Aspirational Autumn / Winter 2016 Edition 14

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magazine MEGAN FOX: VIXEN OF THE SILVER SCREEN THE 100 ANNIVERSARY OF ROALD DAHL, A CENTENARY CELEBRATION STILL A WINNER – A LOOK AT F1 LEGEND NIGEL MANSELL CBE CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF DIGITAL TH

EDITION 14

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ASPIRATIONAL magazine

ASPIRATIONAL

in this edition...

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

MEGAN FOX

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Dominic Gomersall writes: As the current ‘custodian’ of Lumbers, our family business, my ambition has always been to leave a sustainable, successful and fun business for the next generation of my family. It, therefore, gives me an immense satisfaction and relief that the move to the High Street seems to give credence to these aspirations! Although my son Freddie is only 11 years old, it would give me great delight and pride to welcome him to the business in the future should he express such a wish. However, more imminently. my step daughter, Maddie, has joined the business under her own fledgling ‘Design studio’ venture called ‘Voila’. Maddie has reinvigorated our website, advertising, printed medium, photography and visual merchandising adding a fantastic new freshness to Lumbers. She has also been welcomed by the team adding a daily burst of enthusiasm, energy and positive mentality. I am so proud of her and so pleased I have a business that is allowing her to showcase her considerable talents. Maddie has also contributed to this being our most decorated year ever! We are delighted that Lumbers have won national and local recognition for the business relocation and subsequent success. With multiple national awards such as Inspiring Independents being re-enforced with local awards such as Leicester Mercury Retail Business of the Year. We have almost needed to build a trophy room.....which nicely brings me to my next topic! WE ARE BACK!! It gives me great pleasure that Leicester Tigers have invited Lumbers to return and sponsor the club. We have had many magical moments supporting the Tigers and we are really looking forward to being part of the club again. The Lumbers Player of the Month awards were highly prized by the players and many current and past players have become personal friends through this initiative, so it will be rewarding to renew. It is also a delight to be a sponsor alongside my great friend Ian Mattioli and Mattioli Woods who have invested fabulously in our club before their own relocation to only a drop kick away from the Welford Road stadium in 2017! This sponsorship continues our traditional support of local sports and causes as we continue to assist Leicester Riders as they go from strength to strength in their new arena. Of course, no mention of sport in Leicester can omit Leicester City and the amazing exploits of the last year – it gives Lumbers great satisfaction that two of our brands, Tag Heuer and Hublot, are the timing partners for the Premiership and Champions League giving us continued presence within the game. Voting for the Lumbers Player of the Month will be available on our brand new website. In addition, to making the Lumbers shopping experience ever more complete, this new website is a fully functional e-commerce site, with superb imagery, and user friendly layout designed by Maddie. So, if you are unable to visit us in person, please do go online to www.lumbers.co.uk and you can make your purchase in the comfort of your own home and still be assured of the Lumbers quality and service. Lastly, the festive season is upon us and my team have worked tirelessly to offer you the best selection of luxury goods in Leicester. We are enjoying our expansive ranges and the extensions into the ‘Lumbers Lifestyle’ department that houses Aspinal of London, Georg Jensen, Lalique and MontBlanc. This complements our jewellery and watch collections and gives us a complete luxury experience. We look forward to welcoming you in store for our second festive season on the High Street and wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch - £9875 With Co-Axial Chronograph Movement and Meteorite Dial. Available from: Lumbers

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lumbers.co.uk • 0116 255 1233

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

Editor in Chief Matthew Hayes Sales Director Sophia Hayes Features Editor Sarah Hatcher Sales Manager Rebecca Stafford Advertising Executives David Philips Roxanna Hayes Amelia Frost Ellie Harrison

ASPIRATIONAL

magazine

editor’s note I’d like to express my pride in welcoming you to the 14th edition of Aspirational Magazine. Without the help of so many people, it simply would not be possible to produce a publication of this quality and range. With

Features Writers Rebecca Hales Amy Coleman Kellie Tillyer Francesca Bonfiglio Rory Baxter Richard Padmore

that in mind, I’d also like to express my deep gratitude for the efforts of our entire Production Team and the steadfast support of our partners.

Senior Designer Ewen Lewis

It’s a real team effort and once again everyone has pulled

Designers Kristian Goodeve Terri Burton Liam Creek Luke Wilcoxson Annie Taylor

strike a wonderful balance between informative editorial,

Photography Kristian Goodeve Antonia Doyle Web Development Amad Tababa Alex Gunningham

Contributors

Dominic Gomersall Michelle Dilley James Warne Bob Woods Ian Mattioli John Scanlon

Janine Edwards Kirsty Brown Chris Darlington Captain Tony Spacey Simon Barrs Huw Graham

together beautifully to create what we believe to be one of the very best editions yet of Aspirational Magazine. As ever, we lifestyle suggestions, travel and sports. Beyond that, we throw the spotlight on some of the East Midlands’ most forward thinking and energetic business ventures and fill you in on recent highlights of the social calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on anything that’s happening in our exciting region. Megan Fox, who first rose to prominence in the Transformers movie series, has turned in some blockbuster performances in recent years. Our cover feature showcases her career and explores the resurgence she’s made with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Sticking with the silver screen, we mark the 100th birthday of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, star of Spartacus, The Vikings and scores of other classic hits, Kirk Douglas, with a look back over his contribution to global popular culture. By the same token, arguably the world’s greatest ever children’s writer, Roald Dahl, would also have celebrated his century this year. That gave us the excuse we needed to revisit our youth and zero in on his unique influence. Still in the realms of fantasy and adventure, we take time out to investigate the genius of the Disney stable and the success it has enjoyed rebooting so many of the favourites that first helped establish it as one of the world’s best loved brands. Closer to home, Leicestershire’s own A-lister Sam Bailey has recently released her new album Sing My Heart Out and is preparing for another nationwide tour, so we uncover the influences behind her latest original material.

www.aspirational.uk.com For mailing list and subscription enquiries please visit www.aspirational.uk.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Sophia Hayes on 08453 31 30 31 or email: shayes@championsukplc.com

Those of you familiar with Aspirational Magazine know just how seriously we take our sport. With 2016 having been such a triumph, it would be remiss of us not to highlight the marvellous achievements of our sportspeople, both across the UK and at regional level. Not only do we dissect a glorious summer in Rio for Team GB’s Olympians and Paralympians with the help of Dame Kelly Holmes, Colin Jackson CBE and Audley Harrison MBE, but we also weigh up the 2017 prospects of Eddie Jones’ renascent England Rugby XV. And with Lewis Hamilton battling it out, at the time of writing, for his fourth F1 title with teammate Nico Rosberg, we dial it back to appreciate the skill and endeavour of 1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell.

Published By

Everyone here at Aspirational Magazine has an ear to the ground on local sports. Our social pages keep you up to date with the very best sportsmen and women the East Midlands has to offer and recognise the most dynamic companies and entrepreneurs in the region.

Champions (UK) plc Barrington House, Leake Road, Costock, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6XA Tel: 08453 31 30 31 Fax: 08453 31 30 32 www.championsukplc.com

Please note: Aspirational magazine is fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors or omissions. Aspirational Magazine can under no circumstances be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the magazine. We cannot be held liable or responsible for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials, photography or any other matter supplied by third parties. The views and opinions expressed within this magazine are not necessarily those of the6 publisher or indeed Aspirational Magazine or any featured parties.

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As you’d expect, we’ve got some epic travel ideas and bags of winter style tips as well, plus the lowdown on our region’s finest restaurants and cuisine. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To put it simply, there’s something for everyone in this edition of Aspirational Magazine, so put your feet up and dive in. Thank you all again for your support and have a wonderful Christmas 2016.

Matthew Hayes Editor in Chief

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LEICESTER’S FINEST JEWELLERS SINCE 1881

62-66 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP T: 0116 255 1233

www.lumbers.co.uk

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LINK LADY #linkyourlives Cara Delevingne challenges rules.

Being free-minded is her motto and like TAG Heuer she defies conventions.


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34 BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

Megan Fox ………………………................14

The Masters ...........................................60

How Disney Movies Just Keep On Giving......................................84

The vixen of the silver screen

Sam Bailey .............................................26 A look at the X Factor superstar’s new album

The Season Of Style ……………………….34 Consider your attire for the festive season

Christmas Gift Guide ...........................40 Our pick of the great brands at intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham

The Modern Gent .................................52 Suits and jackets are no longer just for the office

Where the world’s best golfers compete for that famous green jacket

Kirk Douglas Turns 100 .......................64 Celebrating a centenary for the American actor

Nigel Mansell CBE.................................68 Still a winner on the golf course

Remaking the magic

Cookers of Distinction...........................94 Where the cooks go…

The Hidden Gems of Nottingham ......96 Two venues that provide the perfect package

Great Britain’s Golden Olympics.........70 What a year 2016 turned out to be for Team GB

RBS Six Nations ....................................76 Keeping Up With The Joneses

100 Years of Roald Dahl ......................80 Celebrating the genius story teller

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70 FINE DINING GUIDE

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

SOCIAL AND NETWORKING

Gregg Wallace looks at the best places to eat............................... 100

The Bespoke Tailor.............................. 114

Derby Telegraph Business Awards

Gino’s Pear Tree................................... 101 Hambleton Hall................................... 102 Perkins Bar & Bistro........................... 103

Effortlessly elegant, always stylish

Leicester Business Festival................ 116 The second festival proves to be a huge success

Going Digital the Champions Way.................................. 118 Successful e-commerce strategies can level the playing field

Dining at intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham......................................... 106

Smith Partnership Solicitors.............. 122

Hotel Maiyango.................................. 108

Rainbows Hospice.............................. 128

Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship Sam Bailey Album Launch David Lloyd Cricket Dinner Aspirational Club Country Pursuits Day Battle of Eden Rugby Dinner

Leading firm status fits like a glove

Looking at the great work that the charity does for children

George Mudford & Sons.................... 130 Providing marquees for over 178 years

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VIXEN

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OF THE

Megan Fox is one of Hollywood’s most recognised faces and Aspirational Magazine takes a look at her path to stardom.

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Cover and top left picture: Megan Fox attends Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - UK Premiere at Odeon Leicester Sqr. Right side: Portrait session to announce Megan Fox as the new face of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans

When parents Gloria and Thomas welcomed their new baby girl into the world on 16 May 1986 they had no idea that the tiny human being they held in their arms would one day turn out to become recognised around the world for her stunning appearance and acting talents. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Fox saw her conventional family set-up break down when she was just three years of age following her parents’ divorce. Despite being too young to understand the sudden change in family dynamic, she seemed to have her career aspirations straight from the very beginning: “I wanted to be an actress from the time I was two. My mom said it was the only thing I ever said I wanted to do. When I was four or five, I watched ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and for a year I asked her to call me Dorothy. When my mom explained to me that Dorothy was not real, that an actress plays her, I decided I wanted to be an actress.” The drive to become a successful actress only intensified when at the age of five she started training in the arts at her local community centre. It seemed as if nothing could get in the way of the young girl’s dream. Her training continued even after her mother and step father Toni made the life changing decision to move the family to Florida when Fox was just ten years of age. She spent these early years juggling regular acting training with schooling commitments at her Catholic school and it was after her thirteenth birthday – an age that saw her win several talent competitions – that she began modelling.

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School was a rollercoaster ride for the aspiring actress. She was severely bullied at the age of seventeen she made the executive decision to leave school, go it alone in Los Angeles and chase after the career she had always dreamed of. The glamour and success that buzzed around the famed city only made her hungrier for her place on the red carpet and unsurprisingly it did not take long for someone to recognise her immense talent and alluring passion for acting. It was the year 2004 that changed Megan’s life forever as she scored her first feature film, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, in which she was to be cast alongside teenage superstar Lindsay Lohan and Australian hunk Adam Garcia. She played the part of pampered rich kid Carla Santini. Megan brought a fresh confidence to the industry and the strong, confident and ambitious traits she showcased through Carla have seemingly stuck with her throughout her career. The same year she appeared alongside Kaley Cuoco in the comedy flick Crimes of Fashion and also stepped into the world of sitcom playing Sydney Shanowski in ABC’s Hope and Faith, where she remained for three years until the show was cancelled in 2006. Ever the determined female, Fox did not stay out of work for long and in 2007 a sudden change of genre landed before her. After being wowed by her audition esteemed director Michael Bay selected her for his new science fiction film Transformers. Playing Mikaela Banes, the fearless love interest of Shia LaBeouf’s character, it was a role that unbeknown to Megan would catapult her into a whirlwind of fame – a fame that every girl her age was envious of.

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The film obtained a number of awards and generated $700million worldwide and from that moment on Fox became the actress that everyone was talking about. The industry went into a frenzy and began to look at her differently as she quickly transitioned from brooding teenager to worldwide sex symbol. Her newly found sex appeal meant that she was top of the list for magazine editors and throughout the years she has appeared on the cover of Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ and Elle as well as being ranked number one in FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the World poll. Twenty three and career driven as ever Fox starred in How to Lose Friends & Alienate People alongside Simon Pegg in 2008 before landing the lead role in yet another genre diversion, Jennifer’s Body – a horror film in which she played a possessed lesbian high school cheerleader. The role secured her two Teen Choice Awards for Female Hottie and Movie Actress of the Year, but the meaning behind the role was rooted far deeper than award recognition with Fox claiming she wanted to prove to girls everywhere that it is okay to be different in a world full of judgemental people. The highly anticipated sequel to the first Transformers film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen followed in 2009 grossing $836.3 million.

definitely too young to watch this movie right now, but I’m very aware that in the future I’ll be able to show it to them and hopefully they’ll think for a minute that I’m awesome or that I’m magic. Doesn’t every parent want that?” After a short break from the limelight to focus on her new baby, Megan recently arrived on our TV screens at home with her part in Fox television network’s New Girl which has received much critical acclaim since the first episode aired in 2011. The sixth season was released in April 2016 and saw Fox guest appear as the character Reagan. In a world that is brimming with pressure Megan has succeeded at maintaining a happy family life and an ever rising career which is set to return to the silver screen later this year in James Franco’s comedy drama Zeroville. She will be playing a haunted dame and be in the company of some of Hollywood’s greats including James and Dave Franco, Seth Rogen and Will Ferrell. Megan Fox’s versatile acting ability and dazzling looks have caused a stir in the industry that will last a lifetime and she will no doubt remain in the spotlight for many years to come.

In 2010 Fox married boyfriend of six years and fellow actor Brian Green, best known for his part in the original Beverly Hills 90210, and has gone on to have two children with him, the youngest of which she gave birth to in August 2016. In an interview with Men’s Health she said of her relationship: “You have two people, separate beings, trying to share one life together. That’s always going to have difficulties. Brian is my soulmate. I happen to believe that.” Brief appearances in Friends with Kids (2011) and This is 40 (2012) followed her marriage before she was whisked away into the world of fantasy and comics as she took on her most challenging role, depicting April in the 2014 box-office hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fox had a huge amount of pressure to excel in the role from millions of comic book fans whose hopes were dauntingly high. Unsurprisingly, her vast talent shone through and her performance was full of soul. She stepped into the shoes of April in 2015 for the sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. The films were not only vastly successful worldwide but also secured a spot in Fox’s own affections fulfilling a lifelong dream to break into the fantasy genre. In an interview with Men’s Health she said: “I’ve been a super-fan of the Turtles forever, so I wanted to be in this movie no matter what, whether I was playing April or just some extra in the background. I just wanted to be a part of it. My kids are

Main left picture: Megan Fox poses for a portrait powered by Samsung Galaxy at Comic-Con International Right side, top left: Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Megan Fox, film director Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf attend the Moscow premiere of ‘Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen’ Right side, top right: Megan Fox and Alan Ritchson as Ninja Turtle Raphael are seen filming on location for ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Right side, bottom right: Jake Johnson and guest star Megan Fox in the ‘Heat Wave’ episode of New Girl

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UNMISTAKABLY LONDON. DISTINCTIVELY JUMEIRAH.

Experience the ultimate London stay at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge. Indulge yourself at The Peak Health Club & Spa with our range of new beauty treatments. Relax in the luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views over London and dine in style at the award-winning Rib Room Bar & Restaurant.

Visit jumeirah.com or call 020 7235 1234 to find out more.

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

SING MY HEART

OUT If someone had told former prison officer Sam Bailey that three years after she stepped into the audition room on the X Factor she would have welcomed in 2016 with a trip to America to work with one of the most renowned music producers in the world and had a second album under her belt, we are sure she would ask them to pinch her again. But with her new album Sing My Heart Out now gracing the shelves of stores around the UK and her tour just around the corner it is very much a reality. Inspirational takes a look at the new music and the future of the Leicestershire woman with bags of talent and vocals that could shatter glass. First let’s step back three years to a 35 year old timid Sam Bailey who stood in front of Sharon, Gary, Nicole and Louis thinking she was too old for the industry. Urged on by her loving husband Craig, she gave her first ever audition everything she had. Raising goosebumps and causing a standing ovation Sam’s career truly took off from that point forward.

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Under the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne – who is also a god mother to Sam’s youngest daughter Miley – she was the favourite to win from the very beginning of the show right up to the moment that Dermot O’Leary officially announced her as the new winner. The moment she stepped off the stage she was cast into the limelight and her life changed forever. She went on to release her debut single Skyscraper which reached Christmas number 1 and was quickly followed up with her first album The Power of Love. The album shot through the charts with dedicated fans backing the singer on her new found career. Those very fans also filled seats at venues around the UK as she embarked on her national sell-out tour in 2015. Remaining a prominent figure in the music industry she has performed at countless festivals around the world, appeared on popular television shows and in 2016 followed her passion for theatre and was cast as Mama Morton in National Theatre show CHICAGO which she performed in until July 2016. Sam first hinted at new music at the end of 2015 when she announced on her fan club that there was some “exciting times ahead” and that fans should “watch this space”. She then confirmed it when she revealed that in January 2016 she had travelled across the pond with her new management agency Champions (UK) plc to make music with Steve Dorff. She could barely contain her excitement as she stepped into the recording studio with a man who has worked with some of the industry’s most illustrious icons such as Kenny Rogers, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, George Strait and Vanessa Williams. In the nine months that followed Sam spent endless hours in the studio with former A1 member and songwriter Ben Adams who has written and produced a number of songs for the Sing My Heart Out Album. Back to the present day the finished album is out in the world and takes pride of place on shelves in Tesco, ASDA and HMV as well as storming the online world via Amazon, iTunes and Spotify. The album name Sing My Heart Out pinpoints exactly what Sam had to do in that audition room to secure the future she wanted, and the music that features on it is a true reflection of Sam’s journey to stardom with many of the songs inspired by real life events. Aspirational Magazine were keen to find out first hand from Sam more about the album and the inspiration behind it. How do you feel about finally releasing the album? I can’t quite put it into words. The album has been a long time in the making and I have had to keep a lot of it under wraps for so long that it still hasn’t quite hit home that it is actually out there in the hands of my audience! As with any music artist it’s always scary releasing new music, I have completely put myself out there. When Sing My Heart Out was officially released on the 16th September I was a bag of nerves, but I am so humbled by the reception it has received since and I have to double take when I am in ASDA doing my food shop and I walk past hundreds of copies of my face on the shelf. How would you describe the music on the album? From the beginning I knew I wanted variety on the album. It was one thing I was adamant about because for me, there’s nothing worse than an album where every song is the same, and revolves around the same subject. Sing My Heart Out is such an eclectic mix of genres, there are slow songs, ballads, dance tracks and pop - I actually call it, Sam Bailey’s Mixed Bag.

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The album marks a change in direction for your voice. What were the reasons for this? I have an undying love for ballads. I believe they suit my voice and the delivery of ballads are always really powerful, but I no longer wanted to be solely associated with them. I am a true 21st century woman and I wanted to prove that my voice is versatile and can keep up with the regular changes of the industry. I believe Take It Out on The Dancefloor is a prime example of this and seems to be a fan favourite. What is your favourite song on the album? I always struggle to choose one because the songs have been a big part of my life for the past year I have grown to love them all! No Tomorrow is the answer when people ask me this. It is my movie song, it is the song that I picture being played during the rolling credits of a film. The song is also my daughter Brooke’s favourite, she sings it in the car (and she never sings) and knows every single word. What was the biggest challenge you faced with this album? Time! The new music came at a time when I was just beginning rehearsals for CHICAGO so I was spending all day on the stage and then racing to the studio to work with Ben and sometimes I was there until the early hours of the morning. Juggling all of it whilst maintaining family life was a struggle, but I am very lucky that my family have had my back from the very beginning. As everyone else is starting to bid their farewells to 2016, Sam Bailey has had her attentions turned to 2017 for quite some time as her busy schedule continues! The Sing My Heart Out tour will give Sam the opportunity to showcase the new music, but there is also another reason behind the tour. Earlier this year Sam announced that she would be giving budding artists from each of the venues’ surrounding locations the chance to join her on stage for an evening. Sam has also recently confirmed the fantastic up and coming singer, Nikki Loy as her main support act for the tour. Despite her thriving career, Sam has always managed to remain grounded determined not to get caught up in everything that comes with fame. Sam empathises with so many of the struggling artists out there that are looking for their big break and believes the opportunity will help to support them on their journey to success.

For more information on the upcoming tour, album, media information, imagery or interview requests with Sam, please contact Victoria Marconetto, at vmarconetto@ championsukplc.com, or +44 (0) 1509 85 29 27.

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H A N D S H A K E LT D I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H C H A M P I O N S ( U K ) P L C P R E S E N T S

SAM BAILEY S i n g M y H e a r t O u t To u r 2 0 1 7

Thursday 2nd March | Derngate | NORTHAMPTON | 01604 624811

Tuesday 4th April | His Majesty’s Theatre. | ABERDEEN | 01224 641122

Friday 3rd March | Royal Concert Hall | NOTTINGHAM | 0115 989 5555

Wednesday 5th April | Caird Hall. | DUNDEE | 01382 434 940

Saturday 4th March | New Theatre | OXFORD | 0844 871 3020*

Thursday 6th April | Royal Concert Hall. | GLASGOW | 0141 353 8000

Sunday 5th March | Theatre Royal | BRIGHTON | 0844 871 7650*

Friday 7th April | Alhambra. | DUNFERMLINE | 01383 740384

Wednesday 8th March | Grand Theatre. | SWANSEA | 01792 475715

Thursday 27th April | Octagon | YEOVIL |01935 422884

Thursday 9th March | Lighthouse. | POOLE | 01202 280000

Friday 28th April | Beck Theatre | HAYES | 020 8561 8371

Saturday 11th March | Theatres. | MALVERN | 01684 892277

Saturday 29th April | Corn Exchange. | CAMBRIDGE | 01223 357 851

Thursday 16th March | Baths Hall. | SCUNTHORPE | 0844 8542776*

Thursday 4th May | Princes. | ALDERSHOT | 01252 329155

Saturday 18th March | De Montfort Hall. | LEICESTER | 0116 233 3111

Friday 5th May | Pavilion | WEYMOUTH |01305 783225

Wednesday 22nd March | Venue Cymru. | LLANDUDNO | 01492 872000

Saturday 6th May | Princess Theatre | TORQUAY | 0844 871 3023*

Thursday 23rd March | Empire. | LIVERPOOL | 0844 871 3017*

Friday 12th May | Corn Exchange. | KINGS LYNN | 01553 779 102

Friday 24th March | City Hall. | SHEFFIELD | 0114 2789 789

Saturday 13th May | Embassy Theatre. | SKEGNESS | 01507 613100

Saturday 25th March | Barbican | YORK | 0844 854 2757*

Sunday 14th May | Marina Theatre. | LOWESTOFT | 01502 533200

Thursday 30th March | Cresset. | PETERBOROUGH | 01733 265705

Wednesday 17th May | Hippodrome. | BRISTOL | 0844 871 3012

Friday 31st March | Orchard Theatre | DARTFORD | 01322 220000

Thursday 18th May | St David’s Hall. | CARDIFF | 029 2087 8444*

Saturday 1st April | Orchard Theatre. | DARTFORD | 01322 220000

Saturday 20th May | Cliffs Pavilion. | SOUTHEND | 01702 351135

W W W. S A M - B A I L E Y. C O M S E E T I C K E T S . C O M | T I C K E T L I N E . C O. U K B o o k i n g a n d t r a n s a c t i o n f e e s m a y a p p l y. * C a l l s t o 0 8 4 n u m b e r s c o s t u p t o 7 p p e r m i n u t e p l u s y o u r c o m p a n y ’ s a c c e s s c h a r g e AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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Bespoke Creativity At Petra Bentley Hair, a boutique salon nestled in the vibrant university town of Loughborough, Leicestershire, the focus is on creating hairstyles that enhance every client’s natural sense of style and beauty.

what they want from their hairstyle in terms of style, colour and maintenance along with expert advice and guidance from the style team who use their knowledge of latest trends to create a style that exceeds their expectations.

