4th-15th NOVEMBER 2024
We are extremely thankful to our partners, sponsors and supporters for their continued support, without which Leicester Business Festival would not have seen the success it has, and would not be returning in the coming years.
Headline Partner
De Montfort University has played a pivotal role in the city’s business community since it was founded in 1860. The university works alongside companies to provide professional development courses, develop product ideas and identify commercial opportunities. DMU aims to be the business partner of choice for companies looking to develop and grow in Leicestershire. It has been transformed with a £136 million reimagining of the campus that has created a modern, inspiring environment and is a bold statement of confidence in the university and the city.
0116 255 1551 | http://www.dmu.ac.uk
Partners
The Business Gateway Growth Hub is a free service to support Leicester and Leicestershire Businesses.
We offer one-to-one, tailored support and guidance for businesses seeking help, information and advice to restart and grow.
You can access commercially focused and joined-up advice – whatever your business stage – that’s free, impartial and delivered with one goal in mind: growing your business. Our advisers open the doors to industry contacts and support programmes including sector expertise and funding.
Visit our website today and explore the range of expert advice, support programmes, finance opportunities and free webinars to restart and grow your business.
Call 0116 366 8487 or Submit an Enquiry Form
Follow us on Twitter @bizgateway or LinkedIn: business gateway growth hub
Sign up for the latest business support programmes, news updates, and webinars:
www.bizgateway.org.uk/subscribe
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) was formed in May 2011. Following the government’s review of LEP’s in 2018 it was recommended that all Local Enterprise Partnerships become incorporated. We became LLEP Limited in April 2019.
The LLEP is a strategic body led by a Board made up of local government and business leaders as well as senior education and third sector representatives. The LLEP Board draws upon the expertise of senior leaders from the sectors mentioned and all our Board Members’ time is given on a voluntary and unpaid basis.
The LLEP’s remit is to drive forward regeneration and growth of the local economy, by:
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Working with Government to set out key investment priorities for Leicester & Leicestershire
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Engaging with business, local authorities, Higher Education, Further Education, the voluntary sector and other stakeholders
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Facilitating local partnership working and relations with national Government
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Influencing national Government economic policy and spending
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Investing LLEP funding and aligning partner resources
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Through its investments, influence and activities ensure positive outcomes for the local economy
0116 454 2917 | admin@llep.org.uk
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is the biggest business-representation organisation in the Midlands, with about 4,200 members. It is the go-to place for answers.
It represents businesses of all sizes and across all sectors through a diverse range of activities from providing essential support, training and staff development at all levels, apprenticeships, international trade documentation, trade missions, international student placement, digital growth programmes, delivering the Collaborate programme in Leicestershire and D2 Business Starter Programme in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, delivering superfast broadband initiatives across all three counties and South Yorkshire, data gathering and analysis, advising businesses about Brexit and providing guidance on opportunities such as Heathrow expansion, HS2 and the fourth industrial revolution, working alongside academia and employers to close the skills gap, campaigning and lobbying, and more – always with the needs of business foremost.
Members also benefit from a range of opportunities to network and showcase their products and services.
Sponsors
Brewin Dolphin was founded on the belief that the successful management of wealth takes an understanding of money but is rooted in an even deeper understanding of people. Being able to forge strong relationships with people is an essential part of the work that Brewin Dolphin carry out, enabling them to better understand their clients future ambitions.
0116 242 0700 | leicester@brewin.co.uk | https://www.brewin.co.uk
Pattersons Commercial Law is a law firm that prides itself in understanding the business needs of its clients and in providing creative solutions to unique challenges.
With industry knowledge ranging across technology, retail, e-commerce, accountancy, healthcare and much more, Pattersons Commercial Law can advise small and medium businesses with all aspects of their commercial legal needs including corporate transactions, equity investment and commercial property requirements.
0116 319 1110 | advice@pattersonscommerciallaw.com | www.pattersonscommerciallaw.com
The University of Leicester is a world-leading university ranked 21st out of 766 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking. This places it in the top 3% in the world.
The University has a bold vision for enterprise; to help drive the innovation and skills needed to grow the Midlands, UK and world economies. Our ambitions don’t stop there: we will continue to tackle global challenges and transform lives through our research, innovation and new technologies.
Our approach is to build on our international reputation and strengths in sectors such as space, medicine and transport. And to grow our collaborations and impressive portfolio of partnerships with multinationals, leading pharmaceutical companies, small and medium businesses, public and third sector organisations.
Supporters
“As a local independent family business, we’re delighted to be involved with the Leicester Business Festival. We strive to nurture local talent with our own team and working with independent business owners running their own pubs.
