NICHE Fa s h i o n
B u s i n e s s
H e a l t h
Fo o d
Tra ve l
magazine Issue 3
Talk business Advice from some of Leicester’s leading businesses
New Year New you!
A brand new year so why not make it a brand new you to match?
Niche’s Gift Guide Inspiring gift ideas for your other half
Don’t move,
improve
Create your dream property, without the hassle of moving!
Brighten up your home with Chrysalis Interior Design
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Contents
4. Don’t Move, Improve
Moving home is quite the task (check out our house buying guide for reasons why!) so we look at ways and means to improve your home so that moving isn’t a must.
16. Ask the Professionals
Sometimes things need to be done by the professionals. Take a look at some of the professionals that we recommend from various areas that will make your life easier!
18. Stoneygate
Our spotlight on shopping in Stoneygate lets you in on our favourite Leicestershire shopping area secret.
26. New Year, New You
Sticking to those New Year Resolutions? We hope so, peruse our recommended professionals and services to help you stick to the new you.
36. Pet’s Corner
Our pets are a vital part of the family so why not spoil them a little? We feature some great pet pampering essentials and news of Crufts 2014.
38. Valentine’s
It’s St Valentine time again! But panic not, take a peek at our gift guide for inspiration to win over your loved one.
Company Director: Jenny Cross - jenny@crossproductions.co.uk - 0116 2712573
www.nichemagazine.co.uk
72. Talk Business
Businesses grow through talking, whether it’s with other businesses or communicating effectively with clients and customers. Get networking people!
90. Care & Education
Two subjects we are very passionate about at Niche HQ. Take a look at our recommendations in both the care and education sector.
Design: Rachael Bambrough - design@crossproductions.co.uk
Postal Address: Cross Productions, 17 Mandervell Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5LR
Distribution: Media Matters Direct - www.mediamattersdirect.co.uk
We love weddings here at Niche! Win tickets for the brilliant National Wedding Show at the NEC this Spring.
Editor: Sally Smith - sally@crossproductions.co.uk - 0116 2712573
Head of Operations: Leanne Baker - leanne@crossproductions.co.uk - 0116 2712753 Editorial Director: Emily Kirton - editorials@crossproductions.co.uk - 07944116816
64. Weddings
Published by: Cross Productions Ltd
Email: info@crossproductions.co.uk Telephone: 0116 2712573
NICHE 03
Chrysalis Interior Design
Don’t Move
improve
Moving house is no walk in the park, from the estate agent trials and tribulations to cleaning it every time someone is booked to review (and then not turning up! grrrr) through to the paperwork of sale, finding your new home and everything else in between, it’s stressful to say the least, and don’t even start with the costs involved! With this in mind we want to show you the advantages of staying put, with companies offering services which will transform your existing home into to get the home you want… all without having to move house. Give it a makeover. Whether you want to go for a complete home revamp or simply add a few pieces and a lick of paint, freshening up a room or two could be exactly what you needed to start loving home again. Think carefully about your choices, go for pieces of furniture that are timeless like those from Charlie’s Pine & Oak (www.charliespineandoak.co.uk ), a family run business since 1995; they know their furniture! See if you can extend your property, if you are considering moving due to lack of space this is a good one! Of course it will cost but could be a worthwhile investment for your property in the long run. Oh and enlist the services of an interior designer, our front cover feature Chrysalis Interior Design is more affordable than you would think and enlisting the experts could get you loving home once again. All that said, if your home simply isn’t in an area you want anymore, we can’t help you on that one! So stay put, don’t move….improve.
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Leicestershire’s Roof Repair Specialists With a large team of highly experienced expert tradesmen on hand with over 180 years -of combined experience we can confidently say we are the Leicestershire’s leading roofing specialists. We offer roof repairs, replacements, installations, from a pitched roof or a flat roof, facias or soffits, gutters or chimneys. Call for a free no obligation chat or quotation and let us help you to find the right solution for your needs.
T: 0116 267 7177
info@monoroofing.co.uk
www.monoroofing.co.uk
Gifts for Green Fingers
New green Duck Tape® The perfect accessory for greenfingered gardeners to make discreet on-the-spot gardening and DIY fixes. £4.49 and is available from all good DIY stores
Nothing is more satisfying than growing your own food, plants and flowers! From full alotments to a window box in your kitchen - it’s possible for anyone. We have found our favourite products to help you get going and get green in the new year!
Delight Hand & Body Cream
Parrot Flower Power A wireless Bluetooth low-energy sensor for your plants that will inform you of their needs thanks to a dedicated application. Moisture, light, temperate and fertilizer levels are all measured and compared live against a botanical database to ensure your plants remain healthy. Available at £49.99 at www.parrot. com/uk
Delight, the new high-performance creamy moisturiser from Antipodes, is a winter skincare essential. It combines a sweet fragrance of vintage gardenia with silky macadamia nut oil, to hydrate and leave skin cushiony smooth. £24.99 / 120ml / antipodesnature.com
Gardening Jersey from Genus Performance Gardenwear Mini Kadai The Mini Kadai is a great present for anybody. Not only does it look really cute but it’s also really useful. With a 30cm diameter this handy little Kadai is a portable bbq and firebowl in one! Give a great gift this Christmas, give a Mini Kadai! Price £99 from www.bigfire.co.uk
This lightweight,soft-touch Jersey with half zip is a treat for gardeners. The extra long sleeves and thumb loop give wrist protection when gardening. Available in men and womens styles in Duck Egg blue and a rich, vibrant Orange. Price £49, www.genus.gs.
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch Gardening is a leading cause of back pain and muscle injuries, so Salonpas is a perfect solution for muscle recovery. Unlike tablets, Salonpas® is applied directly to the site of pain, where its two active ingredients are absorbed through the skin to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. £4.99 available from Boots.
Stand Alone Alarm from home security specialist Yale They are the ideal gift for gardening lovers because they offer peace of mind whilst gardeners are away. They protect high value gardening tools or prized gardening possessions in sheds, garages and outbuildings. RRP £25.99, available from Homebase and Amazon.
NICHE 05
Transforming your Home Chrysalis-Style
A New Year brings with it the promise of new beginnings and a new, re-styled home (rather than a costly brand new one!) could be just what you need to gain greater clarity and freshness in your life in 2014. Bringing a fresh designer look to your home with the help of an interior designer really isn’t as expensive as you might think! Samantha, owner of Chrysalis Interior Design, offers luxury home transformations at affordable prices; “Having an interior designer isn’t just for the rich and famous of this world, far from it. My aim is to provide decorative advice and refurbishment ideas for your home using carefully selected pieces and ideas which will last through trends - which ultimately will save you money in the long term! An experienced and passionate interior designer Samantha is keen to share her contacts and home visions with you; “Over the years I have built up some great relationships with suppliers and can help you achieve a luxury look for your home at affordable high street style prices. The healthy trade discounts I get are always passed onto my clients and I can vary how I work with a client so I can simply consult on a project on an hourly basis, leaving the client to implement my advice themselves and I can just come in near the end of the project again to help finish it off.
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Meeting with you and discussing your likes and dislikes, your budget, lifestyle and personality Samantha transforms your home with your individuality as a guide. Chrysalis really does turn your home from a caterpillar into the butterfly it ought to be! Chrysalis’ services are available to you whatever your budget or scale of assistance, with the home makeover and moving in services Samantha and her experience can add those touches to your home that will make all the difference to your comfort and its style, at a fraction of the cost for a complete space design. However, should you really be feeling the desire to move rather than improve Chrysalis can help with that too. 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. You can use the photographs of the staged home in your Rightmove/Agency profile which will dramatically help you get more viewings. Statistics show that staged homes sell for 10-15% more on average than identical unstaged homes. That’s a huge increase in
value, if your home is worth £150k, that’s potentially an extra £15-£20k which is not to be sniffed at. Home Staging is all about neutralising a home, de-cluttering and staging it a little bit like a show home just for the duration of the sale. This helps potential buyers connect with a house they view, rather than if it is visibly full of the current owners things. It is all about spending as little as possible to create a maximum impact and results can be had from a spend of as little a few hundred pounds. So if you really have to move house, Home Staging is the way forward! So, 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.
Web: www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com & www.chrysalishomestaging.com Tel: 0121 6476709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID
Making a Debut in 2013, Beulah-Home is geared to meet all our customer’s needs for luxury fashionable knitted homewares for the living space. Our products are constantly reviewed and refreshed to give customers a choice of style, patterns and texture, whilst guaranteeing high quality standards.
Jenny Bell designs a range of unique gifts from her original Watercolour paintings. Designs are inspired by the British countryside. From hanging hearts to mugs most items can also be personalised. There is also a range of children's mugs & money boxes. Jennifer & Adrian Bell work from their home in County Durham & sell through their website:
To meet every household’s needs, our products include luxury knitted cushions and throws, fashionable knitted pet blankets and stylish yet soft knitted kids’ blankets and cushions. It is our aim to inform our customers about the Beulah-Home ethos, and that by purchasing a product they are helping to revitalise the British knitting industry by in creating new jobs and investing in skills. All our products are knitted and manufactured within Great Britain.
www.jennybell.co.uk
E-mail: info@beulah-home.com Tel : + 44 (0) 203 287 6255 Web : www.beulah-home.com
www.housekeepingstore.co.uk
6 Francis Street, Leicester, LE2 2BD Tel: 0116 270 0885
Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 - 5pm NICHE 07
Village Chic
Julie Williamson Design Unique, beautiful and practical interior products and gifts designed using digital and screen printed fabric. Creating a wealth of designs drawing on the rich heritage and culture of her Shetland homeland, Julie Williamson's natural world and story telling influences can be seen within every design. Purchase online at: www.juliewilliamsondesigns.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulieWilliamsonDesigns
8 High St Sileby Leicestershire LE12 7RX
www.villagechic.co.uk 01509 812035 Choose any Colour & Finish
Retain the original features of your kitchen
Adds value to your home
Give your kitchen a NEW lease of life! 85%
SAVINGS over any replacem ent option
PROFESSIONAL SPRAYING FROM Kdec Transform your tired and out-of-date kitchen into a modern and stylish kitchen to be proud of
Call us for a FREE quote to transform your kitchen on 07534 493 581 or visit www.kdec.co.uk 130334 A5 2pp leaflet RO v4.indd 08
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20/12/2013 15:14
LOVE SHUTTERS
15% LOVE YOUR HOME LOVE OUR SHUTTERS For a limited time only, we are offering our customers a fantastic 15% off S:CRAFT’s stunning range of made-to-measure interior window shutters, the perfect compliment to every window and home. Transform your home and take advantage of 15% OFF S:CRAFT shutters when you order by 14th February 2014. Call 0116 2776749 email ccblinds@yahoo.com web www.countesthorpeblinds.co.uk
Carpet Cleaner Dry in 1hr
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- email or call Stuart for
FREE ADVICE Before
After
• Carpet Cleaning • Suites - Leather and Fabric • Oriental Carpets/Rugs • Curtain Cleaning Stuart Simpson carries out the cleaning himself with all the care and skill you would expect from someone with a wealth of experience and knowledge.
call 01509 412797 0116 298 7082 *when patented Texatherm cleaning system used
email stuart@the professionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk visit www.theprofessionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk
OFF
ORdeR beFORe VAlenTine’S dAy 2014
British Made Unique Design Beulah-Home’s ethos and commitment to high quality, handmade design is creating quite a stir in the UK interiors market. With a stunning collection of unique cushion and throw designs, their home ware pieces can transform a room with the subtlety of good, lasting design and high quality pieces. Their excusive range is updated and refreshed continuously as a natural progression to reflect a vast range of styles, patterns and textures yet their high quality and classic designs means each piece stands the test of time in the style stakes. Each item offers a blank canvas interior the perfect accent in vibrant design or, for houses with interior colours and more décor pieces Beulah -Home will have a design to complement perfectly. The knitted home ware pieces are inspired by vintage knitted patterns and jacquards to create contemporary designs using traditional knitted manufacturing machinery. Each design is made using the highest quality materials such as luxurious cottons, metallic threads and a fusion of natural and man-made yarns. Created in the UK, one of Beulah Home’s goals from the outset was to create products that would revitalise the British knitting industry providing new jobs and investing in traditional skills and it’s certainly something they have and continue to do so as the business thrives. Aside from the beautifully individually named cushions the Beulah -Home collection also includes throws, fashionable knitted pet blankets and perfectly soft children’s blankets. Each piece makes the perfect addition to your home; Beulah - Home’s collection can add those finishing touches or refresh your home in an instant with timeless, stylish design. www.beulah-home.com
NICHE 09
www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com & www.chrysalishomestaging.com 10
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Ring The Changes 4.
H ap py N e w Ye ar ! It’s the start of a new year and with that comes all the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come in the next 12 months; everything’s so full of possibility! The focus of this issue of Niche Magazine is all about “Don’t Move, Improve” and where better than the Luxury Living section to get to grips with this subject?
3.
We are still in post-recession recovery and even though the property market is starting to pick up again, many people are choosing to stay put in their homes and renovate instead! Improving your house can mean anything from full-blown building work to simply redecorating a room or two and anything in between. Even just rearranging your furniture can have a massive impact on how your home feels, and it doesn’t cost a penny!
5. 1. Mayfair Black Chair: The French Bedroom Company £395 www.chrysalisinteriordesign/hotpicks A gorgeous studded boudoir chair. Elegant, timeless, classic. It really does speak for itself. Perfect for a bedroom or living space for a bit of old school glamour. 2. Joseph Abboud Monterey Silver Rug: Funky Rugs £199 www.chrysalisinteriordesign/hotpicks A beautiful textured ivory and silver rug. The silver circles are a raised texture from the cream pile. Breathtaking! Available in 3 sizes. Would look amazing in a bedroom or living room. 3. Very Ornate Black Wall Mirror: French Mirror Company £425 www.chrysalisinteriordesign/hotpicks Mirrors are great for bouncing light around and making rooms seem bigger – perfect for improving a home! One of the best ways to refresh a space is to use a mirror and this is one of the biggest and best. Oozing glamour and seduction, great for bedrooms or even hallways 4. Arc Black & Gold Metal Floor Lamp: Graham & Green £225 www.chrysalisinteriordesign/hotpicks This stunning arc style floor lamp will add some serious glamour to your living space. I adore it! 5. Jocelyn Warner Wallpaper: Lace £59 per roll www.chrysalisinteriordesign/hotpicks A gorgeous wallpaper, reminiscent of old lace but with a modern twist. Comes in 5 lovely colours and I can’t choose between White and Grey! Shown here in White. Would make a stunning feature wall or alcove
A great way to ring the changes throughout the year is to start with a neutral base and then accessorize with splashes of colour in cushions, throws, ornaments, artwork. Then you can easily swap out a few cushions in a different colour - very little effort but it still feels like a huge change. This way you can fall in love with your home all over again. Here’s to 2014 and all of its potential!
Samantha x NICHE 11
Specialists in design, manufacture and installation of bespoke furniture
NEW SHOWROOM: Charnwood House, Waterworks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 4HW T: 01530 835 834 F: 01530 813 352 E: enquiries@charnwoodkitchens.co.uk
www.charnwoodkitchens.co.uk
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Breath-taking design and exceptional craftsmanship The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, the place the whole family gathers and the place the cook in the household spends a majority of their time. The right kitchen can, put simply, make a house ‘work’. By renovating your kitchen, rather than moving for example, you can create a home that you love and that works for you and your needs at a fraction of the cost of a move. With over 30 years' experience in the industry and a range of state of the art technology, Charnwood Kitchens & Interiors is at the forefront of kitchen design. Through exceptional craftsmanship using materials sourced from highly reputable suppliers, Charnwood create all the furniture for your kitchen within their workshop facilities. Built to order based on extensive communication with you the client, a Charnwood Kitchen is always created with your lifestyle in mind; “The team at Charnwood Kitchens & Interiors work closely with our clients engaging on all issues such as design intention, lifestyle behaviour and most importantly, their needs. We firmly believe that working in partnership with our clients is the secret to the successful completion of their project.”
www.charnwoodkitchens.co.uk Visit the showroom to experience the quality craftsmanship for yourself: Charnwood Kitchens and Interiors Ltd. Charnwood House Waterworks Road Coalville Leicestershire LE67 4HW
However, it’s not just Kitchens that Charnwood are skilled at; they also offer a vast and impressive range of furniture for your bedroom and study as well as a bespoke furniture service for your home.
“Our philosophy is to offer premium, quality kitchens combined with the best design and service, and all for a great value price.”
7 3 St Jo h n s , E n d e r by, L e i c e s t e r, L E 1 9 2 B S
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w w w. c h a r l i e s pi n e a n d o a k . c o. u k NICHE 13
Niche’s House Buying Tips You have decided to buy a home - but what next? The maze of legal work, negotiations, dealing with surveyors and solicitors, finding a good mortgage deal and worrying about your deal falling through, on top of actually hunting down the home of your dreams, is enough to make you want to retreat to the easiness of rental…however persist dear readers and you could have the home of your dreams. There are ways in which this crazy time can be made easier…here are just a few of our tips (drawn from recent experience on how to make the move smoother!)
Know what you are looking for One of the first things you need to do is sort out your finances! The financial bit needs sound advice so seek banks with great mortgage advisors or new builds who offer advice and plans for part exchange and shared ownership. Once the finance is sorted work out the location you want to move and the type of house, new build, old house that needs work etc. If you go for old do you have the budget to do it up to how you want it? Check out local schools and amenities, even knock on a few locals and ask how they find the area!
Let the fun commence! Now it’s time for the viewings, see lots! Then see them again! No-one wants to put homeowners out by pestering them too much, but it’s an important decision and you need to feel sure it’s the right one. When first seeing a property drive past it before booking a viewing, if you aren’t keen on the area then there is no point in booking a viewing! Then, if you like it go at different times of the day to see what it’s really like.
Time to move You got it! Moving day can be a stressful one, plan, plan, label and plan again…there’s no way round it, but at the end of it you can put your feet up in your new home with a smile on your face. Until it comes to sorting the changes of address and bill bit that is!
Ticket Giveaway!! We have 5 pairs of tickets to The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, NEC, Birmingham, 27-30 March 2014! Send your name and contact details to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk before the closing date of March 12th 2014 with the subject ‘Homebuilding’ for your chance to win! For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 1377.
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Is Your Home Your Castle? An easy guide to help you decide whether to extend or move
SLM Building Contractors give you some inside information about how the latest changes in Planning Law could help you to get automatic approval for your house extension for a Home-Office, Games Room or a Granny Annexe..
Good for you: Did you know that the Government has relaxed some of the Planning rules for residential properties so that you can automatically extend up to 8 Metres for a detached house, and up to 6 metres for a semi-detached house, (subject to compliance with other planning regulations.)
SLM Builders are one of Leicestershire’s established and experienced Builders, who specialise in building high spec new-build properties ; like the fantastic new-build developments at Old Dalby and Stanton on the Wolds; and their Commercial section have rebuilt and refurbished a lot of business premises, like the Golden Fleece Public House at South Croxton and the The Grey Goose in Gilmorton.
Mark Daniels, MD of SLM Building Contractors says: “This is a huge benefit to Homeowners, there is just no point having a 5 metre extension when you can go straight for an 8 metre one – not much added to the cost, but enormous benefits in the final room sizes; and while this lasts, people can avoid the ‘chaotic’ Planning system and get their projects moving, without all the burocracy.”
Keep Calm and Stay Put: So, stay in your homes is the message from SLM Builders… moving house is always an expensive process and this expense could be better used in making your current home into your ideal residence and adding to its value. Although extending does have a cost, the moving process itself can add at least £8,000 to buying any new property taken up in things like: Stamp Duty, Solicitors fees, Estate Agents Fees, Mortgage set up Fees, extra Life Insurance, and Removal costs, the list seems to be endless….. Mark Daniels says “I wonder how many businesses realise that this this also applies to commercial properties? I think any relaxation to the planning system is generally good news and we can certainly help clients decipher what will require permission and what will not; so they can take full advantage of this temporary reform.”
With commercial property being so expensive to build from new, it is a real boom to local businesses to have an experienced Building Contractor who can take a dilapidated building and rebuild it to a high standard, with a change of use from say industrial storage to plush offices. It is certainly good to know that SLM are working within the ISO9001 Quality Management Certification and are already accredited by all the big Industry regulators, including: NHBC, Environment Agency, CSCS, Exor, FMB, Constructionline, and CHAS. So, this could be a perfect time to add value to your property, and really go for that two storey or wraparound extension, the Hot tub, Fitness Studio, Games room and full width folding doors. After all, if you like the rest of your house, you like your neighbours, and you love the area; then why not give Mark at SLM a call and find out just how easy it could be for you to achieve your hopes and dreams to re-build your home into your Englishman’s Castle…..
SLM Builders, 37 Melrose Street, Leicester LE4 6FD T: 0116 276 5333 F: 0116 261 1919 E: slmbuilders@btconnect.com
Ask the professionals
Top tips for three key areas of your home:
Luxury bedroom
Spaces
1. Painting Painting is a fast and inexpensive way to transform a room giving satisfyingly instant results. Prepare the walls first by using a caulking gun to fill gaps between skirting boards or architraves and walls with flexible filler. Use a tube of ready mixed filler and palette knife or old store card to fill small cracks and holes in walls. Paint ceilings first using a medium pile roller and wear protective glasses. Paint woodwork with an easy to apply acrylic wood paint. When dry use ‘Frogtape’ to mask around room. When using a roller, load well with paint and remove excess on tray. Use steady motions and go over each section with a very light roller action for a smooth finish.
2. Wallpapering Females are ‘DIY-ing’ it for themselves Julia Kendell, spokesperson for The Home Improvement Show, is championing a new generation of DIY females – women who aren’t scared of pulling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty! She believes that women are just as capable as men when it comes to home improvement.
Bold wallpaper patterns are very popular and add perspective to a room. Before wallpapering, sand walls back and fill any cracks. ‘Size’ walls using thinned down paste and leave to dry. Measure 52cm from the corner and either use a ‘plumb line’ or a long level to enable a pencil line to be drawn. Hang the first strip of paper to this line. Starting at the top, work down using a damp sponge to smooth wallpaper and push bubbles out to the edges. Trim the top and bottom edges with a sharp blade or scissors. Pattern match to the edge of the first strip allowing a couple of inches top and bottom.
“In my experience, DIY is about having the right tools and clear instructions or guidance – not gender! Small improvements around 3. Transform furniture the home can do wonders for its Forget the flat-pack, an unloved item of old overall appearance and women furniture can be transformed with a lick of can get involved at all levels to paint. Use a vibrant paint to rework the inside give rooms a new lease of life! I of an old dresser and provide a backdrop to have compiled a list of top tips for contemporary dressings. Chairs can be sprayed women, from beginners to experts, with paint to provide a smooth surface, or use strips of fabric to make a patchwork look, then which will help with their quest for lacquer to give a durable finish. Carefully sand their dream home.” edges back to give a vintage feel to painted furniture.
Julia Kendell will be at The Home Improvement Show (27-30 March 2014) at Birmingham’s NEC to provide visitors with advice on interiors and DIY tips. For more information on the show, exhibitors, seminar schedules and tickets visit www.improveyourhomeshow.co.uk
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with
Frances James explains that when it comes to modern day living, storage is one of the
most important aspects people consider, especially in the bedroom. The function of the Whatever you have in your home should bedroom has remained unchanged for centuries, yet we are aspiring to a be much more luxurious, design led environment. Master suites are now designed and created to satisfy everya need in the one space, making our morning routines much moreand enjoyable. The there for reason, cluttered bedrooms bedroom, en suite and dressing room are becoming a crucial part of the design process. over furnished spaces can be detrimental to relaxation. Creating a visually calming environment that is clutter free, can only help to free the mind and ensure a plentiful slumber. Everything within a home should have a home. With so many options in bed furniture, the compositions are endless. Upholstery has returned combined with sleek design to offer a much softer sleeping sanctuary.
A
rchitects and developers have recognised the demand for this type of living space and subsequently are splitting the proportions of bedroom spaces to accommodate the different functions of bathing, sleeping and dressing. We are seeing this in new build proposals, where by bedroom spaces may be slightly smaller to allow for larger dressing and bathing areas. Equally in renovation projects, we are suggesting smaller sleeping areas, to allow for other zones that provide this ‘boutique hotel’ style of living. Dressing areas are becoming an organised space, with countless options for variations of hanging, storing and shelving to suit every aspect of one’s wardrobe. These range from LED illuminated lighting rails, pull down hanging rails for easy access, compartments and pull-out options for every garment type. All aspects are considered from the interior finish to the doors and handle types. Doors are available in a range of finishes, natural wood materials to sleek matt and gloss lacquered finishes. Media centres and TVs can be built into the face
of wardrobes, again combining multiple functions in the one space. Wardrobes are becoming part of the architecture of a room as opposed to an item of free-standing furniture, helping create that simple seamless look. Optimising materials and textures can allow for a much more sumptuous and relaxing sleeping area. Whatever you have in your home should be there for a reason, cluttered bedrooms and over furnished spaces can be detrimental to relaxation. Creating a visually calming environment that is clutter free, can only help to free the mind and ensure a plentiful slumber. Everything within a home should have a home. With so many options in bed furniture, the compositions are endless. Upholstery has returned combined with sleek design to offer a much softer sleeping sanctuary. Oversized quilted headboards are becoming a design must along with clever use of materials, textures and lighting. Beds that appear to float using clear Perspex supports to create illusions of space. Wallpaper is making a huge comeback and rightly so as it can provide that much needed aspect of colour or texture
in a room, whether used as a feature, on all four walls, or in frames for a more specific touch it can change the look and feel of a room immediately. Lighting is the most under estimated factor in all living spaces, but is crucial in a bedroom suite environment; it can help to create various moods or atmospheres. As your body winds down, so should the lighting, using dimmer switches and decorative lighting help to achieve this. Ensure soft lighting for bedtime reading, all lighting should be controllable from the bedside. Electrical items that we are so accustom to, only prevent one’s ability to switch off, so should be kept to a minimum in this space. Our lives are so fast paced and stressful, our relaxation and recuperation time becomes so precious. Design is influenced by the way we live, so by consulting a design professional who can understand your lifestyle and needs, your daily routine can become a more pleasurable and effective experience. For further details, please call 0116 262 4440 or email info@pluginteriors.com www.pluginteriors.com
Oversized quilted headboards arewww. becoming a thebeaconmagazine.co.uk design must along with clever use of materials, textures and lighting. Beds that appear to float using clear Perspex supports to create illusions of space.
