7 minute read
Meet the ambassadors
THIS YEAR S , AMBASSADORS
The people championing local companies in 2022
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We are delighted to be a sponsor of the Niche Business Awards as it recognises local Leicester businesses for outstanding achievements over a very difficult period for all
We got involved with the awards this year to help highlight the great business community that exists in Leicestershire, the support these businesses provide for each other, and to help recognise those that have gone the extra mile
JAMES CONAGHAN
Novotel & Adagio Leicester
Novotel Leicester is a stylish hotel that first opened its doors in 2019 and offers 154 rooms including junior and superior suites as well as an on-site fitness centre, stunning destination restaurant and bar Nine B that offers locally and internationally inspired cuisine. Located in the newly regenerated Waterfront area, and with onsite parking available for guests, the hotel is perfectly situated for those wanting to experience the very best of Leicester’s historic, sporting and cultural highlights. Close by are attractions such as the National Space Centre, rugby and football grounds, King Richard III Visitor Centre and the vibrant city centre and Highcross shopping complex.
STUART MCKEE
Equipment Leasing Solutions Limited
Equipment Leasing Solutions works with equipment suppliers and direct customers to provide flexible leasing solutions for their purchasing requirements. Their leasing solutions are backed by a number of financial institutions and high street banks which provide access to a range of funding mechanisms such as lease, hire purchase and loans. The company is a proud supporter of, and member of, the Lamp Business Club and Mental Health Project.
JENNA LEIGH
Jenna Leigh Training Academy
The Jenna Leigh Training Academy is a professional and specialist microblading and permanent makeup academy offering permanent makeup training and microblading training courses, alongside many more specialist procedures and aesthetics.
I have been involved in the Niche Business Awards for three years and accepted an award for Community Champion of the Year at one of them. It’s an annual event that has provided me with many opportunities to make new contacts and gain more support, therefore further enabling me to increase our profile, which has helped diversify revenue for the Trust. To become an ambassador just made sense. The platform it gives to our charity is unique.
I hope to see this year’s finalists and winners enjoy the ceremony, which is Back to the Future in theme – another great aspect of the Niche Business Awards, a surprise theme each year!
Applying for an award gives us that sense of recognition, that commitment and the ability to show up in front of others and really connect with a business community that is passionate about networking and reaching new goals as a celebration together. Being in the shoes of a finalist and as a winner of the Niche Business Awards 2021, I wanted to be able to support those that are only a few steps behind me! The ceremony itself is not only a fun place to be, but the awards are truly supported by inspiring business leaders showing support to other business leaders
ZINTHIYA GANESHPANCHAN
She Inspires
She Inspires was founded in 2018 to support notfor-profit organisations survive, thrive and become sustainable. The charity exists to help solve the critical issues facing these organisations by providing a broad range of services and solutions.
DARREN WILLOUGHBY
2XL Commercial Finance
Established in 2007, 2XL Commercial Finance is the complete professional service for anyone seeking any type of business or property finance.
We chose to get involved in the Niche Business Awards 2022 after winning an award ourselves a few years ago. The awards act as a great platform to showcase business talent and entrepreneurial spirit across Leicestershire. As a business finance company, we regularly meet businesses of all types and it’s the passion we share within the business finance arena that matches perfectly with the Niche Business Awards.
It’s great to hear people’s business journeys, what makes them tick and what makes them a success. Being an award winner is great because it’s shared within a room of people that really understand what it takes to run and make a successful business
I chose to become an ambassador because these awards represent best practice. Offering a quality of service is so important and anything that recognises this is something we want to be aligned with.
It was great to attend last year’s ceremony. It was long overdue, having been in lockdown for so long. I expect this year will be no different.
Recognition through awards like these impact small businesses massively through giving kudos and instilling trust amongst peers and potential customers
KAMLESH LODHIA
Airborne Mortgage Solutions
Airborne’s independence gives them access to the whole market and a wide range of mortgage lenders and products, so there’s absolutely nothing ‘standard’ about their offering. Kamlesh has mortgages in his blood and will stop at nothing to find his clients the very best deal. As well as many years of experience, he has a strong focus on the individual applicant and a desire to find the perfect product to make your dream home a reality.
The Niche Business Awards are a great celebration of the Leicester business community. Last year’s ceremony was a little more special, as it was the first time in over a year people could come together in one room. There was so much enthusiasm and support as every business had been through a tough time because of COVID.
Running a business is certainly not easy; there is so much hard work that goes into it. So to be recognised with an award makes business owners know that all their efforts don’t go unnoticed
JOANNE PETERS
JSP VIRTUAL
From full diary and email management to events co-ordination and an overflow reception service, JSP allow their clients space to do what they do best. They invite clients to divert their mobiles, switch off their emails and relax. Their specialist team also has experience in working at HMRC within their debt collection department, so they can take over and help chase income down.
WESLEY HUGHES
Utilities Made Simple
UMS compares business energy prices from multiple suppliers to find out how much their clients could save. They offer free business gas and electricity quotes, deal with all the top brands and work in conjunction with them. Their billing experts have knowledge of all supplier billing regulations and layouts.
Being an ambassador is about sitting down with some big decision makers in Leicester that can hopefully aid my business and its growth and future plans. Last year’s ceremony brought a good mix of people together and there wasn’t too much business chat. For me, it was about making a few connections and hopefully engaging later down the line. I think it gives the SME owners the opportunity to sit around with fellow SME owners and build relationships with those in the same boat, sharing experiences and knowledge
IMRAN SATTAR
AIMS Accountants
AIMS Accountants for Business are a market leader in core accountancy and taxation services for small, local and independent businesses. They’ve been established for nearly 30 years now, and with over 200 qualified accountants nationwide, continue to enjoy robust growth along with a successful track record. AIMS Accountants have the knowledge and expertise in all areas of accounting and tax services and are more than happy to take on the bean-counting and number-crunching for any Leicestershire business.
GET YOUR TICKETS < NOW >
Taking place at Athena Friday, September 2 7pm till late
£85 per ticket £800 for a table of ten
Ticket price includes drink on arrival, three-course gala dinner and the glamorous awards ceremony itself
