Niche Magazine Issue 14

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May/June 16 / Issue 14

THE DEVELOPMENT ISSUE

Celebrate Ladies Day

MIPIM

TEAM LEICESTERSHIRE

#BACKING THE BLUES

AT

LEICESTER RACECOURSE Plus

BAKE 0FF’S

Holly Bell

#FindYourNiche FASHION | BUSINESS | HEALTH | FOOD | SPORTS

SAVE THE DATE

SEPTEMBER 9th 2016

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Recognising Outstanding Leicestershire Businesses and Business Professionals

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HIP

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Sponsors

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Beverly Sankey

digitalmagic creative at heart

Hamilton

Leicester Ltd. Bespoke Prestige Quality

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

Ambassadors

I N S U R A N C E

Event Sponsors

#NicheBizAwards NICHE | 02

Host Sponsors

The Team

Cover:

Leicester Racecourse presents Ladies Day. Models; Neil Smith with Sara Lovatt and Lisa Newcombe. Dresses; Betty Brown. Hair; Barrie Stephen. Make-up; Femi Health & Beauty. Location; Fox Covert Farm. Helicopter; Abel.

Photography courtesy of: Scott Choucino 07843 091 419 www.scottchoucino.com

Lewis Buttery c/o Soft Touch Arts 07597 998 707 Joe Whitmore jwhitmorephotography.co.uk 07887 812 321

Managing Director Jenny Cross 07815 899 574 jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

Tom Wren 07818 421 118 www.creativebywren.com Sponsors of the Leicester Riders

Editor Lee Parkin 07711 043 901 lee@crossproductions.co.uk

Operations Director Leanne Baker leanne@crossproductions.co.uk

Published by Cross Productions Ltd www.nichemagazine.co.uk info@crossproductions.co.uk Tel: 0116 271 2573 Disclaimer – Niche Magazine and Cross Productions Ltd is fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher.

The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors and omissions. We can under no circumstance be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the website or magazine. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials or photography or any other such material supplied by a third party. The views and opinions expressed within our publications are not necessarily those of the publisher or indeed Niche Magazine or any featured parties.

Distribution Media Matters Direct www.mediamattersdirect.co.uk Self Select Distribution www.selfselectdistribution.co.uk Niche App Download for free!

Social facebook.com/nichemagazineuk Twitter: @magazineniche

Design Editor Susan Holmes

Senior Journalist Kerry Smith

susan.holmes@crossproductions.co.uk

kerry@crossproductions.co.uk

Sales Director Sally Smith 07931 220 116

Sales Executive Claire Willoughby 0116 271 2573

Contributors The Miller Partnership, Glynis Wright, Mocha Marketing, City Communications, ER Recruitment, Torr Waterfield, Leicester Racecourse, Beau Aesthetica, Curve, Leicester Riders, St Martins House, Dimblebee Catering Company, Griffin Fit, Soar Valley Press, Leicester Tigers, MME, Brooksure Insurance, Swipe & Tap, RDZ PR, Total Motion, Maiyango, Steamin’ Billy, Abel, Qdos, Matt Hampson Foundation, Hamilton Builders, MNE Accounting, Bray & Bray, Barrie Stephen Hair NICHE | 01

t. e. w.

0116 402 6222 salon@b-styled.co.uk b-styled.co.uk

SALON LEICESTER 6B Hotel Street LE1 5AW

06 | NICHE

Part of the

Group

A word from Lee The Development Issue Life, as does the built environment, changes with time and circumstance, how you let these changes manifest depends on how you react and develop in response. In issue 14 we’re all about developing your mind, your body, you life, your business and your environment – for the better. We’re still reeling from our MIPIM experience with Team Leicestershire, our MD Jenny is teetering on the verge of annoying with her anecdotes of business power networking in the Mediterranean sunshine. The contacts made and opportunities created, joking aside, will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our region by bringing investors to the area and in turn developing it. We have Priti Coles sharing wisdom on the development of your mind and self-being, Lizzie Griffin developing your fitness and Hamilton Builders developing your homes.

A great new venue on the Leicestershire hospitality map is currently in final stages of ‘development’, we cant wait for the opening event at Abbot’s Oak. The project that the new owners have taken on is a huge task, one that has taken its toil but one that will be so worth it. The place is full of historic surprises and delights.

We collaborate with the fashion powerhouse that is De Montfort University along with creative talents from Barrie Stephen, Scott Choucino and Katy Short in our fashion shoot and feature, we do hope you like this.

Our lucky journalist has been witness to Holly Bell of Great British Bake Off fame taking a bath in popcorn and has also been in the saddle with Olympian Show Jumper Holly Gillott. See what these two very interesting ladies have to say within.

The Niche 14 front cover is graced by all the glitz and glamour that you can expect at Leicester Racecourse’s Ladies Day, 2nd July. The day promises to be the best yet, with more of everything on offer! Don’t forget your frock ladies, why not wander across to the sultry seamstress Betty Brown for the most perfect bespoke number.

Excitement is building at Niche HQ as the nominations flood in for our second Niche Business Awards, the window for your chance to nominate closes 31st May, so if you haven’t already get your vote in. Shortlists are to be announced at Niche Networking 12th July at MNE Accounting and an update will be given at Niche Networking 12th May at Cini – for all details and booking go to EventBrite.co.uk and search Niche Leicester.

Over and out for now. #FindYourNiche Lee Parkin, Editor

NICHE | 03

May / June

Contents 07.

30.

Runway Rocks

Wedding Belles

32.

DMU Fashion

Dimblebee Catering

St Martins House

38.

Fabulous Food & Drink

17.

Georgie Steeples

40.

Holly Bell

Hotel Maiyango

18.

Health & Beauty

53.

Champagne Occasions Beau Aesthetica 04 | NICHE

56.

128.

Property

Sport

130.

Premier Development

Backing the Blues

Ladies Day at Leicester Racecourse

143.

Motoring

62.

Everards

150.

Total Motion

Abbots Oak

90.

147.

Talk Business

Out & About

Daly Systems

Glastonbudget NICHE | 05

PHOTOGRAPHY

0 78 4 3 0 9 1 4 1 9 www.sc ottc h ou c i n o.c om scot t.c@sc ottc h ou c i n o.c om

06 | NICHE

Runway Rocks

FA S H I O N WE COLLABORATE At Niche Magazine we have made a commitment to fashion, to provide coverage from all areas and trying to representative of our vast readership demographic to present all styles and to all tastes by mixing it up each issue.

NICHE | 07

HAZEL SIMMONS

Tailored outfits with innovative construction

BROGAN THOMSON-WOODS

Multi coloured oversize woven textured coat

SOPHIE BAILEY

Mens jacket and shorts

HELENA MEGSON

Multi coloured two piece

For this issue we had a great opportunity to showcase fashion from its grass roots from one of the most creative hothouses of textile talent, De Montfort University Leicester.

Students whose outfits we featured BROGAN THOMSON-WOODS

Multi coloured oversize woven textured coat Brogan Thomson-Woods, winner of the Lakeland leather jacket competition. Her major project is inspired by utility wear of flight jackets and overalls combined with her love of creating her own weave and using leather as another contrast SOPHIE BAILEY

Mens jacket and shorts Sophie Bailey is from a new generation of menswear designers utilising unusual fabrics such as jay cloths and tea towels combining with modern performance fabrics to create an innovative spin on modern patchwork for menswear.

HELENA MEGSON

Multi coloured two piece Helena Megson, finalist of designer of the year at clothes show live, final project work is inspired very much following on from the Japanese ascetic and the use of origami cutting and shapes in bold colour blocking and large hand drawn prints of faces.

HAZEL SIMMONS

Tailored outfits with innovative construction Hazel Simmons, also finalist of the Lakeland leather jacket competition and finalist for Golden sheers tailoring competition. Hazel’s work is inspired by traditional finishes, joinery within furniture and combining with her love of tailoring techniques to create a very unique interpretation of construction methods for womenswear tailoring.

Niche Magazine credits and gives special thanks to: Photography by Scott Choucino T 07843 091 419 W Scottchoucino.com Models: Oliver Smiles and Sophie Bailey Fashion by students of DMU W Dmu.ac.uk/fashion Make up by Katy Short T 07852 898 796 W Katyshort.co.uk 12 | NICHE

Hair by Neil Smith, Barrie Stephen Hair 35 The Nook, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AZ T 0116 402 6222 W Barriestephenhair.co.uk Lee Parkin & Claire Willoughby Niche Magazine T 07711 043 901 W Nichemagazine.co.uk Images are owned and copyrighted by Scott Choucino for exclusive use with Niche Magazine.

Della Swain, DMU Head of Fashion, was buzzing with excitement when we spoke of the idea, “As a department we are hugely proud of our students and their achievements, we have graduate operating at the very top of their game at some of the most wanted labels in the land.

We have a great success rate and when we started to speak with Niche we knew it would be something good. We are very pleased with the concept and final images.”

For creative inspiration we had the best at our disposal, Neil Smith of Barrie Stephen Group, gave direction for the set build and mood for the shoot. He insisted on working with in demand make-up artist Katy Short, who again gave her direction on the styling and colour planning. In conjunction with our talented photographer Scott Choucino, the full mood board and shoot concept was created, models booked and briefed.

Dmu then provide us with the undergraduate outfits that worked best for us.

DMU Fashion Design Course highlights: A creative and dynamic course which cultivates and develops skills needed for the fashion industry Established for over 70 years, this course continues to move with the constantly evolving fashion world and maintains very close connections with major fashion companies, fabric suppliers and manufacturers Opportunities to work on external project briefs set by industry as well as prestigious National and International competitions Fashion Design encompasses a wide range of projects briefs from designer labels through to the high street. This enables you to gain specialist design and technical expertise relevant to a range of fashion activities.

Design for womenswear, menswear and fashion knitwear features in a variety of modules as you develop your work from initial design concept through to the finished garment.

Runway Rocks

BESPOKE TAILORING

ADRIAN BARROWS Tailor

07968 438 717 adrian@thebespoketailor.co.uk www.thebespoketailor.co.uk

The Bespoke Tailor With over 20 years in the tailoring industry, Adrian Barrows, owner of The Bespoke Tailor, is an award winning tailor who literally goes that extra mile for his clients. Travelling the length of breadth of the country to visit his clients, Adrian brings the ‘Savile Row’ experience directly to your door.

Fine tailoring is all about getting the measurements just right - from the shape of your body to the perfect expression of your personality and individual style. Adrian takes the time to get to know his clients well, understand their lifestyle and how best to draw out the true essence of their style. Visiting clients in the comfort of their own home or where they feel the most relaxed, Adrian will determine what they

want to achieve with their wardrobe and then create a set of garments that meets all their expectations.

With access to over 5,000 fabrics, milled in Great Britain, Adrian offers the very best in British fine tailoring and creates garments that are bespoke and designed for the individual.

The Bespoke Tailor is renowned for providing a world class service

that is perfect for the ultra-busy individual. Passionate about British tailoring and upholding the finest of tailoring traditions, Adrian’s client list is wide and varied and his reputation leaves him in high demand across the entire country.

07968 438 717 adrian@thebespoketailor.co.uk www.thebespoketailor.co.uk

NICHE | 13

What to wear to a summer event

What to wear for Ladies Day

Trends for Summer 2016

With summer just around the corner we like to imagine lovely long, hot sunny days but occasionally we need to work with the British weather and make sure our wardrobe is prepared!

Ladies get thinking about your outfits! With the summer season on its way, Leicester Race course invites thousands of guests to contribute to one of the years most exciting fashion events, Ladies Day. So what to wear?

Lets start with being comfortable, nobody looks good in ‘somebody else’s’ clothes or shoes, but remember to take the opportunity to have fun with bright colours and head pieces are a must!

Hats and fascinators take outfits from pretty to stunning just as a statement necklace does.

Remember this is a day event, so leave the sequins at home. Think classy, feminine and sophisticated.

We’re getting ready for longer nights, sunny beaches and golden tans. But what about our hair?

Whether you’re thinking of a hair over-haul or just after some summer styling inspiration, Now is the perfect to change things up.

Whatever summer events you are planning, your wardrobe needs thought. You need to be able to bask in the sun one minute and throw on a jacket the next.

This season’s trend is the Cuban Collar. Let’s be bold and slip away from the Oxford button down and explore the Cuban Collar fitted short sleeve shirt. For a statement look, go for a check or print design.

If you prefer a medium to dark colour shirt, then tan or light chinos will match perfectly. To keep your attire smart, opt for a plain light colour; white, light blues and greys and match them with slightly loose fitted trousers.

Navy or dark grey trousers will compliment the look. A light gauge knit will help achieve the change from summer sun to evening chill.

If a jacket is more your style, then a cotton twill is a great option. A striped jacket can really dress your outfit up and make you stand out from a sea of plain summer wear.

Leather boat shoes will suit your summer attire and they easily fit in with either day or nightwear.

The summer sun makes us all feel happier and full of life, so plan carefully for the summer events you are going to and let your new wardrobe work alongside the weather! Adrian Barrows 07968 438 717 www.thebespoketailor.co.uk 14 | NICHE

If you opt for a revealing neckline then hemlines should fall below the knee and vise versa.

Just above the knee is acceptable but no minis! My favourite length is the midi which falls below your knee into the carf area, very elegant.

If dresses aren’t your comfort zone there are plenty of stunning jumpsuits around, or even separates are acceptable, this event is all about style! As an all day event you’ll be on your feet a lot, the shoes you choose can make or break your day so choose wisely, even take a second pair of flats, leaving the track with shoes over your shoulder is never a good look!

If you’re feeling daring, rock the crop! Summer is all about low maintenance styles so the shorter the better. There’s a cropped style to suit every personality; sharp and structured with a short fringe, an undercut with textured side swept fringe or a classic pixie cut. Less styling time, effortlesslycool and our number one summer style - what’s not to love!

Last summer saw us all obsessing over balayage and delicate light-reflecting highlights and to be honest, this trend is seeing round two this year. This colour trend embodies summer with its beautiful blend of golden, bronze and blonde that giving a natural sun-kissed effect. The great thing about it is that it suits a multitude of different hair colours as it looks gorgeous adding interest to blondes, and looks great on a brunette with dark roots.

Also remember to bring a jacket or pashmina as it begins to get cool towards the end of the day.

Have fun ladies, see you there.

Sukhina Garcia

It’s all about being effortless and relaxed - no one wants to spend hours using a hot styling tool or overloading hair with product in the heat. Finding simple styling tricks will keep things interesting.

Half-up-half-down looks are perfect as they’ll make hair feel less heavy and there are some great options; half up in a top knot bun or a simple three strand braid are perfect for a laidback day in the sun! Barry Stephen

Betty Brown Boutique info@betty-brown.com

0116 402 6222 www.barriestephenhair.co.uk

Runway Rocks

iFit Duo from £299 Ferrari Man in Red Eau de Toilet 50ml £30 100ml £52 Available exclusively at House of Fraser and Online.

iFit Duo is a reversible, doublesided activity watch engineered for business and play. Look the part in the office and stay fit too! www.ProFormFitness.co.uk.

The Macallan Gold 40% £36.95 Highland single malt. www.thewhiskyexchange.com www.themacallan.com

Gifts

The ultimate shaving subscription for men from £17.95 per month

Father’s Day

A superb box of essential shaving delights delivered directly to Daddy’s door monthly www.thepersonalbarber.com

Evolution Man Treatments from £10 Treat your Dad to some pampering with a Gift Voucher towards some treatments or book him in for one of their new treatment packages. www.evoman.co.uk

Port Design Versailles Leather Notebook Case £225

Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone £109.95

Stylish and functional this multipocketed bag will please the tech savvy, fashion forward Father. www.amazon.co.uk

First-of-its-kind Belkin Charge Dock has Apple Watch magnetic charger and iPhone Lightning connector. www.belkin.com NICHE | 15

Philip James 5 George Street Hinckley LE10 0AL 01455 634 323 www.philipjamesmenswear.co.uk pjamesmenswear@btconnect.com

Jane Shilton Missouri Extended Gusset Multi Grab ÂŁ199

Evening & Occasion Wear Evening Wear I Occasion Wear I Bridesmaids Dresses I Mother of the Bride/Groom I Party Wear I Cruise Wear I Red Carpet Dresses I Prom Dresses I Accessories I Jewellery I Shoes I Sandals I Clutch Bags I Fascinators

16 High Street, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1GP 0116 260 4599 www.auraboutique.co.uk Aura Boutique/Facebook.com

16 | NICHE

Smooth flat leather with a natural shine and soft smooth hand feel. Front strap with enamel padlock fitting feature and extended gussets. Zip opening with one main compartment and two slip pockets. Detachable shoulder handle enabling this style to be worn across the body, or it can be worn in the nook of the arm by the two tubular grab handles.

Black, navy and red.

6 Hotel Street, Market Place Corner, Leicester LE1 5AW

Runway Rocks

We know that our image affects the way people perceive us, and more importantly how we feel about ourselves.

Styling by Georgie Steeples Many of my clients feel that they don’t dress in a way that shows their full potential and lack the confidence, time or know-how to figure it out on their own. A common complaint is the feeling of being caught in a style rut, usually resulting in having a wardrobe bursting with clothes but feeling that they have nothing to wear.

I work together with my clients to build a wardrobe of clothes they love and one which suits their personality, lifestyle, body shape and budget. I am able to offer my clients advice on all aspects of their image, including their beauty routine. This in turn builds selfesteem and confidence, which can be life-changing.

Whether you need a confidence boost, advice on trends or someone to style your wardrobe while you lead a busy life, one of my packages is sure to suit you.

GEORGIE’S FIVE ESSENTIALS For Makeup Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation, NARS creamy concealer, NARS orgasm blusher, Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Bitch Perfect For Fashion Dark blue skinny jeans, a white shirt, a navy blazer, a perfect fitting bra, statement heels

GEORGIE’S BEST BRANDS

GEORGIE’S TOP TIPS

For Makeup Nars I love their foundations, blushers and lip pencils. I use this for most of my brides.

For Makeup Look after your skin as best you can. Good skin makes the perfect canvas for makeup.

For Fashion Zara Great at copying catwalk looks at a fraction of the price.

For Shopping When looking to buy an item, always picture at least three different outfits that you can wear it with!

www.georgiesteeples.com

www.justsloggi.co.uk 9 WINDSOR STREET BURBAGE LEICESTERSHIRE LE10 2EE 01455 251 343

Tel: 01332 811732 @justsloggi

WWW.BLACKDIAMOND-BOUTIQUE.COM NICHE | 17

Health & Beauty

Contouring is a big hit in the makeup scene which enhances cheek bones and slims the face.

What if you could do the same for your body?

As Leicester residents, we are privileged to have a clinic which is home to some of the most up to date equipment in Europe.

Beau Aesthetica reveals two pain-free therapies that will transform your body by getting rid of wobbly bits and firming up in all the right places.

Endermologie Body Lipomassage by Endermologie is 100 per cent natural!

18 | NICHE

Endermologie basically helps to break down fat cells by the kneading-like effect. After every treatment, firming is applied at the end to help remove most of the fluid.

With the ability to shape the body like a fine sculpture, the end result can give a more refined figure and naturally firmer, smoother skin.

After a personalised evaluation of your body and your expectations, we will choose a custom treatment that will benefit your individual needs.

The machine has various treatment plans depending on your beauty goals including slimming, firming, contouring and draining.

This patented slimming technique activates the fat release process to erase localised fat and imperfections.

Covering all of the body including, legs, thighs, buttocks, back, stomach and arms, the treatment is available for men and women and can help the appearance of cellulite, loose skin and water retention.

The roller’s on the machine trigger a deep response and reactivation of fat release allowing collagen and elastin production.

You may feel as though you have had a workout afterwards and you may ache in the treated area but this is a completely normal

Health & Beauty

Finally, the heat from the Accent serves to shrink the fat cells.

Depending on the size of the area you want to be treated, the whole process can last between 20 and 50 minutes.

side effect that we try to lessen with the wearing of a suit during the treatment to avoid any slight possible bruising and discomfort.

We normally recommend a course of 12 but Endermologie can be treated as many times as a client wants, as long as there is a day in between to recover at least, as more could over stimulate.

A healthy lifestyle and working out at the gym really optimises the results of Endermologie as they work well as a team.

This will allow us to achieve the best outcome, and maintenance treatments can be added monthly for optimum results.

Accent Radiofrequency Therapy As a safe and effective noninvasive treatment that can help the appearance of cellulite, loose skin by sculpting and firming, Accent Radiofrequency Therapy (ART) is a popular remedy.

The ART treatment penetrates deeper into the skin than Endermologie as it uses heat to treat!

With the heating process, ART is able to change the shape of the fat cells, which helps to shrink and remodel the connective tissue that forms the cellulite.

It works by applying deep dermal heating to the fat bundles helping to promote healthy collagen and elastin and stimulating the blood circulation as well as assisting the drain of any fatty deposits and toxins.

The Accent precisely heats the inner layer of the skin while the outer layer is constantly cooled. ART can sometimes feel hot but there is no need to worry as this treatment isn’t painful and you won’t feel any discomfort.

A side effect of undergoing the state of the art treatment is a slight erythema (redness) with a hot feeling. However, this normally wears off within an hour but it is advisable to avoid any further heat treatments such as hot baths and showers for at least 24 hours.

You may need up to six treatments and experts recommend carrying these out monthly for the finest look.

Results become a lot more visible after the third session and are long lasting. Some everyday routines can be carried out straight after the treatment. Your therapist will consult with you to discuss what you can do personally to achieve maximum benefits. www.beauaesthetica.com 0116 270 9141

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

£10 off

the Endermologie facial when quoting Niche Magazine!

NICHE | 03

Welcome to

Eternalbeing Any day is the perfect day to start a new way of life – that’s what owner of Eternal Being Michelle Gergaghty-Corns and her team believe The promises you made at beginning of 2016 have most likely been pushed to the back of your mind as the year has gone on. A lot of us will have made resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle.

But with Summer on the way it’s the best time to detox or refresh and energize the body to bounce back in your step! Just like Tigger!

To begin the journey to a healthier you, the best place to start is at Eternalbeing. Michelle, owner of the Enderby sanctuary, is a highly trained therapist in Advanced Detox and Advanced colonic hydrotherapy.

According to Michelle, detoxing the body will refresh and re-charged the body’s cells. To make you feel like a new younger you!

A tailored detox programme to shift a few pounds, to kick start fitness again, to lose that bloated belly or give you the lift you need through colonic hydrotherapy is a vital component to make for a better standard of living.

Eternalbeing has treated an estimated 7000 clients in ten and

What clients say The team at EternalSpa are so helpful and friendly. They go out of their way to accommodate you and make you feel at home.

I will be a regular customer no doubt about that. Natasha S

I had an amazing treatment with Michelle and can already feel the benefits. After years of seeing doctors with no results it’s a huge relief! My next appointment is already booked and I can’t wait to go back for more! Brienne L 20 | NICHE

half years, including sufferers of IBS, athletes looking to improve performance and people struggling with a general unwell feeling and lack of energy.

As Leicester’s only advanced colonic hydrotherapy clinic, the team has carefully design treatments to complement Eternalbeing’s aims and ethos.

Every person’s session at Eternalbeing is calming and stress-free, which is accomplished through a combination of advanced technologies, techniques and therapies perfected over centuries.

Specialists will review your case individually and inform you of any further changes you should make to continue the positive choice of changing your lifestyle; in and away from the clinic.

People have gained a greater knowledge of negative effects on the body and what is essential to well-being. Advanced Colonic hydrotherapy is quickly becoming an integral part of the nation’s drive for a healthier lifestyle and so Michelle hopes to build a chain of clinics across the Midlands.

Eternalbeing has now opened its sister clinic EternalSpa having been demanded by Eternalbeing clients to offer the complete head to toe package.

To maintain Eternalbeing & Eternalspa exclusive edge, treatments are booked online to a time that suits you. Once booked, a therapist will call you to ensure you have the correct treatment.

THE CLINIC OFFERS ◆ Male and female practitioners ◆ Consultations, tailored detox programmes ◆ Advanced colonic hydrotherapy Enemas ◆ Detox wraps and liver cleanses ◆ Lymphatic drainage ◆ Detox baths ◆ Stress management techniques ◆ Nutrition advice ◆ Food intolerance testing ◆ A plethora of massages All of these play a part in tackling IBS but also aid sufferers of diabetes, bloating, wind, dry skin, constipation, thyroid issues and candida as well as acting as a starting point to improve general health.