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Wallpaper is making a huge comeback and rightly so as it can provide that much needed aspect of colour or texture in a room, whether used as a feature, on all four walls, or in frames for a more specific touch it can change the look and feel of a room immediately. Lighting is the most under estimated factor in all living spaces, but is crucial in a bedroom suite environment; it can help to create various moods or atmospheres. As your body winds down, so should the lighting, using dimmer switches and decorative lighting help to achieve this. Ensure soft lighting for bedtime reading, all lighting should be controllable from the bedside. Electrical items that we are so accustom to, only prevent one’s ability to switch off, so should be kept to a minimum in this space. Our lives are so fast paced and stressful, our relaxation and recuperation time becomes so precious. Design is influenced by the way we live, so by consulting a design professional who can understand your lifestyle and needs, your daily routine can become a more pleasurable and effective experience. For further details, please call 0116 262 4440 or email info@pluginteriors.com www.pluginteriors.com
LOVE SHUTTERS Leicester’s leading roof specialists
LOVE YOUR HOME. LOVE OUR SHUTTERS.
Let’s be honest, not many of us have ‘New Roof’ at the top of our house fixer-upper list, after all they don’t necessarily have the décor impact we are always seeking, the wow factor of a new paint job or that new sofa you have had your eye on granted feels more exciting that a new roof, but the impact of a new roof on the look and feel of your property is huge, not to mention the fact that a good one gives the rewards that go on for years and years, should you get the job done right, plus the literal roof over your head is pretty important, don’t you think?!
The Love Shutters sale is now on and we’re offering 15% off S:CRAFT’s stunning range of interior window shutters when you order by the 14th February 2014. Interior window shutters have experienced an explosion in popularity and Countesthorpe Blinds Ltd’s Shutters have been at the forefront of this on-trend window covering, serving customers in and around the Leicestershire area for over 7 years.
Mono Roofing have been providing roof repairs, replacements, installations and any other of the public’s roofing needs for over 25 years right here in the Midlands; whether your roof is a pitched roof or a flat roof, or you are looking for work on facias or soffits, gutters or chimneys, or even decorative lead work, they are the exerts to call on. Their team are highly experienced (with over 180 years of experience between them!) what they don’t know about roofs is not worth knowing! Being solely roof specialists you can be assured of their expert skills and knowledge of the job in hand. The leading roof specialists of Leicestershire is run by husband and wife, Vicky and Jason, who encourage you to give them a call for a friendly, no-obligation chat or quotation to look at how they can help you improve your home through fixing up your roof without taking your budget through it! “We would like to congratulate Mono Roofing on being the most professional and experienced roofing contractors that we have worked with ever! Mono Roofing completed a small extension roof which we were contracted to build. They were very professional and cooperative and ensured the area was left clean and tidy. It’s been a pleasure to work with Mono Roofing and we have no hesitation in recommending them.” Just one of the many happy Mono customers they have had over the years. T: 0116 267 7177 www.monoroofing.co.uk
There is so much more to Hinckley & Rugby Building Society than just providing competitive mortgages and savings accounts. As well as its commitment to first class customer service, the Society is passionate about being a good citizen and a great place to work. Its
15%
LOVE YOUR HOME LOVE OUR SHUTTERS
So why have interior window shutters become so popular? Apart from their obvious aesthetic appeal flexibility fit we justare about any window Forand a limited time to only, offering our customerssash a fantastic and door from traditional and bays to 15% off S:CRAFT’s stunning range modern bi-fold and by-pass, window of made-to-measure interior windowshutters shutters, the perfect compliment are incredibly practical and offer an array of to every window and home. benefits over more traditional window coverings Transform home and take advantage including their your unique ability to control light and of 15% OFF S:CRAFT shutters when you privacy through operable louvres and panels. order by 14th February 2014. TheseCall unique 0116 features 2776749also help reduce outside ccblinds@yahoo.com noise email making them ideal for homes next to busy web www.countesthorpeblinds.co.uk pavements and roads. Window shutters have also been scientifically proven to help reduce heat loss in the winter months, helping you save money on your energy bills and are also very child friendly too. They are perfect for covering awkward shaped windows from small port holes to large gable ends, due to the bespoke madeto-measure service we offer. With so many unique benefits, it’s not surprising that interior window shutters have become so popular. S:CRAFT’s premium made-to-measure window shutters come in a range of materials, styles, colours and options to suit every budget, home style and taste. From the entry level MDF Antigua range, to the 100% waterproof Java shutters, to the stunning White Teak Sumatra shutters, there is something for everyone in our Love Shutters sale. We can even offer a remote control solution and custom colour matching service to the UK’s leading paint companies, helping you to match your shutters to your home, perfectly.
proactive approach to helping others in its heartlands of Leicestershire and Warwickshire
OFF
fits perfectly with its ethos as a mutual organisation.
ORdeR beFORe VAlenTine’S dAy 2014
2013 saw the Society and its staff help an incredible number of charities, individuals, community groups and schools. The Society is proud of its pioneering volunteer scheme ‘Community First’ which gives staff up to three days of paid leave each year to volunteer in projects of their choice. The Society is also delighted to be members of Leicestershire Cares, with staff trained and volunteering each week for Cares’ Right to Read and Number Partner projects with local schoolchildren struggling with literacy and numeracy. In 2013, the Society completed a community based challenge where 17 staff spent the day decorating a Hinckley building used by the charity Mencap. Staff throughout the branches and at the Hinckley head office each year raise thousands of pounds for various charities. And the Society gives money and other support to dozens of charities and community groups each year in the form of donations and local sponsorships. More information about Hinckley & Rugby Building Society’s products and services can be found on its website, at hrbs.co.uk, or by calling the freephone number 0800 434 6343.
Our Love Shutters sale runs until the 14th February 2014. But hurry, you’ll need to arrange a survey of your windows first to take advantage of our bespoke made-to-measure service. Don’t delay, call Countesthorpe Blinds Ltd today on 01162776749 or visit www. countesthorpeblinds.co.uk.
Staff from Hinckley & Rugby joined forces to tackle a major redecoration project at Hinckley's Mencap premises as part of our membership of Leicestershire Cares in May 2013.
NICHE 17
Do you ever tire of shopping in the old big named high street stores? Often stocking similar items to the next shop with masses of people, it’s easy to become disheartened with a day out at the shops. However, here in Leicester we are lucky enough to have an
alternative that feels like an altogether more satisfying and enjoyable shopping experience. Stoneygate is a lovely leafy shopping suburb of Leicester and it’s in one of our most beautiful areas; it’s a shopping experience that will have you returning time and time again. A wonderful area to shop in with it’s lovely boutiques and independent shops at any time of the year buying locally and from independent shops not only earns you serious eco points but you will also find an array of unique and
interesting items too. A virtually stress free experience, you can wander the shops and buy items for friends, family or yourself that they will truly love and feel virtuous all at once! Not only will you have a nice relaxing shopping experience, you will be finding unique gifts, beauty essentials and pieces for your home all whilst supporting local business too - what’s not to love? Home to some lovely beauty salons and hairdressers too, it’s fast becoming a mecca for those that love a pampering too. Lunch is a great experience in Stoneygate with a wealth of
choice when it comes to fine eateries and yet why not extend your shopping visit to an evening out in one of the relaxing yet
lively bars?
Sure, internet shopping has its place but with Stoneygate allowing for browsing to your heart’s content, combined with the infamous Stoneygate friendly hospitality and excellent customer service and beautiful surroundings - it’s simply how shopping should be…. Keep up to date with the latest Stoneygate happenings at www.stoneygateshopping.blogspot.co.uk
18
J Brand trousers new in
Liebeskind leather bags just arrived
Abiti Ladieswear is pleased to announce the arrival of new diva dresses seen here worn by Nigella Lawson. Not forgetting the arrival of our new spring collections. Don't miss out on fantastic sale bargains, while stock lasts. Join us on Facebook and Twitter, for up to date trends and competitions.
www.Abiti-Ladieswear.co.uk Brands include Ash footwear, Bensimon, Ella b, Liebeskind, Becksondergaard, American vintage, Second female, Selected femme, Twist and tango, Marie and sixtine, Gestuz, Charli, Ya ya, Muubaa, Amy child's, Diva, And many more.
Marie & Sixtine NEW BRAND JUST ARRIVED AT ABITI
Abiti Ladieswear 21 Francis Street Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2BE
01162704379 www.Abiti-Ladieswear.co.uk
NICHE 19
New Summer Trend from Melissa Planet Hits – Sandals –only £55 Refraction Bag - £48
Lady Dragon Aurora The Melissa Women's Lady Dragon 11 Heeled Sandals in aurora pearl bow are made from durable Melflex PVC, and feature a pointed peep toe that's adorned with a gold tone bow embellishment. With an adjustable sling back ankle strap, the bubblegum-scented shoes boast a 3.5" heel and a branded, cushioned footbed. £150.00
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NICHE 21
The changing of any season provides the perfect opportunity for changing your style, especially when it comes to your hair. Sometimes you can feel limited about varying your style quickly, or some styles may not be suitable for your own hair. Fear not though readers there is a way to change your look without causing damage to your hair, or having to wait months for it to grow and the answer is…hair extensions! Spring 2014’s trends see long flowing locks, thick waves and curls with subtle highlights. All these looks can be easily created with extensions. A full head can give you long thick luscious hair that can be easily maintained and styled, whilst a half head could create thickness to your own hair length making it easier to create thick waves and curls, or even a few carefully placed extensions can achieve great results giving your hair the look of highlights without damaging your own hair with harsh chemicals. You can still play around with your new hair wearing it up or down without the extensions being visible and giving you a fuller look. With trends changing so quickly having extensions can provide countless benefits particularly as they can be easily removed, changed or reapplied whenever you feel like a change. Moda Greco offer Rapture hair extensions, a tape extensions system that can give you a full head of extensions in under an hour lasting 6 weeks. They can then be refitted using the same hair giving you a reusable extensions system that is easy to maintain with added luxury hair quality. Your first Rapture hair service will include a free re-fitting after six weeks and home hair care products to protect the extensions, maintain the quality, look and feel of the hair.
Moda Greco, 3-5 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester, LE1 5AD. Call on 0116 2629201 or visit us at www.modagreco.co.uk
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Tress SOS The temperature may have plummeted, but be sure your style stays hotter than ever in the battle to beat the big chill. The harsh effects of winter weather can wreak havoc on your hair, repair and protect your locks from the elements with these winter wonder hair saviours from newly named ‘CoolBrands’ Paul Mitchell®. Indulge in a cocktail to treat your senses without the dreaded hangover! Combine Shampoo Two® and Shampoo Three® for a detoxifying double act that will remove all evidence of too much partying and neglect to your hair’s needs and start afresh. With its zesty lemon fragrance and deep cleansing properties, Shampoo Two® will leave your hair feeling squeaky clean and gleaming with natural shine. Strengthen from the inside with Shampoo Three®, the perfect solution to remove product build up and everyday dulling residues including Chlorine. Use this ‘Shampoo Five’ recipe for the ultimate cleanse before a deep treatment to enhance its performance and bring hair back to its prewinter healthy condition! Now let’s face it, extra time in bed is far more appealing on these bleak mornings than spending time styling your hair. Help is at hand thanks to our Express Style® technology that helps hair dry faster, so you can tame texture, create detail and style those locks in minutes. Fast Form™ is the fast and easy way to make that mane behave. Natural moisturizing ingredients help to soothe every strand and add shine without leaving a product heavy feel. Prices: Shampoo Two® 300ml £9.25 100ml £4.50 Shampoo Three® 300ml £10.25 100ml £4.50 Fast Form® 200ml £16.50 www.paul-mitchell.co.uk
CHOP FOR COPP(AFEEL)! Curvy Kate Model to Bare All and Shave Her Head for CoppaFeel! Charity Curvy Kate lingerie model and Star in a Bra winner, Lizzie Haines, has set the bar high in her fundraising hopes and vowed to shave her head for Breast Cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! on Valentine’s Day 2014. In the lead up to the event she will be urging the public to love their boobs and donate to the charity in an attempt to reach a target of £10,000. No stranger to fundraising, Lizzie cut her long hair to a short bob in 2005
comments. ‘We're thrilled that Lizzie is supporting us with this hugely
after her father was affected by cancer and managed to raise an impressive
brave endeavour! The funds she has pledged to raise us will make a huge
£3,500. With her hair longer than ever, she has now pledged to go one
difference to CoppaFeel! and the vital work we do. The added great
better and shave her head entirely after seeing the work of CoppaFeel! at
support from Curvy Kate will ensure that her brilliant idea and our message
a recent lingerie event.
is heard by even more people. (And she really does have lovely hair!)’
“It’s as much about awareness and keeping it in the public eye as it is
With the support of Curvy Kate and CoppaFeel!, Lizzie has three months
fundraising” says Lizzie who believes the quirkiness of the event itself will
to reach her target and will be doing all she can along the way to maintain
grab attention as well as donations. She adds, “Curvy Kate is working with
momentum. Fans of the lingerie brand will be encouraged to set her
CoppaFeel! on several initiatives next year and as an ambassador for the
various tasks via their facebook page and will be encouraged to follow
brand I want to support the good work that they will be doing, along with
her progress. Meanwhile plans are well underway to make the Valentine’s
the amazing efforts of CoppaFeel!” She continues “This is happening to
evening something to remember with big prizes up for grabs, specially
women in my demographic, to women who are my friends and it is more
designed cocktails, entertainment and an entry fee if you want to see
important than ever that everyone sit up and take notice.”
the main event! The night will be hosted by Manhattan 34 in Leicester’s cultural quarter.
CoppaFeel!‘s mission is to make sure all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible, making treatments more effective and
Lizzie will also be shaving her head in the new CoppaFeel! Smoothie bra
survival rates higher. Almost 50,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed
which goes on sales next year. The bra includes the CoppaFeel! signature
with breast cancer in the UK each year and CoppaFeel! is determined to
hand print and boob checking messages inside the cups as a reminder
educate and remind people to ‘know their boobs’ in order to catch breast
that each time you wear the bra, you should check your boobs!
cancer early. Her hairdresser, Jennifer Chase of Silver Arcades ‘Hair & Booty’ promises The charity was set up by Kristin Hallenga in 2009, who at 22 was told she
tears when the big day finally arrives! “I’ve been cutting Lizzie’s hair for
was “too young to get breast cancer”. This meant that her cancer was
years, I can’t stand the idea of cutting it off but I clearly can’t argue with
diagnosed late and could only be treated, never cured. Kristin Hallenga
her when it’s for such a good cause.” To support Lizzie visit www.justgiving.com/chopforcopp
NICHE 23
Big Howard Little Howard are on their way to Leicester… Little Howard, the really cool and incredibly funny stand-up comedian cartoon character, is bringing along his sidekick Big Howard to the Y Theatre on February 21st February. We caught up with Big Howard, aka Award winning stand-up comedian Howard Reed to have a quick chat about the show (Little Howard is far too famous and busy) …
How was Little Howard born? Well he started from a simple animation drawing that I did combined with his character of a 6 year old saying what a 6 year old boy might say when in situations where he might not know fully what he was talking about, if at all. The humour was for adult audiences initially and became popular in that respect, this was back in 2003 when a lot of the humour around was quite dark. The nature and appeal of Little Howard was his innocence and that’s what people loved about it I think. Because of its cartoon nature parents had suggested that their children would love it too, of course with the appropriate humour. I did a show aimed at children where adults found it funny too, it was picked up by the right people and since we have had three hit series’ on CBBC and performed at The Royal Variety Show. What can people expect from the tour? More of Little Howard being his cool, funny self, slapstick humour and jokes which everyone can enjoy. We usually say the show is aimed at a 6+ audience but kids of a younger age enjoy it too. These shows will see Little Howard more interactive than ever, with guess who games in which the audience get on their feet and question time where Little Howard responds to your questions in his typically funny way. This brand new show features songs, sketches, magic, a cheeky pigeon from Barnsley, a brand new invisible character, The Royal Monkey Philharmonic Orchestra, a large frying pan & more laughs than should be possible. Make sure you catch the Howard’s over the next couple of months at a town near you! The Y Leicester Date - Friday, 21st February, 2014 Time - 3.30pm www.ytheatre.co.uk www.littlehoward.co.uk
Backstreet’s
Win!
Back!
A N D T H E H E AV E N LY RETURN OF ALL SAINTS
BACKSTREET BOYS have announced details of their 2014 UK headline arena tour, as part of the worldwide promotion of their new album ‘In A World Like This’. Commencing at The LG Arena in Birmingham on 26th March and culminating at Manchester Phones 4u Arena, the dates see them visit some of the UK’s biggest arenas including London’s O2 Arena.
T i c k e t G i ve away ! We have 5 pairs of Backstreet Boys & All Saints tickets to give away to lucky Niche readers on 26th March at Birminham LG Arena!
All you need to do is name the 5 members of Backstreet Boys! Send your name answer and contact details to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk before the closing date of February 21st 2014 with the subject ‘Backstreet’s Back’. 24
Daily Lass Winter 2013
www.lass.org.uk
50p
Good looking M… seeking Gorgeous F. Must have GSOH, own home and good income. You must be interested in my condom size, and be up to date with your HIV and STI testing. Gorgeous F... looking for a fun M, for days out, meals in, exotic holidays and more. You must be prepared to get tested with me – so that we can check our HIV status together. LASS… seeking remarkable F & M to get tested for HIV. No appointment necessary, any weekday. Meet at 53 Regent Road Leicester LE1 6YF.
Why Get Tested? • Testing is good for all of us most people who get HIV get it from someone who doesn't realise they have it.
• HIV Testing and treatment are the best ways to reduce the number of people newly infected every year.
• It makes sense to test - HIV Testing and treatment can stop HIV being transmitted.
• It starts with You and Me - to get tested for HIV, with our partners, and to pass the message to others.
www.lass.org.uk Tel: (0116) 2559995 Email: sexualhealth@lass.org.uk Blog: blog.lass.org.uk NICHE 25
Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa
New Year New You! We all do it, with each New Year comes a whole host of new and improved versions of ourselves. Whilst of course there is nothing wrong in the slightest with wanting to improve ourselves, it can feel a little overwhelming. Where do you start? Cleaning out the home, beginning a new exercise regime, eating healthier, cutting out spending?! Whichever you have chosen, if any, know that there are ways to make it all the more manageable, and therefore all the more achievable. •
Consider only attempting one or two of these new year promises, smaller, more realistic goals will feel so much better and you are far more likely to stick to them. No-one needs the disappointment of setting themselves up for unrealistic tasks and falling at the first sight of a brownie!
•
Cut yourself some slack, realise that whilst new resolutions and plans are great, you were happy the way you were in November and December so the changes you make in January aren’t everything.
•
Enlist the experts, whether its beauty, food or exercise changes you are looking to make, with the help of an expert the new and improved you will be easier to get to.
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Beauty Training Harrow
e Exclusiv r ition fo compet eaders Niche r
Sketchley Grange
Hotel and Spa Exclusive competition for Niche readers 2 x gym memberships for one year up for grabs with Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa.
Happy New Year Niche readers! What are your New Year’s resolutions? If they are to get fit and join a gym then we have a treat just for you to get you on your way. Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa are giving away one year gym memberships for two lucky Niche readers! All you need to do is answer one simple question: Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa is located in which South Leicestershire village? a) Broughton Astley b) Burbage c) Dunton Bassett Recently under new management, Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa is an elegant, 95 bedroom hotel in Burbage, Leicestershire. Fitness and health professionals run the onsite gymnasium. Fitted with top of the range cardiovascular and resistance products, our fitness specialists give new members a personal induction to the gym showing you how to use the gym equipment safely and effectively. Additionally, they will assist you to get what you want from the gym with a free
life assessment where you can work together to make an achievable and successful training programme. The country-house style hotel also features large function rooms with a capacity of up to 300 guests, beautiful gardens which set the scene for a perfect summer wedding, onsite restaurant/bar facilities, a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, a tranquil spa setting as well as hair and beauty treatments. So, whether you’re getting ready to fit into that perfect wedding dress, dreaming of your summer holiday and ideal beach body or want to shake off additional winter weight, have a go at our fabulous competition. We hope to see you soon!
Sketchley Ln, Burbage,
Leicestershire, LE10 3HU www.sketchleygrange.co.uk 01455 251133 NICHE 27
Mr T.K.Sankar
MBBS BTEC(Laser) FRCS(Eng) FRCS (Plastic Surgery)
Central heating and going Step into a new beauty career
10 tips for younger looking skin 1. Cleanse your skin - Properly and regularly using soap-free cleanser. 2. Exfoliate your skin - Up to three times a week to get rid of the dead cells. This will give your skin a glow. 3. Moisturise your skin - Replenishing with a good moisturiser twice a day will give you soft and well-hydrated skin. 4. Sun protection - Use SPF 20+, whether it is a sunny summer day or a cloudy winter day. Reflected sunlight is as bad as direct sunlight. Avoid sun beds. 5. Avoid smoking - Smoking damages skin indirectly by reducing its elasticity. (Collagen damage), thereby causing the formation of wrinkles. 6. Eat healthily - Food rich in anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients and hyaluronic acid will help to maintain the collagen levels in the skin. 7. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. 8. Sleep well - 8 hours sleep is good for skin. 9. Reduce your stress levels and do more exercise. 10. Botulinum toxin injections and hyaluronic acid filler treatments help to reduce both dynamic and static wrinkles on the face.
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A LONDON-BASED beauty training centre has developed a range of courses perfect for mums returning to work and those looking for a fasttrack change of career to beauty.
form the cold into the warmth drying your skin out. Its time for Touchstone.
Beauty Training Harrow - commended by awarding body VTCT for its “excellent standards” - offers flexible hours to suit busy lifestyles, as well as fixed courses in a range of popular salon treatments. Beauty educator Yvonne Sullivan, who has retrained a range of clients from opticians to City bankers, trained in beauty herself while bringing up a family. All courses ensure a fast route into a new beauty career with expert advice on running a salon and hands-on practical experience.
Dry, tight winter skin? Check out our Touchstone Melting Cleansing Balm. Rich, nourishing and filled with skin loving goodness. Leaves skin cleansed, comfortable and oh so soft. £27.00
“We teach in small groups and one-to-one in some advanced courses. Students also get a chance to practise their skills in our Student Salon where they get to see what it’s really like with real clients in a busy salon,” she says.
This replenishing, reparative moisturiser glides on effortlessly, nourishing and protecting skin with a blend of natural skin loving extracts from renowned superfoods to reveal a revitalised complexion through improved hydration, tone and elasticity.
Certificates obtained on Beauty Training Harrow’s courses are government-approved National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) allowing students to work in salons and spas immediately after their course. NVQs are also insurable qualifications. After completing their courses, many beauty therapists start their own salons and mums returning to work are even finding part-time jobs in beauty salons and spas. And in a surprise twist, more men have signed up to courses at Beauty Training Harrow as the male grooming industry has grown by 45% in five years. The phenomenon of male therapists started in Japan where research found that men from all walks of life, such as engineering and banking, are changing to jobs that involve making people happy. Yvonne has been training male therapists in threading, waxing and massage and says she is delighted to welcome more male therapists to the beauty industry. To check out courses at Beauty Training Harrow, located just 15 minutes by Tube from Baker Street, please visit www.beautytrainingharrow. co.uk, email: beautytrainingharrow@hotmail. co.uk or call 020 8206 2930 to discuss your requirements. Contact details w: beautytrainingharrow.co.uk blog: beautytrainingharrow.wordpress.com twitter: @beautytraining Facebook: Beauty Training Harrow
£29.00
This restorative skin tonic helps complete effective cleansing, by removing the last traces of cleanser, restoring skin pH balance, stimulating and refreshing cellular vitality. Your complexion will feel revitalised, luminous and invigorated. £15.00
www.thehealthandbeautycompany.co.uk/shop/ cross
C o s m e ti c Surgery Clinic • Breast Enlargement and Uplift • Body Contouring and Lift • Tummy Tuck • Liposuction • Nose and Ear Reshaping • Eye Bag Removal • Skin Lumps, Moles and Skin Tag Removal • Anti Wrinkle Treatments • Laser Treatments Fraxel Skin Tightening, CO2RE Resurfacing, Scars, Moles, Thread Veins and Birth Marks
All cosmetic Surgical and Non Surgical
Treatments at your local Private Hospital. t: 0845 6801018 e: cosmetic.plasticsurgeon@gmail.com w: www.cosmeticsurgeon.org.uk
NICHE 29
JOIN THE EVOLUTION.
urban & bikram
YO G A
More Studios, More Classes, More Styles, More Benefits.