With a passion for hair, the fashion-forward salon, under the guidance of inspirational owner and creative director, Petra, likes to stay ahead of trends and as such looks to key style events such as New York Fashion Week for inspiration on the latest looks, adapting key catwalk trends to suit its clients.

While Petra Bentley is a salon that encourages female empowerment, it isn’t exclusively for women. In fact, the salon is a popular destination for men who are also looking to express their individuality.

Helping clients challenge their self-view, at Petra Bentley the team use their knowledge of the latest trends and cutting-edge techniques to create bespoke hairstyles that ensure every client leaves looking and feeling their very best. With the focus on creating a bespoke experience for every client, everyone gets dedicated consultation time to discuss

As well as cutting-edge hairdressing services, this Aveda salon offers a bespoke wig service which is used by women and men experiencing natural thinning, alopecia or hair loss through illness. Through the service women as well as men can receive advice on the right choice of wig for them as well as make use of an expert cutting service to achieve a natural, contemporary look. Petra Bentley recently achieved No.1 out of 53 salons in the East Midlands based on client reviews through mylocalsalon.co.uk

To book an appointment call 01509 260 077 or visit www.petrabentleyhair.co.uk for more details on the range of services available. 56 Churchgate • Loughborough • Leicestershire • LE11 1UE AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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FOR THIS SEASON’S

e v a h t s u m MANICURE

As the days get shorter and the weather turns inclement, it can be tempting to want to hibernate for the season, venturing out only when absolutely necessary! This winter however, you can beat the winter blues by showcasing your nails with the vibrant, rich seasonal range of colours from Semilac. Renowned for its on-trend colours and high performance formula, Semilac is a hybrid nail polish which combines gel, UV and nail polish for a look that is unrivalled. Just as the bright colours of your summer wardrobe make way for richer, deeper tones, your nails can complement your winter wardrobe with the on-trend colours available in the Semilac New Season range. The range includes a stunning blend of contemporary colours with shades to suit all skin tones. Choose from rich russets, vibrant reds, moody greens as well as berry colours and rich chocolate shades for a look that is effortlessly stylish. And perfect for the party season is the gorgeous range of glitter polishes that add all the sparkle you’ll need to party all night! Semilac is available via salons, where it can be applied during a luxury manicure and for those who struggle to grow their nails, the Semilac hybrid extension range is available, extending nail length by 5mm for natural looking nails. Of course, not everyone can make it to the salon which is why Semilac is available to order and is easy to apply and won’t chip or smudge – making achieving professional looking nails easy. Also available is a range of Semilac ancillary products including LED lamps, brushes, files, towels and tissues. Semilac brand ambassador Amy Childs, who shot to fame in the BAFTA winning The Only Way is Essex, is a fully qualified beauty therapist and is passionate about helping women look their very best.

1st Floor Quintet House | 681 War wick Road | Solihull | B91 3DA

@SemilacUK

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Semilacuk

0121 709 3784

info@semilac.co.uk

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ASPIRATIONAL MAGAZINE READERS RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE 20% OFF ALL ORDERS USING CODE

ASP20

Always immaculately presented, Amy knows that well-manicured nails help to complete her look, leaving her feeling confident to face whatever life has to throw at her. As a fully qualified beauty therapist, she shares her tips with Aspirational Magazine for beautiful nails… •

Healthy nails come from within so take a nail supplement each day to keep nails looking strong and healthy.

Treat yourself to a professional manicure

• Avoid the washing up! Detergents can be very drying to hands and nails so when the dirty dishes call, be sure to wear washing up gloves. •

When painting your nails at home don’t be tempted to cut corners, in applying a base coat before polish you can help protect your nails from staining. Adding a coat of clear gloss will finish the job, adding shine and protection.

As with everything you get what you pay for and nail products are no different. Investing in quality products that help to nourish nails will help the overall look and quality of the nail. Semilac gel polish for example, which is highly pigmented, lasts up to three weeks, meaning less upkeep and long lasting results.

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Gucci at lumbers.co.uk Diamantissima Pendant

£1,530

Aspinal of London at lumbers.co.uk

NO 1 at Debenhams.com

Starlight Night

Eaton Clutch

Jenny Packham Dress

096

£395

£160 Pink Gold 094

Gucci at lumbers.co.uk Yellow Gold and Black Diamond Horsebit Bangle

£3,560

Raishma at raishma.co.uk Blush Geometric Embellish Crop Top

Deep 071

£135

Red

Semilac at www.semilac.com

ASH at ashfootwear.co.uk

UV Hybrid Nail Varnish

£7.99 each

Ladies Shoes

£229

The Season of Style

With the festive season bringing with it an abundance of parties and social gatherings now is the time to start considering your attire. Black screams sophistication and a lace dress, paired with a simple clutch and statement watch or ring is a timeless classic and will see you go down in Christmas party history. If the event is a little more casual but you simply can’t bring yourself to leave the house without something sparkly then a sequined crop or embellished shirt with tapered trousers is a great solution. Add a soft spritz of Charlotte Tilbury’s latest fragrance to add a special touch.

Claudie Pierlot at Selfridges & Co Gold Dress

£420 34 |

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The White Company London at thewhitecompany.com Round Floppy Hat

£59

Breitling at lumbers.co.uk Galatic 29 Quartz Ladies Watch

£22,300

Raishma at raishma.co.uk Embellished Detailed Shirt

£320

Aspinal of London at lumbers.co.uk Classic Cashmere Gloves

£47

Three Floor at Selfridges & Co Ladies Floral Feeling Dress

£320

NO 21 at Selfridges & Co Bow detail unicorn-embellished satin mules

Gucci at lumbers.co.uk Rose Gold Onyx and Diamond Horsebit Ring

£595

£5,400

Charlotte Tilbury at charlottetilbury.com Scent of a Dream, 30ml

from £49

Chopard at lumbers.co.uk Imperiale Calfskin Purse

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Participants at this year’s Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship were treated to luxury treatments courtesy of leading beauty salon Femi Health & Beauty. The annual golf event, held at Warwickshire’s Nailcote Hall, brings the golfing elite together with amateurs and celebrities for four days of outstanding golf, friendly rivalry and, of course, fundraising for the event’s chosen charity – the Rainbows Hospice for life-limited children. Located in the event’s tented village, Femi Health & Beauty set up their very own pop-up boutique to treat weary golfers and attendees to manicures, pedicures, massages and facial treatments. Using products from the world-renowned Decléor brand as well as Elemis and the exclusive Carita range, the treatments were just a taster of what this award-winning Leicester city centre based salon offers. Femi Health & Beauty successfully achieved Decléor’s 25 Years of Loyalty Award at the Decléor UK Aroma Conference held at the Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch in September and are soon to launch Decléor’s new Orexcellence range in the upcoming months. Featuring unique combinations of essential oils and plant oils, the Orexellence range is expertly mixed to meet the client’s needs and is the new anti-ageing must-have for anyone over 50. Femi Health & Beauty also plays host to a selection of new treatments in the salon. Working alongside Dr. Natasha Ranga, a trained GP, the salon now specialises in anti-ageing treatments including unique non-surgical and laser treatments for the body such as hair removal, tattoo removal, management of stretch marks, specialised facials, thread vein treatment as well as revolutionary sought after intimate female rejuvenation. Alongside these innovations, Dr. Ranga also offers botox and filler treatments. Her procedures have been widely featured in national press including The Sun, Daily Mail and Daily Mirror highlighting her success in delivering a range of treatments to help her clients look and feel younger. With 12 treatment rooms, a manicure & pedicure lounge as well as a relaxation room and double treatment room, the salon is the ultimate retreat for sophisticated luxury and a full salon experience.

Femi Health & Beauty 60 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN | t. 0116 253 2393 | www.femi-health-beauty.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm FemiHealthandBeauty

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@Femibeautyleics

@femi_beauty

26/10/2016 09:48


INTIMATE CARE FOR EVERY WOMAN Throughout a woman’s life her body changes and never more so than during pregnancy. This life-changing event sees a woman’s body adapt to accommodate the growing life within her. While there is a lot of post-natal advice around diet and fitness, which helps women to take control over their physical appearance, there is less support around other changes, such as those within intimate areas, which can affect women once they have given birth. Following childbirth, physical symptoms can include loss of vaginal sensation, internal laxity, dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. These can of course lead to psychological symptoms, such as a lack of confidence and worries over body image. Helping women take ownership over their bodies is Leicestershire GP, Dr Natasha Ranga, who has developed a non-surgical treatment process that can alleviate a wide range of symptoms associated with childbirth and menopause. Operating her cosmetic clinic from leading Leicester salon, Femi Health & Beauty, Dr Ranga uses a fractional laser, in a technique she has pioneered, to regenerate vaginal tissue. The process stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix production, improving a wide range of symptoms. The process can also have benefits for those suffering with stress urinary incontinence. The non-surgical process takes only ten minutes to complete and after only one session many patients notice an improvement, including internal and external tightening as well as aesthetic enhancements. As a GP, Dr Ranga is passionate about healthcare and improving the well-being of her patients. Through her treatment clinic at Femi Health & Beauty, the approachable Dr Ranga undertakes a thorough, private consultation process, assessing each patient’s suitability for the treatment, followed by post-treatment reviews. Dr Ranga also offers a range of other treatments including, anti-ageing treatments, dermal fillers, muscle relaxing injections, mole removal, thread vein removal, neck lift and the treatment of teeth grinding, known as bruxism. Dr Ranga is also the first practitioner in Leicestershire to offer the exclusive Neo Elegance LED skin rejuvenation treatment. She is highly trained and has undertaken advanced training with Harley Academy. Dr Ranga uses two lasers: the Cutera Xeo Laser and her Fractional CO2 Laser for Skin Rejuvenation and hair removal. Femi and Dr Ranga have the most advanced cosmetic technology on site using the finest products in luxury surroundings. Dr Ranga offers injectable and non-injectable anti-ageing treatments. Dr Ranga has been featured in the Daily Mail, Mirror and The Sun regarding vaginal rejuvenation.

For more information on the treatments available from Dr Natasha Ranga, including Venus-VT Vaginal Rejuvenation at Femi Health & Beauty T: 0116 293 2393 | www.femaesthetics.com | 60 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN

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DISCOVER BELGRAVIA’S BOUTIQUE BEAUTY

Located in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel offers a warm welcome with a choice of stylish guest rooms and suites. Enjoy all-day dining in Lowndes Bar & Kitchen, discover London with a self guided tour on our complimentary Belgravia Bikes and relax in the indoor swimming pool or jacuzzi at the nearby Peak Health Club & Spa.

For more information, visit jumeirah.com or call +44 (0)20 7823 1234

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Our Christmas pick of great brands, all available at intu Victoria Centre

Modern Rarity Sequin Mini Skirt £120

Tom Ford Emma Cats Eye Sunglasses Tortoise £220

Somerset By Alice Temperley Mia Leopard Print Bra and Pant Set £40

KG Boot:

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John Lewis FlowerStatement Necklace £30

Kurt Geiger Noble Block Heel £230

Modern Rarity Sequin Cami Top £120

Ted Baker Kimla Leather Panel Dress £259

Jigsaw Metallic Roll Top Clutch £98

Whistles Carmen Leather Biker £325

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Our Christmas pick of great brands, all available at intu Victoria Centre

Biba Detachable Faux Fur Collar Leopard Coat £199

All Saints Tonya Dress £118

DKNY Grey pleated tote cross body bag £430

Biba Logo Notebook £10

Aspinal of London Black Patent Bag £595

Biba Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Metallic Jersey Dress £89

JS Collection Cream Sequin Dress £180

Biba Bomber £125

Michael Kors Bronze Dome Crossbody Bag £170

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

YOUR FANTASY HOLIDAY MINUS THE STRESS The countdown for the next holiday always seems to begin as soon as

Dawn is not just any travel consultant, she is a travel expert. Having

another one ends, but the fun of organising a trip away can often be

travelled far and wide herself she is well-versed in all areas of the

lost thanks to a hectic schedule and a pile of pressing work that never

world and is able to organise anything from a relaxed retreat on golden

seems to shrink. This is where a travel counsellor may well be your

sands to arranging an eye opening exploration of tropical rainforests.

saving grace. Taking the time to get to know her clients, Dawn can tailor a package Travel Counsellors is an independent travel company that provides

to suit any budget and pull together the ultimate holiday package.

what is often hailed as a travel PA service to customers around the country. Comprising a network of more than 1,500 travel professionals,

Her expert knowledge allows her to book the entire holiday

the Travel Counsellors take the hassle out of holiday planning.

experience, from printing boarding passes and tickets, securing airport

Dawn Hunt, the Travel Counsellor of the East Midlands

transport and obtaining visas, right down to the finer details including theatre visits, restaurant bookings, sourcing and booking excursions as well as entire day-by-day itineraries for those who want to make the most of every single minute!

With over twenty years in the travel industry, and still remaining as passionate as ever for providing people with their dream

Working from her home in Derby, Dawn is available seven days a week,

holiday, Dawn Hunt is your locally based travel counsellor.

always going that bit extra for her clients and is always able to work

Since she joined the Travel Counsellors back in 2013 she has built

around life’s demands. While you are on board your luxury cruise of the

hundreds of bespoke holiday packages for people around the region

Indian Ocean or roaming around ancient cities of Greece, Dawn will be

and been an intrinsic part in the precious memories for her clients.

at the end of the phone or email to cater to your every need.

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Plan your winter getaway Dawn recently shared a little insight into her favourite winter bookings. “As the chillier air is settling in for winter and that summer holiday is seeming like a lifetime ago, your thoughts may be turning to a winter getaway, and I can certainly help you plan the perfect trip. The unpredictable English weather always gives us a reason to get

For more information on how Dawn can help you achieve

away and I can meet the needs of clients with the urge to sample

your perfect getaway call her on 01332 897 160 or enquire

the delights of sunshine destinations such as Australia, the Maldives,

via email at dawn.hunt@travelcounsellors.com

South Africa and the Seychelles. That being said, nothing quite gets you into the seasonal spirit more than a visit to the Christmas markets whether it be in Belgium, France, Germany or Finland. I have access to a number of bespoke river cruises that can take you to all the Christmas markets around Germany and I have the ability to handle everything from obtaining hotels overlooking the market to a guided tours of the rustic cities. So why not treat your loved ones to an early Christmas present that doesn’t need wrapping?

Contact: DAWN HUNT TRAVEL COUNSELLOR T: 01332 897 160 E: dawn.hunt@travelcounsellors.com W: www.travelcounsellors.com/dawn.hunt

Skiing in Austria, France or various other European countries is always popular and always will be as they are a short flight away and allow people to make the most of a few days away, but I highly recommend looking further afield including Colorado and Japan as they offer breath-taking views and picture-perfect resorts. The skiing season generally runs from November to April so there is no time like the present to get ready to welcome in the New Year in style!” AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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Unparalleled performance, for all of life’s roads. Bentayga.

Introducing the extraordinary SUV. Visit our Leicester Dealer. www.BentleyMotors.com or call 0116 319 39 69. Bentayga fuel consumption – EU Drive Cycle in mpg (l/100 km)*: Urban 14.7 (19.2); Extra Urban 31.0 (9.1); Combined 22.1 (12.8). CO2 Emissions 292 g/km.

BENTLEY LEICESTER

*Fuel consumption figures subject to Type Approval. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2015 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentayga.


BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

As Lewis Carroll’s character The White Rabbit says: “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” Despite being written over 100 years ago the words couldn’t ring more true for the present day. With so many demands on our time from work commitments, children and keeping up with social media it has become more essential than ever to manage it correctly – this is where MoreTime PA Services step in. The company are both virtual and office based and provide a bold, innovative and seamless personal assistant service. They will take the burden of everyday duties off your hands and place them into theirs, leaving you time to dedicate your attentions to the more important areas of your business and life. The expert team assist with business-orientated duties including: • E-mail and diary management • Booking meetings • Travel arrangements and itineraries • Experienced event management (which includes company conferences, offsite meetings and training) • Social media schedules • Invoicing • Financial administration • Research

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Of course we are not just our jobs which is why MoreTime PA provide lifestyle management, concierge services and social event management services too. The brains behind the company are two likeminded business women and even greater friends; Helen and Vikie, who have built the company around their own experiences with time – or lack of it. For twenty seven years the pair worked in the fast-paced environment of High Street bank NatWest and for ten of those years job shared the role of PA to bank executives. Their time was precious and there was always a demand for more of it, giving them great empathy for people juggling work and family whilst trying to maintain a social life. MoreTime PA meet with clients face to face to determine their unique needs and devise a bespoke service around these needs to fundamentally give them the freedom to make the most of their time.

To start making the most of your time get in contact with one of the team at MoreTime PA Services today on 0333 577 8281 or visit www.moretimepaservices.co.uk for more information.

ASPIRATIONAL.UK.COM

02/11/2016 14:54


Your Local Expert Solicitors Our broad experience enables us to provide the best legal service for our clients, appreciating the environments in which they and their business operates. In times of change, uncertainty and difficulty, we help clients just like you to succeed.

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

Leicester 0116 254 8871

Market Harborough 01858 467181

Hinckley 01455 639 900


O U R E XC LU S I V E CHRISTMAS PA C K A G E I N C LU D E S:

Minimum number 80 for exclusive parties, maximum 140.

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As featur ed in OK! and H ELLO

MAGAZINE

Antonia Doyle Photography WEDDINGS | PORTRAIT | BABIES | PETS | SCHOOL | COMMERCIAL | CORPORATE & INDUSTRIAL

Contact Antonia Doyle on info@antoniadoylephotography.com or call 07768 19 38 49 for memorable photography, whatever the occasion.

www.antoniadoylephotography.com

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

PLAY A ROUND IN THE

U.S.A.

Someone once said “golf is a good walk spoiled” but for golf enthusiasts, irrespective of how you’re playing on the day, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The USA is widely regarded as the ultimate international golfing destination, and one which every golfer should experience, whether it’s to play personally or to attend one of the many major tournaments held throughout the golfing calendar year. One of its many benefits is the opportunity of challenging your game on a variety of different types of courses. The beautiful resort courses are in abundance across almost every US state, with a concentration in Arizona, California and Oregon in the west and Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas in the east. There are also challenging links courses such as the infamous Pebble Beach Golf Links and Links at Spanish Bay, which sit on California’s pristine coastline, and The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina. All golfers have a ‘bucket list’ of courses they want to play and undoubtedly they include at least one, if not many, in the USA. If you needed any further persuasion, consider the ultimate bonus of playing the game you love in America – your family will not only agree to come with you but will want to! Aside from the fabulous golfing opportunities, the USA is a fun-filled holiday destination with something for everyone. Whether sun-soaked relaxation or high-intensity activities are on your priority list, North America Travel Service will create an itinerary unique to you and your travelling companions.

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SOUTH WESTERN USA In Arizona you’ll find amazing desert courses in both Tucson and Scottsdale. The terrain brings with it a whole new range of challenges to test your skills, as well as incredible beauty to accompany your game. The luxurious resort properties of Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Tucson and The Phoenician in Scottsdale are not only renowned for their golf courses, but also for their incredible restaurants, upscale accommodations and exceptional spa experiences. Outside of the spectacular resorts, Arizona offers a huge range of activities from hot air balloon expeditions and desert jeep trips to private guided tours of the Canyonlands. California’s courses span from Silverado and Meadowood in the Napa wine region of the north, to the much-loved Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells courses in the south of the state. With well over one thousand golf courses and the myriad of attractions California affords, the holiday possibilities are almost endless. SOUTH EASTERN USA The south eastern states entice with options such as the prestigious nine courses at the historic resort of Pinehurst in North Carolina; Augusta National, home of The Masters in beautiful Georgia; the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Florida and the one of a kind, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail featuring twenty six courses across eleven different sites in Alabama. Combine golfing in Florida with a trip to Orlando’s legendary theme parks or perhaps spend some time at the beach in Naples or Miami. Georgia is awash with courses which pair wonderfully with one of its

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great cities. Choose between the cosmopolitan Atlanta lifestyle and the historic, laid-back pace of Savannah. Alabama’s legendary courses traverse the length of the state and create a perfect fly drive route. Topped and tailed with stays in New Orleans and Memphis, it creates a one-of-a-kind itinerary sampling the sights and sounds of the Deep South.

and paired with premium wines selected exclusively by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson. Customers flying in Delta Comfort+ ™, benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than economy seats, as well as priority boarding. Whichever cabin you choose, you’ll enjoy personal ‘on-demand’ in-flight entertainment.

THE MASTERS Make the ultimate golfing pilgrimage and experience the magic of The Masters in Georgia. Departing on 6th April 2017, our sports package starts at £7590 per person and includes flights, two nights in Atlanta, two nights in Augusta, tickets for the tournament (Saturday and Sunday) and Executive Club hospitality. It’s the perfect holiday for those who have always dreamed of seeing the winner of the famous green jacket.

Virgin Atlantic’s options are just as tempting. Start your Upper Class experience with time out in the Clubhouse, enjoying a bite to eat and a glass of wine. Once onboard, stretch out in your own personal suite which is equipped with a fully flat-bed, socialise at the Upper Class Bar, stay connected with in-seat power and WiFi (selected flights only), and dine on gastronomic delights, complemented with cheese and port. Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy seat offers increased leg room and seat-back recline, a personal footrest and touch screen personal entertainment, all of which help to make your journey more relaxing.

TRAVEL IN STYLE The alliance of Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines® ensures that wherever you’re travelling in the USA, you’ll benefit from a vast choice of schedules to over 200 spectacular destinations, as well as the convenience of flying from London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Belfast. Make your air journey an enjoyable part of your treasured holiday by travelling in style. Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines range of cabin options offers the perfect choice for everyone’s individual preferences: Delta One ™ offers fully flat-bed, Westin Heavenly Inflight Bedding and TUMI amenity kits featuring products by MALIN + GOETZ. Choose from a range of regional dining options, produced from seasonal ingredients

With over 40 years’ experience creating tailor made holidays across the whole of the USA and Canada, with North America Travel Service your holiday couldn’t be in safer hands. 26 Wheelergate, Nottingham, NG1 2ND T: 0115 948 4869 E: nottingham@nats-uk.com W: www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk MANCHESTER | LEEDS | NOTTINGHAM | BARNSLEY | EDINBURGH AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

Magee at Christopher Scotney Jacket

Breitling at Lumbers

£349

Transocean Day Date Automatic

£3,780

Paul Smith Scotney at Christopher Merino Wool

V-neck

£165

Jeffery West at Christopher Scotney Two Tone ‘Bracket’ Lance Wing Tip Gibson Shoe

£259

Hugo Boss at Christopher Scotney Belt

£79

Armani at Christopher Scotney Evening Suit

£1149

Hugo Boss at Christopher Scotney

Breguet at Lumbers Marine Automatic

£11,100

Wash Bag

£149

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THE MODERN GENT

Hugo Boss at Christopher Scotney Socks Twin Pack

This season suits and jackets are no longer just for the office. Opt for a contemporary twist on tailored charm by choosing structured jackets in a check pattern from a palette of earthy tones. To keep on-trend, fabrics should be natural, think soft knit sweaters in pure new wool along with luxe leather outerwear. To tie the look together don’t forget the details, a statement watch along with cufflinks and polished shoes is the perfect way to capture this put-together style.