ETERNALSPA

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE ◆ Osteopathy ◆ Hypnotherapy ◆ Clinic Counselling ◆ Face mapping, Dermalogica prescriptions and tailored facials

by Dermalogica Elite Head therapists ◆ Lava Shells Massages - Detox, Relax, Colon, Rescue, and Pregnancy coming soon ◆ Lava Shells Cancer Aware treatment or Lava Wellness Deep tissue, lymphatic drainage massages ◆ Thai foot and leg massage ◆ Urban Spa - part of EternalSpa specialist male waxing; intimate waxing and male treatments. ◆ Female hot wax treatments ◆ Indian head and nail treatments ◆ Pamper Parties ◆ Children Spa parties

0116 202 9844 www.eternalbeing.co.uk www.eternalspa.co.uk

All personalised to make you beautiful and healthy on the outside and inside.

Health & Beauty

Just what the

broker ordered Businesses can unlock major bonuses for employees that will fortify their company as a great place to work VitalityHealth by MME provides five star rated health insurance with access to the best possible medical care and rewards for being healthy.

With 20 years’ experience in the private medical healthcare industry, MME’s Stefan Wardle is the go-to-guy if you wish to help keep your employees healthy. Stefan has experienced the best of both worlds having worked at the second largest private medical insurer in the UK, AXA PPP Healthcare before becoming a broker for MME.

Here’s why his clients choose him What makes you different?

I actually care about my customers and help guide them through the process of claiming to sometimes overcoming very serious illnesses. I do my best to ensure everyone can access this cover. Having worked on both sides of the fence (insurer and broker), my knowledge and expertise in the areas of policy, negotiation of premiums and settling queries quickly achieves the best outcomes for clients.

Why is it good for business?

Did you know that we all on average take seven days off work a year? That’s at a cost of £554 per person. So a company with 50 staff can lose approximately £27,000 in lost productivity. Not every company will experience this but a policy built around your team will reward them, show them you care and should a key member fall ill you’ll want the knowledge that they can be treated quickly and return to work to help drive your business

forward as soon as possible. It saves you money and offering great employees benefits attracts new staff.

How does private care differ from the NHS? Many NHS hospitals missed their targets of 62 days to see cancer patients, leaving 20,000 patients waiting longer than they should in 2014-15. The NHS work to a standard 18 week target time to see a consultant for other medical conditions. That’s before any wait time to actually have treatment/ surgery.

I have been in and out of my hotellike hospital surroundings within weeks of seeing a GP, meaning I can get back to work quickly. This is even more important now that I run a business and cannot afford to be off work for any length of time. I once had a client come to me with a lump in his mouth and asked for my help. I called the insurer on his behalf and he was seen in 48 hours.

What other benefits are there?

You don’t have to wait until you’re ill before using your policy. Employees can experience the VitalityHealth partner rewards to gain some fantastic perks. ◆ Cinema tickets every week. ◆ Stop smoking course. ◆ Cash back into your personal bank account for being a nonsmoker. ◆ Half price monthly gym fees with Virgin Active. ◆ Up to 50% cash back off Evans Bikes, Sweatshop trainers. ◆ Up to 40% of BA European flights and Eurostar.

Plus, many more…

I’d be very happy to meet you to discuss the policies further.

If you would like to know how much it costs I’ll gain a quote with no pressure to proceed.

07419 764 565 stefan@mmefs.co.uk

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 NICHE | 21

What sets Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa apart from the rest is the family feel and soothing atmosphere created as a result of private ownership and continuous reinvestment.

RagdaleHall

Health Hydro and Thermal spa

We review some treatments to convince you that what you really need in life is a comforting sanctuary in which you feel like you are visiting an old friend rather than a posh spa.

Elemis Signature Body Bliss Massage The soul restoring treatment is quite literally blissful. Your body is draped in light warm pure massage oils ready for your head to toe massage in such a serene setting that satisfies the senses delving you into deep relaxation. You will leave the room, gently reawakened to the calm atmosphere of the laid back spa, feeling a sense of wellbeing.

The deep healing of the mind and body prepares you to take on the realities of the world again.

Clarins Men’s Skin Blitz Facial These bespoke facials are tailored to suit your individual skin needs.

Overall, the Skin Blitz fights fatigue leaning you looking and feeling fresh. Lifeless and congested skin appears bright and youthful. Whilst balancing the negative effects of the environment, it smoothes and clears the skin of shaving bumps and irritation.

Dining at Ragdale We enjoyed a fabulous view of the gardens in the brand new Verandah Bar. Our two course meal consisted of a deliciously succulent steak burger and a generous serving of tasty fish and chips with a refreshing glass of pink fizz as well as a Ragdale Mess and Chocolate Pot for dessert.

RagdaleHall’s NEW Evening Spa Experience!

Between 6.30 and 9.30pm Enjoy the water experiences of the indoor and outdoor pools, Colourflow Cave, Volcanic Salt Bath, Scented Room and magical Candle Pool. Then you can don your robe and settle down for a delightful two course meal in the Verandah Bar. It’s the perfect end to any day.

Monday – Thursday £49 Friday – Sunday £59 www.ragdalehall.co.uk 01664 434 831

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 22 | NICHE

Health & Beauty

Worried about your weight?

Cambridge Weight Plan could be the answer

Make a positive decision to change your life for the better

facebook.com.larder.eileen Twitter @Eileen Larder Instagram

Eileen Larder

07784 333 851 0116 288 9449

Real people, real support, real results Obesity is still a growing problem and it isn’t going away by raising taxes on sugary drinks.

Having experienced the battle against obesity first hand, I know the emotional and physical strain it can have on a person’s life.

As Cambridge Weight Plan (CWP) Consultants of thirty years, my husband Bryan and I advise men and women locally on a weekly basis to help them work towards achieving their goal weight.

My determination to lose the weight I put on after making a positive life change to quit smoking has driven me to help others. I have since helped hundreds of people to lose weight and keep it off as well as managing my own team of fellow Cambridge Consultants.

loss programmes to meet the needs of any client.

With our methods, one-to-one support and a range of flexible programmes, you can reach your weight loss goals and still have that zing in your life and spring in your step thanks to CWPs delicious meals and snacks. Once you’re happy in your skin, we make sure you maintain that look and remain healthy and active!

We know the fight isn’t easy so to make it as stress free as possible we provide consultations at a location of your choice and will be the force of motivation that you need to change your life!

Eileen and Bryan Larder, Wigston.

The National Heart Forum found over 41% of men and 36% of women were obese in England in 2010. With CWP, myself and Bryan provide nutritionally balanced flexible weight

07784 333 851 0116 288 9449 eileen1943@hotmail.com NICHE | 23

Do you feel stressed, tense, overwhelmed, anxious, rundown and unable to cope with life’s demands?

Would you like to feel relaxed, understood, balanced, energised, clear headed with a sense of wellbeing?

www.stu-niquefitness.co.uk

07828 818 261 Advanced Kettlebell Trainer and Leading functional Strength & Conditioning specialist

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a unique natural way of helping our bodies to rest and recover, treating the source of symptoms on every level, mental, physical and emotional. Helping you to let go and heal.

Safe, Gentle & Non-invasive I Suitable for babies and all ages.

0116 284 1944 / 07795 361 288 www.priticoles.co.uk pritibodies1@gmail.com

NEW LOCATION

8 Slater Street Industrial Estate Leicester LE3 5AS

LEICESTER’S NEWEST FITNESS AND SUPPLEMENT SHOP IS NOW OPEN! Whether you’re looking to increase your protein and vitamin intake, want to lose weight or are just feeling a little health conscious, the qualified team at Dr Protein offer free expert advice to help you find the right products to fit your lifestyle and fitness regime. With everything from nutritional whey protein to prepared meals and fresh smoothies, there’s something in store to suit every individual’s needs.

WHEY PROTEIN ● SUPPLEMENTS ● PRE-WORKOUTS ● VITAMINS FRESH SHAKES AND SMOOTHIES ● ENERGY BOOSTING FOODS HOMEMADE ENERGY BARS ● FREE HEALTH AND FITNESS ADVICE

​SUMMER BOOTCAMP SESSIONS (COMING SOON) 68 QUEENS ROAD LEICESTER LE2 1TU 0116 2129262 I WWW.DR-PROTEIN.CO.UK INSTAGRAM @DRPROTEINUK I TWITTER @DRPROTEINUK 24 | NICHE

Health & Beauty

Endermolift Facial Powered by LPG Endermolgie, we introduce our 100% natural facial firming, under eye draining, frown smoothing, and double chin draining treatment.

Using motorised pulsating flaps at different speeds and depths, it targets cell stimulation. Skin is re-plumped and rehydrated from the inside minimising fine lines and wrinkles. A production of new collagen accelerates and doubles the enzymes in the skin removing bad collagen easily and effectively.

After an examination of the skin we choose a treatment plan using different movements and speeds to get the best results. The facial may leave a little erythema (redness) but cools after we apply the cooling mask. Endermologie lasts around 20–40 minutes but an hour in total.

Helping to naturally lift and firm the skin, it can be used as an anti-ageing remedy but not recommended for young clients who just want a glow effect and a fresh look.

Advice from Dr Protein Looking to increase your protein or vitamin intake? Want to lose weight or bulk up? Feeling health conscious? Whatever your scenario, Dr Protein is here to help!

Our fully qualified staff offer free advice and top tips to make the right recommendations for you and your lifestyle. We stock industry leading nutritional whey protein brands and have products including fresh homemade treats and prepared meals that are gluten free and suitable for vegans. Very soon we’ll also have healthy delicious smoothies and shakes freshly made in store for when you’re on the go.

With an array of prepared meals, protein snacks, powders and supplements for anyone who works out or those who want to boost their protein intake, we can put together the perfect plan for your body and help you achieve the results you’re after. It’s important to intake the right amount of the right product for different lifestyles to improve fitness, energy, weight loss and help with toning up, improving your sports prowess and boosting immunity.

Personal development The circle of life and survival dictates to us that we must always ‘be ahead of the game,’ ‘in control,’ ‘at the top of our profession,’ ‘have a property portfolio,’ ‘have a pension plan,’ ‘have an exit strategy’ and more. But as we busy ourselves, we forget about personal development.

Personal development is about investing in yourself so that you can cope and manage yourself effectively regardless of what life may throw at you. It also allows you to be proactive, rather than waiting for good things to happen, you get out there and make things happen!

Personal development starts with self-awareness. This is where you get to know yourself, your values, beliefs and purpose. It’s the first and most daunting step. Here we have to identify the nice and not so nice things about ourselves and realise that true fulfilment cannot be attained if you chase other peoples goals and dreams.

Get an exclusive offer of £10 off the Endermologie facial when quoting Niche Magazine!

Am Vadhesha

Don’t forget to check out our smoothie bar coming soon for fresh juicy boosts to get you through the day!

Self awareness is the most important and fundamental step on your journey. Its not just work that gets better, personal relationships get stronger and better, you also have strength to ditch the ones that drag you down. You are also able to prioritise tasks that are important, your mind then becomes clearer, decision making becomes easier.

Your objectives become clearer, greater confidence and resilience become part of each day.

Priti Coles

0116 270 9141 www.beauaesthetica.com

0116 402 1932 www.dr-protein.co.uk

0116 284 1944/07795 361 288 www.priticoles.co.uk

Other facials can be teamed up with Endermologie, including our Jan Marini Enzyme Facial for a fresh skin or CACI Facial for anti-ageing. Wear SPF 30 on a daily basis to protect from discolouration, pigmentation and ageing.

Whether you’re needing an energy boost, wanting to work on your physique or work on your workout wardrobe, come in for a chat.

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 NICHE | 25

ENHANCE - DEFINE - TRANSFORM All cosmetic Surgical and Non Surgical Treatments performed at a Private Leicester Hospital

✦ Breast Enlargement and Uplift ✦ Body Contouring and Lift ✦ Tummy Tuck ✦ Liposuction ✦ Nose and Ear Reshaping ✦ Eye Bag Removal

Mr T K Sankar

MBBS, BTEC (Laser), FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Plast)

✦ Skin Lumps, Moles and Skin Tag removal ✦ Anti Wrinkle Treatments ✦ Laser Treatments Fraxel Skin Tightening, CO2RE Resurfacing, Scars, Moles, Thread Veins and Birth Marks

26 | NICHE

Secretary: Anne Bailey 0116 274 3718 anne.bailey@nuffieldhealth.com www.cosmeticsurgeon.org.uk

Health & Beauty

Cosmetic Surgery

your questions answered We put your questions to our most trusted surgeon concerning the most popular surgeries from boob jobs to lipo – Mr Sankar gives his advice Nose Jobs

Q

How do I select the right rhinoplasty surgeon, what’s important to consider?

A

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty is a highly specialised surgery and it is important that you seek advice from an appropriate cosmetic surgeon. It is always worth getting advice from more than one surgeon so that you are aware of all possible information as well as getting different opinions to be able to make an informed decision. Choose a Surgeon/ Hospital nearer to your home.

Q

Will I be put to sleep or will I have to be awake for the operation?

A

Normally you will be asleep for this procedure. But if it is a minor practice it is possible to have it done under local anaesthesia.

Facelifts

Q

Should I have a facelift at the same time as other procedures such as rhinoplasty or a brow lift or is it best to have them done separately?

A

Yes, face Lifts can be combined with brow lifts. It is wiser to avoid combining a facelift with a rhinoplasty.

It’s best to discuss with your surgeon how your individual requirements will be put into place. Rhinoplasty is often not advisable to be carried out at the same time as a face lift but other procedures such as brow lifts are easily implemented during a facelift.

Breast Implants

Q

Should I get silicone or saline implants, what’s the difference between the two?

A

Silicone Implants are time tested and widely used. They give a more natural feel than Saline implants. In the long run, Silicone implants can last longer than saline implants with lesser incidents of hardening.

Q

I am interested in having implants but will they affect my ability to breast-feed?

A

Implants themselves should not affect the breast-feeding ability.

Liposuction

Q A

Who makes a good candidate for this kind of procedure?

A good candidate for liposuction is one who has a decent amount of excess fat under the skin over specific areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms or under the chin etc. Please remember that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss/weight reduction.

Q

What would happen if I put on weight again, will it affect the result?

A

It is important to keep the weight stable after any cosmetic surgery.

Excessive weight gain or weight loss can alter the outcome after the procedure.

Eye Lid reduction

Q A

Is it possible to change my eye shape with this surgery?

Primary aims of eye lid reduction surgeries are to get rid of skin excess on the upper lids and eye bags (fat excess) for both upper eyelids. This will help to improve the eyelid shape.

Q

Will I need to have further surgery in the future to maintain the best results?

A

Not necessarily but you may need minor revisions if there are any issues with the outcome.

Plastic Surgery

Q A

Can you become addicted to plastic surgery?

Addiction to plastic surgery or having more and more surgical procedures to correct presumed ‘subtle’ body disfigurements could denote underlying psychological issues. The Surgeon and the GP will be able to diagnosis this condition and will be able to help patients with this problem.

Always remember ‘plastic surgery’ is not the only solution for the subtle problems.

Contact Mr Sankar for more advice and information.

0116 274 3718

cosmetic.plasticsurgeon@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The Q&As are for information only, You should always seek appropriate medical advice before considering any treatment.

NICHE | 27

Meet our cosmetic surgery experts.

Refine the features you always wished were different and live life with more confidence.

If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery and would like to take the first step, talk to Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital about our expert Consultant Plastic Surgeons and cosmetic procedures.

When you are ready for the new you, get in touch to book an appointment or register for one of our free open events.

Call 0116 298 3241 Email leicester.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com Or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/leicester

28 | NICHE

Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LE5 1HY

Health & Beauty

Miss Great Britain, the oldest and most prestigious pageant in the UK will take place at Athena, Leicester and we want you to be involved!

Miss Great Britain in the Great East Midlands!

Did you know the highlight of the British pageant calendar takes place right here in Leicester? Fifty finalists across the UK will join in the heart of the country to compete for the national title of Miss Great Britain!

Having celebrated the 70th anniversary of the competition last year, this iconic contest is still attracting thousands of entries.

Leicester based model and event agency ModelZed are the national organisers of Miss Great Britain, they have teams based around the UK who arrange regional contests within their city to select their town representative. Staying at Mercure Leicester Grand Hotel, the 50 winners selected from across the UK will attend the two day event culminating in the live grand final

on 23rd September to compete for the coveted crown and be awarded the title of Miss Great Britain 2016.

The independent young ladies aged 18-27 aspire to be a modern, positive role model using the title as a platform to raise awareness of charities, tourism and companies and brands who support them, as well as raising the profile of Miss Great Britain. It is a fantastic pathway to gain vital experience in entering tough industries like modeling, dance, presenting and acting.

Tickets and Corporate Packages Need a team night out? Miss Great Britain welcomes corporate teams with great offers available on group ticket purchases.

For more information on sponsorship and event attendance contact: info@missgreatbritain.co.uk / 07817 308 432 / 07792 354 009

Sponsorship The Miss Great Britain organisation is looking for sponsors and affiliates, Leicester and Midlands based in particular. There will be some great sponsorship packages and advertising benefits and corporate tickets and tables to attend the event will be available soon.

From overall Headline Event Sponsor, to Award Sponsors, right through to Prize Associates, there are packages to suit all budgets that can be tailored to fit any needs.

The organisation can introduce and present your brand to a large number of potential customers in a short time and over many mediums. Your company/brand will not only be introduced to all 50 finalists and the 300+ audience of the live final, but also various local and national businesses and media partners. You will also have thier support and the backing of all finalists and their thousands of collective social media ‘followers’ in the months leading up to the National Final.

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 NICHE | 29

Wedding Belles

A wedding to make history

A venue with matchless bygone elegance to suit any couple looking for an eloquent and special day sits waiting peacefully in Leicester’s historic quarter Being a majestic city centre setting with all the charm that a historic building has to offer, St Martins House is a magical venue in the Midlands.

House. Both the interior and exterior transport visitors and invitees to a world of rich historic abundance glittered with contemporary extravagance.

The former grammar school, grade II listed building was built in 1877 and still preserves much of its spectacular architecture.

Leicester made Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 places to visit in the world after the re-interment of King Richard III at St Martins House’s grand neighbour Leicester Cathedral.

Perfect for wedding ceremonies, the Grand Hall encompasses an opulent lavishness with high vaulted ceilings and exquisite stained glass windows.

Guests can literally enjoy the best of both worlds celebrating at St Martins 30 | NICHE

The heritage site with its gardens filled with water features, botanicals and al fresco seating is undoubtedly an exceptional setting for stunning photographs.

In the heart of the historical quarter, the venue stands upon the foundations of the fort that was the basis for Roman Leicester and on top of that lies medieval and more contemporary remains.

Couples torn between a modern or traditional scene have the opportunity to experience a mix of both as a statue of King Richard stands in the contemporary gardens while cobbled streets and vintage lampposts mark a path between the venue and the cathedral grounds.

The magnificent interiors with impressive backdrops make for an

Wedding Belles

easy choice for couples to celebrate their nuptials. The beauty of St Martins House, however, does not just appear on the surface. Behind the scenes of the perfect day is a workforce of wedding whizzes.

The St Martins House team have the proficiency and savoir-faire to execute the most detailed and demanding wedding day choices.

The team have vast experience in just how important weddings are to eager couples anticipating the big day. From the smallest of details, exacting colour schemes and fitting floral favours, they know how to bring each detail together for a beautiful finale. The stressful and time-consuming wedding planning can be the least of your worries with the support of St Martins House.

Local and loyal suppliers, esteemed contacts and a highly trained staff create this team of marital experts and help plan the day from start to finish, allowing the flexibility to be as extravagant or as simple as desired.

No detail is too small, nor challenge too big; with a wide selection of menu choices, welcome cocktails and dĂŠcor, St Martins House delivers a fully personalised experience.

Turn dreams into realities and create you historic wedding at St Martins House.

www.stmartinshouse.com 0116 261 5200

NICHE | 31

Quality Outside Catering & Wedding Caterers in Leicestershire & the Midlands.

07811 232 801 info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk 32 | NICHE

Wedding Belles

Which catering style is right for your

Wedding?

The Dimblebee Catering Company give their award-winning expertise on finding the best style of dining to suit you and your guests The BBQ There are no limitations when it comes to a BBQ and they’re perfect for outdoor rustic weddings.

Guests can mingle and explore in and outside of the venue, finding romantic private spots or open spaces buzzing with laughter and conversation. A BBQ is simple and effective but Dimblebee like to go the extra mile and provide handmade gourmet burgers, kebabs, skewers and sausages with out-of-this-world garnishes and side dishes brimming with the freshest ingredients.

Table Sharing This relaxed and informal social style of feasting is the best way to battle any awkward tensions and bring shy guests out of their shells.

Hunks of sizzling meat become beautifully presented table centre pieces surrounded by seasonal vegetable and potato dishes.

Dimblebee suggest selecting a guest from each table to be the meat carver or server - a great talking point. Dimblebee Catering Company’s inventive sharing board menus are perfect for those ‘foodie’ guests and keep the grandparents happy giving them the opportunity to spend fun quality time with family and friends at a family-style sit-down dinner. Table sharing themes can be dressed to create a rustic elegance or a formal banquet.

Buffet A buffet offers a variety of foods, a stunning decorative focus for the heart of the room and most

importantly, the chance go back for seconds (or fifths)! This type of catering gives guests the freedom to move around the venue and doesn’t hold them down to the select people on their table.

Dimblebee’s buffets are completely flexible and adaptable with many variations from traditional English to Moroccan and can provide options for dietary requirements.

Freshly returned from their fifth trophy in so many months at the 2016 Guides for Brides Awards in Mayfair, London, Executive Chef Samantha Dimblebee told us that ‘Love Story’ menus are creeping into popularity. Couples might have dishes to represent their birthplace, place of engagement or their favourite dinner of all time.

The bride and groom can request anything from bangers and mash to the finest formal meals and these award winning family run Leicester caterers will deliver their delicious and mouth-watering take on their favourite foods.

Dimblebee also recommend their large sharing or individual desserts serving high-quality, imaginative sweet options that can be tailored to have a vintage or modern twist. www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk 0116 283 3327

NICHE | 33

Catering: How to Wow

Essential skin care detox

Guides for Brides presented us their 5 Star Customer Service 2016 Award at the recent award ceremony in Mayfair!

We know that the cold weather plays havoc with our skin and how important it is to take care of it. What we don’t realise is that we may be causing more damage than good if the right homecare routine is not followed.

Femi Latif of Femi Health and Beauty, explains the importance of cleansing and exfoliation.

In light of our most recent win, we thought we’d give away some handy hints and tips for what is considered one of the most important aspects of a wedding – the food!

Although our experts will always guide you, it is important to bear a few things in mind.

The theme of your wedding will affect the style of the food we create. A rustic theme for example will rely heavily on the menu to back it up. A mixture of colours and textures will really make a difference to the feel of the whole day.

Cleansing is crucial to the condition of your skin. Many of us will simply wipe our faces with cotton wool but we need to be thorough! Not cleansing properly can leave residue, make up and dirt on the skin so that when creams are applied, they are just clogging pores and creating oily and dry patches.

Apply cleanser using circular motions and remove with a warm flannel – the texture will help to remove any excess!

Keep guests entertained during the in-between-bits by serving canapés. A mixture of warm, cold and dessert canapés always go down a treat and will keep everyone happy. They can also be incredibly inventive. Our trademarked Rustic Sliders are unique and with the use of fresh local ingredients, our offering is unlimited.

Exfoliation removes dead skins cells from the top layer of your skin for a fresh complexion but it can cause damage if not done properly. People scrub away thinking that is what’s needed but this can lead to an over production of oil, thread veins and sensitive skin.

We will help you to work out timings and numbers. Staffing, equipment and logistics are the last things on a happy couple’s minds, which is why we take care of all of that for you.

Let the exfoliation particles do their job while you rub them gently into your skin. Exfoliating will decongest the pores but can cause problems if performed more times than necessary depending on your skin type.

Femi Latif

We are now taking bookings for winter 2016 and the 2017 season.

Simon Cox

0116 283 3327 www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk 34 | NICHE

www.femi-health-beauty.co.uk 0116 253 2393

Tips for Brides Ideally your outfit should be ordered six to eight months before the wedding. If your outfit is ready at least a couple of months before the wedding then there’s enough time to accessorize.

To your dress fitting, wear your wedding lingerie or something similar as the ones for the big day as this will help with measurements when ordering.

Take similar heels you will be wearing on the day, as they affect your posture and the overall fit of your dress, especially the length!

Try to bring only one or two of your closest family or friends whose opinions you value most, too many people can lead to conflicting opinions.

Collect pictures of colours, shapes, anything you feel will help towards creating your perfect outfit; with Arinder Bhullar anything is possible!

Do not to lose too much weight as this can make you look ill rather than glamorous. Dieting should be done sensibly!

Your dress should make you feel like a million dollars, if it doesn’t then it’s not for you.

Lastly, relax and enjoy the whole experience of buying the most important dress of your life!

