with his father being an engineer for British Aerospace, he says all he ever wanted to do was follow in his footsteps. Now, Paul and his family are heavily involved in supporting Leicester Animal Aid which takes in stray dogs and cats. Guess where his two dogs came from?

S

amantha had been with the company for two years before becoming marketing executive just a year ago. In this role she coordinates all aspects of marketing, PR, events, shows, advertising and social media for ECYCS whilst overseeing the marketing team, and actively enjoys getting out of the office and interacting with other professionals within the construction industry.

Fitness driven, Samantha fits in spin classes in between work whilst also studying for a CIM Level 4 Marketing qualification in the evenings at Loughborough College. Previous experience working as a PA for several years has given her a strong foundation and inspiration to move into marketing. On top of this, working

alongside the senior partner of her previous company gave her a great insight and knowledge as to what they were looking to achieve going forward.

Her favourite film is Bridget Jones’s Diary, and she loves to don her dressing gown straight after work – quite a contrast to her fierce mind-set which gives life to the phrase ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ and her determination to expand her marketing role evolving it into a business development role.

MICHAEL BRIGHTMORE Recruitment Manager at Driving Talent

R

esponsible for the development of the business and recruiting candidates, Michael thrives on the fact that every day is different. He says that to fill both client and candidates requirements to a high standard is what he finds the most rewarding.

In just three months in the position, he has been able to complete new agreements and has already given business exposure to some very wellknown national business.

Originally, Michael wanted to join the army, but with already being in recruitment and development, this new role offered an opportunity to develop a brand new business and make a real name for himself.

He has always been inspired

by American author Jordan Belfort, although his sales techniques have been considered controversial, his ability to inspire his team to achieve is incredible in Michael’s eyes. Locally, Simon Wolfson, chairman of Next, has inspired the recruitment manager to succeed. And more spiritually, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne has inspired him to believe in the law of attraction, gratitude and positive thinking to gain the best things in life.

A self confessed burger-lover and hip hop and house music fan, Michael’s future career goals include hitting a £1m turnover in his first year at Driving Talent.

NICHE | 45

NICHE FEATURE

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

How to be an

Entrepreneur Some tips on achieving success as an entrepreneur Be one of the 10%

Aound 90 per cent of business start-ups fail. Not the most positive of stats is it?

Let’s bring some positivity in the mix by investigating what the 10 per cent do to be successful, shall we?

Enjoy what you do

Probably the most important aspect of all is enjoying what you do as you run your own business, which takes blood, sweat and tears and then some, you need to love it! It will become a huge proportion of your life and others will notice if it isn’t a true passion.

One step at a time

It can be tempting to rush in with all your ideas for conquering your industry all at once, but this will likely confuse your target audience. Taking things one step at a time by carefully considering your next move is always wise in every walk of life.

Listen to others

One of the hardest things to do as a business owner is to listen to others, yet by being open to other’s ideas or advice

from people who have either been there themselves or are working within your chosen industry is one of the most valuable resources you can draw from.

Be seen

WHAT DOES AN ENTREPRENEUR LOOK LIKE? The average age of a successful entrepreneur when they started their company is 40

Advertising and networking effectively is key for any successful business and there are lots of ways to get you and your company out there through networking events and the power of social media. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you will be maximising your exposure.

95.1% have bachelor degrees

Plan it all out

5.2% are divorced, separated or widowed

It’s all in the planning, well, a large majority at least. Planning for your business, writing down all the ideas and ironing out all the intricate details are important to establish where you and your team are all heading.

It’s never too late

Know that you can start a business at any time in your life, it isn’t just for the young ones! In fact, if you are older your life experience will be useful in your business life.

Less than 1% come from extremely rich or extremely poor backgrounds 70% are married

75.4% have worked at other companies for more than 6 years They believe the keys to startup success are professional experience, creative/positive thinking, fluid intelligence and flexibility And they’re 3 times more likely to have rebelled as teenagers (Sources: entrepreneur.com, Forbes)

NICHE FEATURE

It’s about being King of the Kingdom not the world – and Leicester is my Kingdom

From local to global, Barrie Stephen redesigned the hairdressing industry starting with an old butcher’s shop in Anstey to turning over in excess of £3 million a year – we wanted to know how

Behind the scenes with

Barrie Stephen

NICHE FEATURE

Most people in Leicester have heard of Barrie Stephen. In fact most people in the hairdressing industry have heard of him. The Barrie Stephen Group consists of five successful salons. We met with the 47-year-old to hear his story of discrimination, heartbreak, financial perils and success.

F

rom an early age Barrie was obsessed with hair. At 13 he would find himself sat doing his nana’s hair and messing about with different styles. At 15 Barrie left school after learning his first valuable lesson. Little did he know this would set him up for success. He witnessed his mum going through a divorce while being bullied at school for being ‘different’.

He told us: “Everyone could see I was different. I was beat up and called names. I think that’s what’s probably made me streetwise, made me determined, hardy and focused, and has given me what I would call grit. With all this going on I remember thinking I may as well throw it all out there while everything is pretty s**t anyway, and I came out.”

Things didn’t take too long to settle and when he left school, he joined Moda Greco, a small salon in the centre of town. After three years learning the craft of hairdressing it was clear he had the passion and drive to run his own salon. But at just 18 with no financial backing it was going to be a tough slog.

In the summer of 1993 Barrie took a holiday to the Greek island of Mykonos where a holiday romance turned into a lifelong journey to success. He met Joachim Zilliken (Joc), a training

People were against it because it was a totally new concept, there was no proof that it would work as there were no salons in village locations at that time

48 | NICHE

accountant from Germany. With just one week together the pair were inseparable. There were no mobile phones to use Google translator and neither men spoke the other’s language. Infatuated with one another but with limited funds, the couple stayed in touch whilst saving up to fly over to meet every so often. Six months later Barrie had just bought his first house in a standard Barrie Stephen ‘shoot-from-the-hip’ style, and Joc – who is usually the sensible one – jumped on a plane giving up his family and friends to move to England.

Telling us he was ready to give up everything for Barrie, not once thinking twice, Joc went to work for Next in the accounts department while Barrie set up his hairdressing business. Working in a salon by day and then out on his moped often until midnight doing kitchen-sink haircuts, he set about building up his own clientele. Spotting a rundown butcher’s shop on his way through Anstey in 1996 Barrie, being particularly creative, could see the potential.

“I thought ‘that’s it, that’s the one I want to turn into a London style salon!’

Everyone thought we were barking.

Even my bank manager didn’t want to support me but Joc had faith in

me. Sir Thomas White charity gave me an interest-free loan and my mum and nana put their houses on the line acting as guarantor. When you have people like that supporting you, you can’t let them down.”

His now business partner and fellow director Joc, 51, said: “People were against it because it was a totally new concept, there was no proof that it would work as there were no other salons in village locations at that time.

There was no support for me then, there was no going back. We had to go forward. I came from Germany so I’d seen Englebert and Wolfgang had opened in a sleepy little village and it was heaving.”

Barrie added: “So you could say there was an inspiration and influence which came from Joc’s friends in Germany because they’d done what we were doing and it was working.”

Making waves in Anstey (Barrie’s baby of the salon group) he decided to take on the half a million pound project of opening up a second salon in King Street in the city centre in 2003.

With house prices on the rise Barrie told us: “I’d doubled my money on the house so had enough to open this beautiful Victorian building and buy an apartment but I was sweating thinking ‘what if this goes tits up? How do I make a big bang?’ So I moved to the city and got to know everyone in the bars and restaurants. We made a real big noise with a radio campaign back in the days of Leicester Sound, had an ad on the side of buses, roller-skaters up and down the street and everything!”

But with city centre success came a crushing development.

Barrie divulges: “Joc and I had parted company after eight years together.

I was driving home one day…”

“Oh here we go,” Joc adds cheekily.

“I had Kylie blasting. I screeched up in the drive and he was literally packing his car up.”

“Oh he’s so dramatic.”

“No Joc it’s the truth,” Barrie smiles.

“It was awkward at first because in terms of the team, I had to show strength and if you show weakness people like to crack you open so I used to go out to the toilet and cry and he used to be the happiest person in his ivory tower.”

“He was only upset because he didn’t know how to use the washing machine,” retorts Joc. Barrie overcame the sorrowful experience of seeing his ex-partner with a new man they both worked with and now seemingly, the pair get along swimmingly as one delivers all the flair and the ideas and the other quietly considers all the options and crunches the numbers. And it

I had to show strength, and if you show weakness people like to crack you open so I used to go to the toilet and cry – he used to be the happiest person in his ivory tower evidently worked out well in the end.

The hairdresser-now-businessman has brushed shoulders with the likes of Piers Morgan, Mary Portas, Anthony McPartlin, Duncan Bannatyne, Gloria Hunniford and many more. He’s had masses of high profile opportunities but saves these prospects for his team.

“It’s about being King of the Kingdom not the world – and Leicester is my Kingdom. Calling my salon Barrie Stephen is a bit ‘live by the sword, die by the sword,’ as each haircut that comes through the door is a stab in the heart – if you’re not happy with your hair I take it personally. I’m a director now so I identify as a businessman and give my team the opportunity to do [X Factor and London] and all that.”

Entrepreneurial success

In their first year, the Anstey salon saw a turnover of around £100,000. The five salons now see a turnover of £3m and employ 70 staff.

Each salon runs on the same set system and same ‘private jet promise’ but each are run in order to meet the needs of their location and demographic giving them a personality all of their own. It was when Barrie was travelling all over the world first class in Madonna’s seat 1A with a ‘trolley dolly’ boyfriend that he came up with the idea of the private jet promise for the salon group.

“If you fly in a private jet you know you’re going to get a different level of service. We don’t compromise our NICHE | 49

NICHE FEATURE

The biggest challenge is people for me, having to let people go with great skills but poor attitudes, that’s really tough but it has to be about will over skill! standards. We’re all about quality and I associate myself with quality.”

The same goes for the company you keep according to Barrie: “If you sleep with dogs you get fleas. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.” One of his closest friends, Debbie Digby, has always been a mentor and inspiration to Barrie who describes her as the most incredibly successful entrepreneur due to her tenacity, hunger, determination and articulation. This kind of inspiration is what Barrie is determined to deliver to the people around him, and so 10 years ago began hosting his own award ceremony to celebrate those within his company.

“I think it’s important to share success and we have people who need to be recognised in our business like Neil Smith for instance, he’s just flown back from San Diego after doing a show in front of thousands of hairdressers and to be able to facilitate that is great.”

Personal Assistant Chelsea Read said: “I love the way [Barrie and Joc] run the salon, they’re fun and disciplined at the same time.

The hairdressers get so many opportunities, for example we have three girls in London today taking part in a 12 month Schwarzkopf colour master education programme, and I just think if you wanted to be a 50 | NICHE

hairdresser I don’t see why you’d want to work anywhere else.”

The company has 58 national awards under its belt but Barrie claims the most prestigious of them all were given by the Niche Business Awards and Leicester Mercury: “And they’re not even industry. It’s because they’re Leicester based. In 2007 I was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year by Leicester Mercury and I was up against Hilary Devey!”

Many of these awards have been off the back of forward-thinking and innovative approaches to business.

In 2009 the group recognised mental health as an issue and were keen to provide a support network in the workplace. This was a long time before most other businesses caught on. After sitting with an employee’s parents in hospital as their daughter suffered with anorexia, Barrie brought in a ‘fit for business’ concept that introduced a counsellor in the workplace for employees, walk-to-work weeks, personal trainers, non-smoking campaigns, hypnotherapy, and other talks on wellbeing.

“Brand is all about every aspect of the business from the team down to the toilet. We’re constantly embracing new things, looking at what’s happening in the industry but not necessarily at our competitors so that we lead and not follow, but we

also stay true to ourselves and what we believe in.

“The biggest challenge is people for me, having to let people go with great skills but poor attitudes, that’s really tough but it has to be about will over skill, in business you have to roll your sleeves up. You have to have the balls to be honest with people. People let you down, stab you in the back and it always hurts me, whereas Joc and Chelsea will say put it down and move on.”

As well as helping the people around him succeed, animal-mad Barrie is also an advocate of local charities – especially RSCPA Woodside.

Chelsea tells us in just two years of ambassadorship Barrie has raised over £27,000 through eventing. He is also an ambassador of Sir Thomas White, has fundraised for LOROS and helps feed the homeless at Christmas.

What’s around the corner?

“It used to be Birmingham and Nottingham that were always the places to be but now we’ve overtaken and Leicester is where it’s at for me.”

Proud of Leicester city and its evolution into a location that entices people in from far and wide with its history and modern shopping facilities, Barrie is working with Leicester City Centre Director at Leicester City Council Sarah Harrison, and becoming a city ambassador.

Two years ago the group launched BStyled; a pamper destination with creative stylists and beauty services on the go, which is what the two directors will be focusing on in the years to come getting more salons under the BStyled brand. The pair have noticed that nowadays men are as interested in being pampered as the ladies are and whereas when they first started out, it was a ratio of 20 men to 80 women in general, it is now 50/50.

“We’ve created something quite different with BStyled and it’s possibly a brand we could do something with.

But we keep our cards very close to our chest.”

We look forward to seeing what plans Barrie and Joc have on the cards with the BStyled brand.

0116 402 6222 barriestephenhair.co.uk

Damask Rose heavenly treat gift box £50 The gorgeous Heavenly Treat gift box makes the perfect gift for a loved one or a pampering treat for you and will naturally smooth, nourish and hydrate the skin. greenpeople.co.uk

LanaiBLO hairdryer £99 or personalised for £120 A hit with Pixie Lott and Lottie Moss.

NEW YEAR BEAUTY TREATS

Barrie Stephen Gift Cards £10 - £100 Choose any salon in the Barrie Stephen Hair Group to enjoy a cut, colour, restyle, finish, barbering experience or beauty treatment.Treat yourself or buy as the perfect gift.

Sun Wakasa Gold Plus £98 chlorella combined with lemon essence and capsicum extract to produce an exceptional liquid supplement for younger looking skin. sunchlorella.co.uk

Argan Liquid Gold range from £65 Argan Liquid Gold was infused with pure Argan Oil and 24 Carat Gold to create six captivating products. Together, these key ingredients alleviate problematic skin conditions, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin hydration and texture. arganliquidgold.co.uk NICHE | 51

BUSINESS FOCUS

Inheritance Tax Your estate includes the value of your home (minus your mortgage) as well as your possessions, such as your car, jewellery, antiques, art and so on. Many people presume their estate will be worth less than the current threshold, but with property prices rising the knock-on effect is that more estates are now above the £325,000 threshold

RECORD INHERITANCE TAX RECEIPTS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING YOUR ESTATE, WITH HMRC HAVING COLLECTED A RECORD £5.1BN FROM IHT IN THE YEAR WHICH ENDED IN MAY 2017.

RAJESH MODHA Chartered Financial Planner, The Finance Lab Ltd

F

or many, inheritance tax (IHT) leaves a sour taste.

You spend your whole life paying income tax, capital gains tax, VAT, etc. and after accumulating a certain level of wealth over your lifetime you find one of your biggest benefactors is HMRC! Madness.

Often, the balancing act with larger estates is holding onto assets that may be required in later life (with the potential of paying a large tax bill on your passing) against giving these assets away and losing control. The key is to plan well in advance by understanding your future cash flow requirements and creating a strategy to meet your needs.

The options for reducing your taxable estate are numerous and varied. ◆ Make a Will. I cannot stress how important this is. ◆ You are allowed to make one £3,000 gift (and backdate for one year) to any one individual. This immediately falls out of your estate. ◆ You are able to make unlimited gifts of £250.

Each has to be to a separate individual. These immediately fall out of your estate. ◆ You can gift an unlimited amount if it is from normal income.

