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September 15 / Issue 10
the FASHION ISSUE
TALK
BUSINESS
FINE & FABULOUS FOOD SPORTS PAGES COVER STORY
VICKY BAILEY Delphinus tmc
We’ve got a new look! FASHION | BUSINESS | HEALTH | FOOD | SPORTS
If you know you want to change the way you look, you may want to take the first step. Come in and tell us your plans at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital. We’ll listen and help you decide on the best way to get the results that you want, with the same consultant all the way through. So when you’re ready for the new you, talk to us.
Call us now to book a complimentary 10 minute chat with one of our consultants.
The Nuffield Health Promise Our all-inclusive prices are guaranteed We will meet any comparable price* There are no time limits on your aftercare**
For further information contact: 2
2
0116 2983241 Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LE5 1HY
patients paying for themselves. **Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.
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Niche Team Editor Jenny Cross - 07815 899 574 jenny@crossproductions.co.uk Design Editor Rachael Bambrough Design Clare Sommerfeld design@crossproductions.co.uk Feature Writers Sarah Bladen, Kerry Smith Head Honcho Photographer Tom Wren Operations Director Leanne Baker leanne@crossproductions.co.uk Marketing and Account Director Lee Parkin - 07711 043 901 lee@crossproductions.co.uk Fashion Editor Tania Hollingsworth - 07482 187 040 Account Manager Sally Smith - 07931 220 116 Account Manager Emily Jackson - 07944 116 816 Contributors Glynis Wright, SLM Builders, St Martins House, Dimblebee Catering Company, Soar Vally Press, Moda Greco, Abel, U Fit Studio, Beau Aesthetica, Curve, Leicester Riders
Niche App Download for free!
Published by Cross Productions Ltd www.nichemagazine.co.uk info@crossproductions.co.uk Tel: 0116 271 2573 Distribution Media Matters Direct www.mediamattersdirect.co.uk
Social facebook.com/nichemagazineuk Twitter: @magazineniche
FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2015 BOOK TICKETS ONLINE NOW The Red Carpet, Black Tie, 007 themed Awards Evening will be held at the Athena in Leicester’s cultural quarter. Tickets are priced at £55 per person or tables of 10 at £500 and book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk Ticket include entry on the evening, arrival drink, 3 course gala dinner, the awards ceremony itself and access to the casino (where all money raised will be donated between Soft Touch Arts and #heart4hendrix for an evening of entertainment and celebrations.
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September / October
Contents 07.
48.
Runway Rocks
Wedding Belles
54. Hotel Maiyango Creating the magic that memories are made from
54. Fabulous Food & Drink
38. Beau Aesthetica Perfecting your curves, embracing your shape
70. SLM
38. Health & Beauty
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15.
Starting your new life in style
66. Property
82. Talk Business
150. Leicester Riders
118. 144. Sport
Getting ready for Leicester’s second season of success
Dimblebee Catering Co. When quality matters
160. Care & Charity
122. Xclusive
170. Motoring
Xclusive Christmas Party
72. Abel Dream big, live big
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We’ve got a new look! It’s been a busy few months in preparation for the Niche Business Awards. With the finalists being announced back in June things have been in full swing getting prepared for the big night in September. As all applications are in the hands of the independent panel of judges, we decided to host a further two informal networking events giving all finalists the opportunity to meet the business professionals judging. The 007 themed Awards Ceremony will host more than 300 guests for a formal dinner and celebration with attendees from across all industry sectors.
Jenny Cross jenny@crossproductions.co.uk
While I spent a week sunning myself with the family, local design agency Arch Creative were hard at work giving us a full make over. We are so pleased with the magazines new look and can’t thank them enough. We hope the fresh look on our pages makes our 10th issue an easy read for you. This new look issue also sees the launch of our sports pages, which have been sponsored by Abel who are based in the City Centre and gives us the latest news from Leicester sports clubs such as Tigers, Riders and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Having local sporting legends join the team as columnists we would like to thank Steve Walsh, Paul Nixon and Rendall Munroe for the time they invest with us. One of the big highlights of the past couple of months was seeing our Fashion team, Tania and Lee, coordinate our first Fashion Shoot. There was only one man for the job and that was Tom Wren (Creative by Wren) our head honcho when it comes to all things from behind a lens. Working with local fashion names such as Christopher Scotney, Quentin Bond, Pilot, Betty Brown and Lumbers. Be sure to check out the behind the scenes video Kinetal took, which you can see on our Facebook page. Aside from all of this we have been kept busy by K Kong Events who organised an evening with John Hartson over at the Grovner Casino in Leicester as a treat for some of the people we work with. If you would like the chance to meet sporting legends such as Alan Shearer and world famous Gazza; check out their website as tickets are now on sale! LBE15 is on the horizon as well as the first Leicester Business Festival, October 26th to November 6th. Niche look forward to celebrating local success and generating more local business for our ever-growing local economy. See you all soon!
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Jamie wears Magee Green Herringbone Jacket £350 Checked Profuomo Shirt £59 Bruno Saint Hilaire Cords £120 All from Quentin Bond Brietling Transocean £8,380, Lumbers
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Ellie wears Gold Riah Wrap Dress £80, Betty Brown Vivienne Westwood Islington Clutch £205, Pilot Chopard Happy Diamonds £4,630, Lumbers Jamie wears White Tuxedo, Dress shirt, Bow tie, Cumberband and Dress shoe all available for hire, Quentin Bond Breguet Heritage £31,500, Lumbers
Ellie wears Black Leatherette Sasha Dress £90, Betty Brown Breguet Queen of Naples £25,100, Lumbers Jamie wears Black Tuxedo, Dress shirt, Bow tie, Cumberband and Dress shoe all available for hire, Quentin Bond Breguet Classique £13,900, Lumbers
Ellie wears Blue Tartan Alice Dress £65, Betty Brown Vivienne Westwood Red Frilly Snake Shopper £229, Pilot Jamie wears Hugo Boss Blue Cardigan £159 Hugo Boss Shirt £119 Hugo Boss Chino £119 Hugo Boss Shoe £189 All from Christopher Scotney Hublot King Power £17,200, Lumbers
Ellie wears White / Blue Floral Samantha Dress £79, Betty Brown Breitling Colt 36 £1,990, Lumbers Jamie wears Armani Collezoni 3 piece Steel Blue Suit £979, Christopher Scotney Paul Smith Pink Shirt £130, Christopher Scotney Vivienne Westwood Grey Tie £59, Pilot Oliver Sweeny Black Shoe £299, Christopher Scotney Gucci G Chrono XL £1,100, Lumbers
Both wear Vivienne Westwood, Pilot Ellie wears Orange Check Cape £262 Gold Pack Blouse £240 Black Monroe Legging £129 Pearl Heart Classic Heels £165 Jamie wears Blue Classic Blazer £599 Merino Flannel Trouser £415 Black Popeline Shirt £219 Paul Smith Knight Dip Dye Tan Brogue £285, Pilot
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Niche Magazine credits and gives special thanks to: Creative Direction & Photography by Tom Wren T: 07818 421 118 W: Creativebywren.co.uk Models: Jamie Clarke (DNA Models) & Ellie Charles (PHA) Betty Brown 14 Francis Street, Leicester LE2 2BD T 07713 746 010 W Betty-brown.com Quentin Bond Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DH T 0116 255 6539 Christopher Scotney 128-132 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EB T 0116 254 3957 W Christopherscotney.co.uk Pilot Clothing 58 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP T 0116 262 8200 W Netclothing.net Hair by Giannhs Balalhs and Indy Burmi Indy Hairdressing Guildhall Lane, Leicester T 0116 251 7170 W Indyhair.co.uk Make up credits Silk Powder 32 Francis Street, Leicester LE2 2BD T 0116 270 7692 W Silkpowder.co.uk Bobbi Brown of Highcross, Leicester Kani Cofie Wristwear by Lumbers 66 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP T 0116 255 1233 W Lumbers.co.uk Lee Parkin of Lwpmarketing T 07711 043 901 W Lwpmarketing.co.uk Images are copyrighted and owned by Creative by Wren for exclusive use with Niche Magazine.
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3-5 Gallowtree Gate | Leicester | LE1 5AD www.modagreco.co.uk | 0116 2629201 NICHE | 14
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The premier designerwear store
@ Christopher Scotney
Christopher Scotney 130 LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER
WWW.CHRISTOPHERSCOTNEY.CO.UK
quentin bond Saint Laurent Teddy Jacket £1350 thebusinessfashion.co.uk
Bertoni Bladens 6th sense Bruno St Helaire Goodwin Smith Shoes Profuomo Shirts John Whites Shoes Life & Heritage Lacuzzo Shoes Corgi Socks 121 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FD
www.quentinbond.co.uk
Balmain Slim Fit Biker Jeans £735 thebusinessfashion.co.uk
Common Projects Chelsea Boots thebusinessfashion.co.uk £295
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Picture Courtesy Leicester Mercury Featured in picture Chica Bonita & Socharo dancers. L to R: Shelby Tribble Miss Great Britain 2014/15, Kate Solomons National Director of Miss Great Britain & ModelZed, Carol Fletcher Miss Great Britain 1966 and Jemma Simmonds event & operations manager ModelZed & Miss Great Britain
A bevy of beauty queens congregated in Leicester for the 70th Anniversary Party of Miss Great Britain. On Friday 7th August, ModelZed Promotions hosted the 70th Anniversary Party of Miss Great Britain; the UK’s longest running beauty pageant. The event took place at the City Rooms in Leicester and the organisers were joined by current Miss Great Britain finalists, judges, sponsors and former winners dating back to the 1960’s. The party was also to mark the 10th Birthday of Leicester based model and event agency, ModelZed Promotions, founded by Kate Solomons in 2005. Guests were welcomed by stilt walkers and showgirls on a red carpet with a glass of
champagne in the reception, featuring a hall of fame of the former Miss Great Britain winners, before heading up to the ballroom for entertainment including dancers from Chica Bonita and Socharo dance, with DJ and vocals from Miles Thacker. Later in the evening, National Director of Miss Great Britain and owner of ModelZed, Kate Solomons held a question and answer session with a number of former Miss Great Britain winners, including Carole Redhead Miss Great Britain 1964, Carol Fletcher 1966 and Gay Spink 1973. A raffle took place in aid of Cancer Research UK before the guests danced until the early hours.
The National Final of Miss Great Britain takes place on Friday 11th September at the Athena in Leicester; 50 girls from across the UK will be modelling fashion wear, swimwear and evening wear as they compete for the prestigious title in front of friends, family, sponsors, media and an expert panel of judges, including Niche Magazine Editor and Company Director of Cross Productions Ltd, Jenny Cross. For the 70th Anniversary year of Miss Great Britain, we will be welcoming former winners, dating back to the 1960’s, to join us for this special event. A delicious 3-course meal will be served, and the night will include glitz, glamour, entertainment and the crowning of Miss Great Britain 2015/16. Tickets are available by visiting the Miss Great Britain website www.missgreatbritain.co.uk
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Use code NM09 for FREE P&P in September 2015 Sweet but Sassy
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little
women
Runway Rocks
Fantasie Alicia bra £33, shorts £19 www.brownslingerie.com
BEAUTIFUL
boudoir www.brownslingerie.com
Stella Mccartney Penny Buzzing Bra £52, brief £30 www.brownslingerie.com
Pleasure State Talula Dawn plunge bra £32, brief £23, thong £16 www.brownslingerie.com Heidi Klum Zoe balcony bra £37 www.brownslingerie.com
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Allandale
ROAD
One of Leicestershire’s most sparkling of treasures, Stoneygate on Allandale Road and Francis Street is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, offering visitors and locals alike a truly unique shopping experience that isn’t too far from the City Centre, but seems like a world away from the chaos and commotion of it all. The leafy lanes, just off the hubbub of London Road, boasts a charming mix of premium gift shops, designer boutiques, galleries, home design and electrical stores, quality jewelers and health and beauty specialists alongside places to grab a quick bite to eat or a refreshing drink . This unique mixture offers shoppers a truly cosmopolitan shopping experience, and has been quoted as being like ‘Having an exquisite little department store spread along the streets’ by Fiona Lambert, Vice-President of product and development design across Asda and George. Most stores are independently owned, making them not only the perfect place for finding something that little bit different, but also ideal for those who prefer a personal touch and excellent customer service. The store owners are friendly and welcoming, and you get a true sense of community as soon as you step into a Stoneygate shop, when you’re met with genuine smiles and enthusiasm in abundance all round. What’s even more delightful is that Allandale Road and Francis Street benefits from free parking, making it the perfect place to stroll, shop, browse, buy and relax without having the extra worry of sky rocketing parking prices! A slice of shopping heaven indeed.
Skin Deep Silk Powder
Deliflavour Wilkinson Bellisimo
Tonic Brown's Lingerie cis
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Polly's
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Valentina
Kitsch
Golf Fitz
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Kiki & Fleur d
Artifact
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Christopher Wright
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Tinfish
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Stone Island Polo Shirt £95 www.christopherscotney.co.uk
The finest brands of golf, leisure & rainwear at internet prices Michael Grundy
Filiing pieces mid transformed white sneaker £139 www.netclothing.net
Gift vouchers available 24 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA Tel: 0116 270 7324 Email: dominic@golffitz.co.uk
EXPERIENCE THE NEW 55” BEOVISION AVANT
An Ultra High-Definition, 4K TV with iconic sound and amazing movement on floor, wall or table stand. It takes 89 years to create movement this beautiful. Experience it in stores now. From £6895
bang-olufsen.com *Recommended price for BeoVision Avant 55” includes BeoRemote One. Price excludes placement option on either wall, table or floor starting from £795 Energy class C.
01162745858
15 Allendale Road, Leicester, LE2 2DA NICHE | 21
Moschino Quilted Heart Shopper £179 www.netclothing.net
Giuseppe Zanotti Sneaker for women £610 www.herbusinessfashion.com
Bellissimo 5 Allendale Road Leicester Leicestershire LE2 2DA 0116 270 7470 Open Monday to Saturday
We are an independent boutique that’s passionate about shoes. Brands include: Sam Edelman Ash Elia B Alpe Toni Pons
Unisa Hogl Emu Vic Matie
0116 270 5260 13 Francis Street Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2BE NICHE | 22
Business Hours: Monday – 10am–5pm Tuesday – Closed Wednesday – 10am-5.30pm Thursday – 10am-5.30pm Friday – 10am-5.30pm Saturday – 10am-5.00pm Sunday – Closed
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BROWNS Lingerie & Beachwear
LINGERIE SWIMWEAR HOISERY NIGHTWEAR
35 Francis Street Stoneygate LE2 2BE Tel: 0116 2707188 www.BrownsLingerie.com
For exclusive ladies designer labels
In the heart of Allandale Road, Stoneygate lies the most exclusive privately owned designer clothing boutique; Valentina. Specialising in elegant clothing for women of all ages and sizes in Leicestershire and beyond, Valentina are renowned for their welcoming and friendly service as well as a passion for clothing and attention to detail.
20 Allandale Road, Stoneygate Leicester, LE2 2DA
0116 270 2555
Brands include American Vintage Charli Samsoe& Samsoe Marie& Sixtine Rails Religion Munthe Twist & Tango Twisted Muse Becksondergaard Isle Jacobsen 360 Cashmere Duffy Ochre Hoss Intropia AND MANY MORE
www.Abiti-Ladieswear.co.uk 01162704379 / 07827909723 Facebook: Abiti Ladieswear 21 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2BE NICHE | 23
Tinfish Shoes, 3 Royal Arcade, High St, Leicester LE15YW 29-31 Francis St, Leicester LE2 2BE Tinfish Shoes @Tinfishshoes @Tinfishshoes
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IT'S A NEW SALON SERVICE There's blonde and then there is Olaplex速 blonde. Revolutionary hair technology that allows you to be set free from the fear of damaged hair.
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0116 2707444
10 Allandale Rd, Leicester LE2 2DA
Hairdressing | Style Bar | Shop
Pollys
Brands include Masai | Sahara | Great Plains | Capri | Tempest Jewellery | Funky Scarves | and much more Find the welcoming boutique at: No. 15 Francis Street
0116 270 5941 NICHE | 24
Specialising in designing jewellery, that is handmade on site. We can also remodel your existing jewellery and all our diamonds are certified from GIA and IGI.
4 Allandale road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2DA enquiries@wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk www.wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk 01162705375
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SASSY BUT
classy Alexander Wang Mini Rockie £470 www.herbusinessfashion.com
Balmain Sleeveless Top £150 www.herbusinessfashion.com
Dafney Dress £65 www.betty-brown.com
Navy/cream cashmere poncho Charli £220 www.abiti-ladies.co.uk
Comme des Garcons Wallet £150 www.herbusinessfashion.com
Balmain Double Breasted Wool Blazer £1290 www.herbusinessfashion.com
Michael Kors Selma £330 (available in other colours) www.herbusinessfashion.com
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Decorative Unique Gifts and Accessories for your Home, Special Occasion Greeting Cards, Jewellery, Baby Gifts and Toys.
Kitsch Gifts & More
Jewellery, gifts & much more 6 Francis St Leicester
9 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA Monday - Friday 9 30 am - 5 30 pm Saturday 9 30 am - 5 00 pm
0116 2700493 www.artifactcardsandgifts.co.uk
Timo ITALIAN WINE
SILVER ARCADE-2ND FLOOR
RESTAURANT
A dining experience that fuses contemporary with traditional and offers an experience to satisfy all appetites.
ay deli foods - fine - eat in or takeaw - oils & vinegars Organic tea & coffee - antipasti & olives and cheeses & meats , local craft beers & honeys - wines ts chutneys, jams other tasty deligh pastries, cakes & consoles. ciders - yummy games and games FREE Wifi, retro board
Silver Arcade
BAR
Stoneygate
Organic Tea and Coffee - Eat in or takeaway deli foods - fine cheeses & meats - craft beers & ciders - antipasti & olives oils & vinegars - chutneys, jams & honeys - yummy pastries, cakes & other tasty delights. Try our scrumptious catering based on our popular deli menu perfect for parties, meetings, weddings, christenings etc.. If you are in Leicester City Centre visit our Deli Flavour branch in the historic ‘Silver Arcade.’
Opening hours: 10:30am - 3pm lunch 5:30pm - till late dinner Monday to Saturday
Stoneygate Tel 0116 2700771 / Silver Arcade Tel 0116 2517786 Deli Flavour Delicatessen and Catering @deliflavour www.deliflavour.co.uk
13 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA
2 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA
0116 244 8235
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Silk Powder run a professional Make-Up, Beauty & Training School in the Stoneygate shopping area of Leicester. We also offer a range of client services and treatments including: - - - - - - -
Bridal Hair & Make-Up Packages Massage & Holistic Therapies Semi-Permanent Make-Up Shellac Nails COMCIT™ & Crystal Clear Facials Spray Tanning Threading & more
Our training courses are all VTCT accredited which is an international qualification that allows you to obtain the necessary insurance. Courses run regularly and are based in our Leicester studio to give a‘real life’ experience. We offer a variety of courses including: - Basic Make-Up Application - Facial Massage & Skincare - Indian Head Massage - Asian Bridal Make-Up - Camouflage Make-Up - Massage Using Pre-Blended Aromatherapy Oils - Swedish Massage & Many More Why are we Niche? We utilise the art of colour theory to mix the perfect skin match foundation. When you are happy with the colour – you can purchase this for only £15! Why not call us on 0116 270 7692 to book a consultation for the perfect match!
Thalgo Marine Facial Treatment Massage Pedicures/ Manicures / Jessica GELeration Waxing & Threading Reflexology
Thalgo Gold Salon Eyelash Extensions Electrolysis St. Tropez Tanning Package Treatments Stockists of Thalgo, Green People, Mavala and Di Palomo
0116 2703444 39 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2BE www.tonic-leicester.co.uk info@tonic-leicester.co.uk Skindeep Laser & Beauty have been established since 2007 with branches in Leicester and Coventry. We offer a variety of treatments, Laser Hair Removal is a clinically proven treatment for the removal of unwanted facial and body hair for both men and women. We provide best quality treatments at competitive prices, not only do we use the best equipment and employ the best therapists, but we aim to provide best value permanent hair removal for our clients each and every day. Our consultations and patch tests are free. We only use state-ofthe-art lasers to guarantee best results. Our award winning Lasers include both Alexandrite and ND Yag laser heads, so that we are able to treat all skin types, including darker and Asian skin types, which can only be treated effectively by high quality lasers like the Cynosure Elite. Our other treatments include Thread Veins, Skin Rejuvenation, Sun damage/ age spot treatments as well as microdermabrasion using a diamond tip with vacuum suction. A range of treatments for all skin types and conditions. We are an advanced skin clinic – so you can be assured of highest quality treatments. Call us on
01162703555
55 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2BE Email us at: skindeep@laserandbeauty.co.uk
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Lanes of
LEICESTER Have you spent a day in the Leicester Lanes? It's a lovely little treasure trove of tucked-away exciting emporiums, boutiques and niche stores to lose yourself in. Plus award-winning bars and delis, Michelin-rated restaurants and quaint traditional tea rooms. The newly refurbished Silver Arcade has entrances on both Silver and Cank Street, built in 1899, it is one of only two 4-storey arcades in UK and has won awards for its beautiful restoration. And all Lanes lead to St Martin's‑, where you never quite know what to expect in the square it's a diverse and happening part of our city. You can relax, rejuvenate, refuel and recharge in the Leicester Lanes. If you've not made the trip there lately its well worth an investment of a day of 'me time'.
PILOT
PILOT 58 HIGH STREET LEICESTER LE1 5YP www.netclothing.net NICHE | 28
AW15 PREMIUM MENSWEAR
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Armani Sweatshirt £135.00 www.christopherscotney.co.uk
Cp company goggle hat £95 www.netclothing.net
It’s All About Him C.P. Company Navy T-shirt £59 www.christopherscotney.co.uk
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD FELPA ICONIC SWEAT GREY £245 www.netclothing.net
PAUL SMITH SHOE FUZZ MONO LUX BLACK £150 www.netclothing.net
Versace Belt with Medusa Head Buckle £220 www.thebusinessfashion.co.uk
Mens Giuseppe Zanotti Sneakers £675 www.thebusinessfashion.co.uk
Saint Laurent Price: £215 www.thebusinessfashion.co.uk
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If you are looking to freshen-up, or redecorate no matter what your style we'll help you make the right decisions. Domestic Interior Designers since 1976 City centre showrooms with 2 floors of stunning contemporary furniture & accessories. Fabric & wallpaper collections from leading European designers. Curtains, Blinds & soft furnishings made in our own workrooms.
11 Loseby Lane , Leicester, LE1 5DR 0116 2620994/2624413 www.harlequininteriors.co.uk
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where Britain can compete with offshore manufacture. Leicester and Manchester are the main places of production and speed of response here in the UK.”
Stitching Leicester Back Together Former fashion designer and educationalist, Janie Morgan-Wood, aims to support the revival of the once most important trades in Leicester as she opens the Leicester Fashion and Textile Academy (LFTA) on the third floor of the historic Silver Arcade in September. There will be three strands to the LFTA, qualifications and training, membership with access to technology and ‘Techi-Tex’ parties to raise awareness of the industry. The academy will be home to state of the art technology with expert technical support for students. Courses are suitable for graduates, employees of small businesses, hobbyists, individuals already in the fashion industry looking to further their skills, people simply wanting to learn to make alterations and children over five. Students will learn the arts of pattern generation, pattern cutting, grading, fashion photography, upcyling, printing and many more
skills that have been identified as gaps in the sector. Janie explained, “More and more manufacturers are investing in CAD CAM and there are over 80 businesses in Leicestershire that use Vetigraph technology and the LFTA is a Vetigraph centre. Manufacturers are keen to employ people with these skills, which are also transferable to other CAD CAM systems.” The fashion expert went on to tell the story of the decline of our city’s dominant trade as many big retailers moved production offshore. Richard Roberts Knitwear Ltd and Corah & Sons; some of our city’s biggest factories, have shut down but evidence suggests growth, Janie said, “the sector is growing, as part of re-shoring, on-shoring manufacturing in Britain. “Consumerism is changing, people want things quickly and this is
There are currently over 800 textile businesses in the shire, and Janie said: “I want Leicester to be the go to place for textiles training and textiles products.” With a student population of over 30,000 (thecompleteuniverstiyguide.com), Leicester has great prospects. Janie wants to encourage textiles graduates to stay with us and to attract the best textiles university leavers from other cities. The LFTA’s cutting edge courses and membership programme will also give graduates an opportunity to develop their own brand. Students of the LFTA will study live briefs working with retail and manufacturing companies to develop the right skills for the industry. “The LFTA is about individualism, creativity, innovation and excitement,” Janie emphasised. Develop skills on a course, join the membership programme ranging from one to four days a week or have creative fun at a Techi-Tex party.
Book your place now at www.lfta.co.uk
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C E L L I N I : L U G G A G E A N D L E AT H E R SHOPPING HEAVEN Steeped in history, Cellini is a shopper’s paradise, filled with some of the top names in luggage, handbags and leather goods. The store, on Hotel Street, Leicester, is stocked with styles to suit everyone, including high-quality leather bags and accessories as well as some of the best travel items on the market. If it’s luggage you’re after, Cellini has a wide range of hard and soft-sided suitcases. Shoppers can find their perfect holiday companions in the shape of practical yet chic luggage from the likes of Samsonite, Delsey, Antler and American Tourister. The extensive range of suitcases and travel bags are all highly durable, secure and easy to lift, carry and pull. Many of the suitcases also come with a long warranty from the manufacturer, proving the quality of the product and giving you added peace of mind. One of the latest arrivals at Cellini is the Lightway from American Tourister. Starting at just 1.2kg, this range offers some of the lightest luggage to date. Made from highly resistant nylon and lightweight fiberglass, these cases are strong, long lasting and easy to manoeuvre. With seven different models available, ranging from small two-wheel cabin baggage to a large four-wheel suitcase, as well as various colour options, this new range is ideal, whatever your destination. For ladies looking for a new piece of arm candy, Cellini really is a handbag heaven, stocking brands such as Fossil, Radley, Bric’s and Jane Shilton. NICHE | 32
Whether you’re after a classic clutch, tasteful tote or statement shoulder bag, the store can provide all of this season’s must-have looks. And men are catered for too with a wide selection of finely tailored briefcases and messenger bags from brands such as Ashwood and The Bridge, as well as stylish leather wallets, card holders and passport covers. With friendly staff on hand to advise on the best products for your needs, the store can cater for any occasion, from an exotic holiday to a night out with the girls. If you can’t make it into the centre of Leicester, why not have a browse on Cellini’s brand new website, www.cellinionline.co.uk? Scroll through the beautiful items that Cellini has available and find out about all the latest deals and offers. There’s even some interesting articles and helpful advice in the blog section. There really is something for everyone in Cellini’s extensive range, making it the one-stop shop for all your luggage and leather needs. Address: 6 Hotel Street, Market Place Corner, Leicester, LE1 5AW Website: cellinionline.co.uk Tel: 0116 251 8612
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FA S H I O N : PRODUCT ROUND UP Jane Shilton Frankie £79 Be at the height of sophistication with this elegant handbag from Jane Shilton. The striking soft quilted pattern with contrast stitching and studding detail all help to create a subtle statement. A handy external zip pocket as well as a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap make this a truly practical option. Also available in black and taupe.
Fossil Preston
Jane Shilton Matilda £79 When functionality is key you can’t go wrong with a backpack, but there’s no need to compromise on style! This beautiful bag is made from super soft natural faux leather with a matt look and soft suede-like touch. Its clever design means that the flap functions as a pocket with a double zip closure, while the main compartment has both a maglock and drawstring for extra security.
£139 If you’re after a compact bag that will see you through the seasons, look no further than this gorgeous design from Fossil. This luxurious leather bag features a stylish faux zip design, multiple secure pockets and an adjustable cross-body strap, making it an ideal choice for everyday use.
Fossil Sydney Satchel £109 Add a splash of colour to any outfit with this gorgeous, multicolour satchel from Fossil. The combination of the vibrant green and pink with the more subtle cream and brown makes this bag extremely versatile. If you’re also unable to travel light this bag is certainly fit for purpose and with a zip to close, it’s completely secure.