With the fashion world operating on a 24/7 basis the Arinder Bhullar brand will always continue to work towards its mantra of providing exquisite and unique eye catching bridal couture. Arinder Bhullar 0116 266 4713 info@arinderbhullar.com

Wedding Belles

Award winning solicitors Glynis Wright & Co are a niche family law and mediation service based in Leicester city centre offices at Bowling Green Street.

THE SPECIALISTS IN PRE NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

Glynis and her team of lawyers Gayle, Lisa-Marie and Stephanie are specialists in pre and post nuptial agreements and are currently offering:

50% OFF the usual hourly rate for a first meeting... ...with anyone planning on getting married who may want advice regarding pre nuptial agreements, or anyone who has already married and would like to know more about Post Nuptial Agreements.

Glynis, Gayle, Lisa-Marie or Stephanie will be more than happy to speak with you and can be contacted on 0116

238 5680. Alternatively visit the website www.glyniswright.co.uk or come in to see us at 5 Bowling Green Street, Leicester LE1 6AS.

CALL:

0116 238 5680

or viSit:

glyniswright.co.uk NICHE | 35

Discover the award winning Kelsey Rose bridesmaid collection at our Leicester Boutique

Bespoke Florals Delivered in Leicestershire and Rutland FIRST FLOOR, SILVER ARCADE, LEICESTER

www.juliasflowers.co.uk julia@juliasflowers.co.uk 0775 400 7122

www.divineladieswear.co.uk

The Luxury Wedding

Gift

list

Personalised Paddle Board & LSA Cocktail Glasses £69.99 Transport yourself to the icy heights of the snowy Alps quenching your friends’ thirst with delectable cocktails. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Personalised LSA Lotta Dome with Wooden Base £59.99 Perfect gift for showcasing sweet treats and amazing desserts. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Personalised Large Wooden Cheeseboard £49.99 An Engraved cheeseboard with secret drawer to reveal a selection of four cheese serving instruments www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Personalised Entwined Double Candle Holder Mr & Mrs £124.99 For a couple who will always hold a candle for each other. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Fresh Cut Roses Large £19.99 Wedding Day Large £19.99 Sophisticated and soothing scents for the newlyweds www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Spaceform Personalised Confetti Photo Frame £54.99 Personalise frame with a message in frosted white. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Rose Gold by Monsoon from £24 A feminine sensual scent of ctrus and floral notes. www.monsoon.co.uk

Champagne Occasions A selection of fine Borel Lucas champagnes from £33 - £80 www.champagneoccasions.eu

36 | NICHE

Wedding Belles

Let’s make your event extra special...

PHOTO BOOTHS PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS

www.bigbangevents.co.uk call us on 07920

289 021

BigBang EVENTS

ALSO... FRUIT DISPLAYS & TREES CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS SWEET CART POPCORN MACHINE CANDYFLOSS MACHINE

Excellence in entertainment

BigBang EVENTS

HELEN ALBORN CAKES BigBang EVENTS

BigBang EVENTS

Bespoke wedding cakes, cupcakes and favours “I make your cake, not just another cake for a wedding”

Providing a full consultation and design service to create a cake that reflects your personality both in flavour and style.

All cakes are freshly baked from quality ingredients. Sugar flowers are a speciality.

07506 344 376

www.helenalborncakes.co.uk email: info@helenalborncakes.co.uk Business based in Anstey, Leicestershire and covering the East Midlands

NICHE | 37

Holly, you had a great idea for a photo; you in a bathtub full of popcorn, looking all glam. Duly, we sourced the team to make this happen and admittedly the pictures look amazing. Just one question, why?

Good question! Well the idea wasn’t solely mine, it was dreamt up by myself (with inspiration from the fans of my Facebook page Recipes from a Normal Mum, and Scott (Choucino, the resident Niche photographer).

We wanted something foodie and fun and after chatting about the film American Beauty decided a bath of cake sprinkles might work. We had major issues sourcing the volume of sprinkles we needed in time and so popcorn was the order of the day.

There was one pan fire, three burnt pans and one eyebrow lost in the making of over 6kg of popcorn. And as much as popcorn looks all soft and fluffy, I am sorry to say it does not make for a comfortable bath!

This photo is quite different to anything you’ve done before isn’t it?

It’s very different! For a start there’s the illusion of being naked (when really I was wearing a dress, leggings and fetching fox bed socks), then there’s the very heavy eye make-up and of course the huge, 60’s style hair. Most shoots I do involve me posing with food from the recipes I’ve written, usually wearing my mum-uniform and minimal make up, so this was a real departure and a lovely chance to show a slightly different side. In general, TV and the media put people in boxes. When I was on the Bake Off I was positioned as the wholesome young mum from Leicester. It’s not that this perception is untrue, more than we all have different facets to ourselves.

How do you feel about public perceptions and the lengths that some people go to?

I can see why some famous folk might create a different persona to 38 | NICHE

who they really are. I would imagine being spotted and photographed everywhere you go must be quite stressful. Those people are never off duty. I guess the problem with being different in private to in public is that you’re splitting yourself somewhat.

What next Holly, what do you have planned over the next couple of years?

Well, the blog www.recipesfrom anormalmum.com has become bigger with each passing year, so

Here’s

Holly

I’ll continue to grow that. I currently post 2 recipes on average a week and write a monthly newsletter.

I’d like to get to a point where I’m posting 4 a week and have a weekly newsletter. I’m loving the product demonstrations I’ve been doing with High Street TV, so long may this continue. And on a personal level my baby days are over. My youngest son is almost two, so it’s time to start on a new challenge altogether. The plan is to sell brownies online. Watch this space!

You have been quoted to be a perfectionist in all areas of your life, especially in business and planning.

How do you cut loose, what’s your thing?

Questions like this always make me laugh. One of my oldest friends, Helena, said to me once, ‘Holly, you

have this illusion of being really in control, but actually underneath you’re just as disorganised as everyone else’. I think I am organised when I need to be. Less so when I don’t. My house is not tidy in any way! To relax I read, cook (yep, what a busman’s holiday, but I truly find it relaxing), eat out, drink coffee with friends and sleep. I love to sleep and am very much looking forward to my sons being in their teenage years when these 6am starts will be less common.

Our region has seen huge change both in city and county, there seems to be a more cosmopolitan and aspirational community feel.

Leicester City have played their part in this as has the development in retail, tourism and hospitality. How do you see the area evolving and what makes you a proud citizen?

The Leicester of my youth no longer exists and that’s no bad thing. I remember always feeling we were the poor relation to Nottingham.

In the 90s it wasn’t uncommon to travel to Birmingham or Nottingham for a shopping spree. These days there feels less need. I think we are still missing a trick though. We need a major music venue that isn’t university based in my opinion. I’d also love to see the street food you see in places like Bristol and London make an appearance here. And public transport needs to improve hugely to get people out of their sitting rooms and spending money. I also think it’s really easy to focus on the regeneration of certain city centre areas and forget that others have been left to rot. Gallowtree Gate is especially depressing. Could this be the new daily venue for street food vendors?

And finally, we have to ask, tell us a secret about Mary Berry…

Ha! She loves anything flavoured with ginger and is partial to boozy bakes.

And NEVER serve her coconut.

Photography by Scott Choucino I Hair by Neil Smith, Barrie Stephen Hair I Make up by Katy Short I Shot on location at Plug Interiors

Fabulous Food & Drink

Fabulous Food & Drink

Niche meets with the Leicestershire lass who made a name for herself in the hallowed kitchens of The Great British Bake Off tent; it’s Holly Bell.

NICHE | 39

Celebrating the long awaited arrival of summer, Hotel Maiyango announce some scorching occasions to kick start the season, not forgetting sizzling seasonal menus and cooling cocktails to relax with whenever it takes your fancy

Cocktails & Canapes Our cocktails & canapes evenings were a sell out success last summer and we are very excited to announce their return.

Situated in the Glass Bar and Roof Terrace, your ticket includes 2 specially designed cocktails with live demonstration and even the opportunity to perfect your shaking skills, as well as canapes and a summer DJ. Priced at just £15 per person, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited.

20th May, 3rd June, 22nd July, 12th August

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Father’s Day Posh Pub Grub & Craft Beers Join us this Father’s Day and show the special man in your life you really do appreciate him with a gift better than another pair of socks.

We have designed a hearty and tasty menu that will definitely not leave Dad hungry, as well as handpicking some of the best and most sought after craft beers to choose from. 19th June

Fabulous Food & Drink

We are hosting an exclusive open day giving you the opportunity to come and see everything Maiyango has to offer. Whether it be a wedding, party or business meeting, our expert team will be on hand to help your plans become the reality you had hoped for.

Maiyango Open Day 15th June

0116 251 88 98 www.Maiyango.com

The Glass Bar Leicester’s hidden gem, The Glass Bar is a tucked away oasis floating above the vibrancy of busy city life.

The Glass Bar is stylish and sophisticated, yet casual and relaxed; the perfect place to stop for a refreshment or two while enjoying Leicester’s many shops, meeting friends after work or beginning your big night out in the city.

The Glass Bar also includes the only Roof Terrace worth seeing, with panoramic views across the city, it really does make any occasion extra special. Which is why having a celebration here is the first choice for many people looking for something unique and we assure you an experience your guests will not forget in a hurry.

If you are looking for a space for any kind of occasion, the glass bar is both intimate but full of possibilities, get in touch.

NICHE | 41

Newton’s Appl Fizzics – Just Apple 330ml £1.29 750nl £2.49 A delicious new sparkling apple juice set to take the summer by storm! Taste the refreshing blend of apple juice and sparkling water with a crisp, clear taste. Offering a healthier and sophisticated alternative to alcoholic or sugary soft drinks, it contains 40% less sugar than apple juice alone.

Perfect for picnics, BBQs and warm summer evenings! www.amazon.co.uk, Harrods, independent grocers, farm shops and delis.

Summer

Drinks Vodka & Blackberry Liqueur £16 Hand-picked berries from the hedgerows around Melton Mowbray steeped in the finest vodka are left to infuse naturally over several months to create a distinct flavour and colour. www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk Gin & Raspberry Liqueur £16 Quality British grown raspberries infused in gin to give a warming and intensely fruity flavour. www.sloeberryspirits.co.ukSukhina Garcia

is

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Tyrrell’s Hand-cooked English crisps £2.49 for 125g £0.85 for 35g The perfect addition to your summer gin cocktail party is here.

Delightfully delicious sweet potato crisps go down a treat with everyone who comes into contact with them. Choose from three flavours or, indulge in them all!

Lightly Salted – a simple smattering of sea salt allows the dulcet flavours of the sweet potato to sing through.

Coconut & Lime – both creamy and zesty, it’s a match made in tropical heaven.

Sweet Chilli – packs a tasty punch and bound to thrill spicy-snack seeker.

Available in Waitrose and independent retailers

Slingsby Gin £39.99 70cl An initial burst of refreshing rhubarb and citrus from the grapefruit base gives way to juniper before a very smooth herbaceous sweetness, led by sweet cicely and a light green tea scented with jasmine blossom.

The key to making great tasting gin is to add flavour through the magical use of botanicals. www.wslingsby.co.uk Straight Up G&T If you’re a gin lover, our spirits work beautifully with superior tonic water to release the tastes of botanically infused gin. For experimenters and those new to the gin world, traditional tonic syrups combined with soda water are a fresh and sweet alternative.

Enhance the whole experience with a garnish of pink grapefruit twist, blueberries or rhubarb and add a pretty edible flower for an aromatic infusion.

Slingsby Fizz Serve over ice in a highball and garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and tarragon sprigs; this is a summery twist on a traditional Tom Collins.

Simply shake and strain 40ml Slingsby Gin, 60ml pink grapefruit juice, 10ml elderflower syrup and 20ml sugar syrup.

Top up with 30ml soda water.

Signature Serve Serve in a Slingsby speakeasy gin cocktail glass with plenty of ice.

Mix 35ml or 50ml Slingsby Gin with 200ml premium tonic water.

Garnish with a pink grapefruit twist, blueberries and an edible flower.

Jolly Good Business From as

There's nothing better for shaking off the stress of the working week than a Jolly Day Away!

little as

£40 per pers

on

Steamin’ Billy is proud to offer subsidised days out for you and your business – the perfect way to reward your staff or woo clients and unwind with a day’s hospitality at our Great British Pubs.

The Jolly Day Away is designed for between 50 and 100 of your staff or clients to come out on an all day party with Steamin’ Billy. It’s perfect for team building, incentivising your staff or getting to know your important clients.

What you get • Bar tabs – you’ll be visiting four or five Steamin’ Billy pubs throughout the day, each with a pre-paid tab behind the bar so you won’t get thirsty.

• Transport – Steamin’ Billy provides a coach to bus you around the pubs you’ll be visiting.

• Guide – one of our ever-so-glamorous staff will be your guide for the day, making sure everyone’s on the coach, you’re in the right place at the right time and you’re never far from a pint.

• Entertainment – depending on the time of year we’ll put some entertainment on: Morris Dancers, Fancy Dress, Quizzes – or any requested (reasonable) entertainment you’d like.

• Music – we love music at Steamin’ Billy. We’ll always put a band on for your enjoyment at the last pub you visit.

• Food – Bacon cobs in the morning. Lunch somewhere in the middle. A buffet at the end pub. We’ll make sure you make it through the day with a bellyful!

A Jolly Day Away can be booked for any day of the week for as little as £40.00 per person. Send us an email with your provisional numbers, location (so we know which pub to start you off from) and the date you’d like to have your Jolly Day Away and we’ll make it happen. Jolly Good!

E info@steamin-billy.co.uk T 0116 3440064 W www.steamin-billy.co.uk/jollygoodbusiness

Celebrate the region’s vibrant food and drink scene with The Leicestershire & Rutland Cook Book Leicestershire & Rutland Cook Book, featuring recipes and stories from the regions eateries, is now available to buy!

The book is the 10th in the ‘Get Stuck In’ series of regional cook books by Meze Publishing, who were recently crowned Best Newcomer at the Independent Publishing Awards.

Tim Hart, the owner of Harts Nottingham, Hambleton Bakery and Hambleton Hall has written the foreword for the book and contributed his ploughman’s parcel and focaccia recipes.

He said: “I still sometimes envy our continental neighbours for their food traditions and great ingredients, but for game, beef, lamb, cheese and of course pork pies we are unbeatable!”

Among the venues featured is Marquess of Exeter, ran by chef and proprietor Brian Baker who is the youngest ever chef to earn a Michelin star and has cooked for many celebrities such as Elton John and Valentino.

Brian said: “It’s a great way to inspire people to cook and promote the local expertise!”

Interactive chocolatier Cocoa Amore, Pete Gardener said: “It is a privilege to be part of the Leicestershire cook book showcasing some of the best my county has to offer.”

Find it in all of the businesses featured in the book as well as select local gift shops, book shops and online at www.amazon.co.uk for just £14.95.

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38 | NICH

Fabulous Food & Drink

The Home of Melton Mowbray Sloe Gin Delicious spirits made with British fruit and hedgerow berries, naturally infused with only the finest spirits, using traditional methods over a period of several months, with no colourings or preservatives.

01664 738 088

HE

info@sloeberryspirits.co.uk Sloeberry Spirits Ltd. Northfield Farm Whissendine Lane Cold Overton Nr. Oakham Leicestershire LE15 7QF

www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk

The greatest thing since sliced bread Oundle residents have found themselves following their noses to the brand new Hambleton Bakery offering unbeatable, locally produced freshly baked bread, which opened in March.

The shop is the sixth of its kind and will provide Northamptonshire with the same traditional fare as its predecessor in Rutland.

Julian Carter and Tim Hart set out to make food they would be happy for their own families to eat.

The aim was to rediscover the taste of good bread using organic flour and traditional processes. The duo wanted to raise the population’s standards by providing them with healthy tasty bread that would keep them coming back for more.

Tearing into a warm crusty loaf is something the bakers believe should not be classed as a treat.

Hambleton Bakery is bringing traditional baked goods back into the family home in a bid to make it the norm.

Compared to factory produced breads, Hambleton’s ingredients and methods maximise the vitamin and mineral content in their fare.

So any baked goods you buy from their bakeries are guaranteed to be bursting with magnesium, iron, zinc and more.

Many customers who experience an unwell feeling after consuming industrialised bread are said to have enjoyed Hambelton’s foods without that uncomfortable feeling afterwards.

To read the science behind it and find your nearest Hambleton Bakery, visit our website www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

WIN!

The cook book This eagerly anticipated publication features a stunning collection of recipes and stories from some of Leicestershire and Rutland’s finest restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, pubs, producers and suppliers.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice when they see the abundant awardwinning, fine dining restaurants and traditional country pubs.

The collection combines a carefully selected diverse range of recipes.

It highlights local producers and suppliers in areas including Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Market Harborough, Narborough, Newton Linford, Hallaton and Glenfield.

Some fantastic features are Leicester Market voted ‘Britain’s Favourite Market’ and Marquess of Exeter ran by chef and proprietor Brian Baker who is the youngest ever chef to earn a Michelin star and has cooked for many celebrities such as Elton John and Valentino. The Labour parliamentary candidate Matthew O’Callaghan, being the chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, shares his love for cheese and pies.

Tim Hart, the owner of Harts Nottingham, Hambleton Bakery and Hambleton Hall has written the foreword and contributed his ploughman’s parcel and focaccia recipes.

To WIN your very own edition of the Leicestershire & Rutland Cook Book, simply send your name and contact details to competitions@ crossproductions.co.uk Closing date 31st June Published by Meze Publishing.

RRP £14.95 46 | NICHE

Deliciouse Spirits: Serving suggestions A refreshing spirit goes down a treat at any party, gathering or quiet night in. So we’ve put together some recommendations for you.

Made with local farm hedgerow fruits and traditional methods, we create original unique flavours for our award winning spirits. Often hand-picked from local areas around Melton Mowbray, the fruits we use are colouring and preservative free for natural quality at its finest.

We add the fruit to premium spirits, leaving them to slowly infuse naturally over a period of several months. This traditional method enhances the taste as the fruit transforms the spirit.

Our Gin and Raspberry Liqueur adopts a warming and intensely fruity flavour that is perfect for the summer months whether it be hot sunny days in the garden or muggy rainy days stuck inside.

The Vodka and Blackberry Liqueur has a very distinct flavour and has an exceptional colouring. The strong liqueur works well as a cocktail ingredient or, for more quirky occasions try it over ice with cream soda!

Quench your thirst with our Gold Star ‘The Great Taste Awards 2013’ winner, Sloe Gin. This one is usually a winter warmer but feel the fresh fizz when you mix it with tonic or lemonade and ice.

See more serving suggestions on our website where you can buy directly or find a list of our outlets.

01664 738 088 www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk

Baking for Britain When Julian Carter decided to change Britain’s perception of bread, I immediately backed him.

Julian was a chef at Hambleton Hall and trained by Aaron Paterson. It inspires me to see chefs go on to run their own venues so I loved Julian’s idea.

Our region once had limited credentials as a destination for ‘foodies’ but we are proud to have at least five of the best gastropubs within 15 minutes of Hambleton Hall headed by ex-Hambleton chefs or front of house staff.

Julian and I established the first bakery in the village of Exton, Rutland and five more shops later, we also supply stores and restaurants across the county.

With the influential bakery winning the ITV programme ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’ Hambleton Hall has now become even more widely known. A great bakery needs great ingredients and we are happy to see more small producers growing their own fare, allowing us to offer seasonal nourishment of the freshest kind.

In the East Midlands we have had a steady flow of visitors from outside the region, visiting the bakery cements the regions reputation for good food.

It is wonderful to see that we have helped change the culture of bread as we see farmer’s markets full of craft bakery stalls and even supermarkets selling sourdough loaves.

Tim Hart

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

Fabulous Food & Drink

GRADUATE

...FROM ONE COURSE TO ANOTHER CELEBRATE IN STYLE AT MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN LEICESTER. To book, call 011625 75533 or email info.marcosleicester@jupiterhotels.co.uk Marco’s New York Italian Leicester 73 Granby Street Leicester, LE1 6ES

www.mpwrestaurants.com @marcosleicester Marcos New York Italian Leicester

Buonissimo!

When you’re invited to eat at the UK’s best Italian restaurant, as voted by Food Awards 2015, and finalists of the Leicester Mercury small business award you can’t really say no.

This stylish venue is away from the busy city life in Anstey, the gateway to leafy Charnwood and front of house Luigi is known for his charming ways – we were excited. The menu was planned for us after a brief chat, so straight to our crisp white linen table we were lead.

Luigi really is that charming man, and so knowledgeable. Behold sous vide duck breast then pan-fried and served with cabbage, sweet and sour Bramley apple and parsnip purée.

Absolutely amazing, the texture and flavour of the duck with the zingy puree was a delight.

Our starters were promptly served, we enjoyed marinated and then grilled Scottish salmon with pickled vegetables and a black olive pesto. A dish bursting full of taste and beauty.

White chocolate cheesecake, chocolate gianduia gelato covered in hazelnut praline and sesame crisps simply looked like a heavenly creation with such imaginative use of texture and taste.

All dishes were superbly fresh and everything, everything is made fresh in the open kitchen at Sapori.

In the mood to celebrate at the best Italian restaurant in the UK, well here’s your chance, Sapori celebrate five years in business on 29th May with a special evening at a bargain £30 per head, book quickly to avoid disappointment.

0116 236 8900 Sapori-restaurant.co.uk

Next came the pasta course which I normally pass over, homemade ravioli filled with ricotta, smoked scamorza cheese, aubergine and confit cherry tomatoes sautéed with olive oil, garlic, basil and fresh cherry tomatoes – just wow!

As we awaited the main we were treated to the history of the vineyard our silky smooth Chianti hailed from.

NICHE | 47

deliciously Mobile Bar Hire Cocktail Parties

different boutique café

Corporate Events Birthdays & Celebrations Weddings Whether you’re having a hen night cocktail party for 20 or a corporate event for 1000, we provide a bespoke service based on your ideas and budget.

Call us now to discuss your event

07341 892 313 www.jrbeventsleicester.co.uk

Proper coffee Gorgeous gelato

Made in Leicestershire

Freshly made food locally baked bread and local produce

Heavenly Liege Belgian waffles 20-22 Granby Street, Leicester. LE1 1DE

www.brucoffee.co.uk

All the right ingredients Italian taste and style are always on the menu at Enderby’s Cini restaurant A wave and a smile from a chef when entering a restaurant is a great way to be greeted – and that’s what happened as we made our way into Cini on Enderby High Street. The Italian eaterie has glass panels that allow diners to see the activity going on in the kitchen, and our welcome typified the open and friendly atmosphere of the place.

Niche Magazine was there to sample the restaurant’s first Agriturismo Day, with a set taster menu to highlight the signature dishes of a particular area of Italy. The produce of Sicily had been chosen to start this series of themed Sunday lunchtime gourmet experiences – and we were treated to 10 courses of Mediterranean treats, all served by the friendly staff wearing informal ‘uniforms’ of checked shirts and jeans. The lively atmosphere, modern décor and feeling of spaciousness all added to the pleasure of the whole experience.

48| NICHE

The dishes ranged from couscous with mushrooms to rigatone with aubergines, beef roll with pine kernels and grilled swordfish, finishing off with a dessert of deep fried dough balls in syrup, with sweet ricotta rolls, chocolate peices and sliced orange. All good hearty cuisine and well worth the price of £30 a head – especially as this included two glasses of Sicilian wine.

We do have to advise you, though – if you book one of these, don’t bother getting any food in for your evening dinner, because you will be full for the rest of the day! Patrone Andrea Paduano plans another Agriturismo Day in October, and on May 22nd Cini will be hosting a special Opera Evening, with singers belting out arias from the bar – sounds like a fine compliment to an authentic Italian food experience.

0116 286 3009 www.cinirestaurant.co.uk

Fabulous Food & Drink

BAMBINO Over the school holidays, when one adult dines at Marco’s, kids under 13 can enjoy a main meal and a soft drink for free!* *Terms and Conditions; Up to one child dining with one adult are entitled to the offer. Available for children who are ordering from the kids menu and when accompanied by at least 1 adult who must order at least one main course from the a la carte menu. The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other promotion. The restaurant holds the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

www.mpwrestaurants.com To book, call 011625 75533 or email info.marcosleicester@jupiterhotels.co.uk Marco's New York Italian Leicester 73 Granby Street Leicester, LE1 6ES throughout the School Holidays!