52 | NICHE

◆ If you can afford to make gifts you will need to survive seven years before the gift falls out of your estate for IHT purposes. ◆ Make use of Trusts – this can allow a legacy for future generations. There are limits before tax is payable and the seven year survivorship rule prevails. ◆ Most people’s wealth is tied up in their main residence. An increasingly popular option is to use an equity release mortgage. This is effective as long as the funds released are spent/gifted, otherwise the funds are counted within your estate. ◆ Use whole-of-life or term-life insurance to cover your liability. ◆ Invest in a Business Property Relief investment. It allows you IHT relief after two years of investment, and you can access the funds so you maintain control. ◆ Invest in an AIM listed ISA. ISAs are liable to IHT. Again, IHT relief after two years but a much higher risk investment.

So, there are a number or methods to reduce the IHT liability.

As a quick take-away: make a Will, ensure life cover is paid into a Trust, work with a financial planner to understand your future cash flow requirements, and create a plan to suit your circumstances.

Inheritance Tax

SAM MCDONALD

SATWINDER SIDHU

Chartered Surveyor and Director, Fothergill Wyatt

M

any people believe they can simply estimate the value of a property for the purpose of their estate, and often consider undervaluing to avoid paying higher taxes. This can lead to complications, delays and penalties if questioned by HMRC. Many people ask how a formal valuation for probate differs from a free market appraisal by an estate agent. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Red Book defines a valuation as: “The estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion.”

An estate agent will be offering

KARI MELLON Managing Director, Opes Tax

I

find that a bespoke strategy is the best way to mitigate your IHT exposure and I always advise clients to review their IHT position at the earliest possible opportunity. This gives them the maximum time to consider and implement any suggestions.

A bespoke strategy will dovetail with your personal goals and it could include the following: ◆ Maximising allowances, such as the new residence nil rate band, which in

you a figure that they would market the property at. This may be set high with a possible view to negotiating down and as a strategy to win business. This valuation holds no substance in the eyes of HMRC. By instructing a RICS Registered Valuer you have the assurance they are qualified and experienced to value the property in question, and if the HMRC raise any queries during the process, the surveyor would be obliged to answer these and justify both their comments and their valuation.

Sam deals on a regular basis with the valuation of residential property for official purposes such as Grant of Probate and Inheritance Tax.

the current tax year could give your estate a further £100,000 to add to the £325,000 threshold (providing the relevant conditions are met!). ◆ Maximising reliefs, such as Business Property Relief, which can result in qualifying assets (like shares in unquoted trading companies) being up to 100% free from IHT. ◆ Tax efficient gifting of assets to family members. ◆ Establishing a family trust to provide for future generations for up to 125 years.

A bespoke strategy should also be accompanied by a Will. This is the only way to ensure your estate is distributed in accordance with your wishes and for married couples and civil partners, it can delay the IHT charge until second death, thereby giving more time to implement planning strategies. Get in touch if you’d like to start designing your own IHT strategy.

DISABLED PERSONS TRUST

R

eceiving an inheritance can be a disappointment for a disabled person as it will normally be counted as an asset for meanstested benefits.

It can mean that a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to lead a more comfortable life makes little difference. The inheritance money simply replaces state-funding benefits until their funds drop below a certain level.

A Vulnerable Beneficiary Trust or Disabled Person’s Trust can be a way of ringfencing the windfall so that means-tested benefits are not affected. In practice, this device is rarely used by Will-drafters, as the qualification and drafting requirements of such a trust have, to date, been complex.

It gets better – not only can such trusts avoid means-testing, but they also avoid the harsh tax regime that now applies to UK trusts.

I have seen disabled people disinherited from a will to protect their means-tested benefits; that is the wrong way to go around this issue as this can be contested under the Inheritance Act 1975.

A Vulnerable Persons Trust can also be utilised where you might want someone to inherit who is, for example, alcohol dependent or a drug user. You might not want to foster their lifestyle in this way so you can lock away their inheritance into a trust so the inheritance cannot be abused.

Giving inheritance to those who are not considered sound of mind can be complex, it’s important to think ahead.

0800 999 7750 paradigm-wills.com NICHE | 53

NICHE FEATURE

Please don’t ask me to

‘downsize’

Shirley Wyatt of Fothergill Wyatt Estate Agents encourages seeing downsizing in a different light and presents this issue’s feature property as one example you may be considering downsizing from, or ‘resizing’ as Shirley prefers to call it

H

eading for the age when working full time may soon come to an end gives life to a range of mixed emotions. Glad that the end is in sight, retirement brings enthusiasm about what will get you out of bed in the morning, excitement at the prospect of finally having the time to do all those projects, and maybe welcome a more leisurely pace of life.

My family home of 29 years represents a lifetime of memories cosseted between sizable walls.

Stuffed full of things-to-do when we retire and an overflow of clutter acquired over the years, and hidden away in drawers and cupboards, in the garage, attic and shed are treasured trinkets of family experiences. The children have grown up and left some time ago and we two happily chug along in this huge space.

Then, suddenly, friends and family started using the D-word.

54 | NICHE

My head tells me of course there are many sensible reasons why we don’t need all this space: reduced bills, reduced workload of keeping and maintaining the house, and we don’t need all the clutter. It’s possible to release cash to be able to travel, buy a new kitchen, or invest for real old age. But please don’t ask me to downsize!

We don’t need the extra bedrooms and running costs but we do still want the downstairs space. We aren’t old. We still want all the family and friends to come and eat, play, stay and celebrate special times in our home. We want the grandchildren to come and mooch and do what children do, having enough space to do it in without falling over them or feeling you’re constantly tidying up to prevent an accident waiting to happen. We still want a big kitchen, the craft room, the man den, and the shed. We are not

MY FAMILY HOME OF 29 YEARS REPRESENTS A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES COSSETED BETWEEN SIZABLE WALLS

ready to surrender all our living space and carefully collected clutter that defines us.

Well, we found the solution – it wasn’t easy, but a little less painful. When most would say we have ‘downsized’, we say we have ‘resized’. The house we now live in is smaller, as are the bills and maintenance costs.

Fewer bedrooms, same size garden and room to create the downstairs living space we want.

It’s a different shape and style and enough money has been released to be able to create a new comfortable home that can still embrace friendly invasions.

The beautiful Edwardian hot property featured on the page opposite is a good example of a home that someone may well consider ‘resizing’ from.

0116 270 5900 fothergillwyatt.co.uk

Fothergill Wyatt Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors

Featured Property Guilford Road, Stoneygate £525,000

Here are our tips for ‘resizing’ Before going to market: Take advice about key maintenance/ repairs and do what is necessary – you will recover costs through being able to sell for a better price Start de-cluttering as soon as you can – it can be an emotional rollercoaster. The process of deciding what you need, want and really need may take some time and a couple of stages to ease the pain of letting go Accept any offers that come your way; help with tidying, repairs, packing – it really does take longer than you think Find out all the extra costs in advance so it doesn’t come as a shock – repairs, cleaning and gardening, solicitors (fees for selling and buying), estate agent (a good one is worth every penny), stamp duty, removals, surveyor If you can’t face: ◆ eBay, get a youngster to do it for you ◆ another trip to the charity shop, they will collect it for you ◆ another trip to the tip, pay someone to do it for you When you’re ready to go to market: Sign up for reputable estate agents’ mailing lists – you get priority notifications of new properties coming on the market Pay for someone to do a deep clean just before you put your house on the market Tidy the garden (one ton of fresh gravel direct from the merchant isn’t expensive and gives a fresh and neat look to the pathways and borders) Clear all surfaces of ‘stuff’ before viewings (they don’t look in cupboards); add fresh flowers;

don’t cook food with smells that linger beforehand About your new home: Be selective about whose advice you ask for – it’s emotional and it helps to have someone who can look objectively rather than expressing a view of what they think you should move in to As soon as you have a move date, book removals and get the boxes for packing straight away – it takes longer than you think Once completion date is agreed get started on change-of-address paperwork, driving licence and car registration, bank, workplace, pension(s), council tax, electoral roll etc.

Book post office redirection well in advance.

Investigate setting up a new bank account (or two if your sale goes well) to house the equity released from your property to be sure you are covered by the FSCS and to give yourself time to decide exactly what you want to do with it Anticipate what needs to be done immediately in the new house to make it work for you i.e. fitting washing machines, broadband, phone, and utilities – book contractors in advance so you can get settled as soon as possible Find out, in advance, about rubbish collection and recycling – you might want to book a skip – a lot of rubbish gets generated by the move The best advice our solicitor gave us was: once you know where the Christmas tree will go you will know you have found the right home

A stunning example of a three storey five bedroom ‘Arts and Crafts’ semi-detached Edwardian home in the popular leafy suburb of Stoneygate. Having undergone an extensive project of empathetic refurbishment by the current owners, the property offers spacious accommodation throughout. To the ground floor are two reception rooms, a recently fitted kitchen, large breakfast room with utility and WC. To the first floor is an en suite master bedroom, two double bedrooms and a bathroom with separate WC and to the second floor two further double bedrooms and a shower room.

EPC rating: E Semi-detached Edwardian property Arts and Crafts design Five double bedrooms Three bathrooms Large living and dining room Kitchen with breakfast room and utility Lawned rear garden Close to popular schooling and amenities Good access to city centre and train links Sought after leafy suburb NICHE | 55

NICHE FEATURE

Leicester is increasingly becoming known as a place to invest and as part of Leicester City Council’s plans for regeneration in the city and its county, the aim is for Leicester to secure its place firmly on the map for business investment and tourism

56 | NICHE

Developments in Leicester Here’s an overview of some of the developments going ahead in the city A new passageway

Plans from Leicester City Council have indicated that two adjoining buildings in Horsefair Street will be purchased and one demolished in order to transform the creepy passage that joins Market Square and Town Hall Square in the city centre. The £1.6m scheme aims to open up the city with the enlarged, refreshed pedestrian passage. A new entrance to the market will use £500,000 of the budget and the two buildings will cost £1.1m to purchase. Funds from the Leicester Economic Action Plan will fund the purchase of the buildings. The two properties have been in use since the 1980s but the one to be demolished is now vacant. The neighbouring property with a ground floor BetFred shop will be used for future investment through rent. The City Centre Director November 2017 Update Report

accounts that city mayor Peter Soulsby said: “As it stands, the existing alley through to Leicester Market is cramped, uninviting and attracts antisocial behaviour. The building itself detracts from the stunning architecture around it. By demolishing it, we can create a much wider and more welcoming link between Town Hall Square and Leicester Market. It is vital that we invest in improving our city centre to help ensure that Leicester continues to grow and thrive as a great place to live, work and invest in and as a really attractive destination for visitors.”

Breathing life into a neglected property

Most recently operating under the name of Sosho until being closed down in 2013, the popular nightclub was formerly known as Life and Palais de Danse dance hall back in the 1950s but has been around since the 1920s.

Now unused and unloved, developers PRA Properties have put in plans to restore the property and turn it into two stores creating eight jobs. The company would also like to flatten the rear of the building and replace it with a six-storey block creating 42 flats.

A new highway link

A Leicester City Council investment of up to £3m will fund an improvement scheme to assist with the development of the Waterside regeneration. The scheme will see a new major highway and crossing to improve the ability to cross between the city centre and the Waterside regeneration development.

The crossing will allow pedestrians to cross the entire Vaughan Way-High Cross Street junction at once. Further improvements will be funded with £500,000 of the budget between Great Central Street and Soar Lane.

These aspects of the development are hoped to present more safe and

pleasing areas for pedestrians and cyclists. Charles Street Buildings will be carrying out the works. The council will also be providing up to £2.4m of funding towards the crossing. Charles Street Buildings will be paying for build works of two new hotels, the restoration of Great Central Railway station and a new public area named Great Central Square.

The Space Park mission

The 15 acre site of what was once John Ellis School is to be flattened to make way for a new Space Park, a scheme that has been in planning for a number of years. A £5m bid has been put in for its development at Pioneer Park. The funding will be granted by the Government and work could commence as early as spring of this year. It is a £75m scheme headed by the University of Leicester which is putting in £8m for the first phase of its development. This will form the headquarters of its Institute of Space and Earth Observation Science. The Space Park plans will aim to create around 6000 jobs in the hi-tech industry with 200 of these being research and development based jobs.

Tigers Hotel

Leicester Tigers rugby club will be completing a 450-space car park for fans and commuters at the Welford Road stadium later this year. Once erected and finalised, the club then hopes to transform the NCP car park on the Granby Halls site into a hotel. It will be a £22m project after the build of the multistorey car park. The dream is to build a hotel that will offer 165 rooms over five storeys that also includes parking, leisure facilities, a bar and a restaurant, and hope to also use the building for corporate matters. The development is to be led by the Leicester-based independent, multi-professional consultancy practice Pick Everard.

NICHE | 57

BUSINESS FOCUS

The City in 2017 A summary of the city’s notable events and developments in the last year taken from the City Centre Director December 2017 Update Report

Fenwick building plans

Plans have been submitted for a hotel and rooftop bar at the old Fenwick building in Leicester. The plans include converting the upper floors of the building into 92 studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites - designed to bring out the period detail of the building, using existing features wherever possible. The rooftop bar would be in a single storey extension, and open to guests staying in the apartments along with private members.

There would also be a roof terrace, semienclosed courtyard and greenhouse and winter garden room. It would be operated by a hospitality management company supported by a ‘global lifestyle brand and bar operation’. Applications for planning and listed building consent for the restoration and conversion of the upper floors has now been submitted to Leicester City Council. The aparthotel and bar plans sit alongside separate applications for planning and listed building consent to convert the ground floor into four stores. Developer Aimrok Holdings and planning consultant Hybrid Planning & Development have been working with Leicester architects rg+p on the plans.

National Space Centre £7.8m expansion plans

Leicester’s National Space Centre has unveiled proposals for a major £7.8 million expansion. Bosses at the attraction in Pioneer Park say they ‘need more space, in every sense of the word’ to cope with growing visitor numbers over the last seven years.

They have submitted plans to Leicester City Council to revamp the ticket office and main entrance as well as create an 850 square metre exhibition area to allow the centre to host larger 58 | NICHE

community and corporate events.

Planning officers at the council are currently considering the scheme.

St Nicholas Circle student flats plans

A seven-storey block of student flats could be built opposite Leicester’s landmark Holiday Inn. Plans have been drawn up for a complex of 79 student apartments on a high-profile St Nicholas Circle site. It is currently occupied by an industrial and storage building which had been owned by clothing firm City Styles. However, the company has acquired a larger unit in Parker Drive, meaning it no longer needs the St Nicholas Circle factory, which has been earmarked for demolition. Mandeep Singh, of City Styles, said the project would help ensure the firm continued to grow in their new base and the scheme would improve both the street scene and links between the Waterside and city centre. In total, the building would contain 94 bedrooms and a shop on the ground floor.

East Midlands in line for airport accolade

East Midlands Airport has been nominated for best airport at the Travel Weekly’s 2018 Globe Travel Best UK Airport awards for the first time in six years. Nominees are shortlisted according to the number of votes they receive from travel agents across the UK, who also vote for the eventual winner. Almost five million passengers fly to and from the Castle Donnington airport each year; using low fare airlines such as Jet2.com and Ryanair and tour operators such as TUI Airways. They serve more than 80 domestic and European short haul destinations as well as Cancun in Mexico and Orlando

in the US. It is also a base for BMI Regional and Thomas Cook Airlines, while its cargo operation is the UK’s second biggest after Heathrow Airport.

Leicester and Loughborough universities recognised Two of Leicestershire’s universities have won prizes at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

Leicester secured the THE DataPoints Merit Award trophy for research performance. Meanwhile, Loughborough won Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year and Technological Innovation of the Year.

For the DataPoints Merit Award, TIDE measured “bang for buck” in a bid to discover which LTK universities were producing the highest-quality research given their income. The University of Leicester was shortlisted for the International Impact Award for its work alongside the University of Kufa in Iraq.

£25k given to project in bid to prevent knife crime

A new project to prevent knife crime through research and re-education has received funding to support its work. Leicester training provider E2 has secured funding for a two-year initiative called Drop the Knife and Live Your Life. It will be delivered in three stages consisting of youth consultation and research, analysis and educational intervention. The scheme is being funded with £25,000 over the next two years from Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord (Willy) Bach’s Prevention Fund. Lord Bach paid a visit to E2’s base in Home Farm Close, Beaumont Leys, where he met project leaders involved with the scheme and young people currently benefiting from its educational work.