Fossil Emerson Satchel £219 Durable and timeless, leather bags grow even more beautiful as they age and this satchel design from Fossil is no exception. With plenty of internal space and practical pockets both on the inside and outside of the bag to keep valuables safe, this bag is perfect for stylish everyday use. Its classic design and sophisticated colour will work with any outfit all year round. NICHE | 33
Indy / Niche:Layout 1 10/08/2015 12:02 Page 1
INDY #WORDOFMOUTH 1-3 Guildhall Lane • Leicester • LE1 5FQ 0116 251 7170 Twitter - @Indy_Hair Instagram - @indyhairdressing www.indyhair.co.uk Prey ad 97 x 137mm v2_Layout 1 10/08/2015 15:23 Page 1
just... The fairtrade ShoP
Exclusively & beautifully yours, only at
amabis
60 High Street • Leicester Tel: 0116 262 2769 • www.amabis.co.uk
NICHE | 34
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm Sundays in December 11am-4pm
36 Silver Street • St Martin’s Square • Leicester LE1 5ET 0116 253 8032 • justshop@hotmail.co.uk
www.justfairtrade.com
‘Just Fair Trade’ on Facebook
@JustFairtrade on Twitter
Runway Rocks
Topshop Unique SS15 (Christopher James, British Fashion Council)
After the summertime fun is over, your hair can often suffer from a post-holiday hangover. As a result of over exposure to the wind, sun, chlorine, salt water and air conditioning your hair can become dull, dry, brittle and damaged. Here are a few tips to help you overcome this: Give you hair a little treat To add some much needed moisture to sun-damaged strands, use a good quality deep conditioning mask. Hair oils are also great to smooth and nourish locks and can be applied to wet or dry hair. Book yourself in for a post holiday cut Visiting your hairdresser for a cut can help prevent your split ends from travelling up the hair shaft. Having your hair cut six weeks will help to maintain both your cut and the health of your hair. Take a break from heat styling tool Over styling with straighteners, tongs or wands can cause damage to your hair. So during the tail end of summer opt for more natural styles such as loose braids, messy ponytails or buns. If you can’t live without heat styling then ensure you use a heat protector prior to styling. Consider a colour tweak It is always best to colour your hair after you have spent time in the sun. This will give you more control of your desired colour. Hair exposed to the sun can give some people a natural sun-kissed tone which looks great, yet with others hair colour can look faded, dull and washed out. www.modagreco.co.uk
Since Leicester is now home to the prestigious Leicester Fashion & Textile Academy (LFTA), it’s time to celebrate and develop the industry that was once our city’s most important trade. Former fashion designer Janie Morgan-Wood, founder and CEO of the LFTA has brought together some fantastic opportunities for anyone to get involved in. The LFTA will be running fashion and textiles courses, engagement activities and a memberships scheme of the academy, making Leicester the place to be for all textile enthusiasts. Techi-Tex parties will be held at the LFTA for hen parties, baby showers, team building and kid’s parties. Print your own designs on T-shirts, bags, hats, hoodies and baby clothes using industry standard machinery. Prices from £15 per person and add fresh organic food from Deli Flavour as an extra treat on top. The LFTA is collaborating with top London stylist and TV presenter, Zoe Lem and will be hosting interactive styling seminars throughout the year. They will also be hosting a fashion themed Big Draw event, FREE and open to all ages. Book your place for Monday 19th October at www.lfta.co.uk ‘Perfect’ Styling Events: Find your perfect…. Shape and style October 22nd 2015 Dress - Dec 10th 2015 Shapes and colours for the new year/season - Jan 28th 2016 Vintage shape - March 10th 2016 Summer style - May 5th 2016 Occasion style - July 7th 2016
Leigh-Anne Regan is not only the Creative Director of Indy Hair Leicester, but also works every season backstage at London fashion week, as well as teaching her international trend led course for ghd. Leigh gives us the scoop on how to stay ‘on trend’ for AW15. The hair trends for the fall 2015 fashion season keep on taking on new twists while holding close to the old, they’re modern and timeless at once, but most importantly they’re perfectly wearable, they’re easy and unfussy. Fall/winter 2015 collections at New York Fashion Week are seeing a huge Seventies throwback and we're all-in with the retro-glam silhouettes. The fashion flashback first started last season when both baby flares and sweeping bellbottoms dominated the spring/ summer 2015 runways. Team flares and denim shirts with loose waves and textured braids and most importantly a stunning hair colour. This fall it’s all about blondes, just look at girl of the moment Gigi Hadid. To recreate this effortless blonde it's all about contrasting areas of depth with shimmering lighter pieces, contouring hair to give that lived in look. If you want to maintain your rich beautiful hair colour, this is the product for you. A refresh mask that revives colour and treats your hair to a boost of shine and hydration. Works in just 3 minutes. 3-in-1 Cocktail, colour, softness and shine for chemically treated hair. Available at Indy hair Revlon Nutri Color Creme 1002
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VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ILORB GOLD GADGET KEY RING BLACK Vivienne Westwood Ilorb Gold Gadget Key Ring Black. This great looking keyring has been finished in gold and it features three pendants hanging from it. You will find a large ring with a black leather fob hanging from it. £39.00
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD MINI YASMIN BOW BAG TAN Vivienne Westwood Mini Yasmin Bow
8-14 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YN
Bag Tan. This small Yasmin bag has been finished in textured black eco leather and
A list of brands that we stock are...
it features a large bow design on the side. There is a gold orb on the side and you will
Joules Seasalt Hunter Levi’s Wrangler Dr Martens Vans Timberland Caterpillar Quiksilver Animal O’Neill Jack & Jones
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Etnies Converse DVS DC Brakeburn Fox Roxy Warrior Roamers Magnum Military Surplus Clothing, Acessories, Footwear
find adjustable press studs on the side. You will find two handles on the top and it has a zip closure with a flag style zip in gold. £189.00
www.netclothing.net
Runway Rocks
Leicester’s Love of Labels Our city has had fashion running deep through our business and social cultures, boasting a roaring industrial history in the rag trade. This continues with many young rising stars from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) taking top roles in top local and national labels. The school includes Fashion Design, Contour Fashion (swimwear, lingerie, nightwear, sportswear), Fashion Buying, Textile Design and Footwear Design. Our graduates and students have designed shoes for The Duchess of Cambridge and clothes for Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Beyoncé and currently work with some of the biggest names in high street fashion including H&M, Burberry, River Island, Nicole Farhi, Reiss, Next, Abercrombie and Fitch, Triumph International, Fleur T, Tommy Hilfiger, Ace Style, Superdry, Heidi Klein, Ted Baker, Agent Provocateur and Victoria’s Secret. Established in 1947 to support the local corset industry, Contour Fashion is the oldest and most successful degree-level course in intimate apparel and is widely regarded by industry experts as one of the best in the world.
Fashion Buying student Caliesha Lowe is about to finish a year’s industry placement that has taken her into the world of high end style, working for a designer loved by Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet and The Duchess of Cambridge. Caliesha has been working with Jenny Packham, in London, independent designer and maker of evening dresses, bridal wear and lingerie sold in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, to name just a few of their retail concessions. The company also has two of its own stores in Mayfair and Victoria, as well as a presence in Paris, New York and Hong Kong. “Working at Jenny Packham has given me a sharper edge because you have to be well organised; if something isn’t ready then it knocks on to other areas of the business and this can affect sales. Caliesha recalls how exciting it was to work on Kim Sears’ wedding dress, as well as bespoke pieces for her bridal party, in the build up to her marriage to tennis star Andy Murray. “It was overwhelming to see all our work presented to such a huge audience and it was such
an effort to keep it all a secret, occasionally having to deal with prying journalists who’d get past our reception.” She is one of many Fashion Buying students who have left their familiar routines at DMU for a year to taste the dynamic, fast-moving and exciting world of fashion retail buying and merchandising. Louise Morley, Fashion Buying Programme Leader at DMU, said: “Fashion Buying students taking the Marketing pathway have an opportunity to do a year’s industrial placement, build their practical knowledge of the business and see everything they’ve learned in context. “I’m confident from previous experience that the latest cohort of placement students will return to DMU much stronger and adaptable for their taste of the industry and the contacts they’ve made.”
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Health & Beauty
Perfecting your curves, embracing your shape
Beau Aesthetica — Always looking for ways to help the ladies and gents of Leicester look and feel their best are the team at Beau Aesthetica; from traditional manicures to the latest technologies and techniques to perfect appearance, the expert therapists can help guide you to look and feel your very best. Based in the popular shopping arcade in Stoneygate Leicester, Beau Aesthetica have been providing treatments to make you look and feel exquisite for over 8 years, as one of the Midlands' most respected providers of cosmetic dermatology procedures. The latest addition to Beau Aesthetica’s services comes in the form of a new machine which helps with slimming and reshaping the NICHE | 38
body, as well as helping to rid you of stubborn cellulite...sounds too good to be true? It’s not, we promise! Beau Aesthetica is proud to introduce CelluM6® Lipomassage by Endermologie, one of the leading brands in beauty. The Lipomassage technique helps to release diet and exercise resistant fat deposits, providing visible results in just six sessions. This patented slimming technique works by reactivating the fat release process (lipolysis) to erase localised fat and imperfections. Standard sessions last approximately 35 minutes, but what’s even more amazing about Lipomassage is that Beau Aesthetica are also able to offer
Health & Beauty
15 minute targeted treatments, helping you to obtain ultra-targeted slimming and firming results in less than your lunch hour!
STIMULATION* in their anti-aging beauty routine.
Who is Lipomassage™ for For any women who:
- Have a healthy lifestyle (sport, balanced diet) but still have stubborn fat such as love handles?
- Despite weight loss diets, cannot seem to get rid of "saddlebag thighs", "banana bulges", fat deposits riddled with cellulite dimples…and basically, any figure defect out there. - Are thin and practice a healthy lifestyle, yet suffer from cellulite dimples, fat deposits or flabby skin. - Despite using cosmetics, can't remove thick, orange peel skin. - Would like rapid, risk-free and painless results - without undergoing surgery. - Have experienced the major hormonal fluctuations of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause which have ended in dramatic figure changes. - Have been able to stay thin over the years, but have not been able to avoid the sagging, thinning skin of advancing age. - Understand that it's necessary to reactivate the cells responsible for youthful skin and weight loss (i.e. fibroblasts and adipocytes) and, therefore, includes LPG MÉCANO-
But also for men who:
This September Beau Aesthetica are offering clients the opportunity to love the body they’re in, with £100 off your course of treatment.
- Wish to sculpt certain parts of their body. - Have lost weight and want to keep their skin firm and elastic. Each course of treatment is preceded by a consultation with Beau Aesthetica’s expert Therapists who will evaluate your figure and beauty goals to propose a customised treatment program that is 100% natural and pain-free. For optimum results, a course of 12 sessions is usually required at the outset, followed by a session monthly to maintain your newly sculpted figure. This September Beau Aesthetica are offering clients the opportunity to love the body they’re in, with £100 off your course of treatment. If you’re sat wondering “What am I waiting for?” contact Beau Aesthetica on 0116 270 9141 or visit their website www.beauaesthetica.com and arrange your consultation for a firmer, slimmer body in time for Christmas.
www.beauaesthetica.com 0116 270 9141 NICHE | 39
Divine Serenity Retreat Professionals in beauty and holistic treatments Treatments include: Lycon Precision Waxing, Dermalogica Facials & Body Treatments, Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion, Threading, Manicure, Pedicure, CND Shellac & Vinylux Nails, Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting & Perming, Eyelash Extensions (Semi Permanent & Express) , Vani-T Organic Spray Tan, The Earth Works Cosmetics Organic Facial & Body Treatments, Body Massage, Indian Head Massage, Chakra Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hopi Ear Candle, Thai Foot Massage, Reiki Healing, Makeup Services, SPA & Pamper Day Packages.
324 We lfor d R oad, L E 2 6 E H L ei c es ter
0116 3191750
NICHE | 40
divineserenityretreat@gmail.com
Health & Beauty
Consultation Number Three! Last issue we saw one of Mr Sankar’s patients return to him with a huge smile after she had treated her with sclerotherapy for thread veins. This time we welcomed a lady back to the clinic who had previously undergone a breast reduction. Having 1.5 kilos removed from her H-cup breasts, she needed no words - the relief she expressed was clear to see. Her painful stitches needed to be removed. To make her feel at ease, Mr Sankar put in his best efforts to explain his instructions in both English and her first language. He taught her how to look after her wounds and invited her back any time before her next appointment if she needed him. Although sore and tired, she could not wait to tell us how slim she felt now that she is a D-cup and was so excited at the thought of wearing nice clothes on her holiday! To make certain his patients are ready and fully informed, a minimum of two consultations are usually needed. Mr Sankar encourages communication between friends and family. “People should seek opinions before they commit. The lady we saw today is part of a different culture. Often these ladies are dependent on their families and need to consult with them,” he explained. 0116 276 9401 www.cosmeticsurgeon.org.uk
Your Health and Wellbeing – Don’t Cop Out! Amee Dave is a holistic therapist based right here in Leicester. Her work has brought lasting happiness to those who go to her in need of in need of relaxation or pain relief through therapeutic techniques.
Would you consider and make room in your life for alternative therapies? Alternative, holistic and complimentary therapies are accessible to us all, but why would you try them instead of sticking to orthodox conventional medicine?
A true expert in all things therapeutic, with your health and well-being at the centre of what she does, Amee always has her eyes open for new reliable methods that promote a healthy body and mind. Her latest find is the copper pot. Claiming to be an antioxidant with a plethora of benefits, Amee put it to the test.
Traditional/conventional medicine treats trauma, stress, illness and physical injuries by offering surgery and drugs. Most of the time when you have seen your doctor and have been prescribed your treatment you will be left to go away and get on with it. Doctors tend to treat the symptoms most of the time rather than the causes.
“I have been drinking water from this copper pot for about 3 weeks now and it has made a huge difference in my energy levels,” she exclaimed. With a noticeable positive change in her digestion and stamina, Amee now stocks the copper pots.
Alternative and holistic therapists treat the person as a whole, looking at interaction between the mind, body, spirit, emotions and energy systems that are within us. If one or more of these interdependent parts is not working properly all the other parts will be affected.
Fill the pot up at night and while you sleep the copper works its magic killing bad bacteria. Drinking this in the morning will flush the kidneys and after prolonged use will result in a healthy digestive system, help control anaemia and weight loss, faster healing process and brain stimulation.
Holistic therapists believe that unconditional love and support is the most powerful healer and that a person is ultimately responsible for his or her own well-being.
The copper water has also been said to produce melanin, slow down signs of ageing and relieve arthritis. To try it out, contact Amee on 07903 533 352 www.ameeholistic.co.uk
Alternative and Holistic therapies come in several groups: Hands on body manipulation Energy based therapies Body / mind interaction therapies Other healing systems So if you are open minded and are seeking optimum health and balance, why not consider a holistic approach to your well being. www.priticoles.co.uk
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Health & Beauty
Bosworth Aesthetics & Beauty LTD A discreet, highly professional, clinic, we offer result driven treatments combining advanced aesthetic technologies & high performance skincare for the treatment of problem and ageing skin. Treatments include:• Microdermabrasion Crystal Skin Peeling • Micro Current Non-surgical Face Lift • Radio Frequency Skin Tightening • Collagen Mask Therapy • Chemical Peels • IPL Photo Rejuvenation and Collagen Stimulation • Derma Roller – Skin Needling Collagen Induction • Oxygen Facials • LED Facial • Stem Cell Facial • Treatment for Acne, Rosacea, Pigmentation • Laser Hair Removal • Red Vein Removal • Radio Frequency Body Treatments • Body Contouring Treatments • Botox, Fillers & Aqualyx Fat Removal Injections with Dr Rees We offer complimentary consultations for all treatments
www.bosworthbeauty.co.uk 01455 290 007 20a Pipistrelle Drive, Market Bosworth CV13 0NW
{
Skin Doctors SOS Christmas Beauty recommendations for busy mums and professionals
}
Skin Doctors Instant Eyelift – No more saggy, dark under-eyes. Banish the after party hangover look and look amazing with our award winning eye-serum
Skin Doctors T-Zone Control Zit Zapper – Living in fear of ‘that’ dreaded pimple the day before the Christmas party? Fear no more and zap that zit in less than 24 hours thanks to T-ZONE Control Zit Zapper.
Skin Doctors Ingrow Go – Silky smooth legs can only be achieved if you take care of the skin before and after shaving… banish painful ingrown hairs and bumpy razor burn within 24 hours.
Skin Doctors Instant Facelift – The fabulous make-up primer with anti-ageing benefits, perfect to look your best instantly for last minute parties or events
Online stockists include, Feelunique, Lookfantastic, Very, Isme, Superdrug.com.
Life Balance Fitness & Weight Management Beauty & Wellness Animal & Home Flawless by Sonya
For more information call Chrissy Richardson
Nature knows best.
Tel: 07877076395 Email: chrissy@flp.com NICHE | 43
Beauty and the botanists Men and women are constantly seeking new ways to defy aging, add radiance and generally look our best. In our quest for perfection we’ve found some innovative, and bizarre, ways to combat our wrinkles and lines, including creams laced with snake venom and ‘Vampire’ facials (not for the squeamish!). But, the latest high-tech skin care ingredient may come as a surprise, as scientists claim stem cells may encourage the growth of your skin’s own stem cells and possibly trigger their anti-aging effects. And, before you get too worried, these aren’t human stem cells they’re adding to your moisturiser, intrigued? Leading dermatologist, Erin Gilbert explained, “Stem cells have a mystique. They’re chameleon-like cells that are thought to be able to make skin look fresh and young.” Why stem cells? All multi-cellular organisms, including animals, humans, plants and fruits contain stem cells. Humans have stem cells throughout the body, where they play an essential role in regenerating tissue. What’s amazing and unique is that stem cells have the ability to develop into many different
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types of cells. Stem cells just under the skin’s surface can assist with restorative functions, which ultimately could enhance the skin’s capacity to repair itself from the effects of aging, sun exposure and all the things destined to age us. The theory behind the inclusion of stem cells in skin care products is that when applied, it may encourage the growth of your skin’s own stem cells and potentially activate their anti-aging effects. So, if they’re not human, what are they? The stem cells used in skincare products are primarily extracted from plants known for their ability to retain freshness such as roses, edelweiss and date palms. Scientists take extracts from these stem cells (not the stem cell itself) and include them in skincare, often labelled as ferulic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetinon the ingredient panel. This is not an easy task, which is why prices for these products can be considerably higher than traditional skin care. Stem cell products are not always easily identifiable, although some are in the product name, so look out for key ingredients such as ferulic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetinon and see if stem cells could help you turn back time. Fancy giving it a try? Here are some products, depending on price, for you to sample:
SAVE:
Eveline Stem Cell Creator Active Rejuvenating Eye Cream Spf 10 £4.19 (15ml)
SPEND:
Elemis ProIntense Lift Effect Day Cream - Pro Intense £49.95 (50ml)
SPLURGE: Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Day Cream, 50ml £109.95 (50ml)
Health & Beauty
ICONIC's luxurious intense home gold and caviar paraben free body scrub leaves a shimmer on the skin, and naturally moisturises whilst gliding over the skin's surface to gently exfoliate. Full of uber rich extracts from caviar, the scrub is full of Vitamin A, B and D. There is also trace elements of amino acids which helps to promote healthy-ageing. To be used twice a week as a luxury home spa treatment. £30 www.iconiclondoninc.com
Haute Couture Gift Box for Her with Nourish Serum £80 from www.brytskincare.co.uk
Perfect your brows, frame your features
In-home skin rejuvenation for a Newa® you in just minutes Newa has an RRP of £199 and is available widely in Boots.
The all new Braun Series 9 is built with a staggering 400 parts, all of which work seamlessly together to create an unbeatable shave. Its SyncroSonic™ cutting system has four fully synergized elements that work in perfect harmony to make this Braun’s most intelligent shaving head yet.
Kerstin Florian Lavender Dreams Duo £65. Available in Kerstin Florian spas and online at www.kerstinflorian.co.uk.
This rich all purpose balm can be used on any area of skin requiring targeted deep moisturising. Formulated with moisturising shea butter and honey, combined with skin conditioning beeswax and peach blossom extract. £9 www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk
It’s said that eyebrows are the frame for your features and women everywhere will be all too familiar with the trials of plucking and perfecting your brows, never quite achieving symmetry and spending hours shading in the differences! But the expert Beauticians at Beau Aesthetica can make your brows beautiful. There are several options available to those seeking the perfect frame to their faces; from HD brows - a seven-step procedure to emphasise your natural features with the ultimate arch to semi-permanent makeup, designed to subtly enhance your natural features, which lasts. The medically proven procedure is safe, hygienic, quick and virtually painless; giving you a soft powdered finish. And, semi-permanent makeup is not just reserved for your brows, imagine never having to worry about achieving the perfect eyeliner or lip liner or constantly re-applying your lippy; giving you the confidence to leave the makeup bag at home. For more information speak to the experts at Beau Aesthetica on 0116 270 9141 or have a look on their website at www.beauaesthetica.com
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Turning Back the Face of Time Choosing to undergo non-surgical cosmetic or laser treatments is a big decision to be made, not just because of the cost involved, but the trust needed to put into a surgeon, doctor or therapist. Skinmedics® aesthetic clinic offers a prestigious setting within a prominent private medical/ surgical outpatient facility providing the guarantee of confidential advice and treatment alongside the reassurance of highly qualified experienced doctors and degree qualified therapists. The medical director Dr Dav Panacer BMedSci, BM, BS, DCCH, DRCOG, DFMS, MRCGP, MFFLM, MBCAM, PGCME, is a practicing NHS doctor having been qualified for over 26 years as well as being a full member of the British Association Of Aesthetic Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Skinmedics® provides personalised treatments after an informative dialogue with clients taking into consideration their concerns and expectations and providing a realistic appraisal of what could be achieved without false promises. They remain uncompromising in their use of the highest quality original branded injectable products with no lower value substitutes unlike other competitors. All injectable treatments are undertaken by doctors only. This elite clinic also maintains close contacts with highly trained surgeons and dermatologists where other specialist treatments are required. Skinmedics® provides an unrivalled service to clienteles who travel from all over the UK and regular loyal customers travelling from other parts of the world on a regular basis, many known to Skinmedics® for several years. A comprehensive range of only advanced level treatments including all injectable treatments for lines and wrinkles including dermal fillers, Dermaroller, medical microdermabrasion, chemical peels of all depths, laser/intense pulsed light treatments, LED phototherapy and radiofrequency amongst many others are available. However, regardless of the range of treatments it is the level of qualifications of the staff and the total professionalism which makes this a platinum standard clinic. The clinic can be contacted on 0116 254 8668 or via www.skinmedics.co.uk
www.skinmedics.co.uk www.skinmedics.net
Skinmedics® The London Road Clinic 96 London Road Leicester, LE2 0QS 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE Phone: 0116 254 8668
www.skinmedics.co.uk NICHE | 46
0116 2548668
“They remain uncompromising in their use of the highest quality original branded injectable products with no lower value substitutes unlike other competitors.”
Skinmedics, The London Road Clinic 96 London Road, Leicester LE2 0QS
Health & Beauty
and took so much pride in.
We Can Make You Whole Again Amee Holistic will make you feel whole again with the soothing, healing, ancient magic of the East. Their nurturing treatments are designed to nurture and pamper each unique individual in a way that complements their lifestyle and needs. With an annual expenditure of over £4.5 billion (Telegraph) on alternative and holistic health treatments in the UK alone, the market is booming! Women have been reaping the benefits of holistic therapies and now men want in as well! Amee Dave has treated people from all walks of life looking to destress, rediscover their energetic selves or find a solution to lifestyle complaints. In these hectic lives we lead, we recommend taking a little time out for yourself and indulging in the magic. People who work long hours sitting down in front of a computer, drive long distances, or have been working hard at the gym, can
release the tension with a hot stone or basti massage. New mums can benefit from Amee’s pre and post-natal massages to reduce stress and anxiety experienced when bringing a child into the world. The therapist described her massage treatments as a way to rebalance and reduce hormones and after child birth, they are essential to getting back in shape. Kenyan born, Amee moved to India to teach children in a school, she said: “I did like it as it was a traditional school and it was great to be working in a different country but it was very challenging.” With her keen interest in beauty therapies, she would treat her friends to massages and relaxing treatments in her spare time. Seeing the potential in Amee, her friends encouraged her to enhance her skillset and pursue a career in this that she thoroughly enjoyed
Amee made her way to the south of India where she became a fully qualified masseuse and gradually built up her expertise in traditional Indian therapies. “The next step was naturally to learn to teach yoga; massage and yoga come hand in hand.” As a practiced professional she had the confidence to move to England in 2010. What she didn’t realise was how such a vast change in cultures could affect her career, “there was a different demand here.” She explained: “people seemed to prefer deep tissue and hot stone massages.” Determined to follow the career path that her friends saw would make her happy, she re-qualified to suit the demand. With eight years of experience in the field, she took the risk of opening Amee Holistic in 2011. “It’s a competitive industry,” Amee told us, “but I found that it gave me the opportunity to find a unique selling point.” Taking her time with each client to understand exactly what they want from their treatment Amee believes is essential to delivering a distinctive service with a magical touch. www.ameeholistic.co.uk 07903 533 352
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Wedding Belles
Image by Tom Wren @ Creative by Wren
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Wedding Belles
The venue dreams are made of When planning your ‘special day’ there are so many decisions for the bride and groom to be to make; paramount to everything is choosing the right venue for you and your guests to enjoy the occasion to its utmost. The venue must have the right ambience, the ‘wow’ factor, be accessible and ‘fit’ you as a couple: not an easy brief to meet. But, we know from first-hand experience that St. Martin’s House encompasses all this and more, with a dedicated Wedding Coordinator on hand to take care of every detail to help you realise your perfect day. From table linen to catering, lighting to music, the team at St. Martin’s commitment and experience help to ensure your day will surpass even your expectations. Manager, Nick Quinn, explained, “We often surprise people in our commitment to cater for a couple’s needs: we really mean it. If you want certain catering, décor or
specific equipment, we will do our utmost to make it happen.” And the venue itself is nothing short of breath-taking! A former Grade II listed converted Grammar School, it was originally built in 1877 and today it still benefits from much of the exquisite Victorian architecture from the period. The Grand Hall boasts a high vaulted ceiling and delicate stained glass windows, offering a truly amazing venue for you and up to 200 guests to enjoy. The Hall itself possesses a magical ambience through a combination of its design and heritage and, despite all its grandeur it retains a welcoming, intimate feel; perfect for friends and family to come together and celebrate in. Lovingly renovated and transformed into a venue any couple would be proud to call their own, St. Martin’s and the team go the extra mile for all their guests to provide a day full of memories
which will last a lifetime. From your initial contact through to the final dance, they make it their mission to provide you with the day you’ve been dreaming of; from buffets and sit down meals, cocktails and canapés, even your entertainment, the team at St. Martin’s are able to pinpoint the very best solutions for you, for any brief or budget, from the wealth of local suppliers who St. Martin’s have worked with across the years. “We’ve forged relationships with a great number of reliable and brilliant local suppliers and caterers who are a pleasure to work with; able to offer guidance and undertake all aspects of your big day, so that you don’t need to,” Nick told us. If you are looking for your dream venue, take a look at www.stmartinshouse.com or even go and visit, you won’t be disappointed!
CITY CENTRE
WEDDING CHIC Providing the ideal backdrop to your city centre nuptials, St
Martins is the perfect cosmopolitan mix of being in the heart of a city you love with all the perks of its excellent transport
links for your guests and a bright, bustling wedding day feel.
www.stmartinshouse.com 01162615200
7 Peacock Lane, Leicester, LE1 5PZ NICHE | 49
A WEDDING VENUE TO SUIT YOU To choose Best Western’s Weston Hall as the hosts for your wedding day is a choice you will forever delight in. From the stunning surroundings to the attentive and friendly staff they always strive to give you one of the best days of your life. A delightful Elizabethan manor house in the heart of the beautiful Warwickshire countryside Weston Hall will delight you and your guests from the minute you arrive. Sitting pretty in 7 acres of grounds, the 16th Century manor house is a delight at every turn. Set in 7 acres of its own grounds and within a peaceful village location this Warwickshire hotel is the perfect venue for any celebration or event. Weston Hall the ideal location for meetings and special occasions. TEL: 02476 312 989
Our dedicated and experienced banqueting team have extensive experience of Weddings, Banquets and celebratory events to draw from. And with licensing for civil wedding ceremonies you can enjoy your special day without need of worry.
WEDDINGS@WESTONHALLHOTEL.CO.UK WWW.BW-WESTONHALLHOTEL.CO.UK
WESTON HALL HOTEL,WESTON LANE, BULKINGTON, COVENTRY, WARWICKSHIRE, CV12 9RU
MICHAEL GRUNDY Jeweller
Everybody loves a good wedding, but at the same time it’s rare to hear anyone telling of a wedding where the entertainment was genuinely great. So, take a step away from the usual and try out The Magic of Dean who is guaranteed to go down a storm with your guests. For much more info and live show reels visit
www.themagicofdean.com Mobile: 07733 106540 Email: info@themagicofdean.com
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Designer
Goldsmith
Michael Grundy Jewellers we offer a bespoke service, which produces a unique product that certainly will not be reproduced on the high street. View the extensive range of unique jewellery crafted by the designer at the workshop or begin to set your own ideas in precious stone. 0116 274 5968 info@michaelgrundyjewellers.com
www.michaelgrundyjewellers.com 64 Queens Road, Leicester LE2 1TU
Wedding Belles
Great food, great events Xclusive Hospitality is a high-end outside caterer catering for weddings, events and corporate hospitality; one of the leading providers of first class food and service in the area, providing the latest modern cuisine with exceptional service. The team behind Xclusive have a combined 45 years’ experience with Culinary Director Jack bringing Michelin star expertise to their arsenal, including a stint at The Ritz Hotel in London and local favourite Hambleton Hall. Today’s catering trends are constantly changing and Xclusive Hospitality delivers modern gastronomy to any event, from weddings to corporate occasions, large or small; providing flexible end-to-end solutions that can assist you with all your needs for your event to be a great success.
www.xclusivehospitality.net 0116 201 8007 fresh@xclusivehospitality.net NICHE | 51
The perfect setting for your perfect day Finding the venue which fulfils your vision of the perfect day, is reachable for friends and family and doesn’t blow the wedding budget is a huge task on the first of many lists, and believe us, once this key decision is made everything starts to slot into place. Previous generations tended to stick with a traditional church ceremony followed by a reception locally, but these days the options are vast and there literally is somewhere dreams can become a reality for every couple and every personality. We’ve heard of couples literally ‘taking the plunge’ with underwater weddings and skydiving ceremonies (making for an interesting first kiss), but for those of us who are not quite daring enough for making extreme sports part of our big day, there are so many options. Whether you’re looking for quirky or traditional the perfect venue is out there, you just need to have a good look. Venues from museums to stately homes and national trust sites now have licenses which enable them to carry out marriages on the premises, and many can accommodate the whole day, ideal if you have guests travelling to see you.
Wherever you choose, make sure you fall in love with the venue where you will start the rest of your lives.
Don’t feel restricted by other people’s expectations, go with the venue which represents you both best, where you feel you can make memories and somewhere you’ll cherish in years to come. Much like moving house, you will find a venue that just fits instantly; the people, the facilities and the location so don’t panic there is a perfect venue for every bride and groom. Wherever you choose, make sure you fall in love with the venue where you will start the rest of your lives.
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Capturing each moment of your special day NICHE | 52
fmkweddings @fmkweddings
Wedding Belles
Colour, culture and community Bridal Banquets to BBQ’s: the perfect accompaniment to your big day
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending an Asian wedding, you will know they are full of glamour, tradition and vibrancy.
With so many considerations for brides and grooms to be, finding a team who can provide the expertise, quality and commitment to complement the day can be tough; that’s where The Dimblebee Catering Company come in.
Asian wedding traditions vary from community to community but one thing emanates from them all; they are committed to ensuring the very best start to the marriage.
The family team have earned a welldeserved reputation for excellence across the East Midlands; catering for over 600 weddings and events since their formation just a few short years ago. With a tradition in hospitality spanning 3 generations of the Dimblebee family, the Dimblebee Catering team are ideally placed to provide the perfect accompaniment to any wedding celebration be it a venue, marquee, tipi or at home. With the addition of new premises this year and continual investment in staffing and equipment, Dimblebee’s aim to surpass customer’s expectations every time which has deservedly secured Dimblebee Catering accolades from across their industry, including Winners of the Wedding Industry Expert Awards 2015, Regional Finalists at the 2015 Wedding Industry Awards for the second year running, as well as a legacy of the most beautiful brides’ and grooms’ recommendations. www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk
Muslim Weddings Celebrated in grandeur, Muslim weddings are typically divided into various sections starting with the engagement, through to the Henna/Mehndi ceremony and the ‘big’ day which comprises of the Nikah and the Walima. Sikh Weddings A series of festivities take place over a period of time to celebrate Sikh unions, beginning with the engagement (Shagun) signifying the beginning of the wedding celebrations, culminating with the couple attending the Guru Granth Sahib Kirtan on their wedding day. Hindu Weddings Once the couple have agreed to marry, priests are called to astrologically fix a time for the wedding to take place (Mahurat). The day itself consists of various rituals starting with prayers to Lord Ganesha through to the final blessing of the Priest (Sindhoor Daan). Whatever your celebration, the community spirit which emanates from Asian weddings is unrivalled as the bride and groom are sent to their new life in elegance.
