Niche Magazine Issue 46

Nov/Dec 2021

#FindYourNiche

THE SUSTAINABILITY SWITCH MICHAEL SMITH SWITCHGEAR ON GOING GREEN 2022 the year of success

A self-help guide for businesses

The month of the man

Men’s health: exclusive interviews

Winter’s ‘what’s on’

Festive food, drinks, and events

Educating, advising and implementing

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EDITOR

HEAD OF DIGITAL

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#FindYourNiche NICHE

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I

t’s the most wonderful time of year! It’s crammed with back-to-back events, holidays, and festivities from Diwali to Guy Fawkes Night, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and all the get-togethers they inspire that we missed out on last year.

Find everything you need to know about what’s going on in Leicester from our city centre director Sarah Harrison on page 10, and in our food, drinks, and events section from page 87. We’ve said goodbye to our Foodcourt pages in favour of a new point of view.

Introducing Susie the Foodie! Susan Holmes is the head of design here at Niche but she’s also our go-to dining-out guru. For November and December, she’s put together a list of wholesome garden centres that you can grab a bite to eat at. Who doesn’t love a garden centre at Christmas!?

As the festive spirit rubs off on people, they tend to become more generous, spreading the cheer where they can, which is why this time of year is also an important one for charities and why we’ve put together a feature on corporate social responsibility for businesses.

November is men’s health awareness month. We’ve spoken to local men about topics from relationship breakdowns through to recovering from cancer. There are some touching and inspirational stories that we hope all our readers can take something positive away from.

Company owners and leaders can find a self-help guide to doing business in 2022. With everything from technology to HR, you’ll find hints, tips, and advice on what to look out for and what to invest in for the New Year.

We couldn’t possibly end the year without saying a colossal thank you to all our sponsors, ambassadors, finalists and guests at September’s Niche Business Awards 2021. We’ve put a feature together about why you should be applying for awards in the New Year, as well as some beautiful pictures of our winners.

@magazineniche

@magazineniche

nichemagazineuk

Contents NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Nov/Dec 2021

#FindYourNiche

THE SUSTAINABILITY SWITCH

22

MICHAEL SMITH SWITCHGEAR ON GOING GREEN 2022 the year of success

A self-help guide for businesses

The month of the man

Men’s health: exclusive interviews

Winter’s ‘what’s on’

Festive food, drinks, and events

THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER

2022 THE YEAR OF SUCCESS

22 THE SUSTAINABILITY SWITCH

Michael Smith Switchgear

on going green

Cover Image Michael Smith Switchgear photographed at their premises Photographed by Hitz Rao at Hitz Rao Photography 0116 246 0475

57 Living with high functioning anxiety 58

Man up, snowflake

58

Grief while running a business

59 Bowel cancer and early diagnosis

36

SEO creativity

38

Print v digital

38

Budget prep

39

Apps for business

40

Planning ahead

40

Employee wellbeing

41

Getting perspective

42

Puzzling print

42

Digital security

51 Making friends with the demon

68

Running a business with the backing of two awards

43

Attracting talent

52

Normalising self-care for men

44

How to be successful

53

Overcoming bullying

70

Awarding staff with confidence and pride

45

Navigating insolvency

54

Long-Covid mindfulness

72

The kind of marketing you really want

46

Consistent communication

54

Talking testosterone

46

Debt planning

55

Workplace mental health

72

Inspiring a goal to gain more awards

47

The HR evolution

56

Loneliness at the top

MONTH OF THE MAN 48

Cancer, anxiety, family struggles, business pressure, and more

49 Recovering from prostate cancer 50

Suicide attempt survivor speaks out

60

Caring for the carers

GOOD FOR BUSINESS: AWARDS 62

Why you should be applying for awards in 2022

64

Niche Business Awards 2021

66 Maximising award-win opportunities

73 Motivating the wider community

LEGAL 29 Stamp duty holiday blues 31 Impact of divorce on family business 33 To restructure or not to restructure

64

MARKETING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 100 Why businesses should

support the community 100 Identifying abuse victims

with Zinthiya Trust 101

Bistro Live Variety Night for Hope Against Cancer

102 News from Voluntary

Action Leicester(Shire) 103 Collaboration opp with

The Bridge 104 SoundCafe 105 Life in lockdown for

Menphys beneficiaries

EVERY ISSUE 16

Thought Leaders

35

Talking Legacies

61

We Asked You

75

First Impressions: a photography guide

106 The Boardroom

BUSINESS NEWS 09

Small business confidence and tax hikes

09

90 events for Leicester Business Festival

09

Space Park embraces nature

10 Festive adventures in Leicester 12

Generation Next winners

13

EMC Annual Award Dinner

14

Kickstart scheme for young people

14 15

77

A dynamic workflow

78

The safest place to hide a dead body

78

Christmas marketing mistakes

78

A goldmine: reworking existing databases

HEALTH & BEAUTY 83 Back to the desk: ergonomic health 84

Advice from Nuffield Health

FOOD 87

Festive foodie fun

The race to zero

88

Susie the Foodie

Enterprising Women Awards

90

Christmas drinks

FINANCE 25 Patents: products and processes 26

In conversation with: Nicki Robson

27

Accounting top tips for 2022

28

3 steps to retirement planning

29

Digital tax update

WHAT’S ON 93

Bedknobs and Broomsticks flies into Leicester

94 A break from business this Christmas 97 Reviewed: London’s Strand Palace 99

Reviewed: Whittlebury Park spa

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BUSINESS NEWS LEICESTERSHIRE

Small business confidence drops amid inflation and tax hikes Government plans to increase tax on employers, employees, sole traders, and company directors in April is set to hamper the UK’s budding economic recovery, according to the latest Small Business Index, which shows small business confidence falling after the announcement of plans to increase national insurance contributions (NICs) rates.

Close to two thirds (62%) of the nearly 1,400 small firms surveyed do not expect their business performance to improve by January.

Treasury plans to increase Class IV and Employer NICs as well as dividend taxation by 1.25 percentage points in spring will add to inflationary pressure, cause firms to put the brakes on hiring and discourage investment, the research finds.

A third of employers (33%) say they’d be forced to increase prices due to the changes. They will also cut their own compensation (24%), recruit less (17%) and scale back investment (16%).

Among company directors – who were excluded from the Government’s income support programmes during lockdowns – four in ten (42%) say the tax changes would inhibit their ability to save for the future, further reducing the already small share that save into a pension, whilst causing them to increase their debt levels (9%).

Four in ten (41%) sole traders say they’ll have to increase prices, with some (6%) saying they’ll shut down their business if the NICs hike goes ahead unchecked. And 11% say they’ll “reconsider being self-employed”.

FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “The risk of stagflation is very real, but there is still time to act… This Government’s manifesto pledges to drive down costs and support small businesses by cutting the burden of business rates, increasing the Employment Allowance, bringing more of them into the procurement fold and ending our late payment crisis.

“With small business confidence dropping just at the point when they should be bullish about recovery, this Budget is the Chancellor’s opportunity to deliver.”

Space Park Leicester embraces nature with £20,000 biodiversity project The grounds of a new research and innovation centre launched to support Leicester’s fast-growing space industry are to be transformed into a wildlife friendly zone in a project led by University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Space Park Leicester has been designed to enable collaboration between university researchers and the private sector, creating high quality knowledge-based jobs, building the skills base, and contributing to economic growth and resilience of the economy.

More than 2,500 tree and shrub species have been planted around the University of Leicester’s Space Park Leicester to improve the site’s biodiversity values and enhance the land for future generations.

Over 9,000 UK native woodland bulbs and an extensive variety of wildflower seeds have also been planted to spruce up the Ellis Meadows Spinney that surrounds the park.

The scheme is in-line with the university’s Biodiversity Policy & Design Guide, which focuses on urban and green space regeneration improvements.

Leicester Business Festival to host 90 events this November Ninety events will take place at Leicester Business Festival this year, 18 of which are run by headline partner De Montfort University, showcasing work being done by the university.

The festival will run from November

8 - 18, it will feature events run by local business to help local business. It aims to share knowledge and best practice, as well as promoting growth and collaboration.

East Midlands Chamber is also

running multiple events, one of which highlights the importance of digital workplace strategy and business planning.

Most events are free to attend, but it is vital to book tickets in advance.

NICHE | 09

It’s beginning to look a lot

like Christmas!

Here are the festive adventures planned to take place in Leicester this Christmas, revealed by City Centre Director Sarah Harrison

C

hristmas in Leicester 2021 will be a joyful celebration featuring the return of firm favourites such as the Christmas Light Switch On and the Jubilee Square real ice rink.

The traditional event of switching on the Christmas lights will be back this year, with a slight twist to ensure that everyone remains safe. On the evening of Thursday, November 18, the city centre streets will be illuminated with over 16,000 Christmas lights and the giant Christmas tree at the Clock Tower will be adorned with sparkling lights and colourful baubles. There will be no central stage this year, with visitors encouraged to explore the different festive adventures located in the various public squares and to participate in the citywide countdown to the light switch on.

The popular 680m2 real ice rink in Jubilee Square is back to welcome first-time and experienced skaters to

JUBILEE SQUARE REAL ICE RINK

10 | NICHE

practice their moves under the clear span roof providing spectacular views of the 110ft Wheel of Light. There are special SEN (Special Educational Needs) sessions, school group times and themed skating day and evening sessions.

Children will be able to meet The Snowman and other favourite characters on selected days, and at special evening events you can show off your own moves by skating to music through the decades.

The tableau scene in Town Hall Square will feature treasured scenes and characters from Christmases past, and this year, an augmented reality experience will invite visitors to find Santa's little helpers, engage in a game of Snowball Dodge, and enter a Winter Wonderland! The traditional Christmas Nativity scene tells the story of the birth of Jesus.

Movie nights in Green Dragon Square starting November 18, 19, and 20 offer free outdoor screenings of some of

Christmas in Leicester 2021 Festive Adventures Christmas Light Switch On City Centre Wide 18 Nov 2021

Wheel of Light ST MARTIN'S SQUARE

Jubilee Square 12 Nov 2021 - 2 Jan 2022

Real Ice Rink

Jubilee Square 2 Dec 2021 - 3 Jan 2022

Interactive Adventure & Nativity Scene

Town Hall Square 18 Nov 2021 - 6 Jan 2022

Rhizome Light Installation

Orton Square 18 Nov 2021 - 5 Jan 2022

Billy Bates Fun Fair

Humberstone Gate West 18 Nov 2021 - 2 Jan 2022

Santa in the Square Green Dragon Square 4 Dec - 23 Dec 2021

A Chorus Line Curve theatre 3 - 31 Dec 2021

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

De Montfort Hall 11 Dec 2021 - 3 Jan 2022

Cinderella

The Little Theatre 10 Dec 2021 - 2 Jan 2022

Santa’s Best Ever Present The Y Theatre 10 - 11 Dec 2021

The Snowman and Snowdog Exhibition

Newarke Houses 13 Nov 2021 - 20 Feb 2022

CURVE THEATRE

your best-loved Christmas films including Snowman and Snowdog.

Santa in the Square in Green Dragon Square will be a magical experience for young children, who can visit Santa in his woodland grotto free of charge and receive a small gift for being good throughout the year.

BID Leicester is bringing a spectacular large-scale light installation ‘Rhizome’ to Orton Square. Visitors can walk underneath this interactive display, immersing themselves in the unique sensory experience. All the fun of the fair in Humberstone Gate West is bound to bring joy and laughter over the festive period.

Panto is back – oh yes, it is! Sleeping Beauty at De Montfort Hall promises a family pantomime packed with songs, dancing, silliness, and lots of slapstick. Starring Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) and Leicester’s very own dame, Martin Ballard.

Curve brings you the smash hit A Chorus Line, directed

by Nikolai Foster, sensational choreography, some of the greatest songs ever written, heart-wrenching personal stories, and musical theatre’s most unforgettable finale making this Christmas show a must-see.

The shops will be brimming with Christmas gifts and the many restaurants, cafés and bars provide a welcome break from all that hectic retail therapy. Look out for all the new names that have opened in the city centre since this time last year.

Christmas in Leicester 2021 is a chance to enjoy the festive fun once again with family, friends and colleagues and experience the joy of the Yuletide season. By shopping locally, you will help all our businesses and help to keep choice and diversity on our high streets.

For detailed information on Christmas in Leicester events, activities and shows, go to christmasinleicester.co.uk.

BIG WHEEL JUBILEE SQUARE

NICHE | 11

Winners celebrated at first in-person

Generation Next Event Entrepreneurial thinking was at the heart of the first-ever inperson Generation Next event – as the network’s inaugural awards winners were celebrated

E

ast Midlands Chamber’s new network for young professionals and next generation of business leaders teamed up with one of its partners, Nottingham University Business School, to hold a networking event at its Jubilee Campus.

Some of the seven category winners of the Generation Next Awards also received their prizes, including Future Leader Award winner Kate Walker, who founded Loughborough-based ExpHand Prosthetics to make 3D printable prosthetic limbs that are customisable and affordable for children.

Hardy Signs marketing manager Daniel Nikolla, one of 14 ‘champions’ who sit on the Generation Next board, revealed the network had now reached 300 members in a keynote speech.

He said: “We’re very fortunate to have such a diverse range of businesses and young leaders in this region.

The level of talent in the East Midlands is nothing short of amazing and will help the region to be the best.

“Reaching 300 members is a fantastic achievement for a new organisation and I have no doubt it will grow to be the biggest young persons’ initiative in the East Midlands.”

Daniel said the awards recognition helps to boost confidence and grow the next generation of leaders.

Looking ahead to next year’s event, he added: “Take a look around your office for young people who go the extra mile and deserve to be recognised in these awards.”

The networking event in September, titled Ingenuity in practice: Creative solutions to business challenges, took place at the De Vere Jubilee Conference Centre and involved a tour of the nearby Ingenuity Lab business incubator.

An ingenuity process workshop was hosted by Professor Simon Mosey and Dr Chris Carter, who both work in the business school’s Haydn Green Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The business school’s director of executive education, Professor David Park, gave a speech to explain how the Ingenuity Lab could support students and entrepreneurs, including Generation Next members.

12 | NICHE

He also introduced the audience to Robin the service robot, a humanoid-style robot that can be used for speech and face recognition.

Nottingham University Business School is one of five Generation Next partners alongside Fraser Stretton Estate Agents, GBS Apprenticeships, Hardy Signs and Loughborough College. The University of Derby is the headline partner.

For more information about Generation Next, visit generationnextemc.co.uk.

GENERATION NEXT AWARDS 2021 WINNERS BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

(sponsored by Nottingham University Business School) Daniel Jones – Professional Heating Solutions

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY AWARD (sponsored by GBS Apprenticeships) Tony Buck – EyeSiteView (Division of Oasis Studio)

THE COMMUNITY AWARD (sponsored by Hardy Signs) Charlotte Robey Turner – Leicestershire Cares

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Loughborough College) Coral Guard – GBS Apprenticeships

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Fraser Stretton) Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond – Project D

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD (sponsored by East Midlands Chamber) Jenna Hadfield – Banner Jones Solicitors

GENERATION NEXT FUTURE LEADER AWARD (sponsored by University of Derby) Kate Walker – ExpHand Prosthetics (pictured right)

The East Midlands Chamber Annual Dinner 2021

E

ileen Richards MBE reflected on her journey to becoming a businesswoman and East Midlands Chamber president as the Annual Dinner returned to a live audience.

The owner of Leicester-based ER Recruitment also spoke about her priorities for the Chamber and region as she took to the stage at Colwick Hall in Nottingham on September 23.

It was the first Annual Dinner since March 2019 and the event raised £1,130, to be split between Eileen’s three chosen charities: Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester, and Nottinghamshire Hospice.

Around 350 people attended the black-tie gala, which included a speech by General Sir Timothy Granville-

Chapman, a former vice-chief of Defence Staff of the British Armed Forces.

He gave an update on the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC), which is currently being built at the Stanford Hall Estate, near Stanford on Soar, and requires further investment.

Former Leicester Tigers and England rugby player Leon Lloyd also gave a keynote address about how to translate learnings from teamwork in sport into business.

He is co-founder and CEO of Switch the Play Foundation – the UK’s first charity to focus on assisting athletes and military personnel with successfully transitioning into the world of business – and author of the book Life After Sport: From Boot Room to Boardroom, about career transition.

NICHE | 13

Kickstart scheme provides

E

lifeline for young people

ast Midlands Chamber is celebrating after passing a major milestone – helping more than 1,000 young people to secure a job placement via the Kickstart Scheme.

The organisation has been commended by the Minister for Employment after playing a key role in assisting companies to create six-month work placements for people aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit or at risk of long-term unemployment.

The Chamber is the UK’s largest and – with almost half the vacancies created resulting in a position being filled – top-performing gateway organisation, which lodges funding applications on behalf of businesses to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Diane, who met DWP representatives to explain her team’s achievements at Chesterfield Jobs Fair in September, said: “Young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, both in terms of their mental and physical wellbeing, and the significant amount of unemployment it has created.

“The Kickstart Scheme has therefore been a lifeline for them to get the skills and work experience that will be vital to their future prospects. We’re delighted with our track record in converting applications into real jobs, which have played a key role in giving young people the chance they may not have otherwise had while also enabling companies to trial new roles.

E

ast Midlands Chamber has signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Race to Zero campaign ahead of COP26.

Chief executive Scott Knowles announced that the business representation group had set its own net zero goal at the Midlands Sustainability Summit in September.

Race to Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero-carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, 14 | NICHE

“We’re continuing to support businesses and job centres to place young people, as well as look beyond the six-month period to ensure there’s a future roadmap to fulltime employment.”

The DWP funds 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, national insurance, and pension contributions for 25 hours a week over a six-month period.

Employers can choose to top up this wage and are also eligible for a £1,500 Government grant for training people on a Kickstart placement.

Once applications are accepted, young people are referred into the roles via a Jobcentre Plus work coach.

The Chamber has had more than 2,700 placements approved among almost 800 businesses located in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and other locations. Of these, 2,200 have resulted in vacancies being created and continue to be filled, having passed the 1,000 milestone in early September.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “It’s fantastic to see that over 1,000 young people have begun their Kickstart journey thanks to the vital support from East Midlands Chamber, in a range of exciting new roles, setting them on the road for their future careers – crucially part of the over 69,000 young people who have now started these jobs.

“Our plan for Jobs is focused on creating and spreading opportunity just like this around the UK as we push to level up across the country.”

sustainable growth.

Scott said: “As the business community looks to rebuild after a turbulent 18 months, the focus now shifts towards the future and the role we must all take in addressing the ever-pressing climate change challenge.

“As our commitment to this urgent challenge, where we feel it is important to lead by example, we are pleased to announce that the Chamber is setting our own net zero goal to cut our carbon emissions in half by 2030, with an aim to reach net zero before 2050.”

Winners of the

Enterprising Women Awards 2021

A

pprentices, entrepreneurs, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ambassadors were among those recognised at the Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards. Eight women in business took home honours at the gala dinner on Friday, October 8, which was held at Nottingham Belfry in partnership with headline sponsor Futures Housing Group.

The evening was topped off by the Business Woman of the Year title, which was awarded to Natalie Bamford, who co-founded personalised gift box service Colleague Box during the pandemic and has grown it into a £1m turnover business already.

This was the first time the Enterprising Women Awards had been held since early March 2020, just before lockdown. It’s the biggest event in the calendar for East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

Chamber president Eileen Richards MBE, who co-chairs the network with Jean Mountain, said: “It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the Enterprising Women Awards in person and welcome back all our members and supporters.

You could physically feel the enthusiasm and emotion within the room, which demonstrates just how much these awards mean to individuals.”

Jean, a past president of the Chamber, added: “Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, who

thoroughly deserve the opportunity to have their stories told to the region. We can’t wait to be back next year and have some exciting plans to mark our 25th anniversary.”

The 300 guests collectively donated £1,270 to the Chamber’s three chosen charities this year – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice.

ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson hosted the blacktie event, with entertainment provided by Michael Bublé tribute act Mike All Bublé.

SCOTT KNOWLES, JEAN MOUNTAIN, EILEEN RICHARDS MBE, LINDSEY WILLIAMS AND IAN MORGAN OBE

NATALIE BAMFORD: BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR NICHE | 15

Krupa Joshi-Bhatt

Thought

Leaders Leading by example, one opinion, one idea, one lesson at a time, our thought leaders are significant in the Leicester and Leicestershire business scene.

With authority in their field of expertise, passion for sharing ideas, and commitment to helping others, they’ve been asked to express their most current brainwaves in print.

Selected organisations and individuals share how and why they go about their business, reveal their ambitions, provide clarity on matters within their industry, educate on complex or novel subjects, inspire with their forwardthinking and progressive perspectives, or look backwards to evaluate what’s been learnt.

Got something you’d like to see our team of thought leaders cover?

Send your topics of interest to kerry@crossproductions.co.uk.

35 | NICHE

Development Officer at Voluntary Action LeicesterShire

What it means to thrive rather than survive

T

he voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector needs to collaborate and work better together, now more than ever. This was clearly evident from the conversations at our recent Future Focus event.

With partners from the health sector, charity sector, and business community, everyone seemed to be singing from the same hymn sheet. But how can this be implemented successfully?

This is where Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL) play a vital role. As part of this work, VAL relaunched their VCS manifesto which will identify priority areas for the sector and hold the sector accountable to ensure they progress partnership opportunities to thrive rather than survive.

So, what do we mean by ‘thrive rather than survive’?

The VCSE organisations that we support run on a shoestring budget, delivering one month at a time, with little understanding or confidence to think about the longer term strategy and plan.

During conversations at our event, we identified some

key areas that are essential to ensure the sector thrives instead of merely surviving.

This includes peer support networks to strengthen leadership and share best practices, a more businesslike approach to encourage financial independence, easier access to information and data through localised research, increased collaboration, partnership and cohesion amongst groups and organisations providing similar or complementary services, and greater resilience and adaptability accounting for different eventualities and safeguarding services, service users and staff.

As a reputed community asset, VAL’s role historically has been to provide opportunities for all of the above, however, with reducing resources and staff, priorities have leaned towards survival rather than encouraging discussions and planning around the long term vision for organisations. Following the event, it is apparent that the sector and wider partners are enthusiastic to have these conversations and VAL will be pivoting their focus to facilitate this work.

THOUGHT LEADERS

Rik Pancholi Managing Director at Pattersons Commercial Law

The important point is that this concept and principle applies through all areas of professional services and not just to lawyers

What do you value?

I

was introduced to a new client who was in the process of selling their business and wanted me to meet their chairman.