@marcosleicester Marco's New York Italian Leicester

Fully licensed - Local Craft beer Available Organic tea & coffee - eat in or takeaway deli foods - fine cheese & meats - antipasti & olives oils & vinegars - chutneys, jams & honeys yummy pastries, cakes & other tasty delights

SILVER ARCADE - 2ND FLOOR www.deliflavour.co.uk

0116 251 7786 FACEBOOK DELI FLAVOUR TWITTER: @DELIFLAVOUR

FREE WIFI AVAILABLE NICHE | 49

Harborough Market VOTED BRITAIN’S B SMALL IN EST DOOR MARKET 2016

We have everything you need all under one roof at Harborough Market

Our fabulous food hall has an abundance of fresh, local produce as well as a great range of cafes and takeaway food and our general hall has everything from Turkish lamps to fashion and furniture!

Speciality Markets – Antiques, Retro and Collectables Market every Wednesday, Craft Market every Thursday, Antiques Market every Sunday

Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm. Sunday 9am-3pm Northampton Road, Market Harborough LE16 9HB /HarboroughMarket @HarbMarket 01858 465 206

LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET 50 | NICHE

Fabulous Food & Drink

A Champagne Occasion When a holiday turned into a business trip, a nervous husband and wife had a long drive home to think about the consequences of their actions Once Chris Wills and his family had packed up the car ready for a dreamy summer trip to France, little did they know they would be returning as entrepreneurs. The following November they imported 240 bottles of the finest Borel Lucas champagne to the UK. Whilst exploring the Champagne vineyards 40 minutes away from St. Simeon in 2012, the champagne enthusiasts stumbled upon Borel Lucas; a boutique maker who would strike a deal with the couple to sell their champagne in England.

Despite thinking ‘what have we done?’ on the road home, the transaction would turn out to be a great business move that would have them clinking their glasses.

Having tried and tested much of the fizz that main producers had to offer in the UK, the couple knew they had discovered a true treasure in the champagne world having extraordinary tastes with ordinary prices.

Since starting out on a stall in Loughborough Market, the business partners Chris, wife Katie and father Peter Wills, have developed a locally loved, family run company with exclusive rights to sell Borel Lucas in Britain.

Marcel Lucas founded the winery in 1929 and each generation of the family has worked to enhance the quality of their produce.

The superior champagne has seen Borel Lucas become the official suppliers to Prince Albert II of Monaco’s sovereign force.

Niche were lucky enough to be invited by Champagne Occasions to a tasting event at The Griffin Inn in Swithland, where we were grateful to meet Chris himself and try out a fantastic selection of champagnes.

Unlike the usual tasting events Niche has attended, we were encouraged to enjoy every glass of champagne on offer.

Christophe Crepaux, the fourth generation of the family and owner of the vineyard was humorously astonished having prepared bottles of each kind for us after Chris had joked with him about the drinking habits of us Brits when he visited the first tasting in the UK. Along with plenty of nibbles and lots of laughs we learnt many remarkable facts about each of the seven bottles from the very knowledgeable and intriguing partners.

Chris was determined that the UK needed to know about this exquisite range and so became the face of Borel Lucas at home in Leicester and sell through select stockists and shows as well as via their website.

To buy champagne or find information on their next tasting event go to their website.

07583 741 364 www.champagneoccasions.eu

Our Favourite Grand Cru A very delicate and delicious, fruit, lemon verbena with a hint of menthol liquorice. £65

NICHE | 41

A luxury experience

immersed in history

Niche reviews centuries of times gone by at The Black Swan in Yorkshire We were transported back in time during our stay at the historically important Black Swan Hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

What was once a 15th century coaching inn has transformed throughout the years to become a lavish award-winning privately owned hotel brimming with charm and character.

The building and picturesque gardens are scattered with hints of its Tudor, Elizabethan and Georgian history allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the grandeur of the past.

Traces of the hotel’s history continue into its food offerings. The dual function Gallery becomes a restaurant as the evening draws in giving guests fantastic dinner conversation topics as you are surrounded by original pieces of artwork by local artists.

The fare samples only the very best Yorkshire seasonal ingredients taking you back to bygone eras with its flavours and simplicity.

52 | NICHE

Our starters of ham and foie gras pressing and asparagus with cacklebean hen’s egg were extravagant little dishes filled with subtle complimentary flavours.

The Asian style dish of Gressingham Duck was very slowly cooked in its fat producing a succulent meat served with sweet potato shiitake mushrooms. The lamb rump and braised neck fell apart satisfyingly and was bursting with mustard and onion flavours throughout.

“We were wowed at every stage of our trip” We chose a selection of cheese with chutney, grapes, quince, figs and biscuits for afters as well as a creamy bitter dark chocolate namelaka.

Our room, although complete with edgy modern bathroom design and walk in shower, was in the oldest part of the building with creaky floorboards adding to the antique feel. The bright yet traditional style of décor was unique and fresh at

the same time as giving a romantic extravagance.

Traditional afternoon tea is served with a selection of fragrant teas in dainty china cups, delicious choices of finger sandwiches and indulgent cakes; some of the nicest we’d ever tasted.

Throughout our time here, we were treated by friendly staff who would go out of their way to complement our stay.

We were wowed at every stage of our trip thanks to a creative and skilled team of chefs and hospitality staff who knew just how to make us feel like historical royalty during our visit.

Sad to leave the idyllic setting we were given a vintage inspired brown bag with two bottles of water and two apples; a very pleasant surprise for the journey home. www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk 01439 770 466

Fabulous Food & Drink

RECIPE

Thai Green Tiger Prawn Curry Ingredients

Paste

400g uncooked Tiger Prawns (Shelled and De-veined)

4 cloves of garlic

Groundnut oil 400 g mixed oriental mushrooms 400ml coconut milk 1 fish stock cube 6 kaffir lime leaves 200 g mangetout

2 shallots 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger 2 lemongrass stalks 4 green Bird’s eye chillies 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 bunch of fresh coriander 2 tablespoons fish sauce

½ a bunch fresh Thai basil 2 limes

Kwoklyn Wan Martial Arts Expert | Chef Entrepreneur | Food Blogger Award Winning Businessman This months dish has been inspired by a bottle of Reisling wine from Central Otaga New Zealand, the wine has subtle hints of Lime that match the flavour perfectly in my beautiful fragrant Thai Green Curry recipe. www.kwoklynwan.com www.twitter.com/kwoklyn_wan www.facebook.com/BigWan888

ENJOY WITH Pisa Range Estate Central Otago, New Zealand

2014 Riesling

Pisa is 10km north of Cromwellin Central Otago. Riesling was planted in 1995 over 4 hectare and all vines are hand maintained and harvested

To make the Thai curry paste, peel and roughly chop the garlic, shallots and ginger and place into a food processor. Trim the lemongrass, remove the tough outer leaves and chop into small pieces and add into the food processor. Destalk the chillies, and add them into the food processor along with the cumin and half of the coriander. Blend until finely chopped, add the fish sauce and blend again. (If you do not have a food processor you can use a pestle and mortar) If your prawns are not peeled peel them and de-vein by slicing along the back of the prawn and remove the black vein. Place on a plate to one side.

Slice the mushrooms and fry over a medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Thai green paste for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the coconut milk and 400ml of boiling water, crumble in the stock cube and add the lime leaves. Turn the heat up and bring gently to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, or until reduced slightly.

Stir in the tiger prawns and mushrooms, reduce the heat to low and cook for a further 3 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through, add the mangetout for the final 2 minutes.

Season carefully to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Pick, roughly chop and stir through the basil leaves and remaining coriander leaves. Serve with lime wedges and steamed fragrant coconut spiced rice. #EasternHeroesKitchen #EHKRecipes

“This delicious fragrant Thai Green Curry packs punches of flavour”

Pale Gold colour, with a light citrus nose. The palate shows intense flavours of lime, honey and lemon sherbet.

With good balance between acidity and sweetness ideal with all styles of Asian cuisine.

100% Riesling 12% alchol drinking well till 2020

NICHE |53

35 Years

Vintage

In a continuous quest of discovery since 1981, Howard Charles Domney and Christopher Mitchell Pacey have sourced only the finest and passionately crafted wines from the most renowned vineyards to the most treasured hidden gems across the globe

A few days spent in the picturesque vineyards of some of the most famous regions in France is ‘one of the hardships of providing excellence,’ says Sales Manager Richard Lambourne, a witty wine connoisseur of Charles Mitchell Wines.

The experience starts the night before flying out when Richard and eight wine loving clients meet up at a hotel near Manchester Airport. A gourmet dinner and a showcase of the new Spring/Summer wines later and everyone is well and truly in the mood for the days ahead.

As the sun rises it’s time to board the private jet hired by Charles Mitchell Wines to whisk them of to Burgundy.

The party was met on arrival in Beaune by their ‘chums’ the Girards.

Jon Jack and his wife Adeline have been host to many of their trips.

A tour of the vineyard swiftly follows by a tasting of his Premier Cru offerings in the cellar of this 500 year old Chateau. As lunch beckons, the patio becomes a retreat to sample local cheeses and hams and yes, another glass or two

54 | NICHE

of Pommard or even Sauvigny le Beaune.

Next up, a short hop down to PouillyFuissé to the vineyards of Nicholas Cheveau. Late afternoon turns into early evening and this is when clients turn into friends as they tour the vast cellar and barrel sample Nicholas’s latest offerings and his ‘old vine’ wines are remarkable.

The first day is finished with a light dinner; that’s another seven courses and it’s off to bed with full stomachs and great memories of what the best of Burgundy has to offer.

The next day, travelling north to Champagne joins up with some more

clients for a tour around the great wineries and a visit to great friends at the ‘House of Franck Bonville’.

Olivier is the third generation of his family to run this small boutique Grand Cru house and take the group around the outstanding cellar showing step by step through the winery how champagne is made.

Tasting the Grand Cru’s of 2010 and 2011 was fantastic enough until Olivier produced a few bottles of vintage 1976 to taste.

A BBQ amongst the vines overlooking Avize is waiting after the tour and with the afternoon free, a visit to the beautiful market town of Epinay sur Orge is worthwhile.

Arriving home the next day means it is time to organise the next client trip to Rivetto, Italy. On Richard’s last stay here, he was lucky enough to taste the 1964 Barolo; one of his top 10 wine tasting experiences.

0161 775 1626 www.cmwines.com Richard@cmwines.com

Fabulous Food & Drink

The Dunton Bassett Arms AWARD WINNING PUB & RESTAURANT AND LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Celebrating TWO Outstanding Awards

All Rooms Feature: • En-suite

• 100% Egyptian Cotton Linen • Flat-screen LCD Televisions • Broadband Connection

• Moulton Brown Toiletries

• Fine Guest Ales • Fine Wines • Excellent Chinese & English Food

WWW.DUNTONBASSETTARMS.CO.UK Bennetts Hill, Dunton Bassett, Lutterworth, Leicestershire. LE17 5JJ │ Tel: 01455 209 786 www.countryside-lavie.com

NICHE | 143 55

Hot Property

Development

by Premier A subsidiary arm to an architects practice took the risk to go it alone after high demand for their services

Following four years of operating under a RIBA chartered architect company, Premier Development Contractors (PDC) established themselves in 2012.

The need for a company like this one was derived from a lack of professionals with in depth construction knowledge and achievable efficiency solutions.

Run by architectural professionals, the contracting firm offer their services as Architects, Interior Designers and Project Managers for local development.

The commercial and domestic arena has provided the company with traditional and contemporary design briefs.

They have constructed both residential and commercial sector ventures from extensions to new

56 | NICHE

builds and have worked with every kind of business from the local chip shop to King Power Stadium.

Where other construction companies fail, PDC implement cost saving techniques enabling them to offer competitive packages for all scopes of development.

PDC are very keen to ensure that every aspect of their work reflects the ethos of their business.

Each team member has bought into the PDC promise that echoes a professional and open communication policy at all times to ensure clients receive the very best of the construction experience.

Continuous improvements achieve their high standard of work unlike any other and are overseen by project managers and trained by chartered architects so that only the best building techniques are implemented.

Hot Property

Value Engineering Liaising with the RIBA Chartered Architects, they guarantee that the project is specified and implemented in the most cost effective manner, utilising property techniques ensuring the very best value for the project.

Built By Brief With a Riba and design background, their Project managers facilitate the program to suit your initial design briefs, working in tandem with the RIBA architects to ensure the project delivers with your initial vision conceptualised.

Power To Adapt Empowered by a purpose built management system and advanced charting program, their management team can quickly adapt the program to suit unforeseen changes in circumstance ensuring that the program runs as efficiently as possible.

Cost Effective Tendering With tailored management packages you can rest assured you are in good hands. All subcontractor rates are set via an industry average and they vet

all their contractors prior to appointment. A minimum of three contractors from each trade and invited to tender once accreditation has been verified to ensure competitive rates.

Legally Secure Contracts Working with purposely drafted contracts identifying all works prior to engagement, they guarantee the supply of all goods to an above satisfactory finish in line with the supply of goods service act. All sub-contractors are engaged on the requisites of their terms and conditions in which the supply of goods and service are covered to ensure no hidden costs.

Professionally Managed With over 10 years’ experience in the professional Architectural sector, their team of project managers and procurement engineers deliver high quality and efficiently managed programs to suit all projects of any size and contract value.

0116 214 5099 www.premierdc.co.uk

Valuing the evolution of techniques in the array of sectors that construction and design comprise, the team are constantly up to date with the latest technologies, equipment and practices.

All work is project and client led to improve the build process and experience to treat every scheme with its own merits, meet deadlines and budgetary requirements.

Accredited with IOSH and SMAS, they are Safe contractor approved; these are industry lead qualifications in management, procurement and contracting.

Look out for Premier Development Contractors in Oadby as they complete a ÂŁ1 million project!

Stoughton House

The Georgian property no longer met the needs of PDCs client requirements. It now provides 500m2 of floor area and the accommodation includes open plan kitchen, living and dining, formal study and living rooms as well as a gym.

LCFC Managers Office

PDC carried out a number of changes in order to provide facilities which were in line with Premier League standards. The improved Manager and Player Facilities allows for an improved match day experience for all parties.

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Leicester

makes its mark at MIPIM Leicestershire delegates took a trip to Cannes in a bid to promote the city as the place to be when it comes to business development

Team Leicestershire; a group of more than 20 organisations, attended the MIPIM real estate conference that took place in March this year in an attempt to demonstrate the appeal of the UKs thirteenth largest city.

Over 4,800 international investors came together at the four day property event including architects, developers, public authorities and technology experts.

Attracting more than 23,000 senior real estate officials and politicians across 90 countries, Team Leicestershire was in the midst of influential leaders on a global scale who could potentially have a major impact on the development of the East Midlands city.

Tracey Miller of The Miller Partnership, a Team Leicestershire helper at MIPIM for the first time, was astounded by the sheer scale of the event. The taxation specialist was equally impressed that the collaboration between Leicester City and County Councils and the vibrant Leicestershire Business Community culminated in a significant and enterprising presence at MIPIM. “It was great to be a part of Team Leicestershire and, as a Leicester girl born and bred, to be able to 58 | NICHE

help highlight Leicestershire as a home for business both nationally and internationally,” Tracey commented.

Brought together by Business consultant Ian Guyler, the representatives had the chance to make crucial contacts, conduct business transactions and exhibit the city’s attraction for business development.

Another MIPIM newbie Alexandra Kowalczuk, Head of Business Development at Smallman & Son took advantage of the opportunities the event had to offer and the profile that the association with Team Leicestershire gives.

“Whilst there we had a very busy schedule of back to back networking events starting with Business Breakfasts right through to Business Dinners, as well as one to one appointments in between.

It was extremely beneficial for us to be part of MIPIM this year, as we have not only built on our existing relationships but have potentially formed many new ones.”

Regional office head for Weightmans in Leicester, Richard Osborn has been supporting the team at MIPIM for a number of years, he said. “It has always proved a very worthwhile week to meet

Hot Property

An offshore investment fund has expressed serious interest in Leicester

contacts and potential new clients as well as working with Team Leicester to grow the profile of the City on an International stage.”

Networking with the business professionals proved that Leicester is in fact an up and coming city making its mark in the property world. Members of the group waste no time explaining where on the map they’re from as business professionals are already aware of the impressive progression of this quickly developing metropolis.

Following the discovery and reinterment of Richard III as well as the booming success of LCFC, the city has literally put itself on the map.

Highlighting Leicester as a great shopping destination is the £150 million redevelopment of Fosse Park creating thousands of jobs and investment opportunities, which is just a taste of the magnetism that the town has as it pulls in interest from large companies such as Next and Everards.

A number of strategic development sites including the Castle Donnington business park and the new sustainable urban extensions at Ashton Green as well as the £450m project at Thurmaston, which will create 4,500 new homes which were promoted by

Commercial Estates Group (CEG), the teams main sponsor.

Helen Donnellan, Leicester City Council Inward Investment Director, described this year’s MIPIM as the ‘most successful yet.’ During the week, discussions with one big investor had been very productive.

“An offshore investment fund has expressed serious interest in Leicester and identified sites and will be visiting shortly with a view to investing in the city and bringing forward some residential schemes.

“We’ve had large organisations telling us they have a lot of money to invest and need “oven-ready” sites, and the 32 acre ‘village centre’ in the 3,000 home Ashton Green development north of Leicester is perfect for that.”

The successful property meet secured many contacts and throughout the year, Team Leicester hopes to receive further interest as industry leaders hear more and more about the previously overlooked city of Leicestershire.

Contact Ian Guyler for more information about the gathering.

07973 693 455 ianguyler@pedigreefilbert.co.uk

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Securing Business Our customers have to feel assured that their lives and property are in safe hands.

With a legacy spanning six decades, ours are the safe and knowledgeable hands they need to be in, which is why businesses of all sizes across the UK come to us.

We install high definition CCTV for energy producer and supplier, Shell. They need to be able to see their fore courts and shops at all times to cover crimes and health and safety issues.

Shell also comes to us for the latest technology in intruder alarms for every site, panic alarms and fog bandits filling the room with smoke should an alarm go off, which protects employees, customers and makes it harder for criminals to escape.

Large enough to cope small enough to care He stood with his hands in his pockets gazing into the shop window, looking for an answer that he has never known the question to. His face bleak, his shoulders drooped. He’s been here before.

He doesn’t know that what he’s looking for can’t be found behind any window.

Steve Hills is the expert he needs; the person who can show him what it all means and demystify this ever changing age of technology, the person who can help him decide which kitchen is for him!

Steve has worked in Kitchen Design for over 25 years. His team are knowledgeable of materials, colours, styles and gadgets that are trending and most importantly, what is achievable.

We have carried out the same work for Nando’s including their fire systems that can include automatic door and ventilation controls and remote monitoring to fire and rescue services.

Striving to renovate those dreary kitchens into the things dreams are made of, Steve hopes this bright and airy transformation reflects in the owner.

With response times to all sites within four hours any time of day or night of the year, our clients know they can count on us to be there for them when they need us.

With no showroom they are dependent upon their clients for goodwill and recommendation for future work, meaning they remain focused on service and attention to detail.

As the only family run, NSI approved national alarm company in the UK, we make it our responsibility to embrace all technology so that we can continuously provide the UK with state-of-the-art products.

Joel Mulloy

Steve Hills Design are here for us to guide us through an array of choices from traditional to modern styles with their knowledge and experience.

08448 00 22 77 www.abelalarm.co.uk

07812 389 869 www.stevehillsdesign.co.uk

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Waste no more time peering into shop windows! Have a kitchen you are happy to come home to.

Kitchen Gadgets When designing your kitchen, the first thing you think about may not be how many quirky gadgets you can accommodate or what technology you should opt for, but despite this, kitchens are becoming increasingly more technology led.

When choosing your new appliances, consider how you like to cook, how many you need to cater for and what would you like to try. With the ever growing popularity of TV chefs and baking programmes, we are being encouraged and inspired to experiment in the kitchen.

Steam cooking is a much fresher, healthier way to cook. Warming drawers have more uses than plate warming; they are perfect for slow cooking, baking meringues and drying foods. Methods of cooking such as sous vide and tepanyaki, often seen on popular TV shows, can only lead to us all being much more creative and experimental.

Other areas of the kitchen that have been improved with technology include the 100 degree boiling water tap. Don’t be put off by the safety aspect, the market leader in hot taps has a childproof handle, once you try one of these you will never want to be without.

A recent advancement in the kitchen is the ability to charge a phone or tablet on a corian work surface. No need to worry about the battery dying whilst trying a new recipe or watching a cooking show, this new wireless technology will keep you fully charged throughout.

Technology changes our everyday lives; be brave and try something new, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Francis James 0116 262 4440 www.pluginteriors.com info@pluginteriors.com

Building Services Design The Consulting Engineers BSD makes its home above the Cosy Club on 62 High Cross Street Leicester.

Their mechanical and electrical design engineers bring together the best-in-class M&E capabilities and good old fashioned hard work to every project no matter its size.

As a dynamic, young and different kind of consultancy they are conscious of their carbon footprint and are keen to team up with the local community, shown by their previous two years sponsorship of Team Leicestershire at the property business event MIPIM. As a new presence in the city, BSD was very proud to have been involved in Team Leicester’s maiden voyage of MIPIM 2015. By building on the success of last year’s trip to Cannes, MIPIM 2016 proved to be a worthwhile investment for BSD. The campaign was a bigger and better crusade for the business, by taking more associates BSD were able to reach out to all regions of the UK. Developers, architects, end users, project managers and main contractors can benefit from the friendly bunch. They provide

engineering services for commercial and residential properties covering areas such as lighting, data systems, CCTV, fire and security, heating, ventilation and domestic drainage.

The Leicester office, run by Associate Director Gareth Costello, hopes to double its staff over the next two years as they focus on some big upcoming projects.

BSD Leicester’s current project portfolio includes an £80 million residential development in Clapham, south London, for 357 new homes, detailed design services for Topps Tiles head office at Grove Park Leicester and West Midlands University Technical College, an engaging education centre with a focus on construction and the application of IT in the built environment.

www.bsd.co.uk

Everards

Championing their home county

who worked with other local hundred and sixty seven years Everards, the family One businesses.” ago, William Everard established the family brewery business; a producer run local-loving EVERARDS MEADOWS The team are in partnership with of ‘genuine ale of first rate quality’.

Leicester Tigers, Riders, Lions, VIEW TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT AND SOAR VALLEY FROM THE WEST Leicestershire squash, the local football and Since 1849, when the first barrel leagues as well as Curve and brewed, Everards maintains company, are Franklin Ellis Architects The Old Pumphouse 5 The waiting Ropewalk Nottinghamwas NG1 5DU T 0115 941 8475 E enquiry@franklinellis.co.uk Wdarts www.franklinellis.co.uk Phoenix Theatres, helping out and today William’s philosophy and supporting local projects, events on the final piece business ethos. William was a and businesses all year round. The proud supporter of everything local of the puzzle in the and devoted a large amount of time brewers cleverly concoct a brand new ale based around a different to public services. relocation of their regional theme every month to offer something different for Everards current Chairman is the brewery and offices fifth generation of the family, drinkers to try.

Richard Everard OBE DL, Richard from Fosse Park to also believes in the importance The brewery own 178 pubs across Midlands which are run on a of supporting local as well as nearby Everards combining ‘tradition with ambition’. the three year tenancy so they are all run as independent businesses.

Meadows by 2017 Erika Hardy, Head of Marketing, said: “Most of the services we use are Leicestershire based, if not, Midlands based. It’s important to source local because that’s how we started, as a local family business

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Erika Hardy, Head of Marketing, noted: “We want our business owners to be empowered to make decisions that are right for their pub and their customers.”

Hot Property

Everards Meadows The state of the art Cask Ale Brewery will have emphasis on selling to the Everards Pub Estate and sponsorship partners.

Bespoke Tasting Room for beer sampling, hospitality and a place to share Everards’ passion for the finest quality beer.

Innovative training and development facility for Everards home team, customers and suppliers use.

Top of the range retail shop celebrating the Everards story for visitors.

Progressive and cutting edge Café Bar connecting seamlessly to our Green Fields.

Industry-leading Cycling Centre.

Restaurant which complements the Café Bar and Cycling Centre.

It’s really important to us to champion our home county Richard’s team are busy investing in their pubs by supporting their independent business owners to run them in a way that fits the needs of their local community.

Erika added: “It’s up to each business owner how they want to run their pub business and that will reflect in their local community.

That’s how they’re all so different; each one will do what’s most rewarding for it’s local needs. It’s what the people closest to them want and need and we give them the freedom to make it successful.”

Everards’ investment into property and all things local made sponsoring ‘Team Leicestershire’ at the high-status, international

property event MIPIM a clear and demonstrative move.

“It’s really important to us to champion our home county, so to be part of the team was an obvious one really,” Erika commented.

Investing in local development will see their new site in Everards Meadows become a state-of-theart Cask Ale Brewery, Café Bar and cycle centre. In addition, they have developed a new logistic centre at Optimus Point, close to Glenfield.

Everards are now awaiting the final piece of the puzzle - planning permission for their current Castle Acres site to enable them to develop Everards Meadows.