Top tops from The City Rooms If you have a friend or relative who could give Mary Berry a run her money then ask them to make your wedding cake. Or if you have crafty friends who could help out with your invitations, let them. A big myth is that you have to use specific wedding suppliers for every aspect of your big day, this isn’t the case when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. The high-street is overrun with gorgeous dresses that would be perfect for bridesmaids. Getting married outside of peak days in peak seasons saves you money. So while a Saturday June wedding costs x amount, a Saturday in November costs less and a Wednesday in November even less. Most of us believe it is impolite to haggle, however this is just not true. Despite what you may think there is nothing wrong with asking for a suppliers’ best price – just because you ask they are under no obligation to accept, just as you are under no obligation to accept their original price. If you don’t want to go totally DIY with make-up but also don’t want to fork out for a make-up artist’s fees you have a couple of options. Firstly you could get professional make-up lessons before your wedding. Many department stores as well as make-up artists offer this. www.thecityrooms.co.uk
www.arinderbhullar.com
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Fine & Fabulous Food
Creating the magic that memories are made from Celebrating their tenth year since their launch, Hotel Maiyango has been the venue synonymous with style, outstanding cuisine and innovation.
Founded in 2005 by Aatin Anadkat, he explained, “I was fortunate to do a lot of travelling when I was younger and each of the places I visited left an impression. When I decided to create the Maiyango brand I was motivated by my experiences to try and deliver something different and special to what was already out there; something inspiring with a global feel; somewhere relaxed yet committed to great food and drink without all the pretentiousness.” Maiyango has always led the way of setting the standards of hospitality, pushing the cuisine, accommodation and events forward through new and exciting phases, and Aatin and his team show no signs of stopping the momentum to evolve and improve
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every aspect of Maiyango. Recently, Hotel Maiyango teamed up with U Fit Studio and Niche Magazine to deliver their ‘dining out on a diet’ tasting menu and hosted a series of ‘Cocktails and Canapés’ events to show off their rather impressive vantage point overlooking Jubilee Square and the High Street as well as winning a coveted VisitEngland award for Excellence in May 2015. Aatin told us, “Hotel Maiyango was not created to be ‘average’. We are here to evolve the market and deliver something special.” Hotel Maiyango has provided the setting for so many special occasions, from first dates, birthdays and anniversaries to wedding receptions and business
Fine & Fabulous Food
events; this is clearly a business that loves looking after people and watching people enjoy themselves. The start of their anniversary year promises to create many more special memories, with several events planned to help you along the way. For the lovers amongst you, try the ‘date night’ package; guaranteed to impress. Available Sunday to Thursday every week, this handy package includes a Cocktail Mixology Masterclass with 3 cocktails per person, followed by an award-winning 3-course meal. Whether it's the first, second or nine hundredth time you've stepped out together, every date deserves to be the best and we think this sounds like a lot of fun! And, if that whets your appetite and you fancy yourself as the next Tom Cruise, you can try your hand at impressing the Maiyango bar team and release your hidden inner mixologist and have your invention featured as Maiyango’s ‘Cocktail of the Month’ named after you! After the success of recent ‘Cocktails and Canapes’ during the summer, Maiyango have another date to put in your diary (18th September) where guests can indulge in Maiyango’s latest cocktail inventions with a panoramic view across the City in their stunning Glass Bar and Terrace. For just
£15 per person, which includes 3 cocktails, this is one evening to leave the car and the kids at home and indulge! If that wasn’t enough, Maiyango are marking their tenth birthday with a series of rewards, to thank all their loyal followers that have helped make Maiyango magical over the years. Throughout September, the team are welcoming diners to celebrate Maiyango’s birthday with a free bottle of Prosecco with dinner for tables of four or more. To take advantage of this offer, just quote ’Maiyango is 10’ when you book and their team will do the rest. To finish the year off in style, Maiyango’s Christmas Party offering this year is the decadent Masquerade Ball themed party nights. Enjoy a night of glamour, live music entertainment and dapper attire in their elegant surroundings. There are dates available throughout November and December. Aatin said, “There is always a lot going on here and lots on the horizon which is great. You don’t often get the chance to reminisce, but I’m really proud of what we have all achieved here so far and excited for what the future will bring. My team and I are looking forward to helping our
Image by Tom Wren @ Creative by Wren
guests create even more fantastic memories.” If the past 10 years is anything to go by, we have no doubt about this and we wish Maiyango a very happy birthday indeed!
www.maiyango.com 0116 251 8898
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Fine & Fabulous Food
Leire is a leafy and quaint midEngland village in the district of Harborough in Leicestershire, the roads that guide you there provide a little clue to the influences of the chosen destination. We headed to the Crab & Cow Restaurant & Freehouse, the most recent addition to the countryside eateries we adore. Formally known as The White Horse, you’d be hard pushed to see the resemblance since the current owner’s exacting standards over the smallest of details during extensive renovations. Greeted by the manager Nick Broderick, we immediately got that feeling that we were going to enjoy our time spent here. Nick comes with a top-draw hospitality pedigree, having owned and managed Leicester’s original alternative venue and bar, and most recently managing the jewel in Rick Stein’s dining emporium in Padstow, Cornwall. And it was by no coincidence that Padstow’s premier restaurant was ruled under his watch; Nick says, “I had made the decision that I would revisit
my hometown and on the journey decided I would work with Rick Stein, luckily for me he agreed. I learnt so much during my time there, the place is like a finely tuned machine, serving over 350 top quality covers each day, every day!” The Crab & Cow has a distinct feel that you could while away the hours in a treasured retreat. There are nuances in the decor, wine list, menu and ambience that have been carefully considered. Nick has drawn on his Cornish upbringing for his extensive selection of wines that provide the perfect complement to the seafood, giving a hint for the menu too. There are a selection of 20 fine wines by the glass, fermented just feet from our host’s (Somelier’s) family home; making the wine list enviable, extensive and exclusive. Bring on the menu, we said, and so served we were. A pretty and functional carte was supplied you’ll like this! True to style there was fish that we hankered for along with some quite perfect sounding
dishes listed; Moules all the way for me, perfect! The burger, I am assured, is amongst the very best around, Mr Broderick himself rates an eatery on the quality of their beef patties...next time! The refurbishments have really made use of the quirky space and adorned it with beautiful furniture and fittings, the outdoor seating area is exceptional - think of a summer space, with great and gorgeous honest furniture and copious capacity. I drifted off whilst waiting for a crema espresso under the stars and imagined an upmarket beach restaurant somewhere in the Balearics. So, you might tell, we are quite smitten here at Niche by the Crab & Cow. All that remains is for you to visit and enjoy it too. Main Street, Leire, Lutterworth, LE17 5HE
www.crabandcow.co.uk 01455 208 923
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Unexpectedly good Chinese cuisine In the heart of Leicester’s most talked about area, the Cultural Quarter, is 19Gale Bar & Restaurant, a stylish themed fine dining restaurant that offers exquisite and unexpectedly good Chinese cuisine. 19Gale welcomes you with a very spacious dining room alike to Singapore’s affluent suburban eateries, and welcomed you are. Understanding the importance of absolute customer satisfaction the 19Gale waiting staff are skilled hosts with a great understanding of the menu. If it’s a Pris Fix menu that floats your Junk then the 3 course offering begs to be explored. A Mango and King Prawn Spring Rolls with a Chili Sauce offers quivers to even the most seasoned diners jowls, a great combination and a perfectly balanced starter. For your
main there’s the firm favourite fish Sea Bass dish with the full Chinese overhaul to follow, or would you plump for an old school classic or Teriyaki Chicken? A la carte faves are Crab Meat and Bambo Fungos Soup, with a Sizzling Sliced Beef main – as if artistically presented on your plate by Wang Qixhi himself (Google him, very good). The general manager, Augustus, shines with passion for the perfectly encapsulated piece of Chinese culture he has created here in mid England. He says, “I am so pleased to serve my homeland’s best dishes to our diners with our 19Gale twist. We endeavour to make sure that each diner has the best experience we can offer.” The restaurant boasts a hidden treasure too; there’s a state of the art exquisite designer karaoke suite of 11 rooms bolted on – and why
not? The rooms range in décor from top end VIP to Banksy, Hello Kitty to Glitter and Leopard print – perfectly bonkers and perfect for a party. 19Gale has crafted the ultimate office Christmas party package, catering from 5 to 180 guests with dinner followed by a duet with the boss, maybe! Starting from just £35 per guest, these nights are not to be missed and a surefire hit for the Leicester business community. On the Curve trail it’s easy to ‘walk on by’ as you are busying to your next theatrical experience, but why not ‘walk on in’ for a dining experience like no other in our beautifully diverse little city. T: 0116 262 9888 W: www.19gale.co.uk
19Gale Bar & Restaurant, 58 Halford Street, Leicester LE1 1TQ NICHE | 58
Fine & Fabulous Food
Ginspiring “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” – Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca The pleasure of a classic G&T has been an appreciated luxury since long before the release of Casablanca in 1942 but you don’t have to go to an expensive bar these days, you don’t even need to leave the house! Let the bar come to you at weddings, birthdays, corporate occasions and festivals. Gin Partners, Gabby Garcia and Audrey Jones run The Gin Emporium; a travelling Gin Parlour to inspire any celebration or event. Spruce up the pop-up parlour to suit your theme, be it rustic vintage or professional elegance. Up and running within 20 minutes in your own back garden, the fold down bar is ready to provide gin enthusiasts and lovers of the unique at any occasion. They have created their very own cocktail master class for guests to get stuck into and have some fun before your event really takes off and a cocktail recipe book that can be purchased separately. The passionate Ginpreneurs developed the idea after discovering there is a vast range of
independent gin distilleries around the UK. On attending various gin tasting events, Audrey said: “we realised how infectious it was and decided this was for us.” The rustic bar serves spirits that the two friends have vigorously researched themselves. “People like to know what they’re drinking and where it came from. We visit the distilleries and find out the story behind each spirit,” Gabby told us. Although supplying a collection of gin’s from around the UK, The Gin Emporium likes to keep it local. They work closely with the creators of Burleighs London Dry Gin as well as other Leicestershire stockists and cater to and support local events. At only six months old, the mobile bar has won the title of official gin caterers to the new weekly street festival provided by Scoff Events that will take place every Friday at a secret location. Gabby added: “we’ve had lots of bookings and lots of encouragement. We have a long range vision and want to get more people involved in niche gins.” The partners pride themselves on building strong client relationships, “as an independent business we are able to spend more time with customers and can give a personal
service,” Gabby commented. Audrey added: “we focus on attention to detail and find out what our customers are all about so that we can edit the selection of drinks to suit them.” As well as the bar, your guests can make use of the personalised blackboard shout outs and for happy wedding couples, a Gin Tasting Experience thrown in just for you. The Gin Emporium can also supply wedding favours and goody bags. You can now also purchase Gabby and Audrey’s gin goody bags to give a gift to family and friends! Contact them now and let the glamour of an elegant gin bar come to you before they’re all booked up!
www.theginempo.co.uk hello@theginemporium365.co.uk 0116 271 2536 Twitter: @theginempo Facebook: The Gin Emporium UK
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Image by Tom Wren @ Creative by Wren
Anyone can be a bartender. Well, that's what they tell me. I mean it's easy to shake a cocktail, pour a beer or glass of wine and top a spirit with a mixer over ice right? If you had asked me that question seventeen years ago I probably would have agreed with you and in some cases I still do. Serving drinks isn’t difficult. What I've learned over the years is how difficult it is to make it look consistently easy. The attention to the detail, the flair, the technique, the presentation. Recalling a multitude of ingredients, having an understanding of the origin of the spirit and whether the beer is pouring at the correct temperature is still only a part of it. Creating and controlling the ambience of a room full people with a smile on your face. That bit, that's the art in bartending. The bartenders I've met on my journey have always been creative people and this beautiful industry of mine allows them the platform to express all the facets of their creativity. We literally create an experience in a glass. A memory. A feeling. How many times have you tried a drink and sat back in your chair and thought, "That hit the spot”, “That was exactly what I needed"? Regardless of the type of beverage, the question the bartender asks is always the same, are you enjoying it and more importantly, is it what you wanted? Although we may not look it, bartenders are more than happy to change a drink or aide in any way we can, to ensure you're having the NICHE | 60
best experience. Go on. Test the theory. I am noticing more and more people asking questions of the bartender, such as what is the equipment they use called and what are the types of ingredients they stock. More and more people are becoming savvy to what they drink and how. One of my favourite questions is where a certain product or piece of equipment can be purchased from and how best to utilise it. The art of serving drinks is becoming less daunting to the everyday layman and people are becoming more confident in trying to replicate their favourite drinks at home. This shift is a welcome one. The “home bartender” is on the rise. Hosting at home used to mean serving a dish practiced and perfected, all washed down with a glass of wine. The drink is now becoming a part of the serve, part of the conversation. Aperitif and digestif are less alien terms and it’s not unusual to hear about a preference of spirit for an Old Fashioned or Martini or even the chosen method for making the drink. With more and more drinks being made at home there is an everincreasing appreciation for the art of bartending and as I stated before, serving drinks isn’t difficult. The difficulty is in art. Anyone can be a bartender. What do you think?
All good things come in small packages: Especially Shloer’s sparkling new Share Packs! So make sure you get Shloer on the shopping list this summer; and with nine refreshing flavors to choose from, including White Grape, Red Grape, Rosé; Apple & White Grape, White Grape Raspberry & Cranberry, White Grape & Elderflower, Berry Punch, Celebration Pink Fizz and Celebration White Bubbly, as well as the newly sized Share Packs, there’s a flavor for everyone. The new compact and convenient Share Pack bottles are the ideal size for putting on ice in the cool bag whilst you go to the beach on this year’s family Staycation, or picnic with the girls in the park. These handy versions of Shloer’s two classic flavours means you can enjoy a delicious drink on the go, and still have three left to share with friends! Shloer’s Share Packs make it even easier to raise a toast to the good times, the convenient new Share Packs include four 275ml bottles in the popular Red Grape or White Grape flavours! Share packs are available from Tesco RRP £4.29
Fine & Fabulous Food
The Ultimate Beginners Cooking Guide Bridge 67 Cookery School, aptly named for being located on the 67th bridge over the canal in Smeeton, Westerby, welcomed Niche’s very own Sally Smith, to complete their Back to Basics course this summer. Here’s what she had to say: Located on the beautiful Binleys Bridge Farm, it was the perfect setting to create a relaxing escape and provide us with the opportunity to throw ourselves unequivocally into the world of cookery. I couldn’t wait to get started! The course ran from 9:30 until 16:00 - a good amount of time to get to know the people in our group. Amongst the eight of us there was a student in his 20s whose parents had bought him the course for Christmas, a lady who wanted to learn to cook for her family, another lady who just loves to cook and myself looking to brush up on some of the skills I already had. Along with our instructor, Roy, we had a great day and were laughing at every opportunity as it was such an informal atmosphere. We were provided with quality, locally produced ingredients and equipment and the meat was from the owner’s farm for us to make our own lunch for the day, as well as a mixture of mains and desserts to take home.
“We were provided with quality, locally produced ingredients & equipment”
Roy had a wealth of culinary knowledge from running his local catering company and was able to answer all of our questions with noticeable passion and flare inspiring us to get creative with our dishes. He would explain everything step by step from why we were using certain oven temperatures to cutting vegetables properly as well as advising us to taste as we go and giving hints and tips along the way. I certainly took a lot from the course that I can apply to my home cooking. Making something different every day will not be so difficult anymore! I cannot wait to return for another course and have my eye on ‘Introduction to Indian’ for next time.
www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk
Wednesday 14th October Thursday 15th October Friday 16th October Saturday 17th October Sunday 18th October All £130 per person per day BOOK 4 DAYS GET 1 FREE
Five different days of basic cookery, focusing on starters, mains, cakes and puddings. Book individual days, or a number of days, to provide you with a full set of basic cookery skills.
To book a course or find out more, please visit www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk or call 0116 279 6155
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Images by Tom Wren @ Creative by Wren
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Fine & Fabulous Food
Bringing fine-dining to your front room Niche Editor, Jenny Cross loves a soiree, but only one done in style, so when she decided to invite some of Leicester’s leading business professionals to an evening at home, she chose to engage the services of La Belle Assiette’s professional chefs. Equipped with the finest ingredients and professional expertise, La Belle Assiette have 437 chefs on hand to bring you an elegant fine-dining experience, in the comfort of your own home. Jenny told us, “The chef we had, Adrian Roberts, was absolutely lovely, he arrived at 5.30 with everything he needed (I just supplied the wine!) and cooked the most amazing menu. At one point, you couldn’t even see the kitchen worktops for all the ingredients but after our meal you couldn’t even tell he’d been there, he even washed up and even took the rubbish with him!”
“The food was better than some restaurants and having it in my home was a much more intimate and relaxed setting” The talents of their chefs are undeniable, creating dishes like seared diver scallop with minted petit pois foam, black pudding soil, smoked pancetta crisp, blue lobster bisque ganache and anchovies croustillon as an amuse bouche and canapes including apple with pink salt and fennel cured wild salmon with dill crème fraiche, beetroot gel and salmon caviar and deep fried camembert Le Rustique with sesame crust, micro basil crisp and red pepper coulis. No strangers to fine dining, guest included Tracey and Mark Daniels
from SLM Builders, Tracey and Pete Miller from The Miller Partnership and Eileen Richards and Chris Perry, owner of ER Recruitment, but each and every one of them was impressed not only by the tantalising menu but the efficiency, service and talent Adrian possessed. Jenny said, “This is definitely something I would do again, the food was better than some restaurants and having it in my home was a much more intimate and relaxed setting; perfect for busy professionals with a love of good food.” Rediscover the pleasure of entertaining at home and visit www.labelleassiette.co.uk
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Where the cooks go…
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www.codltd.co.uk 01530 443648 NICHE | 64
Fine & Fabulous Food
Italian Restaurant Vitruvius fine dining Italian restaurant renowned for its finesse and elegance was created to fulfill a niche and offer an alternative for those in search of a unique dining experience.
CHAMPAGNE BAR AND RESTAURANT
Mr Bojangles welcomes you to come enjoy and create an experience at our
The classical Italian music added with bespoke designed lighting and tantalising fragrances emanating from the open kitchen all enfuse to create a cosy tranquil atmosphere, the splendour of which can be enjoyed by friends and loved ones.
extravagantly designed restaurant and bar enjoying an evening with friends, family
Situated below its popular sister restaurant Mr Bojangles, it’s easy to locate and a tranquil venue in the centre of this bustling city.
53 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6EH For Reservations please call 0116 255 0775 info@mr-bojangles.com www.mr-bojangles.com Mr Bojangles Champagne Bar
49 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6EH For Reservations please call 0116 254 2055 vitruviusrestaurant@hotmail.co.uk www.vitruviusrestaurant.com Vitruvius Italian Restaurant
or loved ones in an ambience enriched by live music, mood creating lighting and luxurious furnishings
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Hot Property FOR SALE 4 Bed Detached House for sale Albert Avenue, Sileby - ÂŁ300,000 Four double bedrooms | Detached on a private road | Electric double gates leading to driveway detached garage with electric doors | Two / Three reception rooms | Landscaped rear gardens No onward chain Accommodation comprises an entrance porch leading to entrance hall which has ample storage, two bedrooms, a shower suite room and a bathroom suite room, a lounge with multi fuel stove, a conservatory over looking the garden, a kitchen/breakfast room and a utility room. First floor landing leads to two bedrooms which both over look the garden. One of these bedrooms has storage cupboard in the eves and can be converted into a dressing room or en suite. To the front of the property are electric double gates leading to a driveway for multiple vehicles, plus the added benefit of security gate access. There is a detached garage with electric up and over doors with power and light. The garage is bigger than modern standards today as has a work shop area. The rear landscaped garden is established and mature. The garden commences with a patio area with the remaining being laid to lawn with a selection of flowerbeds, shrubs and trees. There is outside water to front and rear.
For Viewings contact Wendy Bell - 07738 230 487
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FOR SALE 4 bedroom detached house for sale The Pyke, Rothley - ÂŁ265,000 We are delighted to offer for sale this superior modern, extremely well-presented detached property which offers spacious accommodation inc: entrance hall with cloaks storage & WC, spacious lounge, conservatory & impressive 8.7m through kitchen dining room. Generous size master bedroom with en-suite, 2 further doubles & single bedroom plus family bathroom. Excellent plot, plentiful parking on leafy corner of quiet cul-de-sac location. Very rare opportunity, early viewing advised. EPC rate C. Rothley is a particularly sought-after North Leicestershire village location and is ideally placed for access to the University town of Loughborough and the City of Leicester and the M1 Motorway, which can be accessed via the Western relief road. The combined villages of Rothley, Mountsorrel and Quorn offer a good range of amenities to include schooling, shopping and recreational pursuits.
Contact Moore & York, Loughborough 01509 431 112
Starting your new life in style The rising popularity for new-build homes in the UK has been staggering over the past few years; with developments offering house buyers location, flexibility, affordability and quality.
projects...we have found them to be exemplary in their attitude, and in the discharge of their Contractual Obligation, unerring in completing projects on time, within budget and to the total satisfaction of the client. Despite challenging times within the industry, they have continued to secure contracts, which is further testimony to their winning ideology and levels of professionalism." PSB Consultancy & Design Ltd
SLM, one of Leicestershire's leading building contractors, are no stranger to the requirements, and benefits, new-builds can offer. Established in 2003, SLM have built a reputation for providing high quality, reliable and competitive building services; making them an obvious choice for property developers across the Leicestershire and the East Midlands.
But, with so many older homes, full of character and original features from eras past, what makes newbuilds so appealing?
"SLM Building Contractors are well known to us professionally at Director Level, and are already a long-standing and welcomed inclusion on our own preferred tender lists for development
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Cost New-builds are built to much higher specifications than the majority of older properties, providing home buyers with much better value for their investment. As standard, new-builds are equipped with central heating, double-glazing and insulation and are built with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. New-builds generate 60% less carbon dioxide emissions than older properties; not only kinder
on the environment but cheaper to manage, with potential savings on utilities of more than ÂŁ500 per year! Not only that, but property developers strive to be competitive and price their properties to sell, and sell quickly. Some offer further incentives and help with moving costs which provide home buyers with value for money which is hard to rival. The benefits of new-builds are recognised nationally, receiving government support in the form of 'Help to Buy' schemes, to allow home buyers the chance to access beautiful new homes, whatever stage of their lives. Confidence New-builds are unique in the peace of mind they are able to provide for home buyers; with developers providing a 10-year warranty on new-build properties via organisations such as the National House-Building Council.
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The quality and regulation within the construction industry has grown significantly over recent years, with the most recent industry survey testimony to its improvements, where almost 90% of home buyers stated how satisfied they were with their new homes. Convenience We've all heard of, or been involved, in the moving 'chain' which can be frustrating and costly. Often built 'off plan', new-builds allow buyers to move into their new home as soon as it is complete; no stressful waiting for the current owners to move out, whilst your moving costs gradually rise and none of the uncertainty often associated with a house move. Choice Quite simply, new-builds offer buyers countless designs and styles, with many developers allowing clients to direct the decoration, fixtures and fittings for their new home, without the additional costs associated with renovation. That can include tiling,
SLM have built a reputation for providing high quality, reliable and competitive building services appliances, flooring or even garden landscaping; meaning a buyer can create the home of their dreams, ready to move straight into. A new-build home is a 'blank canvas' for you to customise to suit your needs, style and personality from day one, safe in the knowledge that the property is built to the highest quality and with no chance of inheriting and 'dodgy DIY'! And, with exceptional contractors like SLM involved in creating your perfect home, you can reap the benefits of their expertise and experience, without worrying about the price-tag!
To find out more about some of the new-build projects SLM have already completed and those in the pipeline, visit www.slmbuilders.co.uk
www.slmbuilders.co.uk 0116 276 5333
NICHE | 71
Dream big, live big — Abel, based here in Leicester, are rapidly gaining national recognition for their innovation, style and expertise, and with good reason. NICHE | 72
Abel have been operating in the security industry for almost 50 years, working with both commercial and residential property owners to protect and secure their premises with CCTV as well as smoke, fire and intruder alarms. But, what sets this company and its team apart from traditional security companies is their insight, technology and vision. Abel have been the preferred choice for several prestigious venue and celebrities because of their ability to tailor, and help you tailor, the systems which control your home or office to maximise comfort, savings, convenience and peace of mind, and we wanted to know how?
Abel are setting the standards in home control systems with their innovative and almost futuristic intelligent automation system. Intelligent automation enables home and business owners to integrate literally everything from lighting control, music, home theatre, climate control and security from the touch of a button. With an app available to install on your tablet, phone or laptop (even your iPodÂŽ) you are able to adjust your climate, check your security system or turn on the lights from anywhere, even from the comfort of your bed! Not only a funky gadget for the technology lovers amongst us, it enables you to add sensors and set presets to control daylight savings
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so you are only using energy when you need it, protecting the environment and the ever-growing energy bills. It’s efficient, intuitive and is one of the factors which help Abel to remain a leading brand in the UK for your home and business. But, it doesn’t stop there; with the intuitive control panel businesses can use this technology to control an AV presentation, videoconference, book a conference room or update your digital signage. You can track your carbon footprint and identify where you can save energy, and ultimately outgoings. And, with the stylish interface you can show off your energy savings to visitors and clients. This state-of-the-art technology is also being adopted by schools, where they can use the simple touch panel to select to play a DVD, use a document camera, or present a PowerPoint from the PC. The simple touch panel makes it easy for teachers and support staff to use classroom technology, and for IT managers to support hundreds of rooms through the standard IP network. Tech support can remotely manage classrooms, labs, conference rooms and auditoriums globally and remotely.
Put simply: wherever you are, whatever you need, you’re connected.
Put simply: wherever you are, whatever you need, you’re connected. Remember when VHS was ‘cuttingedge’ and then DVD’s swooped in and took the limelight? That is what this system is. In 10 years’ time, automation at home and work may be the norm but with Abel you can be at the forefront of technology and enjoy the flexibility, comfort and cost-savings a system like this will bring, today. For more information on intelligent automation or other security systems visit www.abelalarms.co.uk or call 08448 00 22 77 to speak with one of their experienced team. Enjoy the technology of tomorrow, today.
www.abelalarm.co.uk 08448 00 22 77
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Whatever your home styling requirements, whether you are looking for a complete design, a few tweaks to make it home or bring it back to life or simply to present it in its best light to sell or rent out, Chrysalis are the experts for you.
Tel: 0121 6476709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID www.chrysalishomestaging.com
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Ah, Summer! Those long, hot lazy days are now giving way to cooler, drizzlier ones which herald our retreat from the great outdoors back inside the home.
Autumn Arrivals
However you can still enjoy the charms of the garden and make some subtle alterations to your interior decor so the shift inside doesn’t feel quite so gloomy. Add some sparkle! I love a little bit of shimmer and shine and there is no better way to indulge this than by adding some gorgeous new candle holders to your living space. There’s nothing more enticing than the glow of candlelight.
Liberty London Fornasetti Sole di Capri Room Spray 100ml £85 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “Summer-in-a-bottle, this is the scent of the Med with lemon, mandarin, galbanum, bergamot & samphire. I’m ordering mine right now!”
The same applies to your garden; garlands of fairy lights add a magical feel to the even the barest of spaces and coupled with a heater you’ll be relaxing alfresco long after sundown. Declutter and grab yourself some stylish new storage options, like these fab woven baskets, or jazz up your walls with some seriously cool and oh-sogrown-up wall art - they’re not just for kids! And lastly, hold on to memories of summer a little longer by investing in a sublime roomspray; this pick from Fornasetti is divine and will help evoke those long balmy days long after the leaves have fallen and the autumn mists have descended in earnest.
Samantha x Infinity Wall Art Chrysanthemum Wall Art Sticker £18.99 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/ hotpicks “Affordable, stylish and removable, an easy and fun way to inject some personality into your interior without too much commitment.” Houseology Eichholtz Castello Tea Light Holder £330 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/ hotpicks “I love everything Eichholtz and this is no exception: simple, architectural and so different and stylish, will add a classy elegance to any room.” Rockett St. George Blue & White Storage Baskets, set of 3 £106 www. chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “Chic and stylish and bang on trend with colour and pattern, these are so much more than simple storage baskets.” Lights4Fun 80 LED Warm White Fairy Lights £19.99 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/ hotpicks “8m of connectable clear cable fairy lights perfect for creating a magical setting, both indoors and out.”
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Services include:
• Carpentry & joinery
• Plumbing & heating • Windows & doors inc locks
• All building & ground works
 High Quality Suppliers and High Manufacturers, Quality Manufacturers, Suppliers and Installers of uPVC Installers of Doors uPVC and Aluminium Windows / Conservatories / Skylight Lantern Roofs / Bi-Folding Doors / Conservatories / Skylight Lantern Roofs / Bi-Folding Doors / Fascia & Gutter 
• Specializing in kitchen, bathroom & wet-room installation • Fully qualified with over 20 years experience • 2.5 million public liability insurance • All work fully insured and
guaranteed
• OAP & disabled discount
Don’t Pay For and Show
Come D Ma
No Salesm No Extortio
Just High Qual At Trad
www.eqps.co.uk Call Nick 07580 169938 NICHE | 78
Tel: 0116 2611155
(All Quotations
Fax: 0116 2611166
Email: info@securetradeframes.co.uk
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The Sessions that ‘All Schools Should Run’ Hinckley & Rugby Building Society funded two days of finance and employability lessons at John Cleveland College in Hinckley by the education charity WizeUp. WizeUp, a not-for-profit group of financial education experts, was back for its third visit to the school thanks to sponsorship from Hinckley & Rugby. More than 120 students from Year 12 learned about money matters and applying for jobs. WizeUp’s Ed Flack spent two days tackling financial good health and the skills employers are looking for, including techniques for doing well in interviews. Janet Paterson, Head of Post 16 at John Cleveland College, said: “It was hugely popular with the students. A number of them said all schools should run these sessions as they are so useful. “The support from Hinckley & Rugby is a fantastic partnership and we really do appreciate it. Ed is so positive and supportive, and offers to go on helping by checking CVs.” Hinckley & Rugby Building Society assistant office manager, Claire Spriggs, said: “As a local building society we would like all local school leavers to be financially healthy as they gain their independence. We’re very happy that we could bring Ed back to John Cleveland with his great advice.”
Michael John Flooring
A fish for your fascias?
With a 70th anniversary looming Niche decided it was well over due for a catch up with Simon Manley of Leicester’s premier flooring provider, Michael John Flooring.
Most of us have our routines through the week to take care of the household chores; we polish, scrub, prune and mow, maybe we get the windows cleaned once a month but is that really doing justice to all the hard work you put into the rest?