Their chairman is very experienced in buying and selling businesses. This was however the very first time that the CEO had been in this position and so wanted to be sure that when they were interviewing a handful of lawyers that they were

speaking to the right one.

When I asked what they both valued as they go through this process, the chairman told me that he had been through this process many times and so understands the legal process, the documentation, and the structure. It was therefore of more value for the CEO to understand what was happening, have his

hand held through the transaction, and be guided by someone whose advice he values and trusts.

Whilst value-for-money was important, the service and client care was arguably more important on the basis that he’d never done this before. I agreed to be there when needed, be the lawyer to trust and deliver great value for money. This seemed all

pretty standard to me and nothing out of the ordinary – I pride myself in doing a great job and I’ll agree to do the same thing with the next potential client.

The important point is that this concept and principle applies through all areas of professional services and not just to lawyers.

So, what do you value the most?

and many other businesses who need premises, this could now be the moment to strike in terms of purchasing new premises.

The furlough deadline has passed and now government loans that have been taken out will start to bite, but for those who have weathered the storm and are looking to grow and establish their business, there couldn’t be a better time to grab a possible bargain as landlords look to offload in light of many voids and ‘cash in their chips’.

For those wanting to acquire premises instead of renting, the below illustrates what could be achievable.

A quick scan on Rightmove shows commercial premises for sale

at £200k or £14kpa in rent.

A commercial mortgage of £140k with a £60k deposit over a 25-year term would be £7,800pa in loan payments as opposed to the £14k in rent per annum.

With the saving of £6,000pa, you also benefit from the loan-balance-reducing and have the ability to overpay in good times. You may also benefit from an increase in value and have the security of keeping your business in one place, while being able to make changes and investment in the property to make it your own.

There is a flip side, but given the market we find ourselves in, I will certainly be keeping my eye out for opportunities. Should you be doing the same?

Darren Willoughby Managing Director at 2XL Commercial Finance

New premises… the time to buy could be now!

T

here is much discussion about home working and whether a return to the office is imminent. For some, getting back to the office can’t come soon enough.

For others, the ability to work from home has come as a welcome respite from the long slog into the office. The last 18 months

– which has included home schooling, Covid risk, and now a fuel crisis – has meant, for many, a better work-life balance.

Whilst some may advocate that working from home is now the future, it’s clear for many that isn’t possible and for lots of business owners in hospitality, manufacturing,

NICHE | 17

George Oliver Director at 1284

Communicating behaviour change

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here’s a punchy framework at the centre of the planning process used by Government communicators to change people’s behaviour.

EAST is the acronym for the strategic approach used to break through blockages after identification of target audience, proposition,

message and channel strategy.

After considering the emergence of behavioural science in Government communication strategy in recent years we can begin to see how messages around us come to be formed.

Take, for example, the Government’s

encouragement to wear masks, wash hands and stand 2m apart. The ubiquitous rule-of-three: ‘Hands. Face. Space’.

Read the DHSC press release of September 9, 2020, to see how communication presents the desired behaviour as Easy, Attractive, Social and Timely.

EAST is designed to change behaviours – a step beyond the fundamental communication goal of effectively transmitting a message which is received and understood by its recipient. Behavioural change requires that the recipient also acts upon the message as intended.

In doing so, ease is prized most highly by GCS. A message which is simple to understand, which requires limited effort to access (for example by being accessible in as

few clicks as possible) and which establishes a desired behaviour as the default choice.

Campaigns are supported by comms that are (i) attractive to the target audience, (ii) leverage social groups and other networks, and (iii) timely in being delivered at a point when recipients can act upon message. It is essentially a lobbying strategy in reverse.

EAST is the core strategy behind tactical comms activity in the slogans and the adverts. It aims to encourage new behaviours, reduce harmful ones, improve existing behaviours, or refrain people from commencing harmful ones.

Done properly, it underpins a comms strategy which itself supports a policy objective. And it is measurable and evaluated in doing so.

factor that has been faced, and your potential customer doesn’t want to have to keep facing it. Although each customer journey might be slightly different, there will be similarities.

car for XXX travel system’.

There will be hundreds more searches she is likely to carry out, and each are part of that customer journey.

If you think about what your potential customers might be searching for, ask yourself: does your website answer these questions?

Does your social media shout out at them? Do you have an over-arching marketing strategy that aligns with your customer journey?

Marketing can be as simple as you make it. Take a small step today and give clarity. Clarity sells over confusion. Step out from the fog and review your marketing. Is it clear? Is it answering the questions your potential customers are asking?

Jenny Cross CEO at Cross Productions

What are your customers searching for?

T

en years ago, 30% of purchasing decisions were made before a potential buyer even spoke to a company. Today, that number is up to 70%. This means nearly three quarters of all sales are made before a potential buyer even speaks to a company.

If you think about the path somebody might take if they were interested in 18 | NICHE

your product or service, what would their first steps be? What happens for this potential customer to even consider the fact they might need whatever it is you are selling?

This is what we call a customer journey. I want you to think about what your customer journey might be.

In business, there is usually a problem, a pain

Ask yourself what the trigger points are What has happened that has made your potential customer start thinking that they might need what you’re selling?

For example, imagine a mum of two pregnant for a third time. She currently drives a Ford Focus. She might do an initial search for ‘best car for a family of five’. A few months later, after she has chosen a new travel system for the baby she might search for ‘best

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to communicating, as all businesses are different

Laura Kearsley Partner and Head of Employment at Nelsons

From home to hybrid: navigating changes to new ways of working

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mployees will have the right to request flexible working from day one, with companies obliged to explain reasons for refusal, in a new consultation proposed by the Government.

However, many employers have already started implementing hybrid working policies as they welcome back employees to the workplace after operating remotely for more than a year.

Here are my four areas for employers to consider when making the switch to hybrid working.

1. Implement policies Hybrid working is a flexible approach and employers need to consider updating policies to introduce it.

Although this varies for every business, new policies should be accompanied by supporting information for

effective implementation.

Procedures organisations should consider include: ◆ Who is eligible ◆ How to request hybrid working ◆ Clarifying responsibilities ◆ How hybrid working intersects with other flexible working ◆ Reviewing related policies.

2. Updating contracts Hybrid working may bring contractual changes to someone’s employment, which need to be communicated transparently between organisations and employees.

If it’s a more informal arrangement, changes to contracts may not be needed – but it’s important in this case that both parties agree from the offset and if either are unsure, it’s advisable to seek legal advice.

3. Open communication As previously mentioned, homeworking can only be successful through effective communication. It’s crucial to track and manage the flow of communication, otherwise it can be detrimental and exclude members who are not in the office.

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to communicating, as all businesses are different.

Therefore, each member of the organisation has a responsibility to keep this dialogue open and ensure its successful continuation.

4. Employee participation – feeding back or into policies Participation can help reintegrate workers who’ve either been on long-term furlough or those spending more time in the office. From informal conversations, through to formal surveys or one-on-one meetings, these enable employers to answer questions, gather feedback and make the required improvements or alterations.

There’s no doubt the pandemic has led to a shift in working attitudes.

Therefore, getting all of the policies and procedures in place is vital to ensure a smooth transition into a new era of working.

NICHE | 19

It is positive to see Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) data showing that small firms in our region have strong growth and hiring aspirations

Jennifer Thomas Development Manager for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Rutland at Federation of Small Businesses

Business owners and weathering the perfect storm

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he Government needs to act further to help small business owners weather the perfect storm.

Currently, our small business owners are up against it like never before. From the ending of government support schemes, to spiralling costs, to trade and supply chain disruption, to a worsening late payment culture, to chronic labour and skills shortages, to emergency debt repayments, the fuel crisis, and ongoing Covid health concerns and impact on consumer confidence and buying habits, our everyday entrepreneurs are in urgent need of help.

In the face of all this, further positive actions from the Government are needed to energise the recovery of small businesses

20 | NICHE

in Leicestershire from the pandemic as they grapple with the challenges affecting the economy which are forming the ‘perfect storm’.

With small firms making up over 98% of private sector businesses across Leicestershire and beyond, it is, however, positive to see Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) data showing that small firms in our region have strong growth and hiring aspirations – let’s hope these play out.

Business support organisations like the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), FSB, East Midlands Chamber, universities, and councils are working together to deliver programmes and funding which could help, but more is needed from

central government to keep the economy moving and instil confidence.

The November Leicester Business Festival, along with plans for Innovation Week in February, and a range of programmes and grant funding schemes to help local businesses, means there is help out there from local organisations. I’d recommend you look into these and make contact; even if you don’t think of yourself as a ‘networker’, there is various support from manufacturing to small start-ups.

As I write this in October, the political party conferences are in full swing and my FSB colleagues attending them have been urging the parties to ‘think small business and selfemployed’ when it comes to their priorities and pledges.

SMEs can’t take more regulation, tax rises and barriers, and hoops when they are so critical to the UK’s recovery.

THOUGHT LEADERS

Jay Webb Managing Director at Jay Webb Consultancy Services

Attitude is the key to recruiting the right people

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ire for attitude, train for skill,” stated American billionaire and co-founder of Southwest Airlines Herb Kelleher in 2011.

Ten years later, this advice still holds water.

Skills for a job can be taught and quickly picked up by someone with the right attitude to learning and commitment to your organisation.

Job descriptions don’t always have indicators on what sort of attitude the employer is looking for and how to measure this in the recruitment process.

But by hiring people who have the right attitude and are likely to embrace your company and team values, you are more likely to recruit an employee who fits into your environment, shows

commitment to working well and lives your values and behaviour.

Very often I find that small organisations grow quickly and then look to find the right employee by filling a vacancy with an individual who has the right skills, only to find that their attitude to work and time management is sadly lacking.

A lot of time and effort is then spent trying to get the individual to perform and fit into the organisation or getting them to deliver.

Sometimes, having spent a lot of valuable time and effort attempting to get the individual to ‘fit in’, employers are left with no

alternative but to manage performance based not on the employee’s skills, but because the individual is never going to fit in or work well as their attitude is wrong for the organisation.

Termination in or at the end of the probationary leaves everyone feeling upset and let down.

So, the next time you are looking to recruit, consider employing for attitude rather than skill – a good team worker with a positive attitude, who is punctual, cooperative, reliable, flexible, goal orientated, change orientated with good communications skills.

Happy recruiting!

decisions about your health or care, they would encounter issues without legal influence.

Appointing a lasting power of attorney means it’s quicker and easier for those who you trust to be able to support you and act in your best interest. It might just be a temporary solution during a hospital stay, or it could be a more long-term arrangement should your lifestyle change in a way that needs someone else to make decisions about your health and care.

An LPA not only gives you a voice – it protects your choices.

Failure to create a lasting power of attorney If you do lose mental capacity without creating a lasting power of attorney, it will be necessary for your family to apply to the Court of Protection to have a deputy appointed to deal with everyday financial matters.

This means you lose control of who you would naturally give your powers to. This is a slow and a very expensive process, costing thousands of pounds.

So, who would you want to make decisions on your behalf if you were unable to?

If you know the answer, then take the next step now.

Bhavin Gandhi Director at Paradigm Wills and Legal Services

Who will speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself?

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If you lose the power to make choices and judgments at any stage during your life, a lasting power of attorney (LPA) will allow the people you know and trust to be able to legally, and easily, step in.

Along with lots of other

people, you may think your partner or close family members can automatically make decisions for you if you’re not able to.

This is not the case.

If your partner or family members were required to pay your bills or make

NICHE | 21

Thinking outside of the cardboard box may be cheaper than you think WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

Champion leaders in 35 | NICHE

NICHE COVER STORY

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usinesses, whether big or small, can impact the environment. Whether this impact makes a big or small difference is up to business owners.

Sustainability is important for future generations and goes beyond what individuals can do.

Making the switch to being environmentally friendly, in many cases, starts with businesses.

Michael Smith Switchgear, a manufacturer of switchboards that control electrical distribution in buildings has decided to go green.

Current UK Net Zero Business Champion Andrew Griffith MP, who was appointed the title by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, commended the company’s actions towards going green on Twitter: “This small business based in #Leicester have committed to cutting their carbon emissions… taking climate action by installing 102kW of solar power on their factory roof and changing all lighting to LED bulbs to reduce their energy usage.”

The company continued to grow and expand its business during the pandemic and their work qualified the team as critical key workers as their electrical products were vital to hospitals.

Managing director of the company Sean Smith said: “Everything we do is at the forefront of sustainability and we are trying to influence our supply chains to follow suit.”

Finance director Emily Smith added: “We want to make sure the whole supply chain is included in all of the green initiatives.”

The company encouraged their suppliers to take greener initiatives and informed them on how easy the switch was to go green.

Emily said: “There is a common misconception that going green is more expensive, but we learned that’s not entirely true.”

Since switching their product packaging to biodegradable bubble wrap, Michael Smith Switchgear has in fact saved more money and added value to their services.

They’re also continuously supporting other businesses, as they have invested in packaging from a local small business within the area.

Emily oversees the HR and health and safety departments where she hopes to minimise paperwork as they make the change to electronic documents in the New Year.

Of course, there are challenges in making the change to becoming more environmentally conscious. Investing in solar panels was a major expense, but Sean and Emily believe the payback will be worth every penny.

Sean said: “Solar panels are expensive, but the payback period is only a few years and generating regular cash flow will help us in the long run.”

The company has also invested in electric vehicles and charging points which will be powered using the solar panels.

“We’ve installed LED lights and made the switch from gas to electric heating, which will keep costs down whilst being more economically efficient,” said Emily.

The business has learned to identify low-cost methods of adapting and how to involve their customers. Sean and Emily believe other businesses can do the same.

“All businesses should go green, because as business leaders we have so much more influence and power within the economy. If we don’t make a start, who will?” asked Sean.

Supplying vital electrical switchgear products to various industries including the NHS, data centres, and supermarket food distribution centres, Michael Smith Switchgear is setting a good example to other businesses that can be influential to other industries.

He and Emily believe that businesses are the driving force to save the planet.

Emily continued: “We have a joint responsibility to ensure the planet survives for the future generation and to make this planet as eco-friendly as possible.”

The company has made a big switch, especially from its inception in the 1980s when the factory workers’ mentality involved people coming to work simply to earn a living.

Now, Michael Smith Switchgear focuses on staff wellbeing and offers generous benefits and packages.

Employees are also recognised for their hard work and efforts, especially since the company was awarded with the Business Growth of the Year and Employer of the Year at the Niche Business Awards 2021.

The pair said wining these awards has continued to boost company morale since staff were rewarded with an extra day off on Christmas Eve to be with their loved ones.

The switch to going green doesn’t stop here for Michael Smith Switchgear. Sean said this is just the beginning, as they have plans to look into more efficient ways of manufacturing by carrying out further research and development into their products.

Signing up to the UK’s SME Climate Commitment, Michael Smith Switchgear is continuing to take action towards COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, which is held from October 31 to November 12.

To learn more about the company’s sustainability growth, head to the ‘News’ page at mssl.uk.com.

sustainability

There is a common misconception that going green is more expensive but we learned that’s not entirely true

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PETE MILLER ON

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Partner of The Miller Partnership

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Have you patented

a new product or process?

Patent Box could help you save tax on your patent.

Corporate tax consultant Pete Miller explains

A

s the economy starts to reopen after the pandemic, and businesses look at different ways to innovate, now is the ideal time to bring to market any new patented products or processes.

If your company has patented its inventions, it’s well worth exploring the tax benefits you could be entitled to through the Patent Box scheme.

Patent Box a tax incentive scheme introduced in 2013. It’s designed to reward innovative companies that are trading in the UK using patents they developed or helped to develop.

It can reduce the headline corporation tax rate to 10%,

compared to the current rate of 19% (and which will shortly rise to 25% for many companies), for profits derived from their patents. And it applies to UK and EU patents, as well as many patents registered in other EEA countries.

According to latest figures from HMRC, there were 1,230 Patent Box claims for 2018/2019, but we believe that there are a lot more businesses that qualify for this useful tax incentive.

Recent changes have made calculating the tax savings under Patent Box a more complicated procedure, and mean you now have to stream your profits and expenses, but don’t let that put

IF YOUR COMPANY HAS PATENTED ITS INVENTIONS, IT’S WELL WORTH EXPLORING THE TAX BENEFITS

you off.

The new calculation method shows where specific costs have been allocated against the income from your patent, which could well give you a better result. Just make sure you keep your financial records straight, so you have all the information you might need.

At The Miller Partnership, we have wide experience in assisting businesses to access Patent Box and enjoy the reliefs they rightly deserve. Patent Box is there to help you, so take professional tax advice and find out if you qualify.

Contact me at pete.miller@ themillerpartnership.com.

NICHE | 25

Money Talks As sponsor of Businesswoman of the Year at The Niche Business Awards 2021, Rajesh Modha of Tilton Conway has put the winner of his category, Nicki Robson, in the spotlight of his In Conversation series. His interview doesn’t disappoint in getting closer to her money mindset

In conversation with: NICKI ROBSON

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icki Robson is the founder of Breedon Consulting, a national HR consultancy firm specialising in the training and growth of SMEs. Established in 1999, the firm has since grown extensively with an ever-growing team and multiple offices.

Congratulations Nicki! You must be delighted?

“Oh, I am! I didn’t realise how much it would mean to me to win, but now I have, the recognition makes me very happy. I am comfortable financially, running my business is now about different goals.”

Sounds interesting, how are your goals different from when you started?

“Well, they aren’t about profit anymore. They aren’t about chasing the numbers. I am comfortable, have a nice house, car and holidays – more doesn’t make that any better. I am a 26 | NICHE

people person; money now is about having the freedom to spend time with the people I love.”

Now, my goals are about creating a success of the business which supports the team and their goals too.

Is there a money story or belief that’s changed at all in your life?

“I suppose I went through a blip when I got divorced, finding myself on my own. But I soon realised that it didn’t matter, that I could continue on the path I was on and keep doing things my way. Aside from that, I initially found it challenging to be hiring people; I found the responsibility tough at first – but soon realised that was OK too – it’s all experience, isn’t it?

Indeed, it is. Talking of which, is there any piece of advice you might give to entrepreneurs starting out?

“I have four, as it happens!

Firstly, I would say that they should identify what makes them different and then not be afraid to shout about it. Know where you want to get to –

NOW, MY GOALS ARE ABOUT CREATING A SUCCESS OF THE BUSINESS WHICH SUPPORTS THE TEAM AND THEIR GOALS TOO

having a focus is something I took a long time to get to. Then, I would say don’t be afraid to make mistakes in business.

That’s not to say there shouldn’t be an assessment about your decisions, but I really believe in going with your gut with these things.

“Finally, I am a firm believer in not attempting to do everything yourself – try and find a team that you can rely on, that you can trust to do the job.”

So, where do you take your success from here?

“I am starting an additional venture with my partner. We are lucky enough to be in a position that we can support ourselves with a roof over our heads and successful businesses, so that the pressure isn’t too weighted on something new. I am relishing the challenge of something new!”

Rajesh Modha offers financial advice, which is both in depth and holistic, delving into professionals’ money stories to provide the right support for the future. Find out more at tiltonconway.com.

NICHE FEATURE

Accounting top tips for the New Year As we enter into 2022, High Street Accountant wants to make sure businesses are getting it right financially WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

C

oming towards the end of the year and looking towards the final quarter of the financial year in January with The High Street Accountant, they share their top tips for you to consider ahead of the New Year.

Zoe Bate’s Financial Analysis Tips ◆ Review your Year to Date (YTD) sales and expenses. We can help you look for trends and give you insight into your numbers and profitability ◆ Review your money position.

How much do you owe to suppliers and how much do your customers owe you? ◆ Do a cashflow forecast so you can understand any upcoming costs and the impact that will have on your business You can email Zoe@ thehighstreetaccountant.co.uk for reviews of your finances.

Meg Minty’s Bookkeeping Tips ◆ Keep your business and personal transactions in separate accounts. This way we can efficiently track your business income and expenses ◆ Consider online bookkeeping software if you don’t have it already; the tech can speed up data entry and we can give you up to date info with the tap of a button on your phone You can email meg@ thehighstreetaccountant.co.uk for bookkeeping advice.

Megan Lawson’s Tax Return Tips Do you need to complete a 20/21 self-assessment tax return? You do if: ◆ You earn over £1000 in income from self-employment ◆ You are a partner in a business partnership ◆ You started a business between April 5, 2020 and April 5, 2021 ◆ You have untaxed income, eg dividends, investments, rental properties, etc.

You can email megan@ thehighstreetaccountant.co.uk for more guidance on tax returns.

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS IN SEPARATE ACCOUNTS. THIS WAY WE CAN EFFICIENTLY TRACK YOUR BUSINESS INCOME AND EXPENSES

Emma Furie’s Payroll Tips ◆ Check all of your wages and subcontractor’s costs have been tracked accurately and submitted on time ◆ Last chance to review any furlough claims are all correct!

You can email emma@ thehighstreetaccountant.co.uk for payroll advice.

Kellie Chetwynd’s All Rounder Tips ◆ Create a troubleshooting review ◆ Can we spot any significant changes which may have impacted your business and put a plan in place to help understand, track or make positive changes for the new year so the business can thrive in 2022?

You can email kellie@ thehighstreetaccountant.co.uk for more advice.

NICHE | 27

3

steps

to plan your retirement You’ve been looking at your bank statements and thinking about your money more than usual haven’t you? WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

W

ith many people spending more time at home, they’ve been taking more interest in their finances. Chartered Financial Planner Kris Amliwala from Designer Wealth Management has noticed a rise in enquiries across Leicester as people look for a local expert to help them with their pensions since the pandemic hit.

He’s a 30-year-old advisor offering stress-free financial planning and is one of only 500 globally registered Kinder Institute life planners. To demonstrate his distinction at such a young age, Kris was invited to do a TED-style talk in 2021 for NextGen Planners, which brings together a community of young financial planners worldwide. His talk was streamed live to six continents.

The average age of a financial planner is around 55 years old, but Kris says there’s a complication here. “If you’re retiring and your financial advisor is retiring a couple of years after you, that’s no good. We have to see people all the way through to leaving their legacy.”

Office for National Statistics

28 | NICHE

KRIS USED THE PANDEMIC AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH SCHOOL CHILDREN ABOUT MONEY

reveal that a 50 year old man has a one in 10 chance of living to 100, and a 50 year old woman has a one in 10 chance of living to 102. If you’ve been looking at your statements more than usual lately, you’re right to do so. In fact, you probably should have taken a closer look years ago, but it’s never too late.