Everards are proud to be from Leicestershire, a reason why we have beers dedicated to local landmarks, people or folklore and we aim to promote the region’s strengths whenever possible. We are currently investing in our new Leicestershire home including new brewery, offices and beer hall and cycle hub and café at Everards Meadows next to Fosse Park.
We look forward to continuing our support for the region through working with other local businesses, supporting business owners and continuing our partnerships with great local attractions such as Leicester Tigers, Leicester Riders and The Curve as well as the Leicester Business Festival.” Stephen Gould, Managing Director
0116 201 4100 | mail@everards.co.uk | https://www.everards.co.uk
A partnership of private and public sector organisations, collectively championing Leicester and Leicestershire’s inward investment, property and construction message and promoting the vast range of development and investment opportunities, at MIPIM.
Team Leicester comprises experts in property, construction, architecture, surveying, legal and consultancy services from across the region, who want to collaborate and connect.
0116 464 5995 | hello@teamleicestermipim.com | www.teamleicestermipim.com
Leicester Castle Business School (LCBS) exists to meet the needs of 21st Century business. The school offers high calibre students and researchers from around the world the skills they need to succeed in the modern world of business and enterprise, and to meet their aspirations.
Part of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), LCBS goes beyond business as usual, offering a learning environment where students are encouraged to challenge convention, and given the opportunities and tools to think, create and inspire.
0116 255 1551 | https://www.dmu.ac.uk
Bradgate Estates Ltd is a family owned property development company based in the Midlands that specialises in high end student and PRS blocks.The company has built and sold over £90 Million worth of property over the last four years, consisting of Private Rented Sector and Student Blocks in Russell Group university cities Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield.
0116 270 8450 | https://bradgate-estates.com
Highcross opened its doors in September 2008 in the heart of Leicester City Centre. Highcross has over 100 shops and 35 cafes and restaurants providing 104,900 m² of retailing across two retail levels, integrated into the city centre. Alongside John Lewis, Highcross has major stores such as Urban Outfitters, Zara, Apple, Topshop and Reiss and premium retail and leisure brands, Hugo Boss and Cinema de Lux.
In addition to the retail offer, the public square and external spaces, Highcross offers a dining and leisure destination with Treetop Adventure Golf, Social Cimbing, Tamatanga, Wagamama, Friday’s and Turtle Bay.
0116 242 8600 | customerservice@highcrossleicester.com | www.highcrossleicester.com
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund, is an initiative launched by the government-owned British Business Bank.
MEIF is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the West Midlands and East and South East Midlands.
It provides over £250m of commercially focussed finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of concept and Equity Finance funds and is a key part of the government's vision aimed at boosting the region's economy and supporting the growth of smaller businesses. These investment options are designed to plug common gaps in the provision of finance, giving businesses access to much needed funding.
The government firmly believes that SMEs form the foundation of the region's future growth. MEIF therefore aims to nurture regional entrepreneurship by providing investment and support for small businesses. MEIF's funding will support new and growing SMEs, create jobs and encourage and attract additional private sector investment.
The new Novotel Hotel Leicester is both stylish and luxurious with design touches to Leicester’s industrial past making it a truly modern and memorable experience.
The 154-bedroom hotel has incorporated a much-anticipated independent restaurant NineB. With a central Leicester location, this new build hotel offers style, design, experience, service and city centre location.
The hotel offers a 60-square meter Presidential Suite enjoying views of the city and surrounding county, nine junior suites, 38 executive rooms and a further 106 superior rooms offering air conditioning throughout the hotel and 55” Chromecast TV’s.
NineB Restaurant is a stylish and bright space, celebrating the best of Leicestershire’s cuisine offering snacks, coffee, cocktails and craft beer sourced from local suppliers. Indulge in all-day dining in our restaurant or choose to go alfresco on our terrace.
0116 482 0440 | nikki.wilson@accor.com | www.novotelleicester.com
PPL PRS Ltd is a joint venture between PPL and PRS for Music, with the aim to provide the best music licensing experience possible.
Previously business and organisations had to buy two separate licences from both societies, however with the launch of TheMusicLicence they now only need one licence to legally play music to their customers and employees.
The revenue collected through TheMusicLicence helps to support the future of new music and enables people to make a living out of writing, playing and performing music.
As businesses start to get back up and running, music can help to ease anxiety and increase customer engagement. Music can help to restore the rhythm to your business.
0800 072 0808 | themusiclicence@pplprs.co.uk | www.pplprs.co.uk
FSB is the UK’s largest grassroots business campaigning group, which ensures the voice of small businesses is heard at the highest level across the UK, as well as providing business services and products to our members.