The flagship store over 2 premises on Narbrough Road was where it all started and remains the hub of the business. So what’s new Simon? “We branched out in to a more affordable option open to both trade and public a few years back now, this is in Enderby and is going strong. We then teamed up with allied suppliers to open Maison Interiors in Oadby, providing a top quality interiors destination.” Simon adds, “And as the business began to evolve we saw the power of partnerships, this was the catalyst for Daytrue, our Maida Vale interiors business. A model we are rolling out at another London address in October, when we open our doors in Chelsea.” Busy times! I hear a rumour of more local developments too….. “Yes, at the same time as Chelsea we will be welcoming the people of Leicestershire to another interiors venture we have worked on with Broughton House Upholstery in Broughton Astley. We add Broughton House Interiors and Michael John Flooring to our growing portfolio.” Michael John Flooring 188-190 Narborough Road Leicester LE3 0BU T: 0116 254 1853 www.michael-john.co.uk
Well, we’ve got the solution, and it comes in the form of a fish. Funky Puffa Fish are Leicestershire’s newest and funkiest new exterior cleaning company, and they’re taking the region by storm. The reason: there’s something very unique about them, and it’s not just their name! Funky Puffa Fish are the one solution you need to give your home some ‘kerb appeal’. Their services include window cleaning, pressure washing, conservatory roofs, even solar panels but that’s not all; their fantastic tailored ‘house valet’ will leave your home looking its best, including soffits, fascias and guttering (even providing full fascia, soffit & guttering replacements or repairs). And, what’s more, is it could also save you money. Engaging the services of this team for one full day rather than having to find and pay for several workmen gives you peace of mind and protects your purse. Give your home a new lease of life, contact www.funkypuffafish.co.uk or call 0116 216 8322.
www.hrbs.co.uk
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Broughtons Traditional Lighting & Ironmongery
Great Value, Great Service Over 28 Years Experience
- Old carpets disposed of - Wide choice & genuine advice
- Expert fitting guaranteed
- AXMINSTERS - CARPET TILES - LAMINATES - SOLID WOODS - VINYLS - SISALS Shop online at www.astleycarpets.co.uk astleycarpets@yahoo.co.uk
01455 285214
75 Main St, Broughton Astley LE9 6RE (free parking)
Recieve a £5 M&S voucher when you spend over £120.00 quote Niche to redeem
The Old Cinema Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BP
0116 234 1888
www.broughtons.com sales@broughtons.com
Open 7 Days Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm Sundays 10am - 4pm
Honest Reliable Helpful Responsible Here Ready to help
BUILDING SOCIETY
Celebrating
We’ve been around a remarkably long time but we remain committed to providing traditional first class service and highly competitive mortgages and savings accounts
Traditional service since 1865 The Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The Society's registration number is 206043
NICHE | 80
0800 434 6343 hrbs.co.uk or visit us at branches across Leicestershire
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www.brill-creative.com
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Quality high, costs low: a perfect combination for any business Businesses are increasingly aware of the impact that small changes can have on the overall business, its productivity and ultimately the bottom line. Business Owners and Managers are constantly looking to technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency; the small changes are delivering big impacts across all industries. GreenPrint is one such innovative tool, designed to help businesses monitor and manage their printing use. But, what’s more, this tool can help you identify areas for improvement and ultimately deliver cost savings to protect your pocket as well. GreenPrint Analytics helps you capture all printers that your users NICHE | 82
are printing to. You can then label or categorize these printers as "Green", "Yellow" and "Red", as well as assign printing costs to each of these printers. Once identified, you can track printing volumes by printer label or based on the printers being network or locally connected, i.e. connected via USB or parallel port to user’s desktops; track overall printing across your organisation over time; identify print volumes based on individual users or on user groups, such as departments within your organisation, and effectively manage your printers to reduce waste, reduce cost and increase profits. It’s easy user-interface is only outdone in simplicity by its
installation; taking minutes to set up using a server-side agent or web snippet, meaning you can start saving straight away. GreenPrint are so confident that they can help you to perfect your printing processes they even offer a 30 day free trial, to find out more visit greenprint.primoit.co.uk
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A fish called Funky Your business premises are not only functional but need to portray the right image to prospect clients and employees. Keeping them up to par is often a full-time job, with multiple contractors each working on different elements, but it doesn’t need to be. Leigh Taylor founded Funky Puffa Fish just 4 months ago to offer a portfolio of services for customers, all from one trusted team; providing all your essential services in one simple place. Whether it be exterior or interior cleaning, servicing your air conditioning or simple property maintenance and repair (even removing chewing gum from your paths or carpets); the team at Funky Puffa Fish provide a comprehensive service to support your premises management, carried out with care, expertise and competitiveness. Funky Puffa Fish have the expertise to service any scale property, providing high-level window cleaning up to 65ft as standard, and being IPAF licensed, if you’re on the top floor of a multi-storey, he can make your view even more spectacular. The past 4 months have seen Funky
Puffa Fish achieve staggering success within such a short period; no surprise when you see the quality of their work, with the team already expanding and clients ncluding larger scale local businesses such as St Martins House, Quorn Country Hotel and Harlaxton Manor. But Leigh is casting the net further afield, recently obtaining his licence to carry out kitchen extraction cleaning and certification to TR19 standards, essential for any commercial kitchen when renewing their insurance, meaning that anyone from restaurants to offices and hotels can benefit from one professional company supporting their business outside and in. If you are fishing for compliments about your premises then Funky Puffa Fish should be your catch of the day.
www.funkypuffafish.co.uk 0116 216 8322 @FunkyPuffaFish @FPF_AirCon @WellPuffed
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Leicester’s Business Professionals The Ones To Watch Photo accredited to Brill Creative
Advertising and has been creating great relationships across Leicester, and the country, ever since. With a current team of 12, Arch provide clients with an ‘overarching’ suite of services; designed to make client’s lives easy and to create a cohesive creative vision for their brand.
Joe Nixon - Creative Director at Arch Creative Almost 10 years ago, Joe launched Arch Creative, specialising in Brand Identity, Digital, Print and
But, Joe told us as much as he loves creating and developing client’s visions that balance is the key to his continued success, he told us, “It’s a cliche, but it is important to maintain the work-life balance. There’s no point working all hours if you’re too tired (or don’t have any time) to enjoy the fruit of your labours.” Business, specialising in tax, VAT, HR, HS and training services.
Toni Robinson - Director at Qdos Consulting Qdos Consulting’s Toni Robinson heads up their Consultancy NICHE | 84
Joe Hanney - Managing Coach at U Fit Studio Infamous for their ability to help clients transform their lifestyles; U Fit Studio’s unique approach to fitness is designed to coach, educate and train you into the best physical and mental shape you’ll have been in for years (or ever!).
Toni explained, “The client experience at Qdos is important to me, working with bespoke HR and HS professionals should not only assist them in achieving their business goals, but it should be a pleasant and fun experience.”
Joe himself avidly pursues personal development, he explained, “One of our core values is pursue growth and constant learning. Education is the most powerful weapon we have.”
So why do her clients ‘sing’ her praises? “ I have been recently introduced to 19 Gale, a Chinese restaurant in the Cultural Quarter of Leicester. The food is amazing, the service is excellent – and if you fancy a little fun; you can try the karaoke ... our clients love it!”
With aspirations to introduce U Fit Studio to the world, we asked “What’s your definition of success?”, “Being able to recognise that you’ve been successful, then letting it go to create space for more success!”; exactly what he is doing.
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through the ranks, appointed Group Director in November 2011. We asked who in business has he emulated to reach such success, “I’ve not tried to be like anyone but just been myself and believed in my own ability and ideas.”; well, his honesty and sincerity has served him better than anyone else could!
Joel Mulloy - Group Director at Abel Alarms Celebrating their 50th year, joining Abel as an IT technician, his passion and vision has seen him rise
So what about the future? Joel explained, “I’d like to see the company grow but not just within the security industry; and to become the leaders in new markets - creating Abel not just as a security company but as a brand that everyone knows and trusts.”
environment in which it can build and grow. We asked Cara what sparked her interest in business, “At the age of 15 I used to work for Boots as a ‘stock replenisher’ (shelf stacker). I loved the job as we used to start work before the shop opened so I could see the ‘behind the scenes’ operation and it started my interest in business.”
Cara de Faye - Co-founder at The Business House Cara de Faye was part of the duo who founded The Business House to help business to showcase themselves and develop an
One-half of the home of business development, social media and event management in Leicestershire, Cara enthused, “There are so many fantastic businesses in this region and we want to showcase this and be proud to be a part of it.”
Photo accredited to Brill Creative
Aatin Anadkat - Owner & Manager at Hotel Maiyango For the past 10 years, Aatin Anadkat has been leading Leicester’s hospitality industry as the visionary of boutique hotel and restaurant, Hotel Maiyango. Recently winning themselves a VisitEngland award for Excellence and celebrating their 10th successful year, Maiyango is a place of inspiration, innovation and experience. When asked which business professional inspired him, Aatin explained, “There is not just one but many; they all have one key thing in common though - they understand what their customers want.” Refining his sales skills at Phones4U whilst studying, it was Aatin’s world travels which inspired the creation of Hotel Maiyango, bringing global influences to the taste buds of Leicester.
Photo accredited to Hotel Maiyango
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How do you select an HR Provider? Here at Qdos, we often hear horror stories about how clients have ended up as Qdos Clients, often as a result of selecting an HR partner that simply have not delivered to their needs. I think we can all agree that there is nothing more annoying than paying for a service that does not deliver and adhere to your specific requirements. Here are a few tips to help you review your current HR provider:
Step 1 – Document Your Company’s Specific HR Needs Ensure your provider understands your specific requirements; set clear and concise targets, measure how they perform against them.
Step 2 – Do your Research Do your own research and identify which organisations seem to do the best job in supplying what you need. Whether that be asking trusted business contacts who they use or internet research – make sure that you have a good cross section of providers for comparison.
and discuss how they are going to meet your needs.
Step 4 – Create a Shortlist Once you have completed step 3, there will be providers that just don’t quite cut it. It is important then to inform them that they have not been successful; thanking them for their time and effort.
Step 5 – Final Provider Discussions You’re looking for ways to pick the absolute best provider; it’s your business - you are entitled to be picky! Ask for testimonials from similar businesses with similar challenges. You’re looking for the differentiators in this step. You need to ensure that you can work with your provider – ensure you meet the team that you are specifically going to be working with – test them!
Step 6 – Make a Decision and
Step 3 – Initial Provider
Stick with It
Discussions This is where your potential service providers come to your site – separately, of course - and present their offerings
Now it’s time to review your material and notes from all the meetings, testimonials, review the services fully, meet with your account management
team, and with each provider and make a decision. Hopefully it will be based both on cost and ability to meet your requirements, but how you make that final decision is up to you. The key is to make it and stick to it.
Top tip – Be careful of lengthy retained contracts – 5 year contracts often have an attractive price, however, also have limited ways out of the provider fails to deliver to your needs. Author: Toni Robinson, Director – Qdos Consulting Ltd. www.qdosconsulting.com
Take a fresh look at your HR Provider Qdos offer a range of HR services that are not only available on short term contracts, but they can be tailored to suit your precise requirements.
Find out what we can do for you 01455 852028
www.qdosconsulting.com
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Hardware & Software Security
Bring all of your advertising efforts together with The Business House
Networks
Tel: 0844 372 9893
Telephone Systems
info@kazzoo.com
I.T. Support
kazzoo.com
Whether this is on-line via your website, paper based advertising, networking or word of mouth you need to take steps to join up your marketing efforts. Advertising through print? Get a link to the on-line copy and attach the link to your social media account – include the account name of the magazine e.g. @magazineniche Secondly, take a photo of your advert, promotion or article and include this in your social media efforts. Remember, again to include the account of the magazine as this will give some cross promotion for each other. Networking? Lots of business cards? Most good business cards will hold details of their social media accounts. Connect with them via these platforms after all networking sessions. Keep the conversation going. Balance! Make sure your media efforts reflect your principals, your marketing messages, the people within the business, latest news, industry news, help and information. If you break up your social media writing into these sections you should find it easier to fill your timelines with useful, relevant and brand raising initiatives. If you would like advice, guidance or management for your social media we are always happy to meet for coffee to discuss what we can do for you. www.thebusinesshouse.co.uk
Connecting people, businesses, opportunities, and so much more We’ve had the pleasure to feature, and work with, the lady behind ER Recruitment on several occasions now and we honestly don’t know how she does it all!
Recruitment Following a successful career of over 20 years in recruitment, including playing an integral role in the success of national recruiter,
Search Consultancy, as Managing Director, Eileen was responsible for 16 specialist sectors, opening Search in Leicester back in 2001. Eileen made the exciting decision to leave her high-profile position and ‘go it alone’. Her exceptional reputation for quality and integrity encouraged clients to follow her, and in 2012, Eileen launched ER Recruitment. Now employing 7 hand-picked consultants, all sharing Eileen’s vision, passion and values, ER Recruitment specialise in permanent and interim positions across 6 specialist sectors. The key
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to their success: a genuine shared passion for people. This year saw the launch of their Insurance and Legal division and plans are underfoot to source a further 4 specialist consultants to join the team. Eileen told us, “The difference we have is genuine expertise in our sectors, with all our consultants having worked or studied in their specialist sector; it enables them to have a unique insight and offer a truly consultative approach to both clients and candidates.” “Our team are all here because they share two things: credibility and
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passion; we encourage everyone to grow - the business and themselves. The commitment our consultants possess is what makes them some of the best in the business.”
And the rest...
Business Voice (LBV); pro-actively lobbying for positive changes within Leicester to enable local businesses further prosperity.
Supporting the local community
But, Eileen is not a standard Recruitment Manager; actively contributing to local business development and community projects, and imparting her expertise and passion to a wider audience, to the benefit of many.
And, if her business acumen weren’t enough. Eileen is actively involved with local charities Hope Against Cancer and The Wooden Spoon Charity, sitting on the board/ committes of both; relentlessly promoting their causes, supporting initiatives and “Whilst our business recruiting support through events and ethos is about awareness.
“Whilst our business ethos is about CONNECTING others to excellent CONNECTING others to opportunities, we excellent opportunities, Hope Against are passionate we are passionate about Cancer is about extending Leicestershire and this belief into the extending this belief into Rutland’s local wider community,” the wider community” cancer research Eileen explained, charity. Through “And so, we the enormous generosity of the can sincerely say we take great people of Leicestershire, Rutland pleasure in helping to raise the and beyond, Hope Against Cancer profile and support the events has to date raised over £3 million that these fabulous local charities and funded 31 research projects organise. Nothing gives us greater into many cancers including pleasure than knowing we have bladder, ovarian, prostate, been an integral part in improving melanoma, liver, bowel, leukaemia, someone's lifestyle.“ colorectal and breast cancer together with nursing fellowships relating to patient care.
Helping to build businesses
Eileen is joint Chair of Enterprising Women (formerly Integra for Women in Business), advising and contributing to initiatives across the East Midlands, as well as Leicester
Wooden Spoon is the UK's leading grant-making charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged and disabled children and young people through rugby. Wooden spoon Leicester has a dedicated committee and ex-rugby player
Accountancy & Finance
Customer Service & Sales
Human Resources
Insurance & Financial Services
Legal
Office
(inc Marketing)
Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold as Chair, raising money through various events to help disabled children and improve some of our schools. Eileen is a lady who epitomises the term “plate spinning”, giving everything her dedication and filling people with the passion she has for connecting people, at work and at play.
www.eileenrichards.co.uk 0116 254 9710
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Financial Planning Using Technology By Julie Langton, Wealth Management Partner at True Potential Wealth Management
It’s your life; It’s your money; make the most of it. •
Pension Provisions
•
Tax Efficient Savings and Investments
•
Protection - Life, Critical Illness, Income and Business cover
Nowadays, technology rules our lives and is a vital factor when it comes to planning your day-to-day life. From laptops to tablets and mobile phones, there’s an online platform or an app for everything, and we continually search for better value and choice. And you should have the same approach when it comes to your financial planning too. At True Potential, using the latest technology, we have developed an online Wealth Platform to help you with your investments. This enables us to provide our clients with straightforward and transparent advice in a simple and convenient way. As a result, our clients become better informed, confident and empowered to reach their financial goals.
“Julie recently reviewed my pensions and provided me with very honest and helpful advice. Julie took all of the hassle and complexity out of understanding my pensions, and explained my options very clearly. I would wholly recommend Julie when it comes to your financial investments, pensions and protection.” Louisa S Please contact me today for more information.
No fee for your first consultation Julie Langton, Wealth Management Partner E: julielangton@tpllp.com T: 0116 2711031 M: 07753 190899 www.julielangton.tpllp.co.uk True Potential Wealth Management, Stoughton Grange Farm, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 2FB
Registered Head Office: Newburn House, Gateway West, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NX. True Potential Wealth Management LLP is regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority. FSR number 529810 Disclaimer: Capital at risk. Tax rules can change at any time. Julie Langton is a Restricted Adviser within True Potential Wealth Management. Investments can fluctuate in value and investors may not get the amount back they invest. Tax treatment is dependent upon individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
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One of our biggest achievements has been the creation of the highly flexible Impulse Save ®. Once you’ve invested with us, you will have the ability to add future investments from as little as £1, or as much as needed to keep your investments in line with your goals. At the touch of a button, you can enjoy watching them grow using a really easy to use interface. If you would like to find out more about our Wealth Platform, please contact Julie Langton, Wealth Management Partner at True Potential Wealth Management. Tel: 0116 2711031. Mobile: 07753 190899. Email: julielangton@tpllp.com.
Disclaimer: Capital at risk. Tax rules can change at any time. True Potential Wealth Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FSR number 529810. Julie Langton is a Restricted Adviser within True Potential Wealth Management. Investments can fluctuate in value and investors may not get the amount back they invest. Tax treatment is dependent upon individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
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“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle” Sir Winston Churchill
Tax expert Pete Miller looks at how businesses have responded to tax changes in the 2015 Budget The 2015 Budget contained a number of surprise tax changes – some of them welcome and others not so pleasing for businesses. Generally, clients have welcomed cuts to corporation tax which will see rates fall from the current rate of 20% to 19% for three years from April 1 2017 and to 18% from April 1 2020. Businesses that buy plant and machinery have also greeted positively the fixing of the Annual Investment Allowance – the amount they can spend on new kit tax-free – at £200,000 from the January 2016. The current, temporary rate of £500,000 had been due to drop to £25,000 in January, so this announcement has been well received by clients. Not as welcome by smaller business owners and investors are reforms to the dividend taxation system, designed to stop people incorporating to take advantage of the lower tax rate. At present company owners can pay themselves dividends tax-free if your income is less than £40,000. The income tax rate is 25% up to £150,000 and the maximum rate is 30.6 per cent above this. From 2016, however, dividends over £5,000 will be charged at 7.5%, with the top rate of tax increasing to 38 per cent, so that even relatively small business owners may see an increase in their tax payments. Some clients with profits over £20m are also unhappy that they will to pay their tax earlier and in quarterly instalments as from April 2017 under reforms announced in the Budget. Overall a mixed bag for business, but plenty for all of us in business to think about going forward.
UK Tax legislation is the most complex in the world and, when you’re looking at the Taxation Of Company Reorganisations, Pete, literally, wrote the book The Miller Partnership are experts in all aspects of corporation tax, specialties include: Taxation of corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions, disposals, demergers, reorganisations & reconstructions HMRC clearances Transactions in securities anti-avoidance legislation Taxation of corporate intangible assets & goodwill Disguised remuneration Taxation of partnerships Patent Box
T: 0116 208 1020 M: 07802197269 The Miller Partnership 5 Museum Square, Leicester LE1 6UF
www.themillerpartnership.com pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com NICHE | 91
Summer Budget 2015 Employers A new National Living Wage for over 25’s from April 2016 is £7.20 per hour, rising to £9 by 2020. The corporation tax rate will be reduced from 20% to 19% in 2017. National Insurance employer allowance to be increased from £2000 to £3000 per year as of April 2016 for small firms. Excellent news for business owners! However, a new dividend tax regime will mean that business owners will suffer through their personal tax. The new scheme details £5000 of tax free dividends, followed by 7.5% tax on any dividends falling within the £43,000 basic rate threshold and 32.5% tax on any dividends falling in the higher rate threshold. Director/ Shareholders A new dividend tax regime will mean that business owners will begin to pay personal tax on their drawings. The new scheme details £5000 of tax free dividends, followed by 7.5% tax on any dividends falling within the £43,000 basic rate threshold and 32.5% tax on any dividends above this. Higher rate payers will be used to the higher rate dividend tax (currently 25%). But many owners currently staying just beneath higher rate thresholds will find themselves with a £2k tax bill each year. www.whitehallaccountants.co.uk
Thinking of taking on your first employee? Following starting out as an employer there are a number of things that you need to think about. As a new employer you should bear in mind; • Take advice on employment law in order to make sure that you are able to manage issues such as holiday entitlement, maternity leave, flexible working, discrimination and dismissals amongst others! • Issue an employment contract within the first two months of an employee commencing employment to comply with legislation. Also ensure that you have policies documents in place within an employee handbook. • Pay the right rates of pay. Therefore there should be an awareness of the national minimum wage and also the national living wage which will become law in April 2016. • Recruit the right people by advertising within the correct areas, and undertaking relevant selection processes. • Check that the successful applicant has the right to work in the UK by checking documentation. You also may need to utilise DBS checking should the employee be working with children and/or vulnerable adults. • Ensure that as an employer you have employer’s liability insurance. These are a few things you need to know as an employer, and for further advice you can contact us at Atom HR for peace of mind. We can guide you throughout the journey. ivan@atomhrconsulting.com
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Did you know every commercial building has to have a fire risk assessment? Written by Sam Green from Greens Consultancy
A fire is always tragic. 1 in 3 businesses will not survive after a fire and for a professional business it is imperative to plan for emergencies and mitigate fire risks. Greens are the experts in advising on what is needed to protect your business and your people. Their specialist assessors will carry out a full assessment of your building, identify any flammable and combustible materials, assess and specify alarms and extinguisher types, numbers and locations. The Greens team are committed to providing you with the best advice and training so that you and your team not only have the best chance of preventing a fire but, if disaster does strike, you can minimise the impact and, more importantly, get everyone out safely. Fire Risk Assessments are from as little as £150.00. This allows businesses to meet all legal requirements so you know that should the worst happen, it won’t be the end of your business. The risk assessments include a full report and training for Fire Wardens. You wouldn’t knowingly take a risk with the future of your business, so why would you risk losing it from a lack of knowledge or readiness? Call 0116 216 9224 and speak to one of our specialist assessors for free initial advice, or email info@greensconsultancy.co.uk to arrange a visit and obtain a quote. www.greensconsultancy.co.uk
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With our help... You can make sure everything adds up for your business. Our team of experts are not just specialists in their field, they are also friendly, approachable and on hand to offer you professional advice. THEY CAN HELP YOU WITH:
Accountancy
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For more details of how the torrwaterfield team can support your business, arrange a ‘no obligation’ meeting.
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The spirited Coach challenges the idea that the boss should be the first in and last out of the office. Against that ‘unhealthy mind set,’ REACH helps you realise what it is you really want from life and how you can achieve this. Some people want to make more money and some simply want more control over their lives.
REACH
“Receiving that card from a client’s daughter thanking you because it’s the first Christmas that Daddy has been able to spend with her is just indescribable,” Jas exclaimed.
for Success Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. As a business owner, you and your team have your aims clear and understood, ready and waiting for victory. Or do you? Business Coach, Jas Darar believes that the most accomplished companies achieve great results by having clear objectives and regular planning. “I find that a lot of business owners often need help figuring out what they actually want,” Jas explained, “a lot of them start out with the aim just to break even.” It can be a lonely place as a Business Owner. There will be plenty of negatives thrown at you that you don’t want to bother your colleagues with and you don’t want to take it home. You are on your own and an approachable Coach who keeps you motivated and values your goals as much as you do will keep you on track and passionate about what you do and NICHE | 94
why you do it. Business Coaching has been around in the UK for over ten years but is still commonly misconceived. With over 80% of his clients flying with their own version of success, Jas has proven that Coaching is the way forward. As a former trader under the Action COACH Franchise and founder of REACH Business Coaching, Jas has over eight years’ experience in motivating and energising businesses. His Vision? To give every UK business owner a business to be proud of and a life worth living. “I’m a believer that things are meant to happen for a reason. In a previous corporate role I was clearing out my emails and as I was about to delete one, something made me read it. It was from Action COACH and so I traded under them for seven years. I had no regrets joining them and no regrets leaving. Going alone with my wife I realised I can influence my own reputation and we are in charge of our own destiny!” Jas told us.
He and his wife, Angela, are a unique dynamic, something that they have found to be appealing to small, family-run businesses. Jas said: “we can relate to them and build personal relationships, so I think it’s no coincidence that a lot of our clients fit that profile.” Whether you want to make more time for your family, be able to take a worry-free holiday, or just make more profit, the pair works with you to reach your objectives. Discover your version of success at REACH’s free business seminars where ideas and inspiration flows with like-minded individuals. Try out the award-winning Coach’s online service through emails and attend client planning days where, together, motivational quarterly plans can be formed that will drive you to your success! Jas added: “I’m the first to say I don’t have all the answers but I do have all the questions to push you forward!”
www.reachbusinesscoaching.co.uk 01509 767 588
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Taking care of the finance, whilst you take care of the future David Gorey, a qualified management accountant with an impressive career including his final role as Regional Finance Director for property developers David Wilson Homes, is the expert that you need in your business. Launching Gorey Accounting Services just 3 years ago, David’s acumen and expertise have led to him helping businesses large and small keep abreast of their finances, even from across the world. Based in Syston, David provides a comprehensive menu of business services, designed to relieve your time and realise your business’ potential. From CIS and VAT through to Payroll, Bookkeeping (up to trial balance), business planning, cash flow and forecasting. The team at Gorey Accounting Services help to put your business in the best position for sustainable growth and success. David explains, “It’s not just about the facts and figures but about the processes and increasing business functionality. For small businesses and startups we recommend an automated system (Clearbooks) which enables them to move away from spreadsheet accounts, link to their bank accounts, raise invoices and send them by email and even carries out credit control functions.”
The team at Gorey Accounting Services help to put your business in the best position for sustainable growth and success.
David does things with a difference. His innovative and flexible approach allows him to work with large established companies through to startups, offering his services both in-house and remotely to manage costs and increase efficiencies and allowing companies at every stage to buy in his expertise and the peace of mind which comes with it. If your business is stuck in a world of spreadsheets and ledgers or you’re looking for the security of a ‘safe pair of hands’ for your company’s finances, Gorey Accounting Services are the experts you need. To find out more call 0116 340 3034 or email info@goreyaccountingservices.co.uk
Developing Apps: Building your Future Swipe and Tap is a mobile app development company that creates innovative ways for businesses to grow and progress. The young company have designed apps to increase brand awareness such as conference & festival apps, business calculators and bespoke apps to streamline businesses processes such as Risk Assessments, Timesheet entry & Quotation. Pushing the boundaries of technology, they have made apps to be location aware with the use of GPS and bluetooth iBeacons, which has enabled Swipe & Tap to create contextual aware apps for their customers. Specialising in iPhone app development and iPad and Android software, the forward thinking professionals have seen great triumph after individual client’s apps have achieved over 100,000 downloads, along with being featured by Apple. Since September 2014, Swipe and Tap have been creating apps to help their clients raise their game by adding that next generation essential element to their business. Whatever their needs, the developers can create unique apps to any requirement.
Whatever their needs, the developers can create unique apps to any requirement.
The company’s founder, Aaron Wardle, has over 15 years’ experience in the IT industry and has thoroughly enjoyed helping customers solve their day to day problems. As first point of contact for Swipe and Tap customers, he is delighted to receive acknowledgement for their quick success from their nominations in the Professional Service and Best New Business categories. www.swipeandtap.co.uk 0116 268 8722
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Peak performance requires mind and body
Outsourcing… are you missing a trick?
With the rugby world cup starting at the end of the month, everyone is looking to England’s sporting stars to perform at their best. And, whilst everyone is talking about fitness and skill, what about the emotional intelligence and mindset needed to compete at this level, or at all?
How many times have you said you are too busy to do something or asked for more time in the day? How long do you spend online trying to learn how to use something or teaching yourself a new business skill?
In order to fulfil your potential you need one key ingredient, and that is the right mindset to succeed. You can train your body and your mind to reach peak performance, but if your mindset is not aligned to success your performance is jeopardised, perhaps without you even realising it. This is where expert coaches are able to help identify the issue so you can take ownership and get your head back in the game. So, how can your sporting heroes inspire you to perform at your best, at work and at home? These are our top 5 tips: 1. Accept that you are in charge of your own destiny 2. Evaluate your emotional intelligence, resilience and wellbeing - what can be improved and what needs work? 3. Be positive - reassure yourself that “I can do this” 4. Recognise when to ask for help it’s the strongest thing you can do 5. Turn your thought process around. Think solutions. W: www.delphinustmc.co.uk E: vicky@delphinustmc.co.uk T: 01509 215872
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Don’t become a Jack of all trades. Outsourcing gives you the chance to pass on jobs to masters in their field so you can have more time making money with the thing that you know best. The key is to think about your worth. How much is your hourly rate? Most Entrepreneurs and Business Professionals aim to earn £40-£50 per hour in their specialist trade. So outsourcing your data input at £10£15 per hour actually earns you £35… Can you afford not to? Nicola Matts, founder of Complete PA set out on her journey to help small businesses. Today, they benefit small and micro businesses by helping them to grow and reach their full potential. Employing staff with defining qualities, Complete PA, makes sure the your drive and determination is mirrored in their service. Develop your Power Team and outsource to people who work hard WITH you not FOR you. The return on investment is limitless. www.completepa.co.uk
Where do cohabitees stand in law? There is a wide misconception that living with someone affords similar rights to property and maintenance to those of a party to a marriage. In fact, there is no such recognition of a “common law spouse” in English law. Often clients seek advice upon separation after living together, only to find that their assets are in the sole name of their partner; separation can be particularly problematic where there are children involved. Property and Trust Laws may mean that the prospects of success are uncertain but where there are children, many parents are unaware that they may be able to bring a claim under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 for additional support. However, change is afoot with the cohabitation rights bill on its way through parliament. If passed, this will afford some basic protection for cohabitants, although not the same level of protection afforded to married persons. The new law will provide recompense for a party who has made an economic contribution and who suffers economic disadvantage by way of separation. If you are a cohabitee and would like some more information visit our website on www.glyniswright.co.uk and fill out the contact form. www.glyniswright.co.uk
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Family law specialists who are always in tune with the needs of their clients. Glynis Wright and her team of solicitors offer a highly specialised family law and mediation service covering:DIVORCE FINANCIAL SETTLEMENTS MEDIATION DISPUTES OVER CHILDREN PRE & POST NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS LIVING TOGETHER AGREEMENTS
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CALL US ON:
0116 238 5680 OR FIND OUT MORE AT:
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Five steps to video marketing success! 2015 has been called “the year of video marketing” and that’s great news! Businesses have been finding new and inventive ways to utilise the medium and reach out to their target audience. With a wellproduced and visually appealing video a customer can learn everything they need to know about a business in less than thirty seconds. So what makes a successful video marketing strategy? Here are our top five tips to maximize your reach. 1# Publishing Schedule In the same way that you might schedule your social media accounts to run consistently, your video plan should too. Think about creating a campaign that can be released in stages leading up to a new product launch or event. What story can you tell in multiple parts that will enable several short releases? 2# To the point The trend for short and concise videos built to catch the eye in a social media timeline is higher than ever. As they’re easily shared to a large audience these videos have huge potential and with platforms such as Vine and Instagram giving them further reach, the possibilities are endless.