£15

1 Like No Other at Christopher Scotney

Aspinal of London at Lumbers

Limited Edition Shirt

Forest Green Leather Wallet

£145

£125

Hugo Boss at Christopher Scotney Triple Pack of Boxer Shorts

Deakin & Francis at Lumbers

£35

Frog Cufflinks

£260

Armani Collezioni at Christopher Scotney Shearling Coat

£2599

Aspinal of London at Lumbers Harrison Weekend Travel Bag

£595

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@

Christopher Scotney: The Designer Menswear Store 130 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EB | 0116 254 3957 | www.christopherscotney.co.uk Free car park and alteration tailor in-store. Untitled-1.indd 1

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TIGER S

A world class club. A world class experience.

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY Join us at Kneller Hall, in the shadows of Twickenham Stadium for what’s sure to be an exciting line up of action packed fixtures at the home of English Rugby.

AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS 2016 6 NATIONS 2017 Prices from £645 + VAT per person Prices from £695 + VAT per person England v South Africa – Saturday November 12, 2.30pm England v Australia – Saturday December 3, 2.30pm

England v France – Saturday February 4, 4.50pm England v Scotland – Saturday March 11, 4.00pm

For further information please call 0116 217 1215 or email sales@tigers.co.uk

www.leicestertigers.com/vip


IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

For information on Memberships or Residential Breaks at Archerfield Links please visit

www.archerfieldgolfclub.com

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Archerfield Links in East Lothian on Scotland’s Golf Coast welcomed back the European Senior Tour for the second time with the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open being played over the Fidra Links this August. Defending champion and recent British Senior Open winner Paul Broadhurst, course designer David J Russell, Ian Woosnam and Mark James were amongst the field of 54 professionals taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links style tournament over three days at the Club. England’s Paul Eales claimed his first victory in 22 years as he secured a maiden European Senior Tour title. Eales trailed the overnight leader, former European Tour Number One Ronan Rafferty, by seven shots, starting the day on seven under par. Paul becomes the seventh player to win on the Challenge Tour, European Tour and European Senior Tour, adding to his victories in the 1991 Audi Open and 1994 Extremadura Open. “That is the special thing, knowing that I’d won on the Challenge Tour on the way up, on the European Tour and now here,” said Eales. “It’s extremely special and I know I’ve now joined a small band of brothers who have won on all three Tours. “It’s special to come to Archerfield, one of my favourite places on the planet. To win a title in Scotland, the home of golf, is a privilege.” Archerfield Links Residential Memberships are available for £3250 including 6 nights’ accommodation and up to 12 rounds of golf on either of the two David J Russell designed links courses. Visit www.archerfieldgolfclub.com for more information or email Alan Murray at Alan@archerfieldgolfclub.com

Ronan Rafferty, Steve Scott and Head of the European Senior Tour David MacLaren

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Masters Tony Jacklin CBE takes a look at the tournament where the world’s best golfers battle it out for that famous green jacket...

The Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, will once again welcome the greatest golfers in the world when they gather for the 2017 Masters Tournament, which will be the first of golf’s four major championships to be held in the year – the others being the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. The 81st Masters Tournament – which is already sold out – will take place between 6 April and 9 April and is expected to feature a host of past champions. These include 2016’s winner, England’s Danny Willett, who got to don the famous green jacket for the first time after going around the course in 283. Currently ranking among the world’s top 10 golfers, Danny was the first English player to win the title since Nick Faldo broke Australian hearts 20 years earlier by beating Greg Norman into second place. Willett, whose victory was rewarded with prize money of $1.8m, managed his final round in 67 and pushed the 2015 winner, USA’s Jordan Spieth, into joint second place, just three strokes behind at the end of the tournament. One of the world’s top five players, Spieth was leading for much of the time but a quadruple bogey at the shortest hole

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– the par 3 ‘Golden Bell’ at 155 yards – effectively put an end to his attempt to retain his title and he ended up sharing second place with England’s Lee Westwood. The longest hole at the Augusta, incidentally, is the par 5 ‘Pink Dogwood’ at a challenging 575 yards. Other past winners of the invitation-only Masters expected to grace the greens in ‘17 are Bubba Watson from the USA (he took the title in 2012 and 2014), Australia’s Adam Scott (winner in 2013), Charl Schwartzel from South Africa (2011), the USA’s Phil Mickelson (2004, 2006 and 2010), Ángel Cabrera from Argentina (2009), Trevor Immelman from South Africa (2008), the USA’s Zach Johnson (2007) and his fellow countryman the inimitable Tiger Woods (tournament winner four times in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005). The 2017 Masters is also expected to feature the 2003 winner, Canada’s Mike Weir, Fiji’s Vijay Singh (victor in 2000), Spain’s José María Olazábal (1994 and 1999), the USA’s Mark O’Meara (1998), Germany’s Bernhard Langer (1985 and 1993), Fred Couples and Larry Mize from the USA (winners in 1992 and 1987 respectively) and 1988’s green jacket wearer Scotland’s own Sandy Lyle.

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Danny Willett of England celebrates with the green jacket after winning the final round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia

The 2016 tournament saw former champions Tom Watson and Ian Woosnam bow out for the last time and other big names who are not expected to take part in 2017 include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Fuzzy Zoeller, Nick Faldo, Ben Crenshaw and Tommy Aaron. The Masters tournament was created by Robert T Jones Jr and first played in 1934 with the green jacket – which the winner keeps for a year then returns – introduced 15 years later and first worn by Sam Snead (Sam went on to win the Masters twice more in 1952 and 1954). The record for the most Masters titles is held by Jack Nicklaus who has won six times – in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986. He is also one of only three players to retain the green jacket in consecutive years, the others being Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo. As can be seen from the list above, for the most part there tends to be a different winner of the Masters title every year – there have been 49 champions in 82 years – but two names dominated in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with Jack Nicklaus winning three times in four years and Arnold Palmer winning four times in seven years. In the early 2000s, Tiger Woods repeated Nicklaus’s achievement by winning three titles in four years and the two have the distinction of being the youngest and eldest champions respectively – Woods won when he was just 21 years old and Nicklaus when he was 46.

Among the unique features of the Masters tournament is the fact that it is the only one of the four major championships that is always played on the same course. Also, every player that wins the Masters is invited to take part in the other three tournaments, become a member of the PGA Tour for five years and appear in the Players Championship for five years. Whether Danny Willett gets to join the superstars who have defended their titles – and become only the second English player to do so – or the green jacket goes to a brand new champion, one thing is guaranteed: the Masters 2017 tournament will be packed with excitement and drama and golf fans will be talking about it around the world for a long time to come.

Champions (UK) plc has introduced a unique service that helps turn professional golfers into true golfing champions. Everything Champions of Golf does is motivated by the pursuit of ultimate success and the company’s stable of talent is recognised internationally for its golfing prowess and ability. Find out more at championsofgolf.co.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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YEARS OF KIRK DOUGLAS

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Kirk Douglas the slave Spartacus, ready to fight in a scene from the 1960 film, ‘Spartacus’

This December (9th) sees acting legend Kirk Douglas reach his 100th birthday! To celebrate, Aspirational takes a look over the extraordinary career and life of one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. With his cleft chin, chiselled jaw and movie star good looks it could be easy to think that our favourite centenarian was always destined to be a star. In fact Kirk, born Issur Danielovitch in 1916 to Russian-born immigrant parents, was born in to poverty, with his parents trying to make ends meet on his father’s meagre earnings as a ragman working the streets of New York. From this less than auspicious start, Kirk was determined to make a life for himself and as he grew up, his natural talents began to shine. Despite being a talented wrestler, following a taste of acting in High School plays, Kirk had caught the acting bug.

Keen to make the most of his talents and break free from a life on the breadline, Kirk gained a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which counts Robert Redford, Anne Hathaway and Lauren Bacall as alumni. His early career was interrupted when he signed up to the US Navy during World War II. Serving from 1941 to 1945, Kirk was now a bona fide hero. It was when Kirk hit 30 that his big break came when in 1946, he was cast as District Attorney, Walter O’Neil in the drama, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers. Receiving critical acclaim Kirk was on his way to stardom. With over 90 movies to his name, it is arguably Douglas’ defining onscreen performance in the historical epic, Spartacus, that he is most remembered for.

Famed for the ‘I am Spartacus’ scene, the film also marked Kirk’s challenge of the Hollywood Blacklist. The list, which went largely unchecked, denied those working within the entertainment industry, such as actors, writers and directors, employment due to alleged communist ties. The Blacklist was responsible for ruining many careers, with those appearing on the list unable to get work, in some cases, for many years. Challenging the process, Kirk insisted that screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo, a firm critic of the communist investigations, was credited with writing the screenplay for Spartacus, marking the beginning of the end of the blacklisting process. During his sixty-five year career, Kirk has received much critical acclaim, including several Academy Award nominations for his on-screen skills as well as, in 1996, an honorary Academy Award for “fifty years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community.”

As well as a long and established career within the movie industry, Kirk has worked as a producer and director and written 10 books. Kirk has also devoted much of his life to his philanthropic works including the ‘Anne & Kirk Douglas Playground Award’, which has distributed millions of dollars to building and refurbishing neglected school playgrounds for the children of Los Angeles. Father to four sons, including fellow Hollywood legend, Michael Douglas, Kirk’s last on-screen performance came in the 2009 documentary – Before I Forget, in which he shares stories about his life and work.

Happy Birthday Kirk! AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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The Ultimate Wembley Experience Think of Wembley Stadium, and you picture some of the greatest sporting occasions in history - not least the time England won the World Cup in 1966. It is a truly iconic venue. Wembley is still the home of English Football with matches like the Emirates FA Cup Final, the Capital One Cup Final, the FA Community Shield and England Internationals taking place every season. However, the new Wembley Stadium is far more than just a football venue. This season alone, the hallowed turf will be hosting 3 NFL International Series, Beyonce, Rhianna, Coldplay, Bruce Spingsteen, Billy Joel, Capital Summertime Ball, Barbarians v Saracens, 3 Play- Off Finals and Harlequins v Saracens. A Club Wembley membership is the only way to guarantee your spot at all of the above. Members own seats on the private tier of the stadium for an average of 10 games per season, and also get first access to tickets and hospitality for all concerts and option events. With a VIP dedicated members concourse, featuring everything from fine dining to gourmet burgers and champagne bars, there’s no better way to enjoy the action off the pitch. Designed to offer something to suit everyone, from luxurious corporate entertaining to memorable employee rewards,

or simply a great day out with family and friends, Club Wembley delivers. And the experience is about to get even better. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of its launch, Club Wembley membership is undergoing a big upgrade from 2017, with a brand new 3 season membership option. Can’t wait until then? Anyone eager to enjoy the privileges now, can join for the last season of the current membership, and move seamlessly into the new programme until 2019. With flexible pricing and several membership options, this really is the time to take your place in Wembley’s history. 2017 also marks the launch of the exclusive 120 Club – offering the ultimate sports membership to a select group of just 120 members and their guests, this very special club will combine the finest hospitality, with the best seats in the house, alongside unbelievable money can’t buy benefits.

To find out more about Club Wembley and the 120 Club, please call Huw Graham on 0208 795 9527. 66 |

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CLUB WEMB LEY MEMBERSHIPS

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NOW CLUB WEMBLEY IS THE ULTIMATE WAY TO ENJOY ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC STADIUMS IN THE WORLD. Combining the very best seats at the greatest sporting events, with the added luxury of top-class hospitality, sophisticated bars and unrivalled service – it’s like nothing you’ve experienced before. Three-season Club Wembley memberships available now from £1750 ex VAT per seat. To register your interest contact Huw Graham on 020 8795 9527 or huw.graham@wembleystadium.com

THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

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STILL A WINNER Aspirational Magazine talks to Nigel Mansell CBE Aspirational reports on how racing legend Nigel Mansell CBE took two titles at the 2016 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship He’s used to beating most competitors on the racing track and British F1 icon Nigel Mansell CBE didn’t disappoint at the 2016 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, where he came joint first in the tournament’s opening Celeb-Am clash, sharing the ‘podium’ with TV presenter and comedian Roy Walker. Mansell won again in the team competition, where he partnered Mike Harwood in the first nine (football star Peter Odemwingie took over for the back nine). The win was all the more impressive because Mansell and his team-mates beat the professional BP3 Championship winner Mark Mouland and his partner Ian Halliwell into second place. With a passion for speed from a young age, Mansell determinedly worked his way up through the ranks. After considerable success in kart racing, he moved to the Formula Ford series, winning on his debut and becoming the 1977

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British champion despite suffering a broken neck in a qualifying session. In 1978 he made the step up to Formula Three, further honing his abilities, when his driving was noticed by Colin Chapman, owner of Lotus, and he was selected to become a test driver for the Formula One team. After setting the fastest lap around Silverstone in a Lotus car at the time, he convinced Chapman to give him his F1 debut in 1980. Becoming a fully-fledged F1 driver with the Lotus team, Mansell gained his first podium finish after just five races. In 1984, he finished in the championship top 10 for the first time, and took his first career pole position. Moving to Williams in 1985, the racing icon achieved his debut victory at the European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch and followed this up with a second straight triumph at the South African Grand Prix. A year later at the final race of the season in Adelaide, the tyre of his Williams Honda exploded costing him a race finish – and

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more importantly the coveted World Championship by a single point. One of his most famous victories came when he won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1987 in which he came back from 28 seconds behind in 30 laps to beat team-mate Nelson Piquet, with his car running out of fuel on the slowing down lap.

Finishing his career with 31 victories, Mansell thrilled millions of fans and is without doubt one of the UK’s greatest ever sportsmen. And it’s clear from his two winning performances at the 2016 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship that he hasn’t lost his competitive streak just yet.

Mansell became the last Ferrari driver to be personally selected by Enzo Ferrari before his death in August 1988 and he became the highest paid British sportsman at the time. Returning to the Williams team in 1991, Mansell’s focus was dedicated to winning the World Championship and 1992 would be his seminal year. Starting the season with five straight victories, the long-awaited moment came in Hungary when he stood on the podium as the 1992 Formula 1 World Champion. He won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for the second time that same year, one of only three people to have won the award twice.

For more information or to book Nigel Mansell CBE for your next event please contact Benoit Lawrence at blawrence@championsukplc.com or +44 (0) 1509 85 29 27

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What a year 2016 turned out to be for Team GB. The 366 elite sports people who made up the team swam, rode, ran, cycled, threw, punched, kicked, tackled, sailed, rowed, shot, paddled and back flipped their way into the history books.

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Not only did the team bring home an amazing 67 medals, including 27 Golds, 23 Silvers and 17 Bronze, the team also made the record books as the first country in Olympic history to follow a host games (London 2012) with even more medals! With Team GB finishing in second place on the medal table, Rio 2016 marked a pivotal moment for British sport that was 20 years in the making. Reaching a low point at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, when we won only one Gold medal, a decision was made to invest in British sport.

Now 20 years later, thanks to Lottery and Government funding, UK sport is well-funded, with millions spent each year on developing athletes from grass roots through to elite sport. With so many highlights, here at Aspirational Magazine, we asked some former Olympians to pick their stand-out moment...

Gail Emms MBE, Silver Olympic medallist, badminton mixed doubles, Athens 2004 “Of course it was great seeing Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge win Bronze in the men’s badminton doubles, though I think seeing Charlotte DuJardin winning her third Olympic title by scooping Gold in the individual dressage was a real highlight.”

Derek Redmond, 1991 World 4x400m Relay Champion “My highlight came early in the Games, in fact it was Team GB’s first medal, when Adam Peaty swam his way to Gold in the 100m breaststroke final – not only did he get Gold but he set a world record too!”

Audley Harrison MBE, Gold Olympic medallist, super-heavyweight division, Sydney 2000 “Choosing just one stand-out moment from Rio 2016 is tough, Team GB proved themselves able to compete and win on the world stage. If I had to pick a highlight I’d say Nicola Adams winning Gold in the women’s flyweight. Not only is Nicola a great ambassador for the sport she’s now the first British boxer in 92 years to retain an Olympic title.”

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Colin Jackson CBE, Silver Olympic medallist 110m hurdles, Seoul 1988 “This is a tough one. Seeing Usain Bolt winning the treble (relay, 200m and 100m), was a moment I’ll always remember. That being said, my highlight has to be watching GB’s Mo Farah CBE retain his 2012 titles by once again winning the 5000m and 10,000m.”

Dame Kelly Holmes, double Olympic Gold medallist, 800m and 1500m, Athens 2004

FACT BOX

“What a fantastic achievement Rio 2016 was for Team GB! Every athlete deserves to feel proud of how they performed. A real highlight for me was Jade Jones MBE’s convincing win in the women’s 57kg Taekwondo final. Jade won her second Gold, at just 23 that is an amazing testament to her dedication and skill.”

UK Sport set the team a target of winning 48 medals at the Games. The target was smashed with a total 67 medals!

Brothers Alistair (MBE) and Jonathan Brownlee competed side by side in the triathlon, winning Gold and Silver medals.

Team GB has champions spread across 15 different sports.

The country had further reason to be proud as Paralympic GB also raced into the history books coming second on the medal table with 147 medals – 64 of them Gold! Inspiring and motivating, Olympians make for engaging and stimulating after-dinner speakers, perfect for a wide range of corporate and social events.

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Nick Skelton OBE became Britain’s oldest ever Gold medal winner, when at the age of 58 he won the individual show jumping.

Swimmer, Adam Peaty took Team GB’s first Gold medal, winning the 100m breaststroke.

Mo Farah CBE retained his London 2012 titles, scooping Gold in the 5000m and 10,000m – achieving the double, double.

Storming into the record books, track cyclist Jason Kenny OBE added to his medal tally from Beijing and London with THREE Golds.

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Olympia

To book an Olympic speaker, including many of the heroes of the 2016 Games, at your next event, please call Champions Olympic Speakers on 01509 85 29 27.

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game IN SPORTS! AHEAD OF THE

Smith Partnership, one of the largest firms of solicitors in the Midlands, employs over 200 lawyers with expertise across all fields of law for both its commercial and private clients, and is very proud to have been recently named again as a leading law firm in the Legal 500 report 2016! The full service leading law firm has a network of offices throughout the Midlands, with over 30 specialist commercial lawyers at hand to support the sporting business community with a national and regional network of associates including accountants, HR professionals and tax consultants. Smith Partnership is very proud to represent a number of high profile regional sporting clients, including Derby County Football Club and Burton Albion Football Club. The leading law firm provides a full range of commercial services for these clients to resolve issues as soon as possible, including litigation support when disputes arise, credit control training as well as a debt recovery function. The property team is also highly experienced in the need for growing sports teams to expand and develop their grounds, so for example their lawyers assisted in the move from Eton Park to the Pirelli Stadium for Burton Albion Football Club. Smith Partnership is delighted to be headline sponsor again at the Derby Telegraph Sports Awards 2016 and to sponsor the Community category. The Derby Telegraph Sports Awards celebrate and reward the outstanding achievements of Derbyshire’s exceptional sporting successes. Across professional and amateur sport in the area, disabled and nondisabled people will be recognised, demonstrating that Derbyshire really is home to some of the most successful sporting talents and rising stars in the country today. James Johnson, Head of Sports Team and Partner says “Everyone at Smith Partnership is both honoured and excited to be headline sponsors and to be backing the Community Award. Sport is close to all of our hearts and we know it plays an enormously positive role in binding the local community together and inspiring people of all ages to be active.

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“These Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the many sporting achievements we have seen in Derbyshire over the last year and, given our commitment to the local area, choosing to recognise all those who work so hard was a very simple decision.� Close Community Connections Smith Partnership is very proud of its strong community connections, as its partners are active at many levels, as members of networking groups, clubs and sporting bodies, trustees of various charities and governors of local schools. The economic well-being and regeneration of the region is very important to Smith Partnership, both as residents and as a growing business, dependent for its success on the financial and social health of the local community. The company is a keen supporter of various local charities and has recently raised monies for the East Midlands branch of the Teenage Cancer Trust and Rainbows, the hospice in Loughborough. Matching up Businesses through Networking Smith Partnership has continued to develop its relationship with Marketing Derby in 2016, not only as a bondholder, but by becoming its first Official Partner at the forefront of its 2016 programme of investor events, in order to raise the profile of the City and the East Midlands via the power of three Campaign. High Scoring Commercial Knowhow The firm has implemented a new strategic Business Development and Marketing plan in 2016 which has raised its profile and market share considerably in the region, with a firm focus on commercial sector business. The strategic programme has involved preparing for a new website in early 2017, increased networking activities and a whole host of advertising and promotional campaigns, as well as extensive social media engagement. All of these activities offer potential opportunities for all its commercial clients and the team would welcome any sporting club to maximise their potential with Smith Partnership! Join our Team! Established in 1987, Smith Partnership prides itself in delivering excellent service and building long lasting relationships with its clients and the communities in which it serves, across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire. The company prides itself on offering its clients a no-nonsense, straight talking approach with practical advice and specialised legal talent for the sporting sector! If you want to stay ahead of the competition and join our team, get in touch today!

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2016

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Or email any of our offices at: info@smithpartnership.co.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES RBS Six Nations

February 2017 sees the return of the RBS Six Nations, with Eddie Jones’ England looking to follow up on their Grand Slam victory in 2016.

the likes of Maro Itoje and George Kruis leading the pack, along with Owen Farrell and George Ford pulling the strings in the midfield, these are exciting times for English rugby fans.

Scotland and Ireland kick off proceedings at Murrayfield before England open against France at Twickenham. Wales then travel to Italy for their opening match, with interim coach Rob Hawley taking charge after Warren Gatland’s appointment as British & Irish Lions coach for the summer tour to New Zealand.

Under Joe Schmidt, Ireland are a formidable outfit and, with two Six Nations wins in a row before the last tournament, they are a team that knows what it takes to win over the course of the five matches. Much like England, Ireland benefit from a strong, young side with the likes of flanker CJ Stander, loosehead Jack McGrath and No.9 Connor Murray being players to look out for in the 2017 tournament.