Development

A year in review January

Fenwick to close ◆ Multi million pounds plans for ex Sainsbury’s site ◆ Planning permission granted to transform Molly O Grady’s into 13-bed Knight and Garter ◆ Designs revealed for Jewry Wall revamp ◆ BID Leicester website goes live ◆ Bid to create tourist centre to celebrate city DNA story ◆

February

New £250,000 signage and mapping scheme installed in the city centre ◆ Shearer Property Group buy St Martin’s Square ◆ Council wins £3.1m collaborate funding to boost local business growth ◆ City universities see rise in applications ◆ Council announces plans for new £30m investment fund ◆ City and county win £3.2m sustainable transport boost ◆ Leicester fencing club official world record holder ◆ Work starts on £1 million bid to improve air quality ◆

March

City’s new £75 million Space Park CEO Sharon Redrobe Twycross Zoo named inspirational business women of the year ◆ Plans approved for £40m complex flats and shops on former All Saints Brewery site ◆ DMU Leicester Castle Business School opens ◆ Annual MIPIM property and construction conference ◆ Leicester Comedy Festival celebrates record box office returns ◆ Friar Mill wins restoration category in Civic Society awards ◆ Leicestershire Business Voice hosted lunch time event on BID Leicester ◆ New build award – De Montfort University building from the art and design faculty ◆ ◆

April

Prince Harry visits Leicester £48m emergency department opens its doors to patients ◆ Delilah named UK Deli of the Year ◆ LCFC Champions League journey comes to an end ◆ The Queen and Prince Philip at ◆

Leicester Cathedral for Maundy Thursday service ◆ Leicester in the top 10 English cities to live and work in (2016 Good Growth for Cities Index)

May

DueDil study shows Leicester 2nd best place in UK to start up a business ◆ Hammerson’s submit planning application for reconfiguration of House of Fraser ◆ Antiques Roadshow filmed at Abbey Pumping Station ◆ Spark Festival – largest children’s art festival in England and Wales ◆ Bring the Paint International Street Art Festival 150 artists from all over the world ◆ 600 Morris Dancers for 12th national day of dance ◆ £3.3 million lottery cash secured for Leicester Cathedral Revealed ◆

June

£25m share out from Art Council for Leicestershire NPOs ◆ Leicester Tigers unveil plan for £22m Granby Halls hotel complex ◆ 250-bed hotel complex planned for derelict land opposite Highcross ◆ £13m city school in Waterside Regeneration area ◆ Jewry Wall Museum to close at end of July for £7m renovation ◆ Inspector Manjit Atwal takes on top job at police ◆ Zoopla enquires for homes in Leicester 56% more than average ◆

July

LCC launches 12 week Local Plan public consultation ◆ Haymarket offices to be converted into 67 bed Travel Lodge hotel ◆ £700,000 staircase refurbishment at New Walk Museum complete ◆ BID Leicester gets green light to go the ballot ◆

August

Council outlines £2.2m rate relief scheme for businesses ◆ Curve turnover reaches record high £615,000 Leicester shop improvement grant scheme ◆ NatWest staff move back in to city centre ◆ £2.5m cycle lanes plan for London Road ◆ Crackdown on dangerous parking ◆

Makers’ Market makes its debut ◆ Caribbean Carnival

September

International students may bring in £58m to city – DMU study ◆ Romail Gulzar, Pukaar News UK honoured in ceremony at House of Lords ◆ New figures show tourism is booming in the city and county ◆ University of Leicester achieves highest ever rating ◆ Deal is struck on £135m Fosse Park expansion ◆ £3.1m ERDF funding for Collaborate Business Fund ◆ Mehmooda Duke crowned Business Woman of the Year ◆ College Court awarded outstanding service award from goawards.com ◆ Delilah fine foods win Great Taste Shop of the Year ◆

October

£1.2m Charter Street bridge lifted into place ◆ Cathedral is worth £9m to city each year ◆ 1537 crowned Retailer of the Year at Highcross awards ◆ Training offered for budding market entrepreneurs ◆ Successful chocolatier Cocoa Amore to feature in BBC documentary series ◆ ‘A matter of life and debt.’ Craig Shakespeare sacked ◆

November

City Centre businesses vote YES for BID Leicester ◆ £1.5 million scheme to create new link between two city centre squares ◆ Council to commit £2.9m on new super crossing to improve city centre link to Waterside ◆ £5 million to be spent on Space Park ◆ Haymarket Theatre - £3.6 million renovation project taking shape ◆ Timetable for new £22m Tigers hotel 8 new openings and one refurbishment in the City Centre ◆ Education award for King Richard III visitor centre ◆ Block of student flats built on site of former Leicester bus depot wins design award ◆ Vijay Patel Building and Mill Lane area win prizes at ProCon Awards ◆ £700k phase of citywide parking improvement plan announced ◆ 25th anniversary of Leicester Comedy Festival – 7th-25th February 2018 ◆

NICHE | 59

Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors celebrate 10 years in business and are promoting Leicester as a land of opportunity to out-of-town projects owners

Land

‘Y

ou’ll never run a successful business in Leicester,’ Ashley Cooper was warned after leaving London and a respected career to start a family in his hometown. A ‘Leicester lad’ through and through, the entrepreneur went back to his roots but couldn’t face leaving the company that ran through his veins and so commuted to London to continue being a partner of Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) company Gardiner & Theobald. But that was 11 years ago.

At 31 he had become the youngest partner in the company’s history, and before this, had won awards within his first employer, Taylor Woodrow, and his Loughborough University course sponsor. Ashley made the painful decision to leave the company in 2007 and a year later set up his own business like his father and grandfather before him. Determined to make a success of Leicester, from his father’s shed with a virtual office in the city and knocking on company doors, Ashley battled through the start of the recession and Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors (ECY) came to life.

Now, ECY has an average of 100 projects on the go at a time with an average of just five per cent of this work coming in locally. ECY is keen to increase the workload coming in from property developers within Leicester, Leicestershire and the East Midlands.

Excited to showcase what the region has to offer, Ashley commented: “Someone once told me that Leicester is a second rate place for business and that’s been a driver for me every day. We have lots of clients in London and the South-East but we’re looking to undertake work from high net worth individuals locally. We want to get involved with local entrepreneurs.”

NICHE FEATURE

of opportunities With an estimated turnover of £1.6m for the 2017 tax year, the company has experienced rapid growth – right here in Leicester – over the last three years having grown from a turnover of £700,000 in 2015 to an estimated turnover of £2.2m in 2019.

With more than £1m of work already on the order books, the company has taken on £50,000 domestic extensions through to £27m care village schemes.

As this year celebrates ECY’s 10th year in business and with their

travelled around Europe for Leicester City matches.

Starting with just two members of staff the business now boasts an impressive 32-strong team. It comprises of a development monitoring team, PMEA team, land team, HR and accounts, and marketing teams, with a new development arm focusing on residential construction. Ashley told us: “We are a traditional, pick-up-the-phone kind of practice. We embrace technology but we don’t rely on it and we treat our

We are a traditional, pick-up-the-phone kind of practice. We embrace technology but we don’t rely on it and we treat our clients as friends enthusiasm to invest in the city, a lot of change is afoot. Ten events have been planned to engage with clients, share ideas and ultimately have a great time. The annual ECY BBQ complete with bouncy castle and artisan ice cream truck will be one of the events, as well as round table lunches set to go ahead featuring a discussion on current topics of importance for clients such as Brexit and its effect on construction development and inward investment. ECY is also a sponsor of Team Leicestershire, which heads out to the largest property convention in the world: MIPIM, promoting Leicester as a place to invest. There is now an ECY TV YouTube channel where clients can pick up interesting industry facts, and drone footage and time lapse videos of builds from start to finish will be available. The staff have started a football team, have regular team meals out and no doubt allout trips planned as they did when they

clients as friends. Since we’ve grown we want to keep the small company vibe but there have to be rules now.

“We’ll be opening an office in Sheffield and our satellite office in London which will be manned by the end of this year so we’ve had lots of trainees in with the plan of sending them out to our regions so that they’re trained in the ECY way. We’re particular about who we employ and it takes about six months to get the right person. We always ask ‘where do you want to go in the company?’ We’ve had people like William, my right hand man and senior associate within the practice who did an unrelated degree and we gave him a chance, paid for his training, laptop and mobile. None of our trainees will ever have to put their hand in their pocket to work with us.”

Ashley is big on training and currently has six apprentices learning the ECY way. Heavily involved with

RICS, Ashley was Chairman for the London matrics group as well as national Chairman during his London days. He told us he loves giving his two penn’orth and has led lectures and conferences all over the world. Ashley’s past revolved around specialist banking giving him expertise with a sought-after array of contacts and information access. In the beginnings of ECY he would advise banks on loan facilities for their clients’ projects, many of which involved care homes, and act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the bank. He’s worked with Santander, RBS, Lloyds Bank, and Natwest and it was off the back of this project overseeing that clients would ask him to work directly with them.

“I’d say 95 per cent of our work comes from repeat business or word of mouth. With over 20 years of experience, clients are very comfortable with me and I’m now a fellow of the RICS. We know all the major banks, where to get land from, the right architects, surveyors, we know all their ways, and we make sure the projects are set up right from the start as we understand exactly what the banks want.

We rationalise design to fit purpose without compromising on quality.

“If you’ve got land, rather than sell it to a developer to make all the money, we can fully manage a project to maximise your profit for that land.

Everyone is always chasing land and we identify land that hasn’t come up for market yet, especially in Leicester and the East Midlands to show people the opportunities here.”

So much for Leicester being a second rate place for business!

01509 416 519 ecycs.co.uk NICHE | 61

Kitchens – Bathrooms – Bedrooms

Your leading independent flooring retailer for over 70 years...

NICHE FEATURE

Feathering SAM MANSELL

the Nest

January is such a cold, dark time of year when most of us prefer to hibernate and eat leftover Christmas chocolates

T

his year there is a much more productive way to start things off than hibernating; many are choosing to stay put in their homes instead of moving house, or those of us who have moved want to make our mark on our new abode (myself included as we moved last summer).

Now is the perfect time to begin home improvement projects, it keeps us busy, helps work off some of the (ahem) festive indulgences, gets the creative juices flowing and hey presto! before you know it, the evenings are a bit lighter and you have a shiny, sparkling new kitchen, or bedroom or hallway to make you smile. It’s a surefire way to survive the darkest and coldest month of the year and with a little forward planning, making use of seasonal sales, it doesn’t need to cost the earth.

As I said, I am in the midst of planning my own little upgrades, so I’m going to share with you some of the things I’ve seen that have caught my eye. I’m looking for timeless, quality pieces that will not date, items I really love and will continue to love for years to come, because let’s face it, who has the energy or budget or time to keep on redecorating their homes every few months? Classic is the way to go. Happy New Year!

Samantha

x

The Square Arm Leather Corner Sofa from £4075

I love a good leather sofa and they don’t come better than this! Fantastic quality with tons of configuration options for ultimate flexibility. Perfect for a sociable family room.

Indigo Furniture

Elitis Talisman Wallpaper £360

A wallpaper that looks like fabric. Pricey yes, but a serious showstopper especially for a small space where you can afford to splurge a little. Utterly beautiful. Houseology

Copper Tall & Extended Basin Tap £540

Natural Agate Round Gold Mirror £330

I really like the way the delicate slices of agate look like flowers round this beautiful mirror. Feminine without being chintzy. Graham & Green

I still love copper and rose gold hues and this tap fits the bill. Pair with dark chocolate tones for a gorgeously seductive scheme. Livinghouse

Ziggy Sideboard £649

This is simply stunning. It looks like a sunburst and the textured brass front shimmers. A surefire wow item. Swoon Editions chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks

Tel: 0121 647 6709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com NICHE | 65

PROPERTY FOCUS

MARK LUCAS

PURPLE IS THE NEW BLACK The 2018 Pantone Colour of the Year has been revealed as a not-so-subtle shade of bluey-purple known as ‘Ultra violet’, aka Pantone 18-3838.

Each year the colour experts select a new colour which they think reflects the current cultural climate.

According to Pantone, Ultra Violet represents ‘originality’ and ‘ingenuity’.

The Pantone Colour of the Year is a key influencer for fashion and interior design for the seasons ahead.

Adding a little Ultra Violet throughout your home could bring a welcome breath of spiritual and artistic influence (think Prince expressing his individuality in bright shades of purple), here’s how to brighten up your pad.

Holistic Ultra violet depicts a strong sense of mindfulness. It’s a colour historically associated with spirituality and thoughtful exploration of the wider universe.

Combining the colour with more neutral tones creates the perfect reflection or meditation space.

A bold statement Use this bold to as an ‘accent’ colour in statement flooring, an accent wall or in selected feature furniture to help break up a large or neutrally decorated space.

Pairing Whether you’re looking to create a fearless centrepiece or calming atmosphere, by complementing Ultra Violet with relaxing, pastel tones like ‘Deauville Mauve’ and ‘Misty Lilac’ you can easily achieve your desired interior theme with this versatile and elegant shade.

0116 254 1853 michael-john.co.uk 66 | NICHE

PROOFING YOUR HOME FOR SPRING There are many practical things to do around the home which will not only help keep your household bills down (great news for tenants and owner occupiers) but will mean your property is ‘market ready’ for spring (if you’re looking to sell).

1 Service your boiler (or ask your landlord to service it if you’re renting).

This will ensure it is working efficiently and minimises the risk of being without heating and hot water in the middle of a cold snap.

2 Clear out gutters and drainpipes, removing leaves and other debris to prevent water damage from leaking pipes (claims for which may not be covered under your insurance if you haven’t carried out routine maintenance).

MICHAEL WHEAT

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN FOR SPRING Winter is…leaving. Although it’s still rather chilly, spring will be here before you know it.

So, how can you prepare for the new season?

It’s difficult, right? If it were wall-towall snow, you may have a clearer idea of what you needed to do. But, as with the rest of the year, the weather in this country is unpredictable.

For me? The two biggest things you can do in the winter months is tidy up

Forum

NICOL NIGHTINGALE 3 Bleed your radiators to ensure any trapped air is released, helping to keep your home warmer and your heating working more efficiently.

4 Clear any paths and driveways of leaves and debris that could become slippery and pose a hazard to occupiers or visitors.

5 Make security a priority as the dark nights can provide extra cover for burglars. Keep all doors and windows locked, consider installing a security light and ensure you have adequate home insurance in place, both buildings (which will be covered by your landlord if you’re renting) and contents.

0116 270 5900 fothergillwyatt.co.uk

and attract as much wildlife as possible.

It’s easy to forget weeds and rubbish when it’s hidden under a foot of snow (or maybe three inches if we’re lucky/ unlucky) – but at this time of year it’s important to undergo your seasonal tidy up. If you don’t, you risk, when it gets to the spring, your garden getting overgrown with rubbish.

Wildlife struggles in the winter, particularly frogs, toads and newts in your pond. To help them, float a tennis ball in the water to stop it freezing over – thus, reducing oxygenation and suffocation of any pond life.

The pond business slows down in the winter with people having been preoccupied with Christmas and New Year festivities but when spring is here you’ll you started preparing for your dream pond earlier.

Find more hints and tips on our website.

0116 240 3735 pondandgardendesign.co.uk

Visit: www.bakerswaste.co.uk

Lockable wheelie bin

We also shred: - Uniforms - Discs - Hard drives - & more!

CONFIDENTIAL WASTE

Secure on or off site shredding

Confidential waste sacks

Secure locking cabinet

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

New beginnings

with Utility Warehouse Make the change in 2018

New Year is all about change and with free LED lightbulbs and installation from The Utility Warehouse you can make a positive new change in 2018 which will potentially save you hundreds of pounds, conserve energy and provide a brighter light.