3# Tutorials & Tips Tutorials, tips and how to videos provide an immediate connection with customers relevant to each industry. Don’t worry about giving away your secrets; what you’re actually doing is establishing yourself as a subject matter expert or thought leader. Provided your tips are useful, you’ll find that your customers continue to return to see the next video in your series.
We recently created a successful campaign for Vintage Inns to promote their new Summer menu. A video marketing strategy is a great way for brands to stand out and, when conducted correctly, it can help you reach new consumers and turn them into loyal customers.
4# Customer-Generated Content There are not many techniques that are more powerful than a customer testimonial or case study. Instead of spending hours on a script invite your customers to speak for you. Get their enthusiasm in front of a camera and show your potential customers what your existing customers have experienced. 5# Call To Action Every great video needs a great call to action behind it. Customers who enjoyed your video need a reason to then visit your website. A call to action can be anything from a special promotion, voucher or discount that viewers can take advantage of. Just a few words at the end of your video can make all of the difference. Our video for online retailer Eskimo Beats gave viewers the opportunity to receive a discount on any online purchases.
www.kinetal.co.uk 0208 144 0364
The business advice videos over at Midlands Business TV have proven a great success.
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“Razor sharp strategy combined with creativity and powerful storytelling will give you the results you want” Rachel Hargrave, Agency Director, RDZ PR
Raising your profile one story at a time
RDZ PR Ltd, 3 Barrow Road, Sileby, Leicestershire, LE12 7LW
0150 9813 913
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Crisis Comms for your business No-one, but no-one likes to think about disasters or crises but for companies of perhaps a certain size or involved in certain industries (for example heavy manufacturing, energy, hospitality, the animal / pet industry, and childcare) the truth of the matter is that accidents will happen. FACT - those companies with a well thought through crisis communication plan in place will fare far better and recover far faster than those who don’t. The good news is that it really isn’t rocket science when it comes to putting a pro-active plan in place. Rachel Hargrave, Agency Director at RDZ PR and an experienced PR crisis comms manager with over 15 years of on the ground experience says, “Companies who plan together, are open and honest about where the gaps are – especially in terms of skills, and are prepared to be pro-active in putting in place, and then regularly reviewing, a crisis comms plan will be in the minority for sure. That’s a real shame because outside of business we all know that when something big, hairy and unexpected happens we aren’t usually at our best thinking about how to respond. A clear plan helps enormously and can be put together quickly and simply with the full buy in of the leadership team and senior managers.” So where do you start? Here are Rachel’s top tips; 1. Gather together the team that will be responding IF a crisis took place
DON’T PANIC! 5. Gather back together as a team and review each response. From these individual responses collate one master response per crisis scenario 6. Ensure that up-to-date details of all concerned are kept in a central file that is made available to the members of the team. Updating this will be vital as people move, change personal mobile numbers etcetera 7. Ensure you have a ‘do not do’ checklist as well as fully worked through pro-active crisis plans. In the heat of a crisis this ‘do not do’ list will stop you from making all the really obvious errors that, with a clear head, you would ordinarily never, ever make 8. Review the plan regularly by which we mean at least once every six months and more regularly if you are in a particularly hazardous or quick moving industry. A plan is no good at all sitting in a draw getting dusty. Blow the dust off, review and amend as necessary. The same goes for the up-to-date contact details list In September, October and November Rachel will be running the following one day courses concentrating specifically on crisis comms planning. Only 10 places will be made available on each course. If all three courses are booked at the same time a 10% discount will be given. 29th September Crisis Comms; Defining Your Crises & Putting a Pro-active Plan in Place
2. Work through what crises may occur
27th October Crisis Comms; Media Training – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly 3. Consider who would respond and then look carefully at whether they have all the right skills. Would they be comfortable talking to the 24th November media – particularly if the media was hostile to them? If not then it’s Crisis Comms; Reviewing Your Plan & Testing It In The Real World time to get some quality media training in place, for example 4. Divide up into teams and separately block out a response to each different crisis scenario
Course Costs: £375 + VAT per attendee, per course. Bespoke courses and in-house training is also provided. Available upon request.
To download the FREE PR Guide or to find out more about the Crisis Comms workshops being held in the Autumn then please visit www.rdz-pr.co.uk
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Coaching can get you from Good to Great Coaching – is now highly used amongst businesses that are striving to be the best at what they do. According to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) 95% of managers say that coaching has delivered tangible benefits to their business. With a first class honours degree in Business from De Montfort University, Sarah Higgins has over 20 year’s HR experience working with international companies. As an experienced and qualified Coach and HR Director, she set up her own business dedicated to helping leaders and teams reach their maximum potential. Sarah has worked with hundreds of executives within local and international companies including Hinckley and Rugby Building Society and Bank of America. What is Corporate Coaching? Broadly speaking, Sarah works with you and your teams to understand your key challenges and goals to help you increase effectiveness, identify strengths and development needs and drive the achievement of challenging goals. Speaking about her style of coaching, Sarah said: “I work mainly with individual leaders, senior teams and executive boards who are already good at what they do but want to become great!” “To thrive, not just survive, it has become critical for businesses to create competitive advantage
and outperform their competitors. This can be done by maximising the effectiveness of your key strategic influencing roles. I help executive leaders and teams to clarify their vision, build trust and foster high performing teams. I also enable the leaders to become coaches themselves, which drives a coaching and performance culture” she continued. There are three main strands to Sarah’s Corporate Coaching although she tailors the services to suit each client’s needs. One to one coaching sessions with executives develop potential, personal effectiveness and leadership skills and workshops for senior teams maximises their impact as a team so that together they can drive achievement of the organisation’s goals. “Progressive organisations want to invest in their key employees because they have such a large influence upon the strategic direction of the business.” The third strand is a leadership development methodology that Sarah has developed herself. The Power of Love Leadership is a technique that focuses on how you can get more effective results by understanding how our behaviours are based upon love or fear. Sarah has created the Power of Love Leadership Programme which combines learning leadership best practice with peers and working one to one with Sarah to receive her specialist personal impact coaching. The Programme is unique because you also gain exclusive access to Sarah’s tried and tested principles of the Power of Love Leadership.
“I work mainly with individual leaders, senior teams and executive boards who are already good at what they do but want to become great!” What Sarah finds most challenging about her career as a coach is the time you have to take out of business to develop your business. She is continually developing her own skills and is currently writing a book, interviewing leaders about their leadership experiences. Sarah would love to hear from leaders who would like to share their experiences for her new book. See what Sarah’s clients have said about her One to One Executive development, Leadership Team Development workshops and enquire about the Power of Love Leadership Programme at www.corporatecoaching-sh.co.uk
07748 657 715 sarah@corporatecoaching-sh.co.uk
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What’s your vision for your business in 6 months, a year, or 3 years? How are you going to get there?
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Creating business excellence with business leaders Founded by two businessmen with perhaps the best possible credentials for what they do, Holdsworth Advantage offers a unique Business Excellence service, dedicated to adding value to your business. The people behind the process: Robin Tidd MBA FCMA MCIM: A member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Robin’s areas of expertise are KPIs, Business Performance Improvement, Change Management and Business Strategy. Antony Holdsworth ACMA CGMA: Antony Holdsworth is the owner and founder of the rapidly expanding Antony J. Holdsworth & Co accountancy, taxation, and trustee group; with a background in management accountancy he has created an organisation that brings true value to its clients and which has a reputation for reliability, strength and integrity. So what can they do for your business? Initially, one of Holdsworth Advantage’s professional business advisors will spend a couple of days with you in your business and undertake an Initial Analysis; outlining the perceived strengths and weaknesses of your business, identifying critical improvements and where quick wins can be made immediately. Consequently, the team at Holdsworth will work with you to achieve Business Excellence for you. They will meet with you regularly, get involved with you and your team in a practical context and offer unrivalled support and advice to drive your business towards its
objectives. Leicestershire’s Business Advisor, Kevin Richards explains, “With over 30 years’ experience as a qualified Chartered Management Accountant, and with a wide range of experience across different industries, Holdsworth Advantage has allowed me to apply the skills and experience I gained as a director of SMEs and the opportunity to help SMEs was a great attraction.” Committed to innovation and continuous development to provide the most comprehensive service to your business, Kevin is also a qualified Growth Coach with Pera, an organisation which champions business growth and enables enterprises large and small to access grant funding to support your business’ development, sustainability and success. Amongst the SME’s benefiting from Kevin’s talent is local supermarket Springfields, with a new store opening in Husbands Bosworth next month. As part of a rapid growth strategy, the business is transforming from a family business to a family-owned corporate structure, supported by a Growth Accelerator funded model. The new store replaces Springfield’s current smaller shop, and launches an improved brand image, enabling HA Franchise blank them to increase the product range, improve light and refrigerated stock and most importantly enhance the overall customer experience. With plans to open a further two stores in the next couple of years, the strategy and direction with which Kevin has been pivotal are helping Springfields to take their plans into reality.
Kevin not only advises businesses on a one-to-one basis, but is also responsible for creating and running Special Knowledge Workshops within the local area, designed to help Managing Directors and Business Owners learn how they can achieve Business Excellence for themselves. For only £60 (plus VAT) these workshops can assist those motivated to change their business for the better; developing into one that is fully in control, growing strategically, properly financed, and striving for continuous improvement. Give your business the benefit of the “Holdsworth Advantage” and contact Holdsworth’s professional team onprint 07977 436 185 visit letterhead ready.pdf 1 or 03/02/2015 www.holdsworth-advantage.co.uk
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Small changes: big results Last issue we looked at the concept of marginal gains and how this concept has been developed to great success for use with Great Britain’s Cycling Team, but if it works for such a competitive and demanding sport, imagine what it could do for your business!? To recap, the concept is a simple one: by continually making small improvements, over time the aggregated results will be great. Small improvements are often much easier to implement and much easier for others to engage with, but the results of multiple improvements can be immense. “Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day”. Jim Rohn We asked, “How can this concept be adopted by small business? And, what results could we potentially see?” Jez Allman, owner of What and How, uses these principles throughout his consultancy to help business owners and managers make fundamental changes for the better and ultimately make those businesses more profitable and more sustainable. Jez explained, “Why do small businesses fail? Well, most of them fail because of poor cash flow, not poor profit. Poor cash flow arises from not being paid promptly by suppliers and having to pay out more because of increased costs arising from increased sales contributions.
The first area any business needs to look at is cash flow, without addressing problems and inefficiencies in this area, other improvements could falter.” Happily, small changes to improve your processes work wonders for cash flow and profits! Imagine harnessing the power that Dave Brailsford used to guide his team to Olympic success and using it to secure your business. For example, 1% better credit control leads to monies into the business being received quicker and keeping your accounts healthy. Make that small improvement every month and the results would be fantastic! Imagine a continued 1% improvement in sales conversions across your entire sales team. Although Jez does advise caution and proper planning before you start working with the marginal gains concept as it does deliver real, tangible results and if your whole business, every department or role, is not prepared for the increase then they may not be equipped to take the impact.
throughout the year with a basic cash flow forecast. You need to think about the impacts of: • A change in turnover (big or small) • Changes to your pricing structure (either up or down) • Changes in stock levels or the amount of work in progress • Taking on new staff or losing one • Changes in how quickly you get paid by your customers and how quickly you pay your suppliers • Reducing overheads • Increases in borrowing Keep in mind the marginal gains concept and apply it across the board before you set your sales team loose to reap the benefits. For more information or for an in-depth look at how your business can improve and keep on improving visit What and How at www.whatandhow.co.uk or call 01572 839 302.
www.whatandhow.co.uk 01572 839 302
“While an increase in sales is often assumed to be beneficial, it sometimes isn’t, which may surprise you! Changes to cash flow can cause problems in all the areas mentioned above if you FAIL TO MODEL AND PLAN. Model the changes first to see where the impact will hit most and then make adjustments accordingly.” Jez advises These are Jez’s tips to preparing for your businesses renaissance and protecting your cash flow: Remember to plan for cash flow
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Gemma Orton, Managing Director of Mocha Marketing Ltd
Fail to plan ... Plan to fail!!
Traditional PR v’s Online PR
The art of good colour choices
It’s a simple phrase with a literal meaning and yet, it still amazes me how many people are planning to fail every single day.
For some the realm of online PR is still an area approached with fear, hesitation or downright contempt. “How can a blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat help me to find more clients? It’s just full of meaningless waffle!”
Colours can have a significant effect on us – both psychologically and physiologically. They are a very powerful tool used in communication, so our designers at Soar Valley Press are very careful about how to use colour to produce the best results.
The phrase can be used in every aspect of life, but here, I’m using it to describe your marketing plans. And if you’re sat there thinking ‘what marketing plan?!’ then the reality is that you’re probably wasting valuable time and more importantly ... Valuable money!! So why the importance of having a plan?? 1) Having an objective (a goal) is so important. Not only for the business as a whole but for every campaign you run ... Otherwise you’re lacking focus, drive and energy. Having a plan allows you to significantly increase your chances of achieving your goals. 2) A detailed marketing plan will support the success of your business forecast. A plan also stops you throwing un-budgeted cash at sporadic (and often un-measurable) promotions. 3) Plans can be tweaked! And don’t be afraid to. Even the best plans are tweaked dependant on business changes and external factors. That’s the beauty of having a plan ... It allows you to prepare for the unexpected!! For more information about Mocha Marketing and how we can support you with your plans, please contact us on 01332 865 431, visit www.mocha-marketing.co.uk or email me directly at gemma@mocha-marketing.co.uk
Well, yes there is meaningless waffle aplenty out there… but it’s not just confined to online media. Think of that newspaper or TV show that you just hate and you’ll see exactly what I mean. As there is ‘bad’ so there is ‘good’. ‘Good’ online PR has given us top tips and hints, made us aware of situations and opportunities that we would otherwise have been none the wiser about, and helped raise brands and ideas to prominence through creative and incredibly cost effective social media platforms, blogs and online forums. The strongest PR campaigns now usually utilise both traditional and online PR. The traditional element is taken care of via press releases, interviews with the media, the creation, circulation and follow up of press packs, as well as product launches, press visits etcetera. The online PR piece combines social media, blogs, regular website updates and input into relevant and often powerful online forums. Integrating different platforms and medias will give you strength, flexibility and robustness to your campaign and, in my opinion at least, the only true way of getting that hard fought for ‘added value’. www.rdz-pr.co.uk
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When thinking about your company logo, corporate colours, and the design of your literature, there are many ways to utilise colour to help communicate more effectively. Colours are the first thing your readers see before reading the content, they help your readers decide if they want to read the content. Colours are associated with different qualities and emotions, however these aren’t the same globally! Red is seen as exciting and demands attention but can also mean danger; red actually raises the heart rate. Whereas yellow communicates happiness and optimism, and studies have shown it to release serotonin – producing happy chemicals. There is much more to colour than meets the eye, so to speak, so think carefully about how you communicate with colour. Getting colour right can really make a difference. Would you like to know more about how to improve your use of colour? Get in touch with us at Soar Valley Press and we’ll offer our advice for free. Call me on 0116 259 9955 or email chris@soarvalleypress.co.uk
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Turning strategy into action Following a successful career of 15 years within B2B marketing, data and analytics, working for some of the UK’s largest corporations, including Experian as well as some of the Industries most well-regarded businesses such as Information Arts, Steve Barradell took an opportunity to put his business experience, personal flair and analytic skills to the test, the rest as they say, is history. When a local business was undergoing a period of change, they approached Steve to help them; working to reorganise their corporate structure and align the company’s operations with their over-arching vision and strategy. His ability to turn business ideas and aspirations into action and measurable results led to him becoming a recommended partner for SMEs ready to move onto the next stage of their business. “Steve has the rare ability to take a strategy and turn it into actionable tactics while supporting our mutual client with the implementation of the plan.” Richard Lloyd - CMC Partners Through recommendation alone, Steve has developed his own business and an exemplary
reputation, helping businesses to realise their potential. Steve told us, “Making strategy actionable is often hard to do. I help owners and managers to step back from the operation of the business and to implement those strategies to deliver tangible results and increased control throughout every aspect.” Through a hard to come by combination of instinct and experience, Steve works with businesses to create their road map for the future and to review existing people, processes and technology to identify areas which need attention in order to make that strategy a reality. From the board to the cleaners, Steve helps businesses to align their personal objectives with the business’ - essential for success. Bringing about changes that are executable for short-term gains and longer-term sustainability and growth. From accounts to marketing, the process which Steve undertakes helps develop your business into a cohesive, efficient and more profitable enterprise, and it works! “I highly recommend Steve to any organisation that is in need of overperformers or that needs a person that can show the way to overperformance.” Brahim Samhoud -
Information Arts / Harte Hanks. From the beginning, Steve’s approach is fully integrated and dynamic, enabling you and your employees to engage and embrace with positive change. If you are unsure if your business is at the stage where an impartial, expert eye could help you to take your business to another level, then contact SRB Insight, you’ll be glad that you did!
If you have a business, growth or organisational challenge contact Steve for a free 2 hour consultation. www.srbinsight.co.uk 01509 808 387 / 07855 096 740
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Advertising Feature
Making business a pleasure For any business, meeting with clients and your team is imperative to your success. Corporate events provide the ideal platform to showcase your business, build enduring relationships with their clients and employees, to motivate and reward your team or communicate key messages. Key to the success of any corporate event are usually three things; content, catering and the venue. No matter whether your event is designed to be fun or functional, choosing the right partners to help you deliver it makes the difference. With award winning catering from Hotel Maiyango available to complement your meeting or event, St Martin’s Conference Centre is one of our preferred venues to offer professional, surprisingly affordable and productive conferencing with character. St. Martin’s House, based in the heart of Leicester’s historic quarter, is a magnificent space; combining Victorian architecture with contemporary styling, with the right facilities and award-winning catering to complement your meeting or event. St. Martin’s not only has the ‘wow’ factor for maximum impact, but their team are truly committed to providing professional, affordable and productive events; helping you to build your business. www.stmartinshouse.com
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Leading Leicester’s businesses to success
Organised by our friends at Hi2Events, 29th October sees business owners, directors and decision makers come together for 2015’s business event of the year. The Tiger’s ground will be transformed into a haven for business people who want to keep ahead of the game with a full day of networking, education, innovation and face-to-face business. With every sector represented, attendees will be able to source products and services from a handpicked selection of specialists able to support HR, Sales, Marketing, Finance and IT. LBE15 offers busy entrepreneurs, managers and owners access to invaluable advice, inspiration and ideas in a forum designed to do business, make contacts and enhance your competitive advantage. With networking events, phenomenal speakers and demonstrations, LBE15 guarantees is a must for businesses with aspirations.
Expertise & experience to help make the most of your retirement years Later life planning can be a complex and sensitive issue, and it is essential that when making provisions for your future that you feel confident with the advice and expertise of your adviser. Sue Dance, at Peter Wilcox Financial Management, is one such expert. As part of St. James’ Place Wealth Management since 2008, Sue joined the team at Peter Wilcox Financial Management to specialise in the field of later life planning. As one of under 500 SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) accredited experts in the UK, Sue has undergone extensive training and assessment to ensure she is in the best position to advise her clients. Sue told us, “From helping people to plan ahead to dealing with unexpected situations and their financial implications, we work with individuals and their families to help them manage their circumstances and protect their savings. The SOLLA accreditation goes over and above academic qualification, assessing advisers on their competence and empathy, which gives our clients that extra peace of mind.” www.peterwilcox-sjp.co.uk/ longtermcare The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The `Partner Practice’ is a marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
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The Cleaning Company that Does it All For professional, reliable cleaning services call BShine Cleaning! They provide regular or one-off cleaning services for domestic, office and commercial customers throughout Leicestershire and the Midlands. As a completely customer based business, they create tailored packages to suit your every need within budget and on time. Do you need cleaning services before, during or after opening hours that avoids disruption of your
business or personal life? Are you looking for a trust worthy company that will deliver in the most cost effective way? Your bespoke cleaning programme will satisfy your specific needs with none of those ridiculous hidden costs! The fully insured cleaning company are looking to grow with their customers. They want to meet your exact requirements so they ensure each member of staff is fully qualified and takes pride in their work, guaranteeing consistent and high quality cleaning standards. The backgrounds of their employees are thoroughly checked so that you have peace of mind when it comes to both the security
of your premises and properties while you are not around. Whether you are looking for an urgent one-off clean, a contracted service, a professional and personal service in your home or a daily office clean call BShine Cleaning and get your free no obligation quote today! Check out their brand new website for more information at www.b-shinecleaning.co.uk 0799 05696 03
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Should you be feeling the desire to move rather than improve Chrysalis can help with that. Home Staging by Chrysalis presents your home for sale in the best possible light. Before putting your house on the market Chrysalis will come and professionally stage your property helping you sell your home more quickly and for as high a price as possible.
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JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO
SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.
Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.
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Food Court | Fresh Bakery | Groceries | Gifts | Electronics | Fine Jewellery | Designer Apparel | Opticians | Fine Wines | Butchers and more! NICHE | 116
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Don’t Be a Victim of Rising Utility Costs Sick of sitting at the kitchen table keeping track of all your bills, complaining about escalating prices, deciding everyone will have to wear a jumper this winter? Now you can lower your bills and understand them with one simple statement. Named Best Gas and Electricity Provider for Value for Money in the 2014 Moneywise Home Finances awards and topping Which? Magazine survey for Recommended Broadband Provider, Utility Warehouse is becoming the ‘nations most trusted utility supplier’. Utility Warehouse do not use no expensive marketing strategies meaning that money saved through word-of-mouth publicity is passed on to you through lower bills. Bundling all your services with Utility Warehouse will incur further savings, free mobile phone protection, up to £200 to help you switch, the choice of a unique extra benefit and a ‘Double the difference’ price promise to guarantee savings. You will also earn up to 7% on everyday shopping at over 2,000 of the biggest retailers with the UK’s most generous CashBack card resulting in hundreds of pounds saved every year! Cheaper bills mean more savings towards that holiday, new car or peace of mind with some extra cash in the bank. Get everything in place before the coldest weather comes; saving you money and stress when the bill lands on the mat.
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Dimblebee Catering : when quality matters Since 2011, The Dimblebee Catering Company has become one of the region’s favourite family run outside caterers and the go-to company for weddings and events where quality matters. From the start, Dimblebee’s set out to provide high quality, handmade and homemade foods and to tailor both their menus and service to the needs of each event. Using only the best in local suppliers and ingredients, the company are renowned for their attention to detail and handson approach; from developing the outline brief, offering free consultancy and advice to delivering the food and service to exceed their client’s expectations.
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“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your enthusiasm and professionalism in making our Bonhams event such a success.” PA to the Commercial Director, Aston Martin Dimblebee Catering have many fantastic recommended menus however, the choice does not stop there as refining and offering bespoke catering is the norm. From canapés, banqueting, family style table sharing foods, Director’s lunches through to buffets, afternoon tea, quality bowl foods and fun evening foods with style, they can match any occasion. On the day, Dimblebee’s service does not stop at the catering and very many of their glowing reviews point to their willingness to get stuck in and assist their couples, clients and venues.
The company has become a firm favourite for weddings and corporate events where quality and flexibility are essential and when combined with Dimblebee’s discreet and friendly approach has become a winning formula. “Wonderful food and service as usual!” PA to the Group Operations Director, Sytner Winners of The Wedding Industry Experts Award in both 2014 and 2015, Regional Finalists in the 2014 and 2015 Wedding Industry Awards, and currently amongst the semifinalists of the 2015 Niche Business Awards for Wedding Services, the company has gone from strength to strength with much of their work coming from recommendations. “Thank you so, so much for your continued help, professionalism,
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friendliness throughout the whole process, I can honestly say I have never worked with such great caterers! From the moment I made my enquiry I felt in very capable safe hands and I always knew you were only a call away if I needed anything- which is just brilliant service. You made the day by going above and beyond to fix leaks, do special birthday plates- really just fantastic lovely people you are! I only hope I get to do more events that need caterers so I can use you again. Thank you a million times!” Katie Thomas, Events Development Manager This year alone saw the arrival of new staff, premises and vehicles to meet demand and to ensure that Dimblebee’s continue to lead the way with outstanding service and a reputation to match. “There are no second chances when you are organising a special event, so I would recommend Dimblebee’s to everyone who wants to get it just right on the day. Their afternoon tea was perfect: slick and seamless service, sensational sandwiches and scones. Happy hosts, and very happy guests.” Clare Langan, Kibworth Dimblebee’s are unique in their ability to cater for an extraordinarily
“Thank you so, so much for your continued help, professionalism, friendliness throughout the whole process” broad spectrum of venues and events – from fine dining at the Great Hall at Newstead Abbey, VIP hospitality at British Touring Cars, informal ‘sharing’ family style catering at Bridge House Barn, to intimate family gatherings at home. One recent enquiry was to provide fine dining for a visiting group of foreign VVIP executives – turning an office into a restaurant! Delivering formal silver service and a high-end menu that would be rarely provided outside of a dedicated fine dining establishment, Dimblebee Catering proved that their reputation for quality and innovation is well deserved “Thank you so much for all your help and support yesterday. The visit of the CEO of Arkema and Bostik Worldwide was extremely important and it was vital that we made a good impression. With your help, we did it! The feedback has been excellent. Thank you for a first class job.” Executive Assistant With over 600 weddings and
events to their name and covering the whole of the East Midlands and beyond, these Leicester based caterers are already filling up the 2016 Season, proving that Dimblebee’s team passion to understand and deliver their Clients’ and Couple’s dreams is truely the best ingredient of all.
0116 283 3327 www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk
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L E I C E STER’S PREMIER C O N FERENCE AND E V E N TS LOCATION The perfect venue for your next meeting A diverse mix of rooms Competitive rates
Outstanding catering Free Wifi throughout City centre location
Experienced co-ordinators
Organised city centre parking
www.stmartinshouse.com 01162615200 7 P eacock Lane
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L e icester
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19Gale presents the ultimate Christmas Party Package From just ÂŁ34.99 per head your guests will be treated to a three course festive feast in the sumptuous 19Gale dining room. Followed by drinks and karaoke in the exclusive booths that can cater for just 5 up to 35 guests, or why not book the place out for your private party hosting up to 180 guests.
"Make your own music this Christmas at 19Gale" Call our events team for more information and to get yourslef booked in for the Christmas Party to remember. 19Gale Restaurant, Bar and Karaoke Lounges 58 Halford Street Leicester LE1 1TQ
T: 0116 262 9888 W: 19Gale.co.uk
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Looking for an Xclusive Christmas Party? The team at Xclusive combine expertise with innovation and imagine, able to make dreams of your perfect event a reality. Having worked at prestigious venues and events including The British Grand Prix, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival, Henley Royal Regatta and The British Open Golf Championships, Xclusive now proudly present their amazing Christmas Party experiences. Their deliciously dark production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka as the mysterious confectioner was brought to life in a Christmas Party spectacular choreographed by local “So you think you can dance” finalist, Tom Shilcock. Complete with a chocolate garden, a sweet delight of candy canes and the curiously peculiar confectioner, it proved an evening full of fantastical treats to dazzle our senses. Nick Massey of Charnwood Bakery raved, “I wanted to give some comments on the evening from
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myself and my fellow colleagues. I’d like to say thank you for hosting us - the 3 course meal was exemplary, I think the best we have ever had at a Christmas party venue - both visually and by taste, we all enjoyed it very much. The layout of the venue and the stage area were also good, as well as the dancers and entertainers.” This Christmas Xclusive present ‘The Mad Hatter Experience’. Guests will be transported to a world of enchantment and adventure, to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and delicious canapés served in a beautiful but curious theme, guaranteed to enchant and delight your guests. Through the rabbit hole and into the main room you’ll be greeted by the Mad Hatter himself. Surrounded by oversized toadstools, playing cards and teapots, you will be treated to a unique and delicious dinner, served with peculiar formulas to keep your party entertained during their meal.
Friends and foes of Alice will be sure to astound you while you dine with a stunning production, with an amazing DJ joining you after dinner so you can head for the dance floor and dance the night away. This stunning evening is the stuff of fairytales, and spectacular memories, bringing Alice’s wonderland to life and ensuring your Christmas magic begins in style. To make a booking or to start realising the vision for your next event, visit www. xclusivechristmasparties.co.uk, call 0116 201 8007, email wow@ xclusivechristmasparties.co.uk or return your completed booking form to Xclusive Hospitality Midlands Ltd, Maher Venue, 15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester, LE4 0BZ
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Chutney Ivy... ...THE City Centre Venue
Fine Dining Corporate Events Private Parties Lunchtime Buffet Networking Weddings Presentations & Seminars Charity Events Pre & Post Theatre Dining
chutney IVY
Chutney Ivy Bar & Restaurant, 41 Halford Street, Leicester LE1 1TR T: 0116 2511 889 Special rate parking at NCP opposite
chutneyivy.com
Niche Business Awards
From Model to Mogul We welcome former Miss Leicestershire turned entrepreneur, Kate Solomons-Freakley, into our Business Woman of the Year category!
profession to go it alone.” Working 12-14 hour days and every weekend, Kate took on her first member of staff and ModelZed became a Ltd company in 2012!
With the intention to provide a safe and loyal agency for models and promotional staff, Kate set up ModelZed whilst studying a degree to become a primary school teacher in 2005.
The Model & Event Agency has provided models, promotional staff, talent and event services all over the UK and worked with corporate clients such as LCFC, The National Lottery, MTV and Deichmann!
She told us: “It soon became apparent that I could not run the business and work as a full time teacher, so I left education to concentrate on ModelZed full time. People said I was crazy! We were in the height of the recession, small businesses were closing daily and people were struggling to get a job, yet I was leaving a secure
With a real passion for pageants, Kate ran regional competitions for Miss England throughout the Midlands and had three of her winners go on to win Miss England and compete in Miss World.
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She later became the National Director of the longest running pageant in the UK: Miss Great
Britain, launched in 1945! It was at this time when ModelZed Events Ltd came to life. The entrepreneur has also raised over £35,000 for local charity, Rainbows! 2015 marks MedelZed’s 10th year as well as the 70th anniversary of Miss Great Britain, “I feel it would be a wonderful year for our hard work and dedication to be recognised,” Kate said. www.modelzed.co.uk
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Managing performance through mind-set
Semi-finalist for the Niche Business Awards and star of this issue’s cover is Vicky Bailey, the lady behind Delphinus tmc. Starting her career in sport, Vicky has worked with people to help them perform at their best throughout her life. Vicky told us, “My early career was the inspiration for my career of today; working with children and sports people to enable them to be their best, play their sport and meet their ambitions, I thought to myself “there’s more I could do with this”, and I wanted to find out just how I could help people do.” After being asked to support Dame Kelly Holmes’ charity, supporting professional sportsmen and women as they entered retirement, Vicky worked with some exceptional people who, on retirement, faced the prospect of their vast support network of support being taken away and questioning their worth and their future. Vicky’s skill enabled her to work with people to re-develop their sense of identity and define their values, supporting them through this major transition of fundamental change to their lives. And, it was after this experience that Vicky decided to retrain as a Psychotherapist. Today, Vicky is one of the busiest
women we’ve met; running a successful private therapy practice, working as a sessional therapist for homeless charity the Exaireo Trust and supporting businesses and their teams unlock their potential, be at their best and enhance their performance through Delphinus tmc. Vicky explained, “I quickly realised that my background and training had equipped me with skills which were transferrable to the business world; working with business leaders and teams on self-leadership, identifying the emotions behind the behaviour and learning how to manage and change those positively.” Vicky works with business across the UK, and even Europe, to support people to be at their best, be emotionally resilient and instil positive psychology into their practices. “We work with companies to provide training, coaching and one-to-one sessions to help develop beliefs, confidence and emotional intelligence and bring about behavioural changes” Vicky explains, “what we train is common sense, surprisingly it’s not common practice. And, like any skill, mastery takes practice.”