England go into the tournament in fine form following their series win in Australia, where they beat the Aussies on three occasions in their own backyard. Alongside the 2016 Six Nations win and first Grand Slam title in 13 years, winning a test series in Australia for the very first time and consigning Australia to their first series whitewash since 1971 highlights how the team has advanced since the disappointment of the World Cup. Eddie Jones has established a well organised, youthful and exciting squad, marshalled by captain Dylan Hartley, that has the potential to achieve great things in the coming years. With 76 |

Scotland are another nation progressing well under the leadership of New Zealand born coach Vern Cotter. Having formed a side which plays with real intensity, they are set to test a number of the sides in the forthcoming tournament, and could be an outside bet to do well. Player of the 2016 Championship, Stuart Hogg, is a real star at fullback whilst open-side flanker John Hardie is a tough tackler who makes a nuisance of himself at the breakdown and can cause real problems for the opposition. The Welsh will have to adapt to being without the coach who

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“Arrogance is only bad when you lose. If you are winning and you are arrogant, that’s self-belief” - Eddie Jones

has led them to so much success over recent years. It will be interesting to see how they perform, but with players such as winger George North and kicker Dan Biggar in your side, points are always going to be scored. There were encouraging signs for the French team at the start of the 2016 Six Nations as Guy Novès, their newly appointed coach, led them to two wins against Italy and Ireland, yet they went on to lose their final three fixtures and finish second bottom of the standings. Having now had more time to work with the team, France are likely to be a stronger, more resilient outfit in 2017, particularly when playing away from the Stade de France. Having taken home the wooden spoon in 2016, Italy will be looking to move forward from a disappointing tournament where they were beaten in all five of their matches. Now under the stewardship of former Ireland international and Harlequins coach Conor O’Shea, the Azzurri are likely to be a more challenging opposition this time around, especially when playing in front of their own fans at the Stadio Olimpico. With the 2017 RBS Six Nations set to be a real spectacle,

businesses can jump on the rugby bandwagon by booking Six Nation winning players and coaches to motivate, inspire and engage audiences with anecdotes from their time in the professional arena. Champions Speakers have a multitude of rugby stars available to book for engagements, including former England international Neil Back MBE, Welsh wizard Shane Williams MBE and legendary Irish fullback Geordan Murphy to name but a few. Audiences can get a true understanding of the rivalry between the nations as well as a feel for what it is like to play in the cauldrons of noise created by fans during the Six Nations from players who experienced such occasions. As England look to achieve back-to-back Grand Slam victories, only time will tell as to who comes out on top, but one thing is for sure— it will be a rollercoaster ride for all involved, with plenty of ups and downs for players, coaches and fans before the trophy is presented and the competition concludes on March 18th. AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES Once-In-A-Lifetime Corporate Experiences with Cast ‘n’ Blast It’s not all about work in the world of business; there has to be an element of pleasure too. Whether you want to foster team harmony among your workforce or reward your clients, it’s important to take time out from the corporate environment and venture into a different, more casual sphere where people can unwind, relax, and bond. You could take your colleagues or clients for a meal or a drink, but to really show your appreciation, why not take them away into the big outdoors and give them an experience they will never forget? Cast ‘n’ Blast pride themselves on offering clients nothing but the very best when it comes to corporate entertainment. They specialise in country sports, such as archery, crossbow shooting, fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, falconry and rifle shooting, and operate in the most picturesque country locations across the Midlands, including several stately homes. To ensure you get the most out of your day and these sports, the Cast ‘n’ Blast coaching staff are one of the most highly qualified and experienced in the country, several of whom have even represented their country in their main disciplines. A member of the Cast ‘n’ Blast team will discuss your requirements and expectations for your time with them. During this session they will make sure they know and understand your ability levels, sporting requests, and catering requirements, along with any other additional special provisions. Cast ‘n’ Blast can manage events as far afield as Iceland, Russia, the United States, Mexico and Cuba. They will even accommodate bespoke requests in a bid to give you exactly what you want from your high-end corporate time away from the office. With a wealth of contacts, industry experts and specialist knowledge at our disposal, Cast ‘n’ Blast can fulfil even the most specific request, from full silver service catering to trips abroad. They can even provide a champagne and cigar bar, which is one of their most popular options to end the day, along with a succulent hog roast. Whether clients are total beginners or more advanced, the Cast ‘n’ Blast coaches have the knowledge and expertise to provide coaching at whatever level is required to ensure you get the most out of your day, whilst your event coordinator ensures your experience is perfect from start to finish. Cast ‘n’ Blast is the ultimate in luxurious, high-end corporate entertainment. Don’t settle for second best – get in touch with Cast ‘n’ Blast today and give your clients or workforce the experience of a lifetime.

Some of the sporting experiences offered by Cast ‘n’ Blast Archery • Crossbow Shooting • Fly Fishing • Clay Pigeon Shooting • Rifle Shooting • Falconry

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CAST ‘N’ BLAST

IS THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURIOUS, HIGH-END

C O R P O R AT E

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Don’t settle for second best – get in touch with Cast ‘n’ Blast today and give your clients or workforce the experience of a lifetime. You can call us on 01332 331 548 Email us at info@castnblast.co.uk Visit our website for more information at www.castnblast.co.uk Keep up to date with us socially on Facebook and Twitter

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

Long before JK Rowling brought us muggles, Quidditch and Dementors, the world’s favourite storyteller, Roald Dahl was weaving tall tales packed with gloriumptious words invented for the very unique worlds he created.

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With an estimated 200 million book sales in 60 languages, here at Aspirational we thought we would take a look over the life and extraordinary works of Roald Dahl to mark 100 years since his birth. At the heart of many of Dahl’s stories is tragedy – James (of the giant peach fame) is orphaned and sent to live with cruel and neglectful aunts, Charlie (he of the chocolate factory) lives in extreme poverty and even The BFG gets bullied by his peers. It was his understanding of children and their love of stories that included threat, adversity and of course, heroes, that enabled Dahl to write with such poignancy and capture the hearts and minds of children for decades. Born in Llandaff in Wales on 13 September 1916, Roald Dahl’s life story reads like an action novel – boarding school adventures, a career travelling the world with Shell Oil, an RAF fighter pilot during World War II and time working for the British Embassy in America. It was while in the States in 1942 that his first story was published – A Piece of Cake which was written for adults, but it was his children’s story written around the same time that garnered the most interest – Gremlins, which later inspired the hit 1984 film of the same name. Dahl has proven a rich source of material for Hollywood and a number of his novels have been transferred to the big screen including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, Matilda and the latest blockbuster, The BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg. As well as the big screen, many of Dahl’s novels have also become hugely successful stage shows. Grounding his characters in a unique mix of reality and eccentricity, it is easy to imagine the characters and scenarios that Dahl created, although it was perhaps the partnership with illustrator Quentin Blake, which began in 1976, that really brought the wonderful world of Dahl to life. The partnership between author and illustrator continued with Blake illustrating almost all of Dahl’s books including The Enormous Crocodile, George’s Marvellous Medicine and The BFG. Dahl passed away aged 74 in 1990, the same year the British Book Awards named him Children’s Author of the Year, and he left behind a wonderful legacy. With books competing against gadgets and computer games for kids’ attention, it is a testament to Dahl’s skill and creativity that with each passing year, new generations discover his work and fall in to the magical world of imagination.

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Dahl wrote each book by hand, using a particular type of pencil on yellow paper.

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Writing from a purpose built hut in his garden, Dahl kept to a strict daily routine and no one was allowed in the hut!

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A school report from 1932 describes Dahl as “consistently idle” and with “limited ideas” when it came to English Composition!

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Roald wrote the screenplay to You Only Live Twice in which Sean Connery played James Bond.

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The BFG was Dahl’s favourite story.

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The inspiration for Sophie, the little girl The BFG befriends came from Dahl’s granddaughter, model and author Sophie Dahl.

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Dahl was prolific – over his career he published 20 books for children, two novels for adults, 19 short stories, also aimed at adults and seven non-fiction books! Roald was named after a famous Norwegian explorer called Roald Amundsen.

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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND

TURNING UP THE HEAT - REVOLUTIONARY SOCK BRAND GOES GLOBAL A British born brand making it big around the world? Here at Aspirational we had to investigate, read on to find out more about Heat Holders, a brand going global... It sounds like the start to a Hollywood blockbuster – out of work man uses the last of his savings to start his own business from his garage. Yet, in the case of British entrepreneur, David Doughty, this is no Hollywood script – it is his life! Using the money received when he was made redundant from his job at a well-known Leicester sock factory in 1980, David began manufacturing socks in his garage and selling them on Leicester Market. Thanks to his experience and determination to succeed the business was soon thriving. 26 years later, after manufacturing, importing, designing and innovating socks and partnering with the Ruia Group, the owners of Sock Shop, David was standing on the touchline watching his 13 year old son playing rugby. It was a Saturday afternoon in January, it was sleeting and extremely cold and David realised that despite wearing a pair of his own imported thermal socks that his feet were freezing. David had a moment of inspiration, with the so-called thermal socks he was wearing offering little protection against the biting cold he was going to change things and make a thermal sock that really did keep your feet warm no matter how low the temperature dipped. David knew that the secret to insulation was to trap as much air as possible in the loops that form a thermal sock, therefore a device had to be invented to create the long loop that is now synonymous with Heat Holders.

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Taking his idea from the drawing board to the marketplace wasn’t easy and took years of hard work, re-design and commitment, eventually coming up with an element that forms the long loop in a Heat Holders sock, which is now patented. David explains “Our technology has revolutionised the global thermal socks market and while many others try to imitate them, there is only one Heat Holders!” Another inspirational moment came when David’s eldest son Shane, who has worked with him in the sock business for over 20 years, suggested that Heat Holders socks should be tog tested and this would give a measure of their warmth compared to other thermal socks. This led to Heat Holders receiving a tog measurement of 2.34. David and Shane have tested many other thermal socks and have not found any that come close to Heat Holders 2.34 tog rating. This is due to the patented element that forms the long loop inside Heat Holders socks. Produced in a 3 stage manufacturing process Heat Holders aren’t just about warmth as David explains “Our priority has always been to create products that really do keep people warm, but we also understand that they need to more than that, they have to look great and feel comfortable to wear too!” Using high quality materials Heat Holders products are able to achieve a super-soft feel making them extremely comfortable to wear and with a range of colours, designs and patterns available there is a Heat Holder for everyone. “The difference” said inventor David Doughty “is when we say our products are thermal – we mean it! Our socks offer a TOG rating of 2.34 which so far has not been matched.” In fact Heat Holders not only beat thermal socks but heavy duty walking socks for warmth too making them seven times warmer than normal socks.

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From the humble beginnings of a garage, David gave birth to a global brand and now Heat Holders are sold under the Sock Shop brand and distributed around the world. With sales of some 5 million pairs every year Heat Holders is a thriving business and from socks the brand has expanded into gloves, hats, neck-warmers, thermal underwear and even blankets all produced with the same high standards of manufacturing and high quality materials. “Part of the success of Heat Holders” explained David “is that our customers know that they can trust our products and our tog rating to keep them warm and snug but not restricted, important factors in everyday life.” Sold in leading High Street stores, including Debenhams, Next, Matalan and Go Outdoors, Heat Holders continue to go from strength to strength breaking into new markets and launching new products including thermal tights and leggings. “For many people,” explained David, “being cold isn’t just uncomfortable it can cause health issues too, especially in the elderly or those already dealing with illness. Of course Heat Holders aren’t just for those for whom getting cold could be problematic.

Our products are used by people from around the world, from a wide range of backgrounds, from farmers to dog walkers, skiers to brick-layers Heat Holders are trusted to keep people warm so they can worry less about the weather and get on with the task at hand.” Going from selling 1 million pairs in 2011 to now over 5 million pairs a year globally the success of the brand is the culmination of David’s life’s work and his 47 years in the textile industry. “Seeing how much people love our products and how much they can change people’s daily lives, helping them to work for longer in the cold or not feel the pain many associate with cold weather, is so rewarding and makes me very proud to be part of the Heat Holders story.”

As winter draws close keep toasty warm with the exciting range of Heat Holders products including their wide range of revolutionary thermal socks. Visit WWW.HEATHOLDERS.CO.UK to place your order.

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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

REMAKING THE MAGIC – HOW DISNEY MOVIES JUST KEEP ON GIVING As one of the world’s most recognised and loved brands, Disney is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to pulling in cinema audiences. Aspirational Magazine takes a look at the history of Disney and explores the journey it has taken to the present day.

In fact, merchandising now goes hand in hand with a movie’s release and is a key part of the marketing strategy. With a whole swathe of memorabilia available, from toys, clothing and computer games to bed linen, jewellery and teapots – the Disney machine is certainly well-oiled.

Founded in 1923 when brothers Walt and Roy Disney opened a small office in Los Angeles, the Walt Disney Co. started out producing animated shorts. Quickly growing, by 1937 the company released its first feature-length film, the now classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which has grossed over $780,000,000 worldwide.

When it comes to source material, Disney spreads its net far and wide, taking inspiration from everything from classic fairy tales (Frozen was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen) as well as novels, video games (Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, 2010) and even classic TV shows such as 1950s hit The Lone Ranger.

During its 80 year movie production history, Disney movies have raked in billions of dollars for the company, generating box office sales along with strong revenue in that all-important area; merchandising.

And while new releases such as Frozen, (the 5th highest grossing film ever), The Good Dinosaur and Zootopia have been box office successes, it seems that revisiting old classics is where Disney’s heart lies.

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Latest re-releases includes a modern re-telling of the classic 1950s Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James (of Downton Abbey fame), the movie grossed over $543 million at the box office. Released in 2016, and also on track to score big at the box office, is the re-working of 1977 classic, Pete’s Dragon along with Tarzan, featuring an extremely toned Alexander Skarsgård (Zoolander) and our spring/summer cover star Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Focus). While adept at creating a magical world for audiences to lose themselves in, Disney is, after all, a business and remakes are certainly a profitable pathway to explore. For example, Tim Burton’s masterful 2010 reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, originally a Disney cartoon released in 1951, and featuring an on-form Johnny Depp, made in excess of $1bn worldwide. Offering film makers an opportunity to take classic movies to a whole new audience, remakes also appeal to the nostalgia of parents, who are, of course, footing the bill. It is perhaps no surprise that many of today’s new releases are remakes, after all, today’s studio execs, who finance and greenlight new projects, were children in the 60s, 70s and 80s and grew up on movies such as Pete’s Dragon, Tarzan and Beauty and the Beast. Remaking these classic films provides an opportunity to wallow in a bit of childhood nostalgia. Of course, it helps that Disney has such a rich back catalogue to exploit. Since its first movie back in 1937, (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Disney has produced hundreds of films, many of which have won Academy Awards. Oscar® winners include Pinocchio (Best Original Song and Score) which is set for an upcoming remake and 1991’s Beauty and the Beast (Best Original Song and Score), which is also being repackaged and features a predominately British cast including Emma Watson, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson and Sir Ian McKellan. It’s not the first time Beauty and the Beast has been reworked, in 2011 Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens released Beastly, a modernday retelling of the classic tale aimed squarely at a teen audience. Other re-imaginings to look forward in 2017 and beyond is Mary Poppins Returns with Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario), carrying the famous carpet bag and 101 Dalmatians spin-off Cruella, starring Emma Stone (Birdman, The Amazing Spider-Man). And while the future for remakes looks rosy, perhaps don’t expect 1949’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad to be hitting your cinema screen any time soon.

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AA SMALL HOTEL GROUP OF THE YEAR 2014 - 2015

Each hotel in the collection has been selected for the unique qualities it offers; the beautiful architecture, outstanding food, peaceful surroundings and the sense of total escape and relaxation we offer each and every guest who step into our hotels. Whilst each property in the collection has its own unique character and personality, all uphold the impeccable standards of service, quality and attention to detail for which the Eden Hotel Collection is renowned. Our guests return time and time again to stay with us and experience their own unique version of what Eden has to offer. Mallory Court is the matriarch of the hotels and has a pedigree and history that has long been associated with great hotel keeping. Guests to Mallory inevitably fall in love with this 31 bedroom country house hotel in the heart of Warwickshire. Buckland-Tout-Saints is a stunning William and Mary manor house only a short drive from the coast and the international sailing centre of Salcombe. The 16 bedroom hotel is the jewel in the crown of this breath-taking corner of Devon.

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The Kings Hotel is an idyllic town house combining traditional character with contemporary style to create a relaxed and welcoming home away from home in the beautiful village of Chipping Campden, Cotswolds. The Arden Hotel is an elegant and sophisticated 45 bedroom boutique hotel in the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The Arden’s sophisticated and contemporary take on a boutique hotel has won her admirers from across the globe. With the RSC for a neighbour, what theatre goer could ask for more? Brockencote Hall is a newly refurbished Victorian country manor house hotel is set in 70 acres of beautiful parkland, complete with a scenic lake, tennis court and restored dovecote. The awardwinning dining experience is enhanced by panoramic rural views across the estate and a superb wine cellar. The Greenway Hotel and Spa is a 16th century luxury Elizabethan manor house hotel and spa. The 21 bedroom hotel, with its warm Cotswold stone exterior is the picture of English country charm and lies in eight acres of stunning grounds with views over the rolling Cotswold Hills.

The Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa is a stunning 19 bedroom Regency country house hotel, set in four acres of beautiful grounds. With its high ceilings, sweeping spiral staircase, opulent decor and a feeling of gentle elegance and luxury, The Mount Somerset has all the characteristics of a quintessential English Regency mansion. Bovey Castle is a country estate situated on Dartmoor National Park. The luxury resort boasts private country lodges, a host of outdoor pursuits including shooting and falconry, an 18 hole championship golf course and a newly refurbished spa.

Mallory Court Hotel - Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Buckland-Tout-Saints - Kingsbridge, Devon The Kings Hotel - Chipping Campden, Cotswolds The Arden Hotel - Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Brockencote Hall Hotel - Worcestershire The Greenway Hotel and Spa - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire The Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa - Somerset Bovey Castle – Dartmoor National Park, Devon

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New Elan Spa for Mallory Court Hotel 7 restful treatment rooms • Rasul mud room • Salt sauna • Aroma essence steam • Feature experience shower • Boutique 10m indoor feature hydro pool • Outdoor vitality pool • Outdoor sauna • Fitness suite and studio • Outdoor studio area for classes

5 Stars for Bovey Castle The Eden Hotel Collection is delighted to announce that Bovey Castle, in Dartmoor National Park in Devon, has been awarded five stars by the AA.

Fewer than six months after acquiring the country house estate in 2014, the privately-owned Eden Hotel Collection embarked on an extensive £3.5 million refurbishment of Bovey Castle, encompassing restoration work and a complete refurbishment of the spa, brasserie, restaurant, public areas and bedrooms. Significant investment has also been made in innovative new staff training programmes. This year has seen the first phase of the bedroom refurbishment, with 22 bedrooms completed and the remainder set for completion in the coming months. In order to achieve the prestigious five-star AA rating, the hotel has had to pass stringent inspections covering cleanliness, service, food, bedrooms, bathrooms and hospitality. Says Garry Baldwin MIH, Senior Hotel & Restaurant Inspector, AA, “Bovey Castle has been brought back to life and transformed into an excellent example of true hotel keeping. The highquality refurbishment throughout the public areas, excellent dining options and top-notch bedrooms and bathrooms make Bovey Castle a really firstclass south west destination.” The estate, with its 60 bedrooms and 22 luxury lodges, is well known for outdoor pursuits - it boasts an 18-hole championship golf course and a busy programme of activities including falconry, tennis, archery, cider and sloe gin-making. The recently refurbished Elan Spa has introduced a dedicated area for men’s treatments called the Gentlemen’s Quarter and three bespoke massages using Bovey Castle’s own PRO V1 golf balls have recently been added to the innovative range of treatments. To book a 5 star break, please call our reservations team on 01647 445007 or visit www.boveycastle.com.

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An education in luxury and complete indulgence, Elan Spa at Mallory Court is the ultimate spa experience. Tucked amongst the trees in Mallory’s glorious grounds, the spa is a peaceful retreat where you can de-stress in sublime, state of the art facilities whilst gazing over quintessential English gardens. Unwind in the thermal retreat, bathe in the indoor hydro pool or relax amongst nature in our outdoor vitality pool and sauna with a view! Indulge in spa rituals that will rebalance mind, body and spirit, taking you on an unforgettable voyage of the senses then sit back, glass of chilled Champagne in hand and soak up the sense of wellbeing. www.mallory.co.uk/spa

Off Road Experience at Bovey Castle

Come and try the ‘Off Road Experience at Bovey Castle’, set within the 275 acre Bovey Castle estate on Dartmoor National Park.

This exciting adrenaline experience gives thrill seekers the opportunity to view the estate from seldom seen viewpoints and will get your heart pumping as you handle these incredible vehicles in a rare opportunity to challenge your driving skills. Take the opportunity to drive one of the fleet of Land Rovers around the newly-created timber extraction tracks in the outer-estates woodlands. Travel up to the Moor Field for an edge-of-yourseat challenge, with the off road track providing views over the golf course, across the valley and beyond to the untamed Dartmoor countryside. One of Bovey’s experienced instructors will talk you through the Land Rover Defender 110’s capabilities and engineering then, once you are

outside the doors of the castle, your instructor will take you to the off road track where they will give a short demonstration drive on how to safely handle the car off road before you get behind the wheel. Alternatively get your tyres muddy and drive your own four-wheel drive around the track or hire the whole track for a half or full day of exclusive use. Experiences include corporate packages, along with a ‘stay and drive’, ‘shoot and drive’ and ‘archery and drive’. Call the resort team on 01647 445022 for more information.

Reader Offer at Bovey Castle Enjoy a two night break with an opportunity to dine in our two brand new restaurants!

Break includes three course dinner, bed and breakfast, with dinner in the Great Western one night and Smith’s Brasserie on the other night. Call Bovey Castle to book on 01647 445 000 quoting ‘Aspirational Magazine’

£250

per person for

two nights at Bovey Castle Terms and Conditions apply. Valid Sunday – Thursday only. Priced based on two people sharing a classic room. Supplements will apply for Friday and Saturday nights. Subject to availability, valid until 31st March 2017. Excludes selected dates and bank holidays at the General Manager’s discretion.

Brockencote Hall The Arden

Mallory Court The Kings Hotel

The Greenway Hotel & Spa

The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa Bovey Castle Buckland Tout-Saints

www.edenhotelcollection.com Gift vouchers available to buy online!

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Bennscliffe Hay Cottage Estate, Newtown Linford The Estate is situated on the edge of Bradgate Park and is set in 31.26 acres of gardens, parkland, pastureland and woodland. The estate comprises the principal residence with south facing patio and garden, a converted barn and three double garages with additional rooms above providing further accommodation and a cinema. Outside is a tennis court, four pretty stables with covered archway, a stone built dog kennel & WC as well as a Victorian walled kitchen garden with greenhouse, and a wild flower meadow. A satellite internet system has been installed with speeds of up to 20Mbps.

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The property is sheltered by mature woodland to the rear, and faces the iconic ‘Old John’ folly, with beautiful wide views and big skies that provide an ever changing landscape. The current owners have created a warm, friendly and modern home inside a traditional exterior of local granite and Swithland slate. The original part of the house, built around 1850, was formerly a Bradgate Lodge, and has been completely rebuilt to exacting standards. Latest insulation, plumbing, electrics and underfloor heating offer a sense of wellbeing and a comfortable, welcoming ambience. EPCs - House - D \ Annex - C \ Barn - C

Guide Price £3,500,000 Kibworth Hall, Kibworth Harcourt An original gentleman’s residence built during the early part of the 19th century. Its construction is in grey brick with a castellated battlement and with a canted bay to its western elevation, incorporating large sash windows with hood moulds over. This substantial period country home is of considerable integrity and character being situated in glorious open countryside just outside the highly desirable village of Kibworth, within approximately 6 acres of gardens and grounds.

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Featuring two magnificent reception halls and galleried landing, the property offers four reception rooms, a substantial kitchen with four oven Aga and six double bedrooms and three bathrooms within the main house together with a separate two bedroom first floor apartment and an impressive triple garage block. With numerous period features including original fireplaces, working shutters and an impressive staircase, the property is ideally located for excellent local shopping facilities within Kibworth village and for fast access to Market Harborough, Leicester, Melton Mowbray and Rutland. EPC - Exempt

Guide Price £1,900,000

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The Old Vicarage, Granby An elegant and immaculately presented period family home situated within magnificent garden grounds offering a vaulted cellar, five reception rooms, a superb fitted kitchen by Shortland Craft, cloakroom, laundry room, boot room, plant room, six/seven bedrooms and three bathrooms.