0116 201 4100 www.everards.co.uk

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Smarter Future In 50 years of Abel history, the intelligent technology company have always been one step ahead. With their latest systems they invite you into the Smart world making the future a thing of the present.

Each specifically designed and tailored security system protects and secures businesses nationwide giving company owner’s paramount peace of mind.

Businesses benefit from security systems with the highest standard and as a National Security Inspectorate (NSI), 64| NICHE

Gold approved company, Abel provide the highest level of protection for your employees, students, staff and visitors.

Personalised intruder systems, fire alarms, fog bandits, automation systems enable you to save costs and energy and view all CCTV remotely.

Abel can combine your devices to make them Smart and take advantage of their full potential leaving you free to focus on running your business the way it should and allowing you to experience the technology of the future today.

Hot Property

www.abelalarm.co.uk 08448 00 22 77 NICHE | 65

Hot Property

The latest

trends Window accessories

Countesthorpe Blinds Ltd have a wide range of custom made blinds to wow your inner-decorator The local family run company have a blind to suit any need from unusual window spaces to awkward sizes and shapes including the latest in style and technology; Vision Blinds.

These blinds roll down like a traditional roller but with the advantage of being able to see through sheer panels within the fabric or be completely closed for privacy. When rolled up, they hide neatly away inside their own cassette making them a sleek, minimalist blind perfect for most applications.

Vision Blinds can also be remote controlled using the latest technologies in rechargeable motors and handsets. This not only gives you control at your fingertips but also brings them in line with the Child Safe Products that Countesthorpe Blinds now advise you to have as it is a legal requirement.

All blinds now being fitted are child friendly and adhere to strict guidelines that are now in force and if you are in any way unsure as to whether the blinds you have already installed are safe, you can email Countesthorpe Blinds a picture and they will advise you how to make them safe.

Plantation Shutters are still the designer’s choice and with Countesthorpe Blinds’ knowledge and expertise they are guaranteed to look stunning and be fitted to the highest possible standard.

Plantation shutters can also be applied in bay windows, arched, circular and triangular shapes too.

With the summer on the way conservatories get hot and gardens need shade. The experts in blinds and awnings have it covered, conservatory blinds are their speciality.

Made to reduce heat and glare, these blinds make living space more

comfortable in the summer. The thermal technology keeps them warmer in the winter too, which makes your conservatory a room you can use throughout the year!

For shade in the garden, the team have fully retractable remote control awnings that fit neatly to the back or side of your property and can be extended to give shade when needed. They’re also perfect the British summer time being showerproof so you don’t have to rush indoors when it rains, meaning you can continue your BBQ or glass of wine on the patio undisturbed.

Countesthorpe Blinds Ltd can help you make the right choices as owner David has been in the blind trade since 1987 – that’s a lot of blinds he’s fitted since!

0116 277 6749 ccblinds@yahoo.com

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Hamilton

Leicester Ltd. Bespoke Prestige Quality

When the BBC contacted East Midlands most honourable tradesmen at Hamilton Leicester Ltd last year, Company Director Steve Hamilton was eager to get involved in their project

Built on dreams Helping Hands Using chartered surveyors and construction managers Hamilton’s will assist with aspects of a project that others don’t, which is where many companies fail. ◆ Health and safety advice ◆ Contract administration ◆ Pricing variations ◆ Valuation carry-outs ◆ Final account agreements ◆ Method statements ◆ Risk assessments

68 | NICHE

Most likely discovered through the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Steve and his family business were invited to help out on the inspirational show DIY SOS: The Big Build to transform the home of the Corns family in Loughborough.

The team feel a duty to the community and snapped up the chance to change the family’s life for the better.

Although caught on camera several times during the two day recording, Steve says it wasn’t about getting on TV. “It was about helping out where we could. It was a proud moment that really stuck a lump in your throat when the family said thank you.”

Hamilton are now working with two of the biggest construction companies in the UK: Interserve and Babcock & Wilcox Vølund, but it wasn’t because of their association with the hit TV show.

The humble builders have built their reputation by providing versatile solutions, technically demanding installations, project planning and realisation as well as outstanding ecological quality.

The building groups membership with the FMB and Checkatrade works hand in hand with their portfolio on Facebook; something Steve believes to be far more valuable than shouting about their success to attract people to the business.

Hot Property

The firm’s work on the £96m Energy Recovery Facility in Peterborough last year that initially required them to complete a small section of work instead saw them wow project leaders Interserve Construction Ltd and Viridor.

Steve said: “We treat our clients like friends. We listen and go the extra mile. If they have a vision we will do our best to bring it to life for them.”

Hamilton came away from the project having delivered around 2200m2 of block work, fully fitted out the administration building including showers, toilet cubicles, floor and wall tiling and all the paint finishing to a very high standard.

Although Company Director and Project Manager, Clients will never see Steve in a suit. He retains a practical, hands-on role and believes every contract benefits from a Director who knows the job from the ground up.

It was due to Steve’s 18 years in the industry that he was able to take on board the plans for the Loughborough family’s Big Build and adapt them to best suit their needs.

The same experience came in handy in proving Hamilton’s worth in the Peterborough energy project as well as sustaining their contract for the third year with pioneering manufacturers, RoofMaker Ltd whilst also remaining the go-toguys for Goldsmiths Jewellers.

Passionate to be involved in projects that benefit the community, the Leicester builders have been successful in recently winning a contract to survey over 200 schools all over the UK. The firm have also signed an advertising campaign with Leicester City Football Club for an LED banner around the stadium.

Although they have been working across the country, Steve likes to see that something good of Hamilton’s work is going into the community. Whether it’s supporting a charity or taking part in something that is enhancing Leicester in some way, Hamilton’s love getting involved.

Even with such big contracts lined up, Hamilton’s will continue as a family business to ensure the right passionate tradesmen keeping a close eye on the latest building technologies and techniques are by their side.

For commercial and residential construction or refurbishing work call Hamilton Leicester.

0116 271 1048 www.hamilton-leicester.com

DIY SOS: Loughborough Stars of the show, Mark and Jenny Corns and their three children had their home miraculously transformed in two days with the help of Hamilton’s and other professional trades.

Jenny went into labour eight weeks early with their twins Katie and Emelia. Paramedics struggled to reach the couple because of snowy conditions leaving Mark to deliver the babies by himself.

The twins now live with a form of dwarfism called Achondraplasia.

The family needed more space and a safer environment for their family of five.

Their transformed home includes a spacious kitchen, accessible breakfast bar for the twins, steps into the bath, a beautiful garden with simple layout and many more aspects that create an environment for the children to thrive in.

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Bringing summer to two local boys We are raising money to fit some awnings for a family with two little boys living with a rare medical condition called Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Richard and Lennon’s condition means they cannot control their body temperature as they have no sweat glands. The boys love playing in the garden but as it has no shade at all, they are unable to enjoy their time outside in the summer months.

With our awnings fitted around the house that have sun sensors to automatically open them up if it gets too sunny, Richard and Lennon can still play outside even when it’s really hot.

We have been over to see the family to observe the challenges they live with and have made the price a bit more reachable for them at £4,300. The family have raised almost £4,000 so far and with one extra push we can get them that extra £300 before the sun comes out.

Niche Magazine have been kind enough to donate £50 and if readers can donate even just £1, together we can make a difference to this family’s life.

I have always valued the importance of a happy home life and as a family run company we put a lot of emphasis on health and safety in the home as well as filling it with joy.

David Bennifer

www.countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk 0116 277 6749 72 | NICHE

4 Interior Trends Neon While muted greys are on their way out, neon colours are definitely in for 2016! From daring wall shades, to edgy artwork, to fashionable furniture, a property’s palette doesn’t need to be magnolia.

Traditional Tiles Patterned and geometric tiles were once commonplace in 19th-century Victorian properties, but were replaced in favour of carpets and wood floors as design tastes changed. But now they’re back. With interior companies selling reproduction designs to complement modern tastes, tiles are being used to liven up kitchen splashbacks, add decorative detail to traditional bathrooms and heighten the welcoming feel of hallways, which is a space that is often left neglected.

Bold Blues Although white firmly remains the decorative theme of choice for most properties, those brave enough to experiment with deep blues are bang on trend. While some might think it’s a daring design decision, if executed correctly, dark walls can add a luxurious, opulent quality to a room–particularly in dining rooms and kitchens.

Floral Prints and Foliage Bring the outside in with this year’s floral fashion. Forget delicate patterns, we’re seeing an upward trend in the number of living spaces featuring bold blossoms, tropical prints and exotic plants, which add life to any room. From subtler takes on the trend, to a no holds barred approach we think this trend is blooming marvellous!

Mark Lucas 0116 271 2584 www.maison-interiors.com

Invest in a booming market When investing, or looking to invest, find someone to play kick to kick. Investing is fun, but it’s even more fun when you share your passion for wealth building with someone else. Be it your wife, husband, brother or sister or even your dad, it’s priceless to have someone to motivate and keep you on track, bounce ideas off and give you a reality check when the bright lights dazzle. Because all that glitters in the investment world is not gold!

Before you make any decision about investing in property you should find out as much as you can. You can research the potential pros and cons on your own, or take advice.

Tips ◆ It’s much more fun to share your passion for investing. ◆ Follow a proven strategy and stick to it. ◆ Property investing is a skill that can be learned like any other. ◆ Learn from other investors. ◆ Education never stops.

Most investors learn from other investors, fine-tuning their strategy as they start doing it themselves.

Consider your education a work in progress and remember it’s important to keep moving ahead.

With property investing, getting started is the most important part.

Looking to invest in Leicester get in touch with one of our area expert in property investments.

Chris Pagett

0116 332 5415 www.cppropertiesinvestments.co.uk

Hot Property

Spring back to Nature Finally it is here! The days are noticeably longer again and with that comes the promise of warmer days and sunnier skies.

I love Springtime and the feeling of fresh newness which surround us everywhere; new life abounds and with that a sense of optimism for the rest of the year ahead.

With this in mind I have put together a selection of items which reflect nature in some way, whether that be in shape, colour look or form. Keeping things simple and natural in our homes is a sure fire way to creating a relaxed, comfortable look which can be tweaked to suit all tastes.

My motto is if it works in nature, it works in design!

However, Mother Nature has a tendency to add in twists of detail which we may not initially notice but which keeps things balanced, interesting and exciting. So, my edit this time around celebrates items which I feel are inspired by nature but are also that little bit different, quirky and unusual. Variety is the spice of life no?

So follow nature’s trail, take inspiration from the great outdoors! Just remember that if you choose an overall neutral scheme, keep things interesting by adding a twist, something unexpected. You’ll enjoy living with it all the more. Think of it as the splash of lime in your gin and tonic, the sea salt in your caramel sauce… I could go on but now I’m hungry!

Samantha x

Authentics - Branch Coat Hanger £129 Cool and unusual and inspired by nature. Perfect Spring addition to your hallway.

Knots Studio - Knotted Floor Cushion £540 (approx.)

Handmade in Tel-Aviv by a family run studio, these are truly stunning. I can’t decide which colour I like best!

Thabto - Portobello Mugs from £9.95 Mugs with a difference - smooth matte finished porcelain mugs which are insulated to keep your drink warm and elim-inates the need for a handle.

Soft-touch base keeps your surfaces scratch-free too. Minimalism at its best.

Hurn & Hurn - Tree Trunk Ring Floor Cushion £49 Very realistic-looking without being too kitsch.

A fun and different take on occasional seating.

Beut - Ibride Ming 6 Stackable Bowls £89 Fun and different, these pretty and practical bowl sets are ideal for your Spring lunch table.

www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks

Tel: 0121 647 6709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com

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A I SON INT ERIOR S the LifeST Y LE st or e

Inspirational Interior Design In Association with In-store interior designer

37 - 41 London Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DL Showroom 0116 271 2584

Proud partners with

info@maison-interiors.com

www.maison-interiors.co.uk

Last but not least

A decorating guide Flooring is usually the last part of a refurbishment to be completed but it’s essential that it’s planned in from the outset of any project – flooring expert Mark Lucas gives handy hints Regardless of whether it’s a whole house, office or even just a bathroom, Michael John Flooring Manager Mark Lucas suggests making flooring the priority of your project.

“As well as having to be durable and suitable for use, the flooring,” Mark says, “will usually take up a large part of the room so it’s really important that it is not just an afterthought once the makeover is almost complete.”

Not only does Michael John Flooring advise on colour schemes and designs, they also recommend which product will be best suited for the room in question. Giving an idea of decorating costs will also get you to the end of your project with room in the budget still left for flooring.

On many occasions Mark has seen people come into the showroom having spent a small fortune on refurbishing a room only to have spent the whole budget already, leaving them little or no money for suitable flooring.

He has found that this not only spoils the finish of the whole room, but also means the quality is not as required.

“In a lot of cases it is advisable to start with the flooring; after all, it is much easier and cheaper to repaint a wall should the colour not quite be how you had imaged.

“I would always advise getting in a professional decorator as they will use the correct products and leave you with a high class finish. It is also worthwhile having the decorating

finished a week prior to having your new flooring installed as this will allow time for the skirting boards to fully harden.”

In the decorating process the floors may come last in order but most definitely not least in importance.

Speaking to a flooring expert at the planning stage of any project is advised. The professionals will make sure of it that there are no problems to creep out of the woodwork during or after your revamp.

Take a look at the Michael John online showroom for inspiration.

www.michael-john.co.uk 0116 254 1853

On trend Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). replicates stone, wood or marble.

Warm feel. Hardwearing. Low maintenance. Realistic look.

Anti-slip surface. Easy to fit.

50 shades of grey.

The new white. Grey tiles. Grey oak.

Grey carpets. Versatile. Elegant.

Serene. Modern neutral shade.

Making bold tones POP. Bigger is better.

Big tiles. Big planks. Large scale.

Open Plan. Family living. Stylish.

Dramatic space. Show stopper.

Luxurious. Creating a flowing effect.

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Michael John 70 years in Flooring

In 2012 we set up our first flooring and furniture store Maison Interiors based in Oadby. This location provided us with the perfect platform to launch our ‘all under one roof’ concept and we’ve learnt that this was the right way forward.

Maison Interiors has been managed by one of Leicestershire’s most exciting, up and coming young interior designers Zoe Hubbard, who has helped launch the store and has successfully helped Maison enter into its fourth year of trading.

Despite 70 years in business this year, many people were still unaware of the Michael John Flooring brand and that people still do like to shop locally.

Zoe has already seen many new customers that have been back with repeat business and with the ‘shop locally’ concept in mind, we launched our second flooring and furniture showroom in Broughton Astley in 2015. The new look Broughton Interiors store is managed by another exciting interior design trained specialist, Beth Ert. Beth has welcomed many new customers and it is already proving to be very popular.

I firmly believe that Michael John Flooring is at the forefront of innovation in an industry that many people see as archaic. Everybody

working here is incredibly energetic and enthusiastic about delivering a high quality service encompassing traditional values and harnessing the latest technology and expertise.

The Amtico Design Centre, installed at our Narborough Road showroom in 2014, is one example of how we are trying to revolutionise the way people are shopping for flooring.

Our team is comprised of a number of experienced members providing extensive knowledge of the flooring industry. We understand the importance of investing in quality young members of the team to continually drive the company forward in all areas. We are delighted to announce that the partners have secured orders from larger house developers and the commercial market including; shops, schools and offices all over the UK, adding another dimension to our offering.

The 70th anniversary celebrations, Michael John Flooring will be hosting events for staff and customers to thank everyone for their support. The charity for these events is the Leicestershire based Charity Hospice, LOROS. Donate by visiting our JustGiving page. www.justgiving.com/ MichaelJohnFlooring 0116 254 1853 www.michael-john.co.uk

Bringing properties to life Everyone worries when changing the look of a property or planning a big project, and obviously money and tight budgets play a huge factor within the design and ideas in place.

So when dealing with all these important matters with our customers, we make sure to listen and give advice on how to achieve the perfect results. We also ensure that they achieve this without over spending or having a product that doesn’t meet their requirements or fit the plan that they have in their mind.

Many of our new customers are family and friends of existing customers who want to pass on the stress free and un-pressured sales experience they themselves received. This way they know they are placing them in and their property in safe hands.

Whether it be a bespoke design or a project that needs to match the existing building, our wide range of products cover all aspects of the glazing industry to ensure we can accommodate all your ideas and designs.

Each of our staff members are educated and trained in all the fields of the industry from fabricating to installations and most importantly, product knowledge. With such an expert team, we are able to give the correct specialist advice that will help you to achieve the best possible end result that fits the brief and guarantees customer satisfaction.

Kelly Dance 01455 888 633 www.a-ratedglazing.co.uk

76 | NICHE

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MAKING QUALITY AFFORDABLE

We believe you have the right to be a valued and respected customer and not just another number or phone call.

A-rated Glazing Ltd has been trading for four years and is becoming very well known for its growth and reputation within the industry.

Formed by Adam Hall and David Richardson in 2012 A-rated Glazing instantly ruled out the old fashioned and terrifying sales approach that most companies still use today. With no pushy salesman making camp in your house or those constant and annoying phone calls, we have made the whole experience stress free and most of all, enjoyable.

The relationship with all of our customers is our number one priority, and everyone is welcomed and treated equally whether it is a small replacement window required or full renovation of a building. A-Rated Glazing is constantly on the lookout for new products to add to the showroom and to suit our customers’ needs.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, we have created a relaxing and friendly environment where all of our customers can receive our undivided attention; this will ensure we don’t miss out on any details and get the vision you wish to create for your property or project exactly right.

A-Rated Glazing thinks of you first and completely understands every one works to a budget - what separates us from our competitors is that we won’t tell you what you can and can’t have, but will work with your ideas and do our best to fit them into your vision.

01455 888 633 I a-ratedglazing.co.uk I The Knoll, Leicester Road, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, LE9 7TJ NICHE | 77

THE WORLD’S FIRST IN INDIAN COOKING

Britain’s desire for Indian food is growing – while restaurants and takeaways have had our taste buds tingling, a UK inventor has created the world’s first home tandoor, dragging age-old technology into the 21st century 78 | NICHE

Ingenious British inventor Nick Jones is about to spark a revolution in home cooking after designing a stylish tandoor oven, which is destined to be the centrepiece of modern kitchens.

The Lancashire-based entrepreneur has a deep-rooted passion for Indian food and studied the ancient technology of the tandoor before building his Tandoor-i oven.

The entrepreneur said: “People have assumed that the tandoor can only be used in a restaurant but that is not the case.”

“We have developed a traditional oven that allows cooks of all ability to spice up their home cooking with Indian cuisine produced in an authentic fashion.”

Nick’s research has seen the development of an oven that allows creative homeowners to produce succulently caramelised authentic Indian food in their own kitchens.

The simplicity of installing Nick’s oven is as attractive as the food it produces. The sleek unit simply wheels into place and certainly has a wow factor for those looking to impress dinner guests.

He’s commissioned a traditional clay pot from Delhi, marrying this with high end British materials and will have the completed unit built in Lancashire.

For Nick though, his quest to find an alternative to take-aways was more about the flavour of the food than finding favour with your friends.

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“There’s been a huge tidal wave of people wanting to cook authentic Indian food at home.”

He has designed the Tandoor-i to give even novice cooks the tools to dish up fantastic tasting spicy cuisine, while the oven will also give discerning cooks an opportunity to make many restaurant recipes that are currently impossible to serve up at home.

Jones’ invention appears to have arrived just at the right time. There is a growing desire in the UK for traditional Indian fare. The number of Indian restaurants has risen from 7,940 in 2000 to 9,500 in 2015 (fedrest.com) while supermarkets are stocking up on meals that can be reheated in the microwave.

He added: “There’s been a huge tidal wave of people wanting to cook authentic Indian food at home.

“Ken Hom led the revolution on how to cook decent Chinese food and Indian food is about to get to the same point.”

To find out more, you can email: info@tandoor-i.com or follow them on twitter (@tandoor_i).

“The most popular dish served in restaurants at the weekend is Chicken Tikka Masala and celebrity Chef Atul Kochhar is extremely popular, racking up more appearances on Saturday Kitchen than any of his contempories.”

“The market suggests people will want to experiment more and more with Indian food and the Tandoor-i gives them a chance to do just that.”

You can buy the first ever hometandoor here www.tandoor-i.com

NICHE | 79

Tel: 0116 267 5117

Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leicester LE7 4PN www.bentleysgardenbuildings.co.uk Find us on the A6 between Leicester and Loughborough Open 7 days a week 9-5.30 80 | www.countryside-lavie.com NICHE

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Spring is among us!

The air is fresh and the days are getting longer, it’s time to start thinking about the outdoor space you want this year. Last issue I talked about having your own piece of wildlife in your garden, this issue I’m contrasting this with easy maintenance garden plants.

What is an easy maintenance plant? I get asked all the time for a maintenance free garden, truth is, there is no such thing. However there are some plants that need less care and attention than others.

For example, a David Austin rose needs care, it needs spraying every month with a fungus and insecticide spray to keep off black spot and black fly. It also needs cutting back carefully at the end of the year, a lot of work for people who don’t have the time. So here are my top three easy maintenance shrubs which add colour to any garden.

Choisya: One of my all time favourites. A bright yellow leaf, slow growing, doesn’t mind a hair cut and has fragrant flowers.

Phormium: Striking leaves that come in all shapes and sizes.

Giving the border structure. Comes in many colours from striking red to strong purple, they really add variety to the border. Grows in clumps so can be controlled.

Photinia ‘little red robbin’: Not to be confused with its bigger brother, this is a more compact version with mature leaves a rich green and brand new leaves bright red. Middle of the border type of shrub. Light trimming needed.

For any further advice don’t hesitate to get in touch, next issue I will be talking about the rarely seen or used rills. Michael wheat www.michaelwheat.co.uk info@michaelwheat.co.uk 0116 240 3735/07590 535 623 82 | NICHE

Dream homes - getting the look

Interesting new era for savers

Few of us will design our own property. We may choose the spec and trim we want in our vehicles to bring to life our perfect four-wheeled friend but even in these days of mass production and universal trends on the high street, it is still possible to personalise our pad.

The new Personal Savings Allowance means savers can put a spring in their step. Basic rate tax payers can now earn £1,000 taxfree from their savings income.

With the help of some professional advice from leading interior designers Charles Lowe Interiors of Loughborough and their large stock in nine showrooms of accent and décor pieces, your own home can truly be as individual as your own character.

Lowes themselves are now celebrating their 175th year of trading, having guided home buyers from fairy tale castles to one bedroom flats.

They scour the lands across Europe in search of suppliers to find something different for you and remain acknowledged professionals in The English Country House look, that quintessential homely, time proven ambience that will make your house a home.

From Sydney’s first Opera House, Chalmont Castle in the middle harbour, to stateside ranches or Swiss chalets, the home design specialists have a vast wealth of experience in creating the dream home to fit any brief.

Those in the know go to Mr Lowe.

Have a look for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Higher rate taxpayers get a £500 allowance. And interest from ISAs doesn’t count towards your Personal Savings Allowance because it’s already tax-free.

From 6 April 2016 anyone with a total taxable income less than £17,000 will no longer pay any tax on their savings income.

Hinckley & Rugby, like all building societies and banks, have stopped deducting tax from the interest we pay on your savings. You may have previously completed a form to receive interest tax-free (a form R85). Now you won’t have to.

Interest on periods before 6 April 2016 but paid afterwards will not have tax deducted.

If you have any savings income over your Personal Savings Allowance you will have to pay some tax on this. HMRC will normally collect the tax by changing your tax code.

If you already fill in a selfassessment tax return you should carry on doing this and include any income from savings.

For further information on how the allowance works go to HMRC’s website gov.uk and type Personal Savings Allowance.

Open from 10.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Richard Lowe

ISAs will continue to exist, but savers now have more options to earn interest that is tax-free.

Andy Gilgrist

www.charleslowe.co.uk 0800 917 9292

www.hrbs.co.uk/mortgages 0800 917 9292

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NICHE | 83

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Studio of secrets

Travelling to Turkey for the first time in eight years, Rachel Simpson delves back into the big wide world of textiles Rachel has discovered some rare historical pieces during her 22 years as a trained rug weaver, specialising in restoring antique and contemporary rugs and teaching teams across the globe.

An original antique Axminster 20’ x 20’, thought to be the 43rd left in existence, intrigued scholars and had 22 months of restoration including holes 6’ x 3’ was valued at £250,000.

SAVE THE DATE 28th September 7.30pm

Join Rachel at The George Hotel, Stamford for her lecture on Restoration Verses Conservation of Oriental Rugs

Her shop in Rutland has seen historical rugs and textiles from all over the world right here in Rutland. The Rug Studio opened in 2000 in London and opened in Uppingham in 2013, it continues to maintain a presence in London.