“We work with companies to provide training, coaching and one-to-one sessions to help develop beliefs, confidence and emotional intelligence and bring about behavioural changes” techniques they train and providing a safe environment for individuals to choose to make a transition to a happier, healthier, more productive self. Testimony to their success comes in the form of multiple case studies, carried out independently, which attest to the fact that those who choose to change, succeed. “My belief is that we’re here once, and if we have the ability to make choices to be our best, take them!” W: www.delphinutmc.co.uk T: 07786 936625 E: vicky@delphinustmc.co.uk
Delphinus tmc develop long-term relationships with their clients, helping them to embed the practices and
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The evolution of business improvement -
Evolve-IT Consulting Ltd whereby IT departments typically dictated to the business what they could have or do and this position seemed at odds to true business improvement to me. Business improvement starts with the people and processes and technology is a suite of tools (great tools!) the enable them both to be more efficient and effective, but not an overarching solution. Without the people and processes in place, technology cannot work alone.”
A Finalist for this year’s Business Woman of the Year award at the Niche Business Awards is the lady behind an evolution, or more accurately, Evolve-IT Consulting Limited, a company which has seen remarkable growth since its inception in 2007. Leanne Bonner-Cooke, originally trained as an accountant and was at the heart of the technological revolution in the 1980’s. As technology quickly replaced manual systems and became more accessible to the masses, she saw for herself how the use of this new technology could enable businesses to operate faster, quicker and cheaper. It was this that sparked her interest in IT. What was different for Leanne however, was her innovative perspective: she saw the virtues new technology could bring to businesses large and small, but unlike many who saw this technological age as a ‘miracle solution’ to all business problems, she gained a holistic view of business improvement and saw technology as an enabler to achieving greatness, not an all-encompassing solution. She explained, “I noticed a theme throughout my career at that time,
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In 2007, Leanne was coming to the end of a contract working for Lafarge on a project in Paris, it was after this Leanne decided to put her theories and experience into practice and Evolve was formed. From its very beginning, Leanne wanted to focus on all three elements that she believed would lead to the greatest success: People, process and technology. And, guess what, she was right! Evolve offer a ‘one stop shop’ for both business and IT needs, all which ultimately deliver continuous improvement into businesses. Evolve help businesses embed a culture to support this and develop/deliver technology solutions which perfectly fit the business’ needs. From 3 staff in 2007, this evolutionary approach has seen Leanne’s business grow to an employer of 11 experts and a staggering £1.2m turnover.
and develop technology solutions they need to support them.” We asked Leanne what was her biggest challenge? “I think learning to run a business was the greatest challenge, I was confident in providing consultancy; that was what I did. But, suddenly as a small business owner I was focussed on sales and marketing, HR and Finance something which was quite daunting and a steep learning curve. However I soon recognised that I already had many transferrable skills and was already using them, just in a different capacity! So when working with our clients and their employees we try to help them recognise their skills and how they can be developed/transferred into other parts of the business to drive the it forward.” Testimony to their success, and their ability as a team to adapt and support one another to provide the best solutions for a diversity of clients, is their growing portfolio which includes small businesses and large corporate clients across the UK, and in 2014 they even secured their first international client, in Malaysia.
“There is always
something which can
be improved otherwise businesses would stand still”
Leanne explained, “We have competitors in each sector of our business, but what makes Evolve unique is that we have the expertise internally to offer a “one stop shop”, we work with clients to look at process improvements, employee engagement and then we are able to help implement improvements
Leanne told us, “There is always something which can be improved otherwise businesses would stand still, the Evolve team bring that ‘fresh perspective’ and the ‘buzz’ for me is delivering improvements which really make a tangible difference to our clients’ success and to the individuals involved”.
www.evolve-consultants.co.uk 0116 298 7460
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A Combination of Talent and Tenacity -
Glynis Wright & Co Semi-Finalist for this year’s Niche Business Awards in not just one, but two competitive categories, Business Woman of the Year & Professional Services, is the lady fast becoming the most recognised expert in family law and mediation in the Midlands: Glynis Wright, recent winner of Highly Commended Lawyer of the Year 2015 in a national competition. Glynis’ story is fairly unique. After a career in Local Government, she waited until she was 40 to train as a Solicitor. Excelling throughout her academic pursuits, she came top of three campuses in her finals and was awarded "Student of the Year" by the Law Society nationally; setting the stage for what has been a remarkable career to date. As a trainee Solicitor she joined a local firm and attracted so much business in her first year as a trainee that she was made a partner within 2 years of qualifying as a Solicitor, something which takes most Solicitors years to attain. “The reason for my success was simple. I connect with people and clients liked my down to earth approach whilst having faith in my lawyering skills. I rapidly built up a strong, loyal client base and my reputation was built very quickly on word of mouth referrals.” Glynis told us.
And so, the obvious (although rapid) next choice for Glynis was to set up her own specialist family law and mediation practice: Glynis Wright & Co, recent winners of Leicestershire Law Society’s "Law Firm of the Year 2015", an accolade usually reserved for long established firms and large corporate practices. Glynis explains, “I was aware that setting up my own legal firm was an enormous challenge given I had only been qualified as a Solicitor for five years, but I decided to do it anyway. I had no previous experience of running a business. It was really scary but also hugely empowering. I have never looked back.” And the risk has certainly paid off! Formed just four years ago with Glynis as the only fee-earner and a part-time Secretary, Glynis’ business now employs 9 staff and has seen staggering success, attracting clients from across the UK and even internationally. So how does she do it? “I believe the key to our/my success is in understanding that it is no longer enough in today’s market to be an exceptional Solicitor, you also need to become an adept and insightful business person to succeed,” Glynis explained, “My vision was of a practice whose USP was to be niche and highly specialist in family law matters,
allowing us to become reputed as the experts in our field in order to compete in a highly aggressive market place. I believe that is what we have achieved.” But Glynis’ talents go beyond being an exceptional Solicitor. Her business acumen and charisma have earned her respect and a great reputation throughout Leicester’s business circuits. She was recently approached to be a Business Ambassador for local young people’s charity Soft Touch Arts and has appeared by invitation as a public speaker at numerous inspirational business events. There really seems to be no stopping her! The future for the business looks bright. We are sure with her talent and tenacity, the firm will continue to expand and make its mark! One final word from the lady herself, “Age and gender is no barrier to the talented. I am living proof of that! Women should not be afraid to set up in business in their forties. Becoming your own boss is a fantastic opportunity for personal fulfilment and self-development and I have loved every minute of my journey!”
www.glyniswright.co.uk
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Manager says: “I have been with Torr Waterfield for 12 years and a team spirit is there for all to see from the moment you sit at your desk for the first time.” Working for local Charities In 2013 they raised a massive £14,800 for another client, The Bamboozle Theatre Company and 10 team members climbed the 3 Peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – all within 24 hours! In 2014 they supported another charity client; ‘Keep The Beat’, giving support to sufferers of congenital heart defects. Mark Torr and Mike Waterfield ran the Leicester 2014 Half Marathon raising over £1,500, running over the finishing line together in 2 hours 6 minutes.
Meet the Finalist Torr Waterfield Any preconceived ideas you have about Accountants being boring, will be instantly dispelled when you hear about Torr Waterfield. They are adventurous entrepreneurs with a taste for adventure and a huge community spirit for Leicester, raising over £17,000 for local charities during the last 3 years. Starting from scratch They started out in 2000, when Mark Torr and Mike Waterfield rented an office and set up in business without a single client. Their first office in London Road Leicester was soon outgrown, as they rapidly expanded in clients NICHE | 128
and staff, and moved to bigger premises in Clarence Street, where they currently remain. Building the business Today they have a team of 5 directors and 27 team members and continue to build on an enviable reputation for providing excellent advice and first class services to their business and personal clients. Abbie Henshaw ACCA Senior Accountant told us: “I started working at Torr Waterfield in 2010, as a trainee accountant. I was 16 and left school after my GCSE exams. I am now Chartered Accountancy status, and a Senior Accountant at the firm, at the age of 20.” Mark Cunnold MAAT their Client
This year, their chosen charity is Epilepsy Society, and the annual Torr Waterfield Karting Cup (picture above) raised £1,100 for Epilepsy Society. The Future Understanding the many needs of their varied clients and responding in a helpful and knowledgeable way is their top priority. Torr Waterfield are determined to continue recruiting the best staff to provide top quality services to their clients so that their clients get the best out of their business or personal situations. We think that they are a perfect finalist to be considered for the Niche Magazine Professional Services Award. www.torrwaterfield.co.uk 0116 2423 400
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Meet the Finalist -
SLM Builders We were delighted, and not entirely surprised, when SLM Builders were voted Semi-Finalists for this year’s Niche Business Awards. SLM, established in 2003, have continually proven themselves to be one of the “best in the business”; earning a reputation for quality and service whilst remaining competitive in a tough industry. Their ‘can-do’ approach and obvious passion, combined with the highest levels of workmanship, has proven a winning combination for clients across Leicestershire and the East Midlands on a wide range of commercial and domestic projects. “SLM have been very professional and very up front with their work ethic which has allowed both my business partner and I to continue to run our other businesses with the knowledge our project continues safely, efficiently, on time and on budget.” M & M Projects (UK) Ltd. With over 80 years combined experience within the SLM team, they have unrivalled expertise and skill which enables them to advise on and undertake everything from new-builds and renovations to self-builds, extensions or loft conversions. Their adaptability and commitment seemingly know no bounds, testimony to which is their continued ability to secure new contracts across a diversity of sectors, many of which are born from recommendations and repeat work. “Having worked with SLM for
several years I have to say that they have never let me down on any job on which they have been appointed to work under my direction. Their response time on urgent call outs is second to none and their attendance is effective and useful rather than the superficial gestures that I have received from other contractors in the past. They have carried out many different types of work for me and have risen to the challenge of any and all unforeseeable difficulties without resorting to exploitation of the resultant cost implications.” Graham Woodall – LLB. MSc. FRICS. FCIOB. FCInstCES Renowned for their professionalism and their ability to create unique and exciting spaces for Leicestershire and the East Midland’s business and residents; SLM were the obvious choice for one of Leicester’s most monumental projects this year: the renovation of Lumbers Jeweller’s new store. Lumber’s vision was to create the perfect emporium for their clients to enjoy and the perfect space to showcase their exquisite jewellery; celebrating their rich heritage whilst embarking on a new and exciting era for the store. Not an easy brief to fulfil! Dominic Gomersall, the Managing Director of Lumbers explained, “This is a strategic and exciting move for Lumbers, in making the move to the High Street we are securing the business for the future. We wanted to work with the best local businesses on the project and
“They have been a pleasure to work with and highly professional in both our dealings and their workmanship.” SLM were able to guarantee us the quality we needed, within our timescale and on budget. I’d heard good things about SLM following their work on the Champions project, and after working with them on this project, on which all goals have been met, I would highly recommend them. They have been a pleasure to work with and highly professional in both our dealings and their workmanship.” To have achieved such recognition in just 12 short years is not only impressive but evidence that SLM have everything in place: commercially viable, professional and experts at what they do. Which could be the winning formula for this year’s awards?
www.slmbuilders.co.uk 0116 276 5333
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worked with Babington Community College, Bagworth Community Centre, The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and regularly supporting charities like Rainbows, LOROS and Hope for Cancer - to name just a few! Working with De Montfort University they have taken on graduates and prepared them for the real world of business teaching essential workplace skills that they would otherwise leave university without. Photo: Monica Fernandez, Mo Arts
Constructing a Greater Community Smallman & Son have made it through to the next round of our very first Business Awards! They are the building contractors that are unlike any other! Simply being the most recommended contractors in Leicester wasn’t enough for the firm so three years ago they began to work towards some goals. Delivering on these goals meant that Smallman & Son became the construction and refurbishment company they aspired to be - the company that adds value to every project and makes a difference! Raising their local profile and doubling their turnover in the last three years has enabled them to become involved in community projects. The family run business has worked closely with Soft Touch Arts, on a number of initiatives. The proud professionals put their all into refurbishing the charity’s building after being awarded the £1million NICHE | 130
project. They also sponsored the PR and Marketing for their Official Opening by HRH the Earl of Wessex, and donated their time and event management expertise in anticipation of their Royal Visitor. In addition, they helped launch Soft Touch’s Brick in the Wall Campaign to help raise a further £35k. Christina Wigmore, Business Development Director at Soft Touch Arts said: “The Company is caring, professional and sits at the heart of the communities where the building projects they undertake happen. We were impressed with their approach and willingness to help us deliver the best building project possible on a limited budget. They took an interest in the work of the Charity and had a lot of input into helping with organising our Royal Visit.” Understanding that the next generation needs to be cared for and have opportunities to flourish, they created The Smallman Foundation in 2013 to support local charities and projects involving children and young people. Corporate Social Responsibility is high on Team Smallman’s agenda. They have
Developing students and helping charities does not mean they are too busy to look after their own team. A valued team makes a valued business and the family contractors recognise home grown talent and work hard to care for and nurture it. Regular one to one supervision sessions, training, 360 degree feedback opportunities, and company updates keep the team well informed and motivated; ready to take on the challenges that may face the very busy refurbishment company. They regularly win projects with a number of blue chip companies and are proud of the relationships they have formed with their long standing and new clients and partnerships with construction industry colleagues. “At Smallman & Son we believe it’s not just about building bricks and mortar it’s also about building communities and making Leicestershire a better place to work and live!” - Alexandra Kowalczuk, Head of Business Development at Smallman & Son. www.smallmanandson.co.uk email info@smallmanandson.co.uk 0116 269 4096 @SmallmanAndSon
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The Mobile Garage People, Can You Fix It?! Known for their trustworthy mobile mechanics and ability to perform virtually any task to your vehicle before your very eyes are The Mobile Garage People! As semi-finalists in not one, but two categories, the company’s founder, Michael Porter, is extremely proud to be shortlisted having never won an award for his hard work and dedication before. He has developed and nurtured the business since 2001 and with this year being the company’s toughest, its employees and clients have good reason to believe Michael and his business deserve an award. Despite difficult times due to family health issues, the owner of the mobile mechanics has worked tirelessly to continue providing for the business and the community. For the next five years The Mobile Garage People are to remain offering opportunities to young people to gain a career in the industry. Michael is keen to
encourage and inspire students and school leavers. He believes that they deserve solid foundations as they are the future of the trade. Nineteen years ago, someone gave Michael the chance at an apprenticeship and now he wants to pay it forward. Approached by several schools and colleges, he has offered to give up his time to inspire our next generation of young people either through offering talks or work experience places. The Mobile Garage People are members of The Good Garage Scheme. Members have to adhere to their strict codes of conduct and service schedules giving customers peace of mind. As the only mobile garage company to be accepted on to the trusted scheme, they are bursting with pride as most companies like their own cannot meet the rigorous inspection criteria needed for registration.
phone, email, web or Facebook are dealt with in 24 hours. He has also developed a system for customers to have named points of contact in order to form relationships with their account manager. “The main aim was to increase the profile of the garage industry and show the general public that not all garages are out to rip them off with poor service and shoddy workmanship,” Michael said. They deal with any issue from a bulb replacement to full engine replacement in any location you require; fully equipped and ready to go. Michael told us that the most common phrase they hear is ‘but surely you can’t do XXX’. Their answer is always “Yes, we can!”
The schemes website shows a 97.5% feedback report with 100% of customers saying they would use The Mobile Garage People again. Michael also takes pride in his team’s response times. All customer queries that come through by
www.themobilegaragepeople.co.uk 0116 312 0256
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Professional Valeters and Detailers Miles Marr built FX Detailing on referrals alone from the very start. So it is no surprise that the trusted mobile detailers have been voted by their customers as one of our semi-finalists!
FX Detailing deliver on time and within budget all over the East Midlands after taking the time with each client to fully understand their needs. Dean Riley, Company Director of The Mobile Garage People commented: “Miles spent the whole day at my house detailing my car (in-between chatting and drinking tea that is), but never the less, it didn’t stop him from making an absolutely amazing job!”
Describing the ethos behind the business, Miles told us: “attention to detail is one of the two key principles for our customers; the other is our priority customer service.” This, he believes, assures clients their car will be ready when they need it - on time, every time.
As members of the Professional Valeters and Detailers Association they have a proven track record, which instils in their customers the confidence that every employee is trained, skilled and insured. “Your precious vehicle is in very safe and skilled hands with us,” Miles added.
Offering to clean, restore and protect every surface of your vehicle, Miles meets the needs of his customers who he sees as “people who want to keep their vehicle looking better than when it left the factory, regardless of the age.”
Stuart Carter, Director of Eightbythree Limited, received top quality care and service from the mobile detailers. From added tips and advice, a complementary wash and a thank you text message, Stuart said: “all these things added up to make me feel like my simple Mondeo was special enough to
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“Attention to detail is one of the two key principles for our customers; the other is our priority customer service.” play in the same league as the Mclarens and Audi TTs that Miles habitually works on.” Being well respected and nationally known, Miles has led the company to the horizon of victory in just over a year! Winning such an award will gain them extra exposure and build on an already successful image and reputation.
www.fxdetailing.co.uk info@fxdetailing.co.uk 07775 524 983
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An Automotive History Walter E. Sturgess established Sturgess of Leicester in 1897. The franchised automotive retailers and markets prestigious car makes such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Hyundai and Suzuki vehicles.
The fourth generation family owned business has made it into the final round of our awards! The Company’s first products were bicycles and then progressed onto motor bikes and then cars. CEO of the business today, Chris Sturgess, told us just a snippet of the company’s history: “one of the chief challenges of the early to mid-twentieth century was that of business survival during the period of 2 World Wars. Car manufacturing had been curtailed to assist the war effort so car retailers had to turn their hand to anything that could keep revenue flowing and people in employment. Sturgess did this by getting into the business of body building and repairs, bus and charabanc tours and small scale general haulage.” Chris has had an automotive background since leaving school and has gone on to gain employment in Canada with a large Jaguar retailer since. Returning to the UK in 1989 he was given the responsibility of
establishing an all new, stand-alone Land Rover dealership for the Company, which meant forming a new separate team of people around an existing, well established workforce. This proved to be a challenging role. “The ever growing car market and the differing manufacturers who are entering the arena means that products get better and the buying public get more awareness of choice. The internet, once seen as sounding the death knell of car dealerships, has become an intrinsic part of what retailers do and a key part of a dealership’s operation,” Chris continued. Employee satisfaction and nurturing customer relationships is paramount to what they do and we are proud to showcase them in our awards!
www.sturgessgroup.co.uk
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An expert onhand through pregnancy and beyond If you’re fortunate enough to live in Leicestershire then you have access to the very best expertise in pregnancy and post-natal fitness on your doorstep: Joanna Helcke. Joanna, a Ph.D. in social sciences, started her career in academia and higher education but on becoming a Mum herself her focus changed. During her third pregnancy, Joanna had a natural break from her career and a house move and it was this period which inspired her to learn more; initially completing Pilates training whilst juggling being a busy Mum of three boys. Joanna had the ‘bug’ and whilst her youngest son was still at home she took the plunge and embarked upon a full-time Personal Trainer qualification and started practicing post-natal courses through the college’s facilities, whilst formulating a plan for how she could turn this expertise into a valuable business. Her goal was clear: to position herself as the ‘go to’ expert for pregnancy and post-natal fitness in Leicestershire, but her talent and business acumen have enabled her original idea to become so much more. Using her academic experience, Joanna began to write blogs and articles for local publications and was quickly approached by the national media to share her expertise with the nation.
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Joanna explained, “I know that when you are pregnant it’s one of the most delicate, and scary, periods of your life. What I aim to do is to become an expert my clients can truly trust, where they know they’ll receive my attention and advice that is genuinely tailored.” Following on from her successful face-to-face sessions with the ladies of Leicestershire, Joanna needed a way to share her experience and advice further afield and that is when her online week by week pregnancy and post-natal Pilates subscription was born. Ladies can subscribe to the online service at any point in their journey and access a wealth of knowledge – including weekly tailored Pilates videos - from Joanna and advice from fellow experts through her online forum which cover all things pregnancy, from fitness to advice on getting baby to sleep to employment advice and beauty tips.
The intelligent system will direct mums-to-be to the specific week of pregnancy or the postnatal period that they are in and if further advice is needed, they are directed straight through to Joanna to help assess which practices are best for their individual circumstances. Her staggering success has led to notable recognition from the industry and her clients, winning “Best Sports Group 2013” initially, closely followed by the annual “Fit Pro Award of Excellence in Fitness” in 2014 (the largest fitness organisation in the UK) and a “Mums Love” award and, of course a Semi-Finalist position for this year’s Niche Business Awards. With lots of exciting plans for the future, Joanna and Zest4LifeUK continue to develop, inspire and nurture women through the most exciting phases of their lives.
www.joannahelcke.com
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to do PR ourselves! She totally demystified it, explaining where to start and how to proceed, all the pitfalls to avoid, everything.”
Straight Talking PR Up for our Business Woman of the Year award is RDZ PR’s founder, Rachel Hargrave. Rachel has been using her knowledge and expertise to successfully raise client’s profiles across a plethora of media, developed and delivered a range of PR workshops, built herself a recognisable brand and in just one year, achieved a turnover of £75,000. Against the many hardships of the fiercely competitive marketplace, Rachel has battled through and created a clear brand and reason for being. During the heart breaking act of having to close her first agency, The Phoenix Partners, the determined Public Relations agent committed herself to setting up the brand new agency that was to become RDZ PR.
The team were given a great starting point when their every one of their non-contracted clients stuck by Rachel and went over to her new company and for this, she is incredibly grateful. Rachel said, “We networked, we reconnected with business contacts and we begged if we had to in order to win the contract and be given a chance to show what we could do.” After rising from the ashes of The Phoenix Partners, RDZ has become the one stop company for perfected Public Relations. Twenty-two years of experience has given them the ability to ‘do great PR’ across all forms of traditional and online methods. Knowing their craft inside and out, they find the easiest way to explain how to do great PR for you and how you can do it for yourself too. Alix Marina-Chouhan of Lumiere Photography said, “Rachel basically explained how to not hire her, how
RDZ PR pride themselves on being completely transparent. With no secrets to how they work, they allow their clients to learn from them first hand by building strong, long term relationships. They keep their expertise up to date to remain fresh and relevant, which in turn, keeps clients fresh and relevant for their future too. “Of course, having realised that PR is totally feasible I also realised that it is time consuming. It needs a bank of contacts and means building personal relationships and trust over a long period of time with a whole range of people, knowing their habits, deadlines, timelines etc. All of which takes considerable time and perseverance, so while I now know I could do it myself, I also realise why it is much better having Rachel doing it for any business,” Alix added. Rachel wants to continue to raise businesses profiles further across the Midlands and establish RDZ as the agency of choice for SMEs looking for pro-active PR support. She wants to double the company’s turnover and employ at least one new employee within the next eight months, but especially, Rachel would love to see RDZ win an award! Find out what the expert team can do for you at www.rdz-pr.co.uk 01509 434 352 www.rdz-pr.co.uk 01509 434 352
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Living Life the Lighter Way financially. After 10 years at home, I woke up to my weight and the Sanjaya, I had lost along the way.” Typical clients have a body mass index of 25+ and a waist circumference of 88cm. Sanjaya takes on clients who are a stone or more overweight as well as people who have a normal BMI but a high body fat percentage. A free initial consultation determines an individual’s statistics so that Sanjaya can help every step of the way.
Inspirational weight loss coach, Sanjaya Rakha, is excited to be in with a chance of winning our Health and Wellbeing award! Sanjaya was eager to express what the award would mean to her: “to get feedback and recognition in such a public way in my local area would be a tremendous achievement.” She opened her first practice in Leicester, 2006 with a diploma in weight management consultancy. She told us her story: “throughout my life I have had no weight or eating issue as a size 8-10. Then I lost my dad, got married, had four kids and put on over 6 stone in excess weight. During this period I became a gestational diabetic. I took a career break working for the BBC in Birmingham to be with my babies whilst my husband juggled two jobs keeping us afloat
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very common for a partner to lose weight naturally because their wife, girlfriend or husband is on LighterLife, why? Because they become mindful too!” Over the years the LighterLife community here in Leicester has grown stronger. Sanjaya finds that members who came to her 10 years ago are still in touch, they turn to their LighterLife counsellor for support.
Her self-development workshops “Ninety-eight per cent of my deliver cognitive behavioural members will have tried all strategies and encourage members conventional ways of losing weight to learn about themselves and like gyms, diets and personal their ways. After losing weight trainers, so when they come and introducing healthy varied to me there is foods, members “It’s a transformation of the immediate come regularly challenge of for weigh-ins; body, mind and spirit and it 85-89per cent of clearing the different messages, has an amazing ripple effect which keep off the methods and rules weight they have out into the community” and what they have lost. already learned from everyone else.” As a single mother and business woman, life has been fast paced. As with most diets comes criticism Managing product operations but passionate about LighterLife and running all her client sessions she suggested: “there is no right or personally, has meant that Sanjaya wrong way of losing weight. If you has had to face 72 working hours carry excess weight, it is essential most weeks. that you do what you need to regain a healthy lifestyle.” Nevertheless it has all paid off! Losing over four stone has resulted Whilst her clients work towards in a life free from diabetes and a healthy weight from the the prospect to take her business nutritionally balanced foodpacks across the pond to America and shakes, they also begin to and beyond! explore their relationship with food. This, along with working in small single sex groups builds a healthy lifestyle, returning them back to food and exercise with a changed fully informed mindset. “It’s a transformation of body, mind and spirit and it has an amazing ripple effect out into the community,” she explained. “It is
www.lighterlife.com/centres/ sanjaya-rakha/leicester-south-east
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The Treatment Haven Divine Serenity Retreat: the perfect place to take time out for yourself and fully enjoy peaceful surroundings. They provide us with all the luxury treatments we could ever need and we have Nimisha Mistry to thank for it! Nimisha opened the beauty and relaxation haven in 2014; making her dream a reality. “I built my business and client base from scratch without ever working in a fully functional salon. I have worked extremely hard to build my loyal client base as I wanted to do well and prove to myself I can make a difference as it was my passion. I started out as a mobile therapist in 2003 and eventually rented a room in various different hair salons as my client base grew.” The beauty therapist has built up a range of holistic beauty treatments to also include Natural Organic Skincare and treatments so that we can all indulge in a total mind and body experience.
As a Dermalogica Skincare Centre and stockist with Expert Status Skin Therapists, they help to make our skin look great and feel healthy, targeting all our skin concerns. The retreat is quickly growing its reputation as the top choice for the most relaxing of treatments using products of the highest qualities. Their varied customers of all ages and backgrounds have recommended Divine Serenity Retreat and come to them for the ultimate pampering. “I give the right advice on treatments and products that are beneficial to my client to help them look and feel better within themselves, hence my clients believe in me to offer honest friendly advice as well as having many laughs along the way,” Nimisha added. In the beginning, her aim was always to expand into other areas of wellbeing. It is clear, not just from her variety of treatments but from her dedication to her clients, that she has achieved her aim of providing us with a true sense of
health, beauty and wellbeing. But this is not enough! She plans to expand and become more focused in mind, body and soul treatments. She also hopes to help aspiring therapists by putting her knowledge and experience into practise and teaching others who would like to join the industry. “I love my clients, friends and family for helping me make this happen and will always be very grateful for all the support they have given me to be in this place now and am thoroughly looking forward to meeting lots more new clients along the way!”
Facebook: Divine Serenity Retreat Twitter: @DivineSerenityR
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The smell of sizzling sausages and caramelised onions floating through the air, accompanied by the sound of friendly laughter as the finest gourmet hot dogs are handed over to mouth-watering customers…it can only be Big Daddies Diner! Jeff Wilson’s family run, mobile diner serves delicious homemade street food made with the highest quality locally produced ingredients and they are up for our Fine and Fabulous Foods award! The street food connoisseur has been voted because of his commendable ethos when it comes to supporting local businesses and fellow traders. Jeff and his family aim to have everything from the bread to the veg sourced as locally as possible. Big Daddies will rustle you up gourmet burgers, home-smoked pulled pork and brisket, chilli con carne and philly steak alongside their sought after heavenly hotdogs topped with their homemade recipes of slaws and sauces using only the freshest of ingredients. With a menu that can be adapted for the needs of any client, Jeff and his family (as silhouetted on the Big Daddies logo) are available from dusk ‘til dawn for breakfasts to midnight snacking.
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The street food connoisseur has been voted because of his commendable ethos when it comes to supporting local businesses and fellow traders. Found at public and private events, big or small, the caterers serve their excellent food cooked fresh, tasty and ready to eat as they chat with punters making any affair one to remember! Many of their happily stuffed customers include Birmingham Repertory Theatre, The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Digbeth Dining Club, The Alzheimers Society, and many more. Stir up a wedding or birthday or add some flavour to dull conferences with the pop-up caterers out of the ordinary, quirky approach to dining! Determined to satisfy the taste buds of his customers, Jeff constantly reviews his offerings so that he only provides the very best. The street food scene has thrived in our capital city and Jeff has worked hard to bring us a taste of the trend here in the midlands. It is because of traders like Jeff that street food is making a comeback!
Winning our Fine and Fabulous Foods award would be the icing on the cake… or the slaw on the pork!
www.bigdaddies.co.uk bigdaddiesdiner@gmail.com 07824 099 590 @bigdaddiesdiner
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What’s in Stall for You? and bought in market specialists, Market Place, to run the market and extend the trading days from four to six. A recent Department of Communities and Local Government study into the economic impact of markets found that Harborough Market, with a footfall of approximately 30k per week and shopper spend at an average of £17.81 per visit, has customers spend over £1million per month across all traders.
Harborough Market has proved itself to be a fine contender in our Independent Retailer category! Home to over 100 traders and their staff, shoppers can find everything from a butcher, fishmonger, cheesemonger and dim sum unit to a menswear stall, antiques and collectables, laptops and everything in between. The market is the heart of the community! Encompassing a huge range of customers, they have hosted business expos, Easter Bonnet competitions, BBC’s Kate Bliss at an antiques valuation day, Christmas Fayres and even had St George in a full suit of armour. Working with charities and local organisations they have hosted the NHS, LOROS, the Fire Service and many others. Lovers of collectables, vintage and retro can visit the market for specialist stalls every Wednesday. A craft market is held every Thursday for the more creative of us and every Sunday the market hosts a renowned antiques market.