Kris used the pandemic as an opportunity to teach school children about money. He’s been explaining payslips, deductions, that the tax you pay goes towards road repairs and funding the NHS, and more. He believes it’s essential to understand finances at a young age to see you through to leaving your legacy to the next generation.

Kris has shared his threestep process that he uses with his clients to achieve their life ambitions.

Step 1

You must first understand yourself and what you want from life, your money habits, and your bucket list.

Kris might even get you to draw a picture of what money looks like to you to understand this better.

Kris added: “Understanding your deep wishes and ambitions is key;

I’ve had grown men cry in relief and joy when unlocking some of the sticking blocks in their life.”

Step 2

Now comes what most might find the boring part, but you can make it fun like Kris does by using cartoons, colours, bar charts and animations to do your own cashflow planning – what’s coming in and going out. “I do not use spreadsheets,” Kris laughed.

“And I won’t give you a 100-page report. Unless you ask for one.”

Step 3

You now devise which options are best for you; the appropriate mortgage, the right pension, and the most effective investments for your circumstances. “Money is a tool for life and we should be living the best life possible.

That doesn’t always mean having avocado toast every day! It’s important to have that money balance, which is why we do step one. We also do a lot of behavioural management, coaching and education so that they can understand their assets, risks and potential.”

For more financial planning advice, visit dwm.uk.com.

Finance Forum Kellie Chetwynd Director at The High Street Accountant

UPDATE ON DIGITAL TAX The numbers world, aka accountancy, is ever changing and after I announced in my last Niche Magazine article just a handful of weeks ago that tax was going digital as of April 2023, that’s exactly how things stood. Then, the day after the magazine was released, it changed. I know. It’s tenterhook stuff with HMRC. Firstly, I should point out here that whilst it’s still happening, and tax is ultimately going digital, it’s not happening yet. We have more time,

which allows for more preparation – that’s only a good thing for so many of you.

HMRC will now require you to go digital from April 2024. Whilst VATregistered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (£85,000) are already required to submit digital records for their VAT returns, this threshold will be lowered to £10,000 for turnover from trade in April 2024.

So, what does this mean for you?

Well, really things will get easier. Of course, there is initial change, but with the right team supporting you it doesn’t have to be daunting, or taxing.

(Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

Making tax digital means things will be more effective, efficient, and easier for taxpayers to get their tax right.

Let’s look at the advantages ◆ It means you can get rid of all of

those boxes of paper and clutter ◆ Completing a self-assessment tax return so long after the year end often means that small business owners forget to claim some of the little day to day expenses or lose receipts and actually overpay rather than underpay tax. ◆ Modern accounting software (digital software) is so much more secure against identity and financial fraud than spreadsheets or shoeboxes. ◆ The cloud-based technology means you can work from anywhere. You don’t have to be at your desk or have the right pad with you to raise an invoice, or chase money that’s owed to you. ◆ It allows for cash flow forecasting and better decision making. ◆ It gets rid of the basic, boring tasks, allowing you to concentrate on the bits of your business that you really enjoy, rather than getting bogged down in administration.

Legal Forum Bhumika Parmar Director at BP Legal Solicitors

THE END OF THE STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY Conveyancers everywhere were relieved as the stamp duty land tax holiday came to an end on June 30 at midnight. There were celebrations in firms to recognise the hard work and pressure the SDLT holiday placed on conveyancers.

The scheme was introduced to encourage the market in July 2020, which resulted in supporting jobs across the nation and driving economic

I want us all to raise a glass to this most amazing profession. We help people buy a home and build a future

growth. Home movers saved hundreds and thousands of pounds.

Our understanding is that almost £6bn has been saved. As a local firm, we can be proud of the pivotal role we have played in achieving this.

From July 8, 2020 to September 30, 2021 – that’s 448 days where we have looked after our clients at the risk of our own mental health.

We have been exhausted by the experience, working late into the evenings and weekends.

I want us all to raise a glass to

this most amazing profession. We help people buy a home and build a future.

We have helped so many people achieve this, and we have kept the economy alive when many businesses were closed. Be proud of what we have done in those 448 days.

Whilst we take a well-deserved break, not forgetting that soon we will be working towards the festive rush of home movers wanting to be in their new homes before Christmas.

At BP Legal we are ready for this and happy to assist.

NICHE | 29

nelsonslaw.co.uk

Divorce & separation can be complicated and emotional. We deliver the right blend of support and practical advice – empowering you, giving you a voice and helping you come though stronger.

Family law issues can lead to transition in many aspects of your life – moving house and restructuring your investments, to name a few.

When the only constant in life seems to be change, our expert teams are here as your continual support.

Provincial House 37 New Walk Leicester LE1 6TU 0116 222 6666 22 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

How divorce can affect a family business Family businesses come in all shapes and sizes and can often be the most difficult financial settlement to conclude during a divorce – Niche spoke to a local family law solicitor to guide us through the complications

I

n today’s uncertain economic climate, there are many potential storms on the horizon for the family business and, in the event of a divorce, the company needs to be protected as quickly as possible – for its survival and commercial viability for the future.

Glynis Wright MBE, head of Nelsons’ family law team in Leicester, guided us through the divorce process and how family businesses are dealt with.

She explained: “Dealing with the family business following a divorce can raise many complex issues surrounding inheritance, financial contributions and other family members having a share or interest in the business.

“Historically, the family court would seek to protect the family business from being heavily involved in a matrimonial settlement, in order to avoid the business having to be sold.

However, since the White v White case in 2001, the law has leaned towards fairness in dividing the matrimonial assets.

“There are a few steps that need taking to resolve disputes relating to the family business, the first being understanding the business structure of which there are three main types: the sole trader, partnerships and limited company.

“Once you’ve established the family business structure, the next step is to value the business, which is crucial as it determines what is distributed between a divorcing couple. The valuation of the business will be done by a single joint expert, who will be an independent qualified accountant, and will almost always be based on the current market valuation.

It’s worth bearing in mind that, when the family business involves land and buildings, it will be

DIVORCE AND SEPARATION CAN BE COMPLICATED AND EMOTIONAL, EVEN MORE SO WHEN A FAMILY BUSINESS IS INVOLVED

necessary to instruct an estate agent as a single joint expert to provide a valuation of these assets.

“The final stage of the process is to decide how to deal with the family business as a settlement between the divorcing couple. This will normally involve three options: putting the business up for sale, buying out the other spouse’s interest or co-owning the family business.

“Divorce and separation can be complicated and emotional, even more so when a family business is involved, so getting the right blend of support and practical advice at a time when it’s needed most, is essential,” Glynis told us.

If you’ve been affected by the issues in this article, you can contact Nelsons for advice on 0116 222 6666.

NICHE | 31

YOUR LOCAL, DYNAMIC LAW PRACTICE Dedicated to one client at a time.

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NICHE FEATURE

To restructure

or not to restructure That is the question Rik Pancholi of Pattersons Commercial Law asks

S

o, here’s the scenario. You started up in business many years ago and at that time you just wanted to see how things would go. You then built it up over a number of years and have accumulated profits year after year. As things were going well, you used the surplus cash in the company bank account to make investments. You may have bought a property or two or you may have expanded the business in a diversified manner. You may have even bought other businesses within the same company using the surplus cash. This is a great position to be in.

What’s wrong with this scenario? Well, arguably nothing really, because it’s quite a strong success story.

But what’s the risk? The risk is that you may make your business unattractive to a potential purchaser because it looks like a complicated business structure or you may not have planned properly for your retirement and there may be a much more tax efficient manner in which

you can structure your property investments. There could always be the unfortunate scenario that your main business is subject to litigation or another form of attack which could potentially jeopardise all other assets owned by the company, including those assets which are far more difficult to extract from the company such as those lovely investment properties.

If there are multiple shareholders, is everyone on the same page in relation to the risk profile and the future intentions of the company? What if the shareholders want different things? Often, we come across companies that have no shareholders agreement and therefore, no predefined agreement on how to resolve disputes or what is to happen in the event of death.

So, the question then becomes what can you do about this? One of the obvious answers is not to do anything because you’re under no obligation to change! The strategy seems to have worked so far, so why incur

REMEMBER THAT PUTTING A BUSINESS UP FOR SALE COULD ALSO MEAN PLANNING FOR SUCCESSION TO YOUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

the costs in making any of those changes if the risks identified are not really of any concern?

Alternatively, if you’re concerned about those risks, you can use this opportunity to restructure your business in a way that firstly protects your investment properties or other appropriate assets and secondly, gears your trading business up for sale if that is something you want to do in the future. Remember that putting a business up for sale could also mean planning for succession to your management team or passing the business down to your family.

How can we help? As corporate lawyers who advise regularly on these types of transactions, we simplify the complex commercial law area around share for share exchanges, share capital reductions, dividends in specie and demergers. Our role is to help you mitigate your risks, achieve your objectives and think about the bigger picture. Call Rik on 0116 319 1110 for more advice.

NICHE | 33

Talking legacies From divorce to death, we hear about the difficult stuff no one wants to talk about until it’s too late. We interviewed a client of our resident will writer Satwinder Sidhu of Paradigm Wills & Legal Services to uncover their thoughts on life and death and why they wrote a will

THE CLIENT

M

ark and Diana Esho are a husband-and-wife team. They set up Easy Internet Services in 2000, one of the first digital marketing agencies in the Midlands. In 2004, they set up Easy Internet Solutions, a web hosting and domain registration provider based in Bournemouth. They have other business and social interests which include a project that sends recycled bras to Africa and an app that allows disabled people to submit disabled access reviews on public venues across the country.

What was your number one reason for getting a will?

Diana Covid has taught us that life is unpredictable and short.

Everyone should get a will to protect their family.

ALTHOUGH COVID HAS BEEN CHALLENGING IT HAS GIVEN US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE STOCK OF OUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LIFE

How did the pandemic affect you?

Diana Although Covid has been challenging, it has given us the opportunity to take stock of our business and personal life. For instance, we realised we didn’t need an office and sold it. We also sold half of the shares of one of our businesses. This has given us the opportunity to step back from our businesses and work on passion projects and have a much better work-life balance.

What did you learn from writing your will?

Diana It is a very specialised industry which is constantly evolving. Very difficult to navigate as a novice. We learnt cost-effective ways in which to protect our estate and family. We chose Paradigm for our wills and estate planning because it’s an established firm with a great reputation.

We needed to protect our estate, family plus inheritance tax planning.

Did you speak about finances, death, and inheritance before meeting Paradigm?

Mark Yes, it has been a constant topic over the last ten years.

Covid has taught us not to be complacent when it comes to planning for the future. It is imperative to make a will and plan any potential inheritance liability.

Tell me about how you grew up and the effect that has had on you today

Diana We started from scratch with no handouts or help from anyone. This has given us a different perspective on money.

Initially, it was all about designer clothes, watches, cars, luxury holidays, etc, but you soon realise it doesn’t bring you happiness.

Mark Money definitely makes your life easier, but true freedom and to a certain extent, happiness, is being completely debt-free and having the ability to work when you want, not because you have to.

How do you hope to be remembered?

Mark For making a difference in the lives of others and inspiring others to reach for the stars.

SPECIAL FEATURE

2022

Year of Success A self-help business guide

WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

A

s we come to the end of this year’s adventure, it’s time to start thinking about your business’s need for 2022. It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas festivities – and after all, why shouldn’t you? It’s a relief for small businesses, especially after missing out on last year’s celebrations. However, now is also a great time to take a proactive approach for business success in 2022.

If you haven’t already done so, think about the different departments that contribute to your business’s success. For instance, was your IT department prepared with providing tech help to staff who worked from home during the lockdown?

Does your marketing team need to update the website to make it more e-commerce friendly? Do you need to upgrade your social media channels so your business can keep up with current trends?

Being a small business owner means you have to juggle many balls at once and as the economy continues to evolve, your business needs to stay ahead of the game. Whether you need to invest in more employees or downsize office space, business leaders should develop strategic plans for next year.

You may also be thinking about how your business model fits in line with 2022 – but don’t forget about your customers!

After the uncertainty that centralised the last two years, it’s unpredictable what the year ahead lies in store. We put together this self-help guide for businesses and spoke to some influential company leaders of this year who discuss the latest trends, their advice and top tips for the New Year.

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NICHE | 35

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NICHE FEATURE

Your SEO

creativity kit Search engine optimisation boggles brains, but we’ve worked with digital agency REASON8 to produce a guide on getting creative with SEO WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

I

t’s a fine art, SEO. Notoriously difficult to master and known to mystify many small business owners, SEO can often get the better of us. Nowadays, it isn’t just about pleasing search engines, it’s getting the balance right between creating a good experience for your users and ticking the correct boxes for Google.

Sharing how SEO can actually be a creative process is Burbage-based digital agency REASON8, which provides web design paired with SEO and brand development across many industries from construction to eCommerce brands. Tom and Rachel, who set up the business in 2021, say they love bringing businesses to life online and helping them establish a presence in the busy digital world.

Get inspired

Start with an evaluation of your website, Tom and Rachel at REASON8 suggest. Compare it against your competitors’ websites. Get a second opinion from friends or family. Is yours better, or worse? How much traffic did it receive? Where did

this traffic come from?

If you find a competitor with a great online presence, you have something to mimic. If their online presences are poor, you have a huge opportunity to blow them out of the water with a user-friendly, professionally designed website.

Then, start reaching out to experts in web design. Try a free platform such as Bark to get ideas from the pros (and even some quotes) of where you could take your project and how much you’ll need to invest.

YOUR BUSINESS’S WEBSITE IS THE MODERNDAY BUSINESS CARD

Getting Google to appreciate your work

Designing your website

Your business’s website is the modern-day business card, so it has to stand out and make the user excited to be there. One of the biggest trends is minimalism.

Nobody likes a website that’s cluttered and too busy with text and images. Short, concise, easyto-understand copy and imagery is what captures attention and makes users want to find out more.

Now, there’s a caveat to this. Having information on your website, especially on the homepage, can help drastically with SEO and could help you be found even more on search

engines. This is where your personal tastes and the web designers’ skills come together for the perfect balance of captivating, creative copy and simple design.

SCAN THE QR CODE CHAT TO US ON WHATSAPP!

Google’s algorithm is constantly learning about user trends, web traffic and the people who use its services. Content served to users has to be relevant and reliable – think about it, if you knew the results that Google provides were incorrect and untrustworthy, you’d stop using it!

Engaging, fulfilling content on your site is vital, as it encourages people to stay on it for longer.

It also pushes them to your other pages. This is why we recommend writing blogs for your site. The best blogs answer commonly asked questions.

Write at least one 500-word, keyword-rich blog every month to drive higher quality traffic to your site.

For more tips, download REASON8’s ‘Winning Website Guide’ by scanning the QR code on the left.

NICHE | 37

Who says

print is dead?

The power of traditional marketing is still strong WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

W

hen it comes to the term ‘marketing’, we instantly think of digital platforms. Businesses rush to the likes of social media, emailing, SEO, and blogging, which isn’t a bad thing. But to truly learn about effective marketing, we must go back to learning the basics.

Operations Director at The Printers, Tom Bates, strongly believes in the importance of taking the time to reflect on what marketing strategies work best for your company: “Review your marketing strategy with a fresh perspective and consider a mix of traditional and digital methods of marketing.

“Look at what type of marketing practices are working and what’s not going according to plan. Don’t just rule out a method simply because it hasn’t generated the results you want from your first attempt. Make changes and repeat.

“Marketing is all about being seen over and over until your target client knows you are the go-to for your

wall sticker.indd 1

theprinters

product or service. Print marketing is fantastic at reminding potential customers that you are there for them.”

From the get-go, traditional marketing has continued to improve business growth at The Printers. Tom says: “For over 35 years, we’ve been printing flyers, banners, business cards, brochures, menus, posters, folders, workwear and other items that guarantee to make our clients stand out. We offer sustainable print and design solutions for a huge range of clients.”

Developing a marketing strategy is so much more than getting the company message across. “Marketing is about repetition and figuring out which marketing medium works best for your business, but I would always recommend a mix of channels in short, sharp bursts that are specific, targeted and most importantly memorable,” Tom adds.

To find out more about print marketing, visit theprinters.co.uk.

More money,

more problems?

Not if you financially prepare for budgets...

WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

A

s we approach the New Year, business owners need to keep their heads held high. No-one predicted the coming of global pandemic and who knows what 2022 holds for us?

SME business accountant Imran Sattar says business owners should keep a cash buffer to cover for higher taxes and inflation due to increase prices.

He also said: “Businesses need to prepare how they will service government funded loans taken out to ride through the coronavirus outbreak.

“They should embrace tax reliefs and look into schemes like the R&D tax credit and the super deduction by investing in assets to further their business.”

Purchase of plant and machinery will help businesses claim for an additional 30% tax relief for assets bought prior to March 31, 2023.

The chartered accountant also recommends businesses to review their non-core offering to ensure they dedicate their time and resources to what they are good at.

Contact Imran at aims.co.uk/imran-sattar for financial help.

38 | NICHE

26/02/2020 19:42:57

NICHE FEATURE

Mobile apps for business Do you really need one?

T

here have been some world-changing apps like Uber and WhatsApp etc.

As the saying once went, ‘there’s an app for that’ for just about everything these days. If you’re tempted by the appeal of an app for your business, let’s first consider if you really need one.

App developer Kalpesh Modha, CEO at Opmen, an app and web development company, shares what you need to know about apps.

What is a mobile app?

A programme that runs on your mobile device; this can be games to utilities to business applications. The two most popular mobile operating systems are iOS and Android.

There are others, however, these two are the most popular.

Do you need a mobile app?

It depends on your business.

Most of the common apps are food ordering apps and are all similar in what they do and certain ones will be the same just with a new colour scheme.

Mobile games are apps as well.

Not all businesses need a mobile app for the sake of it.

Certain apps provide customers

WORDS BY KERRY SMITH with enough information about your business and services to entice them to call you. Others are used for customers to collect loyalty points. Websites are the same – they’re either there for providing information or taking orders and processing.

Don’t create an app just because everyone has one.

Before you invest, ask yourself these questions first: ◆ What’s the value that a customer could gain from an app for your business? ◆ What would be the unique selling point for your app? ◆ What’s the business plan or end goal for this app? ◆ What’s your budget? ◆ Does this app fit in with your marketing plan and technical support? ◆ How long before your app is released and how will you maintain it to keep it fresh and relevant?

Which type of app to choose If you’ve decided your business could do with an app, there are native, hybrid, and progressive app types to consider. Kalpesh can’t really say which is better or worse, but that the decision is based on requirements.

CERTAIN APPS PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH ENOUGH INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND SERVICES TO ENTICE THEM TO CALL YOU

Native apps ◆ Great

performance – they’re fast and user-targeted ◆ Developed for specific devices – makes use of the operating system’s functionalities ◆ Higher development cost

Hybrid apps ◆A

combination of native and web app but don’t require a web browser ◆ Uses Fast development for both Android and iOS and require less maintenance ◆ Poor performance on older devices, potentially ◆ Not suitable for all app types, depending on functionality required

Progressive apps

This blurs the line between an app and a website. Like hybrid, it depends on the requirements.

But this will run straight from your website and pretend to be an app.

Find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of each app type at opmen.com.

NICHE | 39

‘If you fail to plan, you

are planning to fail’

Benjamin Franklin

Successful organisation, planning and timing helps to minimise company setbacks and mistakes WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

W

hen a business plan is in place, it sets the precedent for everyone to work towards a new goal. But what if your plan doesn’t take into account the amount of time, resources and skills required to complete each task? Then it’s time to review your business plan.

Consultant and trainer, Chris Batty, tells us why business planning for next year is crucial: “Planning ahead to iron out potential problems by finding solutions in advance can not only save you money, but your sanity too.

“It’s easy to create short deadlines

to make your plan come into fruition quickly. However, this is a common mistake as key elements are often missed. When developing your business plan, ensuring there is enough time for your employees to understand your goals and learn any new skills is crucial. If your staff don’t understand the reason why you’re asking them to do something new, it becomes harder to influence them to do it and do it well.”

For healthcare, first aid and mandatory training courses, visit leicestershiretrainingteam.co.uk.

Small and mighty wellbeing Workplace Wellbeing Programmes are no longer the domain of the larger businesses.

Here’s why small businesses should invest in the wellbeing of their employees WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

W

ellbeing in the workplace is not only beneficial to employees; it also creates an effective and efficient working environment that benefits the business and provides a significant return on investment.

A workplace wellbeing programme should be high on your list of priorities in 2022.

Sharon de Caestecker of Wellbeing4life said: “The pandemic taught all of us a different way, one which focused on the value of relationships, and businesses were no exception to this – employees are in search of a positive workplace culture with integral benefits such as a focus on the health, wellbeing and happiness of staff members. How employers respond to this will have a direct impact on their ability to attract and retain the best employees’’.

Sharon added: “Small businesses have faced particular challenges; their recovery will absolutely depend upon their staff. A workplace wellbeing programme is arguably even more important to the small business, however low staff numbers, restricted budgets and limited flexibility have traditionally created significant barriers.”

40 | NICHE

SHARON DE CAESTECKER AND ELAIN CREWE OF WELLBEING4LIFE’

Recognising the particular challenges faced by the small business community, Wellbeing4life have created a brand new Workplace Wellbeing Programme which takes into account the emerging lessons post-pandemic.

Sharon explains: “Demonstrating a commitment to the physical and mental health of the staff through a holistic wellbeing programme has a ripple effect, which creates a positive organisational culture. Basically a happy and healthy workforce is a healthy and happy business.”

Contact wellbeing-4life.com to ensure your workplace is on board with a programme that values your best asset- your staff.

Coaching for

success and fulfilment A lot of the time, business owners can get so caught up in in their business that they become lost in the noise within their own minds. Amanda Daly explains why coaching can help – and why it isn’t just a desperation measure for companies in trouble WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

A

s with any business, there has been a great deal of change in the last five years since the inception of Amanda Daly’s coaching company, The Turnaround CEO. “One of the biggest changes for my business has been realising people’s perception of what it is that a business coach does – what it means for business leaders to seek a business coach out.”

When I ask her what she has discovered, she explains: “There can be a stigma for business owners around coaching. People appear to associate coaching with failure, or something they are doing because their business has a problem, that they need a coach to save their business.

“I am working on changing this perception. Coaching promotes strength, success and growth within a leader and therefore the company culture as a whole – it isn’t something to only bring in when a company is

in trouble; it’s a proactive way to create more success.

Amanda has experienced a great deal of evolution within her business over its five years. I ask her how her own experiences as a business owner have shaped how she helps other owners and leaders: “I practise what I preach.