INTRO OFFER: 3O DAYS FOR ONLY ÂŁ30! Bikram Yoga Leicester, 59 Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5RB www.bikramyogaleicester.co.uk 0116 2619262
Restore is about valuing yourself & well-being every day, offering a range of treatments to relax and
revitalize a tired body & mind including: Swedish Body Massage, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Seated Bamboo Massage, Holistic Facials, Reflexology & Spa Body Treatments.
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173 Knighton Road Knighton, Leicester, LE2 3TS
Relax and experience a revitalizing treatment at Restore in
Visit www.restoreholistictherapy.co.uk
Knighton, treat a loved one with a Gift Card or get your mates
Call 0794 884 1617
round and enjoy a Mini Home Spa Party at home.
Email eileenmcb@hotmail.co.uk
Find balance with Restore Holistic Therapy
Positive results from Pilates for Niche Editor Sally Smith… For some time my back and posture has been uncomfortable to say the least, after trying all sorts of gentle exercise and activities I couldn’t really find anything to ease the aches in my back. Massage helped but the positive effects never lasted very long. Now I have found a way to relieve my back, improve my posture and experience the benefits of learning how to relax, Equilesse Pilates of Leicestershire has changed my well-being for the better…and it’s for good! Equilesse owner Stephanie Smith has a range of classes on offer with classes for pre and post natal women, over 50s, men only, desk workers and even horse riders looking to gain better posture for dressage! Through group classes and 1-2-1 sessions I have felt a vast improvement in the movement of my back and so many people have commented on my great posture. So far I have completed the Introduction to Pilates and the Beginner Pilates courses and will definitely carry on with the next course early this year. I have learnt exercises that I can easily do at the classes and in the future such as the ‘4 stage spine curl’ which incorporates lying on your back with 4 stages of movement. A deep inhale before each stage and an exhale as you perform the move ensures the breathing pattern is easy to learn and remember, I have practised this simple exercise in the comfort of my own home many times since learning it at the class, and it’s so beneficial to be able to incorporate the moves into my everyday life. The classes and mentoring are second to none with teacher Stephanie ensuring class sizes are kept small so that she can give the right level of attention to all the individuals. My classes are often with just a handful of people and you can really reap the benefits of her expert knowledge this way. I would say Pilates is for everyone because Stephanie and fellow teacher Rosy find your areas of tension, injury and pains and assist you in finding the right exercises that will give you the most benefit, it’s a real tailored experience, allowing you to get the most from each and every session just like me! www.eqpilates.co.uk The Manor, Tur Langton, Leicestershire, LE8 0PJ 01858 545127 or 07921 385689
Taking time out for you shouldn’t be restricted to an annual massage or facial, the benefits of making time in our busy lives to relax, re-energise and restore are countless and ought to really be part of your holistic health and wellbeing. The treatments at Restore Holistic Therapy all help you to not only have that sought after healthy glow, but also rid the body of toxins, ease away tension that every day stresses can create and restore balance back to the mind and body. Eileen at Restore has been practicing holistic therapies for over ten years now and became a holistic therapist after a highly successful (and demanding!) teaching career; “I so enjoy my work as a therapist, helping people take that much needed time out, seeing them relax and go back out into the world with a glow and a calmer sense of self is very rewarding for me.” Providing Swedish Body Massage, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Seated Bamboo Massage, Holistic Facials, Reflexology & Spa Body Treatments using Neal's Yard Remedies organic products in a lovely, calming treatment room at her home in Knighton, means you leave your treatment feeling completely renewed and restored. Treatments are tailored to the individual's needs. Eileen is looking forward to adding Deep Tissue Massage to her treatment list from January 2014, to treat clients with more specific muscular issues and to increase mobility. DTM is most effective in treating back and shoulder pain. Gift Cards are available and provide a unique and healthy gift for someone you care about. Restore also provides treatments at your workplace with de-stressing seated massage treatments and relaxation sessions for groups as part of the 'Wellness at Work' package in and around Leicestershire. Visit www.restoreholistictherapy.co.uk or call 0794 884 1617.
Tom Gray NIX S&C Coach
Once again it’s that time of year. A mass invasion of New Year’s resolutionists, with the best intention of getting into shape, flood through the gym doors, only to vanish come soon after. But why does this phenomenon occur without fail, each consecutive year? As an exercise science student and trainer, my primary interest is interpreting current nutritional and training research and applying this to fitness and performance. I have met and worked alongside a variety of people, all with a multitude of training backgrounds; from competitive international athletes to your average fitness enthusiast. All of the fittest, strongest and healthiest people I have met all share one similar trait, Consistency. Each one has applied continuous effort towards their overall goal for a prolonged period of time. No matter how misinformed their approach, consistency, more often than not, will yield tangible results. Ask yourself these important questions. Can I see myself adhering to this training programme or ‘diet’ six months down the line? Does it fit in with my lifestyle?
But most importantly, am I enjoying it?
Am I actually relishing the journey as much as the result itself? Of course there are more effective and optimal methods of approaching training than others, and there comes a point where proper programming and nutrition is required to see further progress. But my advice in its simplest form would be: choose a progressive training programme and ‘diet’ that you enjoy and suits your lifestyle, and reap the rewards that consistency brings.
07507 202378 www.nixhealthfitness.com NICHE 31
home fixtures 2014 All games at the John Sandford Centre, Leicester
VS DURHAM WILDCATS
Feb 1st, 2014 7:30pm
VS PLYMOUTH RAIDERS
Feb 22nd, 2014 7:30pm
VS SURREY UNITED
Mar 1st, 2014 7:30pm
VS MANCHESTER GIANTS
Mar 21st, 2014 7:30pm
VS GLASGOW ROCKS
Apr 5th, 2014 7:30pm
VS NEWCASTLE EAGLES
Apr 20th, 2014 4:00pm
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Riders Box Office
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Call us now on
07507 202378
www.nixhealthfitness.com NIX HEALTH & FITNESS IS AN EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE FACILITY OFFERING MONTHLY GYM MEMBERSHIPS AND PERSONAL TRAINING PACKAGES With high quality Resistance equipment including Olympic Platforms, Power Racks, Functional Training Stations as well as free weight and resistance machines. Our Cardiovascular suite includes a full range including our number of Watt Bikes. Providing specialist equipment allows elite strength & conditioning programmes to be performed within a comfortable, social environment. NIX Health & Fitness provides competitive membership providing all the support you need to achieve your goals. Our highly qualified Personal Trainers have particular expertise to deliver continuous progressive results achieved through specific training programmes.
We also have an in house Sports Massage Therapist available for bookings, a My Protein Sports Nutrition shop and a training wear and accessories store.
GYM OPENING HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 6:30 -10:00 Friday: 6:30 - 21:00 Saturday: 8:00 - 18:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00 All times subject to change. Last entry 1 hour prior to closing time
For more information please visit our website or call in to arrange an appointment. Unit 24-25 Craftsmans Way, East Goscote, Leicestershire LE7 3SL
With the New Year comes a wealth of health advice, don’t eat that, do eat this, east less of that and limit this, but which advice do you follow?! Here at Niche we are firm believers in making better choices when it comes to our eating habits for long term health, so, that includes upgrading our choices for brown carbs over white, natural sugars over refined and upping the vegetable intake – doesn’t sound too hard does it? However, there is another health choice that we have hidden up our sleeve! A nutritional Supplement that goes by the name of Daily Magic.
Football America provide you with the finest quality football equipment and training aids available, 24 hours a day, 7-days a week, 365 days a year! Specialising in all forms of Football equipment, not just helmets and pads, they carry a vast range of cleats, gloves, Power Girdles, custom uniforms, wrist coaches, bicep bands to name just a few. Plus, perfect for your American Football team they also offer customised team wear to suit your individual player or coach requirements and will embroider or print your team logos on a wide range of garments, caps, bags and much more so that you not only play to win but look the part too! Their products can also be used for a whole host of other sports, particularly rugby, like the One Man Tackle Sled which is used by the England Rugby team. Football America UK - injecting a bit of the American Football ‘Razamataz’ to all conventional sports as well.
01530 244433 @famerica www.footballamerica.co.uk
Don’t get us wrong, we know supplements can’t replace a healthy lifestyle but we think they can certainly complement it. Daily Magic is a superblend of nature’s superfoods including Spirulina (the green king!) and Chlorella as well as Royal Jelly Barley Grass Juice and COQ10. Simply stir in a teaspoon with your water or green smoothie and watch the magic happen. Many who take this supergreen, superhealthy, superfood supplement (including us!) will notice marked results in better skin and under eye area, losing weight and increased energy levels to name a few! You can purchase your Daily Magic here; https://www. thehealthandbeautycompany.co.uk/shop/cross/area/shop-online/ category/health-and-nutrition/product/ODM-1-200/daily-magicorganic-200g-10-discount/ “I have noticed a huge difference to my skin, energy, hair, nails… everything since I started taking this! It’s amazing!” Jenny Cross comments. NICHE 33
American Football has definitely hit our UK shores with vengeance and the sport here has never been more popular and with organisations like Football America thriving things are not only looking good for the sport, but they appear to be thriving! Football America began its success story in 2007 with the “Matt Hampson Bowl”, an American Football match between the Leicester Panthers old boys and the Loughborough Aces. This was probably the biggest British American football match for over 10 years in the UK, with nearly 10,000 fans attending the game it’s safe to say it was an astounding success and as a result the organisation has gone on to form strong partnerships with all major manufacturers and distributors of American Football wear and merchandise in the US. Official UK distributors for Riddell, Rawlings, Wilson Footballs, Rogers Sleds, Fisher Athletics, Passback Footballs, and Douglas and many more, Football America have the largest range of American Football products in the UK. Specialising in all forms of American Football equipment, not just helmets and pads, they carry a vast range of cleats, gloves, Power Girdles, custom uniforms, wrist coaches, bicep bands to name just a few. There are a lot of products which you see in the NFL which will work extremely well with in Rugby too, compression padded shirts and girdles and other protective wear. The shopping experience couldn’t be easier, with fitting guides and detailed product descriptions you the customer know exactly what you are getting. What’s more you can get customised team wear to really help seal the team spirit! They are very committed to giving the UK & European American Football teams the service and products they require to ensure that the game continues to thrive on UK soil. To purchase from the extensive range (which has free UK delivery!) and to find out more including when the Football America travelling shop is near you visit call 01530 244433 or visit www.footballamerica.co.uk for orders or helpful advice.
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Providing quality sports coaching in schools
Football & Fitness with plenty of fun
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN 5-12 YRS, WHO WANT TO HAVE FUN
2014
Children love to be active and there’s plenty of research to support
FEBRUARY HOLIDAY SPORTS CLUB
this claim, not only to they thrive being out in the air, but they get fitter, and as part of a team or club they develop stronger social skills, gain a sense of community and experience a bit of healthy competition. Football and Fitness has been offering quality coaching programmes for the past 6 years successfully making sport a fun part of young people’s lives. Providing a well-structured tuition to pupils of all ages, which
GET INTO SPORT
are targeted at enhancing their development within a team
FOOTBALL CRICKET TENNIS GOLF BASKETBALL MINI OLYMPICS STREETDANCE GYMNASTICS ZUMBATOMIC AND MORE!
NT XCELOLOER E HALF IND ITIES PRIC E FACIL
environment, the programmes developed by Football and Fitness have been designed to enhance individual participation in sport and physical activity around school life. The courses they provide suit all school needs and include breakfast clubs, PPA Cover, lunchtime clubs, after school clubs, holiday courses and much more which cover a wide variety of sports to get your child interested and active
SIBL G ALWAIN YS
in the world of fitness.
www.footballandfitness.co.uk
The incredible benefits for your child becoming active and involved in a sport they are passionate about are huge, not only are they getting healthier and socialising in all the right ways but the new goals and drive it provides are truly life enhancing at these important developmental ages in their life. Football and Fitness provide outstanding coaching and support to the youth of the area with high-quality sporting and exercise opportunities in a safe, well organised coaching environment. Their structured yet fun programmes aid in helping your child develop in team work situations as well as working to achieve their own personal fitness goals. Designed to support continued participation rather than excellence, Football and Fitness give children an enjoyable active outlet that they will look forward to attending. The highly skilled coaches recognize that they are the people who directly influence the development of individuals by creating a positive culture in which coaches and children work together in a team environment. Many schools have commented on the work that Fitness and Football do and all that work with the team are thoroughly pleased with their efforts; "The Children are totally engaged with the wide variety of activities on offer from the coaches. The group are very organised, and everything runs smoothly. This is reflected in the way the children attending enjoy themselves. We look forward to hosting these activities and more in the future." Steve Buck - Brockington College To find out more call Lee Harriman 01455 282471 or 07745649804/ Steve Fenton 07738920229
www.leicesterriders.co.uk
www.footballandfitness.co.uk NICHE 35
Love is in the air with this beautiful jacket style harness by Puppia. Available in Pink or Ivory plush and priced competitively at just £22.95 these are guaranteed to make your heart flutter. Shop now at www.chilli-dogs.com
Pet’s corner
When it comes to our pets it’s safe to say that they get a fair amount of pampering, our beautiful British blue cat for example has three more grooming brushes than I have, but hey, we love them so why not spoil them a bit?! You can get a whole host of products that help to keep your pet groomed, from brushes, combs, mitts and much more - there is no excuse for an unkempt pet! Clothing wise, your pooch can keep up with the pet fashion crowd and keep them cosy with the help of coats and jackets and your cat will love a gorgeous collar to help them stand out from the crowd.
Dogue plastic fantastic dog bowl Let your dog know you love them every meal time with this great designer dog bowl from Dogue. Don't be fooled that they are glass, these bowls are actually sturdy plastic. Almost indestructible, they have a non skid rubber base and weighted construction so they won't tip over and they are dishwasher safe. Available in red, pink or blue small (10cm x 4.5cm) medium (15cm x 7cm.) £14.95, www.chilli-dogs.com
Crufts 2014 Crufts, the world’s biggest dog show is round the corner again! Coming to Birmingham 6th-9th March 2014 it’s an event that’s much talked about the world over. A celebration of dogs since 1983 people flock from all over to compete and watch the year’s best in show winner. Something for every dog lover to enjoy • • • • • • • •
22,000 dogs competing for the world class title of Crufts Best In Show The Arena showcasing fantastic displays and competitions Discover Dogs area, with over 200 pedigree breeds to meet Good Citizen Dog Scheme training ring, the UK’s largest dog training programme Dog Activities Ring, where you can learn how to unleash your dog’s potential The Young Kennel Club ring Breed Rescue stands Over 400 trade stands with special show offers and exciting new products for you and your best friend! Something for every dog lover to enjoy.
www.crufts.org.uk
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Igloo Pets are suppliers of unique pet products and accessories. The Igloo is a combined litter tray and carrier which will look great in any home but also useful for taking you pet to the vet or on holiday! Available in nine colours. Ideal for use with the Igloo Snow pet litter. Visit www.igloopets.com to buy one of these eco friendly carriers, email sales@igloopets.com or call 02392 474 676 for more information.
Treat your pets this Valentine’s
Your pet will look and feel fabulous in these Preppy Dog Wear harnesses. Designed to let the skin breath, great for dogs that pull on the lead to prevent neck injury. Made from breathable waffle material. Featuring a Argyle paw motif in contrasting colours.
Be on trend with leopard print! Comfortable fabric design also available as a lead set. Purple collar with wide leopard print ribbon D ring to allow attachment of name tags and lead. Handmade in the UK. Adjustable size. £13.99, www.chikipaws.com
Adjustable for a perfect fit. Colours available: Pink - Blue - Red - Black. Machine Washable for mucky pups, Line Dry. Small: Neck 11" Girth 12"-16" Medium: Neck 14" Girth 15" -19" Large: Neck 16" Girth 19" - 25" X Large: Neck 17" Girth 20" - 27" £10.99, www.chikipaws.com
Igloo Snow pet litter is produced from 100% natural silica gel. Each grain has microscopic pores which absorbs moisture in seconds, binding smells and bacteria. After moisture has evaporated and dry to the touch all you have to do is remove solid waste. This makes the litter long-lasting. £5.99, www.igloopets.com
The unique Igloo 2-in-1 cat loo and carrier Your purchase will include the igloo in your chosen colour, five specially moulded eco-friendly disposable liners to contain your cat’s preferred choice of litter. Also Included are replaceable carbon filters helping to keep your home odour free and a removable, smoked privacy plate for when the igloo is used as a cat loo. £38.99, www.igloopets.com
Be
cool not cold
this winter
View all our fantastic jumpers at chilli-dogs.com
VISIT OR CALL US:
310 Charminster Road, BH8 9RT Telephone: 01202 247620
Boutique & salon for cool canines
Chi Ki Paws manufacturer and design four poster and luxury pet beds, based in Lancashire all our beds are hand made. Chi Ki Paws combine pet friendly fabrics with beautifully wooden crafted frames and luxury mattresses to bring you stylish, practical and contemporary designs to compliment your home. Our high standards insures your pet has complete comfort with a Chi Ki Paws bed. Our unique dog mansions are made to be either placed indoors or outside, making a stylish impact. Hand made from marine wood with 6mm toughened glass. Complimenting our range of beds we offer a large range of pet accessories and apparel from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. We offer a bespoke service to design you the perfect bed for your pet to compliment your home.
Web: www.chikipaws.com Tel: 01282-851949
Email: mail@anypaw.com Trade Welcome.
NICHE 37
MaybeBlu Dreamwear
Glowbeads
Valentine’s &
Mother’s Day Special Occasions call for Special Gifts St Valentine’s Day. What does it mean to you? Finally confessing your figure of fancy? Telling your loved one what they really mean to you? Or simply a day in which to be extra flirty?! Whatever you will be using lover’s day 2014 for, we are expecting it will involve a well-chosen gift of some kind. We have put together a few ideas in our gift guide to help you plan your pressie whether it’s a valentine’s gift that’s traditional like chocolates and flowers or if you are looking for something a little out of the box this year, don’t panic we can show you some ideas! Plus, with Mother’s Day round the corner (March 30th in case you were wondering!) we have selected a few of our favourite companies who all have one thing in common, great gifts for that very special mumma in your life. A well chose gift and card goes a looooong way in showing how much you appreciate her, it need not be expensive, it’s the thought that counts after all. These gifts aren’t just any old gift so that you can tick it off the list, no, no, these are the kind of gifts that show you care, that show you are grateful for all that she does for you (it’s likely to be a lot!).
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Gift Guide
1. Embrace winter with Molton Brown’s new body washes. Silver Birch Body Wash, £18 www.moltonbrown.co.uk #MoltonBrown 2. Thunder Toffee Vodka is perfect enjoyed cold as a shot, poured over ice or as a fabulous base for a cocktail. Pick up your bottle of Thunder from quality independents nationwide and all Wine Racks - RRP £25.00 for 75cl 3. Withings Pulse, Activity Tracking Device, Helps Users Achieve Personal Health & Fitness Goals. £89.95, www.withings.com 4. Teroforma Whisky Stones. Beverage cubes designed to perfectly chill cask-aged spirits without diluting or over-cooling the drink. Available in a set of nine (£20) from Selfridges, Habitat, Royal Mile Whiskies and Master of Malt. 5. Green & Blacks The Tasting Collection. Use the Tasting Collection cards for some inspiration to treat your mum on Mother’s Day. Pour her a hot Fruity Jasmine Tea, using the recipe on the tasting cards, and serve to her in bed with a naughty mid-morning bite of Green & Black’s Ginger. RRP £10.99 6. Champagne Jacquart Rosé Mosaïque NV, £35.00. A deliciously elegant, rounded, fruity style with hints of cherry and wild strawberry. Its fine streams of bubbles enhance the delicate pale pink colour. It is fresh and vibrant in style. 7. Many-Shaped Miscellany of Biscuits for Cheese – Full of flavour and variety, these biscuits for cheese are perfect paired with your favourite hunks. From standout Black Charcoal Hearts, to sweet Fruit & Nut Crackers, there’s something for every cheese lover in this selection. RRP £4.50. Available from Waitrose, Booths, Ocado and the Thomas J Fudge’s online shop www. thomasjfudges.co.uk 8. Kankun Hampers which includes all four authentic Mexican sauces; Chipotle Hot, Chipotle Mild, Marinade Sauce and Habanero, with a bottle open and a KANKUN t-shirt. 9. Elephant Gin is a new handcrafted London Dry Gin of 45% alcoholic volume, made with carefully selected ingredients to capture the essence of Africa.10. £29.49 for a 50cl bottle. Stockists:Speciality Drinks, Soho Wine or www.elephant-gin.com. 10. Monin’s Flavoured Coffee Set is available from Lakeland (RRP £6.99), and contains five 50ml bottles of Caramel, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Gingerbread and Chocolate Cookie syrup. 11. Love it or hate it, Marmite chocolate is making its way back to confectionary shelves nationwide. The 100g chocolate is available from Sainsbury’s, BHS, Firebox.com, Amazon, Menkind, Topshop and Independents from September with RRP £3. 12. The Spirit of Coffee - The Spirit of Alma de Cuba. Available exclusively via www.almacuba.com, 250g tin - £15 (beans or ground) 1kg bag - £35 (beans) 13. Blue Beards Revenge - We love the “deluxe” shaving gift set - Available from stockists across the midlands including Holland and Barrett and Tesco Extra stores www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk £34.99 14. Patrón XO Cafe is a delicious blend of Arabica coffee and ultra premium Patrón Silver tequila, which deftly showcases the deep coffee flavour. Patrón XO Café 350ml, RRP £16.99, UK nationwide from Waitrose. 15. The Jamaican Collection from Sea Island Coffee - £35 Discover Jamaica and all that goes with it with this collection of some of the Island’s finest flavours such as the lovely smooth famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Also in the collection is a delicious bar of Black River Chocolate made out of Jamaica Cacao. www.seaislandcoffee.com 16. Judge Marble Grey Pestle and Mortars brings a new sophistication to the range. £14.16, www.judgecookware.co.uk 17. Suntory Whisky - The four expressions include single malts aged in four different casks: Mizunara, very rare Japanese oak, Bourbon Barrel, Puncheon and Sherry Cask. From £100 18. Penfolds Bin 28 is a deep, black-cherry red colour. Full-bodied and multi-dimensional, there’s an assortment of flavours including blackcurrant and dates. Mid-palate there’s a fruit sweetness, aligned with firm tannins culminating in a long, lingering finish. £22.50, www.drinks21.com 19. For the outdoor man in your life; Charlton Alpaca walking socks or country socks. Prices from £15.00. Website: www. charltonalpacas.com 20. Whiteys Gourmet Maplecorn - lovingly prepared popcorn, popped in maple syrup. 100g bag, £2.50, www.whiteys.co.uk 21. Tanqueray London Dry Gin With an extra smooth taste, it has an elegance that sets it apart from the rest and a flavour that shines in sophisticated cocktails and vibrant gin and tonics. £26.60 (1L bottle) at Waitrose.
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Treat the man in your life… It’s notoriously difficult to get a gift for the man in your life, whether you are looking for a gift for their birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s or simply to show you care. Trying to think of something that bit different that they don’t already have, looking for a piece of clothing or accessory that they will actually wear and love, all prove pretty tricky to find with many of us giving up and settling for items that simply tick the gift bought list, yet it seems so wasteful to buy something that they won’t really enjoy receiving. With this all-too-common dilemma in mind we have picked out a few fail safe options for you with our Men’s gift guide so that you need not worry and ponder any longer over what to get the man in your life! Choose from special sweet treats and fizzy bubbles, gorgeous smelly toiletries and an array of gadgets and classics like well-made socks and pants that we know he will love…
Love your toes? Keep them cosy with Charlton Alpaca socks. Luxurious home grown alpaca socks in an exciting range of colours. Contrast, stripy and boot socks, walking, shooting and cosy bed socks, all made in Britain incorporating the finest fleeces from our herd of beautiful alpacas. Manufactured exclusively for Charlton Alpacas by J Alex Swift Ltd of Hathern. Prices from £12.00 per pair. www.charltonalpacas.com
www.justsloggi.co.uk or call 01332 811 732
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Teroforma Whisky Stones ® (www.teroforma.com) have recently launched in the UK. The Whisky Stones are the original, cult U.S. beverage cubes designed to perfectly chill your cask-aged spirits without diluting or over-cooling the drink. Available in a set of nine (£20) from Selfridges, Habitat and Master of Malt Teroforma Whisky Stones are solid hand-crafted cubes of soapstone made in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States. Not just for whisky, the stones can be used with any spirit that’s customarily imbibed on the rocks such as bourbon, rum, rye, mezcal or tequila. Website: www.teroforma.co.uk Blog: www.teroforma.com/blog Twitter: @Teroforma Facebook: www.facebook.com/Teroforma
win
We have one set to give away! All you need to do is tell us the drink you’d use Teroforma Whisky Stones in. www.julientrivedi.com
Send your name answer and contact details to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk before the closing date of March 14th 2014 with the subject ‘stones.’
Get close on Valentin®es. Use Distinctive on your laundry www.DistinctiveWash.co.uk 0800 298 2054
Julien Trivedi 38A Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QT NICHE 41
For Her Valentine’s Gift Guide Ideas to really spoil her this Valentine’s!
1. Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Bath & Massage balm is a unique dual purpose relaxing balm which creates a luxurious, lovely fragranced bath to help ease aches! Nelsons Arnicare Arnica bath & massage balm costs £8.15 and is available from Boots.
5. Ananya Lovestruck greeting cards (£3 each) available for purchase at www.ananyacards.com
2. Joanne Hynes ‘Love’ Tights Love your legs with these alluring heart motif tights guaranteed to make a heart-felt fashion statement on the high street. RRP £15 www.prettypolly.co.uk and www. joannehynes.com
6. Bottlegreen’s brand new tonic waters, elderflower and pomegranate flavours make a great wine alternative! They are available in both Sainsburys and Tescos and have an RRP of £2.99 for a pack of 4.
3. This Valentine’s Day spoil that special someone with a truly decadent treat from Champagne Laurent-Perrier and Britain’s finest chocolatier William Curley’
4. Fruit Floral Coconut Trio This trio consists of two brand new flavours for Winter 2013 and an old faithful: Dark Raspberry 75%, White Edition 05 (Toasted Coconut Flakes & Sea Salt) and Pale Rose. £16.81, www.ameliarope.com
It is available exclusively at Selfridges, RRP £59.99.
7. Aromatherapy Associates Rose Massage & Body Oil is a sensual and sensory oil with the blend of Rose, Neroli and Evening Primrose Oil, to deliver an intensively nourishing treatment, ideal for improving the condition of dry, devitalized skin, whilst enveloping the body in a light scent of rose. £38.00, 100ml www.aromatherapyassociates.com
8. Shavata Heart Tweezers in Pink or Red. Adding a touch of fun to your grooming regime, these best-selling tweezers come in 5 colours, each with a 5x magnified mirror for extra precision. www.shavata.co.uk, £21.00
9. Danielle Collins - ‘10 Minute Natural Facelift’ DVD, which leads you though four 10 minute face workouts and three bonus tracks for a younger, healthier appearance. £14.99 www.faceyogaexpert.com
Niche
loves
10. Sent With A Loving Kiss chocolate gift set perfect for Valentines Day. £22.99 from www.sentwithalovingkiss.co.uk
15. Orgran Shortbread Hearts are traditional shortbread biscuits made without butter! It’s a great Valentine’s Day gift! Available from Amazon, Naturally Good Food (www.naturallygoodfood.co.uk) and independent health food stores. RRP: £1.99
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11. Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Bordeaux A rich palette of aromas with a hint of box and a lively citrus character. It has ripe, refreshing fruit flavours and a fleshy palate. Great food match with delicate fish, shellfish, Asian dishes and goat’s cheese. £8.99 Waitrose
16. Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Bath & Massage balm is a unique dual purpose relaxing balm which creates a luxurious, lovely fragranced bath to help ease aches - it will leave you feeling like a goddess in no time! £8.15 available from Boots.
12. Croft Pink Port - RRP £11.99 Co-op For cocktail recipes using Croft Pink http://www.croftpink.com/en/ cocktail-recipes/
13. Treat the loved one in your life with the UK’s number one chocolate box, Cadbury Milk Tray! The iconic and treasured treat now includes two delectable new flavours; Surprise Parcel and Perfect Praline. 400G, RRP £7.85 available Nationwide
14. First published in 1977, Delia’s Book of Cakes is still going strong 36 years later, and this updated version is a cake baker’s dream. Containing the timeless classics such as Coffee & Walnut Sponge and Flapjacks, it now boasts a whole array of contemporary recipes to ensure there’s a cake or nibble for every occasion. From £12 from all good book shops.
17. Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2011. RRP £24 from Harrods, The Wine Reserve & Portland Wine Co. Aconcagua Costa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013. RRP £12.49 from Waitrose, Wine Rack, Booths.
18. Flint Blue Liebeskind Leather Bag. £199 from www.abiti-ladieswear.co.uk
19. Butterfly Corsets - Beautiful Coquette lace Bustier £39.00 with Free UK Delivery www.butterflycorsets.co.uk
From the Lightest Skin Tones to the Darkest
MaybeBlu Dreamwear was born of a desire to create a perfect sleepwear for women who love to drift into an elegant slumber. The nightwear pieces are inspired by the sole aim to simply accessorise dreams, whether day-dreaming or at night, offering an extensive array of pyjama styles to suit every taste and need. The elegant clean-cut designs in multi-colour prints feature playful illustrations. Mix and Match pyjama tops with bottoms to create bespoke pyjama sets. Perfect for the bedroom or lounging around the house, beautifully packed in a bespoke gift-box ready as a perfect present for someone special or as a treat for yourself.
www.maybeblu.co.uk
The majority of women wear some form of makeup everyday – most of us unaware of the ingredients that we’re putting on our faces. Mya Mineral Makeup is a collection of Pure Mineral Powder and Natural makeup Cosmetic products. “Not just powder, it is made up of top quality, 100% crushed pure mineral pigments derived from the earth. The presence of key ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide has the added benefit of providing natural SPF 15.” With lipsticks, lip-glosses, eye shadows, foundation, eyeliner, mascara and blusher, “we offer a comprehensive, exclusive crafted mineral cosmetic selection of shades and textures that compliment all ethnicities to cope with the ever changing lifestyles, with a particular focus on women of colour”.. Mya Mineral Makeup is also easy to apply and can also be added with water and moisturiser if desired for a smoother coverage. For more information, please visit www.myamineralmakeup.com, email info@myamineralmakeup.com or call 020 3292 0625
Glowing bracelets and necklaces in a rainbowful of vibrant colours, which give the illusion of glowing when the light hits them – during the day or the night. Funky, fun, eye-catching, affordable and different. They definitely grow your glow whenever you wear them! www.glowbeads.co.uk
Our bespoke cashmere blankets have been keeping loved ones wrapped & cosy in the softest 100% Scottish cashmere since 2007. Each and every design has a strong identity and character and as such is treated as an individual, made to order and lovingly dispatched to every new home. Contemporary heirlooms that will raise happy smiles for many years to come! Ideal for special baby gifts or celebrating new Mums & Dads.
www.studioroam.co.uk NICHE 43
For Her
1. Cream denim scarf from Lana Knitting. £59, www.lanaknitting.co.uk
6. Cune Reserva 2009, RRP £14.49, Waitrose, Wholefoods Market, D.Byrne & Co
11. Charles Henry Brut Rosé Charles Henry Rosé NV Champagne has a bright, refreshing, light strawberry aroma with a delicate mousse and a fresh, lively finish. £23.00, www.drinks21.com
16. Maybeblu Bed Shorts These cute bed shorts are a perfect Valentine’s gift for all the ladies who love to drift into an elegant slumber. Featuring an elasticised waistband with satin ribbon and pockets. Match with MaybeBlu vest top. Come in bespoke gift box. £28.00, www.maybeblu.co.uk
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2. Azuni Athena Rings by Alice M Jewellery from £32 including delivery. 24ct gold plated rings with a choice of gorgeously coloured gemstones. www.alicemjewellery.com www.facebook.com/alicemjewellery
7. QuickFlip™ for iPad® mini The latest case for iPad® puts a new spin on quick access to your tablet. In one swift motion, the QuickFlip™ rotates open and is ready for in-case use. RRP of £34.99, www.caselogic.com
12. Bold and bright or detailed and intricate, Mclaggan Smith Mugs have a design for everyone this Valentine’s Day. All with the theme of love, each design can be personalised on the handle with a name or message (up to 30 characters) for an additional £5.00 making them a unique and personal gift. Available to order from www. msmugs.com or by phone 01389 755 655.
17. Meet Campbell Scottie Junior. He is a lavender filled paperweight made from black and grey dogtooth fabric and would make a perfect gift for a dog lover. Comes in a gift box and priced at £9.95 visit www. chilli-dogs.com
3. Contino Reserva 2007, RRP £22.99, Waitrose, Tesco, The Wine Society, Harrods, Berry Bros & Rudd
8. Make storing your baking a piece of cake with the new Cupcake Storage Box and Carrier from Premier Housewares. £32.99
13. Moulin Rouge by Pamela Mann White Heart Seam Tights S/M or M/L £10, www.pamelamann.co.uk
4. Kiss the dog hanging sign £9.99 from www.muddypaws.co.uk
9. Bread and Oil Board Set – As pleasing to behold as it is practical to use, the gorgeous honeytones of Acacia shine though this beautiful bread board. £14, www.sabichi.co.uk
14. Acrylic Hearts to hang anywhere in the house. A message can be written on the back in felt tip pen. Priced at £6.50. Order from www.jennybell.co.uk or Tel: 01388 665757
19. Show your soft side this Valentine’s Day with the Ferrero Rocher Heart. 18. MOLLY colour denim bag from Lana Knitting. £79, www.lanaknitting.co.uk
£4.49 and sold at all major retailers.
5. CND Polka Scarf © Comes along with peace, love & harmony. 27cm x 180cm approximately. 100% SUPERFINE GEELONG LAMBSWOOL £59, www.studioroam.co.uk
10. ‘The Classic Beauty’ from Lindt and Wildabout. The Classic Beauty, Small bouquet + Lindt Swiss Luxury Selection 145g. £60, Buy in Wildabout stores and online at wildabout.co.uk and lindtshop.co.uk
15. FTN is the worlds first wholefood nutraceutical stem cell recovery drink. Taken everyday the potent blend of five key ingredients has been proven to work with body’s own natural repair and renewal systems. £75 from www.ftnbelieve.com, www. amazon.co.uk
20. Slate cheese Board A thick 12 inch slate that has been hand crafted for its unique grain. Individually hand painted and ideal for cheese, cakes and meats, in addition, the paintwork is heat resistant, so this platter can be used as a table trivet for those hot dishes straight from the oven. £30.00 from www.therealfind.co.uk. Free delivery
1. Plaimont Producteurs Les Hauts de Bergelle White 2011 AOC Saint Mont, £7.99 Majestic. Fresh citrus backbone, with a pleasant mix of tanginess and riper, pear-like flavours.
2. Green & Blacks Conversations Collection All mum’s love to talk and Green & Black’s Conversations Collection for after dinner moments will give her something to talk about – they come equipped with conversationsparking questions on each wrapper. RRP £5.49
3. The English Provender Luxury Ginger Curd. £2.49, www.englishprovender.com/ product/53/luxury-ginger-curd
4. Tickets to The Cake & Bake Show 2014 at Manchester Central on 4-6 April. Adult tickets cost £14.50 and are available from www.seetickets.com/tour/the-cakebake-show
5. Breakfast in Bed Gift Box Give mornings a makeover and treat someone special to a five star lie in. Indulge and delight them with this memorable breakfast in bed that comes with all the trimmings, including Lanson Champagne, but without the crumbs! £40, www.moonpig.com
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
6. Set 3 Cake Tins Vintage Ivy. Get back to nature with this set of 3 Vintage Ivy nesting cake tins. Tastefully decorated in subtle tones, they range in size from 14cm, to 17cm, right up to 20cm and stack snugly together for easy storage. £12.95 www.dotcomgiftshop.com
10. Magnitone Pulsar - Hailed as the latest DIY youth boosting beauty tool, helps you achieve younger, smoother, fresher feeling skin in just 7 days. Available from Boots and Boots.com, RRP £129
15. Ted Baker Treasure for Tresure Gift Box, contains some of Ted’s favourites; body Souffle, body wash and lathering puff. Available in Boots stores, RRP £15.
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7. White Hot is a contemporary range of products that cater for the needs of white and grey hair, designed for those who have embraced their natural colour but have by no means given up on being glam. The range is available to buy on Boots.com and www.whitehothair.co.uk, and retails between £12 and £14.
11. The Monin Cocktail Set features five 50ml bottles of Passion Fruit, Mojito Mint, Grenadine, Coconut and Curacao Blue syrup along with recipe suggestions. RRP £6.49, available from Lakeland.
16. The fragrance that defined a generation is finally back by popular demand! Aqua Manda took the flower power years by storm and helped to create a collection of tender memories which shaped an unforgettable era. This nostalgic, retro fragrance is £39.99 for 100ml www.aquamandaperfume.com
12. Out Heart Post-it Dispenser is sure to be received with love. It is packed with a handy pack of Z-Notes which busy mums will adore. Stocked in all good stationary stores and www.3mdirect.co.uk
17. Ananya Lovestruck greeting cards (£3 each) - available for purchase at www.ananyacards.com
8. Vintage style glass apothecary perfume bottle, with round glass stopper. Label reads: Highest excellence no 132 royal violetta perfume for ladies of refinement exquisite and delicate. The royal violetta company London and Paris. Approx. volume of bottle 500 mls. £9.95 www.dotcomgiftshop.com
13. Easton Walled Gardens Sweet Pea Seed Set. Easton Walled Gardens is famous for its sweet peas, growing over 60 different varieties a year. The gardening team has chosen its favourites to include in this homegrown seed collection perfect for sowing now or in the spring. Each collection comes complete with advice on how to get the best out of your sweet peas. 100 seeds. £18. Visit www. shopateaston.co.uk.
9. Sugarjack’s Key Ring comes in patent white leather or buttery tan and can be personalised with up to six letters. Whether Mum wants her own name or her children’s initials, this makes a lovely keepsake! £25 www.sugarjack.com
14. Superdry fragrance set Collection of four x 25ml mini perfume pack ideal for stylish women on the go. Available at Superdry stones, www.superdry. com, larger Debenhams and Boots stores.
19. Rescue Balm is an intensive moisturising lip balm designed to soothe dry, cracked lips. £6.05. Rescue Cream is a 18. Nelsons Calendula, a cream to help relieve your hands of the effects non-greasy intensive moisturiser designed to hydrate dry, rough, flaky that cold weather can have on or sensitive skin quickly. £5.90 delicate skin to leave them feeling smooth, soft and revitalised. Priced www.rescueremedy.co.uk Available from Boots, Holland and at £4.85 for 30g tube and £6.35 Barrett, Lloydspharmacy and Waitrose for a 50g tube and available from and all good independent health Boots, Holland & Barrett food and pharmacy stores.
New g din wed open room
New wedding and occasions room now open BRA STRAPS TO BE SEEN IN! Stunning Jewelled Bra Straps that will give you confidence with your strapless bras as well as support, elegance and style. Get rid of the plastic bra straps and give all your outfits the WOW look with our Glamorous Bra Straps. An accessory that once discovered, is a girl's best friend. Call us today on 07793 747386 www.glamorousbrastraps.co.uk
Lana Knitting is a British based brand that produces quality handmade products. They have explored a traditional skill of hand knitting and developed a modern collection of bespoke chunky hand knitted accessories. 'Molly' as pictured, is one of the gorgeous hand knitted bags with a giant wooden working button. designer@lanaknitting.co.uk 07707949684 INDULGE IN THE MOST REFINED, SENSUAL TREATMENT OF THE YEAR For you alone or for two, Yon-Ka’s new massage candle is set to impress! Succumb to the pleasure of Yon-Ka’s exceptional Neroli Massage Oil Candle treatment for one or for two! Following the success of the original massage candle, Yon-Ka’s new Neroli candle and its indulging ingredients make the perfect treat for a completely relaxing and rejuvenating experience of the body and mind. And what’s more? You can also enjoy it with your partner! RRP: £42.00 Buy online at www.yonkashop.co.uk
Chase away the winter blues with this captivating hand spun pashmina from PashMala, a small boutique in the UK, specialising in pure hand spun pashmina and cashmere scarves. The bold display of cherry blossoms printed on ultrafine pashmina yarn is woven in herringbone and gives this scarf an irresistable allure and drape. Call 07592 869937 to find out more. www.pashmala.co.uk NICHE 47
1. Octaspring is a luxury mattress brand, which uses innovative mattress technology – a spring mattress made from memory foam springs, rather than metal springs – meaning it utilizes the best of both bedding technologies for an ultimate nights sleep. The pillows retail at £114.95 from www.octaspring.co.uk.
6. Cune Barrel Fermented Blanco 2012, RRP £9.49, Waitrose, Christopher Piper Wines, Eynsham Cellars, Luvian’s
11. Cologne Wrap Kimono £78.00, Born of desire to create an elegant sleepwear that’s just as stylish as your most treasured wardrobe essentials, MaybeBlu has crafted Limited Edition elegant wrap kimono in playful vintageinspired fragrance bottles print. It comes in bespoke gift box. Visit www.maybeblu.co.uk quoting mothersday14 for 20% discount.
16. Travelling Stamp Jigsaw - Made from sustainable wood. Each piece is laser cut and has unique themed shaped pieces that reflect the main image of the jigsaw. £27.95 from www.therealfind.co.uk. Free delivery within the UK
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2. Thousand year Red flowers - a tea that goes on and on. One of these delicious tea bulbs will give you at least 1.5L of tea, perfect to have at your desk and top up all day. A high grade green tea naturally scented with jasmine flowers it is a fragrant brew that has won a gold great taste award. High in antioxidants it makes for an effortless detox. We have converted hard core coffee drinkers with this brew. Order from www.choitime.com or 08450533269. Prices start from £2.00 - £19.90.
7. Perfectly brewed tea with finum’s® Tea Control™ A simple turn of the lid slows down the brewing process making the perfect cup of tea. Prices £29.95 for all sizes www.ictc.co.uk
12. Grahams Natural Bath Oil (120ml/250ml RRP £17.50), Natural Body Wash (250 ml, RRP £16.50) and Natural Soap (100g, RRP £8.50) – containing manuka oil and honey as well as natural oils to cleanse, replenish, nourish and protect the skin without drying it out.
17. Spiffing Beverage Mug £9.00, www.thedogsdoodahs.com
3. Graffigna Centenario Malbec. The new wine is available in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide priced at £9.99, and is an ideal match to red meats such as steak, lamb and duck, which will ensure an evening of elegance and good taste.
8. Imperial Gran Reserva 2005, RRP £26.99, Waitrose, Majestic, Berry Bros, The Wine Society, D.Byrne & Co
13. Saskia Ring by Alice M Jewellery. £43 incl delivery. Sterling silver flows elegantly round a Turquoise stone (14mm x 12mm) in this modern take on an old world classic. www.alicemjewellery.com www.facebook.com/alicemjewellery
18. JoJo's Jewels - fabulous hand crafted and competitively priced fashion jewellery including stunning designs of necklaces, bracelets and earings. www.cafeinthebarn.com
4. LINDOR Strawberries & Cream white chocolate truffles (200g) are available from January 2014 in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, convenience stores and via the LINDT E-Shop www.lindtshop.co.uk. 200g RRP £4.59
9. GLORY DAYS DAY CREAM forms a ‘matrix’ sealing surface and creating the perfect base and primer for makeup application while letting skin breathe reflective mica particles act as ‘photoshop’ for the skin £28.00
14. Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rosé The taste is of intensely fruity flavours of freshly picked berries and Morello cherries. This Champagne is clean, well-defined and slightly sharp tasting and is supple and rounded on the finish. £55.00, www.drinks21.com
19. Stromboli Blanket © Each blanket is knitted to order, using only the finest Scottish cashmere. The result is wonderfully soft, but resilient enough to last a lifetime of washes. £556, www.studioroam.co.uk
5. Wild Green Tea - the latest edition to choi time's award winning range, this tea won a gold great taste award 2013. High in anti-oxidants if you're a green tea purists you're going to love this brew. With a jade liquor it is delicate, refreshing and has a lovely grassy note to the brew. A fantastic digestive as it helps to metabolise the fats in your system. Order from www.choitime.com or 08450533269 Prices start from £2.00 - £19.90.
10. Daschund, Spaniel or Labrador clock with moving tail. £44.99 from www.muddypaws.co.uk
15. Spring Garden Mug Blackbirds with spring flowers adorn this beautiful Bone China Mug by Jenny Bell. The garden sign can be personalised for a perfect Mother's Day gift or can read "Welcome to the Garden". Priced at £11.50 plus £1.00 for personalising. Order from www.jennybell.co.uk or Tel: 01388 665757
20. Add some personality to your interiors with Daphne throw. A rich combination of colour and texture this will make a stylish statement on your sofa or bed. £195, www.beulah-home.com
We have a wonderful collection of sterling silver, gold and pearl jewellery and scarves...ideal for that perfect present or to finish off your outfit for day or night. Our jewellery is made for memories and moments in time. All jewellery is presented in Alice M gift boxes and gift bags. Plus free delivery worldwide guaranteed!
meg@alicemjewellery.com www.facebook.com/alicemjewellery +353 (0) 871677121
Valentines Day in the Orchard Hotel, Nottingham Tickets are now on sale for the second Manchester edition of the UK’s favourite baking exhibition where Great British Bake Off 2013 winner Frances Quinn will be joining a stellar line up of baking stars. Returning to Manchester Central on 4-6 April, 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the Cake & Bake Show, in partnership with Billington’s.
Celebrate Valentines Day with a romantic dinner for 2, including a bottle of Prosecco, overnight accommodation in an executive room with full English breakfast for only £99.00 per couple. Available on Friday 14th February only. Bookable direct with the hotel – 0115 876 0862 or 0115 876 0863 or email emccreservations@deverevenues.co.uk Pre-payment required, which is non refundable.
Win Win Win!! We have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader! All you need to do is tell us your favourite thing to bake! Send your name answer and contact details to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk before the closing date of March 14th 2014 with the subject ‘bake.’
To view the latest video of the Orchard Hotel and find out more information visit www.deverevenues.co.uk
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Capture & Keep
Capture those memories forever Capture and Keep is the culmination of years of experience in the personalised jewellery sector. The specialist team have been creating unique and very special pieces of jewellery for customers to give as gifts to loved ones (or even to themselves) for quite some time, the range has recently branched out to include gifts that can be personalised as requested by their customers; “We found more and more of our customers were asking for more unique ways to include a personalised engraving, whilst the classic jewellery is still popular we wanted to include diversity within the store and give the public pieces that are different as gifts or keepsakes.” Capture and Keep explained. The individually personalised jewellery and gifts give you the chance to have special dates, names, drawings and even signatures engraved in silver to treasure forever in a unique piece of personalised silver jewellery or token. You can choose from a wide and varied collection of pieces on which to have your personalisation engraved from bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks to key rings, bookmarks, memory pins, charms and even fridge magnets. Whatever the occasion there is something very special from Capture and Keep to mark it. We particularly love the co-ordinates pieces whereby the client can suggest a particular special place that holds sentimental value, a birth place, a marriage venue or even the place you first met, your beloved and can have these map co-ordinates engraved and kept all the more closer as a result. The process for you the customer could not be simpler; choose your piece, detail what you would like included, if it’s a drawing or handwriting example send that off to the team and your finished piece will be sent out 1-3 days after. www.captureandkeep.co.uk 50
Affordable & Beautiful Jewellery at Alice M When it comes to seeking out jewellery which will catch your eye, Meg at online jewellery boutique Alice M knows exactly what she is looking for. Having worked with her godfather in Birmingham’s infamous jewellery quarter Meg discovered a passion for jewellery that she didn’t know was there; “After graduating from University I soon found I really loved the jewellery world and what was intended to be a short term commitment with my Godfathers’ business it evolved into me moving to Ireland to run the Irish sector of the business myself!” Meg explains. It was from here that Meg decided to venture into her own jewellery boutique online, selling a wide range of jewellery from classic studs and pendants through to exciting upcoming brands worn by Kate Middleton, Laura Whitmore and Zooey Deschanel to name a few. The collections are ever evolving with Meg trusting her instincts on what she believes her customers will love; “I usually pick out pieces that I love to have in the boutique and it seems to have been working out well so far! My customers have impeccable taste!” Meg continued. However the collection isn’t solely made up of other jeweller’s pieces, her time at her godfather’s jewellers has taught her a thing or two and Meg also now creates pieces for the boutique herself too. Plus, if you can’t find what you are looking for from the vast, affordable collection you can contact Meg to see if she can source something for you….she loves the challenge! Plus free delivery Worldwide! www.alicemjewellery.com
Grow your glow with Glowbeads This striking bead jewellery from Glowbeads is quite unlike anything you will have seen before. At first glance they are beautiful, colourful, vibrant beaded jewellery; on second glance they are so much more. When the light hits them Glowbeads reflect it back, giving the wonderful illusion that the beads are glowing! All handmade in the UK by online jewellery boutique owner Katherine Foot they make a great gift for yourself or a loved one; “I saw the Glowbeads whilst on a holiday in Sydney years ago now. I love colour and that’s what first attracted me to the beads yet the attraction just grew and grew when I discovered they glowed too! They produce such a lovely effect. We have found they are popular with just about everybody who sees them, people of all ages!” Katherine told us. The range includes a vast selection of unique designs, from delicate designs featuring silver beading and smaller Glowbeads through to vibrant full strings of large Glowbeads. Choose from necklaces, bracelets, keyrings and even add Glowbead additions to your home in the form of decorations! Little girls adore Glowbeads and with the Glowbead Party in a Box you can give your daughter a birthday party to remember. Gather a few of her friends, add the Glowbead Party in a Box and you have an instant, fun and memorable birthday party! Plus, because the boxes include more than enough beads and all the kit to create them with each party member can take home their handmade jewellery as a goodie bag! Katherine is available to host these parties in her postcode of WD3, but further afield the box provides all you need for a fuss free party at home. Grow your glow at www.glowbeads.co.uk
Capture & Keep Hand made jewellery by artisans who specialize in the art of filigree, make a perfect, unique gift this Valentine’s Day. Gold Fenicio Pendant Inspired by the discoveries of the Phoenician jewellery found in Sardinia. The art of filigree was originally brought to Sardinia during the Phoenician colonization between the 8th and the 5th century BC. Only few master artisans are able to produce the quality and accuracy that is needed to reach the perfection that is required for this collection. £395, www.kokku.co.uk
Individually personalised jewellery commemorating special events in your life, including birth celebrations and anniversaries, to suit all budgets. Stunning stainless steel engraved cufflinks £40 A pretty necklace with sterling silver heart depicting all the details celebrating your newborn £90
Come and visit us at www.captureandkeep.co.uk or call us on 01564 781186.