The market is an ideal start up space for new traders who can test the waters with their business ideas while trading alongside established traders who have traded for almost a lifetime.
A high proportion of the market’ shoppers do come from the Harborough District but many travel from Leicester, Corby, Kettering and Northampton with three quarters of them stating that they would not shop at any other market!
And why would they when this thriving marketplace provides With such a diverse range of real alternatives to sterile offers business all under one roof it in chain stores! Original designs is an establishment of which you can find nowhere else; pet supermarkets and accessories, lingerie, high street stores haberdashery, “With such a diverse simply cannot bedding, jewellery compete. The range of business all and thousands of personal touch and story behind under one roof it is an other treasures waiting to be each stall, as well establishment of which discovered. You can as affordable even find your new prices, is supermarkets and high sofa there! something often missing from big chains.
street stores simply
They are currently working towards making the trading environment more characterful and unique and have projects lined up that will tighten their links with the community – so keep checking out what’s on offer to stay up to date with the most diverse, quirky market in the region!
cannot compete.”
The independent retailers have more freedom to negotiate on price, build a rapport with regular customers and give advice in their specialised trade. Customers find they are buying things they actually want rather than being half tempted by multiple offers in big stores! In the winter of 2014, Harborough District Council invested £480k into the market’s refurbishment
www.harboroughmarket.co.uk
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Leicestershire’s Competitors in the Gin Industry Found behind the bars of some of Leicestershire’s finest establishments is the now, world famous spirit, Burleighs Signature London Dry Gin. The botanical beverage is a fine contender in our Fine and Fabulous Food and Drinks Category! First distilled in June 2014, Burleighs unique 11 botanical gin recipe was inspired by Master Distiller, Jamie Baxter’s, walk in a local nature reserve. Jamie came across Silver Birch, Dandelion, Burdock, Elderberries and Iris growing in Burleighs wood and it only seemed fitting that the woodland would go on to lend the gin its name. The crisp fresh taste has created a buzz amongst gin enthusiasts and lovers of original flavours. They are honoured to have been asked to provide hospitality at events such as those hosted by Rolls Royce motor cars to launch the Ghost Series II and Liam Gallagher’s fashion house Pretty Green at their London Collection showcase! Achieving such high recommendations, they have done themselves proud to come such a long way in just one year. The product is now being distilled once a week just to meet demand!
The crisp fresh taste has created a buzz amongst gin enthusiasts and lovers of original flavours.
In such a competitive market, Burleighs have stood out from crowds of gins gathered on shelves behind bars. Its drinkers have commented on the exceptional smoothness and versatility of the spirit. Jamie said: “The support for Burleighs Gin has been incredible, not just in the UK but worldwide, we can’t thank everybody enough. It’s fantastic to see our product growing in popularity and firmly establishing itself in the world gin market. It’s a bonus that so many people love it too!”
www.burleighsgin.com
Coffee and Cake with Style Brü boutique coffee house on Granby Street, Leicester is one of the NICHE Business Award Finalists in the Fine and Fabulous Food category. Brü is an up-market café in the city centre that makes stopping for coffee, an experience that will delight the senses. Their vintage upcycled furnishings are very different to the usual high street coffee shops, with the menu full of unusual and delicious treats making workday lunchbreaks, shopping trips, or chatting with friends, an irresistible pleasure. Their coffee is crafted from the finest beans from Brazil, Venezuela and India with a full bodied roast that punches its way through the froth with a beautiful sweetness. Treat yourself to a choice of fabulous waffles imported from Liege in Belgium, (We like the Choc Hazelnut Deluxe and the Banoffee Dream) or indulge in one of the exotic chocolate cakes or cheesecakes.
Brü is a perfect place to meet up with friends, or just to spoil yourself!
Hamza Bodhaniya the owner told us: “I wanted Brü to really stand out against the chains as being different, so we cater for special dietary needs, with a delicious range of gluten free and egg free cakes too.” Try their specialty hand-made Gelato that will tantalise your taste buds. Niche recommends the Affagato - a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla Gelato. Brü is a perfect place to meet up with friends, or just to spoil yourself!
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Fine Outside Catering – Family Style With a long tradition in hospitality, and over 17 years’ experience, spanning 3 generations; the family behind Dimblebee Catering have seen remarkable success since forming their wedding and event catering company just four years ago, in 2011. “Dimblebee’s are a family run company that caterers for the most important events in the lives of other families and clients. We are unique in being able to bring a wealth of experience and flexibility to the table along with a personal family touch.” Robert Dudley, Director. From the outset their mission for the company was clear: to offer high quality handmade homemade fare, to celebrate the local Leicestershire area, and to promote only the best in local suppliers. And, with over 600 weddings and events since their launch and catering for prestigious clients including Selfridges, Aston Martin, Donnington Park and
Mattioli Woods to name a few, the team’s commitment and tenacity is unrivalled. Their success and notability has grown exponentially, winning them not only recognition from some of the most influential venues and businesses in the East Midlands, but also numerous accolades from their industry and peers, including a Wedding Industry Experts Award in 2015, a Finalist position at The Food Awards for England and Wales and of course, a semifinalist position at this year’s Niche Business Awards. The reason: Dimblebee’s are exceptional at what they do – no egos, no gimmicks, just the very best catering from a truly professional and friendly team. Their natural talents for creating the best tastes, offering a very wide range of recommended menu styles as well as designing custom bespoke menus as a matter of course sets them apart from many competitors. From stately homes and corporate events to village halls or tipis; A family renowned for their food
From stately homes and corporate events to village halls or tipis; Dimblebee Catering are able to tailor their service and expertise to suit any occasion. Dimblebee Catering are able to tailor their service and expertise to suit any occasion. Their genuine ethos and personable approach, not forgetting their exquisite cuisine, has already earned Dimblebee’s an admirable reputation throughout the East Midlands and we hope to see it continue through future generations for many years to come.
If you have an event coming up and want the very best, contact Dimblebee Catering by emailing info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk or visit their website www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk
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A Gallery to Snub the Rest It’s no surprise that Itch Gallery have made it into the final and what a perfect time of year it would be to turn the spotlight to them being the home of so many original ideas for Christmas gifts!
“I wanted the artists who worked with Itch Gallery to have a different experience; I wanted them to feel they could trust me and the gallery.”
The vibrant gallery is run by Jenny Creasey; an artist of many accolades with a degree in Design Crafts. She and her team search high and low to discover the most talented British artists and makers to bring their customers an eclectic range of affordable contemporary art, craft and design. Other gallery owners can take note from the service that Jenny provides. As a lover of art and design and a regular customer in many galleries, she had gathered a few ideas of what she did not want her gallery to be. “There were shops where I was a regular customer that seemed not to recognise me every time I went in, and I think we have all been in a gallery or high end shop that has made us feel like we weren’t good enough to be in there. That was not what I wanted for Itch,” she explained. Also finding that galleries didn’t pay on time or support their artists, she followed her heart, she set up Itch based on her personal experience. “I wanted the artists who worked with Itch Gallery to have a different experience; I wanted them to feel they could trust me and the gallery.” With prices to suit all budgets; from £3 to £1200, Jenny welcomes everyone to her gallery which supports over 100 British artists, with a strong representation of East Midlands based creators, as well as using local sign writers, printing companies, web designers and more wherever possible. Pop down to 17a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA for imaginative Christmas gifts!
www.itchgallery.co.uk
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Therapy Station Help Beyond the Couch Taking the formidable leap of asking for help requires guts. Take one easy step closer to receiving the right support for you by walking into Therapy Station. According to The Office for National Statistics, ‘one in four British adults will experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year,’ (Psychiatric Morbidity report, 2001). The positive effect of therapy for these people is undeniable but many will need a big push to seek help. As a complementary therapies platform, Therapy Station makes asking for help a lot less daunting. Their professionals offer specialist treatments including aromatherapy, massage, sports massage, ear candling, reflexology and more; all inviting you to relax in the comforting environment. Every appointment is tailor made for the needs of their clients. From aching muscles to broken hearts, professional therapists provide counselling, trauma resolution, hypnotherapy as well as the EMMETT and Emotional Freedom techniques. Starting with nothing but the will to go against society’s depiction of the gay community and make something of his life, Mark Beasley founded Therapy Station to help others turn their lives around. Becoming a telephone counsellor for a new LGBT Switchboard was the beginning of a journey that would determine his true calling in life. He strived to help people with mental health issues by training as a Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. Mark feels that suffering from mental illness and previous thoughts to end it all when coming to terms with his sexuality has given him the life experience that makes him a great therapist. The dedicated counsellor is living proof that ‘you can move on with your life if you stop being a victim and take account.’ His work with clients and role within the community has earned Mark and Therapy Station this nomination and he is honoured to be considered.
As a complementary therapies platform, Therapy Station makes asking for help a lot less daunting
www.therapystation.co.uk @therapystation 01455 634 072
Thebestofleicester The Ultimate Mark of Quality and Trust We are delighted to have the inspirational local business, thebestofleicester as one of our semi-finalists! The unique enterprise, thebestof, began life in 2005. Dedicated to supporting businesses in the UK, helping them to grow survive and flourish, the enterprise has grown to become an international brand working locally with one common mission; to bring the most trusted local businesses and the community together. thebestof also engages with the local community by promoting local events for free, supporting local charities, celebrating local heroes, providing useful community information…. and above all, providing the community with a voice. Shamir Gokani was eager to take on the franchise for the Leicestershire area in 2014. The concept and core principles behind thebestof rang true with him and his vision to help Leicester become an even better place to live work and invest. Indirectly affected by the “economic war” in Uganda in 1972, Shamir said: “Leicester, although somewhat hesitantly at first, opened its doors to the influx of the Asian population and for that, I am eternally grateful. I feel that by helping to promote, showcase and celebrate Leicester I am giving back to the city that welcomed thousands of Asians who now call this city home.” Thebestofleicester assess local businesses to find those that are truly exceptional at what they do. Once found Shamir and his team then work in partnership with these trusted businesses and help them build brand equity, increase their local exposure, build business and community connections and provide them on-going marketing support. Shamir told us: “When it comes to clients, we look for businesses with the same mind set as us and who see the value in supporting other local businesses and want to see the city prosper!” Find the very best of everything Leicester has to offer visit www.thebestof.co.uk/leicester Call Shamir directly on 07804 613 737
thebestof also engages with the local community to bring the most trusted local businesses and the community together. Facebook.com/bestofleicester Twitter.com/bestofleicester leicester@thebestof.co.uk
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Sports
We’re excited to launch our sports pages in this new, rebranded issue. With the fantastic talent and teams we have across Leicestershire, we simply couldn’t resist sharing their achievements, and some expert insight, with our readers. Sponsored by Abel Alarms, and featuring regular columnists and sporting legends, Steve Walsh, Paul Nixon and Rendall Munroe we will be featuring the latest news from Leicester’s most-loved teams including Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester Riders and of course Leicester Racecourse. With a focus on all things sports; we have some amazing stories to share with you, from performance to engaging the next generation of sports stars and hopefully we’ll be
able to share some of the passion instilled in our columnists. Jenny Cross, Editor, told us, “It’s been an absolute privilege working with some of the biggest sporting names Leicester has to offer. Their drive and passion is infectious and could engage any non-sports fan to find out a bit more. We hope that our readers will enjoy the new feature as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it!” Steve Walsh (Walshy): Leicester City’s “Captain Fantastic”, Steve spent most of his career at The Foxes, with several seasons as the team’s captain. Nowadays, Steve and ex-teammate Muzzy Izzet are imparting their skills on football’s next generation, running the Advanced Football Development Academy in Whetstone.
Paul Nixon (Nico): Ex-Leicester and England cricketer Paul made his first-class debut in 1989 with Leicestershire and with them he won two Championship titles in 1996 and 1998; retiring from Grace Road in 2011 after an impressive career as a wicket-keeper and lefthanded batsman; hailed by many for his inventive and enthusiastic play. Rendall Munroe (The Boxing Binman): Beginning his professional career in 2003, at the tender age of 23, Munroe is the WBA International Super Bantamweight champion, as well as former holder of the EBU and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight titles. Munroe shot to fame when he caused upset by defeating touted Spaniard Kiko Martinez at the Harvey Hadden.
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Going ‘all-out’ for students in Leicester
The power of sport; the triumph of dreams
We’re delighted to introduce Paul Nixon (Nico) as one of our newest professional columnists; an ex Leicester and England Cricketer who has enjoyed an impressive professional sporting career.
Former super bantamweight boxer, Leicester’s Rendall Munroe, well-known for his day job as a binmen and affectionately nicknamed “The Boxing Binman” retired from competitive boxing in 2012 following an amazing career in which he won the WBA International Super Bantamweight Championship, EBU and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight titles and competed for the World Championship, winning 28 fights and amassing 199 rounds with a knockout rate of 35.71%.
Paul, retiring in 2011 from professional cricket, now spends much of his time imparting his knowledge and skills on the next generation of sport stars, through his cricket academy, and speaking at various motivational events. Based in his current hometown of Leicester, Paul’s cricket academy was launched in conjunction with Fullhurst Community College, Braunstone College and PTC sports at the end of 2014, and invites school leavers to work towards NVQ level 2 in Activity Leadership and NVQ level 3 in Supporting the delivery of PE in school sports.
This September the academy will be transformed into a multisport facility, adding basketball, table tennis, boxing and tennis to its repertoire. With coaching sessions conducted by Paul himself as well as other first-class players; students gain a unique insight into the world of professional sport. www.paulnixoncricket.com
Following his retirement, Rendall returned to his hometown and turned his attention to the future of sport: the next generation. Along with Karl Brown, exprofessional basketball player and, Graham Chambers, ex-professional football Head Coach, they formed Triple Skillz Sports; working with Leicester City Council’s Behavioural Support Services across the region’s schools and colleges to engage youngsters for whom mainstream education was not suitable. Based at Cossington Street Leisure Centre, the team use the power of sport to drive home the importance of education, teamwork, respect and self-respect, encouraging youngsters to dream, gain valuable qualifications and create positive aspirations for the future.
Sporting generations: developing the stars of the future Footballing legends, Steve Walsh and Muzzy Izzet, have a new ‘goal’ in mind: developing the skills of the next generation and hopefully discovering the next Leicester City star.The duo teamed up with PTC Education last year to create the Advanced Football Development Academy (AFDA), based in Whetstone, where 16-18 year-old school leavers can work towards a BTEC level 3 in Sports Studies, whilst enjoying training sessions from two of Leicester City’s most infamous alumni. From 40 students for the academic year 2014/15, this year’s intake has more than doubled, with 100 students expected to start their sporting careers this September. Steve told us, “We saw a very real opportunity to help the young people of Leicester realise their ambitions. Through a combination of theory and practice, students can develop skills to equip them for a career in sport.” Steve and Muzzy are not ones to ‘settle’ and plans for expansion are already being formulated, with hopes to develop the facilities here in Leicester and train talent from across the globe in the coming years. AFDA Academy 0116 201 9414 info@afdaleicester.co.uk www.ptcgroup.co.uk
www.tripleskillz.co.uk Photo courtsey of Pukaar News
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great days to remember AT LEICESTER RACECOURSE Race meetings: > Tuesday 8th September > Monday 21st September > Tuesday 6th October > Tuesday 13th October > Monday 26th October > Monday 16th November > Sunday 29th November > Thursday 3rd December > Wednesday 9th December > Monday 28th December
Hospitality packages are available for each event - please contact our events team for information
Other events: > Sunday 13th September - Drive 'n' Ride Classic Vehicle Show and Autojumble > Saturday 7th November - Rainbow's Bonfire Night
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Sports
Bringing first-class cricket to Grace Road Leicestershire County Cricket Club (The Leicestershire Foxes) have been a well-loved feature of Grace Road since the original club was opened back in 1878. But, last year saw a momentous phase in the club’s history following the appointment of Wasim Khan MBE as Chief Executive. Wasim Khan brings a wealth of experience and an impressive heritage. The 43-year-old, born in the West Midlands, has been a part of cricket since the tender age of 12, in under a year he was selected for the Warwickshire Under 13’s as his natural talent and passion for the sport shone through. A talented left-handed batsman, who also bowled right arm medium pace, he quickly made a name for himself, playing first-class cricket for the record-breaking double winning Warwickshire team in 1995, averaging 49 in the championship
winning team and representing the national team in the U19’s competition; becoming the first British Asian to play professional cricket in England and being recognised as Warwickshire’s most improved youngster, along with County Championship Winner and NatWest Trophy Winner. 1995 was quite a year! Receiving an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Birthday Honours, Khan is now viewed as one of the most important figures in English cricket; at the forefront of leading Cricket foundation, Chance to Shine as their CEO, the charity work tirelessly to encourage competitive cricket in state schools across the country, with Khan himself running two marathons and raising over £10,000 for the charity.
Group, The Prince's Trust Cricket Group, England Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit as well as various mentoring roles with kids from inner city areas; Khan is an ambassador for UK cricket and an impressive addition to Leicestershire’s board. In Khan’s latest statement to the club and fans in July, he said, “Thank you for your support this year. Your patience is incredible and one thing that I have learnt over the first six months is that our members and supporters are loyal and feel very passionate about Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Our aim is to make you proud; please rest assured that everything we are doing is geared towards making us a successful club once again.” With a five-year business plan already devised to take the club to success, it looks as though Khan is set to stay and make Grace Road his home, and the home of Leicestershire cricket. www.leicestershireccc.co.uk
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Sports
Season 2015/16 begins at Welford Road After celebrating their 135th birthday in August, Leicester Tigers are gathering pace in preparation for a full calendar year of rugby and other events. SEPTEMBER: KINGS AND CUPS In September, the Tigers take on Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks in the inaugural Kings of the North pre-season tournament. "Everyone wants to get the season off to a good start and the Kings of the North tournament provides a perfect opportunity to get a run of games together before kickoff in the league campaign," said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill. The first home game of the tournament is against Newcastle on Saturday, September 19 (3pm) which will run alongside the popular fan event Tigers In The Park. September also sees the first of the Tigers World Cup events at Welford Road which are sure to make Welford Road the destination of choice during the big fixtures. For all England games, there will be big screens and exclusive World Cup dinners at the stadium with a range of entertainment. Welford Road is also hosting its own fanzone before World Cup games in Leicester. The free-to-enter fanzone will capture all the energy of the World Cup with activities for all the family as well as bars and catering outlets.
OCTOBER: THE PREMIERSHIP BEGINS Tigers secured a place in an 11th successive Premiership semi-final last May and kick off 2015/16 hoping to make a return to the Aviva Premiership Final in Twickenham next May. The Aviva Premiership campaign kicks off away from home against London Irish before successive home games against Harlequins and Wasps. The west stand redevelopment will take capacity at Welford Road up to 26,000 in the new season and allow even more supporters to enjoy an unbeatable matchday experience. The squad has been bolstered with a range of new signings and by the appointment of former All Blacks player Aaron Mauger as head coach. “Aaron played at the highest level with club and country, and he has an excellent knowledge of the game and impressive ideas on how he wants to see it played,” said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill on his appointment. “We’ve been looking for the right person to take on a very important job and help to take us forward.”
NOVEMBER: HUDDLE Leicester Tigers are hosting their own top-level networking event, known as HUDDLE. Planned for November 3, during Leicestershire Business Fortnight, HUDDLE will see business leaders and their future stars joined by guest speakers, leaders of industry and legends of sport, for a day focused on ‘Getting your business tactics right’. The whole day event will take place across the 1,000-seater conference suites at Tigers’ Welford Road home. The day will begin with a networking breakfast, followed by ‘business scrums’, keynote speeches, masterclasses and speed networking huddles. There will be a health and wellness centre as well as first-class catering and the option of meeting pods on the day to allow you to work or meet people on a one-on-one basis. Entrance is by ticket only. www.leicestertigers.com Follow us: Official Leicester Tigers @LeicesterTigers
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Niche are proud to sponsor Neil Watson
Watson explained, “It’s amazing that ticket sales have increased by a considerable amount again this season. Hopefully, they increase more and people come out and watch.
Getting ready for Leicester’s second season of success Rated the 72nd-ranked point guard by ESPN out of high school, earning Class 4A First Team All-State accolades and named the Kansas City Kansan’s 4A Player of the Year. Leicester Rider’s Number 5, Neil Watson, brings his explosive play to the UK’s courts. A natural talent, Watson has been a pivotal part of his team’s successes since he left Coffeyville CC High School. Joining Sumner Academy as a three-year letterman, under Head Coach Dan Parra, he averaged 23.3 points per game, leading Sumner to a 21-3 record, the Kansas City League and regional championships, and an appearance
in the state quarter-finals. The skilled guard went on to spend 3 impressive seasons with the Golden Eagles from the University of Southern Mississippi, ranked fourth in free-throw percentage with 93.3% and becoming the second player in the school history to reach 1,000 points, 450 assists, 250 rebounds and 125 steals. Now just 24, Watson crossed the Atlantic straight from University to join our very own Tigers (sponsored by Niche Magazine and Total Motion) and is said to be looking forward to returning for his second season with the club, after leading the league in assists and increasing the season ticket sales by 17% last year!
“We are all aiming for this side to be one of the best to wear the Riders kit.” Head Coach, Rob Pasternostro is pleased Watson has chosen to return to the Tigers for a second season, and we can see why. In his rookie year Watson proved pivotal to the Tiger’s success in the BBL, finishing second; averaging more than 14 points a game with doubledigit assists becoming the norm for the explosive guard towards the second half of the season. With the core team from last season returning, Watson is confident they can achieve more, “I think it’s very important our entire core is returning. I believe it will give us a huge advantage going into the season with our chemistry being so high coming in. We are positive as a group and aiming to win some silverware.”
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Leicester Riders
With participation levels in basketball booming, Britain’s oldest professional team, the Leicester Riders, are entering a new phase in their clubs’ history when they open the doors on a brand new Community Arena in January. The Riders, who were formed in1967, will start the season in Loughborough before heading to their new home in the new year. “We have had sell-out crowds to the majority of our games the past few years,” explained Managing Director Russell Levenston. “That’s been important with our temporary home in Loughborough. With season tickets up again for this coming season, there is a real buzz around the team and the sport in general.” “Loughborough University have made us feel really welcome and we can’t thank them enough for housing us. But we are also really looking forward to the start of a new era for the club back in our home city of Leicester.”
Aside from home grown talent, the midlands side have also managed to keep the core of last seasons’ team together. Although they ultimately fell just short of the BBL title, finishing second last year, they believe the return of Sullivan could be the missing piece.
26/09/15 Worcester Wolves 10/10/15 Glasgow Rocks 17/10/15 Manchester Giants
Head Coach Rob Paternostro has one of the best records of any coach in the history of the British Basketball League, and he has reason to be optimistic.
21/11/15 Sheffield Sharks 28/11/15 Cheshire Phoenix 05/12/15 London Lions 22/12/15 Bristol Flyers
“It’s been important for us to maintain the core of the side from last year,” reflected Coach Paternostro. “We managed to get the majority of the team signed up early, all eager to come back and wear the Riders jersey. “ “We have a really good group with standout guys not only on the court but also in how they conduct themselves off it.”
02/01/16 Leeds Force All 7.30pm tip-offs
Riders ticket office
www.leicesterriders.co.uk +44(0)116 255 8635
“We’ve been able to add Drew (Sulivan) to the line-up and so we’re excited about what this group of guys can do.” The Riders start their season with a home game on 26th September against Worcester Wolves.
The team have enjoyed success on the court in recent times having won four major trophies in the past three seasons. This year they also have cause for optimism with the addition of Great Britain captain Drew Sullivan and the emergence of British stars Jamell Anderson and Conner Washington, both players played a major role in the clubs’ successes last term.
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Touchdown in style No longer a secondary sport to fans in the UK, the NFL (National Football League) have crossed the water to regularly sell-out Wembley; with crowds sporting jerseys from all 32 NFL teams, we suspect many of those fans are also the customers of Football America. Official distributors for Riddell, Rawlings, Wilson Footballs, and many more, they have the largest range of products in the UK, and their NFL selection is nothing short of vast! Whether as a spectator looking for the latest team jersey or as a player requiring everything from helmets and pads to cleats and bicep bands; Football America can equip anyone to make the most out of American football. Their new showroom is a veritable feast for football fans; open 6 days a week, just off the M1 at Junction 22, you can make use of their expert advice and try everything before you buy. Or, if you prefer to indulge in your football from the comfort of your living room, visit their website at www.footballamerica.co.uk and get kitted out for the new season.
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Sports
Function Jigsaw: helping to solve your performance puzzle
Whether you’re a professional sportsperson or a fitness enthusiast, preventing injury, speeding recovery and enhancing performance can feel like a puzzle with so many pieces. That’s where the expertise of Function Jigsaw comes to the rescue. Founded by Julie Hayton, perhaps best known locally for her 12-year career as Leicester Tiger’s Head of Medical and Rehabilitation Services, Julie has an impressive heritage in her field, working with the Welsh rugby squad, World Superbikes Champion Sylvain Guintoli, Derby County FC, Notts County FC, British Ski & Snowboard and a host of other elite sportsmen in various disciplines; with a proven record of helping athletes to achieve their potential. Julie explained, “Our aim is to put the world’s best medical and training practices in place to aid your recovery. We have devised a multi-disciplinary approach to your personal function puzzle. Once we have got to the root of your problem our team will work out what pieces make up your recovery and return to fitness Jigsaw.“ This year, Function Jigsaw have developed a new state-of-the-art facility in Wigston to complement their experienced team, all from professional sports backgrounds. With three treatment rooms, a fully working and adjustable gym, a hydro bath and shower rooms, the team can support and advise through those crucial stages of
recovery after your particular problem has been diagnosed. Leicester Tigers back Mathew Tait said of Julie, “Her positivity and energy for helping me get back to full fitness helped me through a difficult 16 months following a potentially career threatening groin injury.” Julie added, “Our services utilise the skill base and knowledge of a number of in-house multi-disciplinary health care professionals to ensure the best plan for recovery. Our multidisciplinary approach extends also to a valued network of associated practitioners with whom we have developed a valued relationship to further enhance our service. We know that each individual client of ours requires a different strategy for treating their injury depending on their final outcome requirements. It’s very much the professional sport ethos opened up to the general public.“ And, they are not just reserving their skills for the sports industry, as they continue to create innovative ways to enhance performance across all markets. Most recently, involved in creating corporate strategies for reducing stress levels amongst staff and with their massage chair doing the rounds at local businesses treating staff in their place of work to try and alleviate the issues that cost companies countless days off with staff stress-related issues. The feedback has been incredible. Each client is different; with different
needs and different problems. The team at Function Jigsaw assess every aspect to piece together the puzzle and tailor-make your performance or recovery strategy. For more information, and to make the most of your body, contact Function Jigsaw. 24 Long Street, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 2AH 0116 340 0255 info@functionjigsaw.co.uk www.functionjigsaw.co.uk Function Jigsaw @FunctionJigsaw function_jigsaw
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Parents; are you to blame for your obese child? Obesity runs in families, you know what they say. Chances are you’re going to end up looking like your mother or father and there are a number of reasons for this. Firstly genetics have to play a role. The body that you were given is unique, but if you are like anyone, it’s your immediate family. Some people have a tendency to store fat more than others, and this can contribute to family obesity. Secondly is lifestyle. Active parents, who are in to running, cycling,
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swimming and sports are more likely to encourage a child to be active. Not just in the direct sense, but if a child see’s their mother or father making the effort to go and be active they are more likely to do the same. Thirdly it’s in the relationship with food; if you use food or drink as a remedy for stress or emotion then chances are you will cultivate a child who reacts in the same way. Do you use unhealthy food as a reward for your children or do you allow them to regularly witness you using unhealthy food as a reward for yourself?
Lastly it’s nutrition knowledge, if as a parent you don’t know how to cook a variety of healthy and satisfying dishes, the chances are that you are going to fall back on easy, less healthy options. Alternatively if you are clueless about what is and isn’t healthy, and you are guessing your way to health without any long term success, then the chances are your child will end up just as clueless and making bad food decisions. People are never quick to blame themselves for a child with poor nutrition habits, they blame schools, they blame fussy children, they blame sweet shops on the way
Sports
home or even other parents. I’m going to attempt to cut through all of your excuses in one go. How often do you see parents who are into fitness and health with overweight children? How often do you see overweight parents with overweight children? Now I only have my own experience to go on this, but I can’t recall ever seeing an obese child who has a very fit mother and father. I am confident that there will be a few exceptions, but the vast majority of the time I believe it is the parents’ influence that leads a child to make the right or wrong decisions. The influence of the parents is something which was made incredibly clear to me over the last couple of weeks. I have a client who is a Muslim and partook in Ramadan with his family this year. He told me a story about his young daughter, who was apparently determined to fast for Ramadan with the rest of the family and was incredibly put out when she was told she was too young. Just as a contrast, assuming you aren’t a practicing Muslim, try telling your 9 year old to fast for 20 hours a day, 30 days in a row while you continue eating as normal. It’s simply never going to happen. By continuing to live an unhealthy, inactive lifestyle all that you are doing is confirming to your children that this is how adults are expected to behave. Yes you might
encourage them to go to sports clubs etc. while they’re young. But the second they leave home, and in their head they consciously become adults they will divert to plan B and do exactly what you do.
“A fitness coach
There is no reason why any parent shouldn’t exercise and be fit and healthy. There are only excuses.
to suit your
You can blame a lack of health and fitness education on the government, or your parents or schools or whatever you like, but nothing is going to change until you do. The truth is people make a better job of it than you do with less advantages, it is possible it just takes time.
will be able to tailor their advice individual needs”
If you do see the value in teaching your kids how to be healthy so that they can live a higher quality of life (and have enough energy to look after you when you’re old) then find someone who knows more about health than you do and ask them to point you in the direction of a fitness professional. The reason you should not just blankly copy what your friend does is that the same thing will not work for everybody, a fitness coach will be able to tailor their advice to suit your individual needs in order to give you the best results without the countless wrong turns that come from guesswork. If you’re sitting on a plane and the cabin suddenly loses pressure, what does the flight attendant tell you that you must do? Look after yourself in order to look after others.
ufitstudio.co.uk 0116 276 3411
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Leicester – Rugby’s Biggest Fan With a capacity of 32,312 the King Power Stadium was chosen as the gracious host of 3 fixtures in the Rugby World Cup. Like it’s Midlands counterpart Pride Park, the Leicester City Stadium replaced a decaying old ground with a state-of-the-art all-seater facility. It has seen significant oval ball action already: Leicester Tigers have played six matches here, including a 2005 Heineken Cup semi-final, which they lost to Toulouse, and a 2006 quarter-final in the same tournament, which saw them defeated by Bath. The jinx was broken by a win over Llanelli in a European Cup semi in 2007, and they’ve since got revenge over Bath on the ground, too. In 2006, to celebrate the centenary of Springbok overseas tours, the stadium hosted a World XV v South Africa contest. The Springboks took the honours 32-7. This Autumn the ground will be home to truly international crowd, with spectators travelling from the far flung corners to shout on their home nation. Leicester welcomes the teams from Argentina and Tonga at the 14.30 kick off on Sunday 4th October, Canada and Romania on Tuesday 6th October for a 16.45 start and Argentina play Namibia Sunday 11th October kicking off at 12 noon.