I know that with the growth of my own company I have needed to be open to change – to continuously evolve and adapt in order to thrive.”

Thriving and not just surviving is hugely important to Amanda, as this writer and our readers know that the birth of TTCEO came about because of her own burn-out in her previous career.

“I know what it means to be successful and hugely unfulfilled at the same time, and so many business owners feel this strain when they needn’t see it as some sort of unfair pay-off price to success.” Work becomes an addiction, and it can take over.

COACHING PROMOTES STRENGTH, SUCCESS AND GROWTH WITHIN A LEADER AND THEREFORE THE COMPANY CULTURE AS A WHOLE

A successful business will often follow a pattern of growth, with more hiring, more premises and more responsibility; too often leaders can become swallowed up with the pace of this and struggle to adapt to change.

A different style of leadership is required for each chapter in a business as it evolves. So, what can be done? How do you enjoy the success and feel capable as it grows? “There needs to be outside support, someone in a leader’s corner who is holding a mirror up to them and helping them to evolve,” says Amanda.

“A coach brings an outside perspective for a business leader.

We make them take a step back, look inside their business, turnaround with a different lens to see the business in a different way and make the changes which support their success.”

To find out more about what a coach can offer, visit theturnaroundceo.co.uk.

NICHE | 41

Puzzled by print?

Every industry has it’s jargon. A print specialist tells Niche what to look out for in the print industry, and has some personal advice for fellow business leaders

S

ince being young, Anne-Mari Niemela has always been driven by adventure, gaining new experiences with no fear in life; that is how she arrived in the UK. Twenty-seven years ago, she was an inexperienced exchange student and now a proud owner of FoxPrint Ltd., a print and design company in Loughborough. Having owned it since 2004, its blueprints are a part of her and she is endlessly proud of FoxPrint’s tenacity and spirit.

She endeavoured to become a positive female role model to both her children and her staff and to enjoy the ‘small business’ ménage.

Anne-Mari’s top tips for business leaders:

1. Believe in yourself, especially through the bad times.

2. Look after yourself; develop ‘me time’ that you stick

to every week.

3. Surround yourself with people who lift, motivate, and inspire you.

And her top tip for all print and design work in 2022 is to know what you’re asking for. Know your EP¬S fro¬m your PMS, your CMYK from your RGB; and ‘Creep’ along carefully or you could get yourself into a WYSIWYG, fall into a ‘Wet Trap’, which will be the ‘RIP’ of you… Yes, every industry has its jargon.

Find FoxPrint’s helpful and easy-to-understand glossary of terms in the printing industry at foxprint.co.uk/lexicon.

There’s also plenty of helpful templates to download to get you started on creating your own artwork at foxprint.co.uk/templates.

Secure systems in 2022 Cyber-attacks are a very real threat to even the smallest of businesses. Here Anil Motivaras of Giga Ops explains why cyber safety was big news in 2021 and will be one of the most important elements to any business model in 2022 WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

A

common misconception might be that, as an SME, you might not be open to the threat of cyber-attacks – hacking, data breaches and loss of data all seems a little farfetched, even? Well, Anil Motivaras, owner at Giga Ops, told me that SMEs are most definitely not immune.

“There’s a common misconception that SME owners think their business is too small to be targeted by cyber criminals and don’t think it’s important to invest in appropriate cyber security, backup, and recovery measures.

“Most businesses will spend 42 | NICHE

a lot of money implementing double security locks on doors and sophisticated alarm and CCTV systems, but fail to secure and protect what is probably their most valuable and important asset: – company data.

They can’t see it as a threat and that’s a mistake.”

Hybrid working and office spaces shifting all the time means workers are no longer in one office space and operating from the cloud means that companies are left wide open to the elements.

“Most businesses do not have the

correct security systems in place or haven’t been keeping them up to date.

They simply must adapt to protect themselves, especially with remote and hybrid working still very much a part of modern office working.”

The good news is that with the right help you can protect your business from cyber-attacks. “There are solutions for all business sizes and a variety of budgets with different levels of protection – getting a tailored solution that’s right for you is key.”

Speak with Anil to find a security solution that suits on 03300 101 098.

NICHE FEATURE

2022 the year of

experiences Specialists ER Recruitment explain how companies need to make themselves an enticing prospect to attract talent next year

A

ccording to the Telegraph, 79% of people already have their holidays booked for the year ahead, weddings are set to be at an almighty high for the first time since 1984, and the event and hospitality industry is set to host more events than ever to pull back finances lost throughout 2020 and 2021.

But one key theme we are set to see return is the idea of consumer experiences.

Whether it be their shopping experience, eating experience or their recruitment experience, businesses need to be placing themselves in the consumers, shoes to see how they are setting themselves apart from the competition.

Prior to booking a holiday, travellers will look online at reviews, before selecting a wedding venue, couples will look on social media at other people’s special day – and recruitment is no different. Candidates will be doing their due diligence on

whether your company is one they wish to be part of.

The market is increasingly becoming more and more candidate-driven. Whilst furlough and redundancy has played a part in some candidates becoming available in the talent pool, many candidates have still utilised this period to take time out to reflect on the roles they want to be in – and, more importantly, the types of companies they wish to join.

Consequently, if attracting and retaining staff is in your plans for 2022, promoting yourself as an employer of choice is more crucial than in previous years.

There are a variety of ways in which a business can do this.

Over the last year, ER Recruitment has exclusively partnered with numerous businesses in which we support in identifying ways that they are employers of choice already, ways they can become employers of choice and how to showcase being an employer of choice.

PROMOTING YOURSELF AS AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE IS MORE CRUCIAL THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS

Despite concepts like ‘CSR’, ‘employee benefits’ and ‘succession and retention planning’ being well-known phrases within business, organisations often fail to clearly demonstrate if or how they are implementing these within their own teams.

By failing to promote yourself as an employer of choice, you risk losing out on attracting top talent in 2022. Individuals’ attitudes are changing and with such a significant amount of our time being spent at work, employees are also seeking that positive work-life experience which goes far beyond ‘having a job and getting paid’, and instead looks at how employers treat their teams and community.

To learn more about delivering a first-class recruitment experience and ways you can ensure your business is setting itself apart to attract top talent, call ER Recruitment on 0116 254 9710 or email hello@eileenrichards.co.uk.

NICHE | 43

Success: are you

only wishing for it?

I bargained with Life for a penny

The difference between wishing for success and being ready to receive it – advice from coaching specialist Phil Nassau

And life would pay no more, However, I begged at evening When I counted my scanty store.

For life is a just employer

I

am a believer that success comes to those who have a state of mind focused on belief not mere hope or wish. Add to belief, an open mind which is essential for belief to flourish; closed minds do not inspire faith, courage, or belief. I have discovered there is no more effort required to aim high in life, to demand success and prosperity, than is required to accept failure and misery.

Here is a poem I read which still has so much truth within it about life and how we choose to make of it.

He gives you what you ask, But once you have set the wages, Why, you must bear the task

As we move into a period of opportunity, for success to flourish you have to focus on your belief, block out the negative, don’t listen to the naysayers and don’t get involved in anything that doesn't move you forward to your success. The following five rules have helped me on the road to success: 1. Imagine yourself successful.

2. Reflect on your past successes.

3. Set definite goals.

4. Respond positively to life.

5. Always give a hand to those less fortunate than yourself as this is what you will be remembered for.

I worked for a menial’s hire, Only to learn, dismayed, That any wage I had asked of Life, Life would have willingly paid.

Jessie B. Rittenhouse

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NICHE FEATURE

Navigating Corporate Insolvency Advice on restructuring, administration and liquidation: from Carolynn Best, Partner at Begbies Traynor Corporate Recovery and Professional Services

R

unning a business is not always smooth sailing.

While there are often huge highs to ride, navigating challenging times is also part and parcel of being a company director. Sometimes these challenges are related to the company itself, such as changing consumer preferences, reduced customer demand, or new entrants to the market. Others are related to unavoidable macroenvironmental factors, such as political decisions, changing legislation, and the wider economic landscape.

Bad times, not a bad company

A company experiencing financial challenges does not necessarily mean it is a bad company. In fact, in many instances, periods of financial or operational distress can be successfully managed and ultimately overcome, with a company emerging on the other side stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges.

History has shown us that it is businesses that possess the agility to pivot their offerings to accommodate the changing

climate which thrive the most when wider macroenvironmental challenges present themselves.

You need to ensure that a plan is put in place to weather current problems and is flexible enough to allow for unforeseen changes to be confronted head on.

The warning signs of insolvency

There is not a one-size-fitsall solution. What will be an appropriate solution for one company may be wholly unsuitable for another. A number of factors need to be considered: current financial position, ability to repay outstanding creditors, the likely viability of the company going forward, as well as the ongoing ambitions of the company’s shareholders and their desire to continue operating the business.

However, what all instances of company insolvency have in common is the need to seek swift, professional advice as soon as practically possible. Left alone, financial problems tend to escalate and a company can find itself going surprisingly quickly from merely noticing cash flow is squeezed to a state of being

BEING ALERT TO THE WARNING SIGNS OF IMPENDING COMPANY INSOLVENCY PUTS YOU IN THE BEST POSSIBLE POSITION

insolvent. Being alert to the warning signs of impending company insolvency puts you in the best possible position and allows you to seek swift advice at an early stage.

Five things you can do right now ◆ Be

aware of the signs – the sooner you take action, the more options will be open to you to maximise your chances of saving the business ◆ Seek professional advice early – having a trusted advisor you can turn to during times of financial distress is key ◆ Keep up dialogue with creditors – they are more likely to be open to the idea of negotiating a payment plan if you are transparent about your situation ◆ Conduct an insolvency test – if your outgoings exceed your income or your liabilities outweigh your assets, you are classed as cash-flow or balancesheet insolvent respectively ◆ Understand your responsibilities – if your company enters liquidation, your conduct as director will become subject to investigation.

NICHE | 45

Ping, ping, ping!

Why you should only check your emails three times a day WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

H

ow do businesses communicate? The obvious response would be through email. And texts. And phone calls. And social media messages. And voice messages. And the list goes on until business leaders are inundated with ‘ping’ notifications.

Digital director at Mocha Marketing, Steve Stuart, says consistency in communication is key in any business sector.

“When a business is inconsistent, it’s jarring for your client.

One day you are very responsive, the next day you don’t reply to their email within 24 hours. Where do they stand?

Are they being pushed back down the list in favour of new business?”

Instead of feeling overwhelmed responding to clients,

the key to effective business communication, according to Steve, is checking your email just three times a day, as this allocates time to focus on ongoing projects.

“Thanks to coaching from Jas Darar at REACH Business Coaching, we’ve recently become very aware of our time management and we now dedicate specific times through the day to deal with the email-tennis culture. By working in this way, we are able to focus on the important tasks and push them through to completion.

“You’ll be surprised how many businesses do not manage their time effectively and this is to your advantage going into 2022.” Got a question for Mocha? Send them an email to hello@mocha-marketing.co.uk.

Planning for

debt

Planning ahead has never been more vital as many businesses try to navigate out of the Covid-enforced hibernation or find themselves faced with a wall of new debt at the start of 2022 WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

F

or John Harlow, Director at John Harlow Insolvency & Corporate Recovery, the most important planning tool is a thorough and honest cash flow forecast.

“To be able to plot the financial ups and downs of one’s business is essential and provides an early warning of any difficult months ahead,” John explains.

Most businesses can anticipate which date certain liabilities will fall on and have a pretty good idea of how much is required to run the business. However, the trickier thing to anticipate is income. Even the most carefully planned forecasts can be upset by a slow-paying customer or a sudden bad debt. Forecasts should always be as 46 | NICHE

realistic as possible in order to prepare for all uncertainties and eventualities.

“As an insolvency practitioner (IP), it is clear to me that cash flow forecasting is an important tool for flagging up the possible onset of insolvency at an early stage. It really is a case of assessing future problems as early as possible with a pragmatic cashflow forecast, in order to provide time to implement any rescue measures,” John shares.

The earlier such planning and advice is taken, the greater is the opportunity to avoid a formal process.

Most IPs will provide free initial advice to business owners.

Contact John Harlow on 0116 275 5021 for further advice.

NICHE FEATURE

Lighting the way The HR sector has been through monumental changes in the last 18 months. The pandemic, rising salaries, mental health and wellbeing along with Brexit has created a whole new world for human resources and you need the right resources to navigate WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

O

n the night of the first lockdown, Toni Robinson of NucleusHR, a busy HR firm based here in Leicester, upped tools and opened her phone line to people beyond her client base, sending out a lifeline to those plunged into stormy HR waters.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I was busy before the announcement, as employers were already worried about employee absences. I put the message out there that I was available for any advice needed, even if you weren’t a client, and I just didn’t stop.

“I felt valued, not to mention busy! It’s been similar ever since, with many of those who reached out for advice at the time now our clients.” Toni told me.

With changes to furlough seemingly occurring continuously, Toni was never standing still, researching changes and then relaying them and helping her clients implement them. “It was a difficult time, and really a great deal of responsibility; people’s

livelihoods were precarious in so many cases and I wanted to give the very best advice to help their business to survive.”

It helps that she loves what she does of course, but with most days including 12 hours’ worth of video calls, what has Toni learnt about the time when she worked round the clock for months on end? “Well, I learnt, like so many of us have, that there has to be balance, and as business owners, we are the last people to achieve anywhere close to a balanced life.

With the expansion of her own team, Toni is looking more than ready to take on the challenges 2022 looks set to bring. “There’s going to be a lot for businesses to grapple with next year. An overwhelming talent shortage is driving recruitment challenges, which makes retention of existing talent a key strategy; rising salaries impact these plans and Brexit means that HR is only going to get more complicated and rockier.”

Of course, businesses aren’t alone in these challenges and

THERE WAS A SHIFT BEFORE THE PANDEMIC ALREADY HAPPENING IN HR. EMPLOYERS WERE ALREADY ADOPTING A MORE HUMAN AND EMPATHETIC APPROACH

a collaborative approach is key. “There was a shift already happening in HR before the pandemic. Employers were already adopting a more human and empathetic approach to their staff members and positively this has only grown since the pandemic.”

“Now, as we experience the pandemic, this empathy is driving the change across businesses.

It’s within the relationship we build with clients and within organisations themselves – it’s one of the greatest positives to have come out of the last 18 months.”

In what looks set to be a melting pot of ever-evolving HR needs, having a collaborative team like NucleusHR is crucial in not only navigating stormy waters – but coming out with a stronger team than ever.

Call Toni on 07960 418 494 or email her at toni@nucleushr.com to ensure you have the team supporting your business.

NICHE | 47

The month

of the man Talking cancer, anxiety, family struggles, business pressure, and more WORDS BY BEN WINFIELD

N

ovember is both Men’s Mental Health Month, and the month in which men grow a range of moustaches in a bid to raise awareness for prostate cancer. It would be easy for us all to just ignore this, delete that notification from your calendar, like the odd tweet but scroll past the rest, but now’s the time for all of us to take notice.

Prostate Cancer UK say that every year, more than 47,500 men are diagnosed with the disease. It is estimated that every 45 minutes, one man in the UK will die of prostate cancer, adding up to more than 11,500 every year.

To put that into context, if you were to sit down and have a pretty thorough read of this magazine, a man will have died of prostate cancer in that time.

Around 400,000 in the UK are currently living with, or have had, prostate cancer, while one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The chances are, you have been affected by prostate cancer, either through a friend or a relative, or you know someone who has.

The statistics about mental health are just as terrifying.

The one we hear the most is that suicide is the largest cause of male deaths under 50. Every year, on average 191,000 men report stress, depression or anxiety developed from their working environment. Research from mental health charity Mind reveals that two in five men admit to regularly feeling worried or low, and the number of men who have suicidal thoughts when feeling low or worried has double, to 10% since 2009.

Therefore, for our November issue, we are setting the goal of raising awareness of men’s health and getting more men talking – something that far too many men still feel uncomfortable doing so.

With prostate cancer, the key to beating it is early detection. We want to raise funds for Prostaid, which funds prostate cancer nurses within Leicestershire, and provides support for those suffering with the disease, as well as their families. They also fund crucial research into new treatments, as well as helping educate men and local GPs on ways to spot the disease earlier.

As we emerge from 18 months of lockdowns and isolation, we are seeing the effects that trying to juggle work and home life has had. We want to look at the pressures on men for having to succeed at work, as well as providing for their families and maintaining relationships, and how we can forget how difficult it can be for men to balance the two.

We will also be helping to raise money for Lamp (Leicester Action for Mental Health Project). Lamp helps offer mental health first-aid training, giving more people the ability and knowledge to support those who are struggling.

We will be speaking to men from all walks of life, not just on issues solely about their gender, but on real life experiences. We will be talking to them about their childhood, their relationships, being a father, issues they may have had with both their mental and physical health, how they have overcome them, and how they have dealt with juggling family and work life.

We are setting the goal of raising awareness of men’s health and getting more men talking, something that far too many men still feel uncomfortable doing so 48 | NICHE

Most common cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 47,500 men are diagnosed with the disease every year – that’s 129 men every day, one in eight men in their lifetime*

NICHE | 49

*PROSTATECANCERUK.ORG

D

irector of One Building Solution Limited, Learie Gonsalves, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2020, just as he was emerging from Cognitive therapy for a breakdown. “My mental health struggles and then my battle with prostate cancer all came at a time whilst the pandemic was at hold, my business still had to run – it was very stressful.” Learie told us.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, Learie says: “I was lucky to have support from my fantastic wife and also my family and friends.” He adds: “For too long these have been subjects that have not been talked about or actioned enough, in my opinion – possibly due to male ego, embarrassment and not knowing what help and support is out there.

“I am recovering well, getting stronger physically and mentally. Generally my clients have been very patient and understanding around the work I have and continue to deliver for them.” Learie adds.

Every 45 minutes, one man dies from prostate cancer – that’s more than 11,500 men every year. The level of risk of prostate cancer in black men is higher at one in four as opposed to a generalised risk of one in eight men. That risk rises for men over 50 or who have had prostate cancer in their family history.

In some men, signs may be urinary problems or blood presenting, but these can be mild and happen over many years and may not be detectable quickly enough if not investigated through blood tests or examination. “I can relate and my empathy goes out to those who have been suffering or have recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Early detection is vital, therefore if you develop any suspected symptoms I strongly suggest that you visit your GP or contact prostatecanceruk.org.” Learie closed.

Rise in men seeking mental health support

Suicide attempt survivor tells Niche about his connection with mental health charity Lamp after demand increases for its helpline

L

ockdown restrictions have undoubtedly taken their toll on the mental health of many individuals, friends, families and work colleagues. A Leicester-based mental health charity has reported a significant upsurge in demand for its helpline, advocacy services and online resources during Covid-19, particularly from men.

Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (Lamp) has provided free mental health advocacy services to people and organisations in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for over 30 years.

The charity’s services are independent, confidential, trusted, non-judgemental, and aim to make people feel valued, listened to, more able to cope, and to provide access to services that support their needs. By working with people to develop their confidence to speak out, Lamp enables individuals to make a real difference in the quality of the support and care they receive.

The charity provides information and support, as well as organising and attending community events to help challenge stigma, increase awareness and help those whose lives are affected by mental health.

Proud to work with a wide range of forward-thinking businesses across the region, Lamp’s Business Club is one of the first in the country to

50 | NICHE

DON’T TRY AND GET THE MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK, LOOK AFTER IT, FEED IT BANANAS, LOVE AND RESPECT IT

emphasise the health and wellbeing of employees, and now counts over 50 local businesses as members, including Glenfield Electrical.

Like a lot of people, Phil Houlder from Glenfield Electrical has suffered from negative thoughts most of his life. In his case, they led to him attempting suicide at age 12. He recently shared his experiences to encourage other men to speak up.

Phil’s story

When Phil was 11, a huge negative force would start on Sunday evenings before school.

“I’d cry myself to sleep, get up in the morning and lock myself in the toilet. Mum and dad had to physically drag me out sometimes.” One day, in the school sick room, when he was 12, he swallowed 14 paracetamol tablets. Fortunately, they only rendered him unconscious, and he made a full recovery. But it helped him to understand why people take their lives, which is why he joined the Lamp Business Club.

He says drink, drugs and girls got him through from the age of 16 to 21. Then he met his wife and settling down into family life had a tremendous positive impact. Then he took redundancy and started his own

business, Glenfield Electrical, which meant he had a lot more responsibility and was never ‘there’ with his family.

His son once said to him: “You’ve not listened to a word I’ve said.” Phil told us: “I hadn’t.

I’d been thinking about what I had to do at work tomorrow.”

Remembering a break to New York with his wife, he said: “Mentally, I was somewhere else.

My wife said it had been pointless going, and that broke my heart.”

A year ago, he went on The UK Ministry of Inspiration fiveday ‘Broadband Consciousness’ course. “It literally changed my life,” says Phil. “I started to understand my own feelings and how to accept that those dark, negative, thoughts may have me for an hour, or even a day, but that things would be different tomorrow.”

He says men are reluctant to talk about their feelings, which leads to a high number of male suicides. “Men have the belief that if we show our feelings, it’s a sign of weakness but it’s not.

Telling your story is cathartic and can give hope and confidence to others.”

To find out more about mental health support or the Lamp Business Club, visit lampadvocacy.co.uk or email info@lampdirect.org.uk.

Making friends

with the demon

What do you do when the glass half full spills over? When an eternal optimist and local businessman experienced breaking point, Journalist Emily Miller asks what it was that brought him back

“I

am an optimist, I like to look at things positively, even in the face of challenges.

Sometimes though this can get too much, and things have gotten on top of me before.” Recalling his breaking point some years previously Joel LaRosa, the director at Joel LaRosa Design and judge on the BBC’s The Best House in Town, told me how he found his way back, and then applied these growth areas to himself when he was headed into similar territory just a few months ago.

“I have a supportive wife for a start, but also I learnt ways to bring myself back to an even keel. I take a step back, slow down a little. But mostly I have learnt to develop a respect for my anxiety.

“It’s me living with my anxiety basically, by acknowledging that it’s a part of me I feel like I can have some control over it. My dad has said in the past;

‘don’t try and get the monkey off your back, look after it, feed it bananas, love and respect it’ I always think of that, by not striving to rid myself of it completely – and making friends with the demon on my shoulder – it takes the pressure off, which can be detrimental to my overall mental health.”

Taking himself away from the stresses of a successful business and busy flourishing home life, Joel also cites the importance of a hobby which takes him away for a little while. “I like to tinker, whether it’s renovating some furniture for our home or trying to fix something, it takes me away and I have a moment of solace to myself to reboot and recharge”.