Capture the moments..Keep the memory
Add some personality to your interiors with Daphne. A rich combination of colour and texture this will make a stylish statement on your sofa or bed. £65, www.beulah-home.com Beautiful glowing bracelets from Glowbeads - perfect for Mother's Day presents - Pink mix bracelet is £12.00 & £1.95 p & p. www.glowbeads.co.uk
The Opinel Essential Knife collection, comprises four of the most indispensable kitchen blades, is available in five attractive colours sets. Boxed set is £39.95 www.ictc.co.uk
Small Kine (RRP, £245) - Taking its cue from retrofashion, these aviators will update your look with a classic combination of tortoise or black acetate details, rimmed in pure titanium. MauiJim.com
Warm heart but cold feet? Give Charlton Alpaca stripy or contrast socks to your Valentine. Prices from £12.00. Website: www.charltonalpacas.com Whiteys Cocoa Original 100g bag, £2.50, www.whiteys.co.uk
At Mýa Mineral Makeup, we offer comprehensive exclusive crafted mineral cosmetic selection of shades and textures that compliment all ethnicities to cope with the ever changing lifestyles, with particular focus on women of colour! Almond Foundation £22, Bloom Bronzer £19, Butter Scotch Eyeshadow £19
EXCLUSIVE to Glamorous Bra Straps, Eternity Diamante Square is the must have item for all elegant women! This stylish square pattern is encrusted with finely cut diamante stones! £49.95, www.glamorousbrastraps.co.uk
Smart, stylish and space-saving; the new Stellar EaziSto re Knife Block Set. £75, www.stellarcookware.co.uk
Blossom Hand Spun Pashmina Wrap £125 70 x 200 cmwww.pashmala.co.uk
Cupcake Notebook for notes and things £8.00, www.thedogsdoodahs.com
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Chutney Ivy
Fine & Fabulous Food Food cooked with love… For those who really want to do something special for the loved one in their life, whether for Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, we suggest cooking a delicious meal to show you care. For Valentine’s, you can really set a romantic scene with candles and a full on three course meal to make it really special. Investigate their favourite meals, wine and even music to ensure you have all their favourites for a thoughtful romantic night in. For Mother’s Day you can’t top breakfast in bed or a home cooked Sunday Roast for the whole family. I suspect your mum can’t remember the last time she had a lie in with breakfast served to her on a tray, pop a flower in a vase to really get the perfect child crown and she will relish in being waited on for a change! The Sunday Roast is always a big task for mum and roast dinners always taste better when someone else has cooked them, so, let her appreciate that this Mother’s Day and don your apron! Of course, if you really are one for chafing then take them out! Whether it’s a romantic meal for two or a lovely family lunch a meal treat on you is a win win in the gift giving department.
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Fabulous Vodka Company
Who doesn’t love a home cooked meal made by someone they love?! This Mother’s Day and Valentine’s we think there is nothing more fitting as a gift to show you truly care than a home cooked meal accompanied by a carefully selected tipple. We have teamed up with drinks21.com to bring you some tempting drink and recipe ideas to treat your loved ones, whatever the occasion. Here are our top 3 hand selected drinks of choice with culinary delights to accompany. Don’t forget, you can always skip the cooking and give the drinks alone as a great gift idea! drinks21.com offers a great range of premium and super-premium ‘handpicked’ alcoholic drinks including boutique spirits, Champagnes and wines delivered direct to your door.
Penfolds Bin 28 www.drinks21.com
£22.50
The Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2010 is a deep, black-cherry red colour. Full-bodied and multi-dimensional, there’s an assortment of flavours including blackcurrant and dates. Mid-palate there’s a fruit sweetness, aligned with firm tannins culminating in a long, lingering finish. The nose has an initial lift of coffee grind, then ascending elements of dark chocolate and black liquorice.
Duck with Cherry Sauce and Rosti 500g duck breasts 400g pitted tinned cherries 1 orange 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp cornflour 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp ginger 600g potatoes 75g crème fraiche 1 egg 30g butter 300g French beans
Charles Henry Brut Rosé www.drinks21.com
1. Pre heat the oven to 200C 2. Prepare the potato rosti. Peel and grate the potatoes. Rinse and squeeze out any excess liquid with a T-towel. In a bowl mix together the potato, crème fraiche and egg. Season and set aside until ready to cook. 3. Heat a large frying pan. Fry the duck breasts on a high heat for 3 minutes skin side down until brown and crispy, turn the duck over and fry for a further 2 minutes. No oil needed. Transfer the breasts to a baking tray and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove and set aside to rest for a couple of minutes, keep covered with foil until ready to serve. 4. While the duck is in the oven. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and the butter. Add mounds (about a tbsp) of the grated potato mixture flatten the surface with a spatula and fry over a medium-low heat for about 3 minutes on each side until they are browned. Lay them on a baking tray and transfer to the oven for 5 minutes. 5. While the potatoes and duck are in the oven make the sauce. Drain the cherries and reserve the juice. In a medium sized pan add the juice from the orange, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of ginger and the cherries with the reserved juice. Cook for 5 minutes on a high heat until the sauce reduces by 1/3. Mix the cornflour with 1 tbsp of cold water. Add to the cherry sauce and cook until it thickens. 6. While the sauce is reducing put the beans on to boil for 6 minutes or until cooked. 7. Cut the duck into slices and serve with the rosti, sauce and beans.
£23.00
Charles Henry Rosé NV Champagne has a bright, refreshing, light strawberry aroma with a delicate mousse and a fresh, lively finish.
Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Prunes and Pine Nuts Served with Broccoli and Mash 550g pork fillet (tenderloin) 2 tbsp prunes (no stones) 2 cloves of garlic 2 tsp rosemary 2 tbsp of chopped parsley 50g breadcrumbs + 1 egg 50g pine nuts 900g potatoes 350g broccoli Dijon mustard 100ml chicken stock 100ml single cream 2 tsp redcurrant jelly
For Him
For Her
1. Preheat the oven to 200C 2. Start by making the stuffing. In a food processor roughly blend together the garlic, prunes, rosemary, parsley and breadcrumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add 1 beaten egg, 1 tsp of salt, a pinch of pepper and the pine nuts, mix together well and set aside. 3. Prepare the pork. With a sharp knife make a cut lengthways about 2/3 of the way down into the tenderloin. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Open up the tenderloin and place it on a piece of cling film with another piece on top. Using a meat pounder or rolling pin flatten the pork on each side of the cut so it is about ½ inch thick. Remove the plastic then spread the stuffing evenly on the pork leaving 2 cm bare along the top edge. Lift up the sides with the stuffing so they meet in the middle to form a roll. Using string make a tie every 2 cms along the tenderloin to hold everything together. Transfer to an oven dish and roast for 25 minutes. Remove and rest for 5 minutes. 4. While the pork is cooking peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes and boil. When the are ready mash them well with some butter and milk, season to taste. 5. Five minutes before the pork is ready put the broccoli on to boil. 6. When the pork is ready take it out the oven and transfer it to a wooden board to rest. Add the stock to the bottom of the roasting tin and mix with any remaining juices. Put the tin on a high heat, add the cream, mustard, a knob of butter and the redcurrant jelly, bring to the boil and reduce by 2/3. Season to taste. 7. Remove the string from the pork, cut it into 2cm thick slices and serve with the sauce, broccoli and potatoes.
Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rosé
£55.00
www.drinks21.com The taste is of intensely fruity flavours of freshly picked berries and Morello cherries. This Champagne is clean, well-defined and slightly sharp tasting and is supple and rounded on the finish.
Chicken Baked with Vegetables and Herbs with Feta 600g chicken thighs 250g cherry tomatoes 500g sweet potatoes 300g red peppers 5 garlic cloves 1 ½ tbsp chopped thyme 25g basil leaves 4 tbsp of olive oil 1 pack feta
1. Preheat the oven to 200C. 2. Prepare the vegetables. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into chunks (2cms) set aside. Cut the peppers into 8 pieces and the tomatoes in half then add to a large oven tray with the sweet potatoes. Coat well with 2 tbsp of olive oil, add 4 peeled garlic cloves ½ of the basil leaves torn into smaller pieces and 1 tbsp of chopped thyme, season well. Using your hands make sure all the vegetables are well coated in the oil and herbs. Lay the chicken thighs on top, drizzle some of the remaining olive oil over the thighs and season well. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. Turn the thighs after 15 minutes and baste them with the juices. 3. Crumble the feta and set aside. 4. Take the chicken out of the oven. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top with a tbsp of chopped thyme and serve together.
With thanks to www.jessicasrecipebag.co.uk for these recipes.
Wake Up And Smell The Coffee Check out gourmet coffee company, Marley Coffee UK founded by Bob Marley’s son, Rohan, and its three delicious premium organic blends - all in keeping with his goal of producing ethical coffees inspired by his reggae heritage and beliefs. • Marley Coffee One Love Organic Coffee Blend Medium Roast – Ground Coffee.
Niche gets a fright at Coombe Abbey
• Marley Coffee Buffalo Soldier Organic Coffee Blend Dark Roast – Ground Coffee.
Always keen for a chance to have a great social
• Lively Up! Organic Coffee Blend – Espresso Roast – Ground Coffee.
evening out together some of the Niche team headed off to Coombe Abbey for a nice night out and to get frightened….!
Available via www.marleycoffee.co.uk priced £7.99 (including UK delivery) and amazon.co.uk
Coombe Abbey murder mystery evening is a great way to socialise with friends or your partner and take part in some fun entertainment
Eataly with Crosta & Mollica Building on the success of the classic Tarallini with Fennel Seed, Crosta and Mollica has introduced a Pugliese Tomato flavour Tarallini which is made with the same local ingredients of white wine and extra virgin oil and the addition of tomato, garlic and oregano - making it the perfect snack to serve with a glass of vino. Priced £1.89 – available from Waitrose
Lets Go Nuts for Liberation! Liberation, the UK’s first Fairtrade and farmer owned nut company, has launched two great tasting snacks: Oven baked Chilli & Lime Cashews with Peanuts & Roasted Corn AND Oven Baked Salted Cashews & Peanuts. True to Liberation’s beliefs, all nuts are sourced from co-operatives of small-scale growers and farmers who own a 44% share of the company. All nuts are oven roasted to bring out that extra nutty taste and extra crunchy crunch!
The Real Find is a showcase of some of the best British designers and small independent businesses the UK has to offer. By covering gifts for the home, your loved ones and children, The Real Find has something for everybody. Whether you are in the market for jewellery, art or a British bottle of sparkling wine, let The Real Find take the stress out of shopping and find you the perfect gift. Started by Jeannie Duncanson and Will Russell, two individuals with a wealth of knowledge from running their own businesses. They decided to create a shopping experience that was kind to sellers whilst giving the consumers the opportunity to purchase unique, quality and bespoke items at reasonable prices, without having to trawl through pages and pages of the same type of product. The company offers free delivery within the UK on all its products sold, so the price you see is the price you pay. The Real Find is always interested in new crafters and small businesses, so if you think you have a unique product, visit www.therealfind.co.uk and click on 'be part of the real find.'
for the evening. Niche Editor Sally Smith set out to get spooked and spooked she got! “I have actually never been to a murder mystery evening but have always wanted to, so when I heard that the beautiful Coombe Abbey were holding them I knew it was the perfect opportunity for a staff night out. We loved it! The food was amazing and the atmosphere was so much fun. It was a great way to get us all talking together but none of it felt forced and made for a very sociable fun time! Some of the party stayed overnight and they said how the accommodation was lovely and the breakfast as equally tasty as the evening meal.” There are plenty of dates set up already for 2014 and with ticket prices including a three course meal and after murder disco it’s a great value evening out for all! Dates: Friday 24th January 2014 Friday 21st February 2014 Friday 28th March 2014 Friday 25th April 2014 Friday 23rd May 2014 Friday 27th June 2014 Friday 26th July 2014 Friday 22nd August 2014 Friday 26th September 2014 Friday 24th October 2014 Friday 21st November 2014 Evening includes: Three Course Dinner with Coffee Murder Mystery Entertainment Glass of Wine
Available in selected Waitrose stores priced £1.49 for 100g bag.
Post Show Disco £44.95 per person
www.chooseliberation.com
Bar closes at 12.00am Disco until 12.30am Suitable for ages 16+ “Love Heart” Resin Pendants
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www.coombeabbey.com
Choi Time was born from Melissa Choi’s desire to bring the rituals and health benefits of Chinese specialty teas that have been enjoyed by her own family generations. Dedicated to authenticity and quality her tea collection has won numerous awards for the great quality and taste they possess.
Caralicious Caramel Vodka Drink Ideas 1. On the rocks, a generous measure of Caralicious over ice. 2. Cara-Mac, a double Caralicious topped with Ginger Wine 3. Dark & Sticky, a double Caralicious on ice, topped with Ginger Ale and a slice of lime. 4. Over the Top, a double Caralicious topped with single cream, served on ice. 5. Caramilky, a shot of Caralicious on ice, topped with milk. 6. Coffeelicious, a hot coffee with a shot of Caralicious. 7. Bananalicious, put a banana in a blender with 2 shots of Caralicious, add milk & blend until frothy.
The Choi Time collection features teas such as Jasmine Green Tea, Wild Green Tea and Damask Rose Tea Buds and prices start from just £2.00. Explore and shop from the multi award winning range at:
www.choitime.com 08450533269
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Hardys Wine Nothing says I love you more than the effort of a specially prepared home-cooked meal and a delicious bottle of wine. Impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic candlelit meal for two perfectly paired with a bottle of premium Australian wine from Hardys, whose extensive range ensures that there is a tipple to suit every occasion.
Toast to Valentine’s Day Hardys Stamp Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay 2012, £9.75 ASDA Raise a glass this Valentine’s Day with an indulgent glass of Hardys Stamp Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay. This medium-bodied wine delivers fresh lime with hints of nectarine and apricot and a fresh, zingy finish.
Romantic Chicken/Fish Dinner William Hardy Chardonnay 2012, £8.99 Tesco For that romantic dinner, show off your skills with homemade fishcakes or keep it simple with chicken in a creamy sauce and new potatoes. Pair it with a delicious glass of William Hardys Chardonnay to perfectly complement your dish with its intense peach and nectarine fruit characters with just a hint of oak adding to its medium bodied structure.
Simple One Pot Lamb Dish William Hardy Shiraz 2012, £8.99 Tesco If cooking isn’t your forte, impress your loved one by keeping it simple with a dish that requires as little maintenance as possible. Try a Greek lamb one pot dish and pair it with a glass of William Hardy Shiraz 2012. This full bodied wine displays rich plum and mulberry fruit flavours complemented by dark chocolate, vanilla and spice, with a soft, rounded palate and a long, savoury finish.
Girls Night in Hardys Crest Sparkling Rose, £9.99 Tesco/ Waitrose Celebrate being single and fabulous with the girls and get ready for that fun night out with a glass of Hardys Crest Sparkling Rose. Each glass offers a delicious combination of white stone fruit and ripe red berry flavours, enhanced by a lively, refreshing citrus finish.
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Still trying to figure out what women want? You could be a step closer with one of our packages.
Valentine’s day special
Build & decorate a large chocolate house together Make individual chocolate hearts and add your own message Only £65 per couple
Mother & daughter day
Build & decorate a large chocolate house each (worth £35) & make your own chocolate spoons Only £85 per couple Both packages include; wine or soft drinks, use of chocolate fountain throughout including fresh strawberries (approx 2.5 hours)
Whitey’s Gourmet Popcorn ‘Whiteys Original' Gourmet Popcorn. The perfect blend of ‘Not too sweet and not too salty. Also available are three other fabulous flavours. Maplecorn (Made with real maple syrup), Cinnamon Sweet and Cocoa Original. Available in 100g and 30 bags.
Diabetic chocolate options available www.fruitychocolatier.co.uk
Fabulous Vodka was set up by Chris Spiller, a well known and much respected name in the spirit industry. Chris is the brainchild behind numerous high-end spirit-based beverages and has provided his expertise to many brand owners for 20 years. Seeing many of the products he had helped to develop on the shelves of supermarkets up and down the land, Chris decided it was time to go it alone and launch a product of his own.
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First off the production line was "Caralicious", a caramel vodka that wowed Christmas shoppers in Reading, Henley and Chris's home town of Marlow, where he is based. As hoped, the free samples offered converted into sales and Chris shifted over a thousand bottles in December 2008 - despite the credit crunch, with many people buying a bottle for themselves, and another as a present. Since 2008 the business has continued to thrive, with attendance at County Fairs and Food and Drink festivals up and down the country. Caralicious has gained
sales@whiteys.co.uk www.whiteys.co.uk 01606 783885
a wide following of customers, through the Fabulous website (www.fabulousvodka.co.uk) we send out to all corners of the country. The Fabulous Vodka Company is small friendly business, with a dedicated tasting panel made up of family and friends who put in hours of strenuous tasting work to ensure the continuing quality of our products. The Fabulous Vodka Company will be developing more products for release throughout the coming years, once the tasting panel are feeling a bit better.
Beat the post-Christmas bulge and make a fresh start with HelloFresh.co.uk We’re all guilty of over-indulging during the festive period, leaving everyone feeling sluggish and bloated in the New Year. This January, ditch the fad diets and resolutions which barely make it past the second day of the month and rediscover the joys of cooking healthy, delicious food as you make a fresh start with HelloFresh.co.uk. The award-winning HelloFresh.co.uk, delivers recipes and exact ingredients direct to your door, making it easier to cook fresh food without waste. They are launching a healthy-living programme in January for health conscious cooks wanting to improve their wellbeing without sacrificing their taste buds. The ‘Fresh Start’ series of boxes will deliver low calorie meals every week for four weeks. What’s more, the boxes are made for two, four or six so you can encourage your partner, a friend or family member who is also in need of a January health kick! Head Chef Patrick Drake has designed a series of nutritionally-balanced dishes, each containing all your essential super foods. Recipes in your ‘Fresh Start’ box include: • • •
Body Boosting Hoisin Pork with Wholemeal Rice, Yellow Pepper and Sugar Snap Peas Roasted Sea Bream with Tomato Concasse Superfood Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chicken
Patrick commented: "We all start January with the best intentions, but it's not easy to balance that with a busy lifestyle. We wanted to make it easy for people to eat really healthy, tasty food throughout January and set themselves up for the year ahead. Just because food is healthy, that's no excuse for it to be anything less than totally delicious!" Get ahead and plan your post-Christmas health kick by signing up to HelloFresh.co.uk today. The Fresh Start Boxes cost £39 for a two person box and must be ordered by midnight on Wednesday for delivery the following Tuesday or Thursday (first box will be delivered on Tuesday 7th January). Hello Fresh makes delicious home-cooking simple. With no stressful shopping and quick to prepare recipes, you can put the fun back into dinner time! Order now at www.hellofresh.co.uk.
About HelloFresh.co.uk HelloFresh.co.uk delivers recipes and exact ingredients direct to your door, making it easier to discover new ways of cooking fresh food without waste. Every week, HelloFresh.co.uk delivers boxes of fresh ingredients from local independent suppliers to households across the UK. The boxes provide exact quantities of everything you need to make a meal and recipe cards are included with easy to follow steps and photographs, enabling customers to create restaurant quality dishes from the comfort of their own kitchen. All recipes are prepared by HelloFresh.co.uk’s Head Chef Patrick Drake or guest chefs who research new recipes each week using fresh produce. HelloFresh.co.uk’s community of over 50,000 social chefs also share recipes online and take part in live cook-a-longs each week on Facebook and Google+.
£20 off your first order with Niche!
NICHEHF20 www.hellofresh.co.uk/nichehf20
NICHE 57
CHOCOLATE GINGER FONDANT PUDDINGS Serves: 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 12 minutes
1 tablespoon cocoa powder 50g good quality dark chocolate (about 70% cocoa solids), chopped 50g butter 50g caster sugar 1 medium egg and 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon plain flour, sifted 4 teaspoons The English Provender Co. Luxury Ginger Curd Butter 2 x 150 ml pudding tins or ramekins, then dust the insides with the cocoa powder. Place the chocolate and butter in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Place the sugar, egg and egg yolk in a bowl and whisk until pale and fluffy. Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture, then the flour until well combined. Divide half the mixture between the dishes. Place 2 teaspoons of the ginger curd in the middle and top with the remaining chocolate mixture. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven, 200ºC, Gas Mark 6, for 10 minutes. The outside will be cooked with a molten centre. Allow to stand for 2 minutes, then carefully turn out and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche.
Jasmine Green Tea Pearls £24.00
This jasmine green tea is one of the most popular Chinese green teas and with good reason. Delicate, soothing and refreshing, the quality of the green tea leaves and jasmine blossoms used to scent it shines through with every cup.
Wild Green Tea £18.00
Sometimes, simplicity is what you need, and this wild green tea provides that. Harvested in the Fujian province of China, this tea is delicate, deep and completely delicious. The Chinese believe that three cups of this tea every day will reduce stress and act as an elixir for the skin; I believe it too!
www.choitime.com
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Niche gets creative with cakes… Deborah at Cakes by Deborah has been creating wedding and celebration cakes in around the East Midlands for over 18 years, and in addition also has an online shop selling cake making supplies. Keen to share her knowledge with the public Deborah now also runs cake making courses for those that are eager to learn the art of cake making and decorating. Niche editor Sally Smith went along to a Cupcake in Vintage Style workshop and loved it; I went to one of Deborah’s workshops recently with a friend and had so much fun! We decorated 6 cupcakes in a vintage style which included learning how to create patterns within the icing itself and how to make our own mini roses as a decoration. I particularly loved learning how to luster the cakes to give them a beautiful finished effect. It was so enjoyable and I picked up some great skills to add to me caked decoration repertoire! My friend is planning on going back to do another course. A range of different cake decorating classes take place at their store based in Enderby, Leicester with something to suit everybody’s needs. Their classes are arranged at different times worked around the school term times in the Leicester and Hinckley area. The workshops are great fun and are in a nice relaxed environment. Catering for all skill levels from the complete beginner to those looking to add skills to their list, Cakes by Deborah is for you. Providing everything you need including refreshments the workshops are a great opportunity to get creative and social all at once!
Call: 0116 2849 835 to find out more. www.cakesbydeborah.co.uk
To The Lighthouse! To say I was anticipating my visit to The Lighthouse is quite an understatement, having heard such great things already I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself. Well, we were certainly not disappointed! Surroundings are contemporary yet relaxed, attention to detail is meticulous and you can tell that everything is thought through and comes from a passion for good food and a desire to create happy socialising.The Lighthouse offers a feast for the fish lover with ever changing fresh fish catches and a menu that delights in its rustic, beautifully cooked dishes.
from the home-made bread through to the selection of options for those that are looking for meat or vegetarian options. Its good (really good!) honest food made for eating. There are the British classics, such as fish and chips with mushy peas, but then there are dishes with a fresh Mediterranean affair too, it’s a great lively mix of mouth-watering food. We had some lovely starters to get the taste buds going in the form of Garlic bread with Maldon sea salt and parsley, which had just the right amount of garlic kick, the Beetroot cured smoked salmon with crème fraiche and rye croutons, which tasted so fresh and the Potted shrimp on sourdough toast was a real classic brought to life! For our mains we went for Fresh crab tagliolini with a touch of chilli which had a wonderful balance of flavour and again tasted so fresh and Monkfish wrapped in Parma ham with mixed bean cassoulet was a great combination of flavours which was a melt in the mouth moment! Then came dessert, we chose Chocolate toffee tart with praline, and vanilla ice cream Fig tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream and we certainly chose well! Both were a perfect end to a stunning meal.
Service is efficient and friendly, just what you look for. The food was cooked to perfection and every effort was made to ensure the food has an authentic feel,
In a nutshell The Lighthouse offers food that you simply love to eat with friends and family in a warm, friendly, relaxed and social environment....what more could you ask for?
www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk 0116 2796260
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Café in the Barn for tasty cakes and more… Café in the Barn is the kind of café you and your family will visit time and time again. With an emphasis on a friendly, welcoming, cosy atmosphere and of course great tasting lunches, cakes and snacks, Café in the Barn is a firm favourite of many in Leicestershire. It’s a place to take the whole family for sandwiches at lunch or simply to relax and catch up with a friend for coffee and homemade cake. With its own gift shop, which is home to some wonderful and fun gifts for him and her, girls, boys and even the pets in your life as well as gift vouchers for those tricky to buy for folk it’s the ideal location to catch up with those gift list items and enjoy tea for one in the process! The café also plays host to your children’s parties, with arts and crafts activities, invites and of course whatever they create is all included in the party package. Craft activities are fab with pottery painting, recycled crafts and build a bear to make at every Café in the Barn children’s party. Located within the increasingly popular area of Stoughton Grange, Oadby this unique coffee and gift shop with a welcoming rural feel, has some fabulous displays from local designers. Discover All About Daisy, JoJo’s Jewels, Mary’s China, Merri Kitty, Mark Anthony Upholstery amongst a treasure trove of gifts. With plenty of free onsite parking it’s an ideal stress free afternoon or morning out.