As well as restoring, clients have requested rugs designed by Rachel herself which she has had made in exotic countries abroad, such as Iran and India.

Whilst taking care of her children, she has remained in the know about the latest sales and market trends of antique and contemporary pieces as well as keeping up to date with values, colour, fashion and design.

Tipped off that a dealer was closing their shop after 48 years, the trip to Turkey in April had her exploring the nooks and crannies of the treasure trove and visiting a team about a large scale restoration.

Personal service Visit The Rug Studio on Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s, for a one to one with Rachel. Please ring to confirm an appointment before hand.

01572 829927 www.therugstudio.co.uk

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LOWE’S FURNISHING SHOP AT LOUGHBOROUGH

TELEPHONE: 01509 212 554

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WWW.VILLAGECHIC.CO.UK NICHE | 85

JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

Join in the warehouse or online: www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Sign up for membership with this advert and receive a £10 Voucher!

Costco Leicester only. Valid until 30/06/16.

Costco Leicester Westmoreland Ave, Thurmaston Leicester Leicestershire LE4 8PH

T: 0116 269 0730

E: marketing123@costco.co.uk

JOIN. SHOP. SAVE.

www.costco.co.uk *Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

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Gas and electric cookers from £199 Range cookers from £499

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Tel: 0116 271 0320 or 07982 134 105

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NICHE | 89

Talk Business

Daly Systems A local company is celebrating 20 years in business – we find out what it takes to thrive When Daly Systems came to life in 1996, it would quickly become a leading provider in business solutions.

The company set out on a remarkable journey that started with the objective to supply, install, and maintain telecommunication systems. And this they did, with the help of their partnership with NEC, world-leaders in telephony solutions for business.

However, as the world of telephony and technology was rapidly developing and progressing, Managing Director Peter Daly knew he had to be pro-active by working with the new technologies and keeping staff well-trained as telephony and IT became more interconnected.

Peter and Daly Systems became known for their adaptable and forward thinking approach to their customers’ business requirements, and are always keen to discuss specific customer issues and ascertain the best solution for them.

Perfect Timing Peter remarked: “An example of this was following discussion

with an event timing business, who attends various motorsport circuits to provide timing services, following which they provide data for broadcasters around the world.

It was crucial for engineers to keep in contact with the base, wherever they were located. This was enabled with an NEC, communication server with system phones that could be logged into the system and used on remote sites replicating office based functionality. For additional resilience, or an alternative in this situation, the NEC uMobility app provides system functionality via their mobiles.

Another company whose communications were crucial for their operations was a European refrigerated trailer and vehicle rental business. On one occasion, a complete food delivery costing tens of thousands was spoilt due to a communication failure with their previous supplier. This was resolved using an NEC call-centre application to ensure seamless contact with staff.”

Every business is different In addition, as an NEC Business Partner, Daly Systems assure new and existing clients that they will receive the most advanced telecommunications and call

Talk Business

Rooting For Local Supporting small and start-up trades from Leicestershire, Dalys also have offices to rent in their Business Centre with facilities to hold meetings, training and other business activities.

The desktop telephone reinvented management systems to date as well as technical support with excellent product and engineering training.

Providing the complete package for efficiency, security and productivity, Dalys have their own specialised billing platform to offer clients low cost lines and calls packages and also offer a range of business mobile packages.

Marketing Manager, Nicola Joyce commented: “Clients’ businesses change and we change with them. We’re always progressing and learning together. With NEC continuing to develop and bring new products to the market, we will be able to make available to our clients the solutions that they deserve.”

Their full connectivity options, cabling, networking, hosted services and NEC’s innovative IP telephone systems and call management options, clients benefit from enhanced processes and continuity wherever they are located.

Working across industries all over the UK with multi-site, retail or rental business, medical practice, hairdresser, schools, lawyers and accountants, and an array of others, these telecom whizzes take careful consideration when advising the best solution for you.

There when it really matters Good telecommunications is a thing businesses take for granted but Dalys are constantly at work so that you can get on with what you’re good at.

But it’s when something goes wrong that clients really notice the difference that communication experts make on a daily basis.

With an extremely well-trained maintenance and support service that can be available 24/7, any issue can be resolved; with a visit from their on-the-ball technical engineers,

a remote system login, or simply some advice.

This technical aftercare helps push businesses forward by getting them back on their feet and supporting them whenever they need it.

What the next 20 years holds for the future of technology is incalculable but we know that Dalys, working with NEC, will be leading the way to find the solution that customers need to progress.

So if you are looking for business services that will help with your productivity, lower your costs, or if you’re relocating or expanding, Dalys will be able to identify the best solution for you. www.dalys.co.uk 0116 242 6996

Dalys install high quality, highdefinition IP CCTV systems providing security for employees and premises.

One Dalys’ employee said: “Our MD is out of the office at the minute, but he can see who is in the car park at any time. So he knows who’s in the office!” High definition IP CCTV is accessible from anywhere in the world and can help catch and convict perpetrators.

NICHE | 91

Anjula Devi

Photo accredited to Brill Creative

Photo accredited to Brill Creative

Founder of Anjula Devi Authentic Indian Cooking On a mission to demystify Indian food, Anjula presents an attractive and unique proposition in her cooking lessons and blogging to food festivals and media appearances.

Howard Ebison

Customer Service & Security Director at East Midlands Airport The Apprentice contestant Howard Ebison was running pubs and restaurants in London when he applied for BBC show. The competition led him down the runway to take-off a career in the airport industry.

Whilst attending Warwick University, Howard discovered the Midlands offered a very different way of life describing it as ‘friendlier and more cooperative’ than the frosty South in which he grew up.

The Londoner flew at the chance to land a job at East Midlands Airport.

In his two years there he has become responsible for the whole customer experience. With an eye 92 | NICHE

like gold dust in your hands’ would succeed in a career that was also her passion and hobby.

But really, her aim is to make cooking fun! The West Londoner had an upbringing rich in food with home cooked freshly plucked ingredients from the back garden.

It was her father who taught her to blend and balance as few as three or as many as thirty spices. Her publishers Simmone and Catharine have said ‘the way you charm the flavour out of those spices is really amazing’.

With earliest memories of sitting on the kitchen floor grinding spices in a pestle and mortar, it seems inevitable that a little girl whose father told her ‘one day this will be

Currently writing two books set to be released this autumn and next spring, Anjula is beyond excited in her attempt to evolve the Indian cookery book genre.

for spotting talent, Howard recruits members to join his admired team and is passionate about developing their career. The Surrey born gent values diversity and boasts gender equality in his departments, and he further proves his desire to help people in his role as a school

governor and charity supporter.

Howard’s journey of selfdevelopment is a constant one; always spotting inspirational traits in others and appreciating those around him has proven to be a successful attitude.

Talk Business

company thrive off of fresh new ideas and discovering talented crafters and artisans in and around the area.

Originally wanting to become a family lawyer specialising in inner city families, she was drawn to her current role after learning to sew on a treadle Singer sewing machine.

Nicola Matts

Director at Craftisan Bay Inspired by the likes of Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Richard Branson, Nicola accomplished Level 3 in Business Communication and Management and set up Craftisan Bay in 2013.

Three years in business has brought something new and exciting to her attention every day. Nicola and her

She now ensures the growth and development of Craftisan Bay in order to promote and enthuse a new generation of crafters.

Growing up in Manchester, Nicola describes herself as a ‘city kid’ at heart who loves dancing, dress making and reading.

She doesn’t worry herself with future career goals; as long as she’s helping people she will be happy.

Erica Hardy

Head of marketing at Everards The social butterfly from Market Harborough is a big supporter of everything local, so working for a prominent family-owned Leicestershire business that has her meeting new people every day was right up her street.

Marketing for Everards and their beers, Erika has given them a great social media presence and loves chatting with the public and licensees in order to deliver just what they’re after.

Barney Sturgess

Managing Director at Sturgess Motor Group The fourth generation, familyowned Sturgess Motor Group has been operating for 150 years and as Managing Director, Barney Sturgess has big responsibilities organising the strategic direction of the company since he entered his position in 2009.

Barney, of Uppingham, didn’t just decide he wanted a career in motoring all by himself though.

Once his childhood aspirations of being an international super spy had been ruled out, it was his father and great grandfather who inspired him to follow in their footsteps. He’s sure that if he was able to meet

the company’s founder, Walter E Sturgess, that he would have been inspired by him too.

To ensure he was fit for the job, he gained a Business degree at Loughborough University, going on to conquer a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management. He then travelled to North America spending time in a role with Land Rover as well as Mercedes-Benz with another UK dealer group.

When he’s not in the office, the family man makes the most of his spare time enjoying walking and wild camping.

With a young family at home, no two days are the same and the excitement continues in her role at Everards. One day she will be attracting independent business people to run a pub and the next she’ll be coming up with a limited edition beer.

Inspired by the story of local entrepreneur Tom Joules and his wellies, she’s a big believer that thinking differently can open up a whole new opportunity.

Previous roles have allowed Erika to work within the community promoting local businesses. It was inevitable that she would continue in a role in which she can continue to support home-grown independent businesses.

NICHE | 93

LEICESTERSHIRE Leicester City’s Triumph The Foxes have recorded one of the unlikeliest triumphs in the history of sport that will have major impact on local economy and LBF 2016.

LBF returns 24th October to 4th November 2016 with the intention of getting people and businesses involved showcasing the diversity of the city’s business community.

Leicestershire is the largest economy in the East Midlands, worth £19.4bn a year and host to 33,000 businesses and 435,000 employees.

Balloon Debate not to be missed Teaming up with the local business community to organise successful events for charity has become a game of success for the local branch of The Lord’s Taverners charity under the Chairmanship of Ian Guyler.

Working in close partnership with local firms involved through either sponsorship, donating services or facilities, or simply employee time to help organise the night, the result ensures that the maximum amount of money is donated to the charity.

The next of their unique events is a night of fine dining and entertainment to be held in Leicester Cathedral on the evening of 19th May 2016. It involves a four course candle lit banquet and the entertainment will see four famous public figures taking to the stage for a Richard III-themed hot air balloon debate. A night not to be missed if past events are anything to go by.

Further details can be obtained from ianguyler@pedigreefilbert. co.uk

Companies have benefitted from the ‘feel-good factor’ around the city after the Foxes success. It’s estimated by Company Check that the Leicester business community could grow at twice the rate of the national average because of this.

The club is set for a potential £150 million windfall andThousands of European visitors will visit next season benefitting the tourism industry currently worth £1.57 billion.

Nearly 7,000 people took part in last year’s LBF and figures are expected to increase this time around. www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com

Remarkable local tales It’s hard to ignore the buzz created

by Leicester City Football Club’s success in the Premier League this season. On the brink of claiming the title, the club is also adding vast amounts to Leicester’s economy.

Recent figures show that football spectators who spend money on accommodation, transport, food and drink, add nearly £17million a year to our local economy.

With Leicester City having qualified for the Champions League, that figure looks set to grow.

94 | NICHE

This remarkable tale is just one of the positive stories coming out of Leicester. The 3,000 home Ashton Green development in the north of the city has taken a significant step forward as Leicester City Council has released to the market a mixed use village centre development opportunity.

Friars Mill, part of the city’s largescale Waterside project, has been beautifully restored, and provides managed office spaces benefiting from a tranquil riverside location within Leicester’s vibrant city centre. It is ideal for businesses seeking easily accessible and hassle free space to grow.

The 13 hectare site will create 500 residential units and provide 6.500 sq. m. of non-residential uses. The overall site, which is in the Council’s ownership, sits within 5 miles of Leicester city centre.

Leicester in investing in its future and is proud to do so. The city council is committed to improving and creating a high-quality environment for residents, visitors and businesses to enjoy and benefit from.

WE HELP WITH: DIVORCE SEPARATION FINANCES DISPUTES OVER CHILDREN COHABITATION BREAKUPS

Award Winning Legal Firm of the Year 2015 CALL:

0116 238 5680 OR VISIT:

glyniswright.co.uk

HR Outsourcing Take a fresh look at your HR

One of the strategies that many UK companies now use to achieve their business goals is to ‘outsource’ elements of their business – in particular, HR and health & safety. Business owners understand that HR is a contributing factor in shaping business strategy and can see a return on investment when outsourcing.

Outsourcing can encompass the whole HR operation from pre recruitment i.e. resource planning right through to exit management and HR strategy or just a particular skill or task e.g TUPE, redundancy.

Finding the right partner for outsourcing is paramount and one such company who delivers outstanding results is Qdos Consulting.

Qdos is a specialist provider of HR and health and safety outsourcing and have been delivering professional services for over two decades.

When asked why businesses would wish to outsource their HR, Toni Robinson, Director Qdos Consulting commented, “HR outsourcing offers many advantages one of which is access to a variety of competences and experience, even at director level, that you may find difficult to recruit for. It is also cost effective with businesses reducing their costs by up to 40%”.

Clients, not only welcome the benefits that HR outsourcing brings, but enjoy working with Qdos and have stayed with them for many years, which is testament to the way in which Qdos people are passionate about the work they do for clients.

Outsourcing, when used well with the right outsourced partner who genuinely cares for your business and one who you trust, enables the employer time to focus on running and growing the business.

“

It was important to us that as an organisation we should work with a company that we could build a relationship with and ultimately put our trust in. We are delighted with the way in which Qdos has supported us and how they have assisted C2C UK with identifying areas of risk, providing practical and relevant solutions – that were specific to our business.

Marcus McGee, Managing Director (Owner) - Cloudy2Clear

”

Find out what Qdos can do for you 01455 852028

www.qdoshr.com

The keys to unlocking discretionary effort Discretionary effort is often described as ‘going the extra mile,’ this is the amount of effort employees are prepared to go above and beyond the level required simply to do the job.

Ask yourself if you had a gas leak, whether you would do something about it? Of course you would… so why would you not maximise other types of energy. Employees on average can offer an additional 10% discretionary effort, releasing that 10% could, for every 10 workers, give you an extra person in labour terms; unlocking this is paramount for employers who are facing rising costs.

Firstly, you need to understand that you as Managers, Leaders and Business Owners hold the key to unlocking discretionary effort.

You could start by simply ensuring that the following five tips are included consistently as part of your management guidelines: 1. Put as much focus on building confidence as capability.

2. Encourage managers to inspire instead of dictate.

3. Publicly celebrate and shine a spotlight on individual success stories.

4. Strive for ‘buy in’ rather than order, when introducing change.

5. Foster a fun team – studies show that a fun environment leads to a high performance culture.

A full engagement strategy is certainly worth investing in, particularly when recent studies have found that companies with high engagement enjoy 12% higher profitability. Toni Robinson www.qdoshr.com 01455 852 028 98 | NICHE

Get divorced in England – everybody else Is! You will no doubt have heard that London has the reputation for being the ‘divorce capital of the world’ with wives in particular fighting to get their divorce settlements tried here in England where they may have a choice of divorcing in more than one country.

You may ask why that is?

Research has shown that divorcing couples in England are more likely to get a better deal compared with other developed countries. For example, a study in 2013 found that the courts in England and Wales were more likely to award the wife longrunning spousal maintenance than courts in other developed countries such as the US and New Zealand.

You are unlikely to have missed the highly publicised case of the Cooper-Hohn divorce which saw the American wife of a London financier awarded more than £337 million pounds in the London courts. It is cases like this which make Britain the divorce destination of choice for the individuals of wealthy spouses who may live part of the time abroad.

If you would like to find out more information regarding the divorce process in England and Wales and how you instigate a financial remedy application in the English courts then our specialist divorce lawyers at Glynis Wright & Co will be happy to take your call.

Glynis Wright

www.glyniswright.co.uk 0116 238 5680

Saving tax on buying a Commercial Property Every commercial property will have items within the purchase of the building for which capital allowances can be claimed. Often these are never separately detailed, but they are there! If the value of these items is large enough, a capital allowance tax claim will be beneficial.

Capital allowances can be claimed on the deemed cost of many types of these ‘integrals,’ the most common found within a property being: ◆ electrical power and lighting ◆ hot and cold water systems ◆ heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems ◆ sanitary installations ◆ fire alarms and security alarms ◆ furnishings and fittings ◆ lifts What is the potential benefit?

Available tax savings will depend on your tax rate and amount of ‘integrals’ in the property.

Every case is different. But claiming capital allowances can save 5-10% of the cost of buying or building a property, or 15%-30% of the cost of a fit-out or refurbishment.

A client of ours recently saved £30,000 of tax on the purchase and fit-out of warehouse and office premises in Braunstone Frith.

What should you do?

Speak to us if you own a property and would like to explore a retrospective capital allowance claim. If you are considering buying a commercial property we would recommend contacting us before you make the purchase.

Peter Morris www.torrwaterfield.co.uk 0116 242 3400

Talk Business

It figures... We have the accountants and tax experts to make sure everything adds up for your business.

Friendly and approachable, we are on hand to offer you professional advice.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Accountancy

Liaison with HMRC

Audit

Payroll

Book-keeping

Sage training

Business development

Tax advice and management

Business start-ups

VAT returns

For more details of how we can help, please arrange a ‘no obligation’ meeting.

TELEPHONE:

0116 242 3400 info@torrwaterfield.co.uk www.torrwaterfield.co.uk Park House 37 Clarence Street Leicester LE1 3RW NICHE | 99

Accountancy & Finance

Human Resources

Executive Search & Selection

Customer Service & Sales

Insurance & Financial Services

Legal

Office (inc Marketing)

Specialising within seven business sectors, each of our consultants have industry experience within their sector, this enables us to be truly consultative with our clients and candidates. Our success rate is 3:1 in terms of candidates attending an interview to an offer being made, by this stage we have tested all skill set and Due Diligence.

The time we invest meeting every client and candidate is so important and ultimately the key to the success of not only our business but to our clients and candidates also

0116 254 9710 www.eileenrichardsrecruitment.co.uk Twitter: @ERRECRUITMENT1

With over 20 years expertise in the recruitment arena, Eileen Richards Recruitment Ltd offer an unrivalled service to our customers - clients and candidates alike. In most industries it is fair to say that people engage with people they can relate to.

What takes these relationships to the next level is the experience and knowledge that enables us to be consultative and tailor a service to meet our customer’s needs.

Working with some of the Midlands leading organisations, we continually ask our clients what we can do to promote their business as employers of choice and find the best talent to compliment their business and values.

When choosing partners to work with Qdos Consulting always search for organisations with mirrored visions and values. With ER Recruitment the partnership we have developed is based on trust, a mutual respect for the areas of individual expertise and the understanding of each others business aspirations.

Qdos Consulting are always delighted with the hard work and individual areas of expertise, that comes from multiple years of industry and sector experience that each and every member of the team at ER Recruitment have. When accepting a brief, ER Recruitment purposely look for candidates that match the brief, rather than other agencies who stretch the brief to match their candidates. Without a doubt, ER Recruitment take a consultative approach to working with Qdos Consulting, which is why we only ever recommend ER Recruitment to our clients, who are equally as impressed with ER Recruitment as we are at Qdos Consulting.

Toni Robinson - Director of QDOS Consulting

Connecting People, Businesses and Opportunities

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‘Brexit’ – Employment Law Implications

Energy saving has never been easier

High risk flood areas

The UK will go to the polls on Thursday 23rd June 2016 for a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union. If a ‘Brexit’ becomes a reality what would this actually mean for an employer?

We had a light bulb moment some time ago and decided to offer our Double Gold Package customers a little extra to make life even easier.

As ambassadors of the Niche Business Awards, we were excited to join the ‘Niche community’ at the launch event last month.

There were some interesting insurance questions fired at us and a common one was issues associated with commercial and residential property owners.

Working Time – Businesses could be particularly keen to see the repeal of the maximum 48 hour working week, and the removal of time record keeping requirements.

Discrimination – Protection against discrimination is a major part of EU law, and has influenced legislation which includes the Equality Act 2010. Leaving the EU provides scope for the UK government to change discrimination law.

Family Friendly Legislation Current rights to maternity, paternity and parental leave are often criticised as examples of business unfriendly employment legislation influenced by the EU. Although major changes would be expected it is possible that exemptions around family leave rights could be introduced for micro-employers.

The return of the control of employment law to the UK is seen as an advantage of leaving the EU from a business perspective.

The impact of leaving the EU will have on employees is dependent on the form that a UK exit would potentially take.

Currently the existing government would most likely be committed to business, a Labour government could be committed to the strengthening of employee rights even outside of the EU. Ivan Spibey 0116 212 1153/07712 115 663 info@atomhr.co.uk www.atomhr.co.uk 102 | NICHE

You’ve got the phone and broadband, mobile and energy bills all on one sheet of paper saving you hundreds of pounds a year and you’ve got the Cashback card you use at over 2000 retailers taking money off your utility bill. What more could we offer you?

To show our appreciation, our homeowner customers will receive free LED light bulbs. For life!

Our installation guys will replace all the bulbs in your home. Not with just any old light bulb though – LEDs are fully dimmable, the brightest and latest energy efficient on the market. The bulbs and their installation are worth £300 - £500.

And when a bulb needs replacing?

We won’t leave you fumbling around in the dark for long. We’ll send you a new one free of charge.

They use up to 15 times less electricity meaning that a typical household will use around 11% less energy forever!

This leaves you with more money and time to spend using your Cashback Card in your favourite shops then saving more money on your bills. It’s a vicious circle of endless savings and happiness really.

Join the circle.

Terms and conditions apply. Visit the website of Utility Warehouse.

David Goadby.

07736 146 400 davidgoadby@uwclub.net www.save-earnmoney.co.uk

East Midlands is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding that could affect up to 200,000 homes. There are also 60,000 homes at risk of river flooding (emcouncils.gov.uk).

Many people have been unable to claim on their insurance from recent flooding issues and property owners are concerned about high premiums and a lack of access to cover.

At Brooksure we have great schemes available for people who own and rent out properties from factories to homes in high risk areas.

We have policies for nonstandard properties and those with subsidence issues. A lot of companies won’t cover this but we understand that insurance is needed for these categories.

As expert brokers, we can keep costs as low as possible. We are transparent about what we do and yes, you could be paying extra of up to £200 to increase your cover but in the scheme of things, paying more to be insured is priceless in the event of a flood or foundations affected by tree roots for example.

Concerned about your property?

Call me for a chat!

Andy Shore 02476 499 000 www.brooksureinsurance.co.uk

Business insurance that sets you free

It’s time to experience the fexibility and simple way of solving your Business Insurance solutions with Brooksure. Insurance that not only covers your business, but also gives you the freedom to choose the type of cover you need. You can be lead for the most fitting bespoke provision each business is different, so is each solution.

So when you’re ready for real simplicity and more insurance freedom – you will find it at Brooksure.

Contact us

02476 499 000 - 0121 693 8740 info@brooksureinsurance.co.uk brooksureinurance.co.uk

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The Miller Partnership’s duo, Pete and Tracey Miller are never short on community spirit! When it comes to putting on a top-class event for local charity or getting stuck in to charity events in the community, this pair are the ones to watch.

Pete and Tracey are both extremely passionate about working with children focused charities. They are proud associates of The Lord’s Taverners – who enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities, to enjoy sport.

A fantastic way to raise money for local children’s charities was The Lord’s Taverners Gauntlet event, which took place last June. Teams were invited to take part in a series of wacky and outrageous challenges designed around well-known Leicestershire businesses and their products. Tracey volunteered for the role of Fund Raising Chief Whip and the support from the local business community was phenomenal.

Together they managed to make a staggering £75,000 profit for the charity!

Pete was also involved in The Lord’s Taverners ‘L Factor’ talent show back in 2014, where he was able to show off his singing skills, all in all making an enormous £60,000 for the sports charity.

Tracey is now preparing for ‘The Alternative Balloon Debate’, taking place in Leicester Cathedral on May 19th. This exclusive event will raise funds for the Lord’s Taverners and LOROS. The innovative evening of fun, entertainment and fine dining welcomes celebrities Nick Hancock, Derek Hatton, Angela Knight CBE and Caroline Aston. The evening will be hosted by former England cricketer, Paul Nixon (current Balloon Debate champion) and former England rugby player, George Chuter.

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As proud ambassadors of Soft Touch Arts, a Leicestershire charity who help improve the lives of disadvantaged young people, the Millers decided to host an evening of exquisite food and entertainment, earlier this year, to help the Soft Touch team celebrate their 30 year anniversary and promote their new ‘Cooking up Business’ initiative.

Aptly named ‘Fine and Funny Dining’, the event was part of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, bringing fine food and comedians together, to create a recipe for success.

“We wanted to put on an event which would complement Leicester Charity Link’s ‘Bellyful of Laughs’ which we attend every year, so ‘Fine and Funny Dining’ did just that.” Tracey Miller.