These ways of approaching his mental health are what helped him to ‘climb out of the lows’ he experienced just a short while ago, that and a realisation that his anxiety was

DON’T TRY AND GET THE MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK, LOOK AFTER IT, FEED IT BANANAS, LOVE AND RESPECT IT

high functioning and that the only way forward is to ‘talk and take a step back’.

“Me and my wife don’t stop talking, it was how I was raised, to talk about things. When I ask why he feels it’s important for men to do so, to open up, he replies: “It’s especially important for men to seek help and talk.

From my perspective, they appear to be the ones who are neglected from this support yet they are often the bracket experiencing high pressures at home and work – that they are deemed to be supposed to be in control of everything.”

After these experiences Joel expresses how much he has learnt about himself: “I’ve found ways to keep things in check, to let go of the pressure and above all, be myself authentically. It takes guts to know your true self, to express yourself and show up as yourself completely – I am proud of who I am today.”

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Normalising self-care for men Why self-care days should be scheduled into your diary WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

I

t goes without saying that this year has continued to surprise many of us. One thing has been for sure though and that’s improving one’s health, especially mental health.

When you think about self-care, you may imagine a woman curled up on the sofa reading a book or drawing a bath surrounded by candles and aromatic scents. But what about normalising men’s self-care?

Like most men, Drew and James from Harriman & Co, a furniture store

in Leicester, decided to shoulder their responsibilities and persevere through last year’s events. “We had a great deal of resilience but this year our primary focus has been to make sure our staff and customers are okay,” said Drew.

Practicing positive mental health wellbeing and being emotionally stable are necessary for living a healthy lifestyle. In fact, James has been designing and leading a national recovery programme for pre-school and childcare settings, as well as being

a qualified psychotherapist.

“Learning how to manage busy schedules and prioritising self-care days are important to have in the diary,” says Drew.

“Prioritise your actions and keep focused on the big picture. On a more practical level, use lists for today, tomorrow and next week. Make sure home is a sanctuary away from work to switch off.”

Treat yourself to self-care items at harrimanandco.com.

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CODE: SUIT24 £100 OFF WHEN YOU SPEND £500 OR MORE

24 BELVOIR STREET, LEICESTER LE1 6QH SCAN CODE TO BOOK APPOINTMENT

WWW.SUITYOURSELF.CO.UK | CONTACT@SUITYOURSELF.CO.UK 52 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

Overcoming bullying

Brave enough to tell his story from a quiet corner in his office over Zoom, a British Sikh man tells Kerry Smith his memories of being abused in his youth and how this made him stronger to prove the naysayers wrong

“I

should be wearing a turban, but in the ‘70s when I moved from the inner city at the age of seven, my dad cut my hair short after I was beaten up three days in a row at my new school,” Rav Panesar opened up. “I loved playing football, but suffered frequent abuse from the opposition because of my heritage or skin colour. I was frequently told to go back to my own country, sometimes by my own teachers, even though I was born here.”

Still short-haired and now living in Loughborough working as the director of his own company 4Cubed.co providing specialist project, programme, and change management services, Rav’s experiences have made him who he is today – resilient and ready to prove people wrong.

The mental scars left by bullies

“I didn’t tell my family about the abuse I was getting, because I just got on with it. I was a big fan of football, happy to support team GB but reluctant to support England. I think it’s something

to do with football in particular, because I wasn’t accepted and told I didn’t belong.”

Becoming a business owner

The first in his family to go to university, Rav graduated in the ‘90s and was catapulted straight into the recession. “The job market was a mess. I couldn’t go into a larger organisation because I didn’t have the grades, so I worked for small companies.” He eventually became a senior manager for a furniture manufacturer aged just 28. He then joined the automotive sector, which took him travelling around the world.

Off the back of this experience, he set up his own business as a contract consultant. His first client was Aston Martin.

He’s since been back to Loughborough University and graduated with a Master’s in Business.

Keeping up appearances in a pandemic

“You must always remain positive, but I was worried my business wasn’t going to survive.

I was lucky that I had support

I WAS FREQUENTLY TOLD TO GO BACK TO MY OWN COUNTRY, SOMETIMES

BY MY OWN TEACHERS, EVEN THOUGH I WAS BORN HERE

from a network, especially the Federation of Small Business, and a client who needed my services. But I’m still worried I may not be able to continue and do think there are many businesses in the same boat.”

Transforming the industry

“Project and programme measurements are all very blunt; we have to deliver to a certain quality, budget and on time, which can be very demanding on teams. All projects have one thing in common and that’s people; however, we see very few measurements about people. At 4Cubed.co we are looking at how wellbeing can be measured. Whether observably how people behave or subjectively people’s own sentiments, which may be anecdotal but reflective of the way team members are feeling and provide important early indicators on performance.”

Find out more about Rav at 4cubed.co/who-we-are.

Organisations like report-it. org.uk and supportline.org.uk are available to help if you’ve experienced abuse.

NICHE | 53

Long-Covid mindfulness

J

ohn Cooper, director at web design company It’seeze, is tired.

“After having Covid-19 back in December 2019, I have experienced a whole range of symptoms including feeling very fatigued combined with low levels of concentration. There isn’t a cure for it – you simply have to manage your symptoms.

“I actively practice mindfulness.

This has been so beneficial. I can relax easily. I don’t get stressed about things anymore. If I need help, it’s there when I need it.

“I have had several hypnotherapy sessions to help manage feelings of

Fatigue, anxiety and loss of concentration are just a few of the lasting effects of long-Covid. One sufferer tells Emily Miller how mindfulness helps to manage his symptoms being anxious. Knowing that I can reach out and ask for help really makes a difference. And knowing where to find that help comes from being open and talking about your challenges.

“There would have been a time when I would have just got on with things and kept how I was really feeling bottled up.”

With his condition, John’s mindset has shifted and now he tells me that “eating healthily, taking calming breaths, and taking a break” have all helped to manage the effects of long-Covid.

“I was in hospital recently for a few days (not Covid-related) and one thing

that came out of sharing a ward with four other people was the strength of community and sharing. By learning to share our fears and our tears, as well as laughter and companionship, we arrived as patients and left as friends.”

Reflecting much of John’s desire to support business within the wellness industry, John’s web company has worked with Sanamente Hypnotherapy, sanamente-hypnotherapy.co.uk Mindfulness CIC, mindfulnesscic.co.uk and The Holistic Pharmacist, the-holistic-pharmacist.co.uk and is keen to hear from and work with further businesses in the sector.

Talking

testosterone When it comes to hormones, the females get centre stage in discussion – but what about the men and theirs?

WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

H

ormonal imbalance isn’t only a female affliction; male hormone imbalance is lesser talked about, but can be responsible for a whole range of health issues that can and need to be addressed according to nutritional therapist and pharmacist Jolanta Borkowska.

“Men die an average of six years younger than women.

This places huge significance on the importance of raising awareness of the different issues affecting men’s health and brings focus onto issues that are not often talked about such as mental health, prostate issues, male infertility and significantly low testosterone,” Jolanta explains.

In particular, low testosterone for men can be responsible for a wide range of concerns which can present themselves as fatigue, belly fat, loss of muscle mass, low sex drive, mood issues, brain fog, and erectile dysfunction.

“There can be many root causes of low testosterone

54 | NICHE

including poor thyroid function, zinc deficiency, sleep deprivation, stress, obesity, medications, and diet choices.

However, there are many natural ways to improve testosterone levels.”

Straightforward – and painless – testing identifies any imbalances: “Once, and if, an imbalance has been identified, helping and advising individuals where to make healthy lifestyle choices so that they can protect their health holistically is key.”

Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle such as improving fitness, diet and sleep, and reducing stress and alcohol consumption.

If you’re concerned about the issues in this article, Jolanta, who specialises in functional testing, advises contacting her through the-holistic-pharmacist.co.uk or speaking to your GP.

Why men’s mental health matters

in the workplace

Create a stressless environment at work WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

T

he office may feel like the single most stressful factor in many people’s lives. Meeting deadlines and scheduling calls whilst juggling family responsibilities can cause mental health problems. This can potentially stop people performing to the best of their ability in the workplace.

It’s no surprise that companies tend to perform better when employees are healthy, happy and feel motivated at work.

Many organisations tend to have the motto ‘We’re like a family,’ but what if your work family’s mental health is falling apart?

Solicitor Dav Mahet advised: “Business owners should be approachable and reliable when it comes to their employee’s needs. We have a strong team.

so essentially I’m responsible for every team member and their families.

“I have an open-door policy in the office, where my staff can talk to me about anything in their personal and professional life.

Men’s mental health is just as important as women’s and that’s why it’s important to create a comfortable and secure working place for everyone involved.”

Learning to cope with mental health issues is a huge factor itself and some employees may feel hesitant in asking for help, especially men.

“Men are taught to contain their emotions and may not necessarily ask for help, but it’s important to get the right advice and help when required,” added Dav. He mentions that his perseverance rationale has

TO ANYONE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH, KEEP MOVING FORWARDS AS CONTINUOUS PROGRESSION IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES

always helped him to succeed in the past: “To anyone who is struggling with their mental health, keep moving forwards as continuous progression is the only way to get through uncertain times.

“Whatever you’re going through right now may seem unbearable, but when you look back in hindsight you’ll realise that the difficult periods are what made you stronger. And if you can bounce back from that experience, you can do anything.”

NICHE | 55

NICHE FEATURE

Lonely

at the top A company director opens up about the loneliness and isolation that business owners can suffer WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

F

or the Director of local decorating firm BC Decorators, Ben Curran, the struggle of keeping his head above water with financial and employer responsibilities has been real. “As a new business owner and not having vast amounts of money behind me, with the pressure to pay my staff while I’m still waiting for people to pay me has been incredibly hard.”

There has been work for Ben during the pandemic, but it’s not been easy to be paid on time, which has created huge stress and a feeling of being on

his own: “I haven’t felt supported as a business, as I’m out there on my own and new to business. I’m still learning a lot – and sometimes the hard way.

One of my biggest worries has been keeping my staff in paid work – it’s a huge responsibility.

“I’m lucky that I have close family I can talk to when it does get too much for my mental health. I feel if you confide in someone, it helps release the pressure and you feel you’re not doing this on your own and you do have people behind you,” Ben

explained, further highlighting the need to encourage business owners to seek help when they need it, especially male business owners who may not feel able to share the burden with family.

“With mental health concerns on the rise, I know of so many people who have really struggled in the last year and a half; it’s more important than ever that men start talking about their concerns.”

For more advice and guidance, contact the government’s free Business Support Helpline on 0800 998 1098.

Join us at our two locations: 21 Leicester Road, Blaby, LE8 4GR Everards Meadows, Cooper Way, LE19 2AN Find us on social media: @jennoscoffee

56 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

Living with high functioning anxiety

You might not think it, but this award-winning, public-speaking company director who oozes confidence, actually suffers from anxiety WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

I

t’s been a whirlwind of feats for Digital Ethos of late, having acquired two extra businesses, launched their brand in Canada and Germany, and taken on new clients such as Co-op and the NHS – and that’s just in the last two months.

They’ve hired 25 new recruits, 15 of them from Leicester, and are on their way to closing yet another year from which they can say they achieved a 100% annual growth rate.

It’s all most likely why Luke Tobin, the founder of Digital Ethos, was named Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020.

More recently, the company was featured in the Ones to Watch list, as part of the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2021, in association with The Times. But as you know by now, we’re not here to talk about Luke’s accomplishments. Here he shares with us the things he knows he should talk more about.

“I get terrible anxiety around

public speaking, which people wouldn’t expect from me because I do it so often. I have a two-week build-up of feeling very ill about it.

That element of anxiety has been with me since childhood.”

Trying to figure out where his anxiety stems from, he says that his upbringing was a complex one with parents divorcing when he was two years old, going to live with his grandparents for some years, and then back and forth between his parents’ homes before his mum sadly passed when Luke was in his early twenties.

Luke’s had a couple of counselling sessions in the past, but having high functioning anxiety, he’s no doubt cursed with the gift of being a high-achiever while being consumed with worry.

“People often take my calm exterior for granted, but inside it can be a whirlwind of anxiety.

Oftentimes, I’m looking for the door but trying to stay planted in the room.”

Luke employs 55 people at Digital Ethos. He said: “Until about

I DON’T TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS WITH MY MATES, IT’S JUST BEER AND BANTER

six months ago, I didn’t have a leadership team around me.

But it doesn’t matter how many layers you put in the business, the buck eventually stops with you as the owner.”

It’s a stressful position, but his anxiety has made him a more understanding employer. He pays for therapy for his staff when they need it. “Some of my team have their own mental health issues and I should be more open with them about my own, but I don’t want to seem like I’m layering that onto them.”

When it comes to looking after himself, he plans to get back into the gym and work on paying attention to all aspects of his life and not just the business.

“I don’t talk about these things with my mates, it’s just beer and banter – but I should be more confident to open up about things like this that I’d probably only vent to my partner.”

To find out more about a day in the life of Luke, go to digitalethos.net/commercialdirector-interview.

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Man up, snowflake ‘These phrases are not helpful’ – a solicitor’s opinion on mental health and how he copes in his stressful role WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

S

olicitors have it all figured out, don’t they? They have important jobs, but with it comes a lot of stress says litigation and commercial solicitor Greg Hollingsworth. He said: “We deal with people’s problems and our job is to take off that stress from their shoulders. That can be quite a weight to carry so I have to actively work on my own mental health.”

Being an ambassador for mental health charity Lamp, has got his team involved in many charity activities.

“Supporting Lamp encourages our team to think about their own mental

health and be open to sharing their problems. Being in litigation there’s a lot of anxiety floating around so we have a culture in the office of talking so that we don’t worry about something alone.”

Citing that males have the highest suicide rates, he’s particularly concerned with opening up dialogue with his male colleagues, friends, and family. “I certainly know men who have issues but don’t necessarily talk about them openly, partly because of the fear of being seen as weak. Phrases like ‘man up’ and ‘snowflake’ aren’t helpful – I do believe people need to build mental

resilience to the stresses of life but those expressions are not helpful. People need to be able to say they aren’t OK.” Greg believes working on your mental health is essential, and recommends starting with exercise: “For me that’s walking my dog or walking during work time. I took up running too, it’s a great way to reboot the mind! I don’t want to be watching Netflix and thinking about one of my cases! When you’re at home, you need to be at home in body and mind.”

If you need to talk, call a Samaritan on 116 123.

Grief

and running a business The death of a loved one impacted this small business owner’s working and family life WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

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hen severe stomach pains saw Bradley Lingard’s dad end up in hospital, and eventually a coma, he lost not only a father, but a grandfather, and righthand man when it came to running his business too.

Since Bradley’s dad passed away this year from bowel cancer that had spread to his stomach, he’s suffered a devastating loss to his family and to his business, Emergency Glazing too. “He helped me out quite a lot with business decisions, he helped me with my logo, I’d always ask for his advice, and he’d drive the van for me until he was ill. He was my second opinion for everything.”

Around the same time, Bradley’s brother who would also help out started a new job, and his partner started her own cleaning business. It’s meant that Bradley has had to rethink

58 | NICHE

his plans to expand the company and acted quickly to take on a new, more experience employee as well as making preparations to take on an apprentice and expand across the Midlands.

Bradley’s two sons aged six and 16 – both who have their very own Emergency Glazing uniform – have also found it difficult to come to terms with their granddad’s death. “My six-year-old was pretty close to him and my 16-year-old has bottled up some emotion around it I think.”

But he admits he’s probably a bit of a hypocrite: “I don’t full open up myself and I should. I didn’t take time off work when dad died, and I think I need to at some point. Work and the gym takes my mind off it, but sometimes you hear certain songs in the van and it reminds you of them.”

NICHE FEATURE

Early diagnosis: a life saved Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with over 42,000 people diagnosed each year. Early detection is vital for cure WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

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eatherwise Company Director Tim Grainger was diagnosed with bowel cancer just over two years ago. Now in the clear after treatment, Tim reflects: “It was difficult to go to the doctors and have the examinations to allow them to refer me, but doing so allowed me to receive the necessary treatment and the good fortune of being completely clear now.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer, with over 42,000 people diagnosed every year in the UK according to recent data by Bowel Cancer UK. Early detection is of course key with any cancer, but when it comes to bowel cancer, early detection can be difficult due to

feelings of anxiety associated with discussing symptoms.

Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.

“I, like so many people, was hesitant to go to the doctors with the symptoms I had, but I am so glad I did as they managed to catch my cancer early. It’s vital to not put these things off and to simply get it checked.”

Tim has adopted ways to deal with mounting stresses which rise in both personal and business life.

“I have a mentor and he is superb support. He always has wise words and is able to give the necessary encouragement,

I THINK THAT THERE IS A FAR WIDER ACCEPTANCE OF PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLE YET THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEAL TO BE DONE TO ALLOW EVERYONE TO FEEL SAFE

my wife too. When feeling stressed or under pressure, I take a ‘thinking’ walk with my dog across the fields for an hour or so – it is rare that I don’t find a solution to my concerns doing this!”

Noting the importance of reaching out when things get too much mentally, and if there are physical concerns, Tim comments: “I think that there is a far wider acceptance of people who struggle, yet there is still a great deal to be done to allow everyone to feel safe, threat free and have the courage to honestly talk about their problems, without fear of judgement.”

Ultimately, whether physical or mental concerns, speaking up is vital; starting with a GP in either circumstance is recommended.

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Caring for the

carers

Carers have had a difficult time this last year, while care staff have been pushed to their limits. Here, Emily Miller hears what it’s been like on the front line

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s someone who cares for a living, Jayesh Ghaghda, Director at Bluebird Care, is typically humble about what his needs were when helping others.

“There was little time for self-care during the pandemic,” he said.

“My biggest priority has been making sure our customers and carers were well looked after; I of course came far down the list of priorities for myself.”

Busying himself with work and making light of his stresses with humour, Jayesh tells me it was his family and team who helped him in the most stressful of times.

“Having a good team in place that helps each other and shares the burden during difficult times has to be the most important thing.

“Many of the Bluebird Care staff that have worked 60 | NICHE

throughout the pandemic have gone above and beyond, often working up to 60 hours a week including weekends. The pandemic has shown the huge character and compassion that our team has, and it has been this that has got us through.”

Carers were pushed to their limits during the pandemic, with staff at Bluebird Care working round the clock. Without the support of one another, Jayesh says: “There wouldn’t be the feeling of reward we experienced after getting through the toughest days.”

Used to keeping his feelings under wraps, I’m privileged to hear Jayesh open up about his time during the pandemic. He delves into why he believes it’s so important to open up, to

WE NEED TO CHANGE THE WAY SOCIETY SEES MEN TALKING SO THEY CAN OPEN UP AND NOT BE JUDGED OR BE ASHAMED OF WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH

share, and not feel shame when it comes to expressing emotions, especially for me. “By not talking about their emotions there is no escape valve, and often it is seen by society as a sign of weakness.

“I have heard many stories during the last year of friends or acquaintances that have suffered certain issues – some of them quite severe. However, it goes quiet after a while because of the inability to talk freely about it.

“We need to change the way society sees men talking so they can open up and not be judged or be ashamed of what they have been through. Let’s get men talking.”

Yes, let’s. Visit your GP for talking therapy referrals or see mind.org.uk for further avenues of support.

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Charlotte: there’s been a lot of outdoor meetings with Ashleigh, we met in the park a lot. I was furloughed, so I sold my house and bought a new one! In lockdown I’ve been redecorating it. I like interior design and I discovered Pinterest and got lots of ideas from there.

I was still working, but two weeks in I had a break to self-isolate and then I got into painting. I did a few pictures for friends which I’ve never done before; a galactic style one and some Disney.

Then I just explored, Googled different things and followed tutorials and painted beautiful things. I’ve always been into art and doing designs for my nails, but I was never really good at it at school. I drew a few pictures and posted them on Instagram and someone messaged me asking if I’d paint a picture, so I tried it and it just took off then. I was on Amazon buying everything. I’d love to see how far I could go with it.

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I turned into a bit of a gardener during lockdowns. I went a bit nuts and the garden is now a jungle.

I’ve been growing flowers and vegetables, which I didn’t do before.

I’ve grown cucumber, mint, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and a range of flowers from sunflowers to irises. it’s quite therapeutic. I worked from home so it helped me to go outdoors and get fresh air and sunlight. It’s nice to see something grow from scratch into the finished product.

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Who started a hobby? And who has continued with it? Who discovered they had a talent they never knew about? Did anyone start that business they’d always dreamed of? Or did they simply enjoy having time to themselves? WORDS BY KERRY SMITH AND SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

I was always working, but when I was off I did a lot of walking as a hobby, which I’ve always done but picked it up more during the pandemic. I like to walk along the canals and into the countryside, and around Crow Mills in South Wigston. It’s my main hobby and I do it all the while. I go further afield, too – towards Melton, Nottingham, and wherever has countryside.

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Entering

awards in 2022 Why applying for an award is good for your business WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

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any of us experienced the same dilemma Alice expresses during lockdown. We all wanted to escape the global pandemic and be somewhere other than those unforeseen circumstances.

This is why the Niche Business Awards 2021 ceremony was so much more appreciated by more than 550 guests who danced the night away.

After such a surreal 18 months, this year’s theme was a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The pandemic left so many of us feeling lost down the rabbit hole and the night was symbolic of emerging from it.

Headline sponsor, Fraser Stretton, were thrilled to be part of this year’s awards. They commented on the event: “A fantastic night with a fantastic turn out with such a long wait to physically get back into a room with so many people.

“We thoroughly enjoy being involved with Cross Productions and for us to be the headline sponsors is a culmination of all the hard work we’ve undergone as business partners and hope to continue this relationship moving forward.”

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Awards and why they’re good for business

Awarding ceremonies go beyond recognition and commemorating influential work ethic. Attending or sponsoring these events demonstrates determination to your company’s clients and competitors. It gives your business an edge over your competitors because it shows you’re networking and advancing outside of your business’s niche. It’s also a fantastic way to treat your team to a great night out – and if you win, it produces employee pride and recognition.

Submitting an application provides you with the opportunity to review your business’s goals, see how far you’ve come, and encourages you to make changes for the future success of your company.

Award ceremonies construct a unique marketing opportunity, and the chance to learn from other business leaders who also share a passion for progress and business development.

Niche Magazine and our publishers Cross Productions were delighted to attend the Leicester Curry Awards in September, and we were ecstatic to be finalists at the Enterprising Women Awards 2021 in October. Other awards events that took place include the Leicestershire Law Society Awards, and Furnley House Community Award takes place this November 18.