Stoughton Grange Gartree Road Oadby Leicester LE2 2FB
www.cafeinthebarn.com 0116 2711198
MOROCCAN ROAST LAMB Serves: 6-8 Cooking time: approx. 2-2½ hours
Open 8.30am-5.50pm Mon-Sat
Newmans
Good honest food in the heart of Leicester A visit to Newmans means quick service, fresh, delicious homemade food; all day menu, a friendly welcome and a warm atmosphere, what more could you want? An independent restaurant in the heart of Leicester’s thriving city centre, Newmans is the ideal location to start your day with breakfast, experience a nice relaxing lunch or wind down at the end of a busy day. 33 Market Street Leicester LE1 6DN
0116 2542090
1 x boned and rolled leg lamb, 1.5 kg 125ml red wine 250ml lamb stock 2 tablespoons The English provender Co. Moroccan Spiced Chutney For the stuffing: 75g couscous Grated rind and juice 1 lemon 3 tbl spoons fresh flat-leaf parsley 4 tablespoons The English provender Co. Moroccan Spiced Chutney 125g ready-to-eat dried apricots, 25g toasted pine nuts Preheat the oven to 180°C, Gas Mark 4.To make the stuffing, place the couscous in a bowl and stir in the lemon rind and juice, pour over enough boiling water to just cover. When the water is absorbed, fluff with a fork and stir in the remaining stuffing ingredients. Leave to cool. Open out the leg of lamb and place skin side down on a work surface. Spoon the stuffing onto the meat, roll into a neat parcel and tie with string. Weigh the joint and calculate the cooking time, allowing 25-30 minutes per 500 g, plus 25- 30 minutes. Place in a roasting tin and cook for the calculated time. Thirty minutes before the end of the cooking time, pour the red wine and stock into the tin. Spread the chutney over the lamb joint and return to the oven for the remaining time. Transfer the joint to a heated plate, cover loosely with foil and allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Skim any fat from the stock in the tin. Place over a high heat for a few minutes, stirring to incorporate the meat juices. Carve the lamb and serve with the gravy.
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Chutney Ivy are offering something exclusive for you lovely Niche readers…a nine course set menu offer giving you the fantastic opportunity to sample an array of different dishes and tastes that our favourite Leicester restaurant has to tantalize your taste buds! Simply quote Niche Offer when booking your table to obtain the offer. Terms and Conditions apply.
Chutney Ivy serves a range of Indian fare, resulting in an alluring mixture of old classics, house specials, and contemporary inspiration. The restaurant is divided between a spacious waiting area and a linen-clad dining room, and the colour scheme features a mixture of secondary colours and earth tones, set-off by touches of neon. The restaurant can be hired out, complete with private access to the ultrachic Late Lounge bar. Up to 80 people can be hosted for dinner, with around 120 for a drinksonly shindig. The Deal
Chutney Ivy's set feast of nine different dishes includes various starters and main course tasters, served in a banquet style, plus poppadoms, rice and naan. Choose from the following options for an Indian meal: Nine-dish feast with sides to share: £25 for two people £49 for four people Two-course a la carte meal with sides each: £29 for two people (Up to 65% off) £56 for four people (Up to 66% off) (Purchase: Limit 1 per 2 or 4 people. May buy 5 additional as gifts. Booking: Required by phone only. 48-hour cancellation policy. Restrictions: Valid Mon-Fri Midday-2.30pm; Mon-Sat 5.30pm10.30pm. Last seating at 10pm. New clients only. Eat-in only. Valid on option purchased only.)
All the dishes listed will be served. Savouries Poppadoms Served with mango chutney, mint sauce and spiced onions. Starters • Chandi Malai Tikka Morsels of chicken marinated with cream cheese, dill, coriander and mace. Finished in the Tandoor. • Raunaq-E-Seekh The traditional skewer of finely minced lamb delicately flavoured with fresh coriander, tomatoes, mint and spring onions creating an extraordinary play of aromas. • Aloo Tikki Indian potato cakes filled with sautéed spinach and served with three contrasting chutneys tamarind, mint and sweet onion and tomato. • Mixed Vegetable Bhajia Crisp nuggets of onion, seasonal vegetables and spices delicately coated in batter and deep tomato pureeand a touch of fresh cream and butter. Fried. Main Courses • Chicken Hyderabadi Morsels of chicken simmered in yogurt, pickled spices, tomato and fresh coriander. • Lamb Rogan Josh Lamb braised in a spiced masala of garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes and peppers with a tempering of crushed coriander seeds and red chillies; a favourite of the tribesman of the Khyber Pass. • Subzee Milloni A selection of delicately spiced fresh vegetables brought together in a creamy spinach sauce. • Bonmbay Aloo Diced potatoes cooked in garlic, onions and roasted spices. • Tarka Dall A wonderful dish of yellow lentils, temped with a sprinkling of coriander, dry red chillies, garlic and cumin seeds • Steamed Basmati Rice Aromatic basmati rice; the perfect companion to any meal. • Naan Classic Indian bread cooked in the tandoor.
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Leicester’s
Creative Hub Leicester’s Cultural Quarter is the creative hub of the city, and area steeped in history and an ever emerging vibrant future it’s our favourite part of the city and with so much going on its no wonder. Formally the City’s textile and shoes industry it’s packed with stunning buildings both old and new. Here is our miniguide to the fab aspects of this exciting area… The ultra-modern Curve is perhaps the areas heart. Designed by international architect Rafael Vinoly the Curve is developing a growing reputation around the country as one of the leading producing theatres. Just recently it showcased its latest hit Chicago which was a sell-out success and it often features shows that are suitable for the whole family to enjoy. The Phoenix Square is a thriving cinema, café and digital arts centre with an emphasis on the best in world and independent cinema, it has a wonderful energy and feels like a very positive and creatively inspiring place to be. Look out for short courses, Q&A sessions and National Theatre Live events too. The Makers Yard, the oldest surviving hosiery factory in the East Midlands, has been lovingly restored to a wonderful studio space for professional artists and designer-makers in the City such as fashion, textiles, ceramics and wood-working. Gallery spaces like Two Queens, a contemporary art studio in a converted factory and exhibition spaces at LCB Depot offer artists and art lovers the space to create and appreciate. A buzzing nightlife scene, the Cultural Quarter is home to cocktail bars like Manhattan 34 which hosts regular music event and The Exchange which offers gigs, poetry and art exhibitions. Other popular and well established musical outlets such as The SoundHouse and The Shed showcases the city's vibrant, emerging music scene. Award winning restaurants causing a culinary stir include Niche favourites Chutney Ivy, whilst the newly-opened Ramada Encore Hotel provides visitors with a great base from which to explore the city.
A night at The Phoenix Ever since the arrival of the Phoenix Arts Centre in Leicester it has felt like the answer to our independent cinema prayers. Providing a much needed creative space for people to come and immerse themselves in all things that edge on the side of independent rather than the mainstream, Phoenix Arts offers that breathe of fresh air Leicester craved in the world of entertainment. A regular to the Phoenix I was delighted to be invited to attend a screening of the most recent Woody Allen film; Blue Jasmine. The invite also included the very hospitable offer of an evening meal at the Phoenix bar and café ….why thank you I promptly replied! The Phoenix manages to gauge that tricky balance of being impressive and welcoming all at once, the relaxed café bar area is the kind of place people come to meet and socialise with friends, without the feeling of being rushed along. We settled down and ordered some great dishes from a wide choice, including some very appealing specials. (I still maintain the best prawns I have ever had came courtesy of The Phoenix café back in the summer!) The fish cakes were really good, as was my friend’s goat’s cheese with chargrilled vegetables. Soon enough it was time for our film, a quick seat find and we settled in for our thoroughly enjoyable Woody Allen film. The Phoenix is a wonderful place to drop into whether it’s for a social breakfast, a group gathering, a film, a national theatre show or a bit of cake and a go at the infamous film quiz night, whatever reason you choose to pass through its doors you will be delighted at the slice of accessible culture in an ideal social setting. Look out for the latest menu’s, film listings and events at:
www.phoenix.org.uk
The Ramada Encore Leicester is the City’s newest Hotel and is ideally situated in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, within minutes of the City’s famed Shops, Bars & Restaurants, Clubs and Outdoor Market.
Call the Hotel direct or visit our website for all the latest offers! 90 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1GE Ramada Encore Leicester
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@EncoreLeicester
Tel: 0116 366 0150 www.encoreleicester.com
28 FEB – 5 APR
THE BROADWAY MUSICAL STARRING DAVID WITTS
DIRECTED BY PAUL KERRYSON
as Link Larkin BOOK BY
MUSIC BY
LYRICS BY
MARK O’DONNELL & THOMAS MEEHAN
MARC SHAIMAN
SCOTT WHITTMAN & MARC SHAIMAN
Presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York
24 APR – 17 MAY
STARRING LOUISE DEARMAN MUSIC BY CHRIS EGAN, BOOK AND LYRICS BY ED CURTIS & GUY JONES, DIRECTED BY ED CURTIS
NICHE 41
www.shootit.doitmomma.co.uk
Weddings WIN Tickets for The National Wedding Show! NEC Birmingham Feb 28th – 2nd March 2014 Plan the day of your dreams at the UK’s biggest wedding show this spring. With over 250 wedding experts specialising in everything from show stopping flowers to charming photography, striking stationary to unforgettable entertainment and unique venue décor to delicious cakes and dream honeymoons, you are sure to find everything you need to plan your big day at The National Wedding Show. Niche has teamed up with The National Wedding Show as part of this issues wedding special to offer three lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free! To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, email competitions@crossproductions.co.uk your name, address by the closing date of Feb 10th 2014 with the subject header ‘Wedding Show’ and if you are picked at random you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today! For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk SPECIAL OFFER Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save £2.50 off the door price*. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 8740 486. Bring a group of four or more and take advantage on their fantastic group savings. For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk.
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Coombe Abbey
LANES FINE JEWELLERY
Lanes
Diamond Engagement Rings Diamond Studs & Pendants | Certificated Diamonds Eternity Rings & Multi Stone Rings Diamond Bands & Wedding Rings Bespoke Service & Jewellery Re-modelling Luxury Watch Sourcing
25 LOSEBY LANE, LEICESTER LE1 5DR | WWW.LANESJEWELLERS.COM | 0116 251 2529 NICHE 65
imago gives lucky couple wedding day to remember at Burleigh Court A lucky Leicestershire Couple have tied the knot after winning an all inclusive wedding courtesy of imago’s four star Burleigh Court Hotel. Earlier this year, the Loughborough venue team up with a leading Bridal magazine to offer one lucky couple their dream wedding and showcase Burleigh Court’s refurbished facilities. The winners were Stephanie Rennocks and Matthew Iliffe who entered the competition so that Matthew’s grandma could see them get married. The £10,000 package they won included: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
A civil ceremony Reception venue – complete with table linen, room dressing and chair covers Four course wedding breakfast & choice of drinks for the reception Evening entertainment Wedding cake Accommodation for the bride and groom and breakfast the morning after the wedding Bridal dress and a suit for the groom Rings Guest invitations Photographer Flowers Wedding favours A hen party at Burleigh Springs A dedicated wedding coordinator Free three month gym membership A luxury Dermalogica facial
Kay England, CEO of imago, comments: “Matthew and Stephanie were very deserving winners of the competition. They deserved a day to remember and received the full support of our dedicated events team making their dream wedding become a reality. Burleigh Court prides itself on its flexible nature, and this competition demonstrates that the four star service we give conference delegates extends to an attentive and luxurious wedding celebration which meets the needs and requirements of each couple. We hope that Matthew and Stephanie have gone away with many happy memories.” With thanks to imago’s partner suppliers: Balloonsaround, Brides of Ibstock , Bristol Favours, Holywell Petals, Christopher Scottney, Eventologist, Helen Burrell jewellery, Ian Bursill Photography, Spotlights and Cakes by Minel.
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Balloonsaround liz4balloons@hotmail.com - 01509 844167 www.balloonsaround.com Cakes by Minel cakesbyminel@gmail.com - 07957615741 www.facebook.com/cakesbyminel Brides of Ibstock leanne@bridesofibstock.co.uk - 01530 459507 www.bridesofibstock.co.uk Bristol Favours info@bristolfavours.co.uk - 07974449801 www.bristolfavours.co.uk Christopher Scotney Ltd sales@christopherscotney.co.uk - 0116 254 3957 www.christopherscotney.co.uk Eventologists deborah@eventologists.co.uk - 0116 268 0822 www.eventologists.co.uk Helen Burrell Fine Jewellery helen.m.burrell@btopenworld.com - 01509 239348 www.helenburrell.co.uk Ian Bursill Photography info@bursill.com - 07881438911 www.bursill.com Holywell Petals kate.petals@hotmail.co.uk - 07966 046746 www.holywellpetals.co.uk Spotlights Discos spotlights.info@gmail.com - 07514311519 www.spotlights-info.com Burleigh Springs info@burleigh-springs.co.uk - 01509 633016 www.burleigh-springs.co.uk
For further information on imago visit www.welcometoimago.com or call 0845 036 4624.
Take a trip to imago’s wedding supplier showcase at Holywell Park 2nd March 2014 - 10.30pm – 3pm
Niche’s Top Jeweller Niche Director, Jenny Cross, reviews the services of HS Jewellers UK. “I have always wanted to design my sister a special ring but have never found a jeweller who seemed to understand fully what it was I wanted…. until now. A chance chat with HS Jewellers and I knew I had finally found a jeweller I wanted to design the piece that I have been thinking about for so long. From our initial chat I felt completely at ease and Hitesh was happy to explain the clarity, cut and carat of particular diamonds and
“I couldn’t recommend them highly enough, they have been amazing.”
answer all the questions that I have always wanted to ask but not felt comfortable doing so until our chat. I then sent Hitesh a couple of pictures
device was sent through the post! I am thrilled at the results and know my
of the kind of idea I had in mind and after a short amount of time he sent
sister will love it too. HS Jewellers are faultless…from the initial chat right
me a CAD design and I loved it. He seemed to understand exactly what I
through to the aftercare they do all they can to make sure you are happy
wanted and asked me to give him any feedback I had at any point. Every
with everything. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough, they have
step of the way he was really communicative and genuinely interested in
been amazing.”
keeping me up to date with the design progress. HS Jewellers was founded in 2002 and is one of the most esteemed The process was really enjoyable and if anyone has any reservations
jewellers in the area with many delighted customers enjoying their
about getting a piece designed from scratch I would tell them not to
commitment to high quality pieces at affordable prices. Their expert
hesitate to do so with HS Jewellers, I felt so well looked after and never
knowledge and customer services combined with their skills for seeking
had to chase for information – which is very refreshing these days! I
out pieces to create a classic collection of designs make them the
didn’t even have to struggle with ring measurements as a ring measuring
Jewellers to watch.
www.hsjewellers.co.uk Tel: 0845 2000 314 NICHE 67
Home of Fascinators Welcome to Mouseflower Fabulous Fascinations specialising in handmade bespoke fascinators for all occasions. Whether it is for a day at the races, wedding (bride, bridesmaid or guest), prom or indeed, any event on your social calendar where you want to add that finishing touch of individuality and elegance to complete an outfit, Mouseflower Fabulous Fascinations will be able to create something unique that is handcrafted just for you. It is the company’s mission to provide you with a high quality personal service including home visits, colour matching and to make something for you that will ensure a feeling of utter fabulousness! www.mouseflowerfabulousfascinations.co.uk
helen@mouseflowerfabulousfascinations.co.uk 01902734044
Get the party started... What wedding party would be complete without music? A pretty terrible one in our humble opinion! From the first dance to the last one, you want your guests to have the party of a lifetime and Midlands Pro DJ are the team to make sure it’s exactly that!
A family run business, Midlands Pro DJ was started back in 2004 by identical twins Ian and Brian McIntosh. With a mission from the very start to ensure every party is enjoyed by all, the team at Midlands Pro DJ cater for all music styles, with guests reveling in the carefully selected play lists played out by expert DJs or one of the many musicians on their books. Their repertoire of professional, friendly and approachable team members is very high, the ever growing team are all trained to an exceptional standard, they are passionate about music and entertainment and most importantly, adamant that your party is one you and your guests will never forget! Their infectious energy and enthusiasm means your wedding party or event will be nothing but fun!
Call: Bryan McIntosh : 07929452287 www.midlandsprodj.com
68
07952890493
Ian McIntosh : 07875290818
Email: info@midlandsprodj.com
0844 372 9893 www.kazzoo.com info@kazzoo.com
NICHE 69
A four star country house hotel nestling within the UK’s historical heartland of Warwickshire. Coombe Abbey truly is a unique and stunning venue for Weddings, Conferences and Special Occasions. Originally a 12th Century Cistercian Abbey, this unique building has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Now as Warwickshire’s premier wedding venue, Coombe Abbey Hotel offers an unrivalled setting for your celebrations. Standing in 500 acres of parkland, majestically overlooking a moat and lake with formal gardens, Coombe Abbey Hotel offers stunning photographic opportunities. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or larger celebration, we are sure that our magnificent Reception Rooms will not fail to impress. Our unique wedding venue has a selection of charming rooms holding up to 120 guests for large wedding celebrations or we can cater for a more intimate wedding at our venue with special wedding packages available for 10 to 40 guests. We now also have a stunning marquee that can hold up to 350 guests standing proudly on the East Terrace, boasting it’s own bar, stage area as well as a number of windows offering views across the grounds. It also comes fully carpeted with chandeliers, luxurious ivory lining draped on the walls and a shimmering star cloth directly above the dancefloor. Perfect for traditional weddings or Asian weddings alike. Additionally Coombe Abbey Hotel is a romantic venue for a civil wedding ceremony and Civil Partnerships. The Hotel’s civil licence means that you can be married and host your Wedding Reception and evening celebrations in its historic surroundings. Once you are married, it is only a short walk to your chosen reception venue.
For a truly memorable stay or unforgettable start to your honeymoon, it would be hard to beat a night at Coombe Abbey Hotel in one of our Grand Feature bedchambers boasting luxurious steam bathrooms and four-poster beds. All 14 of these rooms are the epitome of style and elegance and each is injected with its own personality. Newlyweds are spoilt for choice with suites including The Lady Craven, The Chinoiserie or The Princess Elizabeth. All are elegantly appointed with sumptuous decor, furnishings and spectacular views. Your guests can also enjoy the historic surroundings of Coombe Abbey Hotel. We are delighted to accommodate guests in one of our 119 individually designed bedrooms ensuring your guests’ stay is as memorable as your own.
www.coombeabbey.com weddings@coombeabbey.com 02476 450 450 facebook.com/coombeabbey @CoombeAbbey Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB
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How many awful profile photos have you seen on LinkedIn lately? Chances are, you will have seen lots of very unflattering photos. All those people are trying to impress you with their updates about the wonderful things they are doing in their businesses, but they failed to see that you lost interest when you saw their photo. With the growth of social media, it has never been more important to have a really good business portrait to put an approachable face to your business. When potential clients visit your website, do they see lots of strong, well-lit photos of your products or services taken at interesting angles to grab your attention, or do they see just a block of text or uninspiring photos? Well-taken, professional photographs will engage with the viewer and make them eager to find out more, but text on its own is dull and poor photos will just make your business look amateurish. If you are not interested in showing your business in its best light, what does that say about your level of confidence in it? With the advancement of digital cameras, many people think they just need the latest camera to get great photos, as it can set the exposure and focus for them. However, the camera will not be able to light the subject well, compose the photograph, or coax the perfect expression from a subject. It takes years to learn how to do those things. That’s why successful businesses use professional photographers as they know that first impressions count. www.martinneeves.com 07973 638 591
AEL Diamonds – expert bespoke diamond jewellery designers and manufacturers – are on hand to help you find the engagement or wedding ring of your dreams, without having to overspend. Whether you desire a unique piece made just for you, or you wish to choose a ring from a ready-made Spotlight on Mouseflower Fabulous collection, AEL Diamonds can help. Fascinations If you have been inspired to design Having always had a love of hats your own ring, the in-house team at AEL Mouseflower owner Helen embarked upon Diamonds can help create a bespoke piece a millinery course. From here she caught which will reflect your visions, to make your the hat making bug, and created her first special moment last forever. The process is fascinator for a friend who got married in simple; based upon your final design and 2007, based on a Celtic knot. budget, a wax model or CAD drawing is After being accepted onto a SPEED produced, before the final ring is created. programme to help students start To help create your perfect ring, AEL Diamonds offer a range of precious metals such as white or yellow, 9 and 18-carat gold as well as silver, platinum and palladium – ensuring there is a metal to suit every taste and budget. A rainbow of gemstones and a range of loose diamonds are also on offer, meaning that any design is achievable. Every piece is skilfully crafted and time is taken to ensure high quality diamond jewellery. The quality craftsmanship is complimented by the premium gems and diamonds used. Whilst specialising in engagement and wedding rings, the bespoke design service offered by AEL Diamonds means you can create diamond jewellery of any shape and size, all to your budget. Unique bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants are also on offer. As manufacturer’s selling directly to the public, AEL Diamonds offer competitive prices in comparison to high street retailers. Email (info@alphaelectrics.com) or call (0116 276 8686) today to receive your free quote. Treat the one you love, visit AEL Diamonds today and make your special moment last forever.
businesses she set about launching Mouseflower Fabulous Fascinations in 2010 and has been creating designs which perfectly complete any special occasion look ever since. Whilst hats have only come into her life over the last few years, Helen has always been creative; “As a child I loved all things arty and crafty. I was taught to sew at an early age by my mom who was very creative, as was my dad, and as a family we attended a pottery class every Saturday afternoon for approximately10 years. I am inspired by the many talented people I am fortunate to know and have met through studying for my degree in ceramics - potters, glass and textile artists. They all encourage and inspire me in equal measures. I primarily enjoy play in the moment creativity and frequently let my materials lead me to an outcome.” Helen told us. The bespoke service includes a complimentary home visit where possible where a discussion takes place on specific ideas, or if a client would like to amalgamate ideas from the items Helen brings along to show them. “A discussion on the colours and specifics of a special outfit the fascinator will be worn with is a great way for me to get ideas and understand what it is a client is looking for. I always endeavour to create a piece that the client loves which leaves them feeling fabulous!” www.mouseflowerfabulousfascinations.co.uk
NICHE 71
College Court
Ta l k Business Networking is vital to a business’s success today, and for many it provides an invaluable way to gain knowledge and support in their area. There are a whole host of options and opportunities for businesses to get out there and start communicating with fellow businesses to ensure they are keeping up to date with local events that could affect business, that they are reaching out to different audiences and gaining contacts that could generate more business and assistance which they might not have previously had. Many business owners choose to become part of organizations such as their local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is an excellent way for business owners to participate in business advocacy and lobbying efforts, and provides a way for business owners to band together for their own protection. Chambers of Commerce around the world holds both formal meetings and informal "meet-and-greets" during which business owners can discuss the current business climate in their given area, and formulate ways to overcome obstacles such as local governmental regulations and workforce problems. Or, consider localised Networking events. Many businesses are starting their own lunches, dinners and coffee meet ups in the Midlands area alone and they are hugely beneficial on a personal and business level, whether you are a sole trader starting out or an established long term business in the area, the opportunity to mix and meet fellow business folk is priceless to the success of your business.
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Glynis Wright Solicitors :
Making a difficult time easier
Glynis Wright Solicitors are one of the most highly regarded family law firms in the Midlands with an unwavering commitment to providing a high level of support and guidance to their clients. Based in the city centre of Leicester, Glynis Wright Solicitors specialise in family law and family mediation. Since Glynis Wright set up the practice in April 2011 as a sole Solicitor, her practice has grown rapidly and she has just recently welcomed Sushma Kotecha as her fifth member of staff. Sushma is also a highly experienced family lawyer and qualified mediator. Glynis is looking to recruit another family lawyer to join her team in 2014. Glynis believes that the success of her practice is due to the strong reputation that she has built up and the fact that her firm is a boutique practice specialising purely in family law work. However,
the success of the practice is also attributable
for, but with Glynis Wright’s thorough work
to the fact that Glynis and her team are highly
and guidance I found myself in a strong
approachable and responsive to the needs of
position to achieve a fair settlement. I do
their clients who are going through one of the
believe the service I received has been to the
most difficult times of their lives.
highest standard money could buy and would
The team pride themselves on their commitment
recommend Glynis Wright to anyone who finds
to encouraging a non- confrontational approach
themselves in a similar situation to mine�.
to resolving family law issues taking the view that court should always be the last option.