A number of businesses in Leicester pulled together to help make

this happen. Highly regarded Leicestershire restaurant, The White Peacock not only sponsored the evening but delivered a 3-course fine dining feast to a 70 strong crowd. Kong Events, Leicester’s event management specialists, also sponsored the event by bringing the headline act, award winning New Zealand comedian, Jarred Christmas, to the line-up.

The event was also a fantastic opportunity for local talent, including The Miller Partnership’s very own Pete Miller and some of his Leicester Stand Up Challenge comedic alumni, to perform their very own stand-up routines. The evening was a roaring success, raising £1,600 for Soft Touch Arts – which is of particular significance as it was the first time that the kitchen (donated to Soft Touch Arts by the Wooden Spoon charity) had been used for an event like this.

Talk Business

a l i P c a e r p tnership S A Exceeding all expectations, ‘Fine and Funny Dining’ went on to be nominated in the annual ‘Dave’s Leicester Comedy Awards’ for the ‘Make me Happy Community’ award.

Tracey was overwhelmed with the support and award nomination.

“The collaboration of great local businesses coming together to benefit terrific local causes is not only the definition of ‘community’ but a celebration of the values we can see are shared by all of this year’s fantastic nominees. The Miller Partnership are extremely proud to be a part of that.”

This wasn’t the first time that The Miller Partnership have shown their ‘funny side’. Pete took second place in the Leicester Stand Up Challenge 2015. The event managed to raise over a colossal £15,000 for Big Difference Company, a registered charity who work with children and older people to improve their health and wellbeing, and Tracey actually won an award at the Leicester

Mercury’s Alternative Business Awards, held at Curve, where she was crowned ‘Culture Vulture’.

Tracey has also played a more serious part in helping raise money for the Rainbows Children’s Hospice.

‘Fashion and Fizz’ was held at Leicester Tigers last October, and she was actively involved in helping put together the evening, recruiting Leicester City’s cup winning captain, Matty Elliott, and Leicestershire’s T20 hero, Paul Nixon, as her celebrity male models.

The glamorous occasion included fashion from Christopher Scotney, Abiti and Polly’s with prosecco for the guests. Overall, the event managed to raise an impressive £3000 for Rainbows.

Keen on supporting local children’s charities who help young people through sport, Pete is also a member of ‘Wooden Spoon’ who fund life-changing projects through the power of rugby, to support

disadvantaged and disabled children.

Pete and Tracey have also been involved in spot of golf, too. They were amongst sponsors for the 2015 golf day which raised over £10,000 for Leicester Mercury Business Awards 2016 winners, Alex’s Wish.

It’s clear to see that there is certainly no stopping Pete and Tracey when it comes to supporting local charities.

Next, they are hoping to put on an event at Leicester Racecourse, linking a number of the local Leicestershire children’s charities together. So, watch this space!

0116 208 1020 www.themillerpartnership.com

The truth about private healthcare Once you’ve had a private medical policy you won’t want to go back. NHS frontline staff are fantastic but there is no escaping the fact that it is struggling.

We are bombarded daily with articles and TV news showing the crumbling of our NHS and patients lined up in hospital corridors due to lack of investment.

But there is another option for us.

Following on from my previous column, having left AXA PPP, I pay for my own Private Medical policy.

I know that for my family it’s one of the best things I can invest in for them. It needn’t be the expensive luxury that many people believe it to be.

There are many plan variations that influence the insurance premiums. Even the least expensive premium will still get you operations in a private hospital with your very own room and access to full cancer treatments.

As a broker with 20 years’ experience, I can guide you through the process and give options on the varying levels of private healthcare plans. If you run a business the premiums can be far lower.

Friendly Solicitors K4 Law is one of Leicester’s finest and approachable firms of solicitors.

Based in the delightful New Walk quarter of the city both directors have become very well recognised and are respected amongst the city’s business fraternity; not least for their very friendly (not to say charming) approach to their clients.

Budget 2016: A ‘curate’s egg’ A welcome business tax measure in the March 2016 budget is changes to Entrepreneurs’ Relief.

Corporate tax experts were concerned about changes in last year’s budget which, although designed to ‘prevent avoidance’, adversely impacted upon business owners looking to pass on to their families.

Led by myself and Nick Foreman as company directors, their straightforward no nonsense and very affordable advice has time and time again cemented our reputation as first choice solicitors for both personal and business clients.

I was part of the team representing both the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) that met to discuss new rules with HMRC.

In this increasingly automated world, our Solicitors here know how personal your case is, and we’re committed to developing and maintaining that allimportant personal contact with you - our client.

HMRC listened to us and amended the new rules to hit only intended targets. These will be backdated to when the initial changes were first made. This shows what can be achieved when tax advisers and HMRC come together.

Another benefit you get with us is that you get to speak to your solicitor, not a call centre.

Other budget measures to benefit small businesses include making the use of company losses more flexible (probably from 2017) and cutting corporation tax (from 2017) and business rates.

Whether you need assistance with helping your elderly relatives write a Power of Attorney, recovering money from a customer who won’t pay their bills or navigating your business through a complicated lease or property acquisition – these are just some of the expertise we can offer here at K4 law.

The Chancellor announced rise in tax charge on loans to shareholders and anti-avoidance measures which will make life more confusing for the average business owner.

Call us for a no obligation quote to see if a policy is affordable for you.

Stefan Wardle

We offer a free initial consultation to new clients, where we attempt to identify your problem and provide a remedy as soon as possible. We also offer a free quotation for many of our services.

Kishani Navin

Collecting £12 billion extra tax through anti-avoidance aids was referred to but his estimates are usually way out and the amount of extra tax collected is often relatively low; introducing more antiavoidance is questionable.

Contact me for advice. Pete Miller

07419 764 565 www.vitalitybymme.co.uk

0116 216 0510 www.k4law.com

pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com

We also provide Life Cover policies helping your loved ones should anything unfortunate happen to you.

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0116 208 1020

Talk Business

SERVICES Dispute Resolution Commercial Property Wills, Probate and Trusts Buying and selling a business Specialist Law for the Elderly Settlement Agreements Power of Attorney Lease Disputes Moving Home Court Work

Friendly experienced solicitors I Straightforward legal advice K4 Law are solicitors based in Leicester City’s delightful New Walk.

Whether it be for a personal matter or a business issue, K4 Law have time and time again proved their reputation as approachable, friendly solicitors providing sensible legal advice at an affordable price.

0116 216 0510

info@k4law.com

100 New Walk Leicester LE1 7EA NICHE | 05

The bottom line of outsourcing

Competitive Advantage

Things I have heard whilst out and about

As sensitive and crucial areas of your business, you wouldn’t dream of handing over your accounting and bookkeeping to an outside company. But you might consider it after reading the benefits.

My Vistage members are individually and collectively working towards maximising their competitive advantage and are benefiting from the difference to their businesses that this creates.

“Leicester’s sporting success really is great for business.”

For small companies, employing someone to manage accounts full time can be costly but is inconvenient to have to wait until a part time expert is in to ask a question. Bigger companies will pay a large sum on salaries for a whole team.

Yes, outsourcing to a company with qualified flexible staff with the right skills to use various software for your business needs, will have a cost.

But in the long run, this expense will actually save you from paying a wage to an individual who will require holidays and sick pay. It will also save you time, which can be put to better use towards the promotion or operations of your business. This way, you can focus on areas that need development or to treat staff.

Whilst this may sound like we are rivals to hard working accountants, we actually work very well alongside them. Some of our customers are full time accountants who outsource their own clients more general work and queries to us.

“If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.”

Jack Welch.

Your ‘Competitive Advantage’ is the reason customers choose to do business with you. It allows you to build confidence and remove risk.

“I can’t wait to get out on my bike in the sunshine.”

From your perspective, your employee’s and from the even more coveted perspective of your customers? If you don’t already know then you should spend time finding it, enhancing it, improving it and telling the world about it.

After an iffy winter, as the weather improves, keen cyclists are itching to get out and enjoy Leicestershire’s rolling hills and country roads. I’m interested in the number of clients and professional contacts who enjoy or are taking up this pastime (and the drinks in the sun that come with it).

Why is ‘Competitive Advantage’ important?

“Is it just me, or is the traffic getting worse in Leicestershire”

It is fundamental to your marketing message. It provides a value proposition for: Revenue, Margin, Company valuation, Internal operations

It is a sad fact that with growth and development, comes pressure on services and congestion. Even the local villages and market towns are experiencing pressure as more and more people move to and invest in the region. Something for the local, district and county councils to ponder.

What is your number one ‘Competitive Advantage?’

“90% of the information used in organisations is internally focused, and only 10% is about the outside environment. This is exactly backwards.” Peter Drucker

By doing this, they have more free time to spend on more complex cases while those with routine queries are satisfied with the quick service.

Natasha Harris

If you want to make better decisions, gain momentum in your business and personal life, sleep at night and spend time with likeminded people, please get in touch and I would be delighted to help.

Chris Everard

www.mneaccounting.co.uk 0116 255 2422

07850 182 199 chris.everard@vistagechair.co.uk

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There’s a buzz about the city, in its restaurants, cafes and bars that shows people are excited to be here. The talk is of business growth, entrepreneurship and opportunity. It helps that the rest of Britain is watching us as one of the greatest stories of underdog success for generations plays out.

“Leicester’s sporting success means I can’t get tickets for anything these days!”

Well, you can’t please everyone now can you…?

Robin Johnston

0116 254 8871 www.braybray.co.uk

One Thing is Certain:

Uncertainty There’s an awful lot going on in the world today.

At home, politicians are trying to get us to decide whether Britain should stay in the European Union, or strike out on a different path alone in the world. At the same time those politicians are trying to win (or regain) credibility and public trust after one individual or collective scandal has followed another in recent years.

In Europe similar arguments play themselves out while the EU gets to grips with the threats of terrorism, extremism (Islamic and nationalist), austerity and anti-austerity and, arguably, the biggest migration and refugee crisis since the Second World War. Uncertainty is definitely the new normal.

Yet in Britain it’s not all doom and gloom. Statistically the rate of insolvency is dropping. Businesses, on the whole, seem to be growing and many SMEs, especially in the Midlands region, are looking to grow either organically or by acquisition.

In an uncertain world, some may question whether investing in growth is a good idea, but there is a good chance that when the dust settles and the business landscape is more certain those who asked that

question will be several steps behind those who just got on with it.

Opportunities for raising growth finance abound: while the mainstream banks are being more careful about who they lend to and how much, the rise of the challenger banks, various different assetbased lenders and a plethora of crowd-funding platforms, (together with a reasonable amount of Government-backed grant funding for job creation, or export finance) mean that those businesses with a credible growth plan do have a choice.

In many developing countries the visitor will be greeted by a climate of uncertainty (often fear) and certainly risk (financial or security).

Yet that visitor will often report a mood among the population of grabbing life, taking risks, evidence of entrepreneurial enterprise on every street corner as people hustle to survive and laugh, joke, sing and dance while they do it - from Africa to South East Asia to South America the same lust for life plays itself out as people make the choice between living in fear paralysed by uncertainty for the future, or striking

out, making their mark, doing their best and achieving what they can for their families, their communities and themselves.

Perhaps in the developed world we need to take a leaf out of the developing world’s book and seize the moment. None of us, not even the most seasoned analysts, can accurately predict the future.

However, we can prepare for it.

Today’s technology is streets ahead of what it was even two years ago and as technological advances continue our lives will be made easier, more efficient, we will be better able to communicate with others and share information and ideas (and even to wear technology in our clothing).

Many of our clients are seizing the moment and we are proud to be working with them as they do so.

0116 254 8871 www.braybray.co.uk

0116 254 8871 www.braybray.co.uk

Armed with these Campaign Objectives and our trusty spreadsheet (please see next page) we begin to research and compile a PR plan that is specifically targeted at delivering against those Campaign Objectives.

A big note of caution here. When you look at the spreadsheet please don’t think, ‘Oh my! I should be doing all these things?!’. That is simply not the case. Our spreadsheet is a draft and contains the most common elements we think about when we pull together a PR plan for a client. It’s not a complete listing of every available avenue and platform, that would just go on forever but it does cover the big headings.

How to ….

Write a Strategically Focussed PR Plan In the last issue of Niche Magazine we showed you how to set your PR Campaign Objectives.

Hope you had fun!

Talking of headings, you’ll also notice that there are some marketing activities listed here, some advertising activities et cetera. We really encourage clients to pull together a master plan that takes note of all the different activities going on within their business so that they, and we, have a full understanding of what’s going on and are able to support specific initiatives. It sounds so simple but so often one part of a business doesn’t know what another part is planning and money is either wasted or the spend is not completely capitalised on.

If you remember only one thing from this article please remember this;

Now you’ve got a clear idea of what success looks like to you and what, therefore, your Campaign Objectives need to be in order to keep you on track and focused it’s time to write up your strategically focused PR plan.

True added value comes from running totally integrated campaigns

Probably the easiest way to show you how to construct a PR plan is to use an example. With that in mind we’ve chosen a set of Campaign Objectives to work with.

They read:

What do we mean by that? An integrated campaign means that what happens during a direct marketing campaign is supported by an advertising campaign picking up on the same themes; by a social media campaign reiterating key themes and messages; by a sponsorship deal (if relevant) and last but by no means least by PR.

1. To significantly raise our profile across; a. Local and regional media b. The media of interest to our clients c. Our trade media 2. To build relationships with the media, including journalists and bloggers, so that we become the first port of call when topics relevant to our products, services or industry are being discussed

By ensuring that each part compliments and enhances the other you will receive that often all too illusive ‘added value’.

In addition your audience will find themselves being appropriately reminded of you, your products and services, and with a clear call to action they will respond.

3. To become known within our industry as thought leaders and to maximise on the opportunities this presents us with

If all this sounds expensive, it doesn’t have to be so. Another benefit of an integrated campaign is that a smaller budget can

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often look a lot bigger because you are maximising every penny and being creative with where and how you are spending it.

Working down from the top you can see that it reads ‘Draft 1’. Even when our clients approve a draft we keep in the word ‘draft’ because our view is that a PR plan should never be cast in stone. If it’s working, fantastic! (could it be working any better?). If not, it’s time to explore why it’s not working and what we can do to make it start working. As a matter of course we always review a PR plan every three months to make sure it’s doing all that it can and should be doing.

Underneath this is where you list your PR Campaign Objectives (what success looks like to you). They are there as a very visual reminder that this plan has been put in place to answer these PR Campaign Objectives and nothing else. Time and time again we see potential clients seduced by a special offer that doesn’t give them the visibility they require in order to answer one of their PR Campaign Objectives, but which was, ‘such a great offer, we couldn’t refuse!’. Keep your PR Campaign Objectives firmly in mind and you won’t go far wrong.

So, now you have a set of Campaign Objectives and a PR plan template to start you off have a look through each heading. Consider whether undertaking that activity will help you to achieve your PR Campaign Objectives. If yes it warrants further exploration, if no delete the line.

We’ve seen clients start off with just two or three lines of planned activity. As their confidence increases they add to their PR plan. We’ve seen clients note on their PR plan why they are not going to pursue different opportunities. That’s a great way of remembering what you are doing, or not doing, and why.

Remember there is no right or wrong, it really is about what works for you, your business and your PR Campaign Objectives. Play, have fun and enjoy the process. You can do it!

RDZ PR Ltd, 3 Barrow Road, Sileby, Leicestershire, LE12 7LW 01509 813 913 www.rdz-pr.co.uk

Talk Business

X, Y, Z PR Plan Draft 1 Campaign Objectives; 1.

2.

3.

Month One

Month Two

Month Three

PR Media Research Press Packs Forward Features Press Releases Editorials/Comment Pieces Ad hoc local paper submissions Clippings Social Media Twitter Facebook – company LinkedIn – company Pinterest YouTube Instagram Google+ Marketing Newsletters/E-newsletters Direct Marketing Campaign(s) Exhibitions (attending and exhibiting at) Seminars/conferences (put on by us/our network, attended by us) Networking Awards Advertising Sponsorship/Pro Bono Work Who, What, Where, When … And For What Purpose?

Costs

Results

NICHE | 111

Rethink your business

In small and medium sized businesses, owners often tend towards keeping account functions in-house. It can be quite a dilemma to consider outsourcing this function.

Unfortunately a lot of businesses consider only the cost while making this decision and not the benefits. However, there are some highly positive aspects related to outsourcing that must be weighed against the costs.

To outsource or not: The real question to think about is, ‘What would we do with the extra time we will have, if we outsource?’ Can that time be used better, to bring more revenue by meeting, networking and building relationships with your clients? Consider whether you really need to do your accounting in-house or whether it could be outsourced without having any negative effects on the business, your employees and, most importantly, your customers.

Perhaps in your business accounting is a mundane but crucial task done in-house because it has always been done like that. Do you have the necessary skills to do the job, or would it be better to outsource to someone with the right skills who can do the same job in less time and in a more cost effective way?

Outsourcing company: There is a lot to consider before you can outsource accounting. Check whether the supplier has the appropriate skills to

do the job, take note of qualifications.

They should also be flexible enough to use various accounting software such as advanced spreadsheets, Sage, Freeagent, Exact, QuickBooks and Xero.

Consider how well respected they are in the market and check their current customer experiences.

Also, check how quickly they can integrate your business. Are they financially secure? Competitive?

And, how flexible is the service level agreement?

Jenny Cross Managing Director, Cross Productions says “At Cross Productions we considered all these factors and whilst our accountancy service providers were great, we found that our staff’s time was being taken up with tasks such as credit control. When we would have far better return if this time was spent on more productive business duties.

We decided to work with MNE Accounting for this reason. It allowed us to rethink our business processes, integrating a customer relationship management system, this has a live credit control feed from our new accounting software.

We are now able to plan more accurately based on all these factors.

We were given a much tighter level of control for the management accounting reporting in realtime.

They say the strongest form of business development is recommendation, we can highly recommend MNE Accounting.

Call the number below and ask, what will I gain from outsourcing my accounting?” www.mneaccounting.co.uk 0116 255 2422

Corporate and commercial law specialists Business start-ups Shareholder agreements Partnership agreements LLP agreements Mergers and acquisitions Restructuring and insolvency Corporate finance Management purchases and sales

0116 254 8871 www.braybray.co.uk Spa Place, 36-42 Humberstone Road, Leicester LE5 0AE Tel: 0116 254 8871

Agency agreements Terms and conditions of business Intellectual property E-commerce Joint ventures Commercial agreements Employment law Earn outs and deferred payment arrangements

info@braybray.co.uk

51 High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7AF Tel: 01858 467181

33 Station Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 1AP Tel: 01455 639 900

A reality check for Cross Productions

Sparks were flying in the Cross Productions office last month when our people, processes and technologies were in the firing line

We had a visit from our Business Woman of the Year 2015, founder of the local business, Evolve who help to drive business forward to gain their maximum potential.

Although we work closely with Evolve and have and understanding of their business model, when Leanne Bonner-Cooke walked into our office, we were quite apprehensive about being in the hot seat ourselves.

Since setting up Niche Magazine under our parent company, Cross Productions in 2005, we have grown rapidly with great success.

But this success has come at a price. We have outgrown our systems and have found ourselves needing help with our internal procedures from an honest outside source.

As an IT professional working in the ‘80s, Leanne watched the transformation that quicklyadvancing technologies were having on business processes and their employees.

Realising that many companies were not engaging their people effectively and had inefficient processes that their technology didn’t support harmoniously, she set up Evolve in 2007 taking on businesses issues and dealing with them first-hand.

114 | NICHE

Working with blue chip national companies, Evolve has a proven track record of implementing sustainable change to drive forward business and increase profits with one firm saving £175,000 across 300 stores after working with the strategic software solutions leaders.

With such impressive results from esteemed clients, it was daunting to have Leanne form an opinion on the inner workings of our company at its most vulnerable.

Our management team gathered together for our meeting with Leanne. Her aim was to unearth what made each of us tick, how we worked best and what our personal goals were within Cross Productions.

The most important thing we found Leanne did was to listen. Without realising, our meeting had turned into a group facilitated discussion where we openly revealed our concerns and daily problems.

Our Operations Director Leanne Baker said: “It was a relief to hear someone say out loud the root cause of problems we were experiencing with organisation and management.

Having someone questioning the way we do things seemed harsh at first but soon made us realise that perhaps we do need to change in order to grow even more.”

Evolve push businesses into action after they have been standing still usually unable to understand why they are not moving forward.

“Leanne pointed out where we had been going wrong. It was interesting because these were things that had just always been that way and we’d never questioned why we did what we did,” our Operations Director continued.

Asking key questions of what we wanted our company to achieve, Leanne suggested intelligent, realistic solutions to help us reach these goals. She came up with ways to save on costs, make revenue improvements and most importantly; how to work with each other efficiently.

Putting plans and systems in place, in line with our available budget, for our future success created a real buzz in the office and had us bouncing ideas off each other. Allowing us to see in a new perspective we were able to point out each other’s strong points and qualities and adopt a positive outlook on what the next chapter has in store for Niche Magazine.

Niche Magazine Sales Manager Sally Smith commented: “It was great having the honesty of a third party.

With the customer relationship management (CRM) systems that

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Mar/Apr 16 / Issue 13

The

HEALTH, LEISURE & BEAUTY ISSUE MIPIM

TEAM LEICESTERSHIRE - WORLD PLAYERS

TALK BUSINESS COVER STORY

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#FindYourNiche

CALL NOW 0116 298 7460

FASHION | BUSINESS | HEALTH | FOOD | SPORTS

Evolve have suggested for us, Leanne and her team will be able to see our processes in even more detail so that we can make things more manageable.�

After an exciting first meet, Leanne created an overview to remind us of our individual goals and how we will achieve these in the long run.

Since leaving us with lots to think about, our general organisation has been a lot more resourceful.

From management to sales through to production, we are on our way to creating a better working environment with happier staff.

We will continue to work with Evolve once we have selected a CRM solution from the heavily researched document she has provided us with and are looking to host a business throw-down session every 3 months to keep us on target and challenge issue areas.

Professional Services NOW Bringing People, Process & Technology CALL Together

0116 298 7460

BUSINESS ANALYSIS from a complete IT strategic review to a business needs analysis for a new application

Bespoke Solutions PROJECT & PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT from simple Project Management to major programme roll-outs we can support your project team

www.evolve-consultants.co.uk 0116 298 7460

CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Whatever you need, we can build it!

Our experts in change management support your

in-house team to ensure new technology or processes are adopted NICHE | 115

Meet the Nominees Nominations are piling in and talk of the awards ceremony is buzzing in the city.

Silk Powder

Recognising outstanding Leicestershire businesses and individual professionals, the glamorous evening will take place 9th September, 6pm at Athena.

CATEGORY: Business

Tickets include entry, arrival drink, three course dinner with wine and soft drinks and access to the casino where all money raised will be donated to the Niche award winning charity announced on the evening.

The cutting-edge bridal, fashion, hair, make-up and beauty experts have a strong national presence accomplished by owner Bal Gill.

They are the official make-up partner for the 2016 Miss England semi-final and Bal Gill is on the judging panel.

Here are some of our fantastic nominees demonstrating the kinds of businesses we like to celebrate.

of the Year Independent Retailer Health & Beauty

Woman

With a glowing artistic flair and a life-long urge to help make all

Leanne Bonner-Cooke CATEGORY: Business

Woman of the Year

The IT professional has been recognised for her entrepreneurship, innovation and business brain.

Leanne had originally trained as an accountant but witnessing the technological evolution in the ‘80s pulled her in a different direction as she found herself hooked on IT. Technology had become more accessible and its increased efficiencies became apparent, but Leanne found herself frustrated that businesses weren’t taking full advantage of their opportunities.

Determined to offer something many IT firms didn’t, she set up Evolve. She offers her services as a

business consultant concentrating on the people and processes of a company and an expert who can develop their technology to realise the customer’s desired outcomes.

Her passionate business mind saw her through the recession establishing a credible business with high profile clients and has grown 20-25 per cent year on year.

Leanne has surrounded herself with people who share her passion and has given employees a share of the business. Every employee is motivated to carry the success of Evolve, which they have been praised for by their clients and Leanne herself. www.evolve-consultants.co.uk

Nominate until 31st May and get tickets at www.nichemagazine.co.uk 116 | NICHE

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things look pretty and see people smile, Bal has secured work for Silk Powder with celebrity faces for catwalk, magazine and television pieces. With the Silk Powder name, Bal has developed make-up brand, Lou Carvalio of which Miss England Winner Natasha Hemmings is the face of.

Silk Powder offers niche photography, wedding and occasion services including a vast range of modern beauty treatments including the famous Crystal Clear Micro-Oxy Facial.

Bal’s desire to pass on her skills to others led to the development of the Silk Powder Training School.

This offers VTCT accredited courses in make-up, hair, and beauty.