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Featuring a superb 42’8” x 15’11” full length garden room and further conservatory, the property offers a wealth of fine original features including moulded cornicing, oak fronted fireplaces, original doors and magnificent flagstoned reception with elegant staircase. In addition is a superb indoor leisure complex with gym and large heated swimming pool with lantern roof, four professional garages designed for luxury vehicles. Extending to approximately one acre, the gardens are magnificent and viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the quality, size and position of the property. EPC - E

£1,400,000

Oakroyd, Rothley A substantial and immaculately presented detached family home situated in one of Leicestershire’s most desirable locations with views to the rear over open countryside.

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Offering five large reception rooms, five double bedrooms, remodelled family bathroom and two shower rooms, the property also offers a double garage with separate studio above. With a wealth of attractive features, this imposing triple gabled property enjoys an in - out drive and delightful good sized mature gardens to front and rear. EPC - D

Guide Price £1,200,000

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The White House, Barkby

Guide Price £775,000

The Stone House, Swannington W NE

£699,000

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Located on the edge of Barkby village, within easy reach of Syston and its amenities and enjoying a semi-rural position is this beautiful individually designed and extended detached residence ideal for a family purchaser.

This historic Grade II Listed property occupies a prominent position, commanding extensive views over the village and is believed to date back to the early 17th century.

Offering immense kerb side appeal with a tree lined boundary abutting open countryside to the front. The house has been sympathetically extended by the present owner to provide substantial family accommodation comprising five double bedrooms, two first floor bathrooms. To the ground floor is a commanding lounge with multi-fuel burning stove, dining room opening into a conservatory, large breakfast kitchen, side hallway, cloakroom, utility room and double garage. Early viewing is advised to appreciate. EPC - C

fireplaces and has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme. Lavishly

The property retains many period features to include stone mullion windows and stone appointed with the involvement of Evolve Designer & Interiors Ltd and Taylor Nightingale Landscape Architects. The accommodation is arranged over three floors and is accessed via two staircases and includes three reception rooms, bespoke fitted oak kitchen, four bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms and shower room. The property benefits from gas fired central heating, extensive driveway and double garaging. Situated within beautifully landscaped grounds, the current owners have enhanced and developed the gardens. The plot extends to just over half an acre with summer house. A fine family home with a blend of period and modern features of the highest quality. EPC - House - E \ Annex - D

Church Farm, Stonesby

Guide Price £765,000

Enjoying an idyllic location next to the ancient Village Church yet close to the edge of this unspoilt pretty village, a substantial Grade II Listed detached period property believed to date back to the 1500s.

Lilac Cottage, Newtown Linford

O.I.R.O £745,000

an Amdega conservatory. A wealth of original features include heavily beamed ceilings,

Situated on the edge of this highly desirable Charnwood Forest village within magnificent landscaped gardens, a stylish recently rethatched and substantially improved and extended four bedroom detached Grade II Listed family home with gas fired central heating, four reception rooms plus bespoke garden room/conservatory, a deVol fitted dining kitchen and utility room, cloakroom, superb master bedroom suite with luxury en-suite bathroom and terrace/ balcony off and attached double garage.

inglenook fireplaces and exposed stonework including a mullion window. In addition is

Offering a wealth of original features including inglenook fireplaces and heavily beamed

extensive hardstanding for a number of vehicles, double garage/workshop and separate

ceilings blended with high quality fittings. The stunning elevated landscaped gardens offer

summer lounge and playroom within the outbuildings. In all, a substantial period property

fabulous views over the village and open countryside beyond. The property demands

Offering a substantial range of outbuildings/barns and a delightful landscaped west facing garden, the property offers four double bedrooms plus a large first floor landing/sitting room/dining room, three reception rooms, large dining kitchen with a four oven Aga and

within a delightful village setting. EPC - Exempt

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inspection to appreciate the quality of the interior. EPC - Exempt

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Freeby View, Waltham on the Wolds

£725,000

Freeby View was a former barn which was beautifully converted in the 1980s to provide nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of accommodation and is located in a superb setting with open views across the surrounding countryside to the rear and side of the property. The property has a range of attractive features including vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and beams and a super inglenook fireplace within the main living room. The accommodation offers five reception rooms, a large breakfast kitchen ideal for entertaining and family living, two cloakrooms and a utility room. On the first floor are five double bedrooms, two having en-suites and a family bathroom. The real wow factor of the property is the 2.6 acres currently used as formal gardens with a variety of seating areas and sun terrace, three stables which have lately been used as stores but could easily be converted back to stables. There is a triple garage, workshop and sweeping driveway with

Waterwheel Cottage, Kegworth

Guide Price £645,000

Enjoying an absolutely stunning sylvan riverside setting with elevated views over extensive lawns, the beautiful section of the River Soar where it runs over a dramatic weir, this substantial detached family home offers extensive accommodation featuring four reception rooms, a superb conservatory, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and en-suite shower room. With gas fired central heating, uPVC double glazing, the property enjoys wonderful garden grounds with an abundance of wild life complete with a backdrop of mature trees and the wonderful sound of the river passing over the adjacent weir. On a private driveway serving only two neighbouring properties, this immaculately maintained and spectacularly situated property is within walking distance of Kegworth’s excellent local facilities and amenities. All fitted carpets and curtains are included. EPC - D

hardstanding. Early viewing is recommended. EPC - G

The Cedars, Kegworth

Guide Price £550,000

Superb development - four dwellings An exciting development opportunity - Substantial Grade II listed period property in just under 1 acre of magnificent gardens with planning consent for four dwellings comprising two new detached four bedroom houses with double garages in the gardens and a division of the existing property to create two period homes, one with six bedrooms, four bathrooms and three reception rooms, the other with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two reception rooms. Offering over 9,000 sq ft of accommodation and minimal conversion costs due to the quality and presentation of the existing period property, this rare development opportunity demands

Taft Leys Farm Farmhouse, East Leake

Guide Price £465,000

Situated in glorious open countryside just outside the highly desirable and well serviced village of East Leake, a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial five bedroom detached family home with oil fired central heating and sealed unit double glazing. Situated within approximately 0.5 acres of gardens and grounds with outstanding uninterrupted views to three sides over open countryside. Offering considerable potential, the property offers four reception rooms and a dining kitchen by Shortland Craft with a four oven Aga. Outside there is a large driveway, brick double garage with remote controlled doors and good sized gardens to front, side and rear. EPC - E

early inspection to avoid disappointment. Individual price guides are £125,000 per plot and £300,000 for the substantial existing property with over 5,000 sq ft. Offers currently are invited for the whole only. EPC - F

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Where the cooks go... Whether you fancy yourself as the next MasterChef or think of cooking as more of a means to an end, getting the right appliance for your kitchen is essential in making your kitchen work for you and your family’s needs. As an independent supplier of a wide range of cooking appliances including hobs, ovens, range cookers, warming drawers and state-of-the-art outdoor cooking solutions, Cookers of Distinction are uniquely placed to guide customers on the right choice for their lifestyle and our range includes leading brands such as Godin, Falmec, ABK InnoVent, Viking, Barazza, Officine Gullo, Pitts Reginox and Alfa Pizza.

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As well as a wide choice of ovens, hobs and range cookers, BBQ’s and pizza ovens at Cookers of Distinction customers can source the complete appliance solution including extractors. What’s more, our trained installation specialists can even install your appliance for you – saving you time and expense.

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Accessories

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Godin Range Cookers and Extractors Range cookers are a great choice for families and those keen on entertaining. At Cookers of Distinction the collection includes Range Cookers, Extractors and Stoves from the respected French brand Godin. This includes a choice of fuel options such as solid fuel, log burners and electric or gas powered. As well as a choice of fuel types, customers will find the Godin collection includes a wide selection of styles from classic designs that add traditional charm to any kitchen, to a sleeker modern style that offers contemporary appeal. With a choice of sizes and colours available it is easy to find the perfect Godin Range Cooker for your kitchen.

ABK InnoVent i-Cooking and Extraction ABK InnoVent is leading in designing, developing and marketing unique high-end stainless steel concepts. ABK InnoVent is an exclusive product brand that manufacturers Extractors, Sinks, Outdoor Products and Cooking Hobs. Updating your appliances is a great time to explore all the different options available. When it comes to choosing a new hob most of us will be familiar with a standard gas or electric hob. Have a look at ABK InnoVent design. The advantages to choosing an ABK InnoVent hob are many, not least the fact they are quick to heat up and cook food.

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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

The hidden gems of Nottingham Nottingham is home to a vast number of businesses and entrepreneurs who are always looking for venues to gather employees or clients for training days or conferences. But where they might find the right space, it may lack on social activity, cuisine and various other intrinsic aspects. So dig a little deeper in your search for excellence and you will discover two venues that are the perfect package... THE JUBILEE CONFERENCE CENTRE Architecturally innovative and pleasing to the eye, The Jubilee Conference Centre is situated just two miles out of the hubbub of the city and provides contemporary conference space as well as en-suite bedrooms. Established fifteen years ago, and recently adopted by the East Midlands Conference Centre Ltd, the building is a great balance of work and relaxation. With eight meeting rooms including a vast auditorium seating 250 people the centre can meet all needs. It’s not all business and no pleasure though and so come the night, the venue truly transforms into a social space where guests can enjoy a bit of downtime. The centrepiece of the building is the bar which is a structural sight to behold, and the fantastic dining area of The Restaurant which showcases great food and overlooks the lake. As night draws in, the pontoon lights up creating a spectacular setting for al fresco drinks and a breath of fresh air.

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Active brains need plenty of rest so the conference centre provides freshly decorated rooms with contemporary furnishings so guests can get a great slumber before the next day of business begins. The David Ross Sports Village is situated on the University Park campus – a 5-10 minute drive away. The closest sports centre is the Jubilee Campus Sports Centre, which is just a short walk away. The Jubilee Conference Centre is the ideal choice for local and distant businesses who are looking to give their employees a boost in motivation, confidence and work ethic while treating them to a trip away which they will remember for a lifetime.

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www.deverevenues.co.uk THE ORCHARD HOTEL One of the De Vere hotel’s pride and joys is The Orchard Hotel which is located on 330 acres of picturesque University grounds. The hotel received its name in homage to the orchard which used to stand where the hotel does, today, and the tribute to the fruits of nature continues throughout the hotel. The Orchard Hotel makes a bold statement in the hospitality sector of Nottingham with its contrast of glass and wood, straight lines and curves. The building is eco-friendly and is a must for city breaks or business trips. Guests will be wowed when they walk through the doors and are greeted by a relaxed atmosphere and lavish décor. The ground floor is home to Bramleys Brasserie – a haven for those looking for something to tickle their taste buds. The restaurant, open to residents and non-residents, plays host to monthly jazz nights and boasts a menu of delicious and classically British dishes. For those mixing business and pleasure there are a number of private conference rooms on the ground floor including one with a dedicated outdoor space where delegates can enjoy a breath of fresh air and re-boot their brain.

The public decking area which is open for use to all residents comes alive in the summer with regular BBQs and outdoor entertainment. It is also available for private hire and has already played host to a number of events from sporting teams around Nottingham Moving upstairs and with views overlooking the grounds, the hotel comprises standard and executive bedrooms all fitted with natural coloured furnishings and eco-friendly showers. Each room is flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows and the spacious executive rooms are finished off with personal touches including iPod docs and temperature control. On the very top floor is where the exclusive and highly sought after executive lounge sits perfectly positioned with a spacious balcony looking out over spectacular views of the buzzing city. Ideal for businesses looking for a space to feel completely motivated the room provides Apple Macs, chilled water bottles, multi-use coffee machine and a fridge as well as the ability to order food to the door.

Don’t let these hidden gems pass you by. Book your conference trip or city break today by contacting: Jubilee Conference Centre: 0115 938 0080 Orchard Hotel: 0871 222 4836 AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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HOME, HOUSE AND GARDEN

To find out more or to order these Champagnes please contact:

Chris Wills on 07702 258306 or visit www.champagneoccasions.eu

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Chris Wills, Celine and Christophe Crépaux

A leading Midlands based wine company, Champagne Occasions possess exclusive rights to sell Borel-Lucas Champagne in the UK. A business relationship founded on a holiday to the Champagne region of France, Chris Wills and his family fell in love with boutique producer Borel-Lucas, who they visited during a vineyard tour. Immediately tasting the difference between boutique Champagne and the general offering on UK supermarket shelves, an idea sparked into Chris’ head. Returning to England with a car boot full of Borel-Lucas’ finest Champagne, Chris and Champagne Occasions were now the sole supplier, and therefore exclusive sellers of Borel-Lucas in the UK. The choice to become the only importers of Borel-Lucas in the UK was simple for Chris, his wife and father. A fourth generation family business themselves, Borel-Lucas have passed their passion, precision and expertise from father to son, a process that has enabled the house to become highly regarded within its industry. Stocking seven products in their range spanning from the Cuvée Reserve to a Grand Cru offering, namely their Cuvée

Soleil d’Or, featuring 100% Chardonnay grapes from the vineyards of Cramant Grand Cru. The Borel-Lucas Champagne house has also recently become the official suppliers to Prince Albert II who buys approximately 3000 bottles of the Brut Reserve and Brut Rose for the Carabiniers of Monaco’s sovereign force who protect Monaco’s Sovereign and the Prince’s Palace. Borel-Lucas were honoured to make a limited edition bottle, with only 7000 bottles made the Brut Reserve was designed specifically for the force and aptly named Carabiniers du Prince de Monaco. Champagne Occasions have enjoyed buoyant growth ever since their establishment and the decision to begin solely importing Borel-Lucas to the UK in 2012 has never been regretted. 2016 has seen the firm gain further momentum, becoming ever more involved in the corporate event market as well as branching out into private tastings. Staunch believers in finding the right Champagne to suit each client, get in contact with Champagne Occasions today and discover the delicious subtle flavours that the Borel-Lucas Champagne house has to offer. AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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FINE DINING GUIDE

ASPIRATIONAL

FINE DINING GUIDE It’s that time of year again when we all want to get cosy and fill up on hearty meals that warm the cockles of the heart. From rich stews to comfort food such as pies, cheesy pastas and indulgent puds, winter is a great time to feast. With a passion for seasonal ingredients and local produce, renowned foodie and TV personality, Gregg Wallace, rounds up some of the highlights from the Aspirational Magazine fine dining guide… For fabulous Italian dishes (including show stopping pizza) Gino’s Pear Tree restaurant in Leicestershire is a passionately run family business set within a restored 18th century inn. No matter the time of day, Hotel Maiyango, in Leicester city centre is a must-visit place, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from locally sourced ingredients all in relaxed yet stylish surroundings. For those looking for classic, yet contemporary pub grub there is The Queen’s Head in Belton, Leicestershire. A mainstay of the village for over 200 years, The Queens Head offers fantastic food made from the finest ingredients all served in modern yet cosy surroundings. Another favourite is Nottingham’s Riverbank Bar & Restaurant, which is situated along the River Trent and amid the modern interior serves freshly produced dishes including a wonderful traditional Sunday lunch every week. Once a hunting lodge, the sumptuous Walton Hotel in Nottingham serves traditional food with a delicious twist. Favourites include Chatsworth Estate Lamb and posh shepherd’s pie – yum! These are just a taste of the restaurants included within the fine dining guide, read on for more…

Chocolate Puddle Puddings

Ingredients Method 250 g (8 oz) Divine Dark 1. Put the ch ocolate in a Chocolate, bro small saucepan wi ken into th heat gently un the milk and til the chocola pieces ha s melted. Sti 300 ml (½ pin r in the brand te t) milk if using. y 2 tablespoon s brandy 2. Beat togeth er (optional) sugar in a bo the butter and wl 50 g (2 oz) un fluffy. Gradua until pale and salted yolks, flour, lly beat in the egg butter, softe cocoa powd ne d er and chocolate mi 150 g (5 oz) caster sugar xture. 3. Whisk the 2 eggs, sepa egg rated separate, gre whites in a 25 g (1 oz) se ase lf-raising they hold the -free bowl until ir large metal sp shape. Using a flour 25 g (1 oz) Di of the egg wh oon, fold a quarter vine Cocoa ite s into the Powder, plu chocolate mi s extra for xtu the remaining re, then fold in egg whites. dusting Whipped cre 4. Turn the mi am, to serve xtu (2½ pint) pie re into a 1.5 litre dish or 8cmx ramekins an 8cm d tin. Pour boilinplace in a roasting of 2.5 cm (1 g water to a depth inc Bake in a pre h) into the tin. he (350°F), Gas ated oven, 180°C Mark 4 - for 35 minutes in about about 20mins a pie dish and a crust has for in ramekins - until med. 5. Dust gene rou powder and sly with cocoa se whipped cre rve hot with am.

Recipe from Gr eg

g’s Favourite Puddings by Gr egg Wallace, published by Octopus Publi shing

CELEBRITY For more information on Gregg Wallace, including booking Gregg for your next event, contact Champions Talent Management on 08453 31 30 31 or email vmtyson@championsukplc.com 100 |

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GINO’S PEAR TREE, PIZZERIA, WINE BAR & RESTAURANT Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire

The atmosphere, décor and general ambience of a restaurant are crucially important to a diner’s experience but arguably the most important factor of any eatery has to be the food. So when you walk into Gino’s Pear Tree in Woodhouse Eaves, you can expect to be impressed by the ‘feel’ of this stunning restaurant to the extent that you could be fooled into thinking you’ve just entered from a Naples street. But it’s when you sit down and peruse the gorgeous offerings on the menu that the Tuscany vibe really begins to course through your body. You might be tempted to start with antipasto misto stagionale, arancini rossi or carpaccio di bresaola, or your taste buds might come alive with the thought of rigatoni con salsiccia, insalata di capra, pollo valdostana, bistecca di maiale or a mindblowing range of wood-fired pizzas. Finally, the difficulty in making a choice over which homemade Italian dessert to spoil yourself with will only convince you that you will just have to return to Gino’s to dine another day… and another day and another day. This level of quality in food design doesn’t happen by accident, of course, and massive credit has to go to the Head Chef and patron Gianni Lorenzo Albiniano who carries on the traditional cooking style of south Italian cuisine. Working alongside his

brothers Riccardo and Marco​– Riccardo looks after the front of house while Marco is also Head Chef – Gianni prides himself on learning his skills from his father Gino who founded the restaurant and is regarded as a true legend in Italian cooking. Like Gino, Gianni believes in creating meals to remember using the highest quality ingredients, including fresh fish, locally reared meats and seasonal vegetables – all prepared in a way that remains true to the family’s powerful Italian roots. The much-loved and missed Gino Albiniano had the incredible combination of culinary talent, drive and personality that customers lapped up and his sons – supported by their talented Pastry Chef mother Janet – have honoured his memory by making Gino’s Pear Tree still the go-to Italian restaurant in the East Midlands and beyond. Food served: Tuesday to Saturday: 12noon - 10pm Sunday: Lunch 12noon - 4pm & Pizza 4pm - 10pm Gino’s Pear Tree 8 Church Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire LE12 8RT Tel: (01509) 890 243 www.ginospeartree.net

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FINE DINING GUIDE

ASPIRATIONAL

FINE DINING GUIDE

HOTEL MAIYANGO

HAMBLETON HALL

THE QUEEN’S HEAD

City centre, Leicester

Hambleton, Rutland

Belton, Loughborough

This enticing restaurant in the heart of Leicester city centre, provides the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Celebrate the occasion...

Aspirational Magazine recently sampled the delightful menu at The Queen’s Head. The cosy pub is situated in the quaint village of Belton where it has been much loved by local residents for over 200 years.

Producing innovative dishes created from the freshest local ingredients, this contemporary restaurant, with an ethnic twist, takes it food inspiration from around the world and its latest autumn/ winter menus provide a gastronomic treat. For example, the autumn dinner menu offers a delectable starter of salt and pepper ox cheek, cucumber salad, sesame, Laksa jelly finished with a Dashi dressing. Follow this refreshing starter with balsamic glazed beef fillet, slow cooked egg yolk, anchovy cream and smashed purple potato for a perfect winter warmer. A range of delicious desserts are also available including the tempting Maiyango White chocolate cheesecake flavours, pistachio marshmallow, crumble and passionfruit. Along with an autumn lunch and dinner menu, Hotel Maiyango also offers an autumn taster menu (a vegetarian option is also available), which is a great way to experience the great seasonal food on offer.

Birthdays, anniversaries and memorable dates are all worth celebrating in style. Stay a night in one of our Superior or Master bedrooms or our Croquet Pavilion suite with stunning views over Rutland Water. This special occasion offer includes: • • • • • • •

Champagne Seasonal fruit Rich chocolate brownies from Hambleton Bakery Bouquet of flowers Six course gourmet tasting menu Personalised dinner menu Full Hambleton breakfast and morning paper.

For prices, terms & conditions, please view our website: www.hambletonhall.com

The mix of contemporary and rustic décor was instantly appealing. The Queen’s Head has certainly achieved it and the warm, homely feel is carried through to the menus too. After being shown to the table we scanned the wine list which was brimming with variety and opted for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc – the waiter was very well versed in the menu and helped us select a suitable wine for our palates. The main menu matched the autumnal season with a tempting selection of comfort foods. For starter we selected both sharing boards. Firstly we chose the sumptuous Spanish tapas with mini chorizo, serrano ham, manchego cheese and quince and secondly the aromatic baked camembert topped with local honey and fresh rosemary. Both boards were served with freshly baked bread. After the perfect amount of wait time between courses we tucked into dishes including fillet steak, whole grilled plaice on the bone – both of which came with rustic cut chips – chicken Kiev paired with creamy mash, vegetarian fettucine with gorgonzola and chilli and sausage and mash with a red wine and shallot sauce.

As you would expect from an AA rosette, award-winning restaurant, guests with special dietary requirements and allergies are well catered for.

For the sweet lovers there is also a number of desserts to satisfy cravings including lemon sorbet and homemade waffle. It was clear that the head chef had sourced the freshest selection of meat, fish and vegetables and overall he has succeeded in compiling a menu of exquisite food for all tastes and preferences.

With Christmas drawing near, Hotel Maiyango offers the perfect venue for a Christmas party. Able to host up to 80 guests for lunch or dinner, events can be made even more special with the introduction of a cocktail mixology masterclass! And for an extra-special festive treat, why not hire the tasting room, an exclusive space for a maximum of 20 guests and this Christmas, the tasting room is turning into a Christmas Grotto! Available for up to 20 guests this boutique-designed space is perfect for an intimate festive get-together and the package includes a Bellini bar, bucket of 10 beers, Santa’s punch, festive party shots and mince pies as well as a visit from your very own Santa!

The pub also houses a private dining area ideal for weddings, conferences and other special occasions. There are also four very homely bedrooms available.

To book email reservations@maiyango.com or call 0116 251 8898.

Food served: Breakfast & Brunch served Monday to Friday from 7am, Saturdays & Sundays 8am onwards. Lunch served Tuesday – Saturday. Dinner served Monday to Saturday 6.30pm to 9.30pm and Sunday 6pm to 9pm. Hotel Maiyango 13-21 St Nicholas Place, Leicester, LE1 4LD T: (0116) 251 8898, E: reservations@maiyango.com www.maiyango.com

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Food Served: 6.00 – 9.00 (Fish & Chips Night) Tuesday 12.00 – 2.30 & 6.00 – 9.00 Wednesday to Friday 12.00 – 3.00 & 6.00 – 9.00 Saturday 12.00 – 4.00 Sunday Hambleton Hall Hotel & Restaurant Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH Tel: (01572) 756 991 Email: hotel@hambletonhall.com www.hambletonhall.com

The Queen’s Head 2 Long St, Belton, Loughborough, LE12 9TP Tel: 01530 222 359 www.queensheadbelton.co.uk

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HART’S

PERKINS BAR & BISTRO

City Centre, Nottingham

Perkins, Nottingham

Hart’s in Nottingham is the city’s most successful up-market eatery and Winner of the Nottinghamshire Food & Drink Awards 2016. With over 15 years’ experience providing a flawless service and stunning British cuisine Hart’s possesses a calming and peaceful setting so difficult to find in a city, truly setting the standard for diners and guests.