In the following pages we’ve interviewed award winners from our very own Niche Business Awards 2021 to see how they’ve benefitted.

Awards to look out for in 2022

NICHE FEATURE

FSB Awards East Midlands Applications open now Deadline: February 22, 2022 Ceremony: April 6, 2022 East Midlands Women’s Awards Applications open now Deadline: June 30, 2022 Ceremony: September 2022 The Great British Care Awards Applications open now Deadline: TBC Ceremony: TBC

‘Alice in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll

Niche Business Awards Applications open: December 1, 2021 Deadline: April 1, 2022 Ceremony: September 2, 2022 Enterprising Women Awards Applications open: March 8, 2022 Deadline: TBC Ceremony: September 30, 2022 Generation Next Awards Applications open: February 24, 2022 Deadline: TBC Ceremony: July 15, 2022 LeicestershireLive Business Awards Applications open: TBC Deadline: TBC Ceremony: TBC

“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.

Winners wanted for 2022

Nominations for the Niche Business Awards 2022 will open on December 1, 2021.

Nominate at: nichemagazine.co.uk/nominate-now “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

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“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” said Alice.

This year’s winners are: Best New Business Sponsored by Hollingsworth Solicitors Truinvest Best Family Business Sponsored by ER Recruitment Charles Bentley “I don’t much care where–” said Alice.

Business Growth Sponsored by Torr Waterfield Michael Smith Switchgear Best Small Business Sponsored by Barratt Smith and Brown Imperial Roofing Supplies Best Digital Business Sponsored by Take me HEAL.med.

Community Impact Sponsored by Mr H IT Mission:Foodbank Rising Star Sponsored by PPL PRS Jenna Leigh - JL Mentor Employer of the Year Sponsored by Growth Partners Michael Smith Switchgear Best Customer Service Sponsored by Phil Nassau Action Coach Jodi Kate Skillen Charity of the Year Sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals Shama Women’s Centre

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Kazzoo IT David Hunter - Take Me Education Excellence Sponsored by Leicester Castle Business School The Crucible Project Professional Services Sponsored by The Miller Partnership Ninja HR Businessman of the Year Sponsored by BP Legal Mark Smith - Truinvest Businesswoman of the Year Sponsored by Tilton Conway Nicki Robson - Breedon Consulting Local Hero Award Sponsored by Fraser Stretton Darren Bradbury - Darren Bradbury protection Specialist Community Champion Sponsored by Cross Productions Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan - Zinthiya Trust

HR firm maximises opportunities

off the back of award win The company has expanded across the Midlands, developed its service offering, and added a whole new arm to its brand WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

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ever before was there such a good time for a company providing HR services to expand their business with a franchise model than during a global pandemic. It’s this type of sharpminded foresight that may have secured Nicki Robson the Businesswoman of the Year title at the Niche Business Awards 2021 in September.

Specialising in human resources for over 20 years, Nicki Robson owns and runs Breedon Consulting, providing small and medium-sized businesses with “really good support for their people-related stuff.” She’s never won an award for her work before, but has been a finalist in the Enterprising Women Awards 2021. Her Businesswoman of the Year trophy sits proudly on the coffee table at the Breedon head office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

“I always thought awards were things your mates just voted for you in,” Nicki admitted. “But when I had to go through the process of submitting information and being interviewed twice, I realised how much goes into it.

“I’ve never had so many comments on LinkedIn before, and that weekend in September after the ceremony, my phone was constantly pinging with people congratulating 66 | NICHE

me. The team is so excited about it and it gives me a lovely, warm glow every time I look at it,” Nicki smiled.

On how being involved in the awarding process has benefitted the company, Nicki commented: “I’m not one for blowing my own trumpet, but when I sat back and looked at what we’ve achieved, I just went ‘wow!’ And that was when there was a global pandemic!”

Since Covid-19 hit the UK causing a nationwide lockdown, Breedon Consulting was inundated with calls and emails from companies all concerned about their employees and processes. Being in HR, the pandemic meant Nicki was working 15 hours on average each day talking on the phone to clients about furlough and other ‘people-related stuff’. It was only when she came up for air in late summer of 2020; when she decided to go ahead with a huge plan she’d been warming up before the coronavirus outbreak. Nicki turned Breedon Consulting into a franchise.

Brave or crazy you might be thinking at this point, but Nicki states: “Because HR was such an in-demand service, it was the best time to franchise. We’d developed our model and brought in two pilot franchisees in January this year – one in Northamptonshire and one in Buckinghamshire.

NICHE FEATURE

I sat back and looked at what we’ve achieved, and just went ‘wow!’ And that was when there was a global pandemic!

We’ve been adjusting the model and they’ve given us feedback along the way.”

Northamptonshire franchisee, Wendy Slater, told TheBusinessDesk East Midlands: “I was originally a client of Breedon Consulting and they provided much needed support for us as, business, which was tailored to our specific needs. I am now delighted to be joining Breedon HR on the other side of the table in Northamptonshire, working alongside the team at such an exciting time for the business.

My personal and business values very much align with Breedon’s and I am looking forward to being part of their brand’s ambitious growth plans.”

On the morning of my call to Nicki, she’d also just received interest from another budding franchisee in Warwickshire. “Someone approached us just this morning and one reason she’s interested in us is because I won the Niche Business Awards Businesswoman of the Year award; she said it gives us so much credibility.

One judge of the Businesswoman of the Year category said: “Nicki has been able to demonstrate outstanding performance in key areas ranging from the financials of her company, performance during Covid and franchising her operation. This is Businesswoman of the Year stuff and I suspect that she is on the start of what looks like a very interesting journey ahead.”

The pandemic also provided the opportunity for Breedon to expand in terms of products. Nicki created a new

employee engagement service as people headed back to the office, settled into working from home, or adapted to hybrid routines.

“Engagement levels have dropped since teams have begun new working arrangements. Teams that were once brilliant aren’t necessarily performing so brilliantly anymore as I think some people expected to go back to the office and things be exactly the same as before. But cultures and people have changed.”

And she’s not stopped at new locations and new services, she’s also created a whole new business. The Breedon brand now consists of Breedon Consulting, Breedon HR, and the latest venture, Breedon Continuous Improvement.

The new brand, Breedon Continuous Improvement, has been set up with her partner who has a background in operations management. They will be merging their vast experience of people improvement and process improvement techniques to help clients increase their performance and profitability.

“We’ve had so many opportunities arise off the back of winning that award,” Nicki told me, but it seems like she’s created her own opportunities since day one of Breedon Consulting.

Breedon HR will officially launch as a franchise in the New Year. To put your interest forward in becoming a franchisee, email info@breedonconsulting.co.uk.

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One Business,

Two Awards,

One Night, The owner of a two-year-old company explains why winning two awards has helped him run his business WORDS BY LEVITHA BIJI

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ruinvest and Mark Smith were two of the many winners at the Niche Business Awards 2021 in September, as they proudly received the Best New Business and Businessman of the Year awards.

Winning these awards has created real local interest in what they are doing and what services their business provides. It particularly created opportunities on the corporate benefit services they offer to small and medium sized companies. They also guarantee to be open, honest, and transparent with you every step of the way, as it is their key to building a professional relationship.

Truinvest’s goal is to help businesses in the UK become part of a financial planning group. Being part of the group means members don’t have to worry about the administrative aspect of their own business, the regulatory and compliance burden and other duties through a streamlined support function. This means that advisers can focus on what that they do best – looking after their clients.

The business started with Mark and Micky Johal, as they had worked together before and planned over coffees at Wistow Garden Centre café to bring Truinvest to life. After establishing the company in 2019, it is the first awards ceremony they have attended and won! It doesn’t stop there, as they made the finals of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2021. In such a short time frame, this really is an achievement.

Their award success has had a massive impact on their team who were able to see the benefit and be recognised for all the hard work in getting the business to where it is already. Mark said: “As a new brand, it has allowed the team to feel proud of the business we are creating.”

Mark felt immensely proud of what they have achieved in their first two years of trading. He was absolutely delighted to receive the Businessman of the Year award.

He commented: “It’s a fantastic accolade to receive in Leicester and Leicestershire, which has so many great businesses.”

The awards were adjudicated by a variety of judges and Truinvest believe they were chosen to be the winner of the Best New Business award because the judges were able to recognise their innovative ideas, which were 68 | NICHE

implemented over the course of the last two years across the backdrop of the pandemic, successfully delivering their strategy in turbulent times.

“Establishing a new business is difficult enough at the best of times, let alone in such circumstances. Despite the pandemic, we did manage to complete our first business acquisition exactly a week before the UK entered the first lockdown in March 2020. We immediately took action and had to operate remotely and provide a seamless client service whilst still getting to know our new team.”

Truinvest has ambitious plans to double in size again over the course of the next two years. They are one step closer to this goal, as they have been busy creating new products and services lately, having just launched their mortgage service which allows new and existing clients access to their experienced mortgage team. Not only are they working hard for themselves but they have also been involved in charity fundraising. Mark was involved in the Bonkers Bake-Off charity event which helped raise over £10,000 for LOROS earlier this year.

Find out more about Truinvest at truinvest.co.uk/blog.

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Winning these awards has created real local interest in what they are doing and what services their business provides

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We’ll shout about it David Hunter wins Entrepreneur of the Year at The Niche Business Awards 2021 and talks to Emily Miller about why when he heard the news, he was both shocked, delighted and envious his business peers got to celebrate in person

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rom a video link at The Niche Business Awards 2021 Jenny Cross CEO of Cross Productions Ltd delivered the news to David Hunter that he had won Entrepreneur of the Year 2021. He looked shocked, convinced by Jenny that it was a catch up call unbeknown to him he was being beamed out at full screen to hundreds of his peers at the award ceremony held at The Athena in Leicester.

“I couldn’t believe it! I know everyone says that, but I genuinely couldn’t, I couldn’t even believe I had been nominated. I don’t necessarily put myself out there as it were, I am social, but I don’t make a point of shouting about what I do,” David tells me.

I will shout about it then if you won’t David. A bold mover and shaker in the taxi arena, starting out with a humble taxi firm the group has fleets in all major cities in the UK and growing. In addition, the company have never shied away from innovation and have taken on Uber coming out as serious contenders to the giant.

“I suppose people see us as bold, and forwardthinking. I have the right people on my team, people who share my vision for our business – that helps me to feel confident in our future and makes be braver when it comes to making decisions.”

Not one to stand still in the face of adversity, entrepreneur David shares with me that “adaptability is key” as is evident in the way he dealt with the pandemic.

Thinking outside of the box enabled them to remain strong. “Overnight we lost 75% of business in terms of cars on the ground. We had to plan differently, launched a successful food delivery service and utilised the time to acquire several more firms to add to the group.”

Keeping his staff in work and feeling confident in their safety was hugely challenging and now as the firm continues to grow they are on a vast recruitment drive offering drivers great working conditions, good pay and plenty of work. “I am proud to say people like working for us, it’s important to me and always has been. Service work

I am ever so slightly gutted to have missed what sounded like a great night! I have been to so many of the Niche Awards – I can’t believe I couldn’t make the one where I won! just doesn’t work without happy people delivering it.”

For his team, a company win is a big deal too. He tells me, “The team were pleased too, it’s great for them to be part of a company going places and I had a number of staff tell me they felt pride at being part of it.”

Quietly doing his thing, David has long been a respected entrepreneur amongst his peers and, as he starts to see award nominations come in including a Leicester Mercury one, he adds of his Niche Award accolade: “Whilst I am delighted at my win, I am ever so slightly gutted to have missed what sounded like a great night! I have been to so many of the Niche Awards – I can’t believe I couldn’t make the one where I won! I heard it was great fun, it’s always a really social atmosphere and a great thing for the thriving Leicester business community to come together and celebrate.

“None of us run our businesses to win awards, although I can say now with experience it’s actually pretty nice when you do!”

We have a distinct feeling it won’t be his last.

Visit adt-taxis.co.uk to keep up with the group’s latest innovative services.

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The ethical approach

of a ninja

Aime Armstrong was stunned to find people who she hadn’t met before knew who she was at the Niche Business Awards after winning the Professional Services title WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

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hat’s the kind of marketing you want!” she cried.

Aime, owner of Ninja HR, which helps employers with the most difficult staffing issues, said: “It’s a substantial win and I’d recommend applying for an award to anyone.”

Ninja HR’s nomination came from her business coach.

“Just the fact that she thought we were worthy was really touching. She helped me submit my evidence and I realised you spend a lot of time thinking about tomorrow without acknowledging what you’ve achieved, so I came to the conclusion – win or lose, we’ve done an amazing job.

“Just being at the ceremony was a win, being able to get dressed up with the people closest to me. We also had

floods of messages from friends and connections saying how much we deserved it. And, you get lots of photos to use after!”

But, she admits she recognises what the award is really about for her: “I understand this is about PR. People buy from people they trust and I’ve had all sorts of leads from it.”

Aime thinks the judges chose Ninja HR because of their customer relationships: “Professional services means you have an ethical duty and things must be done in a certain way so your customers need to trust you. It can be hard to tell who you’re dealing with in so many professional service companies. Plus, Ninjas are ethical and play by the rules, but they don’t mess about.”

Winners of

Employer of the Year 2021

The award that honours the region’s top employers across Leicestershire WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

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he Niche Business Awards weren’t the only ones celebrating the successes of businesses this year. Events like the LeicestershireLive Business Awards 20/21, went ahead this year after being postponed by the pandemic.

Regional Recruitment Services (RRS) was honoured with the Employer of the Year Award, which recognises companies that have demonstrated a significant investment in their employees.

A key part of their success has 72 | NICHE

been the development of a diverse and inclusive work culture. Maxine Eversfield, Operations Manager at RRS, said: “The environment is one where all staff can thrive, with tailored training, clear progression opportunities, varied benefits and more. A culture such as this improves morale, boosts productivity and is a fun way of working.”

But the company strives to give more to their clients, candidates, and employees.

One way that RRS is giving more

is by continuing to promote diversity and culture across its services. As part of the Leicester Business Festival, RRS is hosting a webinar in November for businesses to improve hiring practices and recruit in a more diverse and inclusive way.

Winning this award is just the first part of some great business achievements at RRS, with plans of a new office to accommodate their growth and lifestyle in the New Year.

“It’s an exciting time at RRS and this is just one of many awards to come.”

NICHE FEATURE

Family businesses

and the wider community There are over five million family businesses that make up 87.6% of companies in the UK and this award winner is proud to represent them WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

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n location for Leicester homeware company Charles Bentley, Head of Marketing Kelechi Okereke talks to me from the Solihull High Street. “I’m surrounded by independent businesses and I’m looking at The Magic Bean coffee shop. For all I know it’s a sixth-generation family business and therefore has a wide community impact,” Kelechi said. “Multinational companies take up the lion’s share of media coverage, but fundamentally it’s family businesses that run the country.”

Charles Bentley was our Family Business of the Year award winner at the Niche Business Awards 2021. The company also recently won the 2021 DIY Week Retailer Support Initiative award.

“Being competitive, we wanted to win the Niche Family Business award, however the most important driving factor was external recognition of the wider teams’ hard work. To be recognised by peers and other successful businesses is something truly special. Winning the Niche Family Business Awards in 2020 was a wonderful

experience, but it felt different this time and we were so nervous at the Niche Business Awards ceremony.

“Submitting our category application made us realise how much we’ve accomplished over the last 18 months; as a team we achieve great things and then never think about it again. When we sat down with the judging panel, we reflected and thought: ‘You know what, we’ve done well!’

“Our team is where we really win. All businesses have had issues with container fees and shipping disruptions and every business lives and dies by stock turnover and profitable margins.

Our Finance Director Sadie and her team have been incredible, managing every aspect of our finances, which has empowered us to be flexible enough to adapt to a constantly changing environment whilst increasing profitability.”

Another display of the drive and determination from the team to support the business occurred recently when Charles Bentley was investing its product photography studio. “We needed an electric turntable to enable

WE ALWAYS PLANNED TO EXPAND BUT THE PANDEMIC FORCED OUR HAND AND WE’VE NOW COMPLETED OUR THREEYEAR PLAN IN A FRACTION OF THE TIME

us to photograph and film furniture at different angles, but it was outrageously expensive!

Being a tight-knit family firm, one of our engineers heard and astonishingly said he could build one for us and just like that, we had a multi-speed, electrified turntable, equal to the one we could have purchased.”

According to Office of National Statistics, Brits were spending 147% more time on home improvements when? Charles Bentley saw a 200% increase in orders within the first month of lockdown in March 2020. Kelechi said: “If we can deliver during those challenging peaks, we know now how far we can stretch the business. We always planned to expand, but the pandemic forced our hand and we’ve now completed our three-year plan in a fraction of the time.

“We have exciting plans for the future, working with our retail partners, new product launches, and development of our online offer which empowers us to reinvest in the business and our people.”

Learn more about Charles Bentley at charlesbentley.com.

NICHE | 73

REAL ENTREPRENEURS

2022

COMING SOON...

Bringing together a community of entrepreneurs who support one another, sharing ideas and lessons whilst demonstrating resilience and integrity, the Real Entrepreneurs’ Club was launched in 2016.

Since its formation, the forum has seen an increase in local entrepreneurship and their individual successes reaching out across the globe with a focus on those based right here in the East Midlands.

After a particularly challenging 20 months for many businesses, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in entrepreneurship.

These awards have been born to recognise and celebrate those who have truly excelled in the face of adversity.

By shining a light on those who set up breakthrough businesses, saw dramatic growth, or even pivoted their business to adapt in the everchanging face of our economy, we are here to share their stories enabling others to learn from and, of course, grow.

It’s through the Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards that we will identify best practice, promote enterprise, and encourage entrepreneurship across the board.

SPONSORS

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In line with our ethos and values around entrepreneurship, Real Entrepreneurs’ Magazine was launched during Leicester Business Festival 2021 and is distributed across the East Midlands.

A careful selection of Leicestershire’s EURS CLUB leading business talent, industry experts ENTREPREN and thought leaders share their stories, MAGAZINE triumphs, failures and lessons learnt.

The magazine empowers and educates entrepreneurs and young professionals as they start out in business. This is a platform to knowledge-share and pass on valuable information.

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LAUNCH IN NOVEMB G ER 2022

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realentrepreneurs.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

A Picture speaks a thousand words...

which you need to update every year Advice for business owners on how to use images in the most effective way WORDS BY LEVITHA BIJI

A

s a business, you should to have a regular photoshoot of your staff and your working environment to help boost your engagement with customers. But why is it so important to have headshots of your staff? The answer is simple: it makes your customers feel familiarised with your company and puts a face to the name, if regular correspondence is conducted via phone calls or emails.

Having images to represent your business is vital. As the old saying goes: “A picture speaks a thousand words.” People are visual, in fact visual sense is the highest sense one can have. If you have images representing your business, it gives the customer an idea about how you work, your role and what you do.

Why do businesses need regular photoshoots?

Imagine your company with an outdated photoshoot and a company with the most current images of staff and their office.

The difference will be vast to

customers, as they will relate more to the updated images.

Having current, fresh images will make the interaction between your customer and yourself more pleasant, as they will have an exact image of who they are talking to; it becomes personable and real rather than having a feeling that you are talking to someone random on the phone.

What is a regular photoshoot?

A yearly refresh is recommended

by Hitz Rao, especially if you have a fast-moving business.

Everyone changes through the years; people have new looks and follow new trends, almost like the fashion industry, which changes every season! If you are still using a photoshoot over three years old, you should think about updating it. People want to see a new picture of you!

If you are still uncertain about having updated images for your business, think about how it would look without any pictures.

Not great? Then have your professional images taken today.

A YEARLY REFRESH IS RECOMMENDED

BY HITZ RAO, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A FAST-MOVING BUSINESS

Hitz’ tips!

Consult and discuss is key.

The most crucial part about planning your photoshoot is getting in touch with the photographer and discussing your specific needs. Whenever you book a photographer, discuss the shoot criteria including any inspiration you have. Make sure the inspiration you present is directly related to your needs and goals.

NICHE | 75

Google Top 5 London SEO Agency

NICHE FEATURE

A dynamic

workforce The heart of any business is its workforce. A Leicester digital company tells Emily Miller how growth for them has come from creating a team who not only feel content in their work, but who feel inspired too

E

xpanding on a team may not have been top of the agenda for every business, but for Axies Digital Director Harmeet Singh the year has been one of growth, “In the last year we have gone from the two of us to a team of eight. It’s been a natural journey, because I believe recruitment is a two-way process in finding the right fit.”

Asked how this has happened, he explained that their hiring process is more about discovering the core strengths of the candidate. “It’s important individuals can flourish in our environment and we’re not for every marketer. First impressions can create bias opinions. So, we’ve got to have a number of touch points to create a comfortable fit for the long term. A strong team is how we

give clients great value.”

At pre-interview stage, candidates are given the opportunity to ask questions, something which Harmeet feels creates a better understanding of one another: “By introducing this recruitment stage, we have found that those who aren’t a good fit, self drop out.

“We’re fairly specific, so we don’t have a huge number of applicants. For this reason, we’re able to offer the opportunity for candidates to co-work in our office for the day. We get to spend enough time with them, and they get to see if there’s a fit with the Axies team. This filters the pool of candidates to a selection who are genuinely aligned to how we work.”

This idea of building relationships extends to the

THIS IDEA OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS EXTENDS TO THE WAY THE TEAM WORK TOGETHER

way the team work together too, as Harmeet explains: “It’s important we train and learn away from client projects.

For example, our creative team have weekly fictional design briefs in a limited time.

This trains them to develop ideas efficiently without client pressures. It’s proven to be a really great way of keeping people’s creativity sparking!”

Highlighting the brand’s personality, this collaborative activity is something which runs through the culture of the company, proving that collaboration and progression are key to creating workplaces that are dynamic and engaging for everyone.

For marketing from a passionate and dynamic workforce visit axies.digital NICHE | 77

Marketing Forum Sally Smith

Chris Goodman

Marketing Director at Cross Productions

Managing Director at Soar Valley Press

WHERE’S THE SAFEST PLACE TO HIDE A BODY? The second page of Google.

Yes, it is true. None of us ever go as far as looking at page two results on Google. So the question really is what can you do to get yourself on page one?

Our answer is blogging! Of course, you can also use PPC and SEO, but for us blogging is one of the best ways to market your business for free!

Here are our top 5 tips for writing a blog: 1: Check your word count Have you noticed when you now search a question Google tells you if it’s a twominute read or a five-minute read?