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The Rugby World Cup brings with it a whole side show of actitivty too, with Victoria Park being transformed into the Official Fanzone. Live games will be megascreened in the park as well as this the Fanzone will offer catering facilities, a bar and a range of activities to entertain children and adults in between matches. The idea of the Fanzone is to support the live Rugby action taking place in the city during the tournament, providing a place for fans to meet before they head to the stadium, a place to gather after they’ve been to the stadium, and a place where Rugby fans of all ages can get together to watch games on the big screen. The Fanzone will open on Saturday October 3rd, giving fans the chance to see England v Australia and South Africa v Scotland on the big screen, before Leicester hosts its first match on Sunday October 4th. Apart from two rest days, the Fanzone will be open every day until Sunday October 11th. The Victoria Park Fanzone will accommodate a minimum of 5,000 fans, with grandstand seating available for 500 people. A programme of events – including stage entertainment, sporting activity, and live music – will run
on each of the seven days that the Fanzone is open. Admission to the Fanzone will open at least 90-minutes before the first match of the day kicks off and will be free of charge. Night of Festivals October 2nd, 5pm-10pm October 3rd, 11am-7pm October 4th, 11am5pm City Centre, Victoria Park and Leicester City Stadium Night of Festivals provides a rich and spectacular centrepiece to the cultural celebrations during Rugby’s biggest year. Artists and artwork representing the five teams playing in Leicester - Argentina, Canada, Namibia, Romania and Tonga are included in a vibrant programme of celebration with music, theatre, dance, carnival, samba, live art, visual arts installations, moving image, digital arts and participatory workshop activity. The special night-time carnival procession (Saturday 6pm - 7pm) with costumed stilt walkers, extraordinary lighted characters and inflatable costumes, includes guest artists from Germany – Stelzen Arts and Oakleaf Creativity. For more information and to find out how you can get involved go to www.visitleicester.info
Sports
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Have You Got What it Takes? THRILL SEEKERS Are you looking for your next challenge? If so, Quest Events have got it sorted! Get your running shoes on because an obstacle race with a difference is happening this September!
Twilight Run The Twilight Run challenges runners over gruelling 5km or 10km courses with the aim of finishing before nightfall. The courses offer something for everyone – from experienced runners to those running their first event. Both individuals and teams of runners will pit themselves against the extreme terrain as well as the natural and manmade obstacles designed to deliver the ultimate running experience. Runners will be tested to the limit as they wet and dirty tackling obstacles including cargo nets,
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walls, tunnels and hay bale towers in their quest to finish before darkness descends. Those brave enough to enter will receive a race medal, race t-shirt and a free beer. See you on 12th September if you think you can handle it. Join us at Wrongs Farm, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ. Enter online at www.twilightrun.co.uk Can you finish before nightfall?
Sports
The Avalanche Run
The Farmageddon Run
Have you got what it takes to test yourself against this winter’s toughest mud run?
If you love getting wet and dirty, this race is for you.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, requires you to chase the Yeti over a 5km, 10km or 20km obstacle course which has been designed to test your mind and body to the max. You may be exhausted by the end but the exhilaration and satisfaction of finishing will be well worth it. Bring your mates and see who can catch the Yeti and live to tell the tale. The next Avalanche Run is Saturday 27th February. Join us at Wrongs Farm, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ. For further information please visit www.avalancherun.co.uk Can you catch the Yeti?
In your quest to escape the farm, you will need to complete a 5km, 10km or 20km obstacle course as you tackle the natural and manmade obstacles. Battle your way through woodland, farm tracks and grasslands on a course designed to deliver the ultimate running experience. The Farmageddon Run will be held Leicestershire next April. For further information please visit www.farmageddonrun.co.uk Can you escape the farm? www.quest-events.co.uk As well as mass participation events, Quest are able to create unique events for individuals, corporate clients and charities. Discuss your next Quest now info@quest-events.co.uk
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Care & Charity
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The UKs leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with blood cancers, reveal their plans for big change this September! Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research mark their 55th year with a brand new image.
What’s in a Name? Susan’s Legacy It all began in 1960 when six year old, Susan Eastwood, passed away after developing Leukaemia. The Eastwood family’s painful loss infused a great determination in them. It was thought there was nothing that could be done to save their little girl but her parents were committed to giving hope to other sufferers. Little research had been done back then so Susan’s parents set out to change this and founded Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
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Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of the charity said: “survival from any blood cancer was measured in weeks and months. It’s hard to imagine the courage and audacity of this partnership of fundraisers and scientists in believing that they could beat a then incurable cancer.” The charity has gone on to achieve great things, proving Susan’s parents had the right idea! Now in their 55th year, over half a billion pounds has been raised. Working with researchers, supporters and donors, the world has evolved for people living with blood cancers. Taking a step back to review their work in 2013 showed them just how
far they had actually come. More patients than ever are surviving for longer and living well. They launched a revolutionary Patient Need programme, which allows families, doctors and researchers to see what life is like for a person with blood cancer and help them to live life to the best.
The Need for Change People just don’t understand blood cancers – how many people actually know what leukaemia or lymphoma is or how it affects people?
Care & Charity
Get Your Facts Right Christine Ingham MBE, Chairman of the Lutterworth and District branch, said: “people don’t realise that there are so many more blood cancers that people can develop!” Imagine being diagnosed with blood cancer and how isolating it might feel to be sent to the haematology unit instead of oncology where all other cancers are treated. Imagine having to learn what it means to have this kind of disease and not know which services are available to you or where to find them. The organisation set about transforming patients’ lives for the better - starting now! This September a major campaign launches and a hub has been built where patients and carers can visit to get all the latest information and feel a strong sense of community and mutual support. But the biggest change of all is their name! “It’s about time! Leukaemia and lymphoma are not the only types of blood cancer patient that we support,” Chris Ingham MBE told us. “The old name was far too long. People couldn’t even spell it and try answering the phone all day with that name!” Christine laughed. ‘That which we call a Rose, by any other name would smell as sweet?’ …maybe not this time, Shakespeare! The new name, Christine believes, will change the image of the charity and embrace all blood cancer patients. From the tongue-twistering name of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, they are now the snappy and memorable Bloodwise!
Bloodwise groups all blood cancer patients together. The name grabs its deserved attention and makes it clear just how important blood health is to every human being! “We are beating blood cancer!” www.bloodwise.org.uk 02075 042 200
Christine and the Lutterworth & District Branch We opened in 1970 after a local girl was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia and thankfully, she survived. Many of us have had family, friends diagnosed over the years and this keeps spurring us on to raise funds!
There are over 100 types of blood cancer 38,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer a year 32 people lose their lives to blood cancer every day 1 in 10 children survived Leukaemia in 1960 9 in 10 children survive Leukaemia today Two thirds of everyone diagnosed with blood cancer will still be with us in 2020
Christine was made MBE by Prince Charles to honour her work for the organisation. Christine, Anne Everett and Leslely Caffrey run the only two shops in the world that support the charity. The Lutterworth and District branch has raised more than a million pounds.
#FeelAlive Fridays! Every Friday supporters are asked to share their experiences. Share your inspirational story to raise awareness about blood cancer and inspire everyone it reaches! The blood cancer community is strengthened every time you use #FeelAlive. Help make a difference and get following them on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook.com/ beatingbloodcancers
www.bloodwise.org.uk 01455 556 649
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Care Chari
Beat Blood Cancer
Charity shop 33a Station Road Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 4AP 01455 556649
Furniture & book shop 1 Bell Street Lutterworth, Leicestershir e, LE17 4DW 01455 553094
Donate now or get involved
01455 556649 www.bloodwis e.or
g.uk
www.bloodwise.org.uk NICHE 133
& ity
Care & Charity
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PETER WILCOX FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
PETER WILCOX
Principal of Peter Wilcox Financial Management Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management
www.peterwilcox-sjp.co.uk/longtermcare © St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group
Care & Charity
Advertising Feature
Helping you plan for tomorrow, today. Many people dream about their retirement, enjoying the flexibility and time to fulfil dreams and spend more time with family. But, the financial implications of losing a full-time income and making provisions for your future can be complex, and quite daunting. Have you considered how you would be able to afford full-time care and protect your children’s inheritance, should the need arise? On average, the costs of care are circa £28,500 a year for residential care, rising to £37,500 should nursing care be necessary and, should your assets be greater than £23,250 you will be required to contribute to any care fees. Without proper planning of investments and savings, these costs can ultimately lead to the reduction, or loss, of your estate; a risk none of us would care to take. In line with the Care Act 2014, the Government have implemented processes across the UK’s local authorities whereby their Advisers will be required to suggest individuals seek independent advice on their care plans and planning for later life; which is exactly what Peter Wilcox Financial Management specialise in.
The Advisers at Peter Wilcox Financial Management have all undergone extensive, independent assessments - over and above the statutory CIM qualifications; designed to demonstrate their knowledge, expertise and empathy in providing unbiased guidance for individuals and relatives facing the choices associated with later life planning. SOLLA (The Society of Later Life Advisers), introduced 8 years ago, is the highest industry award for specialists in this field; however, they are not that easy to find. At present, there are only around 300 fully accredited Advisers across the UK, 2 of which are part of the Peter Wilcox team; qualified to provide sound, impartial advice on all aspects of your potential long term care. With over 35 years’ experience in financial services and dedicated to Long Term Care, Peter Wilcox and his team can offer specialist, comprehensive information to any individual embarking on their Later Life Planning or families faced with elderly relatives and the financial stresses associated with care provisions.
Peter Wilcox Financial Management offer a no-obligation face-to-face consultation to all their clients to discuss their current financial arrangements and ‘future-proofing’ their assets for later life; the guidance they provide is under no obligation and is tailored to individual circumstances and, as your circumstances change they can provide help and on-going guidance to help you achieve your financial goals and provide for your future.
www.peterwilcox-sjp.co.uk/longtermcare 01509 881982 Julia.gamble@sjpp.co.uk Peter Wilcox Financial Management represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s Wealth Management
products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title `Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
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A beautiful break by the sea Eastham Hall is a well established, family run park set in rural Lancashire between the Victorian town of Lytham and the pretty village of Wrea Green. Founded over 50 years ago, this delightful park is still owned and managed by the Kirkham family who throughout the years have maintained a peaceful getaway for holidaymakers. With fishing, riding and golfing close by and the centre of ‘Leafy Lytham’ just a mile and a half away you can explore the array of shops, cafes and bars the town has to offer followed by a visit to one of the local beaches. The park has 330 pitches including overnight touring pitches, seasonal touring pitches and static holiday home pitches. There is an onsite shop which is open 7 days a week, newly refurbished washrooms, laundry facilities, a children’s play area and dedicated dog walks. Visit their site www.easthamhall.co.uk or call them on 01253 737 907 and get ready to rejuvenate!
Algarve Vale Do Lobo Bric's, Bojola 22 inch carry on holdall, £375 Made in embossed synthetic material that is both durable and easy to clean. Featuring a strap on the back allowing for the holdall to be secured to the carry-on trolley handle - a detachable shoulder strap is also included. The bottom is reinforced to guarantee maximum stability for garments and it is equipped with feet studs. A convenient transparent pouch is also included where you can store all your liquids for airport security controls.
Bric's, Bellagio 21 inch carry on trolley, £399
Villa for 4
2 minute walk to the beach Free use of tennis courts, pool and gym at Vale Do Lobo Tennis Centre Good discount on twilight golf Large private balcony with seaviews
Tel: 01935 891241 peakevenetia@rocketmail.com www.1valedolobo.co.uk NICHE | 168
Elegant Tuscan leather finishes with contrasting stitching and golden studs, paired with the hightech shell made from Makrolon® polycarbonate, the innovative material that guarantees maximum resistance to shocks and scratches, as well as being extremely lightweight. Features include a leather address tag, water repellent rubber zips, integrated TSA lock and double Hinomoto swivelling wheels that allow for easy 360° rotation in all directions.
www.cellinileicester.co.uk
Travel in Style
family friendly adventure... explore, discover and experience this beautiful diverse country.
+44 (0)207 647 1018 dwilson@botswanatourism.org.uk botswanatourism.org.uk
BT Niche_FP Aug15 print.indd 1
Botswana Tourism, 6 Stratford Place, London, W1C 1AY
06/08/2015 11:15
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Motoring
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Motoring
RULE THE ROAD FOR LESS. NEW JAGUAR XE. THE SPORTS SALOON REDEFINED. The new Jaguar XE is here. Our most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon ever. Born from the DNA of the F-TYPE, its sporting intent is clear. Beneath the taut, aerodynamic design XE has an aluminium-intensive architecture and cutting-edge technologies at its heart. The new XE delivers breathtaking performance and efficiency with a range of engines from a supercharged V6 to a frugal 99g/km of CO2. And from only £26,990, the new XE is ready to rule the roads.
XE FROM ONLY
£ 2 6, 9 90
STURGESS JAGUAR
445 NARBOROUGH ROAD, LEICESTER LE3 2RE
STURGESS.LEICESTER.JAGUAR.CO.UK 0116 416 1437
THE ART OF PERFORMANCE Fuel consumption in 1/100km (mpg) Urban 24.4-64.2 (11.6-4.4); Extra Urban 46.3-83.1 (6.1-3.4); Combined 34.9-75.0 (8.1-3.8). CO2 Emissions 194-99 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. Model shown is XE S in Italian Racing Red (with optional 20" propeller alloy wheels with space saver wheel, advanced parking assist pack, panoramic sunroof and lighting pack priced at £48,835).
25%
OF PEOPLE FORGET THEIR MOT RENEWAL!
And did you know that not having a valid MOT certificate can lead to a fine of up to £1000 and in most cases invalidates your motor insurance. Take advantage of our FREE reminder service today. Simply text your registration number, name and address to 0779 567 8173 and we’ll be in touch one month before the expiry date of your MOT. Our MOT is reasonably priced at £39, and for as little as a £79 we can service your vehicle on the same day. All our MOT and Services include FREE collection and Delivery.
Don’t delay, to book your MOT or service call Simon today.
Jordan Motors www.jordanmotors-leicester.co.uk 0116 289 2308
30 - 34 NARBOROUGH ROAD SOUTH, BRAUNSTONE TOWN, LEICESTER, LE3 2FN
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Motoring
Fed up with feeling like you are being ripped off?
The New 2015 Toyota Avensis Tourer
As a family run independent business since 1962, Jordan Motors understand the needs of their Leicester customers only too well. Having a local expert who will collect your car for Services and MOT’s and if you need to be dropped at the local shops, they can do that too. The dealer alternative company provide a complete range of car and van servicing and repairs.
Innovative technologies The new Avensis is packed with clever and intuitive technologies. They are all designed to make your drive as effortless, enjoyable and as safe as possible.
In the ideal location near to Fosse Park Shopping Centre, Meridian and Grove Park Business Park, they are easily accessible. Vehicle hire is made easy as they offer cars vans, minibuses and trucks for private and corporate business. They are equipped to deal with repairs for all makes and models of vehicle. Using prestigious brands, they are able to perform engine diagnostics quickly and efficiently. They make sure that you won’t break down on the way to the airport, with a multi-point vehicle safety check; and as a brake’s specialist can give you a lifetime warranty on brake pads. Jordan Motors understand that family life is busy and you need to rely on your car every day for work, school and the endless children’s activities. Keeping you on the road safely and economically is their priority – and it’s certainly reassuring to know that. Visit Jordan Motors for MOTs at just £39.99. Open 8am - 6pm Mon to Fri, Sat 8.30am-1pm www.jordanmotors-leicester.co.uk
Welcoming and spacious interior Business trip or family outing – new Avensis accommodates your life effortlessly. Cleverly composed, the interior feels exceptionally spacious with plenty of legroom and head space for everyone. Confident looks Whatever lies ahead, the new Avensis comes prepared with sharp, dynamic styling and uncompromising confidence. From the striking LED headlamps to the rear lights styling with eye-catching V-shaped LED light guides – the new Avensis design is full of agility. Price Avensis Icon Business Edition Tourer from £183 + VAT per month† (Contract Hire) Initial rental £1,098 + VAT. Offer includes protection pack & Free Service and Maintenance. †Business Users Only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status to over 18s. Terms and conditions apply. For more information or to book a test drive call the Farmer & Carlisle Toyota Fleet sales team on 0116 285 2851 or email fleet@farmer-carlisle.toyota.co.uk
Mechanics on Wheels The UKs only mobile garage to be accepted onto The Good Garage Scheme has a 97.5% positive feedback rate on the organisations website. Keen to be the best in their trade, The Mobile Garage People are constantly reviewing what they have to offer and pursuing the next step. In recent years, Founder, Michael Porter, has added tow bar fitting and ECU remapping as well as air-conditioning servicing and re-gassing to their high quality services. The travelling garage provides car and van servicing, mechanical and breakdown repairs, vehicle diagnostics and mobile electrics. Their ‘Yes, we can’ attitude means they offer more services than any other mobile garage; all of which keep to the strict codes of conduct of The Good Garage Scheme. The business has strove to offer convenience and affordability as well as being open and honest about the work they carry out. Performed on your doorstep, workplace or anywhere that has space for a fully equipped vehicle, The Mobile Garage People can talk you through the process and show you exactly what the problem might be. For mechanics you can trust visit www.themobilegaragepeople.co.uk Or call 0116 312 02 56
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AVENSIS SALOON BUSINESS EDITION £180 £1,080
FREE PROTECTION PACK
per month*
(Business users only)
initial rental + VAT
17" alloy wheels
Rain sensing wipers Touch® 2 multimedia with Go navigation
Reversing camera
IMPRESS COLLEAGUES, ENTICE CLIENTS, BAFFLE FINANCE. MAINTENANCE†
Farmer & Carlisle Toyota 129 Welford Road, Leicester. LE2 6BE Tel: 0116 285 2851
Belton Road, Loughborough. LE11 1ND Tel: 01509 215 731
/FarmerCarlisle @farmercarlisle
farmercarlisle.toyota.co.uk Model shown is MY15 Avensis Saloon Business Edition 4 door 1.6 D-4D Manual £21,995. Price excludes metallic paint at £495. *Business Users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Available on new sales of model shown when ordered and proposed for finance between 1st July and 30th September 2015, registered and financed by 31st December 2015 through Toyota Financial Services on Toyota Contract Hire. Advertised rental is based on a 2 year non maintained contract at 8,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £1,080+VAT. Metallic or pearlescent paint are not included. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. At participating Toyota Centres. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC. Registered Office: Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty subject to terms and conditions. Protection pack includes mud flaps, boot liner, scuff plates and rear bumper plate. †Free service and maintenance pack is available on model shown when used in conjunction with a Toyota Contract Hire agreement. Ordered and proposed for finance between 1st July and 30th September 2015, registered and financed by 31st December 2015. Cover includes scheduled servicing, maintenance and tyre replacement due to fair wear and tear, available up to 24 months or 40,000 miles, whichever is soonest. Toyota Roadside Assistance is available up to 24 months.
MY 2015 Avensis Business Edition Saloon 1.6 D-4D Manual. Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 55.4 (5.1), Extra Urban 76.3 (3.7), Combined 67.3 (4.2). CO2 Emissions 109g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated test results. These are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.
Enjoy the ride with Total Motion Over the last 10-15 years not a lot has changed in vehicle leasing, except when you speak to the team at Total Motion. Following several years working for established vehicle leasing and fleet management companies, Simon Hill knew that there must be a better way to empower businesses and individuals to improve, and to use their vehicles as part of that process. And so, starting from his home office, Simon began to create Total Motion, revolutionising the market, and Total Motion have continued to do just that since 1998. When you’re ready to revolutionise the way your vehicle works for you, or your business, then a simple phone call could open up possibilities you didn’t know were out there. These are not a staid and stuffy leasing company, but an enthusiastic and exciting family team who appreciate that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to their business. Total Motion is now the UK’s largest independently owned and run leasing and fleet management provider. Based in Leicester at the Meridian Business Park, the FN50 (Fleet News Top 50) listed vehicle management company are experts at supplying the right vehicles for their customers: constantly looking
for ways to innovate and improve every driver’s experience, develop new solutions and find new ways of funding to suit circumstances, budgets and preferences. Through a formula of proactive and accessible account management, creativity and passion for their business and yours, Total Motion are transforming the way that vehicle leasing and fleet management works. For SMEs and individuals they have extensive options, to suit any requirements or preferences; via contract leasing or hire purchase arrangements, they can help to source and manage your business leasing, personal leasing, vans, pickups and even prestige cars. They provide the highest level of service on Leicester’s doorstep, able to arrange specialised vehicles such as catering or scientific vans, or bespoke minibuses for care homes or schools.
management and compliance. Through developing relationships with their clients, Total Motion’s team are able to provide a comprehensive insight of your business’ needs. Their partnership approach and experience enables them to advise you on everything from whole life costs and least cost routing to fleet outsourcing, and providing round the clock fleet driver support to ensure your business’ requirements are met; efficiently, completely and affordably. With tailored packages individual to every client, it makes sense to add their expertise and insight into your business’ repertoire. Southpoint House, Harcourt Way Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1WP www.totalmotion.co.uk sales@totalmotion.co.uk 0116 251 1122 Total Motion Vehicle Management @TotalMotionUK
Whether you require one vehicle or a fleet, Total Motion can provide you with the best solutions to deliver cost savings, drive you towards company objectives and keep your business moving forward. Total Motion offers you as much, or as little, support as your business wants; from sourcing your vehicle(s), servicing and maintenance and accident management to advising on fuel NICHE | 175
What’s on
Lederhosen, lager and Leicester Across the UK crowds have been revelling in one of Germany’s most infamous traditions, and Leicester is no exception, with this year’s event the biggest ever, including a 2,500 person tent filled with long tables, perfect for a spot of dancing! For 5 days this summer Abbey Park was transformed to a scene akin to those in Munich as people took the opportunity to don their Lederhosen and sample a giant stein of lager, people from across the country enjoyed a taste of Oktoberfest (and bratwurst) and brought the 200-year old tradition to the Midlands.
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With beer brewed especially for the event (Bavaria festbeer), brewed in Germany according to the German purity law and Bavarian bands flown in from Southern Germany to perform renditions of traditional songs such 'Zikke Zakke' and 'Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit'; the people of Leicester embraced much more than the lager as they sung, danced and partied Bavarian style. “I never thought I would stand on the benches and sing along - I'll definitely be back.” George, Birmingham.
What’s On
16 OCT – 7 NOV A CURVE PRODUCTION
CHARLIE BROOKS as Blanche
STEWART CLARKE as Stanley
AT WORK WITH CURVE AND…
• • • • •
Raise your brand profile Entertain your clients in our iconic venue Network with a diverse range of businesses Reward and engage your employees Fulfil CSR objectives – we are a registered charity, serving our communities
For more information call Sunita Patel on 0116 242 3597 Email development@curvetheatre.co.uk Or visit www.curveonline.co.uk/business Curve_Niche Full Page_advert_01.indd 1
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Friday 4th September China Black Friday 11th September Gareth John Friday 18th September Aswad Saturday 19th September Colin Francis Friday 25th September Detroit Soul Friday 2nd October Soul Education (formerly known as The White Keys) Sunday 4th October UB40 Experience Friday 9th October Ti Funk Saturday 10th October Trevor Nelson
Friday 6th November Soul Education (formerly known as The White Keys) Friday 13th November Gareth John Friday 20th November Funk Soul Brothers Friday 27th November Family Funk Friday 4th December Detroit Soul Friday 11th December Gwen Dickey Friday 18th December The Real Thing Sunday 20th December Alexander O’Neal
Sunday 25th October Violet Cities
Saturday 26th December Soul Education (formerly known as The White Keys)
Friday 30th October Supatight
Thursday 31st December Celebrate (Kool & The Gang Tribute)
Opening to a fantastic response and with the one and only Lemar in July was Leicester’s newest music venue: Jukebox. The brainchild of Shane Whitfield, co-owner of KKong Events, Jukebox brings the very best in soul, funk and RnB to the city centre, with live music every Friday and DJ’s playing mixes of the biggest hits every Saturday night. Shane explained, “There’s a big soul following in Leicester, but before Jukebox there was nowhere really to go for this genre of music. I had the idea and was waiting for a venue, so when Rockafella’s became available, I jumped at the chance.”
live music and DJ’s, celebrating hits from the seventies, eighties and nineties.
Key to the club’s success to date has been not only the staggering reception from the people of Leicester, but the unique “Everyone loves the 70’s and 80’s, atmosphere this club and the even if you weren’t there the first music creates; there’s nothing time around! The music from these quite like it. decades is renowned for its feelwww.jukeboxleicester.co.uk good factor and timeless quality, and I wanted to bring that feeling Jukeboxleics right up to date, with a modern venue and some of the best acts @jukeboxleics in the business,” Shane told us.
Performances to date have included an eclectic mix of old and new in the form of tribute to Bruno Mars and Tina Turner, as well as some amazing groups such as ‘The Real Thing’ (the UK’s most successful rock/soul act during the 1970s); with the next big billing, Aswad (infamous The old Rockafella’s venue in St. for bringing reggae, soul and Nicholas Place is the ideal location RnB to the masses since the for the funky, unique feel which 1970s), hitting the stage on 18th Jukebox epitomises. A listed September; guaranteed to be an converted factory, it benefits amazing night. from a vast space for party-goers to throw some shapes on the We asked Shane how he dancefloor and bare brick walls managed to secure such a wide which enhance the retro feel. The variety of acts and celebrities club itself is housed on one floor, for the club?, “I’m lucky in that divided into a bar area and the through KKong Events, I have stage and dancefloor, for some made an impression on the events serious dancing! industry over the past five years and built our reputation on And, if you are looking for quality, innovation and something a little more intimate, inspiration. As a result, I the club offers 2 VIP booths for have formed some amazing hire for just £250 for 10 people, relationships, in the UK and including £250 of drinks to help abroad, and they are really get your party started. supportive and keen to get involved with this new venture.” Party-goers of Leicester have already shown just how funky they are, with several packed nights of
Welcome Drink Background Music Icebreaker Introductions
comes to Leicester
1st October 2015 - Jukebox, St Nicolas Circle, Leicester LE1 4LD Mingle with our singles and meet your mate Get involved in Leicester’s hottest dating and introductory night hosted by Midlands thesingle-mingle.com It’s the launch party so expect the loveboat to be well and truly pushed out! There will be fun and games in Leicester’s newset live music venue - Jukebox For our first party in Leicester there is no theme or limitations, open to all, get booked in, let your hair down and get involved! We’ll be rolling out our “visual system” to help all attendees and they’ll be some icebreakers to get things started. And some surprises too! “Its all about face to face, talking to people - old school, getting to know people.”
Book your tickets online now at EventBrite.co.uk (search Single Mingle), just £15. Tickets also available at the venue. All details will be available through Facebook and Twitter - follow us! Book your tickets on EventBrite ‘search single mingle’
For more information email info@thesingle-mingle.com or call 07711 043 901
thesingle-mingle.com is a monthly event: 5th November Chutney Ivy, Lounge Bar - Spice Date 10th December Manhatten 34, Basement Bar - Cocktail Party 7th January The Exchange Bar, Cellar Bar - The post-Xmas Swap Shop 12th February The City Rooms Leicester - The AntiValentine Ball
EARLY
£40.0 BIRD O book 0 per pe FFER r e spac d into fir son if es e ach st 50 nigh t
Celebrate this Christmas in style - be entertained with live music and dance the night away at our festive Christmas Party Nights. Our shared or private party nights include a 4 course Christmas meal - the perfect way to celebrate Christmas 2015 and make it one to remember.
4th, 11th & 18th December
. 70’s Disco Theme . Tribute Show . Party Set with a Disco
5th, 12th & 19th December
. Swing Theme . Tribute Show . Party Set with a Disco
The Heatwaves
g Thing Paul Tayler’s Swin
For further details or to make a booking please contact one of our friendly hospitality team members. Leicester Racecourse Conference & Events Centre t: 0116 271 6515 e: conference@leicester-racecourse.com Leicester Racecourse
@LeicesterRaces
Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL w: www.leicester-racecourse.com
Leicester Racecourse
Leicester Racecourse
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What’s On
What’s On in Leicester this Autumn? Renowned for its history, culture and vibrancy, Leicester does not fail to delight visitors and residents this autumn, with a jam-packed diary of events from galleries to festivals, music, drama and even some horror. We’ve selected some of our favourites for you to choose from; Secret Egypt: Unravelling truth from myth New Walk Museum Now until 27th September The exhibition contains objects including statuary, coffins, stelae, ceramics, jewellery and animal and human mummies. Leicester Pride Victoria Park 5th September 12.00 - 20.00 Leicester’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival; starting with a spectacular parade through the city and on to the ever popular event on Victoria Park which includes live music, market stalls and funfair rides Outdoor Shakespeare: William Shakespeare’s Henry IV (Parts I & II) Saturday 5th September 19.30 – 22.00 (Doors open at 19.00) Jewry Wall Museum Enjoy a unique experience as Shakespeare’s infamous Henry IV is performed al fresco. Everybody’s Reading Festival 26th September - 4th October Various Venues Something for all ages with author talks, live music, workshops, storytelling and pop-up poetry. Continental Market 28th October - 1st November Gallowtree Gate, Humberstone Gate and Clock Tower The award-winning continental market returns to Leicester, welcoming market traders from across the globe to serve up delicious treats and hand-crafted goods this autumn. Diwali: the festival of light 1st - 15th November City Centre Join Leicester’s annual celebration of the festival of light, including a programme of Diwali activities around the city centre and outdoor public spaces. There are too many fantastic events planned in the city this autumn for us to include them all (we’d need a separate magazine), for more events and to filll your autumn with culture, music and lots of family fun, visit www.visitleicester.info
Perfecting your event, planning for success Event planning, whether an intimate party or a large corporate conference, can be filled with potholes for someone trying to navigate their way alone. Island Events, based in Leicestershire, are working with the best venues across the region to host a wide range of events open to the public or exclusive to you. With many years’ experience and a passion for perfection, Island Events take your vision and transform it into a unique, impressive event for any occasion. The team look after every aspect of your event from planning to delivery; anything you need to make your vision a reality. Coming up this year they have several events for rugby fans; that will be screening England’s key matches as well as the cup final, followed by live music and DJ’s to celebrate our success! Island Events have also been selected to host the The Christmas Club at the Cow & Plough, a series of winter wonderland themed events providing magical Christmas celebrations throughout December, featuring live bands, DJ’s and a spectacular three course meal to celebrate the final appearance of the Cow & Plough’s fantastic marquee; this is a year you don’t want to miss! For more information on upcoming events or, to start planning yours, visit www.islandevents.co.uk
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