Perkins Bar & Bistro, located at Plumtree’s beautiful former Victorian Railway station, enjoyed an exciting transformation in July 2016. Emerging as Perkins Bar & Bistro to fanfare from critics and public alike, the new eatery offers food that’s modern and fresh.

With a menu selection to intrigue even the most seasoned diner, Hart’s has something for everyone. The stunning Gourmet Corner served on Friday and Saturday night’s à la carte menu, is perfect for that extra special occasion. Situated above the restaurant is Hart’s Upstairs, catering for the needs of larger parties. Accommodating up to 100 guests, it is one of the finest venues for your private party or wedding. Located next door is Hart’s Hotel, boasting awardwinning architecture design by Julian Marsh and opened in 2003. Each room is individually designed by Mrs. Hart. Bespoke and designed to cater to your every desire, the hotel exhibits luxury at its best. Combined with the quaint garden and serene surroundings which mimics the countryside, yet situated only a short stroll from the city, this hotel is in an idyllic location where guests can relax in true style.

There are sharer-board starters, ‘Bistro bites’, main plates and daily specials using ingredients from Perkins’ very own smokehouse. There’s an ever-changing daily Prix Fixe, Afternoon Teas and Perkins’ Sunday offering is extended until 5pm - modern and classic seasonal dishes that commit to ingredients sourced from quality suppliers, local when possible.

THE RIVERBANK West Bridgford, Nottingham

Situated on the historic Trent Bridge in Nottingham, sits the Riverbank Bar and Kitchen. A stylish and contemporary restaurant and bar, with a superb waterside location. Guests can enjoy the vista from the modern all-weather terrace, with spectacular views of the river. The terrace is the perfect place to soak up the sun in the summer, from drinking and dining alfresco, to enjoying live music nights and special events outside.

In terms of interior, think rustic tables, brass light fittings and bar seats amid reclaimed textures and materials. The re-designed interior offers a relaxed countryside bistro feel, somewhere you’d be equally happy to pop in for a pint and a snack or enjoy lunch or dinner.

The star of the show is The Riverbank’s chic, brasseriestyle restaurant, led by expert head chef Mark Osborne. The superb kitchen team serve top-quality cuisine that’s imaginative and refined, yet unpretentious and affordable. The chefs seek out the finest of the region’s produce to use in each fresh seasonal dish. The options on the regularly updated menu vary from classic fish and chips to more novel choices like the increasingly popular Seared Teriyaki Beef (served pink) sticky rice, bok choi, stem broccoli, wasabi nuts & spring onion. This broad and colourful spectrum of cuisine aims to please all palates and impress even the most discerning of diners.

There’s Lobster & Burger with live acoustic music every Friday evening, sell-out Perkins Gastronomic nights, wine tastings and foodie events taking place throughout the year.

Keep your eye out for the amazing value Earlybird Menu, 2 courses £16 and 3 courses £20. Served Mon-Tues 5.30pm - 9.30pm, Wed - Sat 5.30pm - 6.45pm and Sun 5.30pm - 8.00pm.

If you’re looking for private dining, Perkins Bar & Bistro offers a dedicated 26-cover waiting room. If you’re looking for something even more grand, the neighbouring Carriage Hall is one of the region’s most prestigious event venues, able to host 200 guests – perfect for weddings.

The Riverbank also benefits from a modern bar, offering an impressive range of drinks and is home to a newly installed stone bake oven producing the most delicious pizzas and sharing boards! Boothed seating and high tables provide the perfect location for groups to gather and the in-house stage plays host to popular live music acts and DJs throughout the year. Great deals to look out for: 1/2 price pizzas every Monday and Tuesday, 241 cocktails every Thursday and Friday. New this year to the Riverbank, starting May 27th - ‘The Sundowner’ 4pm-7pm every Monday-Tuesday, featuring great after work offers such as ‘Pizza & Pint/Prosecco £10’, ‘Buy 2 large glasses of wine, get the rest of the bottle free’ and ‘£2.95 a pint!’...plus 241 cocktails!

The modern menus are not restricted to food – there’s also an accessible wine list, aperitifs, gin & tonics, spritz & cocktails, and new local draught beers.

The Riverbank also is home to a widely popular function room, The Gallery. A comfortable, modern space perfect for Weddings, Conferences and private parties. All managed by a dedicated in-house Events Team. So whether you’re looking for a special occasion venue, a night out or lunch in the sun, The Riverbank sure has something for everyone.

Food Served: 7am to 10.30pm Monday to Friday 7.30am to 10.30pm Saturday 7.30am to 9pm Sunday Snacks and sandwiches are served during the day alongside our á la carte menu. Á la carte available: 12noon - 2.30pm and 6pm to 10pm Afternoon Tea is served in the restaurant from 12noon to 4:30pm Hart’s Nottingham Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN Tel: (0115) 988 1900 www.hartsnottingham.co.uk

Food Served: Monday to Saturday: ALL DAY from 12noon Sunday: 12noon - 5pm (last order 3.30pm) Breakfast: freshly served on Saturday mornings from 10am Prix Fixe Monday to Saturday 12-2.15, 2 courses £13.50, 3 courses £16.95

Monday to Saturday: 12noon - 2.30pm & 5.30pm - 9.30pm Sunday: 12noon - 8pm

Perkins Bar & Bistro Station Road, Plumtree, Nottingham NG12 5NA Tel: (0115) 937 3695 www.perkinsbarbistro.co.uk

The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen Trent Bridge, Nottingham NG2 2GS Tel: (0115) 986 7960 Email: info@riverbanknotts.co.uk

Food served:

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FINE DINING GUIDE

ASPIRATIONAL

FINE DINING GUIDE

THE WALTON HOTEL

OAKS

CHINO LATINO

Nottingham

Nottingham

City Centre, Nottingham

Originally built as a hunting lodge in the early 1800s and situated in the historic Park area of Nottingham, The Walton is a truly unique residence which has retained many of its original features whilst offering all of the conveniences of modern living. It provides the perfect setting for your plans, whether it’s a quiet drink after work, dinner with friends or an overnight stay in one of their 28 stunning double, superior and family rooms.

OAKS restaurant and bar located on Bromley Place in central Nottingham brings a unique and innovative form of cooking to the city. Focusing on locally sourced, hand-made sausages and meats, these are cooked slowly over burning wood embers on a custom-built iron grill, bringing out an intense, smoky and tantalising flavour.

Pioneers in fusion cuisine and established over ten years ago, Chino Latino has become synonymous with fine dining in Nottingham, and has been a leader on the culinary landscape in the city since opening its doors over a decade ago.

Beautifully decorated throughout, The Walton offers a lively bar and stylish restaurant serving a delicious menu. You can also relax on the spacious outdoor terrace and enjoy a cocktail, or sample a selection of lighter bites from their seasonal menus. Starters range from £5.25 - £11.95, with main courses from £9.25 - £19.95 and a choice of seasonal roasts on Sunday. The Walton is also the ideal venue for private parties and functions, all tailor-made to meet your requirements. Throughout the year, The Walton host a range of events including Halloween, Fireworks and New Year’s Eve parties.

The OAKS menu showcases a signature range of flavoursome handmade sausages created to the chef’s own recipes. Taste sensations range from chicken, asparagus, ricotta, sage and lemon zest to wild boar, purple broccoli and smoked mozzarella served with mashed potato. A stand out feature of the menu is the Freedom & Respect Chicken, which has been marinated for 48 hours to bring out the essence of flavours of honeydew beer and black pepper. Speciality burgers range from beef and bone marrow to soft-shell crab with wasabi. Prices range from £6.50 for a foot-long sausage, to £14 for king prawns on the skewer. Sharing platters are also available for groups of two people or more, including sausages, steaks and sides. Side dishes include truffle mash, hand-cut chips and corn on the cob followed by Bluebell Farm ice cream and sweet doughnuts.

The award winning team are masters in their craft with their delicate menu highlighting the best of Pan-Asia’s culinary offering, whilst also being laced with Latino flourishes from Peruvian cuisine. Highlights from the adept menu include signature black cod with spicy miso, sizzling sirloin steak on hot stones, and freshly caught sushi and sashimi. Starters range from £4.00 - £12.00 with main courses from £18.00 £29.00. The cocktail menu is where the Latino element really comes alive in a veritable showcase of South American tipples. Signature cocktails include; ‘The Rum ReFashioned’, ‘Chilli and Ginger Caiprinha’ and the ‘Elderflower and Mint Margarita’. With an ethos of LOVE, SHARE & ENJOY – Be prepared to expect a heady mix of wild, exotic flavours, and zingy Latino cocktails for all of your party to share.

OAKS proudly showcases local suppliers with a diverse range of craft ales delivered by nearby Castle Rock brewery and 12 local beers by the bottle. Wine is served by the carafe and the range of cocktails, including the Midlands Spritz, an infusion of Noilly Prat, elderflower, mint and Harvest Pale ale, have been created to reflect modern classics using the best ingredients. All of the logs used for cooking on the custom-built cast iron grill are supplied by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which produces the wood as a natural by-product of sustainable coppicing.

Food served: Breakfast: 7am-10am Monday-Friday, 8am-10am Weekends Main Menu: 5pm-9pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-9pm Friday/Saturday (6pm Sunday) Bookings recommended at weekends and for Sunday Lunch.

Food served:

Food served:

Monday - Thursday 12noon - 11pm Friday & Saturday 12noon - 1am Sundays 12noon - 9pm

Lunch: Monday to Saturday 12noon -10pm Dinner: Monday to Saturday 6pm -10.30pm Sunday: Closed

The Walton Hotel 2 North Road, Nottingham, NG7 1AG Tel: (0115) 947 5215 www.thewaltonhotel.com

OAKS 2 Bromley Place, Nottingham NG1 6JG Tel: (0115) 947 7244 www.oaksnottingham.co.uk

Chino Latino 41 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham NG1 6GD Tel: (0115) 947 7444 www.chinolatino.eu

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THE LIGHTHOUSE

IBERICO WORLD TAPAS

WORLD SERVICE RESTAURANT

Kibworth, Leicestershire

Nottingham

The Lighthouse at Kibworth Beauchamp is really quite unique. Billed as a Seafood Restaurant & More, owners Sarah and Lino have created a thoroughly modern menu, beginning with an exciting selection of tapas-style nibbles, which you are encouraged to enjoy in the truly Tapas way, sharing and enjoying the fabulous variety of flavours, ideally with a glass of something lovely from their Around The World wine list.

Iberico World Tapas offers wonderful Spanish cuisine in the heart of Nottingham. Creating a wide range of tapas style dishes with the very best ingredients, Iberico offers its diners delicious and varied food drawing inspiration from a range of different cultures, including diverse Moroccan and Japanese flavours, all delivered in their stylish restaurant.

The perfect combination of heritage, tradition and modern elegance, World Service is one of Nottingham’s most innovative and elegant dining offerings. The restaurant and lounge bar are given their own personality, using unique furniture and decoration to reference both traditional and contemporary design, as well as different cultures from all over the globe.

The atmospheric vaulted restaurant is the perfect place to provide diners with a taste of the culinary team’s exciting flavours. The tapas dishes make for a great way to sample some of the most delicious cheeses, cured meats, fish dishes and classic Spanish creations.

Focusing on fresh, seasonal produce and an ever changing menu of eclectic global dishes, the restaurant is characterised by the outstanding quality of its food. Diners benefit from the choice of set menus, the variety of the à la carte selection and specially designed celebration menus.

The restaurant, in the city’s atmospheric Lace Market, is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening, surrounded by the delightful sights and smells of wonderful food, great wine and the very best customer service.

The historic setting of Newdigate House boasts a traditional English walled garden, perfect for al fresco dining and offers a tranquil escape from Nottingham’s busy centre. The lounge bar provides the ideal accompaniment to a delicious meal. With a range of traditional and modern cocktails, a wide range of spirits and over 200 different wines, the lounge bar has seen World Service recognised as one of the city’s best destinations for both great dining and drinks.

Turn the page and there is an array of seafood on offer embracing the retro to the modern, the classic European to exotic Eastern flavours. The emphasis on all of these dishes is the freshest ingredients beautifully prepared, alongside a smaller selection of meat and vegetarian dishes. It is possible to pop in and enjoy an affordable mid-week treat, either with the supper menu, offering 2 courses for £14.75, or simply with Nibbles and Tipples, a selection of the scrummy nibbles with a glass of your favourite Tipple. All this starts bright and early at 6.00 pm and is entirely perfect for a cheeky supper on the way home from work. On Thursdays, in addition to everything else, The Lighthouse offers a little taste of Spain, Paella and Tapas all washed down with jugs of fabulous Sangria. Sarah and Lino, despite their Italian origins love to embrace all good foodie things, and also celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau in November with a thoroughly retro French menu. For that special occasion, or just because you fancy pushing the boat out, The Captain’s Table is offered throughout the week, serving a “long thin” menu of tasty morsels “The Pick of The Day”.. you set the guidelines with likes and dislikes and the chef does the rest. It really is the best way to eat! A light, fresh and contemporary maritime themed interior provides the ideal background to relax and enjoy your meal whilst the passionate staff share their pride and infectious enthusiasm for the culinary delights they serve.

Diners typically order a selection of dishes, enjoying the chance to taste so many different culinary creations at once. The dishes can be shared and enjoyed by the whole party, promoting the warm and lively atmosphere of the underground eatery and ensuring that the restaurant continues to be acclaimed by patrons and critics alike. Iberico is also the county’s only Bib Gourmand entry in the 2016 Michelin guide.

Nottingham

World Service also offers private dining spaces, available for a wide range of events and allowing guests to celebrate their event in style and comfort.

After opening their second restaurant in Derby in November 2013, Iberico are delighted to announce that this too has been included as a Bib Gourmand entry for the 2016 Michelin Guide. Located at: 9-11 Bold Lane, Derby DE1 3NT. Tel: (01332) 345 456 2016 has been another year of expansion for Iberico with the recent launch of Bar Iberico. Located on Carlton Street the bar provides an all-day tapas experience so you can indulge in delicious food any time of the day. Food is served at Bar Iberico from 8.30am-10pm Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm Saturdays and 10am-4.30pm on Sundays.

It is little wonder that The Lighthouse received the coveted accolade of Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, and features alongside its sister restaurant, Boboli, in The Good Food Guide. The Lighthouse has proven its credentials as a preeminent culinary destination in Leicestershire, delivering consistently good food at affordable prices. The Lighthouse is a finalist in the Midlands Seafood Restaurant of the Year Awards and has also been nominated for the Niche 2016 Business Awards for Best Restaurant. Indulge yourself in The Lighthouse experience.

Food Served: Food Served: Tuesday to Saturday from 6.00pm

Monday to Friday: 12noon - 2pm & 5.30pm - 10pm Saturday: 12noon - 2pm & 6pm - 10pm

The Lighthouse No.9 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics LE8 0LN Tel: (0116) 279 6260 www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk

Iberico World Tapas The Shire Hall, High Pavement, Lace Market, Nott. NG1 1HN Tel: (0115) 941 0410 www.ibericotapas.com

Food Served:

Monday to Friday: 12noon - 2pm & 7pm - 10pm Saturday: 12noon - 2pm & 6.30pm - 10pm Sunday: 12noon - 3.30pm CLOSED Sunday night except for bank holidays and throughout December World Service Restaurant Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF Tel: (0115) 847 5587 Email: info@worldservicerestaurant.com

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FINE DINING GUIDE

DINING at intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham

Aspirational Magazine visits six of the restaurants currently cooking up a storm at intu Victoria Centre...

STONEBAKED PIZZA CO.

TORTILLA

THAIKHUN

Pizza is pizza, right? Wrong. When you visit the Stonebaked Pizza Co. on the lower level of intu Victoria Centre you should prepare to have your horizons broadened and your taste buds awakened.

Passionate about creating the best-quality, freshest and tastiest burritos and tacos, Tortilla was established by a Californian couple looking to bring authentic Mexican food to the UK. Both grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco, the self-proclaimed burrito capital of the world and opened their first restaurant in London in 2007. Since then, branches have opened up across the nation an it has proven to be a firm favourite up and down the country.

Think fun, friendly, engaging, vibrant and expressive – Thaikhun will bring you all this in abundance and transport you to the exotic streets of Thailand. Authenticity is at the heart of this restaurant and can be found in everything from the open kitchens to the traditionally rustic surroundings.

The secret of an exceptional fast-fired pizza is the lighter-than-air crust mixed with healthy premium quality ingredients. The beauty of the Stonebaked Pizza Co is that you can then choose whether you want to go classic or be inventive – enjoy a signature pizza or create your own masterpiece, it’s up to you. And how long does it take to produce a pizza of this quality that will satisfy even the most demanding of customers? Your fresh custom-made stonebaked pizza is cooked in under 180 seconds – then it is yours to take as long as you like to savour. As you’d expect from a producer of quality pizza, the Stonebaked Pizza Co offers you something different. So you get unlimited toppings for the same price as well as gluten free and vegan options – there are even two types of vegan cheese available!

Open for lunch and dinner, start by choosing whether you would like a burrito, low carb naked burrito or taco and then choose your filling of grilled chicken, grilled steak, barbacoa or carnitas. Everything is made fresh, inhouse and you can choose from a range of rice, vegetables and salsas to have as the filling. Tortilla accommodates for all kinds of diners - whether you are looking for a meal on the go or want to enjoy a nice, relaxing lunch. To drink, sip on an ice cold margarita or choose from a range of beers or soft drinks.

A celebration of the street food sellers of Thailand, the restaurant is brought to you by owner and chef director Kim Kaewkraikhot, who ran her own small restaurant in Bangkok and has brought a taste of Thailand to the UK. Situated in the upper mall of intu Victoria Centre, they have a roof terrace to enjoy drinks in the summer months along with a private dining space on the ‘lower deck’ of their boat themed restaurant. The overall dining experience is extremely important to the team at Thaikhun, which is why the restaurant has gone to great lengths to give diners a genuine Thai experience. The main menu features a variety of soup, salads, curry, stir-fry, rice, noodles and grill specials, all lovingly prepared by the highly trained team of chefs.

So that’s fresh ingredients, quality crafted and customisable pizzas and superb service. The only thing left to make your visit to the Stonebaked Pizza Co extra special and memorable is its cool, urban and relaxed surroundings. It’s safe to say that the Stonebaked Pizza Co is like no other pizza company and it does everything it can to make you feel satisfied and want to come back again and again, maybe even recommend the restaurant to your friends and family.

Food Served:

Food Served:

Monday – Saturday: 9:30 to 22:30 Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

Monday – Saturday 10:00-20:00 Sunday 10:00 – 18:00

Food Served:

Stonebaked Pizza Co. Lower Mall, intu Victoria Centre Tel: 0115 941 1128

Tortilla Lower Mall, intu Victoria Centre Tel: 0115 950 2865 www.intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/stores/tortilla

Thaikhun Upper Mall, intu Victoria Centre Tel: 0115 838 9950 www.intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/stores/thaikhun

www.intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/stores/stonebaked-pizza

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Monday – Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00

Information correct at the time of going to print

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HANDMADE BURGER CO.

COAST TO COAST

ED’S EASY DINER

The award-winning handmade burger Co. offer more than 40 types of burger, made from scratch using only the freshest, finest tasting and traceable ingredients. The restaurant is committed to giving diners the best in season every time and use only the best British farmers to hand pick the finest fresh food where possible.

Specialising in all-American favourites, Coast to Coast is casual dining at its best. Guests can experience a gastronomic adventure from the east to west coast of America, with dishes and cocktails inspired by recipes from across the pond.

Take a trip back in time to 1950s Americana at Ed’s Easy Diner. Enjoy the fantastic food and service in relaxed surroundings, complete with traditional ‘dime-selector’ juke boxes jam-packed with all the hits from the era.

All their beef is sourced from Aberdeenshire to give their burgers a distinctive flavour that keeps people coming back time and time again. Each and every burger is pressed individually by hand to ensure it is perfect when it arrives at your table. Dedicated gluten free and vegan menus are also on offer to ensure all diners are taken care of. Just like the burgers, the chips are made with care and attention to detail. Every farm fresh potato is peeled, cut and double-fried in restaurant to keep them fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can also add Cajun, Peri-Peri or Rosemary Salt to your chips to give them a whole new flavour kick. The fresh food philosophy at handmade burger Co. extends to all parts of the menu including salads, sides, salsas and sauces so you can be assured of freshness in every bite.

Serving authentic American dishes in the heart of Nottingham city centre, Coast To Coast is a stunningly fitted-out restaurant that also offers outdoor seating for those sunny days and warm summer evenings. To start the day, enjoy one of their delicious breakfasts including everything from buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup to fried eggs, sausage and potatoes. From 11am, you can enjoy one of their classic Americanstyle burgers made using the finest British beef and with a wide choice of toppings including pulled pork, bacon, homemade jalapeño cheese or their signature BBQ sauce. For dinner, select from a choice of mouth-watering steaks, ribs, chicken, pizza, salads and a host of other American classics, and finish it all off in style with an indulgent milkshake or dessert such as New York Cheesecake or Chocolate Brownie.

Capturing the spirit of the decade, Ed’s is a much loved retro-diner which exudes a feel-good and optimistic mood. The focus is on delivering an exceptional eating experience at great prices. See all your food being freshly prepared in their open kitchen, while kicking back at a booth, table or stool at the counter. Ed’s range of beef burgers is comprised of fully traceable ‘Farm Assured’ beef which is always fresh and grilled to perfection and served on their own toasted sesame seed buns. Other options include fried chicken, hot dogs and beef chilli, all available with a range of fries and sides. What better accompaniment to classic American food than a classic American milkshake? All their shakes are made with their own hand-scooped ice cream, and they also offer a range of delectable desserts including sundaes, brownies, waffles and pancakes.

Food Served: Monday - Thursday: 11:30 - 22:30 Friday - Saturday: 11:30 - 23:00 Sunday: 11:30 - 21:30

Food Served:

Food Served:

Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 23:00 Sunday: 09:00 – 22:30

Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00 Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00

handmade burger Co. Lower Mall, intu Victoria Centre Tel: 0115 9411 078 www.intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/stores/handmade-burger-co

Coast to Coast Lower Mall, intu Victoria Centre Tel: 0115 950 4326 www.intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/stores/coast-to-coast

Ed’s Easy Diner Upper Mall, intu Victoria Centre Tel: 0115 924 0825 www.intu.co.uk/victoriacentre/stores/ed-s-easy-diner

Information correct at the time of going to print

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IT’S ADINING FINE MAN’S WORLD GUIDE

THE TASTING ROOM CHRISTMAS GROTTO Includes a Bellini Bar (serves 20) Bucket of 10 beers Santa’s Punch (serves 10) Festive Party Shots (serves 20) Mini mince pies

Your very own Santa and exclusive use of the Tasting Room

MAXIMUM 20 GUESTS

£250

£50 off your Private Party Receive £50 off your Tasting Room booking when you dine in Maiyango Restaurant. Minimum 10 guests must dine in the restaurant. Tasting Room booking must be on the same night as your dinner booking. Minimum £250 Tasting Room Spend applies

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Easily accessible in the heart of Leicester city centre, Hotel Maiyango is the perfect place to bring together friends, family or colleagues for a night of festive-fun they’ll never forget. Hosting up to 80 guests for lunch or dinner or 100 for a more informal gathering Hotel Maiyango has a selection of great spaces for your special party. For smaller parties there is the Tasting Room Christmas Grotto, an inviting retreat where a group of up to 20 guests can celebrate in style hosted by their very own Santa! With award winning food, welcoming service and a brilliant selection of drinks you can rest assured that your celebration is in safe hands – leaving you to enjoy the night!