S

witching to LED bulbs saves you money in two ways: 1. LEDs require much less electricity to power than both traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs, and energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs).

2. They last much longer than their incandescent, halogen and CFL equivalents.

Saving up to 85 per cent in electricity consumption, the LED bulb will last ten times longer than its equivalent. With free bulbs, installation

and a lifetime guarantee for your entire home, Utility Warehouse can help make LED’s work for you.

The clever bulbs aren’t the only way that being part of the Utility Warehouse club can help you and your household save. You can earn cash back on spending through the Clubhouse as well as having peace of mind in the knowledge that you will receive consistently competitive low rates on your phones, broadband and energy bills. Then there is the ease of having

your utility bills all under one roof. The one bill for all utilities means a lot less worry for those of us who are often left rather confused.

Make 2018 the year that you save money, energy, and stress in one simple move to the club that keeps on giving.

07736 146 400 davidgoadby@uwclub.co.uk save-earnmoney.co.uk

• • • • •

Specialist pond builder Pond cleaning Pond maintenance Wildlife ponds New builds

• Landscaping and Decking Service • Planting Service • Free design and quote • Expert in shady borders • Low maintenance plans • Gardens that look good in all four seasons

BUSINESS FOCUS

What are the effects of mental health on business?

Government research has recently announced that up to 300,000 people with long term mental health problems have to leave their jobs each year.

The report commissioned by Prime Minister Theresa May, also claims poor mental health costs the UK economy up to £99bn each year.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND, EQUALLY, SOMEONE’S MENTAL HEALTH CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO PERFORM WELL IN THEIR JOB.

THE FACTS BETTER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN THE WORKPLACE CAN SAVE UK BUSINESSES UP TO £8 BILLION PER YEAR

11.7 MILLION WORKDAYS ARE LOST PER YEAR DUE TO ANXIETY, STRESS OR DEPRESSION

STRESS IS NOW THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF LONG-TERM ABSENCE

70 | NICHE

LINDA STEWART Director of Adult Mental Heath Services

A

pproximately one in four of us will experience a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression or stress. With these conditions come feelings of worry, low mood, lack of confidence and worthlessness; closely followed by challenges to memory, concentration, focus and productivity. All of which seriously affect the person’s ability to perform at work.

There is no sure way of preventing mental illness but promoting good mental health and wellbeing requires us to pay attention to our own health and that of those around us. This approach requires business owners to lead the way by creating a healthy workplace ethos. The demands on our time, energy and headspace are relentless with instant communication methods, social media and increasing expectations from those around us.

Boosting resilience, stamina and coping strategies in those who head up businesses as well as employees is essential. Challenging the stigma of mental ill health means that we have to accept that promoting good mental health is a priority and an integral part of the business plan, as it is clearly linked to productivity.

The foundations of healthy coping strategies are laid in creating balance in our lives between work, family and leisure time. By eating well, sleeping well and taking regular exercise alongside creating time for relaxation, a sense of balance and structure is created.

Building on this balance by introducing thoughts to manage our feelings and behaviours can be introduced. Very often the thoughts we think about ourselves are most damaging.

There are a number of ways of doing this, from purposeful challenges to our own “self-talk” to mindfulness meditation or talking therapies.

Whatever the method, the most effective process is to build on the person’s existing resources and successes.

Linda Stewart is a Registered Mental Nurse who worked in the NHS for over 26 years in a number of roles from clinical practitioner to Deputy Director of Nursing and more recently Director of Adult Mental Health Services. She left the NHS and now works in private practice.

Mental Health

JULIE HAYTON

RICHARD OSBOURNE

Head Therapist and Clinic Manager at Function Jigsaw

M

ental health is not a palpable or visual thing – there is no plaster cast, no bandages no crutches for people to relate to, as an indicator of health. The Mental Health Foundation says if you’re in good mental health you can make the most of your potential, cope, and play a full part in all areas of life.

It is suggested that in the UK, one in four people experience mental health problems each year (Mind) and it is postulated that industry suffers £30 billion a year in lost production, recruitment and absence (ACAS).

Reviling how we feel at work, even with some of the recent high profile media coverage, it is still considered a taboo subject and recent research found only 17 per cent of people considered mental health issues a reason not to go to work (Benenden, Wellbeing or Wo-being?). It would be fair to consider that if this perception is prevalent in our workplaces, it’s easy to see why people are afraid to open up to their employer.

An individual’s mental health can and will be affected by work load related to the worry and stress experienced in daily life (work, finances, relationships etc.), to more serious long-term conditions, such as depression.

More needs to be done to tackle the negative perception that is associated with mental health problems. Education is paramount to the development of understanding of mental health for employers and employees.

As you read this, look around at your friends and colleagues.

Do you see those mental health crutches, plaster casts or bandages? Unlikely but be sure… they are there.

Partner and Regional Office Head – Midlands at Weightmans LLP

REVILING HOW WE FEEL AT WORK, EVEN WITH SOME OF THE RECENT HIGH PROFILE MEDIA COVERAGE, IT IS STILL CONSIDERED A TABOO SUBJECT

A

t Weightmans, our people are our most important asset and it is imperative that we keep our staff engaged and support them to be healthy and happy, and consequently more productive, in their work.

Mental health has perhaps in the past not had the same focus as other more physical aspects of our health, but it is more important now than ever, with increasing workloads and pressures of everyday life, that our staff are supported. At Weightmans, we have organised mindfulness training sessions for

JENNIFER THOMAS Managing Director, FSB

THERE ISN’T A ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ APPROACH – NOT EVERY IDEA WILL WORK FOR YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS

F

or small business owners and the self-employed, poor mental health can significantly affect the dayto-day running of their business while also damaging their health.

This can in turn impact the wellbeing and mental health of their employees.

Despite 60 per cent of the UK’s private sector workforce now being employed by small businesses, much of what is produced on mental health in the workplace isn’t tailored for the sector, leaving many without support. Statistics from the FSB’s medical and health advice service show that the number

the staff in our offices and provide telephone and online advice from our employee assistance scheme should anyone want to speak to someone in complete confidence, as well as providing online resources on our intranet for our staff to obtain wellbeing information and help and support should they need it.

As part of our CSR programme, this year we are also supporting Birmingham Mind as our charity of the year in our Birmingham office so we can hopefully also support others with mental health issues.

of small business owners and self-employed seeking advice on mental health conditions, such as depression, work-related stress and anxiety, has doubled in the last five years.

There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach – not every idea will work for you or your business. But, it’s really important to take some time to find the ideas that work for yourself and your staff.

There is help and support out there, but we need to get talking and sharing to make it less of a hidden problem. We want to encourage the conversation about wellbeing amongst the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. Visit the FSB’s wellbeing hub or follow #FSBWellbeing for videos, blogs and to join the conversation.

NICHE | 71

Advanced Daylight Photodynamic Therapy Advanced Daylight Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratoses is now available at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital.

What is this procedure?

Dr Anton Alexandroff

Dr Anton Alexandroff Consultant Dermatologist explains.

Consultant Dermatologist MB, ChC (Vrach), MRCP, CCP (Dermat), PhD, FRSM, FAAD Year of first qualification: 2002 GMC Number: 5182876

Actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses are common dysplastic lesions in patients with chronic sun exposure. They often present as red or yellow dry scaly rough patches or keratotic papules on the face, scalp, arms and hands.

Actinic keratoses have a malignant potential and may give rise to squamous cell carcinomas at a rate of 1% per lesion per year. A field change of actinic damage affecting an area of face, scalp or body is more concerning because the cumulative risk of developing of skin cancers is higher, and therefore it should be given more consideration.

Management of Actinic Damage.

Management of actinic damage should involve counselling patients about sun protection and sensible approach to sun exposure (using high factor sunscreens on sunny holidays and working outdoors, avoiding direct sunlight at midday, wearing protective long sleeve tops, skirt, trousers and so on). This is especially relevant for patients with chronically sun damaged skin e.g. farmers, builders, postal workers.

Daylight Photodynamic Therpay Treatment.

Daylight photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new version of established and effective PDT treatment for actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas. Daylight PDT utilizers a novel treatment algorithm to treat large areas of actinic keratosis, simultaneously using simple daylight. In contrast to standard PDT which uses high intensity light sources, daylight PDT delivers a gentle but affective treatment (efficacy is identical to standard PDT).

Its Benefits…

    

It is painless Can treat all areas affected by actinic keratoses simultaneously Usually only one treatment is required.

It is designed to treat multiple or field change actinic keratosis Suitable for patients who have health insurance.

Dr Alexandroff is a consultant dermatologist fully trained in all areas of dermatology including PDT photodynamic therapy, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, moles and skin cancers, phototherapy, cryotherapy, and hair loss. He has been treating patients with skin diseases for over 10 years.

Dr Alexandroff co-authored evidence based reports and reviews on diagnosis and treatment of various skin problems.

What happens in the Consultation room…? Step by Step.

Step 1 – The consultant explains the treatment to the patient.

Step 2 – Sunscreen is applied to prevent sunburn if applicable.

Step 3 – The treated areas are roughened gently with a blade.

Step 4 – PDT cream is applied.

Step 5 – The patients will need to spend 1.5-2 hours outside or 2.5 hour of continual sunlight in a conservatory.

Step 6 –The patient showers to remove PDT cream.

It is important to remember that if actinic keratoses looks unusual e.g. develop a fleshy base or changes rapidly, a transformation to squamous cell carcinoma should be suspected and the patients should be refereed to the Dermatology service urgently under the 2 week rule to exclude squamous cell carcinoma.

Concerned about your skin? Talk to our expert dermatologist.

16 February 2018 from 17:00

Dr Anton Alexandroff, Consultant Dermatologist.

This event is for anyone who is worried about skin problems and would like to explore their options for private treatment.

You will have a complimentary one-to-one mini advise session with Dr Alexandroff Consultant Dermatologist.

This is a great way to find our more information about skin problems and Photodynamic Therapy and ask any questions you may have.

This session does not replace a full consultation but is a great way to find out more information in a private setting.

Spaces are limited at this event, so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Free parking and refreshments are available

0116 298 2612

Start your new smile journey with coffee and a chat A friendly, helpful team in a family

run practice established for over 70

years. With an average of 25 years of experience, you are in good hands.

All of our treatments are completely bespoke to your needs but one

thing that remains consistent is our exceptional level of service.

Leicester dentist offering general and cosmetic dentistry Recognising excellence in the general dental profession, our very own Dr Alif Moosajee at Oakdale Dental is the proud winner of two categories at The Dentistry Awards 2016.

He won Best Young Dentist, Midlands and Best Young Dentist, UK

0116 26 27 150

oakdaledental.co.uk

info@oakdaledental.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

An unexpected

smile

SALLY SMITH recalls how one experience changed her perception of her biggest fear

P

erched stiffly on the edge of a Chesterfield sofa, the tunes from the gramaphone drifted in and out of my consciousness as I tried to envision what was in store for me in the next room.

Every time I find myself in this situation I freeze in fear but little did I know this experience was about to change my perception of the person I was about to meet.

As I was called in from the classy patient lounge by my new dentist, Dr Alif Moosajee, my mood was instantly lifted. I could see why they called him the Smiling Dentist. I’ve been suffering with sporadic tooth ache.

The X-ray room, with lightly patterned wallpaper, is simple and spacious compared to the subtle 18th century themed waiting area. The 360° machine showed tooth decay had crept into my nerve causing the aching

EVERY TIME I FIND MYSELF IN THIS SITUATION I FREEZE IN FEAR

I was feeling. And so Dr Moosajee created a plan of action. From his suggestions, I decided I would have two teeth removed and four fillings. Before leaving, The Smiling Dentist gave me a copy of his book on dentistry, which really is a gripping read, no really!

Fast forward three months and my teeth and mind-set about the dentist have been totally transformed.

On the big day as I lay in the chair watching the TV fixed onto the ceiling, I barely felt the injection but as oral surgeon Dr Bayan Al-Sarraj got to work, he realised the tooth removal wasn’t as straightforward as he hoped meaning the procedure became oral surgery. Despite my initial panic, Dr Al-Sarraj’s confidence and calming manner had me at ease. He successfully removed both the teeth in question, put

stitches in place and provided antibiotics with a follow up appointment booked within the week.

For the next step of my journey, Dr Moosajee talked me through my X-rays whilst the numbing injection worked its magic. Due to my recent tooth removal, he could more clearly see that actually, not all the fillings were necessary and so gave me tips on how to prevent the cavity. I had three fillings towards the back of the mouth. From experience with other dentists, I know these are awkward and can be uncomfortable. But to my surprise, Dr Moosajee made it incredibly simple. Popping some padding between my gum and lip allowed him to see the teeth and get to them easier. The fillings were done in shade A1 in preparation to match the teeth whitening that completed my treatment.

To date this is the most extensive and complex dental work I’ve undergone, and unexpectedly, it’s been the most relaxed and enjoyable yet.

See you for my check-up in six months Oakdale.

0116 262 7150 oakdaledental.co.uk NICHE | 75

HEALTH FOCUS

DR SUMIT VIRMANI

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS In 2015 more than 51,000 Britons underwent cosmetic surgeries according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. But now, there is no need to undergo cosmetic surgery to improve appearance and reduce the signs of ageing of both the body and the face.

You can choose non-surgical cosmetic treatments to reduce wrinkles, plump up your lips, remove blemishes, moles and thread veins, smooth the surface of your skin, tackle cellulite, and contour the body for an improved silhouette.

The slightest of changes can make a huge difference to how you feel about yourself inside and out. Non-surgical procedures such as Fractora, injectable fillers, body contouring, lasers and Lumecca are all varying treatments to help give you beautiful skin all over and will help you achieve the look you want without the need of surgery.

Recent advances in the aesthetic industry, such as lasers and radiofrequency, are being used for non-surgical treatments, which has led to an increased number of patients choosing these options.

The advantages of non-surgical treatments arguably outweigh those of surgery for people who are unsure of going under the knife. Benefits of these non-surgical treatments include the fact that they are minimally invasive, quick and safe – people can even come in on their lunch break, effective with great results, they have minimal downtime for recovery and few symptoms, and it’s affordable.

mediskincare.co.uk 07952888456/07952754121 76 | NICHE

Forum

MEDITATION MINDSET More of us are turning to the practice of meditation trying to cultivate clarity, peace and a purpose in our lives.

However, having the right meditation mindset is crucial to developing and enjoying the worthwhile rewards of this spiritual practice.

Meditation should be grounded into your lifestyle, make your lifestyle a foundation for the practice then build on it, there really is no need to denounce the world as you know it, you don’t have to go and live in a monastery!

What is really important though is to be mindful of whom and what you are allowing into your space, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

When you have a clean diet, emotional intelligence and understanding of your perception of experiences, your reality opens a clear channel for energy and information to

PRITI COLES flow freely.

Once you decide to explore meditation, stay committed, lack of self discipline is one of the biggest issues for not continuing.

A strong Meditation mindset means that you decide your path and stay committed every minute of the day. This doesn’t mean you meditate for hours on end but that you are consistent and set aside space and time.

Tell yourself that it is ok to sit or lie still without guilt.

“Crisis” meditation will not give the results you are searching for, regular meditation gives cumulative results, meaning they add up little by little.

07795 361 288 priticoles.co.uk

for this is a filling but there are many sensitive toothpastes. I recommend Sensodyne Repair and Protect but remember to avoid rinsing the mouth after brushing with it or you can use the paste like an ointment instead.

DR ALIF MOOSAJEE

WHY DO TEETH HURT? Tooth pain is caused either by exposed dentine (the inside layer of the tooth), or the nerve in the tooth is dying or has died. Here are some causes of tooth pain.

Sensitive/exposed dentine Cavities expose dentine, a fracture can cause the same problem, or gum around it can recede. Under a microscope, you can see that dentine is made up of tiny tubes filled with fluid from the surface to the nerve. It’s the movement of this fluid that causes sensitivity. Heat expands the fluid and cold contracts it. One treatment

Cracked cusp syndrome The cusp is the sharp bit on the biting surface. A fracture in the cusp causes pain due to movement when biting.