Established in 1974, we are led by a team of our members for the benefit of all of our members. Our local team of staff and volunteers in Leicestershire campaign, run member events, and offer support to our 2,000 members in the county. You can find us on facebook and twitter too.
We're a proudly not-for-profit organisation with the best interests of our self-employed and small business members at the heart of everything we do. We support Leicester Business Festival and its aims to make this a great place to do business.
Members get an exclusive package of business services including advice, financial products and support. These cover a wide range of benefits such as tax, legal and HR, networking, business banking, insurance services, funding and much more.
To join FSB, go to www.fsb.org.uk/join or contact customerservices@fsb.org.uk.
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Leicester Business Improvement District (BID) was voted in in November 2017. The BID area includes 698 businesses, covering most of Leicester city centre. Over its five-year term, BID Leicester will raise £4.2m revenue to spend on projects which help to make the city a great place to live, work, study and do business. For more information on BID Leicester’s work, read the full business plan and information about ongoing projects online.
The IoD has a mission to create better directors, encourage entrepreneurialism and stand up for good governance. Members benefit from connections, professional development and an influential organisation on their side that represents their concerns to government.
IoD East Midlands has around 1,500 members and hosts a wide range of events including business forums, networking events and social days along with the coveted regional Director of the Year Awards.
Leicester Comedy Festival is the UK’s longest running dedicated comedy festival which has taken place each February since 1994. The festival makes a significant contribution to the local economy, and continues to help raise the national profile of the city. The festival is produced by registered charity Big Difference Company and enjoys working with business partners from across Leicester and Leicestershire.
info@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk | www.bigdifferencecompany.co.uk
The Lionheart Academies Trust is a renowned family of eleven schools based in and around Leicestershire. By providing the highest-quality education in each of their unique schools, the Trust is committed to supporting young people to open doors to their futures and to feel confident that they can thrive in a competitive world.
By being forward-thinking, the Lionheart Academies Trust ultimately aims to break down barriers between their students and their successes so that they can make a positive contribution to their current and future communities. They believe that every young person, no matter their background, has an equal right to an equal education.
The Trust is currently working with local businesses and community stakeholders alike to uphold this pledge: by providing digital devices to their most disadvantaged students who have been disproportionally affected by Covid-19. This campaign will help the Trust level the playing field when it comes to the widening achievement gap in education.
01162729100 | info@lionhearttrust.org.uk | https://www.lionhearttrust.org.uk/
Digital Ethos is an award-winning, full-service digital marketing agency headquartered in Leicester. We provide exceptional, top-performing digital marketing campaigns for businesses of all shapes and sizes in all industries, backed by extensive experience and data-driven results. We act as an extension of our clients’ internal marketing team, building honest relationships and understanding their business inside out to deliver winning strategies.
Media Partners
Launched in 1999, Metro’s core product was designed to brighten up the morning commute for an Urbanite audience and it does that today as well as ever before. Metro’s content is concise, relevant and engaging, presented in a visually appealing, well-designed fashion. It remains a sought-out product for all the latest news, sport, entertainment and daily features which focus on food, travel, fashion, technology, film, music and so much more.
Readers get fully up to date with all they need to know for the day ahead and armed with plenty of conversation starters – Metro makes mornings worth talking about. And its carefully targeted distribution network guarantees that Metro gets into the hands of a targeted and specific, aspirational audience that is incredibly valuable to advertisers.
07747 564664 | James.Loran@metro.co.uk | https://www.mailmetromedia.co.uk
Official LBF App
Partner
Infonote is a Software & App development specialist serving businesses across the UK. Specialising in bespoke software development, cross platform app development, database development, API
development and Web services. Our highly knowledgeable team are here to support businesses
throughout their technology journey, building strategies, defining and scoping projects, creating
specifications, delivering projects and providing ongoing client support services.
"The Leicester Business Festival is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to showcase their talents to the rest of the UK and beyond. It is an opportunity for Leicestershire to throw a spotlight on the vibrant business community that exists and it’s a really good opportunity to be part of a popular and growing series of events that bring businesses of all types together.
The festival is the perfect opportunity for myself and the team at Infonote to network and develop new business relationships, discuss potential collaboration partnerships and promote the benefits of technology & innovation with other businesses. As a member of the business community we believe that it is important to support the festival by taking part, generate interest amongst other businesses and continue to encourage further investment in our local economy." - Peter Whelan, Managing Director, Infonote
In Association With
We specialize in corporate events, production and more particularly in company critical events such as high-profile product launches and press announcements.
In tandem with this, we offer 'concept to delivery' event management services for bespoke events, festivals and celebrations and act for clients who require a full event service delivery offer, including PR, Media, Marketing, Press and Brand development.