If you are writing for the first stage in a customer journey then, 300 words is ideal, but if it’s later on they will be wanting some more detailed information so the recommended word count jumps to over 500.

2: Try and stay neutral You are educating the audience, not selling to them. This helps to set you apart as the experts. Provide them with information, advice, or a story.

3: Be consistent Don’t just write one blog and wait to see what happens.

Write a series that you can tease out over a month or two. Start thinking about what other topics and roads you can take clients down to help them with a purchasing decision.

4: Keywords Did you know key words are not actually words but phrases and sentences. If you were your own customer, what would you type in a search engine to find you? These are your keywords.

5: It’s all in the title Use a headline that’s catchy and to the point. Don’t make your reader confused or have to guess what your post is about – they simply won’t click on to it.

Don’t forget to share your blogs on other social media channels such as LinkedIn for maximum exposure!

78 | NICHE

CHRISTMAS MARKETING: MISTAKES TO AVOID Are you making one of the most common Christmas marketing mistakes? Christmas is one of the busiest times for businesses. But, with so much to do, it’s easy to make costly errors with your marketing.

Here are a few mistakes to avoid: 1: Forgetting to retarget your previous customers Retargeting your previous customers is eight times cheaper than attracting new ones. So forgetting to retarget the leads you’ve been working hard to generate all year is a huge mistake.

Retargeting your previous customers

Remy Clarke Director at Cymer Marketing Solutions

SITTING ON A GOLDMINE So much money is spent on gaining new leads, when sometimes it is useful to look at reworking the existing databases. Customers’ needs change and your business offerings have probably developed and improved over time.

Many studies have suggested that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer compared to retaining an existing customer. The success rate of selling to an existing client is 6070%, while that reduces to 5-20% for new clients!

Many businesses invest large

with a direct mail postcard, sending them a branded Christmas card or promotional gift, or sending them a printed gift guide in the post are great ways to get your brand in front of them in the run-up to the festive season.

2: Using the same strategy every year Your festive social media advent calendar may have been fun the first time, but do people want to see it for the second, third or even fourth time?

Whilst it’s a great idea to look back at your past campaigns and draw from their successes, you should always look to improve upon your marketing campaigns every year. Taking into account new trends and the latest developments in marketing will ensure your Christmas campaign is engaging and relevant.

3: Only focusing on a single marketing channel With many businesses on only one touchpoint, using print and digital marketing is a great way to reach more potential customers during the festive period.

Sending branded advent calendars, promotional gifts, or Christmas cards to your top clients, alongside promoting your products and services via your online channels, will ensure your marketing messages can’t be ignored. amounts to acquire huge amounts of lead, prospect and client data collected from a variety of sources – networking, exhibitions, campaigns, referrals and social media. If these are sat in a spreadsheet, database or an unused platform, what use is it?

Here are some ideas to consider when reworking a legacy database: Cleanse and validate Depending on the volume, you may want to use a third party to help you carry this task out.

Segment Have a variety of campaigns to match each audience segmentation (eg one for existing clients and one for past prospects).

Follow up Develop marketing messages to stay in touch with your audience across different channels so that your business remains in their mind.

It’s time to dust off those legacy systems and get in touch with this potential goldmine of contacts and start up some profitable conversations! If this resonates with you then we can help you find your goldmine. Contact me on solutions@cymermarketing.co.uk.

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

CHRISTMAS PRINT

MADE SIMPLE

Keep in touch with your customers with our range of festive print.

Advent calendars | Christmas cards | Life-size Sit-ees Christmas cards | Selfie frames | Customised gift wrap & tags Branded gift boxes | Wine bottle carriers | Chocolate boxes

Contact us today 0116 259 9955 orders@soarvalleypress.co.uk soarvalleypress.co.uk

Understanding customers is a priority for business, which is why Cymer puts CRM at forefront of its solutions.

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With many different styles and products in our Portfolio, Fraser James Blinds have been supplying a wide commercial and residential market, with extensive product knowledge and expertise for more than 10 years.

Ensuring that specifications are met, and the highest standards are kept, form the basis of our customer experience. We are dedicated to providing the best solution for your home or workspace.

Get in touch to discuss all blind types, shutters and awnings, throughout Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.

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This pretty coaster set boasts a delicate illustrative design in muted hues and gold-coloured detailing.

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This Frida Kahlo Portrait Vase is a playful take on the aesthetic of the Mexican painter — picking up on iconic details such as the floral headdress and vibrant colours of her look. This vase makes a great addition to a colourful room, adds a pop of colour to a neutral space, or brings a touch of fun to your home.

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0116 278 0622 info@classic-bedrooms.co.uk | Bedford Rd, Wigston, LE18 4YH

NICHE FEATURE

Back to the desk With the rise in hybrid working, it’s time to focus on back health. Many working at home may well be sat at ergonomically unsound desks which could be having a detrimental effect on the back health of employees and the productivity of your workforce WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

L

izzie Handley, musculoskeletal expert at Function Jigsaw, explains: “Maintaining good posture plays an important part in keeping the structures of the back and spine healthy.”

“It helps to keep your bones and joints in alignment, maintains optimum muscle balance, helps prevent excess wear and tear on your joint surfaces, decreases strain on ligaments, prevents muscle fatigue and ultimately pain.”

With posture being key to good back health, working from our home offices may not be the soundest of environments for good posture. Anyone working from their sofa with a laptop on their lap or from the dining room table could be at risk from poor posture and therefore poor back health.

Lizzie elaborate: “Ensuring

workers have a good desk setup at home is paramount, as well as taking regular breaks and making sure to address any postural changes or muscle imbalances that have already occurred.”

From an employer’s perspective, a healthy workforce means ensuring their back health is optimum too. “Back pain is the largest contributor for absences from work in the UK; promoting and educating good back health and posture can only be a positive step forwards in combating this for both the employee and the employers.”

So how can employers contribute to supporting the backs of their employees? A DSE Assessment to ensure your employees are utilising their equipment in the office for a start. This will also guide your

HAVING OPTIMUM BACK HEALTH IN YOUR EMPLOYEES CREATES OPTIMUM HEALTH IN BUSINESS EFFICIENCY

team on what they should also be doing when working from a desk at home.

In addition, breaks in the day and general wellness should also be encouraged, as well as support for those who have existing back conditions which may be exacerbated by poor posture at work.

“If someone has an existing back complaint, it will be made worse by poor posture. By visiting us at the Active Hub at Function Jigsaw, we can assess and support any conditions to get employees to their optimum health,” Lizzie adds.

Having optimum back health in your employees creates optimum health in business efficiency. For a variety of ways to enhance your employee’s health visit functionjigsaw.co.uk.

NICHE | 83

Faster access to Hernia treatment and a personalised treatment plan Whether you are seeking results from a diagnostic procedure or looking at treatment options to remove a painful hernia, our team of experienced general surgeons are experts in their field, providing you with rapid access to a personalised treatment plan.

We offer you: • Competitive all-inclusive pricing

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• As much aftercare as you need at no extra cost* where clinically required.

• Exceptional matron-led care • Private en-suite bedrooms

For more information or to book a consultation, Call 0116 298 2612 Visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/leicester *Terms and conditions apply

Join us for a free online open event All events are held virtually, with the opportunity to have your questions answered at the end.

To book your place or find out more, visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/events Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital Scraptoft Lane, Leicester, LE5 1HY NuffieldHealthLeicesterHospital

ng

Celebrati

r a e y 1 LOOKING FOR MORE THAN JUST A GYM? Join Leicester’s boutique health and fitness studio The UK’s first gym to have Excite Live, a seven-piece cardio range which has revolutionised training.

Thanks to the Technogym Live platform, Excite Live uses artificial intelligence technology and immersive content to give training an advanced level of personalisation.

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Visit hamiltonshonour.co.uk or call 0116 296 7751 to book your free tour today

Exclusive limited membership, members have a spacious studio kitted out with the most up-to-date equipment.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Festive foodie fun Celebrating with food is all part of the tradition during the Christmas season WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

A

December spent prepping for the most amazing feast of the year and dining out to socialise with friends and family feels all the more important this year, doesn’t it?

The festive spell goes hand in hand with amazing food, and who doesn’t look forward to the indulgence of delicious dinners, spreads, buffets, and nibbles during the Christmas period?

Yet with many supermarkets already facing shortages and rumours it may well carry on through to the big day itself, we are heralding a return to shopping locally to support independent businesses as well as ensuring your table is full of the delights you deserve this Christmas Day. Of course, there are many benefits to shopping locally. It’s better for the environment and the local economy, and your goods are often fresher and tastier for their locality too.

Added to that the enjoyable

experience of shopping in Leicester’s villages and high streets lined with decorative shops, late night openings, Christmas fairs with cosy hot chocolates and mulled wine; the benefits of shopping locally are endless.

With an emphasis on the social factor, many locations are hosting party menus for fun, and often inexpensive, friendly and family gatherings. For anyone who prefers to sit back and enjoy the main meal prepared for them, there are plenty of venues hosting traditional Christmas dinners to take the stress out of the day, no prep or clean up required!

Look out for listings in your local Leicester town for street markets and late-night shopping opportunities from your local pub to city centre restaurants for party nights and Christmas Day feasts. You can spot the team in Niche with our Christmas fair finds and seasonal foodie adventures too!

This Christmas season Why not give the supermarkets a miss and support your local independent traders?

Buy local produce, support local traders and buy handmade items that often can’t be found on the high street.

So can it be done?

Can you buy all of your festive shopping from Harborough Market?

Well, we think you can get pretty much everything you need from here, from fresh food, to cakes to fashion, jewellery, home gifts and more!

Harborough Market is open 8am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday and 10am to 3pm for the popular Sunday Antiques Market

Northampton Road, Market Harborough LE16 9HB /HarboroughMarket @HarbMarket 01858 465 206 NICHE | 87

Susie the Foodie FOODIE THINGS IN LEICESTERSHIRE Welcome to a new regular feature in which I’ll be recommending places to enjoy delightful dishes in our county. Here’s where to eat and be merry this Christmas...

Staunton Harold Nurseries & Garden Centre Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1RU

Cherry Lane-Glebe

Foston Road, Countesthorpe LE8 5QP

Santa’s Grotto Nov 20-Dec 24

Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s grotto is normally open every weekend from mid-November until Christmas. Adults and children alike can enjoy a ride around the many animated figures before visiting Santa on his sleigh.

Wander through a Christmas world to arrive at Santa’s Grotto! Meet Father Christmas for a charming chat and receive a special gift.

Breakfast with Santa Dec 4-23, 8.50am

The garden centre also has inspirational colour-themed displays.

Garden Centre: 01332 862 769

Join Santa and his elves for a freshly prepared breakfast.

Tickets cost £10.99 per child which includes breakfast, entertainment and a special gift; adult tickets are £6.99 includes breakfast.

Peach House Restaurant

Tea Time with Santa Dec 8-15, 4.20pm

The restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and teas every day with a wide variety of home-made foods ranging from toasties to pies, jacket potatoes, chilli and omelettes plus the traditional favourites such as haddock, gammon and scampi.

Cream Teas

Treat someone special to afternoon tea.

Cream Tea - Cream scones with a choice of tea or coffee. £9 for 2 people Afternoon Tea (pictured), plus tea or coffee. £27 for 2 people Booking is essential.

Call the restaurant on 01332 865 155 at least 24 hrs in advance.

Gift vouchers for the cream teas are available to purchase in the restaurant.

ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT THE TIME OF WRITING.

Why not enjoy a freshly-prepared delicious Tea with Santa and his elves!

Tickets cost £10.99 per child which includes tea, entertainment and a special gift; adult tickets are £6.99 includes food.

All Grotto tickets must be booked in advance.

Tickets can be purchased online or in store cherry-lane.co.uk.

0116 277 1570

Winstanley House Hinkley Road, Leicester LE3 1HX

Black Iron Festive Menu Available from November 8 Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 12pm - 2:30pm.

Two courses for £17.00, 3 courses for £22.00.

Dinner is available daily from 5pm, two courses £24, Three courses £29.

Christmas Party November 26 – December 22 Celebrate your annual office party or celebrate the festive season with friends and family.

Party Packages include arrival drinks and live entertainment. From £49 per person.

Ashby Food Gusto Christmas Fair Market Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Sat Dec 4, 10:30 – Sun Dec 5, 16:30 What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than nibbling your way around the food-filled Market Street full of hot food, drink and gift ideas from local and regional food producers and artisans, all while listening to great local entertainment.

Entry is free. foodgusto.com/ashby-christmas-fair

Festive Feast and Crafts Market

Black Iron on Christmas Day Book a festive feast with all your favourite trimmings. £95 per adult, £55 per child.

0116 366 5642 winstanleyhouse.co.uk/christmas

Bradgate Arms Cropston LE7 7HG

Nov 22-Dec 30

Celebrate Christmas at the Bradgate Arms.

Choose a festive twist on the traditional, or something classic with all the trimmings that taste of Christmas.

Market Place, Hinckley

Festive Menu: 2 courses £14, 3 courses £16.50

December 12, 10:00-16:00

Christmas Day Menu: 3 courses £43 Plastic toys have been removed from our crackers to make them more environmentally friendly. Plus, when you’re pulling your crackers with us this Christmas, you’ll be in for an extra special surprise from the Bradgate Arms!

V4 will be performing in front of the town centre tree.

Food stalls will include Indian, South African, Thai, homemade cakes, award winning cheeses, homemade sauces and relishes.

There will also be craft stalls and a very tall Santa Claus.

Entry is free.

Bistro Live

89-91 Charles Street LE1 1FA

Christmas Parties

Eat, drink, and dance the night away.

This year’s Christmas menu has a great choice of five starters and five main courses, and our famous trio of delicious desserts. Freshly prepared and cooked to order.

For all packages go to bistrolive.com 0116 262 1212

Allsopp’s India Pale Ale £24 for 8X 500ml bottles Allsopp

Graham Beck Brut Rosé NV £15.99 With aromas of berry and cherry, and hints of fresh lavender.

Majestic, Simply Wines Direct

Allsopp’s Pale Ale £22.50 for 8X 500ml bottles Allsopp

Borgo Antico Prosecco Superiore DOCG £16.95 velvety soft with a fruity, floral structure Amazon

CÎROC £35.99 Luscious and elegantly smooth Amazon, Inked

Carluccio’s Negroni £28.50 A blend of Gin, sweet vermouth and Campari Carluccio’s

Pornstar Martini Gift Box £37.50 Liberation Cocktails

G’Vine Gin £33.99 Amazon, Drink Supermarket, Master Of Malt

Cranes Gin Smooth and fruity cranberry gin £32.00 Ocado, Amazon

Herno Old Tom Gin £35 Waitrose & Partners

90 | NICHE

Jenkyn Place Blanc de Blancs 2015 £38.00 Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes Jenkyn Place, Hic Wine Merchants

Pale Fox Coupe Gift £47.95 Prosecco and two coupe glasses with gold rim Pale Fox

s a m t s Chri drinks

Keeper’s British Elderberry, Mulberry and Honey Gin £37.50 British Honey

Two Birds After Dinner Mint Vodka £13 (20cl) £33 (70cl) British Honey

Signature Rye Whisky £49 Native Spirits, Whisky Exchange, Master Of Malt

Conker Spirit Decaf Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur £30.95 Master of Malt

B Y

O R T O N ’ S

ENJOY

S A M T S I R H C

AT ORTON’S

It’s the most wine-derful time of the year at Orton’s 3 COURSE CHRISTMAS DINNER

£35 pp

For the smaller company or a family gathering who want an intimate Christmas party. Enjoy an Ortonesque three course Christmas dinner: no dried turkey or colourless sprouts here.

Choice of 2 starters, mains and desserts Individual bookings taken

CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH LIGHT BITES

£30 pp

GROUP BOOKINGS ONLY, minimum 30

Don’t want a big meal but want an amazing party? Then join us in Joes, our private club space. Party the night away with incredible cocktails, live music, and a DJ to show your smooth moves.

Christmas inspired light bites served in bowls are included to make sure you have your stomachs lined.

3 bowls per person DJ and band

4 COURSE CHRISTMAS DINNER

£50 pp

GROUP BOOKINGS

CHRISTMAS DINNER AND PARTY

£75 pp

GROUP BOOKINGS ONLY, minimum 30

Enjoy your work’s Christmas meal with our contemporary take on Christmas dinner with four incredible courses and coffee.

We can cater for: Up to 10 in the Art Room 10-25 in the Rose Room 25-40 in the Main Restaurant 40-70 Ground floor

Orton’s can take care of your Christmas party from start to finish. Start with our contemporary take on the Christmas dinner, with four incredible courses and coffee in our main restaurant. Then move down to our private club space to party the night away with incredible cocktails, live music, and a DJ to show your smooth moves.

Pre-order with a choice of 3 starters, mains and desserts

4 course meal plus coffee Pre-order with a choice of 3 starters, mains and desserts

For larger groups, contact us for options

To Book call: 0116 248 9100

ortonsbrasserie.co.uk

Orton Square, 41 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD

CHRISTMAS MENU TWO COURSES £22.50 THREE COURSES £30

OAKHAM

PLUS A GLASS OF PROSECCO ON ARRIVAL

C A F E B A R & R E S TA U R A N T

T H E D O V E TA I L O A K H A M . C O M

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 51 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AJ | 01572 827 909 | bookings@thedovetailoakham.com

• Authentic Italian wines from • family owned vineyards • Wines to suit every palate • Prices to suit every budget

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92 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

flies into Leicester It’s the world premiere of the stage musical for this Disney classic WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHAN PERSSON

I

t’s time we began believing in a little magic again. The stage premiere of Bedknobs and Broomsticks, directed by Michael Harrison, comes to Leicester’s Curve theatre in February 2022.

The 1971 Disney classic has been loved by generations. The revival of the much-loved musical has been adapted for the stage in a world premier and is sure to attract the next generation as parents and grandparents take their families for a spell of nostalgia.

Dianne Pilkington is staring in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and she is thrilled to be back on stage.

“It’s my first theatre job back,” says the Wigan-born actor who plays the mysterious Miss Eglantine Price, the trainee witch.

“It is fun, it’s full of magic and it takes you on a different journey from the adventure we’ve been

on for the last year and a half. It is what the world needs right now.”

Pilkington says the production is every bit as ground-breaking as the movie, with its famous blend of live action, animation, and musical scores.

Set in wartime London, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is about the three Rawlins children who have been evacuated from London. The children are placed in the fictional Dorset town of Pepperinge Eye, and put in the care of the eccentric Miss Price who is less than interested in looking after them. All she wants to do is complete her studies in magic.

Miss Price is continuously casting spells on their bed and sending them skywards on a magical adventure.

Bringing her up to speed on the art of magic is co-director

IT IS FUN, IT’S FULL OF MAGIC AND IT TAKES YOU ON A DIFFERENT JOURNEY FROM THE ADVENTURE WE’VE BEEN ON FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF

Jamie Harrison, who created the stage illusions in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and once had to perform a magic trick for J K Rowling herself.

In bringing the film to stage, Bedknobs and Broomsticks has become what Harrison calls “an emotionally powerful journey about belonging, commitment and family”. It is a change in emphasis that made Pilkington more determined than ever to get the part. “When I first read the script, I bawled my eyes out for the last ten minutes to the point when my husband was quite worried,” she says. “What they’ve done with the story is incredibly moving.”

Bedknobs and Broomsticks comes to Curve from February 9-19, 2022 and tickets are on sale now. To book, go to curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit the box office.

NICHE | 93

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

in Leicestershire!

Take a break from business this Christmas with your family WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

I 1

t can be difficult to take time off work, especially around Christmas. So, we’ve put together a list of just some of the things going on in Leicestershire over the festive period.

Book them in your diary to avoid missing priceless time spent with family and friends at these wonderful events.

Visit Santa in Woodland Wonderland at Manor Park Farm

Located just ten minutes from the M1, visit Santa in his grotto at Woodland Wonderland. Enjoy a scavenger hunt through the Elves’ village and decorate a gingerbread house in Mrs Claus’s home! Spend a day on the farm meeting animals and feed Santa’s reindeer with a tasty treat of Reindeer Moss.

This event runs every weekend starting Saturday, November 27 until Christmas Eve. Tickets are recommended to be pre-booked online at manorfarm.info/events/christmas-woodland-wonderland where you can choose a time slot to visit Santa.

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Winter Wonderland and the Snow Queen at Tropical Birdland

Combine a magical experience of visiting the Snow Queen and Santa with tropical animals at Tropical Birdland. Grab a lantern and take a magical stroll down to Santa’s grotto. Feed the parrots before they take their nap at 2.30pm when you’re strolling down the famous fairy walk.

Located in Desford, LE9 9GN, Tropical Birdland’s Christmas events will run between 11am-2pm and 4pm8pm, Friday, December 3 until Thursday, December 23.

Pre-book tickets online to avoid disappointment at tropicalbirdland.com/winter-wonderland.

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Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair

Get your Christmas shopping started at The Guildhall’s Christmas Craft Fair. It’s a unique Christmas shopping opportunity in the medieval hall, with city and county stallholders showcasing a wide range of arts and crafts stalls. It’s also a wonderful chance to support not only your local heritage but local creatives too. There’ll be children’s activities and food available throughout the weekend.

Adults pay an entry fee of £1 on the door, children attend for free.

November 21-28, from 11am to 4.30pm.

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NICHE FEATURE

4

Wicksteed Park Christmas Extravagansa

Wicksteed Park is so much more than just a theme park. This Christmas, experience family-friendly entertainment of Christmas music, dance and laughter to kick off this year’s festive season! Available throughout several dates in November and December, the Christmas Extravagansa includes a pre-show three-course festive meal before you enjoy an afternoon performance of thirty costume changes, stunning vocalists, and dancers from the popular West End shows. Whether you want to sing-along or simply sit back and absorb the Christmas spirit, there’s something for every family at this Christmas show.

To pre-book tickets, email hello@wicksteedpark.org or go to wicksteedpark.org/events/Christmas-extravagansa-show.

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Conkers Winter Wonderland

Wrap up warm this Christmas at Conkers. Enjoy a fun day outdoors through the Enchanted Forest, led by Santa’s Elves, and the Valley of Christmas Lights to unveil Santa’s Woodland Grotto. Take a ride on the Twinkle Toes Train through the tunnel of discovery where you can meet the balloon meddler and watch Christmas shows and films. For indoor entertainment, Christmas at Conkers includes paint-a-pot studio, ranger crafts, plus eighty acres of outdoor walks and activities!

Each adult receives mulled wine with a special treat and children can choose a tasty treat of Mrs Claus’s freshly baked cookies!