Bacteria could also get to the nerve through the crack which causes the nerve to die. Diagnosis can be difficult as the fracture can be so fine. A crown or sometimes a filling can repair the damage.

Pulpitis Fillings can break down causing a microscopic gap for bacteria to enter and irritate the nerve. Sometimes the nerve can be saved by replacing the filling but if not, the nerve must be removed.

You can read more about this in chapter three of my book The Smiling Dentist.

Dr Alif Moosajee 0116 262 7150 oakdaledental.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

Contouring for the body An alternative to liposuction is breaking the mould in the cosmetic industry helping to eradicate stubborn fat, improve body shape, and contour the figure – and best of all, there’s no going under the knife to achieve desired results

I

t’s the time of year when we are arguably most concerned about our body shape and weight given the previous month’s festivities but January comes packed with the promise of resolutions mostly revolving around this concern. So, we thought we’d go a little into the science behind a treatment offered by local clinic MediSkin Care that has been making waves in the non-invasive treatment sector that you may not have heard of if you’re thinking your only option is an operation. Its contouring for the body and its name is BodyFX. What is BodyFX? A non-invasive, long-lasting solution to reduce stubborn pockets of fat in any area of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise, reducing the appearance of cellulite and reshaping the contours of the body for a preferred silhouette.

How does it work?

BodyFX uses a combination of different clinically proven modalities including radio-

THIS IS SO NONINVASIVE THAT IT CAN BE PERFORMED ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK

frequency (RF) energy, deep tissue heating and suction coupled negative pressure targeting problematic fatty tissues.

The RF energy distributes a succession of heat pulses at one million cycles per second to the skin and underlying fat, causing the tissues to heat and contract. The vacuum and controlled energy pulses then work synergistically to provide beautiful body shaping results.

Is the process painful?

You can expect a warming of the skin and a gentle pulling sensation as the RF and vacuum get to work. This is mostly comfortable for BodyFX users but body temperature is constantly monitored so your clinician with know how you’re doing without you even having to say anything.

How many sessions are needed?

It is recommended that weekly sessions are performed over an eight week period. Gradual improvements in the treatment area can be seen following

the first few treatments but the skin’s surface will feel softer and smoother immediately.

What does post-treatment care involve?

This is so non-invasive that it can be performed on your lunch break. A redness and warmth the equivalent to the sensation felt after a deep tissue massage in the treated area will subside after a few hours. You can immediately continue your regular activities after treatment.

How much is it?

It is more important to find an experienced specialist who will take the time to understand your treatment goals and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. MediSkin Care prices start from £200 with a free consultation, accurate prices are based on the individual treatment plan only.

0795 288 8456 0795 275 4121 mediskincare.co.uk NICHE | 77

According to Harper’s Bazaar, the top New Year’s Resolution year on year is to be healthier, and for us here in the Niche offices after the fun and excesses of the festive season we are all promising to eat cleaner, look leaner, invest in a bit of self-care and generally take that little bit more care over our appearances.

Beau a Aesthetic

Still you,

L

uckily, we have got the help of the expert beauty team at Beau Aesthetica in our corner who have a host of ways in which you can feel that bit more fresh and healthy at the start of 2018. With the very latest treatments and procedures from the beauty world at their fingertips you can start the New Year with clearer, fresher skin, a slimmer waist line and a more polished look all by simply paying a visit to the lovely Beau salon in the leafy suburb of Stoneygate in Leicester.

A Christmas diet of sugar laden box sets is never good for the skin, neither is the harsher, colder weather or the late party nights, however you can get a glowing complexion before the New Year good habits kick in with the help of a Crystal Clear Comcit facial. A celebrity favourite with rave reviews throughout the press, the Comcit Crystal technology is making waves in the Beau clinic and it’s easy to see why with it producing astounding results from the very first time. The perfect antidote for winter skin clients, enjoy glowing, plumper more refined age defying skin – it’s the ultimate secret weapon against sallow, dry and tired looking skin after the festive period.

Beau’s Director and skin-care addict Am Vadhesha says of Comcit: “The latest piece of equipment from Crystal Clear is simply their best yet, I am always seeking out the very latest in procedures and machinery in the beauty world and this latest machine is a real game changer. It’s perfect for skin that needs that extra boost, especially after the excesses have taken their toll on our complexions over the festive period.”

There aren’t many of us who haven’t piled a few pounds on after the Christmas period and even with promises to get healthier through better diet and exercise those stubborn extra pounds can prove tricky to shift. For those times Beau have Liposelection by VASER to target those classic ‘problem areas’ such as the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, a safe way of ridding the body of those fatty deposits. The procedure is quick, painless and produces instant, measurable results.

“Lipo by VASER is a great way to support your New Year weight loss journey. Endorsed by a host of celebrities and loved by many of our clients, it gets real results and really helps to boost the

NICHE FEATURE confidence of those who have promised to lose a few pounds in the New Year,” Am tells us.

“Taking care of our appearance and self-care pledges, Microblading is our new semi-permanent make-up weapon. One of the most exciting developments in the beauty world, especially for those of us whose brows are on the thin side, the procedure uses a very fine blade to deposit pigments into the epidermis (the outer layers of our skin). Lasting up to 18 months the result is natural, fuller and perfected looking brows.

“Because the pigment is applied after careful mapping of the face and what will suit according to bone structure, the surface strokes appear fine and crisp and absolutely suited to each individual, we can discuss how bold or how subtle a client wants their brows to look. The pigments used to add colour are all formulated to match original brow colours and the results are amazing,” Am explains.

A visit to Beau’s salon for a bit of self-care is a great way to start your 2018 as you mean to go on.

Make 2018 the year that you take care of yourself and feel all the better for it!

0116 270 9141 Beauaesthetica.com

but more polished

NICHE FEATURE

New season picks from Personal Stylist, Georgie Steeples

She Means

Business Office wear needn’t be dull and boring. Elevate your work wardrobe and create a signature look that shows you mean business.

Add interest to a classic white shirt with a colourful necktie. Hobbs £89

A simple knit is an office wardrobe staple. Add colour under a black jacket or pair with a black pencil skirt for a simple yet polished look.

Whistles £79

If too much colour in the boardroom makes you uncomfortable, then this classic dress with its band of colour would be a good option. Hobbs £129

Burgundy is the perfect alternative to black.

Ted Baker £189

Adding print to your smart casual work wardrobe allows you to inject more of your personality into what you wear.

A wrap midi dress is flattering and appropriate for the office. Zara £39.99

Brighten up dull winter days with a statement coat.

Ted Baker £329

Accessories Finish off your look with some statement pieces that define your signature look

Adding jewellery will finish off an outfit and make it more interesting.

Mango £19.99

If you wear glasses choose a pair that you really love and include them as part of your outfit.

Tom Ford £350

If trousers are more your style, then try the leg lengthening sidestripe. These are effortless cool for a smart casual office. Me+Em £119 Elegant suede heels always finish off an outfit perfectly. Reiss £155

A colourful scarf can transform a neutral outfit.

Hobbs £59

Your work handbag should be practical. A timeless, classic tote in oxblood is the perfect option. LK Bennett £275

Add a bold lip as part of your signature look. Lipstick in Miranda May – Charlotte Tilbury £24

A dress with a print is a simple and effortless way to make your outfit more interesting. Subtle hues of colour make it an easy to wear option. Reiss £165

A statement red shoe teamed with a neutral outfit is a great way to make an outfit more interesting. Gianvito Rossi £495

You can add a more subtle pop of colour with this bottle-green blouse.

Team with neutrals for an elegant look. Whistles £109 Follow Georgie on Instagram: @georgiesteeples

FASHION FOCUS

Forum

TRENDS FOR THE NEW YEAR AM VADHESHA

THE AGE OF THE LIP FILLER According to whatclinic.com lip fillers were one of the most sought after non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2016/2017 and the rise in its popularity is partly due to the likes of ‘The Kardashians’ and ‘The Only Way is Essex’ stars sporting noticably plumper pouts.

Let’s explore some of the most commonly Googled questions about the procedure…

What are lip fillers?

The actual product is a hyaluronic acid molecule, a naturally occurring compound in the body.

The molecules attract water and each one can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight.

Happy New Year! Amongst renewing your gym membership, saving more money and starting a new hobby, make giving yourself a hair-overhaul one of your new year’s resolutions.

2018 is going to be a fantastic year for new trends, bolder looks and looking your best!

Short hair is officially IN. There is no doubt that we’re moving away from long locks and going for a good chop.

It’s all about hair above the shoulder, in every variation; think choppy, textured layers, sleek angled lines and super short crops. Short hair is incredibly flattering, particularly on petite features, and accentuates your cheek bones and face structure. This year, minimise your length and minimise your hair maintenance!

For all the colour chameleons out there, it’s time to step it up a gear. Forget pretty pastels – we’re championing bolds and brights.

Upgrade your lilac to purple, your mint green to emerald and your baby pink to fuchsia. If this sounds a little too daring for you, there’s plenty of ways to incorporate these colours into a subtler look, with techniques

NEIL SMITH such as panel colouring and hidden flashes. With the technology currently available to hairdressers, such as Schwarzkopf Professional’s FibrePlex bonding treatment, we’re able to push the boundaries with colour without compromising the quality of your hair, creating livelier looks for clients every day.

And let’s not forget all the gents out there. If you want to stay on top of the trends in 2018, sport the classic and tailored styles. The skin fade will always be a popular and on-trend look, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, move away from this and keep it clean-cut with a little more length on the sides to create a simple style.

0116 402 6222 barriestephenhair.co.uk

How long do they last?

There are a lot of factors which influence this but at estimation the first time should last four to six months and after that can be anything from nine months upwards.

What’s the healing process like?

Healing isn’t really part of it as such, but there may be swelling for around 24 to 48 hours. Most patients see the end result on the same day with very little swelling, as long as they’ve been to a reputable practitioner.

It’s important to visit a practitioner with considerable experience and one which will discuss your wants and the outcome that you desire, the communication should be strong in that they will use their experience combined with your wants to ensure great results which will be right for you.

0116 270 9141 beauaesthetica.com 82 | NICHE

ROB JONES

DRESSING FOR BUSINESS We all do it, some of us see it as a chore whilst others make it an integral part of their morning routine. Hate it or love it, dressing for the working week might be more important than you think and has become a quintessential of ‘adult life’.

Now I know what you’re thinking, “Is this really what the world of work is coming to…” or “How shallow can an individual be to define a person by their fashion sense…” and I must confess when writing this article, I thought the same. A long hard look in the mirror was necessary. However, the reality of the

21st Century working man or woman is this: your clothes are an extension of personality whilst your appearance is measured throughout the day by colleagues and clients alike.

From the simple to the timeless, our wide range of jewellery provides the inventive artisan craftsmanship that helps express your individuality when working. Both Aspinal of London and Chopard also provide the perfect selection of accessories to compliment any woman’s attire. Finding the ideal companion amongst our range of handbags, leather goods and scarves has never been so easy.

From a timeless pair of Deakin & Francis cufflinks that sit elegantly on a gentleman’s crisp double-cuffed shirt or a gracefully placed Montblanc timepiece to add a dash of sophistication to any man’s outfit, we’re here to help you through the troublesome world of fashion.

0116 255 1233 lumbers.co.uk

t. 0116 402 6222 e. salon@barriestephenhair.co.uk w. barriestephenhair.co.uk SALONS ANSTEY The Nook LE7 7AZ

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

LEICESTER King Street LE1 6RJ

NARBOROUGH Carlton Park LE19 0LF

MontBlanc - Muses Marilyn Monroe Special Edition Fine Stationery Notebook - £60.00 Available from Lumbers

MontBlanc - Muses Marilyn Monroe Special Edition Ballpoint Pen - £560.00 Available from Lumbers

HRH Pets Rock Cushion From £24.99 Real pets were photographed to capture their natural expressions and then “dressed up” digitally to look like stars! welovecushions.co.uk

Gifts for Valentines

Noble Isle’s Cosiness Encased gift £32 The Whiskey & Water Bath & Shower Gel set will cast a distinctive air of indulgence upon your bathing routine. Nobleisle.com

Montblanc - Sartorial Augmented Paper - £590.00 Available from Lumbers 84 | NICHE

Ted Baker Tonics £40 each Combining a fascination for the alchemy of aroma with the world’s most sought-after elements, Ted reveals three of his finest fragrances yet. Tedbaker.com

Magic Body Fashion Dream Bralette £21.00 Being fashionable and comfortable at the same time was never so easy ...

Available from magicbodyfashion.com

Gin Lane 1751 “Victoria” Pink £22.45 Authentically made pink gin. Infused with naturally blended spiced bitters.

Available from Amazon

Apothic Dark £10 Rich dark fruit flavours of blackberry, and opulent notes of coffee and chocolate. Available nationwide

Bruno Paillard Rose Premiere Cuvee £49.95 A delicate elegant copper-pink Champagne with subtle Pinot Noir redcurrant and cherry fruit. champagnebrunopaillard.com

Taittinger Nocturne Rose ‘City Lights’ NV £54.50 A soft and mellow rosé. Available from champagnedirect.co.uk, Harrods, Campbell Moore, Ann et Vin, and Edencroft Fine Wines

Taittinger’s Brut Prestige Rosé £39.95 A beautiful, vibrant rosé. Available from champagnedirect.co.uk and all good supermarkets

Rosa Faia Louisa Underwire Bra £60.79 The three part cupand ergonomically shaped underwires ensure first-class fit through to cup size H. anita.com Louisa High Waist Briefs to match £23.79

White Heron Cassis Blackcurrant Liqueur 500ml Boxed £22.50 With a fruity yet sharp flavour, the burst of blackcurrant imbued with a hint of sweetness. whiteherondrinks.co.uk

Green & Blacks Chocolate from £2.00 The creators of dark chocolate release a softer finish range that is 70% rich in cocoa content, yet exceptionally smooth in flavour. greenandblacks.co.uk NICHE | 85

NICHE FEATURE

A captivating wedding venue A wedding at Abbots Oak Manor is the stuff of fairytale – standing proud on the border of Charnwood Forest where deer, rabbits and their wild friends roam it’s an award-winning venue that’s nothing short of magical

H

aving been lovingly restored to its historical best, every room has received luxurious modern touches making it one of our county’s most exclusive, award-winning hotels and venues. The former home of Sir Matthew Joyce, Abbots Oak Manor was a true labour of love for the owners Anthony and Sarah Kurr who purchased the near derelict house in 2013. Wanting to bring the building back to its former glory and to open the doors once again to the public, the dynamic couple created a boutique hotel, bar and wedding venue and brought the house back to life injecting modern luxurious touches whilst working tirelessly to maintain the unique original features with the help of many skilled local tradespeople.

Dating back to the 1500s, the Grade II listed brick and stone country house was formally a chapel and boasts beautiful oak panelled rooms, open fires in abundance and the real jewel in its crown, a magnificent Tudor staircase. There are two locations within the venue suited to civil ceremonies, the Oak Room and The Cedar Room, the latter comes complete with open fire, chandeliers, specialist Gin bar and an oak sprung dancefloor and can cater for up to 50 guests. In addition, happy couples can opt for a reception in the recently redesigned Garden Room with plenty of natural light, contemporary furnishings, as well as a gorgeous view of and access to the beautiful garden.

The all-important wedding

86 | NICHE

The house really comes into its own when hosting such wonderful, special events menu is inspired by locally sourced fresh foraged ingredients from the picturesque wooded areas at the property as well as from the developing kitchen garden. Renowned Chef Paul Leary is at the helm with his over 25 years of high quality catering experience he loves to work with a couple and their tastes – he will most definitely not stand for anything less than original dishes with exciting flavours as have been known to be lacking at some wedding breakfasts!

With such a stunning building as a wedding backdrop, any theme or style of wedding is seamlessly catered for, we loved it so much we chose the venue as our exclusive wedding shoot location for this issue, it’s simply romance in venue form! Hosts Anthony and Sarah are honoured that many couples are choosing their manor to be the place in which happy wedding day memories are created.