Glynis Wright and her team help people from
The team at Glynis Wright Solicitors will help
all walks of life and professions to gain the best
to negotiate sensible, fair settlements in
possible outcome in their divorces.
their capacity as solicitors or mediators and will
If you have any enquiries about any family law
seek to minimise the emotional and financial
issue such as divorce, cohabitation breakups,
cost of divorce and family break up at all times.
disputes over children or family mediation, you can contact the team by email at
“I separated from my wife of 14 years in 2005, we had three businesses, two children, several
enquiries@glyniswright.co.uk or you can call on 0844 225 2790.
properties and personal belongings, and I needed help! A friend recommended family
They will welcome the opportunity of speaking
lawyer Glynis Wright. I arrived at my first
with you personally. You can also visit the
appointment with the world on my shoulders
website of Glynis Wright Solicitors at
and with the possibility of losing all I had worked
www.glyniswright.co.uk
NICHE 73
Exceptional Conference Facilities: College Court
Meeting up in Leicester for your conferences has never been so stylish or tranquil with the newly launched College Court yet so close to the vibrant city of Leicester and its ideal transport links. It’s easy to see why this modern conference venue has fast become Leicester’s leading location for meeting and then relaxing within its fine dining restaurant and luxurious hotel. The reinvented Grade II listed building can accommodate your conference; business meeting or event needs whether from 2 to 160 delegates. The facilities are ideal for you and your business with its professional yet welcoming atmosphere. The location couldn’t be more ideal, at just a few minutes from the outskirts of Leicester yet surrounded by established trees, landscaped gardens and quiet residential streets it provides a relaxed atmosphere creating all you could need to have a successful conference, meeting place or home for your event. Benefiting from a wide range in different conferencing suites College Court is home to 18 conference rooms suitable for small meetings with as few as 2 members, to large rooms accommodating up to 160 delegates the venue also has a 168 seat restaurant, bar and business lounge as well as a 123 bedroomed luxury hotel. Each conference room offers its own unique style and purpose. Inspired by the building’s surroundings, College Court have named each of their conferencing rooms after the many different varieties of tree on the site and aptly their restaurant boasts dishes that echo the iconic sixties design of College Court itself. Guests will be able to enjoy 3 acres of botanic gardens in addition to the landscaped grounds and courtyards within College Court, creating a Leicester City Centre venue with the tranquil and serene feel of a countryside escape.
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The restaurant, or The Knighton as it’s called, is wonderfully unique, drawing inspiration from the building’s 60’s design the menu often features innovative reinventions of 1960’s food and drink. The dedicated culinary team love nothing more than to create dishes that are not only mouth-wateringly delicious using local seasonal produce but that also get their diners talking. Beautifully presented a Knighton dish is always flavoursome, modern and audacious. The dining room’s wonderfully stylish décor is also inspired by the 60’s décor of College Court, further adding to the unique personality of the place. The light and vibrant ambiance is created by the wooden panelling, leather seating in tan and cream and a warm and welcoming hospitality. However College Court are also able to offer private dining in Lady Hestor. Boasting opulent surroundings and seating up to 14 guests you can enjoy a sequence of dishes capturing the delight of great food, flavours and aromas creating a theatrical feel to your dining experience. The Bar offers the perfect informal surroundings for those times when you simply want to relax or be in a social setting. Complete with a wide range of drinks and bar snacks as well as a bespoke wine list and mouth-watering homemade bar menu, the bar’s Garden Lounge has comfortable seating with big screen television, board games and a stunning view over the extensive landscaped gardens. The bar provides the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of conferencing! Their hotel boasts 123 bedrooms, so is more than ideal if your conference requires attendees having a relaxing and comfortable overnight stay. With standard and executive rooms and 9 individual suites all guests, whichever room required, experiences an immaculate level of service and elegantly designed rooms. You can expect free Wi-Fi, fast speed
broadband; telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, and all executive rooms and suites have private balconies. Guests can also experience free access to two nearby leisure clubs at two state of the art university gyms, further enhancing their stay. Conveniently located onsite next to the conference centre, the hotel offers the ultimate in convenience, as well as epitomising the same high standards as the variety of different conference facilities meaning from however far your guests have travelled they can enjoy a stress free conference in luxurious, tranquil surroundings. College Court is located within easy reach of the M1 and M69 motorways and only 1.4 miles from Leicester Train station, where guests can travel only 70 minutes from central London. East Midlands Airport is also located less than 30 minutes away and Birmingham International Airport only 45 minutes all making it the perfect place for your conference, wedding, or stay in Leicester. The College Court team want their guests to get the very most from their time with them and are more than happy to discuss the different conference packages and options they offer to ensure your conference or event is exactly as you would want. Please contact a member of the team to book your conference, event, celebration or wedding at Leicester's most iconic venue.
For a huge range of conferences and events, College Court reaches a four star standard, offering exemplary service and catering right in the heart of the UK. Email – info@collegecourt.co.uk Telephone – 0116 2449669 www.collegecourt.co.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/CollegeCourtLeicester Twitter - @TheLeicsVenue
NICHE 75
Stacey Irvine: Business Events Planning As a business you will know all about the importance of planning
business, both in time and money management respects. “I
events which not only get clients and fellow business folk
know that time is a precious commodity for all businesses in this
networking, but also events that build team morale, give back
tougher financial climate and by letting me take the reins I can
to the community and create positivity towards you and your
save your company a great deal of time, stress and money!”
business. This could be in the form of a charity event, an evening
Stacey continued.
fundraiser, the Christmas party or simply a big party for your team to keep everyone motivated and boosted. However, as a
Contact Stacey for an obligation free chat about your event plans.
business you will also know that these events can put a strain on
Call: 07926 822047
your time and money resources…so, herein lies the dilemma. How do you gain all the positivity from holding such events but still hold onto your resources? Easy. Enlist the expert skills of Business Events Co-ordinator Stacey Irvine and you can hold an event that will get everyone talking for all the right reasons. But, who is Stacey you ask? Well… Stacey is a committed, hardworking individual who comes with a wealth of event management skills and contacts! Not to mention a keen ‘cando’ attitude. Stacey has always been thrilled to plan and so after gaining a degree in event management and a course at the prestigious Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, where she was given the accolade of Highest Achiever, she set up Stacey Irvine Events. “I have always had a passion for organisation and so event planning was a natural career path for me. I am happy to assist clients with their events whatever their requirements, so, whether they are looking for some assistance with ideas or contacts or if they want every aspect of the event to be planned and co-ordinated by myself. I can work with you to ensure your event, whatever its scale is a success.” Stacey enthused. The merits of hiring an event planner like Stacey are endless for you and your business. Not only does it enable a successful event but it also takes the strain away from you and your
NOW OPEN! College Court The venue that works for you. With a great range of facilities, tranquil setting and excellent transport links, College Court is Leicester's leading conference and events venue. Our guests are able to benefit from a wide range of different conference spaces, perfect from two to 160 delegates, fine dining in the College Court Restaurant and a restful and relaxing stay in one of our 123 bedrooms, all designed with the business visitor in mind. • 18 meeting rooms • 123 en suite bedrooms • Free wifi • 24 hour reception • Free access into two leisure clubs • Free onsite car parking • Business Lounge • Bar & Restaurant • Garden Lounge • Extensive landscaped gardens and walking path • 3 acres of botanic gardens • Inspirational catering with extensive local and seasonal produce • Choice of standard rooms, executive rooms and suites
What our customers say…. ‘Brilliant food and service, a very comfy night’s sleep, shower to shake me awake in the morning and a great breakfast; everything you could want from a night’s stay’ ‘…the whole experience was first class.’ ‘…the technology was very good; the feel of the place was great and the catering was of a high quality’ ‘The food and service were exceptional’ ‘I have attended many conferences and other events as part of my academic life but never has the quality of food been so high’ ‘I just wanted to thank you and all your staff for providing us with a fantastic weekend. All our delegates were delighted with all aspects of the venue and staff, who could not have been more helpful.’ ‘…it was the attention to little details which was thoroughly impressive. The venue definitely has your stamp on it’ ‘I look forward to working with you again and we will certainly be using the venue again for our next conference’ ‘I have just hosted a national workshop at College Court and I wanted to feedback just how impressed I was by the facilities and the way everything worked out. More importantly, there were colleagues from nearly 50 other universities present and I heard numerous comments about how impressed they were - indeed several observed that they were very envious that they could not have put on such an event.’
We want each of our guests to get the very most from their time with us and we are happy to discuss the different conference packages and options we offer. Please contact a member of our dedicated team to book your conference or event. Email – info@collegecourt.co.uk Telephone – 0116 2449669 www.collegecourt.co.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/CollegeCourtLeicester Twitter - @TheLeicsVenue
NICHE 77
How to kick start your online marketing campaign in 2014 Online marketing in 2013 presented small businesses with a whole raft of challenges, from Google’s algorithm changes affecting websites through to staying visible in Facebook’s timeline. The competitive landscape is ever-changing and evolving thanks to the pace at which new technologies and networks are emerging, presenting new ways of connecting with your customers and prospects. In 2014, we’re sure that we’ll continue to see new social networks emerging and search engine optimisation (SEO) continuing to evolve; the lines between social media and SEO will continue to blur. What are the key trends to look out for to help develop your online marketing strategy for 2014?
Integrated campaigns I recently had the opportunity to give a talk at the Cross Encore Networking Event, where I discussed the benefits of having an integrated marketing campaign which takes into account your social, SEO and pay per click (PPC) efforts. Your campaign might also include PR, email marketing and even website design elements. Taking an integrated approach to your online marketing in 2014 will be essential. Why? Here are three key reasons: • Social media will continue to have an impact on SEO and vice- versa; • Google will continue to update its algorithms to ensure that people are getting more relevant, personalised search results; • PPC will become more of a necessity in order to stay visible online. An integrated campaign strategy will be essential for any business wanting to stand out from the crowd, so start planning now. What to avoid: • Treating social media, SEO and PPC as separate entities; • Not keeping up to date with changes to social media platforms and search engine algorithm changes. What to focus on: • Creating a strategy that uses social media, SEO and PPC together • Optimising the online marketing tactics that are already working for you… • …and letting go of the ones that aren’t!
Content Marketing
Just what is ‘content marketing’ I hear you ask. At its core, content marketing is about connecting with customers and prospects by providing them with relevant, useful information and without the need for directly selling your business’ products and services. Content marketing can take many forms, as this fantastic matrix by Smart Insights shows (bottom left). Think about your business objectives and consider which of these would be most appropriate for your business: What to avoid: • Low quality content • Overloading people with content What to focus on: • Creating a content plan for the each month • Providing relevant, useful content to your target audience • Producing a level of content that is appropriate to the resources you have available (not overdoing it)
Mobile strategy
With more and more people accessing information through their mobile phones and tablets, the need to ensure that your website works properly on these devices is ever increasing. In the past year alone, smartphone usage in the UK increased by around 50%.
Figure 1: Taken from Google’s ‘Our Mobile Planet: United Kingdom’ briefing document What to avoid: • Ignoring mobile as a part of your online marketing strategy • Having a website that doesn’t work properly on a mobile phone or tablet device What to focus on: • Ensuring that your website is ‘device responsive’ – get someone to test it for you. Can they easily read the content and fill out forms on the site? • Having a mobile strategy in place – make the most of images and video content.
Would you like some help planning your online marketing campaign for 2014? Give us a call on 01664 434854 for a friendly chat about how we could help you. To find out more about Tiernan Marketing, visit www.tiernanmarketing.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @TiernanMktg Follow our company updates on LinkedIn, Google+ and Facebook – just search ‘Tiernan Marketing’.
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At RMS Consulting we specialise in professional recruitment services for the Technical, Engineering, IT, Admin, Sales and HR Sectors. At RMS Consulting we specialise in professional recruitment services for the Technical, Engineering, IT, Admin, Sales and HR Sectors. With over 20 years experience we offer a total UK wide recruitment service, offering a bespoke personal solution to both employers and candidates alike to suit their individual needs. Our consultants have experience within contingency, database resourcing, search, recruitment advertising, and senior level appointments and have operated at all levels within a variety of disciplines. Please contact us for a free consultation, whether you are a candidate looking for a career move, or a company looking to recruit , we understand that the best people have always been hard to find, but especially so in today's competitive marketplace. Our investment in people, technology and quality systems ensures we can deliver cost effective and tailored recruitment solutions to meet your requirements.
sandy.seta@rms-consulting.co.uk 01162743407 07772611668 NICHE 79
Leighfield Park for sustainable living in style Niche are excited to hear about a brand new housing development in Oakham, Rutland. Leighfield Park offers a range of traditionally styled one, two, three, four and five bedroom properties to suit you, whatever the nature of your move. Set within stunning rural surroundings yet close to the amenities, shops, bars and restaurants that Oakham has to offer its set to be a vibrant community with stunning homes to match. Whatever you are looking for, whether you are first-time buyers, current homeowners needing to downsize or young, growing families looking for a new home in which to grow there will be your dream home at Leighfield. Developed by local award winning homebuilders, Larkfleet Homes, you can be assured of their excellence in design and their commitment to producing sustainable homes. So committed to this energy drive all properties at Leighfield Park have solar PV (photovoltaic) panels fitted as standard so homebuyers can benefit from reduced energy bills and do their bit for the environment. The PV panels will produce electricity from daylight, generating useable power even on cloudy days. As a result Homeowners at Leighfield Park
will therefore enjoy reduced electricity bills as well as generating additional revenue from the government’s Feed in Tariff scheme. What’s more those with green fingers will be delighted to learn that allotments are also available for all residents in order to encourage a sustainable lifestyle and community. Larkfleet are forward thinkers, not only in their commitment to sustainability but also into the community that they will be helping to create for the area and as such, part of their new-quality housing promise includes implementing improved sporting, recreation and shopping facilities within the area. Being local themselves, Larkfleet are always keen to work with their long established suppliers, local workforces and authorities for a long term, sustainable housing environment that will benefit all that move to the development and its surrounding area. Each house is finished to a beautiful standard with its own personality and style, see for yourself at the showroom and start planning your dream home move to Leighfield Park.
www.larkfleethomes.co.uk Tel: 01572 722262
Meet the
Betteroffs
of Leighfield Park, Oakham, Rutland
They bought a brand new 3 bedroom home for £179,995 with only a 5% deposit. Betteroff at Leighfield Park because... Solar panels are included as standard. They have a 10 year NHBC insurance backed warranty for peace of mind. The energy efficient homes can save you up to £600 a year on utility bills.* All properties have either a single garage or a parking space. We can offer you a choice of purchase options, including part exchange, assisted move, and the new government backed Help to Buy scheme that makes buying a new home more affordable! Developments also at: Bourne • Deeping St James • Pinchbeck
www.larkfleethomes.co.uk Tel: 01572 722262 *Based on an average Larkfleet home having an energy efficiency rating of B and an older home having a rating of G and continuing increases in fuel prices.
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Visit the home of the Betteroffs at...
Leighfield Park
Oakham Heights, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6US Open daily 10am – 5pm.
Join the club and support Rainbows Rainbows Hospice provides support and care for
RMS Consulting is a highly regarded Recruitment Business in the Midlands, with a strong reputation for tailored recruitment solutions, specialising within the SME marketplace.
Prior to setting up her own recruitment business in 2008 Sandy worked for a major listed Sales & Technical recruitment consultancy. She and life threatening conditions. As a registered charity progressed rapidly to Business Development Rainbows relies greatly on fundraising and support from Director and had parallel responsibility for developing key National Accounts. She has the general public to keep this vital support network going. As a growing business in the Midlands we felt it over 20 years experience handling critical appointments in the General Engineering very important to support a charity close to home that and Technical sectors. She now leads and would benefit greatly from any funds and support we manages her business, and has particular could offer. The Business Club at Rainbows was our responsibility for all functional areas, including general management, operational, technical and perfect opportunity; commercial disciplines. children, young people and their families right here
in the East Midlands who are affected by life-limiting
“When I heard about the club I signed up right away, it’s important to me and my team that we lend our support to such a vital local charity and the business club is a wonderful way to get involved.” Jenny Cross comments.
As a member of the Business Club for a regular monthly donation of only £30 + VAT or an annual payment of £360 + VAT, you will be helping to provide a sustainable income to ensure Rainbows can continue to provide their much needed services. . By making small changes to your everyday ways of working you can make a big difference to Rainbow’s life-limited children and young people. All it takes is one easy change to save just £30 a month and as a business give back to your local community. As a Business Club member your logo will appear on the Rainbows Business Club website page with a
Recommendations from past clients have commented: Sandy provided an invaluable service in facilitating the whole recruitment process; enabling us to fully understand our requirement through to fulfilment. A pleasure to work with. Sandy recruited me for my current role During the process I found her to be a very thorough and meticulous professional and have had no problems in recommending Sandy to other colleagues looking to fill roles within the business. I had the pleasure of working with Sandy for a number of years and I can say she is one of the hardest working and most diligent recruitment professionals I have known. I would thoroughly recommend Sandy to anyone looking for a potential new career or to any company looking strengthen their recruitment strategy and human resource policy.
link to your website and have the use of their logo on
Sandy is a detailed and thorough professional who knows her industry and clients bi-annual networking meetings, a framed certificate of exceptionally well. She is able to offer membership, discounted conference facilities and get skilled advice where required and deliver the required results. Sandy has an excellent way regular updates from the hospice with all of the goings about her, She can manage to get the on! most out of people, empowering them to fulfil So, join us in showing your long term commitment to this their own goals and objectives. yours, meet up with fellow Business Club members at
well-known, highly regarded local charity by applying at www.rainbows.co.uk. Call: 01509 638008
Email kate.golding@rainbows.co.uk
sandy.seta@rms-consulting.co.uk
Living Together Agreements Glynis Wright, Head of Practice at Glynis Wright Solicitors based in the City Centre of Leicester says: “Everyone thinks of family lawyers as being needed at the end of a relationship when a couple are splitting or divorcing, but this is only half of the picture. You should consult a family lawyer when you are about to move in together or if you are already cohabiting.” The fastest growing type of family in the UK are people who are living together and who do not marry.The number of people who cohabit in the UK has doubled to 5.9 million since 1996 according to the Office of National Statistics. Glynis says: “Given these statistics, it is astonishing that the vast majority ofp eople who decide to live together do not consider whether they need legal advice. There is a lot of confusion about whether there is such a thing as a “common law” wife or husband which gives you rights as though you were married after you have lived together for a time. Well, the simple answer to that is no, thereis no such thing. But equally, it is also wrong to assume that because you are not married, you are safe from any financial claims. For example, it is extremely common for a couple to start living together in a property that is owned already by one of them. Even if the legal title to that property remains in the sole name of the original owner, this does not in itself prevent the other from making financial claims against the property as a “beneficial” owner if the couple later decide to split. Similarly, a lot of people are unaware that an unmarried parent of a child can bring a claim under the Children Act for a property to be legally transferred to them for the benefit of the child. These are complex areas of law, and complexity means big expense if a dispute does arise at a later stage. It is so much cheaper to plan ahead. You can and should instruct a family lawyer to draft what is known as a Living Together Agreement before or after you move in together. The agreement can deal with property issues in advance and can prevent any dispute arising if the relationship breaks down at a later stage. As well as property issues, the agreement can also deal with the day to day finances of living together such as pre-owned assets, Wills and who gets what on death, the sharing of liabilities, who owns the furniture, what happens if one wants to sell the property before the other and so on’’. Glynis runs her own highly successful niche family law practice located in Leicester City at Bowling Green Street and offers a fixed fee for drafting such agreements. If you would like more information about Living Together Agreements and the fixed fee charges that would apply, phone Glynis Wright on 0844 225 2790 or visit www.glyniswright.co.uk or www.familymediationleicester.co.uk
NICHE 81
Financial & Life Planning Investment Management Pension Accumulation At Retirement Income Solutions Savings & Investments Protection Mortgages Estate Planning & Wills
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If you are concerned about the performance of your existing pension plans or would like them amalgamating into one easy to manage arrangement, then you might be interested in our “Pension Performance Review�. This will provide an independent assessment of the performance and risk of any current plans, and where relevant recommendations as to how this might be improved. We have access to market leading investment solutions offered by wealth management institutions or alternatively access to simple low cost solutions where appropriate. Our passion is to truly understand what is most important to you in your life. We listen, understand, plan and deliver - turning your life goals into reality. After all, its more than just money, it is your life. As our business strapline states...
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Dynamic Wealth is a trading name of Fairstone Financial Management Ltd. Fairstone Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - FRN: 475973. Part of the Moneygate Group.
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Conference Facilities Firstly, a Happy New Year and welcome to my first article for Niche Magazine which I hope is both enjoyable and inspires you to action. I don’t now about you but complexity seems to be one of the biggest challenges of modern living. We are bombarded with information and things to do 24/7. Time and space seems to be a rare and precious commodity. The aim of this article is really simple; to try and engage you in the idea that a compelling life plan could massively increase the chance of getting what you want from life. Creating a Life Plan A life plan is a detailed description of your decisions, intentions, hopes and dreams for your future. From this it will become clear what your financial goals are. All of the old the clichés are so true, “this is it” so make the most of it and plan your future. The Next Few Months Some of the important actions you might consider; • Think about what is important to you and set some smart goals • Review your income and expenditure, budget, and become a smart saver • Maximise ISA allowances be it stocks & shares or cash ISA • Understand your existing investments and pensions & carry out a performance/risk review • Take advantage of employer funded pensions where available • Review your life and ill health insurance • Ensure that you have an up to date Will in place In Summary A life plan will give you clarity about where your life is heading, balance when things get crazy, and peace of mind that you are taking control of your future and what matters most to you in life. 0116 216 8500 www.dynamic-wealth.co.uk
The Stage Hotel right here in Leicester provides the perfect location for your business conference needs. Situated in Wigston, a town on the outskirts of the City, The Stage provides the equal perks of being close to the city transport links but a little bit out of the busy city centre too, allowing for calmer surroundings. At Best Western Leicester Stage their experienced team are perfectly equipped to accommodate and welcome your conference needs for anywhere from 10 to 400 delegates and are able to provide facilities for your entire team with ease. From initial contact with the Stage’s Meeting Coordinator through to the food choices, accommodation and the after event call, the staff at the Stage do all they can to meet your needs. Five conference and meeting rooms provide the ideal spaces for your meeting, whatever its size, with rooms adaptable to your requirements and some great large spaces with bright, airy natural light in abundance. Conference rooms are available to book by the hour, or for your longer weekend events, meetings or team training requirements. Whether you are looking for light refreshments, pastries and snacks to accompany a brief meeting or full lunches and evening meals for day or weekend conferences, the Coordinator will work with you and the hotel chef to ensure the food is perfect for you and your delegates and associates. Accommodation at the Stage is ideal, with 79 comfortable rooms which include all the mod cons and en suite facilities. The Stage Hotel is the ideal location for your conference needs, whatever they are. Enjoy the location, delight in the service, and return time and time again for all your business conferencing needs. www.stagehotel.co.uk 0116 2886161
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When it comes to all things Fire Safety related for your business or public dwelling the wrong move can be detrimental to individuals and the business itself, that’s why in this area more than any other you need to call on a team of experts who truly know their stuff. Extinguish Fire Solutions, one of Leicester’s leading fire extinguishing companies, have been providing Fire Extinguishers, Fire and Safety Signage, Fire Training, Alarm Services, Fire Risk Assessments and a 24/7 emergency call out service to a huge and growing number of large and small businesses across the UK for over 10 years. The team of experts offer the services that you need based on a free full site survey and quotation. All products are of the best quality and provided at the most competitive of prices and the knowledgeable staff are highly experienced with regular training and assessment procedures undertaken themselves to ensure they are up to date with the very latest information and equipment. An Extinguish customer receives a 24 hour, 365 days a year service from their engineers whose vehicles are stocked with all the latest equipment and spares should you require them at any time. There are many aspects (often confusing ones!) to ensuring all your Fire Safety and Fire Equipment in the workplace meet various standards and laws and Extinguish cover them all with ease! So, if you are looking to install these services for the first time or feel sure that Extinguish can do a better job than your current providers, give the team a call on 0116 2258 511.
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NICHE 83
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From the 14th February
Manhattan 34: Leicester’s Best Bar Nestled in the perfect location of Leicesters cultural quarter you will find the much talked about (and rightly so) Manhattan 34. Owned by two of Leicestershire’s most prominent bar tenders, the Manhattan is the kind of bar and eatery that Leicester needed; a place for people to relax, socialise and dine in the day with good, homecooked food and a bar by night which is friendly, serves a wide range of drinks from all over the world paired with great music and an authentic feel. What more could you ask for?! Manhattan 34 provides more of what you ask for and some. With its relaxed 1920’s American post-prohibition era décor and styling, a jazz soundtrack, specialist beers and a cocktail menu which will keep you coming back for more the place oozes hipster cool but remains approachable and welcoming to all. A typical lunctime visit will see you perusing the American Specialities menu which could perhaps be accompanied by an American Craft Beer (or maybe even a lunchtime cocktail or two?!). Whilst an evening visit will give you a vibrant, buzzing scene full of cosy lighting, great music and, did I mention that they do amazing cocktails?!! There are always events going on and its now infamous Burlesque nights are proving incresingly popular, should you want to hire the venue for your party or event its free to do so and with its class of ’34 cocktail sessions teaching you the tricks of the trade it’s a venue thriving with social events and entertainment! Discover this vibrant bar for yourself and take a trip back in time to when everything was… well….just better!