0116 251 88 98 RESERVATIONS@maiyango.com

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FINE DINING GUIDE

The Restaurant Perfectly nestled inside the Jubilee Conference Centre, Nottingham, The Restaurant boasts carefully crafted menus for residents and non-residents with both a counter menu and an à la carte menu brimming with delights. Available from 11.30am – 2.00pm the counter menu comprises a set selection of dishes to choose from, from heartier meals to lighter bites. Always wanting to keep the counter menu interesting, the chef changes it daily using the freshest ingredients available. As the day moves into night the seasonal à la carte menu becomes available from 6pm to 9.30pm and showcases the skilled chef’s eclectic mix of cuisine from warming starters such as baked Camembert to traditionally British meals including braised lamb shank and fish and chips.

BUSINESS

at Jubilee Conference Centre

It is the view The Restaurant looks out onto that makes it a talking point. The modern dining area, with floor to ceiling glass windows looks out onto the tranquil man-made lake and beautiful parkland beyond, which one can explore with a post-dinner walk. The pleasing aesthetics do not begin and end with the view however. Once seated at their table the diners must take a moment to glance up and take in the intricacy of the curved architecture which completes the ambience of the room. There is also a ‘Baby’ grand piano which The Restaurant warmly welcomes guests to use at their pleasure either pre, during or post dinner.

Open to non-residents and employees of local businesses, The Restaurant has an excellent selection of main lunch choices for just £7.50

£7.50 LUNCH

Triumph Road The University of Nottingham NG7 2TU 0115 938 0080

120 seats

Located on 330 acres of perfectly pruned University grounds and situated on the ground floor of the Orchard Hotel, Bramleys Brasserie is a contemporary restaurant offering a range of gastronomical delights. Diners will be instantly struck by the atmosphere of the brasserie. Seating 120 it is always buzzing with activity from the moment it opens its doors at noon. The restaurant is open to both residents and non-residents alike and its eco-friendly, natural décor mirrors the hotel’s theme.

20% off

The menu changes with the seasons and as the leaves are now starting to brown and the air is becoming that little bit more bitter, the brasserie’s menu has had an autumnal makeover. Visit the Bramleys Brasserie now and you can expect warming comfort foods including freshly made soup of the day, starter of game terrine, main of lamb tagine or piping hot pie of the day topped off with authentically British desserts such as warming treacle tart or Bramley apple crumble.

If you are looking for something a little lighter but are still seeking warmth then the roast beef and horseradish or honey roast gammon toasted sandwiches may tickle your fancy. Every dish is well priced and great value for money. Each month the brasserie plays host to the incredible vocals of local jazz singer Campbell Bass who performs songs from the ‘Great American Songbook’. His next performance date is Friday 25th November and why not treat yourself to a 3 course set dinner and a glass of fizz for £25.00 which you can enjoy while you immerse yourself in Campbell’s powerhouse voice.

À La Carte evening meal OPEN TO NON-RESIDENTS

Treat yourself to an À la carte evening meal in Bramleys and take advantage of a 20% discount of the total bill, including food and drink. Quote voucher code ASP2016BB to redeem this voucher in Bramleys Brasserie, The Orchard Hotel, Beeston Lane, Nottingham NG7 2RJ. To make a booking email bramleys@deverevenues.co.uk or call 0115 876 0881. Terms and conditions: Valid for up to 6 people, in the evenings only, from food and drink from the À La Carte menu until 31st March 2017. Certain dates are not included, please check when you make your booking. Voucher must be mentioned on booking and presented on arrival. Voucher not valid for hotel residents. Voucher can be used once only and has no cash value.

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Passionate about Chocolate In late 2013 we first opened the doors to Cocoa Amore and began to share a little piece of chocolate heaven. Our Silver Street boutique soon became the No.1 shopping experience in Leicester on tripadvisor, thanks to our high level of service, affordability and tellingly the wonderful quality of our award-winning handmade products. We are proud to use fine Casa Luker chocolate from Colombia for all of our house made products, which include corporate gifts and wedding favours and we invite you to enjoy an immersive and exciting experience at one of our fabulous chocolate making workshops. To find out more, please visit www.cocoa-amore.co.uk or pop into our Leicester city centre store and try some of the best chocolate available in the UK.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT, ALWAYS STYLISH – IT’S TIME FOR THE TUXEDO When it comes to formal wear every well-dressed gentleman knows there can only ever be one choice – the timeless tuxedo suit. Fitted properly, a tuxedo creates an elegant silhouette, helping every man, irrespective of physique and age looks his sartorial best. Style never goes out of fashion and with a tailored tuxedo hanging in the wardrobe, every man is covered, whether it is a Christmas party, corporate event or special occasion such as on a cruise ship, that demands his presence. As a man attending a black-tie event it can be hard to differentiate oneself from the pack, after all much of the intention behind a black-tie dress code is to give the women in their eveningwear every opportunity to shine. However, while at first glance a tuxedo may seem like just another black suit, all tuxedos are not created equal. At The Bespoke

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Tailor, a world class tailoring service, award-winning tailor, Adrian Barrows, carefully crafts tailored suits, including tuxedos, which flatter and enhance the wearer. With formal wear only being used on a handful of occasions it can be tempting to buy a budget version, however, investing in a tuxedo which has been expertly tailored and produced using quality fabrics will stand the test of time, last years and always look stylish. While for many men the tuxedo is synonymous with Hollywood, in particular that most famous of tux wearers, James Bond, Adrian’s approach is to handcraft a perfectly tailored garment that doesn’t try to emulate those that have gone before, but makes the wearer look their very best.

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Through the impeccable tailoring, fine fabrics and those all-important final touches, Adrian can be trusted to create a bespoke tuxedo that oozes style, sophistication and elegance.

own surroundings Adrian can build a picture of the individual wearing the suit, helping to create a tailor-made piece that they enjoy wearing and that helps to boost their confidence.

Established back in 2011, Adrian likes to work a little differently from other tailors. With the focus on the individual, at The Bespoke Tailor Adrian focuses on getting to know his client, their lifestyle, preferences and personal sense of style. With this information, Adrian can create garments that not only look great but fit effortlessly into their life.

Working in the tailoring industry for over 20 years, Adrian adopts an approach of combining traditional tailoring techniques with his own cutting-edge methods. Utilising technology, Adrian has developed his own pattern software and devises a blueprint for every finished garment which is manufactured in his specialist workshop.

With clients including high-profile sportsmen, business leaders and world-renowned actors, Adrian understands the demands of a busy lifestyle and so attends to clients in their place of work or in their home. As well as offering convenience for the client, in visiting the client in their

As well as suits for black-tie events, Adrian produces everything from workwear to wedding outfits, ensuring that no matter the occasion, his clients are always impeccably dressed.

For more information visit www.thebespoketailor.co.uk, alternatively to discuss your specific requirements call Adrian on 07968 438 717 or email info@thebespoketailor.co.uk. Keep up to date with the latest news from The Bespoke Tailor by following, @TweetingTailor

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

SECOND LEICESTER BUSINESS FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY

PROVES TO BE A HUGE SUCCESS When the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) began planning the first Leicester Business Festival in 2015, the LBF board had high hopes to schedule just 20 events and to get some level of community buy-in into the concept.

THE 2016 FESTIVAL... 12,500+ Total attendees

Instead, the festival succeeded in putting a major marker in the region’s business calendar. With just 19 weeks lead time, the festival managed to centre the region’s business topics under one nationally focused and internationally placed brand with exceptional results – 80 seminars, lectures, workshops and conferences all taking place within two weeks, attracting more than 7,500 visitors from across the UK and with an estimated reach of around two million people. And so the stage was set for the 2016 festival – could it possibly match the incredible success of the inaugural event? Thanks to rigorous planning, passion and commitment from all involved, this year’s festival expanded exponentially and was far bigger and better than its predecessor. With more than 120 events to choose from, over 12,500 people attended what is now universally acknowledged to be the region’s largest business event. Delegates and participants included representatives from small businesses, major corporations and government institutions as well as entrepreneurs who were keen to use the festival as a platform to engage with like-minded forward-thinking individuals and organisations. The reach of the festival this year more than quadrupled to around 9.7m individuals and over 322,000 on associated contactable databases – it was clear that the ‘brand’ of the festival had generated an unparalleled opportunity for the region.

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120 Events

25 OLD

T U O

Events

S

The programme for 2016 boasted some spectacular, highly topical and nationally important events that spanned right across the region and its sectors. Whether the subject was autonomous vehicle testing, speed networking, political and economic announcements or improving business productivity through Lego and yoga, this year’s festival certainly had something for everyone. The 2016 programme was segmented into nine key business sectors in line with what the LLEP identified as the sectors that would hold the highest level of opportunity for economic growth in the region. Industry sectors covered by the festival included distribution and logistics, food and drink production, tourism and hospitality, textiles manufacturing, low carbon, sport and health, advanced manufacturing and engineering, creative industries and professional services. Several of the sectors were supported by such major industry bodies as the Department for International Trade, the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, Make It British, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors and many others. As anyone familiar with Leicestershire knows, the county is one of the most culturally diverse and business friendly environments in the UK. It’s safe to say that the Leicester Business Festival has opened the eyes of the nation to the economic potential of this great region, which currently boasts more than 33,000 businesses and 435,000 employees delivering a net worth of £19.4bn a year.

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MOVING INTO THE

2017 FESTIVAL... Also involved in the festival were the three world class universities based in the region who produce tens of thousands of skilled graduates every year, delivering cutting-edge innovation in a wide array of industries, crucial to the development of not only the county, but the entire nation and potentially the world. Sponsored by De Montfort University’s Leicester Castle Business School, the 2016 festival attracted such affiliate partners as Aon, Qdos, Highcross Leicester and Lestercast. Continuing to support the festival were Smooth Radio, Leicester Mercury and the LLEP Business Gateway while the fortnight of activity was promoted by Leicestershire’s leading branding and events agency Champions (UK) plc.

For information on how you or your company could get involved with the 2017 Leicester Business Festival call:

Ashleigh Kerr 07785 460 767 akerr@championsukplc.com

Finally, it was announced on the launch of this year’s Leicester Business Festival that from next year it would become a fully independent entity, run by a not-for-profit community interest company. It was always the aim for the festival to develop that way and, due to the support of local businesses and the incredible success of the 2016 festival, next year’s will be the first to be entirely self-sustainable.

9.7m

/LBFest @lbffestival @lbffestival leicesterbusinessfestival

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Going DIGITAL the Champions way Every year in the UK, it is estimated that British consumers spend a staggering £114 billion on online purchases*. For businesses this represents a fantastic opportunity and with the right strategy even small companies can grab a share of the market and successfully grow their business. “The great thing about successful e-commerce strategies,” said Champions (UK) plc’s Managing Director, Matthew Hayes, “is that they can really level the playing field, helping smaller businesses compete with bigger firms and their larger marketing budgets.” Get it right and an e-commerce strategy can help a business to drive sales as well as build brand recognition and create an open dialogue with customers through social media – giving businesses incredible insights into what their target demographic want. “With digital marketing businesses can really tailor their offer in line with their customers’ expectations,” continued Matthew. “What’s more, when compared to more traditional marketing strategies, with digital it is much quicker and often cheaper to run complete campaigns.”

Does every business need a digital marketing strategy? In short, yes, businesses of all sizes and from all sectors can benefit from an effective digital marketing strategy. While years ago an informational website which directed potential customers to a physical location would have been acceptable, these days consumers expect online ordering 24/7. Businesses have to ensure they are meeting this demand if they are to get a slice of the revenue online trading can offer. For many businesses a key goal is a first page search result, however, with an estimated one billion websites and 3.5 billion Google searches every day, competition is extremely stiff and this level of visibility requires skill and expertise to achieve.

Businesses of all types and sizes can benefit from an effective e-commerce strategy which is where Champions (UK) plc come in. Working with clients from a wide variety of sectors, the Champions approach is to devise an e-commerce strategy based on the specific needs of each client. *Source: http://internetretailing.net/2016/01/uk-online-spending-11pc-up-at-114bn-in-2015-and-12pc-up-at-24bn-over-christmas/

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

The Champions approach

The complete service

Utilising our in-house expertise, here at Champions we apply a range of SEO techniques to improve the likelihood of a first page search engine ranking.

As a full-service agency, Champions offers e-commerce and digital marketing services that fully complement our other services, which include marketing, PR and event management.

As a full-service brand agency, here at Champions we understand how many parts come together to make a business work and are able to devise a bespoke digital marketing strategy that integrates seamlessly into other marketing activity. Using a range of techniques, the Champions approach includes:

• Technical audit • Keyword analysis • Competitor analysis • Paid advertising • Content & PR • Conversion optimisation • Link development & outreach

“Wherever your business is in terms of its digital strategy,” concluded Matthew, “with a Champions digital marketing solution we can help develop your business’ online presence so you are able to attract new and repeat visitors, in turn helping to boost sales and improve search engine rankings.”

2016 2015 2014 2013

Depending on your business’ specific needs this may include link development and paid advertising as well as ensuring your site is mobile ready. With more and more internet searches now being done on mobile devices and Google prioritising mobile ready sites, this is an important factor.

£111,516 Annual average: £227,652 Annual

average:

£378,732 Prediction: £+500k Annual

average:

445%

SALES INCREASE

• Content marketing • Web design We offer a range of packages tailored to businesses of all kinds from small start-ups to larger e-commerce organisations which require a greater amount of dedicated hours.

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In profile: Semilac

While a popular choice in its home country of Poland, Semilac was looking for a way to bring its outstanding range of nail polishes to a UK market. A key part of the digital strategy was to educate customers on the benefits on this long-lasting polish, which combines gel, UV and nail polish. Targeting in-salon professionals and consumers, the Champions approach was to build the company a new website which feels aspirational and offers online purchasing. Built using an open source code format the site was fully customisable and built to the exacting needs of Semilac. The on-going strategy includes targeted social media campaigns that take new trends and the latest colours direct to potential customers and interested parties, raising the brand’s profile.

For more details on how Champions Digital can support your business’ online ambitions, contact, 08453 31 30 31 or visit www.championsukplc.com AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

LEADING FIRM STATUS FITS LIKE Smith Partnership, one of the largest firms of solicitors in the Midlands, is delighted to have been recognised again as a leading law firm with a reputation for excellent customer service in this year’s Legal 500 report, the annual guide to UK law firms.

A GLOVE

Established in 1987, the law firm has been moving up the rankings in the Legal 500 report year on year and is very excited to have recorded another great year, maintaining its position offering the only Family and Crime legal services team in Derby and Leicester, with Legal 500 ‘Top Tier’ status. It is also clear from the report that the focus it places on customer service has remained central to the way it works today, as it has since it was established nearly 30 years ago! Russell Davies, Partner at Smith Partnership said: “Our performance this year has been excellent and we are so pleased for our teams of professionals, who work so hard every day for our clients, across all areas of private and commercial law. “Legal 500 gives us a benchmark of where we are as a law firm and this year’s ranking shows we are continuing to compete strongly, in a very competitive market. “We are delighted to remain as the only Family and Crime legal services team in Derby and Leicester with Legal 500 ‘Top Tier’ status. We have also received Tier Two status in the Fraud category and the Dispute Resolutions Debt Recovery category. This progress is very satisfying and we hope to continue to improve year on year!” Smith Partnership has always prided itself of delivering excellent service and building long lasting relationships with its clients, with the Legal 500 reflecting this belief with a commendation for having a stand-out reputation for openness, friendliness and no-nonsense straight-talking. So what is Legal 500? The Legal 500 is an annual guide to all law firms in the UK, aimed at buyers of legal services, to see who is leading the way in the profession, naming both practices and individuals. Law firms are invited to submit their details each year, with expert researchers interviewing lawyers and clients to grade each firm.

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Supporting the Lawyers Behind the scenes at Smith Partnership is a number of highly skilled business development and administration teams, providing the best systems and marketing campaigns to ensure clients, and potential clients, receive the best possible service and communications. In 2016, the Business Development team has actioned an impactful brand awareness strategy, taking massive strides for the business to shine on social media, extend regional print media presence and strengthen business partnerships, such as Marketing Derby. Investing time with Marketing Derby Smith Partnership has continued to develop its relationship with Marketing Derby in 2016, not only as a bondholder, but by becoming its first Official Partner at the forefront of its 2016 programme of investor events, in order to raise the profile of the City and the East Midlands via the power of three Campaign.

STOKE ON TRENT DERBY

Russell Davies, Partner at Smith Partnership said: “Attending the MIPIM property event in Cannes this year with Marketing Derby was a fabulous opportunity to show what Derby has to offer. The global event invited investment in our city’s future from around the world. “In ten years Marketing Derby has made massive strides in promoting and developing the City. We are very proud that Smith Partnership has been a part of that development and we will continue to do so in the long term!” How can we help you?

BURTON ON TRENT SWADLINCOTE

LEICESTER

Smith Partnership offers a full range of legal services to help both private and commercial clients manage the most important events in their lives; with sensible planning to always ensure peace of mind and legal protection. The law firm has over 30 specialist commercial lawyers at hand to support the business community with a national and regional network of associates including accountants, HR professionals and tax consultants. The company also has specialist legal experts, for example in the aviation field, who work alongside over a dozen national and international airlines to provide a liability claim service.

LEADING FIRM

2016

Smith Partnership has a network of offices throughout the Midlands in Derby, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Burton-on-Trent and Swadlincote. To find out more about Legal 500 visit: www.legal500.com

Celtic House | Heritage Gate | Friary Street | Derby DE1 1LS | Tel: 01332 225 225 | Fax: 01332 225 444 Charnwood Court | 5B New Walk | Leicester LE1 6TE | Tel: 0116 247 2000 | Fax: 0116 247 2007 158 High Street | Burton-Upon-Trent | Staffordshire DE14 1JE | Tel: 01283 742 020 | Fax: 01283 742 040

Or email any of our offices at: info@smithpartnership.co.uk AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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31 High Street | Lutterworth Leicestershire | LE17 4AY 01455 556 951 | art@antidoteart.com

Leicestershire’s most exciting Independent Art Gallery Fabian Perez | JJ Adams | Doug Hyde | Jack Vettriano | Akiyama Todd White | Paul Kenton | John Myatt | Katie Jade Dobson Gabe Leonard | Paul James | Marie Louise Wrightson Antidote Art Gallery.indd 124

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Rainbows supports children like Jessie “It breaks my heart to watch my daughter growing unable to do the things other children do.” Ten-year-old Jessie Spray suffers from a rare and catastrophic form of intractable epilepsy and factors such as the weather and over stimulation can cause life-threatening seizures. When she was 10 months old, Jessie had a febrile convulsion and ended up in hospital. Two weeks later the same thing happened and mum, Rachel, was told not to worry. But after three agonising hours, the family’s world started to crumble as Jessie was taken to Intensive Care and put on a life support

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machine where she spent a couple of days. Jessie pulled through but once back at her Derbyshire home, the seizures continued and became more frequent. For the next two years, she was constantly in and out of hospital and at least once a week, she was blue lighted there in an ambulance. Finally when she was two years old, Rachel and Daniel, Jessie’s father, were told their daughter had Dravet Syndrome. Jessie also has autism and her condition means she has learning difficulties and finds it hard to socialise with other children. Jessie’s seizures robbed her of her appetite until she was admitted to hospital with organ failure due to her being medically anorexic. She now has a gastrostomy tube, which she has nicknamed Beryl, to feed her. “Jessie can never be left on her own, you even have to go to the toilet with her,” said Rachel. “She sleeps in our room as the risk of seizures at night is even higher. She is attached to me 24/7. I feel guilty all the time as she misses

out on so much. When you wake up in the morning, you never know what you are going to get. “You do worry about everything; the next seizure could kill her. We dread winter, if she gets a cold, it can put her on life support. “Despite everything, Jessie is so positive, she doesn’t know any different and she is so happy and is always smiling. There are some days when I could cry at the drop of a hat but she brings us joy every day.” In January 2014, Rachel and Daniel, who also have a 15-year-old son, Tom, discovered Rainbows. “Rainbows is amazing,” said Rachel. “With having Tom too, he really needs us and we can’t do normal things with him as we are so consumed by Jessie. Rainbows gives us that time. “Trusting someone with Jessie is a big thing for me. At Rainbows, I know Jessie is safe. It isn’t just about the care Jessie receives, Rainbows is also a support network for the whole family.”

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How we are funded I said “What about Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” The cast of hit stage show Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which toured across the East Midlands, treated the Rainbows families and staff to a special performance. Eleven members of the ensemble visited Rainbows to meet its children and young people and find out more about the work Rainbows does. After touring the facilities, actress Emily Atack – who also starred in The Inbetweeners - entertained families and staff with a version of Moon River and cast members sang Frozen’s Let it Go. They also signed memorabilia for children and young people. Charlie De Melo, who plays Jose, set up the visit because his mum, Lynne, works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Rainbows. He said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit Rainbows while taking the show to the East Midlands. “I know very well how wonderful the work is that Rainbows does for its children and their families. What was nice for me was to be able to facilitate and introduce new people to that wonderful work. On a personal level it was particularly nice to hear the admiration that the staff themselves have for the work my mum does. Over the years it’s become normalised just how worthy her work is in my eyes, so to hear her colleagues speak so highly of her was a really beautiful moment for me.” Since visiting the hospice, the cast and crew have set up ‘Team Golightly’ (Tiffany’s Run for Rainbows) and are taking part in various runs around the country. To date, they have raised over £3,000.

Rainbows’ biggest income source is legacies – gifts that supporters leave in their will. Last year this amounted to £931,000. In the UK, gifts in wills are responsible for over £2.2bn of charitable funding. This is why you will often read about Rainbows’ work in trying to get more people to remember them in their wills. Away from legacies, last year Rainbows received £2,013,000 in donations, including: • • •

£879,000 from companies, their employees and customers £817,000 in donations from individuals and community groups £317,000 in grants from trusts and foundations

Customers who donated or bought something at the Rainbows shops contributed £459,000 towards the hospice last year, while supporters who organised or attended events raised a further £548,000. The weekly lottery and superdraws are a staple part of its fundraising activity and Rainbows ended last year with over 11,000 supporters playing, raising £576,000. Finally, Rainbows received a comparatively small amount of money from national and local Government. In 2015/16 it received

£330,000 from NHS England, equivalent to three weeks of running costs and a further £544,000 from local health authorities. Income from other sources totalled £99,000. How Rainbows spent your money Every penny Rainbows spend helps achieve its mission and the charity is indebted to everyone who plays a part in that. The bulk of what is raised is spent on delivering care inside the hospice and away from Rainbows through family support work and outreach activity. Without fundraising and donations Rainbows simply could not exist. That’s why it spends some of the income received on raising money for this year and for future years. Rainbows’ supporters are as much a part of the care and compassion that is provided as its staff and volunteers. It’s the supporters’ passion, determination and generosity that drives everything Rainbows does. Rainbows is your charity and by working together, everyone can make a real difference to the short lives of the children and young people cared for and the families they leave behind.

17% Legacies

10% Rainbows Lottery

16% Charitable Activity Funding

16% Other

Where does our

16% Corporate Donations

8% Retail & Business Activities

5.5m

15% Community Donations

6% Trusts & Grants

10% Events & Challenges

2% Other Income

income come from...