Sarah told us: “2017 was quite a year for us! Winning the ProCon regeneration project of the year as well as our win at the Niche Business Awards and now booking many weddings for 2018, it’s been a

whirlwind but just shows how all that arduous work has paid off! We are honoured to be a wedding venue of choice for an ever-increasing number of couples – the house really comes into its own when hosting such wonderful, special events.”

The exclusive boutique hotel comprises of eight stunning luxurious bedrooms, all large and beautifully appointed, with open fireplaces, original wooden and stone mullion windows and contemporary décor.

En-suite bathrooms, luxury king sized beds, nespresso machines, fluffy towels and toiletries are also part of the experience at Abbots with newlyweds having a bridal suite stay included. The further seven bedrooms can of course be hired by your most esteemed wedding guests and with plans for further accommodation in the foreseeable future this destination venue will provide a home from home with added luxury for exclusive, truly memorable wedding occasions.

01530 833 952 abbotsoak.co.uk NICHE | 87

ROB LAMBETH

PHOTOGRAPH BY SARAH SALOTTI

WHY DOES SOUND QUALITY MATTER?

88 | NICHE

You might be inclined to presume that only the music mega-geeks of this world are interested in sound quality but, with more and more interest gathering on speaker sound systems at home, superior quality sound isn’t just for the tech heads.

Being a DJ I am of course mildly (putting it very lightly!) interested in sound quality and with any event in which we DJ at we only use the very best equipment to play our tracks through. Put simply, I can tell when the sound isn’t up to scratch and yes, I know, you might be thinking at a big event is anyone even aware that the bass on a particular track isn’t heard at its very best?

Or, so what if we can’t hear that backing vocal too clearly?! But, it does matter. Producers and artists invest a lot of time and money into creating the perfect sound and anyway, I’m of the ilk that generally thinks ‘If you are going to do something, make sure it’s done properly!’, why shouldn’t you want the best?

So, if you are planning an event, wedding day or party and thinking that plugging your phone into a sound dock will do. Please don’t. Please call us instead and we will play it loud and proud, just as your party deserves it to be.

0333 772 0341 rjlevents.com

NICHE FEATURE

The Heartbeat

of your wedding

We caught up with our resident DJ and all-round music magician Rob Lambeth to talk about hitting the right note on one of the most precious days of your lives and why music is the heart of any wedding

T

he music at any party is so very important, it really can make or break the atmosphere. There is no party that requires music to be spot on more than at a wedding.

With most of us having whole playlists at the touch of our fingers on our phones, it can be tempting to just plug in and press play at our wedding parties but, as Rob tells us, there’s no personality in that: “I can see the temptation to opt for the seemingly cheaper and easier idea of pressing play on a pre-planned playlist but where this fails to deliver is the playlist’s inability to read and respond to its audience. When a DJ plays out to a dance floor they respond to lots of clues as to what’s working, what’s not and what should come next. Really, it’s a practised art form!”

So, we need a DJ, how do we find the right DJ and style of music for our wedding? “Well, this is where a

good DJ will help you come up with something that is absolutely ‘you’ but which will work to an audience also.

I typically have several chats with a couple before the big day so that I can work out what it is that they want and what suits them. Of course, for some couples they have an absolute idea of a playlist whilst others might not have any idea! A good DJ will manage both and work out a set list to suit.”

There’s more to a successful playlist than the music though, Rob explained: “For a wedding party there are many other elements which help to create party success, including lighting, the dance floor itself and naturally an incredible sound system!

It’s no good having the perfect playlist and nowhere to dance, bright lights and a terrible sound – people won’t respond in a positive way!” Rob’s company, RJL Events have all the elements covered with hiring of the

essentials all part of the package.

Rob concluded: “In my opinion, the music at a wedding party is crucial to its success. Music creates moods, enhances memories and brings the fun! Contrary to popular belief, a successful wedding soundtrack isn’t all about numbers on dancefloors it has just as much of a role in creating meaningful, memorable moments on what will be one of the happiest days of any couple’s lives.”

Couldn’t agree more Rob. 0333 772 0341 rjlevents.com NICHE | 89

NICHE FEATURE

According to hitched.com the key trend for wedding venues in 2018 is ‘something different to express a couple’s unique and individual style’.

Reflecting this, many couples are moving towards a chic city wedding location over a countryside one for their nuptials

A unique city

F

or those who are in search of something on the side of more city chic and cocktails over rolling countryside and wellington boots, a stunning suitable venue is harder to come by, particularly if they are looking for a location with plenty of character and charm.

St Martins House is our pick for those seeking a city venue with personality in 2018. Located in the heart of the historical quarter in the city of Leicester, it’s a real wedding venue gem filled with perfect photo opportunities, ample space for all your

90 | NICHE

guests and historical features too.

The team, who are all dedicated to creating a wedding day that is entirely you, are thoroughly experienced in the things that ensure you have a day like no other. Whether you are looking for an intimate wedding or something on a grander scale, St Martins can accommodate.

A building steeped in history yet still boasting contemporary features, the Grand Hall comfortably accommodates up to 200 people in a magnificent way with its vaulted 12-metre high ceiling and streams of natural daylight, its

original features make for a stylish feel to any wedding day.

Originally built in 1877, St Martins House is a Grade II listed former Grammar School. An elegant mixing of period features with contemporary styling has ensured that the unique venue has not only won awards for the quality of its refurbishment, but also stands out from the crowd giving you, the happy couple, something truly unique – just like you!

Outside you and your guests can experience the true thriving atmosphere of the city. Adjacent to

The food of course is vital for any successful celebration and the high-quality, aesthetically pleasing dishes from the professional team will delight you and your guests.

wedding for 2018 the cathedral and the stunning recently re-designed courtyard, complete with plenty of seating and bustling views as well as ample photography opportunities, the venue provides a great deal more than a simple city room for your wedding.

Our city centre has a host of wedding ceremony venues from the Town Hall to the cathedral itself – there is an array of choice for those looking to tie the knot and hold their celebration afterwards at St Martins all within walking distance. The excellent transport links nearby enable your

guests to travel to the venue from far and wide and there is ample variety in accommodation and parking locally too.

The food of course is vital for any successful celebration and the highquality, aesthetically pleasing dishes from the professional team will delight you and your guests. The famed and award-winning catering offers a full tasting option and flexibility towards all dietary requirements. Taking immense pride in each and every dish, the team create a menu that both you and your guests will remember for all the right reasons considering the season,

the style of wedding and of course your budget as well as providing the latest in cocktails and drinks. The allimportant entertainment on the big day is covered too with excellent sound systems, lighting and stage setups at your disposal as well as plenty of contacts within the industry should you need them ensuring your day including every little detail is perfect so that you can simply sit back and enjoy.

0116 261 5200 stmartinshouse.com NICHE | 91

Thursday 5th July 2018 Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel Granby St, Leicester LE1 6ES A glittering drinks reception, three course meal and awards ceremony Winners will receive the recognition they deserve to encourage them to continue to learn, grow and educate.

THE AWARD CATEGORIES ARE AS FOLLOW: Literacy Achiever Award of Excellence (Age groups will be split between Primary, Secondary, College)

Sports and Arts Award of Excellence (Age groups will be split between Primary, Secondary, College)

Sciences and Maths Award of Excellence (Age group - College) SEN Special Achievement Award of Excellence SEN Teacher of the Year Community Engagement Awards of Excellence (for a school as a whole)

Charitable Contribution Award of Excellence (for a school as a whole) Student Entrepreneur Research Team / Department (University)

Community Contribution (University / Adult Learning / Apprentice)

Apprentice of the Year Outstanding Graduate Head Teacher of the Year Inspirational Teacher of the Year

Health School Awards of Excellence

Progression Award

(for a school as a whole)

(for an adult learner)

NOMINATE AT EDUCATIONAWARDS@CROSSPRODUCTIONS.CO.UK

The

nursery

today I created a masterpiece

Curious minds in caring hands

Every day we encourage curious minds to explore and engage with their surroundings, enabling children to grow into confident and happy young people.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality professional care for children aged from 6 weeks to 4 years old. We are conveniently located in central Loughborough with staff that are well trained and highly knowledgeable. Fees are fully inclusive and eligible parents can utilise the 30 hours funding for 3 to 4 year olds.

Drop in to our open evening on 20 February, 6pm – 7.30pm Call Carla Brindley, Nursery Manager, for more information.

01509 276820 www.thenurseryloughborough.co.uk

Garton Road, Loughborough

NICHE FEATURE

In conversation with classical composer Martin Dalby we find out how to get your foot in the door

Turning a passion I

t’s understood that if you make a career from something you love, then going to work never really feels like work at all. That was drilled in to us since primary school age right through to late teens but when it came to GCSEs and A-Levels, so many students found themselves confused and a little scared.

‘How do we know what subjects to choose if we don’t even know what we want to do as a career?’ was a popular question. Successful musician Martin Dalby says it all comes down to an innate fascination, and that what you find yourself drawn to again and again could turn out to be your passion. Whether that is taking photographs, playing computer games, learning how things work, listening to a certain type of music, cooking, the thing you find yourself engaging in the most could be your unrealised passion. But not all passions are discovered in education; Reid Hoffman was 35 when he

founded Linkedin, and Vera Wang was 40 when she decided she wanted to be a designer.

So once you’ve recognised your enthusiasm for a certain topic, how do you go about turning that into a career?

Martin worked for the BBC for the majority of his career and adopted their methods of inspiring new artists and helping them to achieve success. Here’s how Martin achieved success in his own way.

“I remember sitting at the organ in St Machar’s Cathedral with the full organ and the choir blasting away and it sounded thrilling and so exciting,” the 75-year-old told us about one of his first ever stand out memories.

Others included many blurred memories of hearing his father play the clarinet while growing up in Aberdeen, Scotland.

He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London. It was during these times that he

IN MUSIC FOR EXAMPLE, 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

into a engrossed himself in the subject of classical music. He then seized the opportunity to travel around Europe with an orchestra off the back of a Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship when he was 19. It was playing a familiar artist’s music in the orchestra that gave inspiration to his own, which has lasted a lifetime. “My musical style stems from Skalkottas. Nikos Skalkottas is a Greek composer whose string quartets just blew me apart and in many ways his musical language became a part of mine. I loved his modern sound and I pinched that noise working it into my own music but with a different process.”

The composer found that surrounding himself with likeminded people inspired his work and ensured that he was constantly learning from others.

Martin advises that there is no shame in learning from others and adapting that knowledge into something of your own. He said: “To borrow is a good composer but to steal is a genius and we all

career 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!’”

Martin went on to work for the BBC becoming a music producer in 1965 for Music Programme (later to be known as Radio 3). He was once a Cramb Research Fellow in Composition at University of Glasgow, Head of Music for BBC Scotland winning a Sony Gold Award for his work there, has performed around the world, and has written music for orchestra, film, TV and radio.

He has become friends with celebrated musicians and composers throughout his career.

He explained the best career advice he was ever given: “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, to: ‘Get some manuscript paper. Put some notes on it, any

notes. Keep going! Write down the first thing you think of, it doesn’t matter what, just write.’”

An idea that can be applied to most subjects.

His own advice to anyone pursuing their passion is: “In music for example, 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.” He went on to explain that when you immerse yourself in your passion that you increase the chance of discovering avenues to turn it into a career. “[Again with music] a lot of young people do listen to classical music and the BBC Young Musician of the year award is very popular. It’s when you find out about things like this that can decide how to get to that point and get your foot in the door.”

martin-dalby.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

Conferencing in the New Year

Niche takes a look at a venue popular for its conferencing facilities and features what its clients say about holding their events at the unique setting

W

hen it comes to business conferencing, whether you’re organising a meeting for your customers, overseas partners or your employees, the most essential aspect to consider is location, location, location!

As the conference organiser, you don’t want disgruntled guests coming through the doors, which will get you off to a bad start for your meeting, so it has to be an easy journey for 96 | NICHE

them. Your destination should also encompass all the details that make for a seamless business meeting of any kind and must be a location that meets all of your guest’s needs. To begin, the organiser must define the style of the meeting and arrange the location, catering, facilities and extras from there.

Conference Coordinator Yvonne Holyland of Leicester Racecourse said: “We are a great venue with

many return clients and we love to work with new clients and introduce what we can offer here at the racecourse.

“Clients say they come back because of the friendly service they receive and that nothing is too much trouble. We have lots of complimentary car parking and best of all, fantastic views!”

Leicester Racecourse in Oadby is located in a prime location just

Testimonials Everything feels so relaxed when we run events with you at the Racecourse because you think of everything. Your attention to detail, such as moving the coffee stations and organising all the IT equipment is very much appreciated.

Everyone was very complimentary about the facilities and efficiency of your staff – they were extremely helpful and polite. We really liked the Kube and it was perfect for what we wanted to do.

We had such great feedback from our teams regarding the venue, how pretty it was and the space. The food was a hit too!

I have had a number of emails this morning saying what a lovely venue Leicester Racecourse is and that the food was great.

outside of Leicester City centre with easy access to the Midlands road networks including the M1 and M69, and guests are always pleasantly surprised by a vast amount of free onsite parking.

The racecourse will be making more upgrades to their technologies this New Year for clients to benefit from the most up-to-date, top of the range facilities as well as providing even more conferencing space. The celebrated venue has many options to consider whether it is a banquet, networking, party, or breakfast meeting being arranged. With a variety of rooms suitable for up to 1000

delegates from the Nelson Suite to The Kube building, Leicester Racecourse has developed a reputation for extremely flexible and wide ranging conferencing possibilities.

If your business needs a fresh new venue with a difference, Leicester Racecourse could be the one for you.

It was most certainly the one for many businesses who held their meetings at the sporting venue.

0116 271 6515 leicester-racecourse.co.uk

Facebook: Leicester Racecourse Twitter: @LeicesterRaces

We had a great day and from an initial look at the evaluations the venue has scored very highly, the hot food in particular seems to have been very well received!

Excellent venue, all staff were extremely helpful. Good value for money as all equipment is in the price and even when making last minute changes the staff were helpful and adaptable.

NICHE | 97

RECREATIONAL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN ADULT GYMNASTICS SESSIONS, FOR BEGINNERS, IMPROVERS AND EXPERTS! SQUAD SESSIONS FOR THOSE WISHING TO TRAIN HARDER AND ASPIRING TO COMPETE PARENTS & TOTS SESSIONS

FUN - FITNESS - FRIENDSHIP

A

L A I R E

S K L I S

CLASSES

6 WEEKS £60 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL OFFER FOR ADULTS AND 16+ 6 WEEKS FOR JUST £60 THURSDAYS 20:00-21:00 NOVEMBER 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th & DECEMBER 7th, 14th Pay as you go sessions are available but spaces are limited.

Please wear tight fitting clothes (cotton is ideal, avoid lycra) and bring layers. No zips, buttons, jewellery or long nails as these may damage the silks.

JON MUTCH 07813 205 852

OLGC-GYMNASTICS.CO.UK INFO@OADBYGYMNASTICS.CO.UK

17 MANDERVELL ROAD OADBY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE LEICESTER LE2 5LR

SPORT FOCUS

JON MUTCH

Forum

Mixed fortunes for Leicester’s sporting stars

ACTIVE AND HAPPY TOTS We all know that keeping active is good for our toddlers, after a good run around they seem happier, they sleep better and have a healthier appetite and of course there’s good reason for all of this… movement is good for them! Specifically, gymnastics. I know, I would say that wouldn’t I?!

But, there are countless studies on its benefits with experts remarking on mini-gymnasts having improved cognitive skills, as well as greater flexibility, balance and co-ordination.

Of course, there are lots of soft plays and playgroups that offer plenty for both parent and tot in terms of sociability and fun, but our free-play gymnastics sessions offer all these benefits and more.

Our tots group is proving to be very popular with parents and toddlers alike with not only the children having lots of fun - parents find themselves enjoying the sessions too! Here’s what one parent had to say about the group: “We’ve been to the parents and tots sessions a couple of times now and have been made to feel really welcome. I’m so glad we found the place. Just as much fun as soft play for the children without the grottiness and chaos!”