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www.manhattan34.com 01162 628855 34 Rutland Street The Cultural Quarter Leicester LE1 1RD
Suzy Tiernan’s Princes Trust Journey Suzy Tiernan’s Princes Trust journey isn’t a long one but it’s safe to say it’s been an eventful one culminating in the trust awarding her a runner up Young Ambassador at their prestigious award ceremony. 18 months ago Suzy contacted the trust after going through a particularly difficult time in both her personal and professional life. “My father was diagnosed with cancer and died soon after, I was left devastated. However that isn’t where it ends, over the next three years I tragically lost both my grandmothers, a long-term job, and my fiancé. It was like everyone I loved was being taken away from me. When I had to leave my job too, I couldn’t cope anymore.” It was then that Suzy reached out to the Princes Trust; “I knew I had to do something and had ideas about starting my own business, I just didn’t know where to start and my confidence had had quite a knocking. I contacted the Princes Trust after seeking out support for start-up business organisations and pretty soon after found myself on a fantastic four day course which taught me near enough everything you need to know for setting up your own business. The course was invaluable and in a short space of time I felt so much more confident and with all the things I had learnt ready to take the steps to starting my own business.” Suzy went on to establish her successful business Tiernan Marketing and has since grown the company in a very short space of time, in light of this Suzy was thrilled when the trust asked her to be a young ambassador; “I jumped at the chance to do talks and workshops with young people who were in similar situations as myself. It’s very rewarding and to have been awarded a runner up status at the recent awards ceremony really was the icing on the cake. I would urge any young person who is thinking about getting in touch with the trust to just do it, you won’t regret it!” To find out more about The Princes Trust and how they can help at www.princes-trust.org.uk and Tiernan Marketing at www.tiernanmarketing.co.uk
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a chain of Costco membership warehouses that carry quality name brand and related private label merchandise at substantially lower prices that are typically found at conventional wholesale sources. The warehouses are designed to help small to medium sized businesses reduce costs in purchasing for resale and everyday business use. Costco warehouses present one of the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under a single roof. A few of the categories include groceries, confectionery, appliances, television and audio equipment, automotive supplies, tyres, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewellery, cameras, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, tobacco, furniture, office supplies and office equipment. Costco is known for carrying top quality national brands with 100% satisfaction guaranteed to its members. Costco also features a fine line of quality products under its own Kirkland Signature private label. The company has taken great care in selecting products such as housewares, luggage, pet food and bedding, nappies, wipes, coffee, wine and snacks as well as a large selection of fresh meats, diary, deli products, fresh and frozen foods and baked goods. All Kirkland Signature products are guaranteed to be of quality or better quality than name brands. Costco’s Steve Pappas, Managing Director explains Costco is able to offer lower prices and better values by eliminating virtually all the frills and costs historically associated with conventional wholesalers and retailers, including sales people, delivery and credit accounts. We run a tight operation with extremely low overheads which enables us to pass on dramatic savings to our members
Cut costs not service with Utility Warehouse Utility Bills. Unfortunately we all have them and with so many different providers it can all get a little confusing. Which company offer the best rates? Which one do you pay on which date? The list goes on, especially if you are a business with large outgoings. But what if you could have all your bills in one place? Under one provider - thus paying and communicating with just one company? Utility Warehouse do precisely this, offer you the personal or business customer the most competitive rates for all your utility bills, all under one ‘roof’. This unique service means Utility Warehouse can offer you many perks: • Online shopping with cashback • Single, simple statements • Top customer service • Find the cheapest • £200 cash to switch to them • Points earning system • No minimum contract • Energy price guaranteed • Bill protector With competitive, simple bundle packages to choose from you can make bill paying a whole lot easier! The Double Gold package for example includes home phone, broadband, mobile and energy with the lowest energy prices around, free broadband for 6 months and half price landline calls. Gold Energy is ideal for those that find their energy bills a minefield of confusion; this neat package includes your home phone, broadband and energy all in one with an array of savings. The Gold Talk offers home phone, broadband and mobile services in one which also includes the offers mentioned in the Double Gold. Utility Warehouse go above and beyond the customer service you might have gotten used to when it comes to your energy and talk bill providers, they offer excellent communication and the guarantee of always seeking to get you the customer, simple and cost effective price plans, ensuring you are never in the dark when it comes to your finances and the rising cost of utility bills. For peace of mind and an altogether clearer way to get your utility services for your home or business visit www.save-earnmoney.co.uk for more information.
Tel: 0116 269 0730
NICHE 85
Consumer Protection Services Understanding PPI’s and how to claim what’s yours! Hi Ron, thanks so much for letting our readers know a few facts about PPI Claims; let’s start with the big one….What exactly is Payment Protection Insurance? “In a nutshell, it’s a form of insurance which banks and credit card companies put in place to cover your monthly repayments for usually up to a year if you are made redundant or become seriously ill and can’t keep up the payments. Under various names like accident sickness and unemployment cover, card care or mortgage protection, they can add a considerable amount to the cost of your loan or credit with limited benefit. When we point out to our clients that the PPI charged to their credit added between 20% to 35% to the cost of their policy, they are shocked.”
Claiming what you are owed if you have been mis- sold payment protection insurances is no secret these days, however, many of us aren’t entirely sure of the circumstances in which we can receive pay outs. Is it just for those who had it with loans or do credit cards count too? What if the account or card is closed? It’s all a bit confusing from where we are standing! Particularly because such a pay-out seems too good to be true, plus, for many of us it feels like we had it ages ago and wouldn’t know where to start with gathering paperwork related to it! With this in mind we decided to get in touch with Ron Amoore, Managing Director at Consumer Protection Services in Wimslow, to clear up a few facts and myths surrounding PPI and making a claim. Consumer Protection services have processed over 30,000 claims over four years with an average client refund of around £3,000 and the highest return to one client being an incredible £53,772! So, let’s get started…
Is every PPI mis-sold and how do I know if the one I had was? “Not every sale of PPi was missold but quite a few were. Among the most common conditions for a claim are that the advisor never made it clear that PPI was an optional policy, but rather made it appear as a required benefit of the card or loan. Another would be that the client already received good sick pay benefits through work so didn’t have a need for the insurance; a third would be that the card or loan application they filled in did not make it clear that the PPI costs were extra. When we start a claim we first ask each client several key questions over the phone to uncover the facts that help substantiate that they have a valid claim. From these details we can send a detailed claim that outlines these conditions along with the broken Financial Conduct Authorities Principles of fair business conduct. Some claims management companies do it all online and never even talk with you before sending off your claim. We feel it’s important to speak with each client and get the best details we can to make the claim personal and more likely to win.”
How can I claim my refund? Will it affect my relationship with the bank? “Firstly, no it won’t affect it all; it’s simply your right to have the money returned. Secondly there are two ways in which you can file a claim. You can either contact your lender or credit card company and follow their procedures to
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file a claim, or you can use the services of a claims management company like ourselves. Remember that the banks do not want to have to pay you back, so they will be looking to prove that their agent sold the PPI to you fairly. In fact recent news headlines about the mishandling of PPI claims within the largest PPI complaints department for Lloyds, just goes to confirm that your PPI complaint may not be handled in the way it should. For example, we have represented many clients who have said that they never agreed to PPI on their loan or credit card, but have no proof, and after we have requested their loan or credit card documents from the lender, we noticed that the box for opting to take PPI had been computer ticked or ticked by someone other than the client, with a different pen mark. Without this evidence a client may not win their claim. A bank only has to defend each PPI claim once, so if you get a rejection you can’t go to another claims company to try again.”
What If I don’t have any details? Don’t let the fact that you no longer have any details deter you. All CPS needs is the name of your lender and roughly how long ago you had the credit, and they can do the rest. CPS doesn’t charge a penny to look into a potential case for you and they only get paid should you get a refund. It’s a no-win, no-fee service, so you have nothing to lose. “We have had thousands of clients who, like you, only knew the name of the lender or credit card company they once used,” says Amoore. “From those details alone, we have managed to get them significant refunds. For example, in December alone Mr Norton won £10,645 from old loans with RBS, Mr Waite won £7,964 from an old loan with Barclays, Mrs Gibson won £14,136 from an old loan with Lloyds and Mrs Cree won £8,748 from an old loan with First Plus, just to name a few. None of these clients even knew if they had paid PPI with these lenders in the past, until we found out for them and made their claims.
Call CPS on 0845 602 6421 or 01625 536 777 for advice or to have a claim pack sent to you. Agents are available until 8pm.
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NICHE 87
What life cover do I need? I met a young couple with a new mortgage, new baby, some personal loans and the usual first question, “what life cover do we really need, as our budget is tight at the moment?”
Life cover and other forms of protection insurance, (life cover, critical illness and income protection), are bought on the basis of protecting your loved ones from the financial consequences of your death or serious illness. It stops a bad situation getting worse. So, isolating the consequences on death; 1. The mortgage MUST be repaid! Mortgages are repayable on death, (the word is from Old French, “death grip”), so either the house has to be sold or it has to be remortgaged, which may be impossible if the income is not available.
2.
If there are other unsecured debts, like personal loans, then either they need to be repaid from the estate, or if the estate is insolvent, they will be written off.
3.
The income going forward stops! People are not normally paid unless they work, so all of the money the family would have had, from the early death to retirement stops. So, if budget is pressing, then these issues need to be addressed first, using the cheapest products possible. For the mortgage, the cheapest product is a Mortgage Protection plan, (more technically a decreasing team assurance), matched to mortgage debt and the term of the mortgage. If there are other loans, then these should be covered, matching terms and amount to minimise costs. For the lost income after a death, the cheapest product is a Family Income Benefit plan, which will pay out a fixed income from the date of death to the end of the term assured. The term needs to be either the length of time the children are in education or to normal retirement age, whichever is more appropriate. 88
AJAY NAIK Financial Planning Director
The benefits system does not make allowances for capital debt outstanding on death, so although mortgage interest may be paid after a waiting period, there is no way the benefits system will pay off the mortgage or any other debt, so expect to lose all assets on borrowed money without life cover. If you get a serious illness, then the benefits system will help with living expenses, but not capital debt. Cancer at 45 or a MS diagnosis at 40 will reduce your effective earning power for years to come, so you could lose your house or other assets purchased on borrowed money if you cannot keep up the payments. The relevant insurance type here is critical illness cover, (CIC), but the cover amount needs to be considered carefully. Finally, income protection is a popular choice as this replaces income if you are unable to work due to accident or sickness (you have to be off sick for a pre-determined period before the plan would pay out). Income protection is therefore different to critical illness cover, which pays out a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a critical illness regardless of whether you are off sick. In an ideal world, you would buy the basic life cover, critical illness and an income protection plan, so that shorter term, less serious illness would not affect your family income, but most people cannot afford all of the cover desirable. Talk to us to make the best of your budget and juggle the cover to best fit your needs. Remember, ignoring the issue will not make it go away!
Where there is a will, there’s a way!
Too many people are oblivious to the importance of writing a will, including appointing a guardian. If both parents were to die in a car crash, what would happen then? Who would look after the children?
children and must be able to provide them with adequate food, clothing, housing, access to education and generally ease their passage to young adulthood.
The guardian will be someone who the parents would have chosen Where there is no guardian appointed whom they trust to keep their children in a will, Social Services will put in a safe and happy environment children into temporary foster care, and believe will nurture and care for while more permanent arrangements their children. With appropriate life are made. Social Services would JEREMY EDWARDS insurance cover and a well drafted therefore put up children either for Corporate Director & Independent Financial Adviser will, there should be the resources for long-term fostering, adoption or the guardian to support the children to a happy adulthood. possibly appoint a person from the orphan’s extended family. As a general rule, orphaned children do better with extended family, something I am sure most parents will be What is a will? A will is a document that specifies who will inherit your entirely comfortable with. valuables such as your bank accounts, property, cars, jewellery and other assets after you die. If you have not Not appointing a guardian for children can turn very written a will, the people you would have liked to have any messy, leaving the choice of guardian to Social Services and the Courts; a less than ideal situation at a time of great of your belongings might not be the person who gets them. The rules of intestacy will ultimately provide your valuables stress. to the next of kin, not necessarily your life partner. So, what is guardianship? I would strongly advise all of you who have got children A guardian is a person who will look after your children to ensure you write a will to include guardianship. There and their well-being if they are unfortunate enough to lose both their parents during the period where they are not yet are too many complications and as a parent, wouldn’t you want the best for your children? classified as an ‘adult’, being up to the age of eighteen. The guardian will make all the legal decisions for the
Bankfield Financial Advisers is a firm of specialist, expert and professional Independent Financial Advisers, providing a vast range of services to individuals, families and business owners, offering you the best advice to enhance your financial situation. Contact us on 0116 253 5600 or email niche@bankfield.net to arrange a no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your circumstances.
NICHE 89
Wyggestone & Queen Elizabeth I College
CARE & Education
Good Care and Good Education
Taking care of one another is at the heart of what it means to be human, of what it means to have a community and what it means to give something back. Thankfully there are a huge variety of organisations that provide care as a profession; either through paid private care, care as part of a charitable organisation or care as part of the NHS we are fortunate to have such provisions if ever we need them. Here in Niche we are strong supporters of both the individuals and organisations that offer care to individuals and families when they so desperately need it, take a look at some of our selected organisations over the next couple of pages. Education is another topic we are very passionate about and across our pages you will always find our recommended schools and educational provisions from all over the region. From primary through to college courses, universities and beyond we are always keen to bring you the best of the best when it comes to discovering education facilities for you and your family. This issue in particular we visited the fantastic Wyggestone & Queen Elizabeth I College and were astounded at the level of facilities and quality of education they have to offer…be sure to check them out!
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Fostering Could you make space in your life? Give us a call to find out more:
O116 3O5 O5 O5 www.spaceforachild.com Email: spaceforachild@leics.gov.uk
M0878_F&A_Fost_Ad_137X190MM.indd 1
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NICHE 91
A college for the 21st Century
Whilst the College of course offers excellent facilities, including newly appointed study areas, vibrant food outlets and an impressive art and design building to name a few, it’s the commitment to students as individuals that shines through. Each and every student at QE is offered an abundance of integrated support, from both an academic point of view such as extra help with tuition and preparation for exams, and from a personal viewpoint such as assistance with general life as a college student. Each aspect of support is given a high level of importance, highlighting the College’s exceptional level of commitment to ensuring every student at QE is a happy student.
enjoy. As well as examined courses, QE provide an extensive Enrichment programme which provides an amazing opportunity for students to gain skills and knowledge in areas they are passionate about with things like Animation, How to Be a Success in Business and Creative Writing; all available at QE. The fact that students attend an Enrichment programme alongside their main study here is testament to the college providing learning and personal growth skills that enhance the lives of their students, thus making their short time there not only productive and progressive but also happy and worthwhile from a personal viewpoint. Equipping students with the skills, confidence and knowledge in their transition from schools to college and onto university or working life is something the college takes very seriously, and quite rightly they feel very proud of their students achieving their goals. The College has the feel of a university campus with each individual’s study and learning as important as the next, and with each and every student given the tools and time to help them grow and succeed.
Courses at QE offer the traditional A-levels you would expect, but significantly they provide courses which may not be found at every college in the area, so that they can offer students the courses that they need and will
The campus, situated alongside Leicester University, is an open and inspiring place to be. See for yourself why so many students over the years have been very happy and successful at QE and how you can be too.
To wander around Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College is to wish you could have your college years again. A campus which feels all at once modern, forward thinking, grand and purposeful is welcoming, approachable and friendly too - it’s a place offering Advanced Level education and so much more. With a broad range of subjects as well as Enrichment courses, QE provides an education that goes above and beyond for its students.
“There is a wide range of cultures and people from all different backgrounds at QE, but everyone gets along really well. Teachers are extremely supportive and motivate you to achieve the best that you can. QE is a big step up from school; you have a lot more independence which is really useful in preparation for university or employment. Coming to QE was a great opportunity and I would highly recommend it.” Charlotte
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Visit www.wqeic.ac.uk University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RJ Tel: (0116) 2471147 Fax: (0116) 2472999
“Now in my second year as Principal of QE I have come to love the College as our students do. QE is a vibrant, diverse, hardworking community that offers something for everyone who is part of it. Our students strive to achieve great results in to open opportunities for them after they leave and for life in general, but they also do so many other things whilst they are with us. QE is a place to come and study a wide range of Advanced Level courses and is also somewhere to develop new skills, meet new friends and get involved. Our students not only do things within College such as play for Sports Team, take part in musical and drama performances, enjoy field work and expeditions, take part in national debating competitions etc, but are active beyond the College through volunteering and community projects. Studying at QE is serious business but our students get all the support, help and advice they want regarding their programme, their progression and just simply help to be a successful student. Our staff put students at the heart of decision making and the students themselves have the opportunity to shape the direction of the College. We are immensely proud of all of our recent and ongoing developments which make QE an exciting, inspirational and happy place to study. Each year we recruit around 1300 new students to the College who come full of hope and excitement – we’d love to welcome you.” Principal - Sandra Hamilton-Fox
NICHE 93
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All the latest from Anna Kennedy HQ Anna Kennedy is an inspirational woman with a truly inspirational story, not only is her story one of determination and plenty of grit, but also, above all, it shows her unwavered commitment to helping others. Ever since her two sons were diagnosed as having autism Anna has campaigned tirelessly for better facilities and support and advice for children and adults who have or are affected by autism. The result of her efforts? Oh just a couple of schools, a college, endless campaigns and fundraisers, not to mention an internet presence which has provided much needed resources for countless individuals around the world! In amongst all these marvellous things she has won Tesco mum of the year, been featured on a number of TV shows, met (and grilled!) the prime minister…..oh and been awarded an OBE and an honorary degree from Teesside University!! Phew. The good news is, even after having achieved all these things and much more besides there is still no stopping her….
Focus on Anna Kennedy’s Schools Hillingdon Manor
Hillingdon Manor is just one aspect of Anna Kennedy's success story, a result of her determination to create a place for her sons, and other children with autism to experience the level of education and support in which they could thrive and grow. The result of the blood sweat and tears poured into making this happen is Hillingdon, which offers a specialist school where mainstream and local authorities couldn’t provide. So, she re-mortgaged her house and created her own! Yes, you read that right, she built her own school! She transformed a derelict council building in Middlesex, West London into Hillingdon Manor School, thus creating the perfect, supportive environment for her children and plenty of others too.... Across three sites, the school is special in many ways, providing excellent levels of tailored teaching, extensive therapies and support for children and young adults with autistic spectrum condition. The school, which is now a centre of excellence for children and young adults with autism, has earned considerable recognition for its outstanding work and early in its life caught the imagination of Esther Rantzen who is now Hillingdon Manor's patron. The school has provided so much for families and transformed the way in which they view their future, its provided success after success story.
grounds in Bromley, Kent and provides and this impressive environment was custom made for the education and development of children aged between 5 and 16 years. Students attending the school have a Statement of Special Educational Need that describes their primary need as being on the autism spectrum or having a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Baston House provides a level of commitment to the education and wellbeing of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is world class and is regarded by many as a life changing one for all those that attend and their parents. Its website is currently experiencing a redesign so be sure to check it out soon! www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk
Anna Kennedy Online and A huge Honour!
Anna Kennedy Online is a vital resource for those who have or are affected by Autism. Alongside the schools, campaigns and fundraising, Anna Kennedy online is a vital part of Anna and her team’s efforts to help. Packed with the latest news articles, research and support on Autism, it’s a vital resource for so many. Accompanying this resource is Anna and her team’s social networking presence, her twitter feed and Facebook page which provide up to the minute news and campaigns and a much needed communication for parents and carers too. One of the biggest news items to hit Anna Kennedy HQ recently was Anna receiving an honorary degree from Teesside University. Anna was particularly thrilled to receive this honour from Teesside because of her Middlesbrough roots, speaking on the day of receiving the degree Anna was overwhelmed at the honour; “I received a letter in July about the honorary degree and I fell to the floor. I am honoured to receive this accolade from Teesside and I’m really proud. Up the Boro! Being here today is quite a rollercoaster, it’s like I’m dreaming. There’s a lot of good stuff that comes out of Middlesbrough and there’s lot of grit and determination,” she said before the ceremony. It’s wonderful for Anna to be recognised in this way and yet again Anna credits her work to the strong team behind her!
Making education accessible for key stages 1-5, Hillingdon provides a wealth of activities to assist the young people in their educational and personal development. Activities such as tending to the allotment, going on group trips bowling and even creating jam to sell to regular customers as part of business enterprise, are all ways in which a child at Hillingdon excels.
Baston House
This fantastic school for children on the autistic spectrum was founded by Hillcrest Autism Services in 2010. The award winning Hillingdon Manor School in Middlesex acquired Baston House School set in 5 acres of
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West London Community College gives the West End a run for its money… West London Community College, a specialist independent living skills provision for adults with Autism or Asperger’s, put on a Christmas play to remember with a piece written by the colleges experienced thespian Jamie Foster; “In previous years we have put on our own adapted versions of plays, this has been the first year where we have written and produced our own. It was a great way of bringing up real life issues and scenarios associated with Autism in an entertaining and therefore memorable way.” Jamie told us. The play, which told the tale of a trip to London for a group of adults with Autism and the highs and lows of their journey, was written by Jamie and performed by students at the college in front of a packed crowd. A storming success Jamie and his drama crew are looking to bring a version of the play to this year’s Edinburgh festival and are seeking out new ways to bring the play to varied audiences in order to entertain and train all at once; “The play is like a visual training for professionals and individuals alike on how best to respond when learning that an individual has autism and in a given situation. I have done a significant amount of work with the Autism Alert Cards and this play provides a great way of showing professionals and members of the public how real life scenario’s might happen, and how best to respond.” Audiences were cheering as the curtains closed and the effects of the play were positive for everyone involved, from audience member through to the actors, stage help and Jamie himself; “Everyone worked so hard, I couldn’t be prouder. We rehearsed for a long time and increased the regularity of rehearsals as we neared the performance, the actors were put under quite a lot of pressure but they really pulled it out of the bag and enjoyed it immensely!”
“I absolutely loved it. The whole piece was so informative and taught me a lot about autism.” Lauren La Rocque – Community Arts Apprentice, The Almeida Theatre
“The Trip had me in stitches.” Natasha Lee – sister of Ross Lee, one of the actors.
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the show, the students were all fabulous in their own individual ways and the play was a great insight into the things that need to be considered on a daily basis when managing/living with autism.” Maureen William-Wright – Hillcrest and Autism Services
www.autismconsultants.org
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Anna Kennedy and team take over the House of Commons! The Anna Kennedy team peaked with an all new high this past November having attended The House of Commons to deliver a very important report on their vital survey findings. The survey, conducted during November of this year, aimed to gather important information from parents regarding the diagnosis stages for those affected by autism. Their aim was certainly achieved with an overwhelming response from parents jumping at the opportunity to tell people of their experiences at diagnosis stage. The resulting survey has been the largest of its kind with over 2,000 responses from people who are affected by an autism spectrum condition. The questions asked were regarding the diagnostic process which ranged from when the condition was first suspected to when the diagnostic process was initiated, and how long it took before it was completed. The survey also addressed the challenges for individuals and families associated with the assessment and the ability of the professionals involved to embrace a constructive, multidisciplinary approach. Participants were also asked to comment on the quality of support they received during the assessment.
The Autism Diagnosis Survey, which was presented in front of MPs and academic researchers also showed that of the 76 per cent of families who suspected a child under five may have autism, only 38 per cent were given the diagnosis under five. “The results of this survey clearly demonstrate that the process in place for diagnosing children and young adults is not fit for purpose and requires immediate improvement,” Anna commented. Proud of her team’s efforts as ever, Anna was thrilled at the attention the visit provided across social network and the media as it further highlights the need for the current diagnosis system to change. “Parents who manage to negotiate the energy sapping bureaucracy of getting a diagnosis for their child often find that the service provided is disconnected and, in many cases, is of unacceptable quality, it’s time for the process to be shaken up and definitely improved” added Mrs Kennedy.
Anna Kennedy Online came to conduct the survey after experiencing the overwhelming concerns many parents and individuals who have contacted the charity over the years have had regarding the diagnosis process. “What came across was their frustration due to the depressing length of time the whole process was taking given that the books and information they were reading spoke about how important early intervention is for children on the autism spectrum.” Anna explains. She spoke at the event alongside World Kick Box Champion Jo Redman who shared her experiences of bullying and late diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, as well as vocal coaches to the stars, David and Carrie Grant, whose three daughters are on the autism spectrum.
NICHE 97
Boutique Brighton drakes of Brighton is a stunning boutique hotel situated on the iconic seafront. Its décor is perfectly matched to the town’s cool edge and their warm and friendly welcome make it a top four star hotel with true personality. The building is an attraction in itself, with two Georgian Townhouses in one and an array of stunning period features combined with contemporary designs making it one of Brighton’s most exciting accommodations. The 20 bespoke rooms provide far more than a bed for the night; with breath taking design and sharp attention to detail, a drakes room effortlessly creates the atmosphere of a stylish and luxurious home from home. Most rooms benefit fantastic sea views and all boast the utmost in luxury and comfort with handmade beds dressed in Egyptian cotton and velvet throws, monsoon wet rooms or deep free standing baths ensuring total relaxation. A favourite haunt of the presenters and performers of this world, (to name drop a few…Woody Allen, Kylie Minogue, Benedict Cumberbatch) drakes has the feel of a Members Only Club but is open and available to all. At the very heart of the drakes philosophy is the desire to see guests as friends coming to stay. drakes is never stuffy or formal, but is about an escape from everyday life in an ambiance of relaxed glamour. The restaurant provides one of Brighton’s most acclaimed fine dining food experiences (having received the highest score of all Brighton restaurants in The Good Food Guide 2014, for the 5th consecutive year). Head Chef Andy MacKenzie is passionate about delivering an accomplished range of Modern European dishes, specializing in local and seasonal menus in the superb surroundings of their intimate 40-cover restaurant. The strong wine selection complements the regularly changing and evolving menu with an excellent selection of New and Old World wines as well as award winning, boutique grower and local English Sparkling wines. Gourmet and Romantic Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Packages can be booked to fully indulge in both the fabulous rooms and restaurant – perfect for a relaxing getaway or to celebrate any special occasion.
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www.drakesofbrighton.com
01273-696934
info@drakesofbrighton.com
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NICHE 99
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