Rainbows is regularly recruiting volunteers. To be part of the Rainbows team, contact Paul Holden on 01509 638059 or email paul.holden@rainbows.co.uk

WWW.RAINBOWS.CO.UK 01509 638000 FUNDRAISING@RAINBOWS.CO.UK AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE 14

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

OFFICIAL

Official suppliers of marquees to Champions (UK) plc and the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship Whether you are hosting an intimate family party, arranging a corporate function or organising a fashion show Mudford Marquees is happy to oblige your needs. The company has been providing shelter for every imaginable event and every guest conceivable, including celebrities and royalty, for over 178 years. Their commitment to attentive bespoke and efficient service has earned them their fantastic reputation for delivering excellence in the UK. With a wealth of experience behind the company, its specialist crew know exactly what the customer wants- a uniquely tailored experience combining their client’s requirements with the practical knowledge of marquee experts; this creates the perfect environment for a successful event. Mudford Marquees frequently provide structures for house parties, giving customers the opportunity to transform their gardens into all manner of opulent settings. From night clubs to tropical rainforests to Las Vegas casinos to any other theme imaginable Mudford will cater their service to your every event need. Alternatively, for the larger party, Mudford can build frame extensions on homes to create extra space.

Marquee supplier for Champions (UK) plc

As a result, from nationally known sports teams to media companies, Mudford boast a huge selection of high profile corporations as their clients. These clients call upon the marquee specialists for their conferences, Christmas functions and award ceremonies in order to create a profound and lasting impression on their guests. Numerous county and agricultural shows have Mudford Marquees to thank for their attractive and practical storage, display and retail solutions as well as their floor coverings, trestle tables and furnishings. Mudford go the extra mile to satisfy customer needs; which is why they now have a number of “extra” finishing touches available. The additional services they now provide include a bespoke interior design option which brings venues to life, especially when combined with their range of furniture and furnishings. In just a few short hours Mudford can transform an empty space into a coordinated and stylish scene. They will make dreams a reality with their creative use of impact sails, themed backdrops, lighting and plush interior linings.

As a result of the complete freedom they offer customers Mudford Marquees are extremely popular with wedding planners. Mudford understands that the special day belongs to the happy couple, so they readily submit control over layout, design and timing to ensure bride, groom and guests have the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable day.

As well as promising to provide a tasteful setting with charming interiors in virtually any location, Mudford tackles the obvious downfall of outdoor events with success and practicality. The eternal outside toilet dilemma is swiftly resolved with Mudford Marquees’ premier hygiene facilities. Certainly not typical examples of portable toilets, these facilities could easily exist within a five star hotel or restaurant.

Their reputation for reliability and willingness to welcome the challenge of awkward spaces and tight corners makes Mudford a favourite amongst corporate event organisers. Proving their flexibility Mudford’s specialist crew will erect a marquee on a range of surfaces in countless locations.

With their impressive history it’s difficult to see how Mudford Marquees will ever be anything less than industry leaders. With its continuous expansion, adaptable nature and apparent dedication to customer satisfaction this innovative company is certainly one to watch.

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Peter Shilton & Dan Walker host a Q&A Session at the British Par 3 Championship

George Mudford & Sons Ltd. Aurillac Way, Hallcroft Industrial Estate Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7PX

Telephone: 01777 703489 Email: info@mudfordmarquees.co.uk Or visit www.mudfordmarquees.co.uk

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Eastenders star, Nina Wadia

Champions After Dinner Speakers table with Vanessa Feltz

The evening’s host, Derek Redmond with his wife Maria Redmond

In association with

Celebrity Charity James Bond Ball 007 M2K Services table. Mr Maurice Addison and guests

The Ballroom, The Dorchester, Park Lane, London

Soprano Faith Tucker

Friday 3rd June 2016 Stars of screen, sport and song lit up The Dorchester hotel for a James Bond-themed black tie ball in honour of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. As one of Park Lane’s most prestigious and exclusive venues, The Dorchester once more played host to the glittering event, organised annually by brand and celebrity management agency Champions UK (plc).

Sally Windsor and Amy Childs

The night opened with a spectacular Laurent-Perrier champagne reception in true 007 style before guests took to their seats in The Ballroom for a lavish three-course meal. The impressive guest list included William Roache MBE, Amy Childs, Vanessa Feltz, JJ Hamblett, Mark Dolan, Neil Back MBE, Johnny Nelson and Tony Christie to name but a few. MasterChef sensation Gregg Wallace joined Olympic legend Derek Redmond as hosts for the evening, whilst a charity fundraiser was conducted by renowned auctioneer Charlie Ross. Entertainment came in the form of extraordinary classical vocalist Faith Tucker, before The Overtures filled the dancefloor with a selection of hits from the swinging sixties.

Miss Becky Cooper from Farmfoods and guests

Markets move fast. How will I keep up?

Champions are proud to have supported Rainbows for over 14 years, and have succeeded in raising over £1m in funding for the organisation in total through events such as the Ball at The Dorchester. The world is more complex than ever before. Which makes it incredibly challenging to stay abreast of the latest news that could affect your investments. This is where our 900 analysts can help. Constantly monitoring the world’s markets, they provide our investment teams with the information they need to keep your portfolio on track. For some of life’s questions, you’re not alone. Together we can find an answer.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount originally invested.

UBS Wealth Management 3 Finsbury Avenue London EC2M 2AN

UBS Wealth Management 10 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2QD

Ashley Coombes ashley.coombes@ubs.com Tel: 020 7568 4183

Phillip Wood phillip.wood@ubs.com Tel: 0121 262 3432

© UBS 2016. All rights reserved.

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Matthew Hoggard MBE and Sally Hoggard

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ICONIC HOTELS IN ICONIC PLACES

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Maxi-Low table. Mr Ken Crouch and guests

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Alex Kowalczuk, Michelle Gardiner, Katie Niland and Gail Webb

Graham Bell, Bill Roache MBE, Neil Back MBE, Craig Phillips and Andy Abraham

Reel Cinema’s K C Suri, Faith Tucker and guests

PMGC table - Mr Shez Cheema and guests with Hercules Smith

Cherry Richardson and Dion Dublin

Nina Wadia, Sean Downs and friends

Ola Jordan and James Jordan

Charity game of ‘Heads & Tails’

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Tony & Sue Christie

Tim Charlesworth and Diane

Rainbows Children’s hospice table. Andrew Ball and guests

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David Simms and the Derby Telegraph’s table

The Roundhouse, Derby College

Guests enjoying Champagne reception

HEADLINE SPONSORS

Rainbows table

David Torrington and guests

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Thursday 9th June 2016

Emma Jesson co-hosting

The annual Derby Telegraph Business Awards took place at the Derby Roundhouse and saw representatives gather from the region’s most successful businesses. Award category finalists and sponsors all attended the prestigious event to celebrate the region’s diverse economy.

Lisa Hill, Winner of the Heads and Tails prize, along with co-host Dominic Holland

Guests were entertained throughout the evening by a dynamic duo, ITV Weather presenter, Emma Jesson and Perrier Award winning comedian Dominic Holland. Entertainment was provided by the always hilarious comedy pianist Kev Orkian.

Derby Small Business of the Year winner, Bespoke Inns, with award sponsor Hari Punchihewa from University of Derby

The evening was also a fantastic opportunity to raise vital funds for Rainbows Hospice through a series of games and events including Heads and Tails and a silent auction. The charity offers children and young people with life threatening and life limiting illnesses specialist hospice facilities at their base in Loughborough and money raised ensures that they can continue their important work.

Adrian Dixon playing at the Champagne reception

Organised by leading brand agency, Champions (UK) plc, the quality of the awards ceremony matched its reputation. The prestigious Company of the Year prize was taken home by award-winning triathlon gear company HUUB.

CHARITY

Guests enjoying a game of ‘Heads and Tails’

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Sellick Partnership table

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Category Sponsor

2016 Winners NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION AWARD SAFE & SOUND CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD CHAMELEON SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION LTD

Winner of the Creative Industries Award, Status Social, along with Award sponsor Tim Page from Concur

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD ABURNET EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AWARD EVANS CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR STATUS SOCIAL

Mark Slaviero and Louisa Pool, from award sponsors Mattioli Woods plc, with Business Entrepreneur winner Richard Harrison of Xpertise Recruitment

RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR LOVE AROMA EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD MERCURYAVS DERBY SALES AND MARKETING AWARD

Award sponsor Janine Edwards, with winner of the Excellence in Manufacturing Award, Evans Concrete

THE BOOT AND BOOT BEER SERVICES AWARD www.cpl-print.co.uk

BIONICAL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR RICHARD HARRISON OF XPERTISE RECRUITMENT NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Neil White, Editor in Chief of the Derby Telegraph

ALPHS DERBY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BESPOKE INNS – THE DRAGON DERBY COMPANY OF THE YEAR HUUB Derby Company of the Year Winner, HUUB, with Award sponsor April Hayhurst from Derby College

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Tony & Astrid Jacklin with Rick Cressman

Gordon Strachan OBE

Paul Broadhurst, Michael Campbell and Tony Jacklin CBE Q&A Session

BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP Tuesday 26th July – Friday 29th July 2016 Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire was buzzing yet again with professionals and celebrities taking part in the 2016 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. Alan McInally

Among the familiar faces gracing the Cromwell Course and the special evening events were 11 former Ryder Cup legends, tournament host Tony Jacklin CBE, Peter Shilton OBE, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Woosnam OBE, Matthew Hoggard MBE, Edoardo Molinari and Neil Back MBE. Also appearing were Len Goodman, William Roache MBE, Esteban Toledo, Alan McInally, Derek Redmond, Brian McFadden, Gail Emms MBE, Lee Slattery, Michael Campbell and – of course – Nailcote Hall owner Rick Cressman.

Jonny Bairstow

European Senior Tour winner Mark Mouland won the professional Championship while Mike Harwood and his partners (racing legend Nigel Mansell and football star Peter Odemwingie) won the team competition. Ron Atkinson and wife Maggie

Mansell also came joint first in one Celeb-Am clash with TV presenter Roy Walker while the second Celeb-Am title was won by former Aston Villa striker Peter Withe. Carl Mason won the Super Seniors for the fourth consecutive time and Strictly Come Dancing favourite James Jordan and Ricky Sturrock shared the Norma C Herd Silver Salver title.

Bobby Davro larks around with evening guests

Various entertainment evenings were organised by Champions (UK) plc, including an incredible Gala Ball hosted by comedian Dominic Holland, a Players’ Banquet and two charity auctions that raised funds for the Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Superb entertainment across the events was provided by The Overtures, The Brothers of Soul, Hercules Smith, Faith Tucker and Bobby Davro. William Roache MBE

Tony Jacklin, Costantino Rocca and Eric Herd

INSPIRATIONAL magazine

CATCH

Matthew Hoggard MBE

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Andrew Thirkill, Tommy Fleetwood, Chris Cockerell and Tina Dortmans

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Dominic Holland

2016 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship winner, Mark Mouland

Olympic Athlete Derek Redmond and wife Maria

Brian McFadden

Carly Booth

Nigel Mansell CBE

Ryder Cup stars gather for a one-off group shot

Len Goodman

Dominic Holland, Eric Bristow and Keith Deller

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Craig Phillips

Gary Wolstenholme MBE

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SAM BAILEY S I N G M Y H E A RT O U T

Sam Bailey with fellow Champions Music & Entertainment signee and classical singer, Faith Tucker

Sandy Channer of Gogglebox, Vanessa Feltz and Ben Ofoedu

Sam Bailey Album Launch The Ballroom, The Dorchester, Park Lane, London Thursday 4th August 2016

In association with

Derek Redmond hosts the glamorous evening

Champions Celebrity and 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey celebrated the launch of her new album ‘Sing My Heart Out’ at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Sam performing tracks from her brand new album

On the evening of Thursday 4 August Sam was joined by celebrities and press to officially launch the new music that she has been working tirelessly on since January. During an exclusive performance at the launch party Sam showcased a number of the tracks from the album. The phenomenal album is a mixture of genres, and emphasises just how versatile Sam’s vocal abilities are. She has teamed up with acclaimed music composer and icon Steve Dorff who has worked with industry legends such as Kenny Rogers, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, George Strait and Vanessa Williams. Steve has also been nominated for six Emmy Awards for his television compositions as well as three Grammy nominations. Seann Miley Moore and friends

Guests enjoyed a canapé and drinks reception before being seated for Sam’s special live performance. The glamorous evening was a huge success with hundreds of guests there to support the powerhouse vocalist on her new and exciting journey.

Former Funhouse presenter Pat Sharp

Celebrities that attended the evening included Vanessa Feltz, Mike Hassini, Jason Burrill, Andy West, Andy Abraham, Danyl Johnson, Sandy Channer from Gogglebox, Linda Robson, Faith Tucker, Hercules Smith, Sam Callahan, Derek and Maria Redmond, Pat Sharpe, Seann Miley Moore, Richard Hadfield from Collabro and Lizzie Cundy. Sam also had the support of her husband Craig and former A1 band member and singer/songwriter Ben Adams who has been an essential part in the writing and producing of the album. Richard Hadfield formerly of Collabro

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Sam’s album Sing My Heart Out is available to buy in all HMV, Tesco and ASDA stores as well as on iTunes and Amazon.

Danyl Johnson former X Factor contestant

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John, Roxanna and Louisa Hayes with Sam Bailey and Faith Tucker, pictured with the Champions (UK) plc Events and PR team

Jason Burrill - Winner of 2016 Big Brother

Andy Abraham, Chris Cockerell and Donna Hayes

Sam Callahan former X Factor contestant

Ben Adams and Sam Bailey

Singer Hercules and guests

Mark Dunford and wife Linda Robson of Loose Women

The crowd take their seats pre-performance

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Mike Hassini and Sandy Channer

Lizzie Cundy and fans

Nick Tanner and Murray Stewart of Glastonbudget with Alan Warner FEAA, Business Manager of Champions Music & Entertainment

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The stage is set for an amazing night of entertainment

Raising a toast to the evening’s Official Charity, Make some Noise

Some of the evening’s winners and performers

HEADLINE SPONSOR

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION BY

Rob Kingsley as Elvis prepares to take the stage

OFFICIAL CHARITY

Alan Warner FEAA and Executive Vice President of the Agents’ Association

ATHENA, Leicester

Wednesday 29th June 2016 Wednesday 29th June saw tribute acts gather under the roof of Athena – Leicester City’s most unique setting for events – for the 2016 National Tribute Music Awards. Patrick Monahan, comedian and the evening’s host

The awards put the spotlight on the wonderful tribute acts that entertain thousands of people up and down the country all year round.

Lifetime Achievement winners Talon with Nick Taylor of Juice Creative

This year, the awards were in the expert hands of Champions (UK) plc who made the awards the biggest and the best they have ever been by introducing new categories and providing a seamless night of celebration. Guests, sponsors and winners were treated to a gourmet three course meal before a night of entertainment from the host and stand-up comedian, Patrick Monahan, and a selection of some of the many fantastic tribute acts began.

The Chicago Blues Brothers ready to storm the Athena, Leicester

Along with the winners of the 11 awards, another 30 performers were recognised as the best tribute act of their kind, rewarded with an Official UK No.1 Award.

Patrick Monahan with Paul Reason (as Robbie Williams) and his dancers

Amongst the list of attendees were a number of celebrities including 2005 X Factor runner-up, Andy Abraham, Kieron Collins from BBC North and producer of “Stars in their Eyes”, and legendary Comedian and TV Presenter Tom O’Connor. The night not only celebrated the nation’s brightest and best tribute artists but was also the perfect opportunity to raise valuable funds for Global’s Make Some Noise charity, an organisation that supports other brilliant charities across the UK who do fantastic work for families living with illness, disability or lack of opportunity. Bob Johnson of Mazars with Totally Tina and her award-winning dancers

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Guests party on into the early hours of the morning

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Category Sponsor

2016 Winners BEST SOUND & LIGHTING PRODUCTION TOTALLY TINA

BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION REVIVAL (THE TRIBUTE TO ABBA)

Olli McClellan and Scott Cole of Demand-ing with Nick Tanner, Managing Director of the Glastonbudget Festival and winner of the Music Industry Award

BEST WEBSITE MBM CORPORATE

BEST MARKETING & PR TALON

Alan Cutler FEAA, President of the Entertainment Agents’ Association Ltd with Totally Tina, winner of Best Female Artist

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY TOTALLY TINA

TRIBUTE AGENT OF THE YEAR BARRY COLLINGS

BEST BAND

Donna Tappin of Grosvenor Casinos with Rob Kingsley (A Vision of Elvis), winner of Best Male Artist

TALON

BEST FEMALE ARTIST TOTALLY TINA

BEST MALE ARTIST ROB KINGSLEY (A VISION OF ELVIS)

Kelly O’Brien, the UK’s Official UK No.1 Dolly Parton tribute act

MUSIC INDUSTRY AWARD NICK TANNER

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TALON Jimmy Jemain, the UK’s Official No.1 Cliff Richard tribute act

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Geoff Miller OBE hosts the evening and introduces David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd

Mark Crossley, Desmond Haynes, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd and James Upton

Basher Hassan and a guest

David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd Cricket Dinner King Power Stadium, Leicester Thursday 23rd June 2016 This summer saw cricketing fans from the world of business come together for an evening of entertainment, great food and charity fundraising. Sophia Hayes with Aspirational Magazine guests

Hosted by cricket legend, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, at King Power Stadium, (the home of Premier League title winners Leicester City), the event was a fantastic success.

Dominic Gomersall of Lumbers and guest

David, who enjoyed a successful cricketing career with Lancashire and England and is now a leading pundit, shared his insights into the game. Also appearing was Geoff Miller OBE, who earned 34 Test caps for England and is a respected figure in English cricket. Attendees were also treated to a surprise guest in the form of West Indian cricket hero, Desmond Haynes, who was named Wisden’s cricketer of the year in 1991 and enjoyed a successful career at both international and English County Cricket level.

Shez Cheema of PMGC and Desmond Haynes

Along with talks from the former players, attendees enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal followed by a priceless auction, facilitated by renowned auctioneer, Charlie Ross. The auction raised much-needed funds for Leicestershire’s Rainbows hospice which is dedicated to caring for children with life-limiting conditions and their carers.

Mark Crossley, James Upton (Upton Steel) and Matthew Hoggard MBE

Items up for grabs included a stay at the Jack Nicklaus designed Spanish golf resort, Sir Ian Botham’s worn England sweater and a British Open Golf Championship 2016 package.

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Entertainer Bob Wilmott

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Bernard Prewett, Lauren Beach and David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd

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Desmond Haynes

Tyrone Hanlon of Tiger Foods and guests

Elliot and Bev Cook

Bev Lock and Louisa Poole

Charlie Ross (auctioneer)

John Tansur and Tim Clarke and guests of Fraser Brown

The room is set for guests to enjoy their evening

John Hayes welcoming guests

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Mark Platt and Chris Ollerenshaw

Jack Hayes of Champions After Dinner Speakers and guests

Simon and Lisa Barrs

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Dominic Gomersall from Lumbers & Guests

Bentley Bentayga to chauffeur Guests around the Estate

Andrew Brammer of Cartwright King

Drayton House

Aspirational Club Country Pursuits Day

Tim Clarke, Bill Friar, Jas Dosanjh, Jemma Clifford, Lisa Glover, Andrew McFarlane and Ian Morris

Drayton House, Kettering

Wednesday 21st September 2016

Hosted by Drayton House near Kettering, the Aspirational Cub welcomed its members to a country pursuits day filled with some of Britain’s greatest traditional field sports.

Captain Tony Spacey (R)

Enjoying the grounds of the Baroque-influenced 14th century stately home and taking in exceptional panoramic views of some of Northamptonshire’s most picturesque countryside, the teams competed across a range of activities including archery, muzzle-loader and flintlock shooting, archery, clay pigeon shooting and a Segway experience.

Janine Edwards of St James’s Place

A delicious lunch was served up by The Finesse Collection before the final activity of the day, GNAT shooting – aiming at a remote control plane flown by an experienced pilot who has full control of speed, height and angles. The thoroughly enjoyable day of networking and competition concluded with afternoon tea and a prize giving ceremony to mark another successful event for the Aspirational Club. Guests enjoying venue tour

Bill Friar

HOSPITALITY

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John Cavendish & Janine Edwards introducing the day

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Andrew Brammer, Matthew Hayes, Captain Tony Spacey, Matt Bull and Dave Ford

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Sir Peter Rigby congratulates the chefs

First Place dish: Roast Sirloin by Abhijeet Dasalkar, The Arden Hotel

Sir Peter Rigby presents the first place trophy to Abhijeet Dasalkar

Battle of Eden Mallory Court Hotel, Leamington Spa Saturday 8th October 2016 Eden Hotel Collection celebrated their sixth ‘Battle of Eden’ - a dream dinner party for foodies celebrating the best of British produce from local suppliers. Goody bag selection

Over 130 guests gathered to mingle, sip Veuve Clicquot Champagne and witness a dramatic cook off where the award-winning Eden head chefs competed to win votes for their dishes. At the end of eight courses, guests voted for their favourite dish.

Josefine Blomqvist (of Arden Hotel), Miss Stock and Dean Gunston (of Brockencote Hall)

Mark Budd from Bovey Castle took third place with his creative take on fish and chips, Mark Potts from The Mount Somerset came in second with a deliciously modern coronation chicken, however the star of the show was a roast sirloin dish with watercress puree, oxtail and potato pie from Abhijeet Dasalkar of The Arden Hotel who took a well-deserved first place. The event was sponsored by Moët Hennessey, PSL, Berkmann Wine Cellars, Bablake Wines, Robert Welch and Rybrook Warwick. To explore Eden’s award-winning hotels and restaurants visit www.edenhotelcollection.com Veuve Clicquot Stand

Sir Peter Rigby, Marian Cartter, Mr and Mrs George Campion

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Photographs courtesy of Olga Gara Photography

Guests having some fun at the selfie station with the ‘Best of British’

Guests perusing the ‘Best of British’ menu

British themed macaroons

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Charlie Ross and Ian Robertson

Zinzan Brooke and Jeff Probyn

Richard Hadfield

Zinzan Brooke & Jeff Probyn Rugby Dinner King Power Stadium, Leicester Thursday 13th October 2016

Zinzan Brooke and guests

Held at the King Power Stadium, the home of 2015/16 Premiership Champions, Leicester City, Thursday 13 October saw brand agency Champions (UK) plc present an evening with rugby union legends Zinzan Brooke MNZM and Jeff Probyn.

Gary Newbon and guest

During his career, prop Probyn won 37 caps for England and played in six Five Nations tournaments as well as the 1991 World Cup. Jeff now enjoys a career as a regular rugby pundit. Joining Jeff at the event was fellow rugby icon, Zinzan Brooke MNZM. With a career taking in 58 tests for his native New Zealand and 42 non-international matches for the All Blacks, Zinzan has enjoyed a long career at the peak of his sport.

Adrian Dixon

Bringing together guests from the world of business and sport, the black tie event began with a champagne reception and was hosted by the ‘voice of rugby’ Ian Robertson with auctioneer, Charlie Ross, facilitating the evening’s auction. Raising funds for Rainbows – the East Midland’s hospice for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, a significant amount was raised on the night.

Zinzan Brooke and Jeff Probyn

Sponsors for the evening included, Mazars, Lumbers, Smith Partnership, M2K, Nicholls Colton, Uptonsteel, PoleArnold, Mattioli Woods plc, Apogee Corporation, Ian Smith Group, JLT, GWH, Aspirational magazine, Champions and Cambridge & Counties bank.

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Chris Darlington of Mazars and guests

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Zinzan Brooke

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12/05/2016 16:57


magazine MEGAN FOX: VIXEN OF THE SILVER SCREEN THE 100 ANNIVERSARY OF ROALD DAHL, A CENTENARY CELEBRATION STILL A WINNER – A LOOK AT F1 LEGEND NIGEL MANSELL CBE CHAMPIONS (UK) PLC: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF DIGITAL TH

EDITION 14

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23.09.16 09:24

ASPIRATIONAL magazine

ASPIRATIONAL

in this edition...

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

MEGAN FOX

24/10/2016 17:19


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