Come along and try for yourselves: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10-11am and 1-2pm £5 per child

07813 205 852 olgc-gymnastics.co.uk

DAVE SMITH

A

t the time of writing, with Christmas rapidly approaching, a colder-than-average December has seen mixed fortunes for Leicester’s leading sporting teams.

At King Power Stadium, Claude Puel has taken over the managerial reins and has, on balance, enjoyed a promising start. A run of four successive league victories has lifted the Foxes into the top half of the Premier League and brought the magic 40-point target onto the horizon. A couple of very different cup ties are set to grab fans’ attention either side of the Christmas break: in the Carabao (League) Cup a home quarterfinal against the near-invincible Manchester City outfit fills the Blue Army with excitement and trepidation in equal measure; in the Emirates FA Cup a trip to League One Fleetwood Town conjures up the old magic of that competition and gives fans the same feelings for entirely different reasons. One thing’s for sure: it will not be dull.

A short distance away at Welford Road there is an air of disappointment pervading after back-to-back defeats to Munster have all but ended Tigers’ hopes of progressing in the Champions Cup. There is also some work to be done to ensure the club maintains its league position

and retains qualification for next season’s Champions Cup slot.

However, the return from injury of key centre pairing Matt Toomua and Manu Tuilagi may well help to get Tigers on to the front foot sooner rather than later.

There is better news from the Leicester Community Arena, where Leicester Riders still sit proudly on top of the BBL Championship. Once again there appears to be every prospect of a battle with traditional rivals Newcastle Eagles for the major honours come the spring but Riders should not lack confidence after their recent thrilling win on Tyneside.

Since the last issue, Leicester Lions fans have been able to join in the celebrations for former skipper Jason Doyle who has claimed the 2017 World Speedway Championship after an exciting Grand Prix series. Another Grand Prix rider, Slovakian Martin Vaculik, will be spearheading the Lions’ challenge in 2018 as the team look to move up the Premiership.

And as for cricket? Well it is midwinter in Leicester and we won’t mention the Ashes, will we ...

dave@crossproductions.co.uk NICHE | 99

23/02/18 - Sheffield Sharks All 7:30pm tip.

NICHE FEATURE

RIDERS TICKET OFFICE www.leicesterriders.co.uk +44(0)116 255 8635 UPCOMING HOME GAMES 06/01/18 - Worcester Wolves

UPCOMING 20 /01/18HOME - Bristol GAMES Flyers 06/01/18 Wolves 03/02/18- -Worcester Manchester Giants 20 /01/18- -Newcastle Bristol Flyers 16/02/18 Eagles

Walk

03/02/18 - Manchester Giants 23/02/18 - Sheffield Sharks 16/02/18 All- Newcastle 7:30pm tip.Eagles 23/02/18 - Sheffield Sharks All 7:30pm tip.

RIDERS TICKET OFFICE www.leicesterriders.co.uk RIDERS TICKET OFFICE +44(0)116 255 8635 www.leicesterriders.co.uk +44(0)116 255 8635

the Line Returning to the Riders this season, Shane Walker checks in as the BBL Champions aim to retain the trophy.

“R

eturning to Riders has been a good experience. I’m one of the experienced guys on the team this year so I find myself passing a lot of wisdom onto the newer guys,” reflected Shane who is in his third season in Leicestershire.

“My time here has been a successful one so far – five trophies in two seasons is something I can look back on and be proud of.

Also I’ve built some great relationships with people in the area that I truly cherish.”

Walker has been an integral part of the on court success and is expecting tough competition again this season as the Riders square up against rivals the Newcastle Eagles.

“The games that stand out the most are the Newcastle games. I’m always telling the newer guys that those games are the most physical in the league and you’ll have to compete until the final buzzer. Beating them is never easy.”

With the Riders losing the experience of Drew Sullivan over the summer more emphasis has been put on the returning senior players to bed in the new guys.

“The new signings have been great. They are all great personalities off the court and on the court they are all willing to listen and learn from the

100 | NICHE

guys who have been around a while, which is what you want. JR Holder has gotten off to a really good start and we all hope that he can continue to do good things.”

With the Riders again competing at the top of the league this year, Shane’s efforts have been recognised after being called up to Team England’s Commonwealth Games long squad.

“It’s been awesome to be considered for the Commonwealth Games. There is another camp coming up and it would mean the world to me to make the team. I will be trying my upmost to do everything necessary to be selected, as it’s an awesome opportunity to represent England and my family who are really excited about the possibility.”

NICHE FEATURE

Top Leicester

Attractions When it comes to finding something to fill your leisure days with, our great city of Leicester has something for everyone…

King Richard III

Ever since the discovery of King Richard III in a Leicester car park visitors have been attracted to the city from all over the world.

The recently built visitor centre tells the story of Richard, the last English king to die in battle.

Kriii.com

Space Centre

A huge attraction for those looking for a bit of light space exploration. The National Space Centre is perfect to entertain the whole family come rain or shine.

Spacecentre.co.uk

New Walk Museum

Our largest museum is home to ever changing exhibits welcoming visitors young and old.

There is something for everyone with the hugely popular dinosaur gallery and lovely on-site café.

Leicester.gov.uk

Curve

This stunning theatre came to the city in 2008 and has attracted a host of stars to its stage. With a host of events that allow visitors to take a peek behind the scenes it is a unique and exciting day or evening out for theatre goers of all ages.

Curveonline.co.uk

Guildhall

Dating back over 600 years this preserved timber framed building hosts regular events including comedy, music, theatre and children’s fun days.

Leicester.gov.uk

Bradgate Park

Bradgate Park is one of the county’s most loved outdoor locations, complete with sweeping views, hills to climb and even wild deer roaming. It’s stunning in all weathers – don’t forget to pop into Lady Jane Grey’s ruins too.

Bradgatepark.org

Wistow Maze

A seasonal attraction, but one that appears to be increasing in popularity year after year, Wistow Maze is a treat for the whole family – just be sure to follow the map!

Wistow.com

Leicester Racecourse Who doesn’t love a day at the races? With regular races and special days out and events all year round it’s definitely worth checking out even if gambling isn’t your thing.

Leicester-racecourse.co.uk

The Little Theatre

Located on Dover Street in a stunning building The Little Theatre is run predominantly by volunteers and produces comedy, drama and children’s theatre productions all year round.

Thelittletheatre.net

De Montfort Hall

Hosting a huge variety of plays, productions, comedy acts and music greats, De Montfort Hall is Leicester’s most prominent venue attracting big names and acts from all over the world.

Demontforthall.co.uk

NICHE | 101

FOOD COURT This issue local businessmen and women choose their favourite place to eat in Leicester

The best eating establishments in Leicestershire BARRIE STEPHEN

NORTH BAR & KITCHEN

0116 225 5961 northbarandkitchen.co.uk 42 HINCKLEY ROAD, LEICESTER LE3 0RB

A new firm favourite of mine, Leicester’s North Bar and Kitchen feels like going home; a relaxing and chilled atmosphere combined with an exceptional food and drinks menu makes for one cool, edgy yet relaxed restaurant.

Its location is another reason why it’s one of my best kept secrets – although not so secret now! In the heart of Leicester’s West End, North Bar is located in a vibrant part of the city which has its own unique social scene away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre: it’s like an oasis in the desert! I have my very own table there – number 1! And the amazing staff know my order of Prawn Cocktail and steak without me even needing to

CLAIRE HERBERT

BARCELONETA 0116 270 8408 barceloneta.co.uk 54 QUEENS RD, CLARENDON PARK, LEICESTER LE2 1TU Barceloneta is without doubt one of my favourite places to eat in Leicester whether for a business lunch, relaxed evening with friends or something a bit livelier. The food and service has always been excellent accompanied with an extensive range of Spanish wines, liqueurs and aperitifs. Its Latin setting and Mediterranean food create the perfect authentic ambience with helpful, friendly and attentive staff.

With mosaic wall designs, dark red floor tiles, and plenty of plant life, you feel that you really could be in Spain.

The food is served tapas style so it’s great if you want variety or want to try new dishes. This is also a perfect dining out experience for vegetarians

102 | NICHE

say it. The drinks menu is brilliant too, they do my absolute favourite red wine – Three Amigos, it’s so good!

The décor is both contemporary and inviting with an effortless look which is very comfortable and cool; the heritage building gives it a unique appeal. Whilst I do have my favourites there is plenty of locally sourced fresh food to choose from on the extensive menu inspired by the owner’s worldly travels. The taster menus – which includes a vegan menu, is great for those who want to sample the flavours that the world-class chefs create. I for one am thrilled that our city has this new addition to our restaurant scene. Try it, you won’t be disappointed… just don’t take my table!

and those with intolerances, with lots of options on the menu – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The restaurant is adjoined to Bar Dos Hermanos, a 1940s Cuban American style bar which first opened in 2002 boasting an extensive range of Cuban cocktails, premium draft and bottled beers including several cask-conditioned ales. Large ranges of quality wines are also available by bottle or glass. It is an ideal place for a pre-dinner drink or a cheeky cocktail… or five afterwards. Located in Queens Road, it’s not always the first place you think of, but this hidden gem will never disappoint and I would highly recommend checking it out.

IAN MORRIS

PADDY’S MARTEN INN 0116 266 5123 paddysmarteninn.co.uk 98 MARTIN ST, LEICESTER LE4 6EU Living in Leicestershire for the past 33 years has allowed me to develop the ability to appreciate a good curry, and without any hesitation, if anyone asked me where to go if they wanted good meat mixed with strong flavour, I would immediately direct them to Paddy’s Marten Inn. Away from the bright lights and hype of the Highcross food arena, the Marten Inn sits relatively alone on a quiet side street only five minutes from Leicester’s city centre and does not disappoint.

Avoiding opening through the daytime gives the Marten Inn complete focus on creating the perfect welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that so many people love and enjoy when eating as

MIKE KIRSOPP

CASA ROMANA 0116 254 1174 casaromana.co.uk 5 ALBION STREET LEICESTER LE1 6GD If like me you remember the TV comedy Cheers, you will remember the warm feeling of camaraderie and friendship which was just as important to the customers as the beer! And this is the same feeling that you can get at Casa Romana, in Albion Street Leicester.

The place, and more importantly the people, seem to make the warmest welcome and always fit in with the mood – whether it’s family and friend celebrations or business meetings.

Whether it’s cosy dinners in a warm and snug restaurant in winter or fizz on the roof terrace in the summer sun, Casa does it all.

Francesco offers the best fresh fish dishes in Leicester, but if you want steak

CHRISTINA WIGMORE

a couple through to a large group. The rooms are adaptable and the staff will do nothing but go out of their way to make you feel at home.

Most important is the food. With over 170 dishes on the menu, there is something different to try every time you go back and I have never been disappointed in all my visits. Being a meat eater, the food is cooked to perfection every time and the portions never leave you needing more. Veggies can be safe in the knowledge that they will not go hungry, with a generous vegetarian menu too, the Marten Inn really does cater for everyone.

Favourite Dish – Dhaba Special; tropical chicken in chef’s ‘special sauce’.

that’s great too. For dinner I usually go for chicken financiera or financial chicken (working in a Bank makes it the obvious choice) or fresh Dover sole off the bone.

A hint here is to ask for fried onions and tomatoes to go with it – fantastic.

Lunchtimes I opt for one of the many pasta dishes – always hot with a great selection of sauces. I love the selection of wines too – Gavi di Gavi being my first choice whatever the time of day.

I can’t remember who took me there for my first visit but if I could I would thank them again and again for the introduction to my favourite restaurant, ever. It is my favourite restaurant – bar none – and it fits the bill for all occasions, as does the menu.

MITHAAS 0116 254 1588 mithaas.co.uk 103-105 NARBOROUGH RD, LEICESTER LE3 0PA The Thursday lunchtime pop-up sMASHing café at local charity Soft Touch Arts found in New Walk is my favourite place to eat in Leicester, but of course I am biased because I work there! Every Thursday morning 11.30am to 2.30pm, the Soft Touch kitchen and exhibition area is transformed into a creative café, with young participants and regular volunteers preparing delicious freshly cooked hot and cold meals, sandwiches, soup and cakes under the guidance of our professional chef.

The beneficiaries get to learn different catering and customer service skills in a real café environment, which helps boost their confidence, provides

an opportunity to meet new people and to gain skills for future employment.

If I had to choose somewhere else it would be Mithaas Vegetarian Indian restaurant on Narborough Road. Mithaas brings one appetising idea after another from traditional to exotic recipes, from their tantalising Indian curries, to their innovative Indian snacks. It’s a friendly, inviting and cheap place to sample the best in South Indian vegetarian food. Eat in or take-away - the dishes are always cooked from fresh, their savouries and sweets are to die for and as for the Masala Dosas and the Baigan Bharta (Aubergine Curry) I’ve never tasted better – and I’ve travelled in India!

NICHE | 103

NICHE FEATURE

Your next

chapter?

If you’re ready for a change, Everards suggest considering running your own pub

104 | NICHE

W

ho else had that childhood dream of living in and running a pub when they were older? Well now is the perfect opportunity to do so without the ‘go it alone’ feeling as local brewery Everards promise to be there with you through thick and thin.

Running your own pub business can be hard work, but it’s also hugely rewarding. Whether you’re experienced or new to the pub world, Everards can help you get started with your very own pub business. All Everards pubs are run as independent

businesses but the company supports all their landlords as much or as little as they require.

Everards has more than 165 years’ experience in the industry with over 175 pubs in the Midlands – if you’ve ever dreamt of running your own pub, they currently have some great opportunities.

Here’s how others have started their next chapter with Everards…

0800 056 4111 everards.co.uk

KEN AND EILEEN THOMPSON

Where will

The White Horse, Banbury

your next

A former engineer and sales manager, Ken has worked in and around pubs for many years. Ken and Eileen took the reins at The White Horse 1st April 2015. “The date seemed entirely appropriate,” says Ken - they knew they had a tough task on their hands.

Two-and-a-half years on, they’re winning. The pub, once cold and formal, open and sparse, is now warm and welcoming. It’s busy again and they’re doing well.

“It’s a community pub. We have all sorts of people drinking in here and that’s what a good pub should be.”

Eileen, a former behavioural support teacher, brought the psychology of the classroom into the pub. “Make the pub feel right, then you attract the right kind of people and they want to stay, they’ll come back,” she says.

“It’s going well”, says a proud Ken, “but there’s no big secret.

We just care about the beer and the people who drink it.” whitehorsebanbury.com

chapter take you?

DAN WILES The Dove, Evington Dan Wiles was just 29-years-old when he took on The Dove pub in Evington in 2015. He had lots of experience in pubs, catering and pub management.

Between Dan and Everards, they turned The Dove into a clean and stylish pub which offered a fantastic new menu and an impressive range of drinks.

“I knew nothing about Everards, in the beginning.

After a couple years of partnership, I’m really pleased I decided to make the commitment to work with them, they have great integrity and a real family feel, which is hard to find with a company of their size. They look after you.

It’s a family firm and they care about you.” He knows from experience that not all breweries are like that.

He explains: “Most importantly, they spend money on the right things and that’s making pubs better. That’s what it should be about isn’t it?” doveevington.co.uk

BRIAN RIGBY The Stamford Arms, Groby

ALAN PICKERSGILL, PHILIPPE LARROCHE The Brunswick Inn, Derby It’s been challenging turning The Brunswick into a successful pub: “But it’s not rocket science,” says Alan. “You start at the beginning, you get the basics right.”

Within a year, The Brunswick Inn was unrecognisable.

The Brunswick didn’t just win Pub of the Year 12 months after Alan took over; it won the coveted award the following year, too. It’s the only boozer to win the crown back-to-back.