Winter Wonderland is open from Saturday, November 27 until Christmas Eve. Pre-book your tickets at visitconkers.com/events/winter-wonderland/.

Winter Wonderlights by steam trains are back this year

Starting from Saturday, December 4, see the Great Central Railway like you’ve never seen it before! The Winter Wonderlights train ride experience includes a journey departing from Quorn and Woodhouse station, LE12 8AG, and carries passengers to The Leicester North Pole (Leicester North station). The steam train ride features a magical twist with its myriad of lights and an illuminating spectacular lighting display.

For New Year’s Eve only, there’s a special Night Rider’s train journey departing from Loughborough Central at 7pm with a midnight stop at Leicester’s North station to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. The diesel and steam locomotives will include a Griddle Car which will be open throughout the evening with a fully stocked bar as well as New Year’s Eve meal options.

Tickets can be pre-booked online for both events at gcrailway.co.uk/special-events.

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Christmas Comedy Special at BrewDog

Grab a drink or two at the bar, find one of the finest chairs in the room, then just get your laughing gear in order. Comedians will perform their stand-up routines over the course of two hours and, hopefully, they’ll have you laughing your Christmas socks off. Just The Tonic claims to have some of the best circuit comedians around and that their comedy nights are in high demand up and down the country all year round. You will also find Reds True BBQ serving tasty food in the venue.

The event is strictly over 18s only. Tickets cost £15 and can be booked at seetickets.com.

Doors open at 6.45pm on December 11 for an 8pm start. BrewDog, 8 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RA NICHE | 95

or follow us on

@BigDiff_Venue

NICHE REVIEW

Mixing work and leisure at Strand Palace A stay at this London hotel provided a meaningful break for a busy business owner WORDS BY JENNY CROSS

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’ve always loved the feeling that comes with a visit to London. The hustle and bustle of city life. Different people, everyone bobbing and weaving through the crowds. The theatre district, a vibrant area that showcases some of London’s most recognised, flagship venues such as the Savoy. There is just so much on offer from food to theatre, coffee to cocktails.

Like stepping onto a Monopoly board, this week I walked the streets of Mayfair and Pall Mall to get to the Strand. Booked into Strand Palace Hotel, which is set in the heart of London, this hotel has been welcoming guests since 1909. Possibly one of the most stunning hotels London has to offer in regards of design, style, cleanliness, quality, service, and of course, location.

As the owner of a business that is actively making changes to become more sustainable, it was meaningful to me that Strand Palace is committed to working responsibly and ethically to improve its sustainability. In May 2020, the hotel underwent a

multi-million pound refurbishment which saw the introduction of energy-efficient solutions, carpets made from recycled materials, and LED lighting, and completed with a modern art deco-inspired design.

Dropping off my bags at the hotel early Thursday morning, it was a beautiful walk through the Mall towards The Ritz, where we enjoyed a famous afternoon tea. Heading back for a change of shoes, the hotel was en route to The Tate Modern and London Bridge where we had chosen to spend the afternoon and evening.

After enjoying London by night, we headed back to the hotel to watch a film from the comfort of our huge bed. The bed was nothing like the usual hotel standard and the pillows were far above anything you would usually find anywhere else. In fact, I could happily say these were the sort of pillows you’d treat yourself to at home.

Breakfast, served from 6.30am-10.30am in the hotel restaurant, was a delight. The coffee, croissants and full English really set us up for another day

IT WAS MEANINGFUL TO ME THAT STRAND PALACE IS COMMITTED TO WORKING RESPONSIBLY AND ETHICALLY TO IMPROVE ITS SUSTAINABILITY

in the big city. The sausages and hash browns were for me the highlights. After a leisurely breakfast, we nipped back to the room so I could finish a bit of work – an internet connection with no faffing about to log in… another of the small details that makes a big difference.

Again, location-wise it was ideal as we took a relaxed stroll to Covent Garden for a spot of shopping from Tiffany’s to the quirky Neon Sheep, which is crammed full of random gifts that would put a smile on anyone’s face.

All in all, a truly lovely couple of days away. I will certainly be booking to stay at Strand Palace again!

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NICHE REVIEW

Winter at Whittlebury A hotel and spa trip might be just what you need this season WORDS BY JENNY CROSS

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efore you hibernate for the season, Whittlebury Park winter retreat is a must. A birthday trip to the spa this October was well received by my friend and I as we relaxed, dined, and swam at the luxury facilities in Northamptonshire’s Whittlebury Park hotel and spa.

As we head into the chillier months, it’s easy to forget that there are little spots of luxury we can visit to warm up our winters.

It’s also easy to unwind at Whittlebury. The spa features a variety of stimulating heat and ice experiences, soothing therapies and ancient bathing rituals, all designed to let you unwind and escape in a unique and immersive experience. The range of experiences increase the body’s temperature gradually as you move through the different rooms, invigorating the body.

Designed to stimulate your circulation and senses, the rooms build your temperature, finishing with an awakening,

ice-cave experience. Eliminating toxins and exfoliating your skin, the rejuvenating finish is wonderfully unique to the spa.

There’s an array of pampering opportunities at the day spa with treatments from the houses of Elemis, ESPA and Jessica. You can indulge in a range of specialist facials, massages and many more of the very latest treatments including targeted toning treatments.

We complimented our trip with a meal at Silverstone Bar which offers a mix of classic and contemporary cuisine. They also have the Terrace Café in The Leisure Club, which provides an informal dining affair with meals and snacks.

Situated in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside, Whittlebury Park provides that perfect relaxing getaway which you will want to return to time and time again. A wonderful birthday treat was had.

Book at whittlebury.com.

THE SPA FEATURES A VARIETY OF STIMULATING HEAT AND ICE EXPERIENCES, SOOTHING THERAPIES AND ANCIENT BATHING RITUALS

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Why businesses should invest

Corporate Social Responsibility

Help your business by supporting the community and its people WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

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orporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is built on the notion that businesses should consider the impact they have on the community and society that exists around them.

Many businesses may rely solely on profit to exist but recent times have shown that businesses have a social responsibility to maintain.

Instead of focusing only on what’s best for business, it’s also important to consider what’s best for people, their community, the planet, and society as a whole.

After all, without these integral foundations, how is a business to survive?

Business corporations that embrace societal responsibility are more organised and feel empowered.

Not only does it build a positive brand reputation, but investing in CSR elevates your company which is recognised

by your competitors and consumers.

Participating in CSR on behalf of your business is an investment as well as an effective marketing tool.

As a business owner, you are learning about the gaps in the market and how your business can potentially contribute to fill these gaps within society. This can also help to create innovative solutions for businesses to run their organisations with the community in mind.

If your business can demonstrate commitment and dedication to its society, people are more likely to think positively about your company and engage with your brand.

Investing in CSR can include a range of services from employee volunteering, corporate giving to charities, raising awareness on global issues such as the environment, and more. All these steps help to improve the public image of your company’s brand.

‘British Indian women

are not reporting abuse’ A domestic abuse campaign that encourages women to recognise the signs of abuse and coercive control has been launched in Leicester WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

U

sing the hashtag #thisisabuse, You are not alone, Leicester City Council is working in partnership with UAVA (United Against Violence and Abuse) and Zinthiya Trust to challenge the perceptions of abuse in many different cultures across Leicester communities, helping people to recognise when others – or they themselves – are being abused and how they can come forward.

Founder of Zinthiya Trust, Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, said: “Statistics show that British Asian Indian women are not reporting domestic abuse in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland or not coming forward to access support. Some women don’t know they’re victims of abuse because they

100 | NICHE

have normalised the perpetrators’ behaviours” “The figures on how many British Asian Indian women are victims of abuse are unreliable, because I know first-hand that so many of them don’t – or can’t – come forward. While we recognise that more British Asian Indian women need to come forward, abuse can happen to anyone – no matter your ethnicity, age, gender, or any other factor.”

Many women may be isolated and unable to speak, read, or understand English, they may also be controlled to the extent that they are unable to access specialist services which is why the campaign targets GP surgeries, adult education classes, schools, hair

and beauty professionals and places of worship where women are allowed to access.

“We have developed a range of multilingual posters and social media posts. We are also looking to recruit and train more champions in the community and workplaces,” said Zinthiya.

If you recognise or relate to any of the above in your experience or that of someone you know, you can talk to and contact your doctor, teacher, council worker, a women’s organisation, Zinthiya Trust, or UAVA. Visit leicester.gov.uk/domesticabuse or zinthiyatrust.org.

In an emergency, when someone is being harmed, contact the police on 999.

NICHE FEATURE

Jokes at the bar Bistro Live host a Variety Night on November 18, 2021 to raise funds for Hope Against Cancer – and you are all invited

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he night will see audiences giggling to two comedians and bopping to six musicians. We caught up with one half of the comedy line up, Chris Rees, who is a solicitor by day at Nelsons Solicitors and comedy aficionado by night...

How did you get started in comedy?

Well, I’ve got no fear – I love to have fun and to laugh at myself and don’t mind people laughing at me. I started by doing the Stand-Up Challenge with the Big Difference Company at Bistro Live in 2015. Now I enjoy writing my own material and try to be original.

Why should our readers support Hope Against Cancer?

Their funding means the next generation of young scientists can conduct life-saving research locally, and keep Leicester leading the way in cancer treatments. Their work is really important, but also this is going to be a fantastic night out! Make it an early Christmas party and book now at hope2021.live

I LOVE TO HAVE FUN AND TO LAUGH AT MYSELF AND DON’T MIND PEOPLE LAUGHING AT ME

Who are your favourite comedians?

Rhod Gilbert and Denis Leary are particular favourites. I do like to support new and local acts as well. I went to a very funny alternative comedy show at LCF 2020 at Firebug in Leicester which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Who else can we look forward to seeing on the night?

Tom Urch, Nina Morrison and Becky Bruce will all blow you away with their voices, and Brendan Green will get everyone singing along to crooner classics. Steve McElhone will be rocking out to AC/DC covers, while Anna Parsons will make you smile with her ukulele. Prepare also to see a death-defying magic act

by John Cheetham!

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Recruiting for TRUSTEES

Your chance to help change lives for the better. We are looking for passionate and skilled people to join Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL).

We have been helping people change their lives for the better through voluntary and community action in Leicester and Leicestershire for over 50 years.

This is an exciting opportunity for people who have a commitment to see change and can contribute their skills and experience to benefit the local communities of Leicester and Leicestershire.

VAL is a local charity and so it is important that our trustees have strong connections to the diverse communities of Leicester and Leicestershire. Becoming a Trustee means you have one of the most important and inspiring roles within the charity.

Key to our success will be to influence a wide range of stakeholders. You will be part of a strong, collegiate and committed Board, providing strategic guidance, challenge and support to our Chief Executive, Executive Management Team, and offering good governance oversight to VAL.

We want to hear from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including (but not exclusively), strategic finance; organisational development; senior contracting or commissioning experience.

We would particularly welcome applications from women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities and people from LGBTQ+ communities. The Board meets for 2-3 hours once a month, with the occasional sub-meetings outside the normal schedule.

The present Board includes individuals with a range of work and life experiences. Some have prior knowledge of trusteeship, whilst for others VAL is their first experience of a governance role.

As volunteers, reasonable expenses will be paid.

Find out more: valonline.org.uk/job/trustees

To apply, please send a covering letter & your CV to: valtrustees@valonline.org.uk Closing date: Monday 22 November 2021 - 5pm - Interviews to be held early December 2021 102 | NICHE

Community, connection

and collaboration Homelessness charity The Bridge (East Midlands) are leading the way in their approach to fundraising – here, Emily Miller chats with new CEO Sue Langley and discovers why community, connection and collaboration are vital

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ith the news that Sue Langley is the new CEO at The Bridge, I was keen to call for a chat. Having heard about her reputation working with other charities in the region, I already knew the match with The Bridge, a homelessness charity, was a good one. Sue is arriving at a time where The Bridge have experienced a 40% rise in demand over the last year.

Sue made her intentions for her commitment to the charity and where she wants to take it very clear. “The demand for The Bridge’s services looks set to continue to rise rapidly, and at an alarming rate. With the cost of living crippling our food banks, housing and debt advice will never be more vital. We have these services at The Bridge offering advice, support and assistance, but rising to meet demand will mean we need more support, it’s as simple as that.

“Of course, donations financial and otherwise will always be needed and gratefully received. However, I believe that a commitment for sustainable change from local business and community is needed to ensure

that services aren’t stretched; that they are fully supported from the bottom up.”

When I ask her how companies can support this change, she expresses fervently that it’s about a “mutually beneficial partnership” between the charity and business and that it’s not all about funding; skills and expertise are just as vital for lasting and sustainable commitments from corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In fact, business needs to do more and have a corporate social responsibility. We talk about how the pandemic has shifted the culture within organisations to look to help in their local communities, directly. “Being in an age where Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is fast overtaking the concept of CSR, incorporating the concept of giving to local communities within an organisation extends throughout with organisations creating an environment in which its employees want to be a part of.”

They are looking for expertise and clever thinking with funding.

“It might be that a small business

WE SHOULDN’T LIVE IN A SOCIETY WHERE THERE IS A NEED FOR FOOD BANKS

can’t commit to regular funds, but might have experience in food waste and can advise how we can limit that within our food bank networks, or maybe a hotel chain wants to run a scheme to encourage guests to donate £5 to our charity as they sleep in their beds that night!

“The emphasis moving forward is a collaborative one with local businesses in our local community. The connections we make with one another as organisations are mutually beneficial and run right through the thread of all aspects of your organisation!”

It’s clear to see that The Bridge will need funding and assistance more than ever, with our communities seeing poverty at an all-time high. “We shouldn’t live in a society where there is a need for food banks, utility support, or have 976 people die on our streets due to a lack of emergency and sustainable housing, but we do.”.

If you are looking to connect and collaborate with The Bridge, call Paul Snape, Deputy Chief Executive on 07515 905 539 or email paul.snape@thebridgeeastmidlands.org.uk .

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New Horizons

After adapting their services completely during lockdown, SoundCafe Leicester have exploded back on to the scene this season with a new look and a new programme of activity

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he local charity receives no central funding, yet they have been holding four different sessions each week for people who are (or have been) homeless within the city area. The charity exists to create safe spaces for people in vulnerable housing situations to explore their creativity, build their confidence, and keep mentally and physically active.

SoundCafe’s offer is now divided into four distinct modules. They are choir, creative workshops, the SoundCafe Foxes football health and wellbeing sessions and the Arts Council funded Speaking of Homelessness project. The latter is producing a short film that records real lived experiences of homelessness in Leicester that will act as an educational tool in the future.

The charity is keen to connect with local businesses that would like to support one of their activity modules on a long-term basis, to help SoundCafe to secure a stable future. If you are interested in sport, the arts or assisting people that are homeless to build new skills, please contact Chair of Trustees Alan Fletcher on alanfletcher@hotmail. co.uk. Find out more about SoundCafe at soundcafe.org.uk.

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NICHE FEATURE

Fundraising to support young people like Jack

Life in lockdown for children and young people with disabilities was difficult.

Here’s how one young man is doing after help throughout the pandemic from South Wigston-based charity Menphys WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

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or Jack Eaton, a 16-year-old boy with Down Syndrome and Autism, the pandemic was an especially difficult time.

However, with the help of Menphys, a Leicestershire charity supporting young people with disabilities, and funds raised by people like Niche Business Awards 2021 Local Hero winner Darren Bradbury, Jack and his family found respite and glimmers of joy in their days.

Without the routine of schooling and activities for each day, home life can be challenging for children and young people, but for those with special needs it can be especially challenging.

Jack’s mum Clare can’t speak highly enough of the At Home Support Boxes delivered by Menphys during the pandemic.

She said: “Jack was already attending the Menphys Hub at Basset Street in South Wigston but when the first lockdown hit, we didn’t have anywhere to go, nothing to keep him stimulated and the iPad became rather too constant.

“Then we received our first

activity box to our door and it really was so much fun. The boxes were filled with different activities and Jack started to look forward to his deliveries so much. They provided a muchneeded distraction from every day being the same!”

From afternoon tea to Hawaiian dress-up, the boxes were sent across the county to children with disabilities and their families who were cooped up and unstimulated.

As things opened up, so too did the services Menphys were able to provide, and Jack particularly enjoyed the basketball sessions with Leicester Riders throughout the summer holidays. He enjoyed them so much he is returning to Friday after-school basketball.

Clare said: “The social aspect of these sessions has been huge. He’s found friends and independence from attending without me by his side – it helped his confidence immensely and he looks forward to it so much. Menphys’s services are life-changing.”

IT’S A RELIEF TO MYSELF AND HIS DAD THAT JACK CAN GO AND HAVE SOME FUN WITHOUT US FOR A FEW HOURS A WEEK

Jack also attends the charity’s Saturday clubs which provide artistic and sporting activities, stimulating and inspiring Jack to try new things and socialise independently.

Not only are these sessions great for Jack, but they also allow his family some space too. “It’s a relief to myself and his dad that Jack can go and have some fun without us for a few hours a week; it means his sister can go and do her thing too. To watch him thrive in these settings is a real joy.”

These valuable services couldn’t happen without the support of individuals like local Leicester Businessman Darren Bradbury, who recently received the local hero award at The Niche Business Awards 2021 for his exceptional fundraising efforts. For Menphys, Darren has so far raised an incredible £18,500 this year, which allows the charity to continue offering life-changing services to families like Jack’s.

Visit menphys.org.uk to find out how you can help too.

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YOU WOULDN’T HEAR IT IN

Directors, specialists, CEOs, MBEs, PhD holders, and other higher-ups… they’re all people you might meet in the boardroom. It’s a professional space where best behaviour is upheld. But these successful types are people too! They have lives and we want to know what goes on in them.

We squeeze answers out of them on subjects you wouldn’t normally discuss in the boardroom

PROFILE: Asha Day BEM uitment Lead International Recr ip NHS Trust Leicester Partnersh of times Age: 21 x a couple dia Born in Punjab, In Leicestershire Lives in Fleckney, ol to assess, rnationally-used to te in an d te ea Cr Noteworthy: ess in Punjabi maternal mental illn treat, and identify in England. speaking women w would you FRIENDSHIPS: Ho a friend? as lf se describe your y have a hard ma I al. loy d Reliable an I have a ide ins exterior, but on the te! ola oc ch e heart that melts lik hat’s the craziest ADVENTURES: W ? When I returned thing you’ve done didn’t book I , to India for study eak the language sp I . on accommodati le to organise it so thought I’ll be ab at midnight and there. But I landed the culture shock. by k was taken abac someone with me Fortunately, I had t. and we figured it ou

What’s RELATIONSHIPS: ip sh ion your best relat y an for le ru e advice? Th ip sh ion lat re g tin las longmise is based on compro of ce lan ba l and an equa st. mutual tru

here would your ENVIRONMENT: W est look for you? nearest and dear like to find a resting I love driving, so I view. place with a scenic NESS: What’s your HEALTH AND FIT ? This may be unhealthiest habit a diabetic, but m terrible coming fro I love chocolate!

E: What do INTELLECTUAL LIF e listening to lik I you geek out on? aechi’s podcast Am hn psychologist Jo s by Dan Brown. and reading book

od at anything?

SKILLS: Weirdly go good at needle I used to be really tch, but I have point and cross sti growing and turned my hand to . caring for orchids Which of life’s SPIRITUAL LIFE: u up at night? mysteries keep yo I do it for friends r. ste I am a Reiki ma reduce their levels and family to help of pain. the worst part CAREER: What’s eling isolated. about your job? Fe but I can’t I enjoy networking, ues very often ag physically see colle due to Covid. tside of work, CREATIVE LIFE: Ou eate’? ‘cr what did you last the mental on rt po A community re and travelling health of gypsies

of created a collage communities. We s wa ich wh os phot videos, stories and s! es oc an entirely new pr t’s your most fond FAMILY LIFE: Wha hood? Leaving memory from child mber saying me India aged four, I re ome with me “C ts: en to my grandpar r I would hide suga to England!” And, ed pp sli It ht. ug got ca canes, but once I e I’v d an ot fo my out of my hand, hit ce. had a scar ever sin E: Which political COMMUNITY LIF ht t interested in rig topic are you mos as are en drawn to now? I’ve always be ality, especially qu ine d an of injustice e heart-breaking to se around Covid. It’s ed rs who have pass health care worke in the news. me away, resemble

WORDS BY SIDDIQA REININGHAUS

To get a well-rounded feel for our interviewee, our questions are based on Vishen Lakhiani’s 12 Areas of Life Balance

Discover The Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Choosing Your Optician If you are researching opticians and the best eyewear options for you, then read on!

Just like every face is different, optician practices are different too. In your search for finding the right optician, you most likely will find similar looking options. But not all eyewear experiences are the same.

At Clarke & Roskrow Styling Opticians, our mission is to serve our clients and provide an effortless eyewear experience.

There is no better reward than seeing how happy our clients are wearing glasses after we help them transform their eyewear and their experience of what visiting the optician should look like.

To help you choose the right optician, and to help support our mission, I’ve put this short report together “The Top 10 Things You Should Know Before Choosing Your Optician”. This will be your indispensable guide to choosing the right optician for you no matter where you choose to go.

To request your FREE copy of this report visit www.loveyourglasses.com, call us on 01858 462996 or email hello@clarkeandroskrow.co.uk with the subject “FREE GUIDE” and we’ll get a copy sent to you.

We look forward to helping you in your search for the right optician.

To your vision!

Anthony Clarke Owner/Principal Optometrist Clarke & Roskrow Styling Opticians

Clarke & Roskrow Styling Opticians - 18 Church Street - Market Harborough loveyourglasses.com

01858 462 996

hello@clarkeandroskrow.co.uk

Release the Rhythm From locked down to starting back up.

Where words fail music can speak.

Music has the power to turn your queue into a conga, your club into a karaoke and put the fun into your function room!

It could create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, developing a brand that people recognise and creating an experience your customers will remember.

Playing music can be an important part of this and can help create an environment that both your customers and staff enjoy. It can help to enhance the atmosphere, define your brand and can be highly beneficial to both your business and your workforce.

If you are going to introduce music, or if you are already using music in your business, you’ll usually need a music licence.

By purchasing TheMusicLicence you are supporting the future of music by helping to ensure its creators are fairly rewarded for their work. TheMusicLicence covers virtually all commercially released music available – millions of songs & recordings, including the most popular & well-loved music, not just from the UK, but globally, allowing you to choose the music that reflects you and your customers in your new venture.

Put the power of music into your business with TheMusicLicence.

0808 134 8364 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday

pplprs.co.uk/release-the-rhythm