A former retail manager, Alan has worked in pubs now for 13 years. “I love it. I work long hours - six days a week, 14 hours a day - but my work is my life. It’s all consuming. We’ve moved around a bit - but I think that’s it for us now. I think we’ve found our pub.” brunswickderby.co.uk

Two decades ago, Brian Rigby was an injured ex-coal miner with a heady plan to travel the world. His bags were packed. Everything was ready. He had a farewell party at his local the night before he was due to travel. It was that night when Brian’s best laid plans changed.

“The landlord was a bit short staffed, so I helped him out. I collected the glasses, pulled a few pints, spoke to the customers. It was good,” he says. At the end of the evening, the landlord offered him a job. ‘I can’t,’ he said.

‘I’m leaving tomorrow. I’m going around the world’.

Brian went home that night and couldn’t sleep. “I enjoyed it so much I thought I’d give it a try. I can always travel the world another day, I said to myself.” And today, business is booming.

Brian has worked for several breweries. “What I like about Everards is that they’re a family firm - and they listen to you. They trust you. They want you to do well and they’re clever enough to realise that if you do well - they do well, too.” stamfordarms.co.uk NICHE | 105

Weekly Offers COW & PLOUGH Stoughton Park, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2FB

PARCEL YARD 48a London Road, Leicester LE2 0QB

Pizza Wednesday

STEAK WEDNESDAY A fantastic selection of cuts served from 6pm

2 pizzas for £12 served between 12 - 9pm

Pie Thursday

BURGER THURSDAY

Two homemade pies for £16 with all the trimmings served from 6pm

Any burger and select drinks for £10

Sunday Lunch

BREAKFAST CLUB Every Saturday from 10am

2 courses for £10 or 3 courses for £12

The Proud sponsors of leicester tigers’ George Catchpole Terms & conditions apply on all promotions.

See our website for more information steamin-billy.co.uk

NICHE CULTURE

The Last Jedi -

The Dark Side Awakens

L

et me state, unequivocally, that I am a Star Wars fan. My love for the franchise began in 1977 when I queued the day after Boxing Day to see the original Star Wars movie and was instantly entranced by a galaxy far, far away.

Yes, of course, it’s essentially the Dambusters in space: the heroes fought the good fight against the evil empire, Luke Skywalker was youthfully exuberant, Han Solo was handsome and funny, Princess Leia; a feisty bagelbun-haired minx, and Chewbacca was everyone’s favourite hound - loyal and fearless. But, for me, it was the entrance of Darth Vader that changed my cinema going life forever.

I love, love, love a villain. Any film with a helping of dark side will always find a place in my heart. They have to be clever, determined and ruthless and my fascination will be unbounded.

It’s why my (and many people’s) favourite episode is The Empire Strikes Back. It’s darker, better written and better directed, with emotional resonance and depth.

Return of the Jedi ties everything up (way too nicely and neatly for me) but George Lucas’s nasty proclivities for the next merchandising opportunity made this and the abominable prequels all about kids and marketing (a truly dark side of the force).

TRACEY MILLER I’d have had Anakin take Queen Amidala by force after discovering his obliterated homestead rather than see them soppily married. This would’ve made the separation and hiding of Luke and Leia crucial, but hey ho!

The fanchise reboot by J.J Abrams, The Force Awakens, brought it back to its original essence and Rogue One cemented the story of the rise of the Death Star and The Last Jedi? It’s no Empire, but it’s complex, spectacular and powerful - the franchise has struck back, indeed.

traceyannmiller@hotmail.com

NICHE CARE

Care home residents will get some ‘oomph’ put into their day A Melton Mowbray care home professional is getting ready to put some ‘oomph’ into it this January after becoming a qualified exercise leader

E

mily Bates, activities co-ordinator at The Amwell, a residential nursing, dementia and respite care home in Asfordby Road, is looking forward to helping care home residents stay fit and healthy over the festive period after earning her special Oomph qualification last week.

Award-winning social enterprise, Oomph, which just wants to ‘make people happy’, was founded in 2011 by Ben Allen whose mission was for older adults to enjoy life in full colour.

His innovative organisation has since trained over 1,500 care professionals to create and deliver wellbeing and activity programmes that get regular, enthusiastic participation.

Emily said: “My training, very much focused on the individual, has injected fresh ideas into my programme and will allow me to empower residents with some exercises immediately impacting their daily quality of life.”

In its sixth year, Oomph has already attracted venture capitalist and lottery funding and its classes focus on mental stimulation, physical mobility and social interaction by providing activities with a party atmosphere so older adults can start to love and enjoy exercise.

Emily continued: “My Oomph training will add some pizazz into our exercise programme and I would like to thank the care home for supporting my

continued professional development as it will allow me to immediately give something valuable back to the care home residents at The Amwell.”

Tracy Heyes, The Amwell care home manager, said: “We are all very proud of Emily. She is an enthusiastic, popular member of the team and her newly acquired skills will inject even more colour into our wellbeing led activities programme catering for the mind and soul of our residents.”

01664 882 525 info@theamwellcare.com visittheamwellcare.com NICHE | 107

NICHE FEATURE

Louisa’s story

Homelessness: the who, the what, the y According to 2017 Government statistics, there has been a 64 per cent rise in people sleeping rough in Leicester

I

t is clear that rough sleeping and homelessness amongst young people is on the increase, say homeless charity The Y. Throughout the country social care and housing providers are providing more and more accommodation for young people who are classed as a ‘child in need’. Within Leicester, The Y, working in partnership with the City Council, have been providing supported accommodation for some of the most marginalised young people in our city for a number of years.

Fundraising Manager Lisa Houlihan said: “These are Leicester’s young people and our future, as such we have both a moral and social responsibility to help and support them and provide them with opportunities that we took for granted when we were their age.

“Here at The Y the young people we work with are aged 16 – 25 and originate from across

QUITE OFTEN WE ARE THEIR LAST HOPE OR THE GATEWAY THROUGH WHICH THEY TRAVEL TO INDEPENDENCE

Leicester and Leicestershire, these young people have either been looked after by the local authority, young offenders or they simply cannot remain at home anymore due to family breakdown.” She adds: “Quite often we are their last hope or the gateway through which they travel to independence and their own safe place to live.”

Housing support worker, Mayur Vaghela said: “Each young person we accommodate can stay up to an average of six months, however, in reality it can take much longer for some young people to make lasting positive changes in their lives and we do our best to encourage and support them to make those changes.”

Eager to get across how young lives are affected by homelessness, Lisa actively seeks new ways to support the charity.

She explained: “As we are in a period of austerity with more and more charities looking to generate unrestricted income from a

My mum was always an alcoholic. One minute she’d be my best friend and the next she’d lock me out of the house. My family sided with her and didn’t believe what she was like so at 15 I met a guy who became controlling.

Friends, strap tops and meeting him on time were an issue. But it was his idea that I went to The Y. I was embarrassed to be there because of what people think about being homeless but I met a girl there who’s now my best friend and she’s at uni now. With The Y I had help applying for jobs and even took a scuba diving course. I’m now 25, work at a utility company, I am buying a house to rent out while I travel around Thailand and have organised a Big Sleep Out on 3rd March to help fundraise. I don’t even want to think about how I’d have turned out without The Y.

range of sources, The Y needs to increase its fundraising, we do this by engaging and inspiring individuals and businesses to make a lasting difference to these young people by donating, fundraising or taking on a challenge. Every pound raised or donated makes a huge impact to the lives of young people. We ask you not to turn your back on youth homelessness in your community.”

The Y is situated on the corner of Granby Street and East Street and contains a range of community facilities including 48 bedrooms (including accessible flats), sports hall, education facilities, a bar, and the oldest theatre in Leicester. This year The Y celebrates its 135th birthday with a range of planned activities and events across the year to celebrate this milestone, keep an eye out on how to get involved. leicesterymca.co.uk NICHE | 109

www.theamwellcare.com

BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY

01664 88 25 25

YOUR LIFESTYLE

YOUR WAY OF LIFE

RESIDENTIAL, RESPITE & DEMENTIA CARE

LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS • RIVERSIDE BISTRO FINE DINING • BEAUTY SPA • GYM • CINEMA ROOM SECURE, PRIVATE GARDENS • CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN CAR

BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY

55 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HR | T: 01664 88 25 25 | E. info@theamwellcare.com

ing

support

Get Funky!

Cha

Have some workplace fun by donning your scarf and making a donation to ensure that local families are dry, warm, fed and safe this winter.

it

.o

Friday 26th Jan

rg

POVERTNY ACTIO EEK r W y - li n k

Join our sleepover!

Saturday 27th Jan

Funds raised will help to provide essential items, including clothing, beds, cookers and food, to local families in need.

Join members of the Charity Link team for our Poverty Action Week Sleepover. Whilst ‘sleepover’ may conjure up pleasant childhood memories, don’t be fooled; our sleepover will be slightly different!

#FunkyScarfDay

#GainingAGlimspe

Visit charity-link.org for a fundraising pack or further details.

Finding funds for people in need since 1876

Charity Link, 20a Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN Tel: 0116 222 2200

Fax: 0116 222 2201

email: info@charity-link.org

Web: www.charity-link.org

Follow us on twitter @charitylink or on facebook.com/charitylink Leicester Charity Organisation Society is a registered charity, no. 1078271 and a company limited by guarantee, no. 03761954

Charity Link Niche Half Page Advert January 2018 Issue.indd 1

30/11/2017 09:35:59

NICHE FEATURE

Sticking to your

NYRs

with Bamboozle

Bamboozle Theatre Company invites you to take part in a series of challenges to fulfil your New Year’s Resolutions whilst helping to raise thousands

creating possibilities for disabled children

of pounds for disabled children in Leicestershire

B

amboozle’s Artistic Director Christopher Davies has been training hard to complete a marathon, a cycle ride and three mountain climbs to help raise £70,000 by his 70th birthday in June, thus creating the #70Seventy concept, which is open for all to join in.

“As we start the New Year, resolutions are often at the front of people’s minds; getting fit or dusting off the bike or the walking boots. If you are one of those people we would love your help. I want us to raise the huge amount of £70,000. Will you join me on one of the challenges?”

Christopher asked.

Bamboozle delivers magical, memorable, multi-sensory experiences for children and young people with moderate to profound learning disabilities as well as those with emotional and behavioural disabilities.

One family to benefit from the Bamboozle productions is the Smiths. The eldest child of the family, Lily, suffered devastating brain damage at birth meaning her special needs are at the most severe end of the spectrum. Her parents, Hayley and Steve Smith,

have said that the world is in too much of a hurry to include Lily as events happen too fast for her to react, yet she is desperate to join in. Lily’s dad took part in a Bamboozle cycle ride from Land’s End to Leicester in support of the charity.

The Smith family said: “Uniquely, in our experience as parents of a profoundly disabled child, we found in Bamboozle a magical environment where it is understood that Lily has something to say. Bamboozle offers a safe and miraculous imaginary landscape where the emphasis is not about what Lily can’t do, it’s about developing and responding to what she can do.

“More important though is the extra special light that comes from within Lily after she’s been to a Bamboozle workshop; her excitement, her joy and her expressive eagerness to communicate tells us all we need to know about how much Lily values Bamboozle.”

Christopher added: “There’s a chance to fulfil your resolutions and raise money for kids like Lily Smith in a series of events we’ve

MORE IMPORTANT THOUGH IS THE EXTRA SPECIAL LIGHT THAT COMES FROM WITHIN LILY AFTER SHE’S BEEN TO A BAMBOOZLE WORKSHOP

put together in the six weeks leading up to my 70th birthday this June by raising £70,000.”

If you want to make yourself accountable for your New Year’s Resolutions now might be the perfect time to sign up to one (or all!) of the Bamboozle #70Seventy events. We would love to have you.

Here’s how to get involved: Pick your event(s) ◆ The Vanilla Recruitment Three Peaks Challenge, 5th – 7th May ◆ Cycling the Pyrenees, 24th – 28th May ◆ Sponsoring the Pyrenees Cycle Ride, 24th – 28th May ◆ Running all or part of The Leicester Racecourse Marathon 23rd June ◆ Become a support team: driving across France with the bikes, driving the Three Peaks walkers or marshalling the marathon Email, call or fill in the online form to register your interest.

0116 255 2065 bamboozletheatre.co.uk info@bamboozletheatre.co.uk NICHE | 111

NICHE SOCIAL

Hope Against Cancer’s Christmas party The Hope Against Cancer annual Snowflake & Mistletoe Christmas Party took place at Stamford Court, University of Leicester Friday 8th December.

And don’t they know how to put on a party! Prosecco on arrival, delicious three course meal, cheese board, raffle, live entertainment, and elves giving out welcome gifts. Raffle prizes included an overnight stay for two at Winstanley House, a £50 pilot voucher, a retro food maker, Vax cordless vacuum, a Leicester Riders signed basketball, and much more.

A photographer was on hand during the night and entertainment was provided

by The Souljers who really put on a show and made sure all the guests were involved in dance moves and filled the floor. The all-singing, all-dancing, musical trio did two sets of feel-good songs including My Girl, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Hey Ya and Jump Around.

The Hope Against Cancer team put on a memorable event raising money for cancer research in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Special thanks go to all the individuals who gave up their time to organise everything from securing gifts from Next for all the guests, to the fantastic catering and hosting throughout the night.

112 | NICHE

NICHE SOCIAL PAGES SPONSORED BY

B-STYLED.CO.UK PART OF THE BARRIE STEPHEN GROUP

Christmas drinks at Cathy Stephens A networking event was held at the independent store of Cathy Stephens Jewellery; a true hidden gem filled with glistening handmade, bespoke pieces.

The event celebrated the introduction of Cathy’s daughter Tiffany joining the jewellery making business. It also showed off the latest Cathy Stephens collection called Grace. The new collection is a collaboration between mother and daughter and a fitting homage to both their design styles combined.

Guests gathered in the evening and enjoyed a delicious variety of canapes made by one of the guests’ businesses down the road at the Stamford Arms.

Cathy’s other daughter Pippa, who helps manage the business and its marketing, made a speech explaining how the Grace collection came to be, the new shop décor and reasoning behind it, and how the business met and teamed up with Niche Magazine.

The sparkling new look of the Cathy Stephens Jewellery shop definitely wowed the exclusive audience. Guests were fascinated to hear where the inspiration came from for the collections and individual pieces with some people even embarking on a behind-the-scenes tour complete with demonstrations.

NICHE | 113

NICHE SOCIAL

NICHE SOCIAL PAGES SPONSORED BY

Leicestershire’s award-winning hair salon group Barrie Stephen held their annual awards ceremony on Saturday 2nd December to celebrate their teams’ fantastic work in 2017.

Held at North Bar & Kitchen on Hinckley Road, Barrie Stephen held a sumptuous three course dinner for every team member across the five-salon-strong group. The star of the evening was Neil Smith who walked away with the Colour Ambassador award as well as a Special Recognition gong for his 18 years of incredibly high profile work for the group.

Barrie said: “Celebrating the achievements of all of our team is incredibly important to me. Everyone has worked incredibly hard this year, providing every single client that passes through our doors with truly private jet service.

We are lucky to have such a talented group of people working in our salons. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to applaud each and every one of them.”

CREATIVE TALENT: Grace Blackburn, FUTURE PROFESSIONAL: Abigail Plimmer, FRONT HOUSE: Sue Preston, MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Dennis Bodle, SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Neil Smith, RETAIL CHAMPION: Dennis Bodle, RITUAL AMBASSADOR: James Taylor, COLOUR AMBASSADOR: Neil Smith, SALON OF THE YEAR: Anstey Salon, PRIVATE JET AMBASSADOR: Carly Riley, GRADUATE STYLIST: Kayleigh Brenchley, SIX STAR ACHIEVER: Kelly Byrne, DEDICATED TO THE EXPRESSION OF EXCELLENCE: Lauren Weaver, MOST CLIENTS: Hannah Davie

114 | NICHE

B-STYLED.CO.UK PART OF THE BARRIE STEPHEN GROUP

The Barrie Stephen Salon Awards

t. 0116 402 6222 e. salon@b-styled.co.uk w. b-styled.co.uk SALON LEICESTER 6B Hotel Street LE1 5AW

Part of the

Group