Silk Powder boasts excellent teaching facilities and is based in Stoneygate. Courses are designed to fit around the schedule of the students to help with part-time or stay at home mums and those who have a limited schedule.

Bal has trained all over the globe to ensure Silk Powder meets the highest standards possible. She has developed innovative ways to ensure she can help people to look and feel their best. www.silkpowder.co.uk

Sturgess Motor Group CATEGORY: Motor This family run group has been nominated for being an outstanding local, fourth generation family motor retailer, with strong roots in the local economy.

Their corporate environmental and corporate social responsibility management is spearheaded by the Board of Directors.

The leading Leicestershire car dealer was founded in 1897 by Walter E. Sturgess when he set up a small shop selling and servicing bicycles.

As the company became agents for the horsebox and trailer manufacturer Rice of Leicestershire, The Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen was granted in 1971.

Still maintaining the relationship with the Royal Household, Sturgess provide regular provision of service and repairs for horse and carriage trailers operated by The Royal Mews.

This paired with high quality customer service and aftercare provided to their customers offers a high profile, fantastic reputation and trusted name.

Verdi Home Improvements CATEGORY: Trade

& Construction

Damien Cheeseman and Ryan Beazeley wanted more.

They worked for a large home improvement company but saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market.

They loved the industry they worked in but hated some of the large companies views and values, especially the way they treated their customers and employees.

Battling through the months as just the two of them, four years later they now employ 33 people and are on the hunt for more to grow their home improvements empire.

They provide everything needed to make a house a home from

With association to the Royals, customers can also rest assured that Sturgess’ affairs are conducted with the highest level of scrutiny.

Sturgess Motor Group grew to become one of the oldest familyoperated motor dealers in the UK earning them a valued and respected name.

The Sturgess family are still very much actively involved in the running of the company and describe themselves as a happy, settled and well-motivated team who are solely dedicated to the needs of past, present and future customers. www.sturgessgroup.co.uk

The Bodie Hodges Foundation CATEGORY: Charity

conservatories and porches to orangeries and fascias to the people of the Midlands.

The Bodie Hodges Foundation formed following the tragic death of ten month old Bodie.

Despite a quick growth, they have stayed true to their ethos and values and respect and reward the great work of their employees with holidays and exceptional customer service remains the most important aspect of business.

They charity provides a holiday home for families who have been bereaved of a child and provide them with time away as a family to try and start to rebuild their shattered lives.

Verdi hopes that in the next five years they will have a branch in Northamptonshire and Warwickshire but no matter how big they get, they vow that they will always remember their pact of treating customers and employees with the utmost respect. verdihomeimprovements.co.uk

Bodie became an organ donor and saved the lives of four children. They aim to increase numbers of signups to the Organ Donor Register.

They have had articles in national newspapers, appeared on This Morning and have had the biggest team of runners (over 100) at the Leicester Marathon. www.bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk NICHE | 117

The Enterprising Women Awards provide an opportunity for women in business across the region THE WINNERS

to showcase their

Apprentice of the Year

work

WINNER - Jade Wilson, ACE Bookings (Derbys) HIGHLY COMMENDED Maria Potter, DIPT (Derbys) sponsored by Derby College

Business Woman of the Year WINNER - Deborah Bolton, Addo Food Group (Notts) HIGHLY COMMENDED - Jo Tallack, High Cross Leicester sponsored by Qdos Consulting

Community Champion of the Year WINNER - Rachel Hall, Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies (Notts) HIGHLY COMMENDED - Gina Repton, Children First (Derbys) sponsored by Niche Magazine

Female Employee of the Year WINNER - Ahlame Taha, Base Group (Leics) HIGHLY COMMENDED - Gill Lewis, UK Asbestos Training UK (Derbys) sponsored by The Springboard Consultancy

Team of the Year WINNER - Twycross Zoo (Leics) HIGHLY COMMENDED - Browne Jacobson (Notts) sponsored by RBS Corporate Banking

Enterprising New Business Woman of the Year WINNER - Suzanne Smith, Soteria Asbestos (Notts) HIGHLY COMMENDED - Gemma Orton, Mocha Marketing (Derbys) sponsored by The Money Shop

118 | NICHE

Andrea Allen Inspirational Woman of the Year

Talk Business

Some of the region’s most talented women in business scooped prestigious honours from East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards.

As the second-largest Chamber of Commerce in the country, the East Midlands recognised the achievements of women in business with the high-status awards earlier this year.

They included Andrea Allen, Commercial Director at Leicester Tigers, who was named Inspirational Woman of the Year.

Andrea spent 11 years in the United Arab Emirates in the aviation industry. She returned to the UK and joined Leicester Tigers in 2004, where her initial remit as Ticket Sales Manager, was to increase income from season and match tickets.

Two years later, Andrea took on responsibility for growth within the corporate hospitality and advertising side of the business followed by responsibility for the sponsorship team. During her time at Tigers, turnover has increased from £12.6m to just over £20m and, in September 2014, she was appointed to the board as Commercial Director.

“It was a great honour to receive this award and recognition for a lot of hard work by a lot of people at Leicester Tigers,” she said.

“The Enterprising Women Awards provide an opportunity for women in business across the region to showcase their work and all of the entrants were an inspiration to others to show what can be achieved in the commercial world.

“I am lucky enough to work in a vibrant environment at a club whose name is known throughout the sporting world and is associated with consistent achievement. This is true not just for the players but also for all of the work that goes into supporting them by the team off the field.”

Andrea and the other winners were

Headline sponsor

announced at a glittering ceremony at Shearsby Bath, in Lutterworth, in March, which was hosted by ITV Central Weather Presenter Emma Jesson.

The event incorporated the 2016 Enterprising Women Conference. Its keynote speaker was Bonita Norris, the youngest person ever to have reached both the summit of Mount Everest and the North Pole. She has been on five Himalayan expeditions, led teams to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and is currently training for her next big Himalayan expedition in 2016.

Jean Mountain, Chamber President and Joint Chair of Enterprising Women, said: “Congratulations to all the winners, highly commended finalists and runners-up. There were some very worthy entries for this year’s awards and the standard of competition was extremely high.”

Joint Chair Eileen Richards added: “The standard of entries has been very high this year. I think there is a real hunger among women in the business community to be recognised for their achievements and these awards are one of the best ways to achieve that recognition.”

Sponsors for the event were Cambridge & Counties Bank, Derby College, Chamber patron Qdos Consulting, Niche Magazine, The Springboard Consultancy, RBS Corporate Banking, Chamber patron The Money Shop, Conference Works and A-Star Media.

NICHE | 119

Get your name outdoors

Why bother writing a press release?

Planning a business event

Summer is around the corner. If you’re looking to maximise the lighter nights and enhance visibility of your business, an outdoor banner or sign can help attract attention of people who would have ordinarily passed by.

You’ve gone to the time and trouble to write a press release. You duly send it in and get... nowhere.

No-one calls you and asks for more information, not even the advertising guys! You think, “Next time I won’t bother!”

Business events when created and executed properly are a key part of most organisation’s marketing plans, consider these handy tips to help yours go with a swing.

There is a great choice of styles, sizes, materials and prices available but that doesn’t always mean that they are all suitable for outdoor use. If you’re thinking of ordering some exterior signage or displays this year then we can help you ensure you select the right type.

I hear this story time and time again and when I see the offered up press release quite often I can tell the writer why it might not have landed;

For example, did you know ‘A-boards’ aren’t the best solution for outdoor use? Even though you see them down high streets. They easily get blown over, damaging them, rendering them useless, wasting your money and meaning you miss out on opportunity to promote your business.

We offer purpose designed exterior signage and displays… from banners manufactured using mesh materials so the wind goes through them, to special display stands that are durable and wind proof, to colour fast flags to ensure the print doesn’t fade after a few weeks in the sun.

Get in touch to find out how to improve your outdoor signs. At Soar Valley Press we’ll offer our advice for free. Chris Goodman

0116 259 9955 chris@soarvalleypress.co.uk

1 Far too much of a sales push with little to no real news content at all.

2 Far too much technical data and/ or industry jargon.

3 Far too much detail resulting in a press release that’s verbose and overly long The last reason is a tricky one to broach but the offered up press release is just very badly written.

For PR success bear in mind most media outlets now run with far more freelance staff than permanent staff resulting in a scarce resource reading, quite often, hundreds of emails and press releases. To land in the media of interest to you it’s time to present them with something that they can pretty much pick up and run with. To understand what that looks like contact me for a free 2 hour initial consultation.

Have a purpose What feeling do you want your guests to leave with? Think about what you want them to take away from the event, work backwards on how you can achieve this.

Consider PR Consider events an integral part of marketing. It need not be obvious but events can complement PR and marketing strategy. Most events have potential to sell, market, build brand awareness, build relationships, provide PR and a face-to-face client meeting in one.

One size does not fit all Every event should reflect the guests or target audience. It needs to attract, excite and engage them. You may need to consider a series of smaller events, each tailored to a specific group.

Call us for a compassionate but honest review of your press releases. Rachel Hargrave

Reflect your brand Any corporate event is an ambassador of your company.

Even if you want to ensure a lightness of touch, it still makes sense to think how everything from the invitations to the décor reflects your core values – just do it in a more subtle and creative way. Jenny Cross

07976 806 578 rachel.hargrave@rdz-pr.co.uk

0116 271 2573 www.crossproductions.co.uk

In need of an I.T specialist...?

Tailored solutions for all - let’s talk 0844 372 9893 www.kazzoo.com 120 | NICHE

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

Make the most of summer

Our outdoor signage can help you make a big impression this summer

Soar Valley ContactPress our team for creative outdoor solutions from banners and flags to cafĂŠ

Our solutions are designed to help you look professional even in British weather!

style banner systems.

WILL

ROSIE

DAVE

ANNA

CHRIS

KATIE

0116 259 9955 www.soarvalleypress.co.uk | inspire@soarvalleypress.co.uk

Never run out of booze again with

Bottle Butler Leicester’s leading independent mobile app developers specialise in the creation of bespoke apps for your business.

Swipe and Tap always stay ahead with upcoming mobile technologies, and are pleased to announce that they are now able to integrate Apple Pay into your iOS app.

Apple Pay is a safe, private and quick way to make payments.

If your business relies on card payments, a bespoke app with Apple Pay could help to increase your customer purchases.

This is beautifully showcased by their latest innovative creation for the team at Bottle Butler.

We’ve all been there – it’s late, the supermarket has closed, and you want one last drink to finish off the night. Or, your party has suddenly run dry. Well, not anymore - the Bottle Butler app enables you to order alcohol and snacks 24 hours a day, delivered straight to your

Unleash the power of mobile apps for your business with Swipe & Tap

door within 40 minutes, across the Leicester city area and beyond.

Placing an order within the Bottle Butler app couldn’t be easier; choose from their varied menu of wine, beer, spirits, and snacks, make your payment at the touch of a button using secure fingerprint technology and your order will be delivered to your address within 40 minutes. With help functions and contact details within the app, the ordering process is seamless.

You’ll even receive a verification text which you just need to confirm, (please drink responsibly).

The Bottle Butler app for the Leicester area will be launched on 26th May 2016, ready for the late May Bank Holiday weekend, and is will be launching in other cities soon.

Swipe and Tap develop apps that can solve business problems, satisfy an unfulfilled need or may even be just for fun. A good business app can enhance your customer ordering processes or streamline your staff systems. Whether you need to maximise your resources or increase customer orders, an innovative app will help you reach your target market and build brand awareness.

If you have an idea for a mobile app, please get in touch with Swipe & Tap. 0116 268 8722 hello@swipeandtap.co.uk www.swipeandtap.co.uk

122| NICHE

A perfect experience

and flourish together

Unit C, Pasture Lane, Leicester LE1 4EY www.practicalprinter.com

Call us on

0116 253 1222

or email jacqui@practicalprinter.com

The Practical Printer Ltd Jacqui Womersley - Practical Printer @Practisedprint

Members of: BPIF Two Sides Best of Leicester

Solutions in Human Resources & Employment Law

Atom HR are Human Resources and Employment Law consultants based in Leicestershire, with coverage throughout the UK

We believe that understanding and complying with HR & Employment Law shouldn’t be like splitting the atom

124 | NICHE

0116 212 1153 0771 211 5663 www.atomhr.co.uk info@atomhr.co.uk We offer solutions to suit organisations of all sizes, but typically provide a comprehensive service to small and medium sized business. We can provide full Human Resources and Employment Law advice, but also act as a partner with larger organisations who already have a HR specialist in place.

Atom HR will simplify the world of human resources and employment law, and this will enable you, the employer, to make the correct commercial business decisions.

Our approach is flexible and we can provide a full or ad-hoc service.

To fully understand how we can help you, contact us for a free no obligation consultation

Talk Business

Telecoms

Digital marketing

In this age of comparison websites, ask for a quote from a local company for your telephone needs whether one business line or switchboard. We can beat all quotes, just contact us for a no obligation quote without the hard sell!

All businesses will now be aware of the importance of advertising through social media such as Facebook, Twitter and the like. Don’t hesitate to ask us how we can make this work for you at prices that are instantly affordable.

Web You may not realise just how many people make a website search their first approach to you for business. Make sure their first impression is a good one by utilising our web building expertise at really competitive prices.

Unbeatable for price and reliability

Quote ‘Niche’ to get a special rate on any of our services www.citycommunications.co.uk Suite 3, Elizabeth House, High Street, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GQ 0116 251 4344 sales@city-communications.co.uk

A fast and reliable broadband connection is necessary for the effective day-to-day operation of the majority of small businesses. It is crucial that speed issues are quickly resolved so disruption to your business is minimised.

What factors will affect my broadband speed?

There are a number of determinants that will dictate the speed of your business’s broadband connection.

Your connection can be slowed down by factors such as the number of people within the business using broadband at the same time, the time of day that you or your employees are going online, the distance between you and the telephone exchange, your internet provider’s traffic management policies, damage to the line providing an internet connection to your premises or incorrect hardware set-up.

Ensuring Broadband Speeds

meet your business needs practical tips for SMEs How can I improve my business’s broadband speed?

socket faceplate with a filtered faceplate or broadband accelerator.

Check whether your Wi-Fi is the bottleneck to better speeds using a Wi-Fi Checker.

Plug your broadband router directly into your main phone socket instead of using a telephone extension lead.

Try a wired rather than a wireless connection using an Ethernet cable to connect your computers directly to your router instead of using Wi-Fi. Upgrade your router if you have a basic or older router.

Avoid giving visitors your Wi-Fi password; instead setup a guest option on your router which will give visitor’s access to WiFi without compromising your security or bandwidth.

Avoid phone line interference by replacing your standard phone

What can City Communications do to help?

City Communications offer a no obligation consultation to review and improve your existing broadband products and internal network set-up.

Speak to the team or see the latest business broadband offers our site.

03338 004 344 citycommunications.co.uk NICHE | 125

16 Business Leaders. 1 Boardroom. Endless Possibilities.

16 Business Leaders

Since 1957, Vistage has been bringing together successful MDs, CEOs, executives and business owners into private advisory groups. Each group is purpose-built to help members help each other improve the performance and outcomes of their businesses.

1 Boardroom

In our groups, about a dozen executives (like you) meet once a month to solve problems, evaluate opportunities and work on an assortment of strategic and operational issues. Our 20,000 members around the world represent a wide range of industries and a variety of backgrounds.

Endless Possibilities

To nd out more about how you can develop and grow your business contact Chris Everard, our Since 1957, Vistage has been bringing together successful MDs, CEOs executives East Midlands Chair on 07850 182199, chris.everard@vistagechair.co.uk or visit vistage.co.uk.

and business owners into private advisory groups. Each group is purpose-built to help each other improve the performance and outcomes of their businesses.

Untitled-1 1

05/11/2015 11:35:04

In our groups, about a dozen executives (like you) meet once a month to solve problems, evaluate opportunities and work on an assortment of strategic and operational issues. Our 20,000 members around the world represent a wide range of industries and a variety of backgrounds.

To find out more about how you can develop and grow your business contact Chris Everard, our East Midlands Chair.

07850 182 199 chriseverard@vistachair.co.uk vistage.co.uk 126 | NICHE

Video Marketing Campaigns Take advantage of video to reach your target audience With the introduction of video to widespread social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram a new trend has been born into the marketing world. Short, snappy videos that tell your audience why they should love your product and yet it’s not aggressive in marketing it to them.

The marketing world is evolving around video with the latest update from brand management giants Hootsuite, introducing the ability to add videos to scheduled tweets.

It’s smart marketing and everybody is doing it. The world’s leading digital data collection company, Research Now, reports that 82% of Twitter users watch video and a massive 90% of them are doing so on a mobile phone or smart device.

Customers often approach us to film a specific event or exhibition, usually to create either a promotional video or a highlight video. These videos work wonders to document the success of the event but also to advertise the following year’s event.

“According to research 74% of all internet traffic will be video by this time next year” source: Syndacast

kinetalmedia.co.uk hello@kinetal.com 0208 144 0364

Sport

Hold your

HORSES

the biggest day of the year is almost here Leicester Racecourse is off to a running start creating a buzz in the city for Ladies Day celebrations

128 | NICHE

Sport

From elaborate headpieces to far out shoe designs, Ladies Day has shown Leicester Racecourse General Manager, Rob Bracken, anything is possible. He’s applied this notion to the economic impact that the 2nd July festival will have on the city.

Growing in accessibility, Ladies Day gatherings have experienced a rapid growth in attendance.

Rob said: “It’s a great day out.

People are more stressed, they’re working harder and longer and this is a chance to have a blowout, dress up and enjoy themselves.”

Rob has been pulling the community together like it’s going out of fashion. He has been blazing a trail by raising profile and engaging with the public.

Local companies are encouraged to take advantage of the stylish affair, as Rob says it is a great way to market business. Guests will need their hair and make-up doing, tans sprayed, nails perfected, outfits ordered, cufflinks sourced and more!

There is a hype of activity in the run up to the day and local shops are invited to enter the ‘Best Dressed Shop’ competition creating the best window display.

Adding feathers to its cap, Rob has directed developments worth £400,000 including a giant screen,

more seating and loos, a doubled entertainment budget and hospitality packages which will allow race-goers to witness the action from the centre of the racecourse!

With these changes, they are on track to see 14,000 attendees this year for 12 hours of fun and frolics.

The day will celebrate fashion as Rob selects a winner for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’, and it’s not just the visitors who will be on trend, foodies and drinkies will be in awe of the eccentric choice on offer.

“We’ve got 14 local food vendors dishing out exotic and traditional food, local company Steamin’ Billy serving real ales, a cocktail bar, an octagonal champagne bar so there are no queues and some celeb looky-likeys!”

A rise in profits by £100,000

And hang on to your hats ladies and gents, Billy Ocean will be performing along with Mica Paris, DJ Fast and firm favourite, Re-Take That.

For a range of brand new packages visit our web site. Standard entry to the racecourse just £29.

0116 271 6515 www.leicester-racecourse.co.uk Facebook: Leicester Racecourse Twitter: @LeicesterRaces

NICHE | 129

Foxes’

5000-1 Fairytale All season long, Leicester City fans have hardly been able to comprehend what has been happening down at the King Power Stadium. The club that started the season as 5000-1 outsiders have somehow managed to defy all the pundits to land the biggest shock in sporting history.

And no-one could claim that it was not deserved. The Foxes have been the most consistent team in the Premier League all season and have continued to bounce back in style whenever adversity threatened. They have shown that tiki-taka is not the only way to play the modern game, winning the title with a minority of possession but with pace, accuracy and an effective counter-attacking approach.

The club’s squad have also been recognised individually with Jamie Vardy chosen as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and Riyad Mahrez elected as the PFA Player of the Year. In addition, four City players – Vardy, Mahrez, Kante and Morgan - were all named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

The night that the title was confirmed, with Tottenham Hotspur only drawing at Stamford Bridge, Jamie Vardy really was having a party as the squad gathered at his home to watch the denouement unfold. Across the city countless numbers of fans also partied along.

After all, 5000-1 outsiders just don’t win major titles, do they?

#BackingTheBlues

Dad bod

to beach bod Lee Kingham had just turned 42 but despite being a successful business owner and having a beautiful wife and daughter, there was just something missing.

Weighing in at almost 110kg (17.2 stone) was the biggest he had EVER been even though he had tried repeatedly to get the weight off. Lee could not seem to find anything sustainable as his weight would just rebound after finishing his diets and would end up weighing even MORE than before.

Last summer Lee received some fantastic news, his wife was pregnant again with his second child. In the face of this he was starting to seriously worry that if he was going to continue down this road, he may end up not being able to support his family. Or worse, he may not even be around to watch his beautiful kids grow up and live into his twilight years with his beloved wife.

5 Things You Absolutely Must Do To Get In Shape This Summer The complete blueprint for losing fat and getting in shape for the beach this summer Avoid some huge mistakes and get guaranteed results. www.griffinfit.co.uk/5steps

After almost another five months, enough was enough. Lee had been unhappy with his body for a while.

Baggy t-shirts, tight fitting pants and getting out of breathe going upstairs – something had to change.

When Lee first came to us at Griffin Fit he explained that he had quite a sedentary job, used to eat cakes and biscuits with the lads at work and had started to experience back pain quite frequently; not helped by the fact he was overweight.

Lee opened up and told us what he found hard, why he struggled to lose weight, the fact he was dreading being on a diet, ‘hates

rabbit food’ and lacks motivation to train on his own.

What he wanted was a body he wasn’t ashamed to get out in front of his wife, a body he could feel comfortable walking along a beach with his t-shirt off, more energy and as he had entered a London to Paris bike ride in June; he had just six months to prepare.

So we put together an eating and exercise programme, which Lee actually enjoys and finds challenging. We also allowed Lee one meal off per week so he can take the family out and ENJOY LIFE – it’s not all about results, we’ve got to live too.

Fourteen weeks on and Lee has lost 17kg (2.6 Stone). Although his transformation is not yet complete, Lee can hardly believe the results he has achieved in such a short space of time.

He LOOKS and FEELS fantastic, but the story isn’t over yet. Maybe we will check in on Lee again in July and see just how far he has come with his weight loss journey, the London to Paris bike ride and his new-born baby. Just watch this space…

0116 367 8819 07817 915 485 www.griffinfit.co.uk

What does Lee have to tell us about his journey with Griffin Fit? What was your biggest worry or concern about purchasing the programme?

My initial concerns were the cost, will it be hell? But most of all, will it work? You see transformation pictures and read client testimonials and to be honest I was worried that maybe I’m just not that type of person to achieve those goals. I also love my food and was absolutely dreading a diet plan.

Have you seen any results since starting?

The day I started my training I weighed 109.3kg (17.2 stone). In the first 14 weeks I have lost 17kg (2.6 stone). I’m still amazed I originally only wanted to lose 1.5 stone!

Is there a specific thing you like most about the programme?

The amount of training. You would think you need to live in the gym to achieve your ideal weight. That’s not the case. I train twice a week for 45 minutes each time and while it’s not a walk in the park, it’s not hell and each session is over before you know it.

Can you name three other benefits?

Food: My diet plan is really good with good portion sizes (particularly the evening meal!).

Energy: I now have more energy and my knees no longer ache.

Accountability: One part of the course requires clients to take weekly pictures and weight measurements while at home, which are then sent to Griffin Fit. This really does keep you accountable for your own progress and seeing the change in your own body is all the encouragement you need.

What would you say to someone on the fence about joining?

Do it! Do your training, stick to your diet plan, don’t cheat and you will see results.

You will look better and be healthier. It’s not cheap but believe me, it’s a small price to pay, it works and you will see a difference!

Tough start for Lions

England are alive and kicking

As expected, without former skipper Jason Doyle, Leicester Lions have experienced a tough start to the 2016 season.

It was an amazing achievement for England, coming back from a disappointing World Cup in style not just to win the Six Nations but to complete the Grand Slam in 2016.

However, a thrilling 45-45 draw with the King’s Lynn Stars in mid-April has helped to raise spirits and the club are optimistic of an upturn in fortunes as the season progresses. Particularly encouraging has been the form of both Josh Auty and Patrick Hougaard in the early fixtures, as the Lions look to build a challenge for the play-off places.

The Lions also officially launched a sponsorship initiative recently to support the local charity Alex’s Wish and whilst it is early days the number of pledges have been encouraging.

Alex’s Wish is a charity that is close to the heart of everyone connected with Leicester Speedway to such a degree that the Lions team Kevlar suits proudly display their logo. Alex’s Wish are raising money to fund vital clinical trials and research projects to help change the future for boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Of course, Lions have no rider in the Grand Prix series this season, but many fans will continue to follow Jason Doyle’s progress with interest.

Under new Head Coach Eddie Jones, the players appeared more relaxed. Their reward was a first Grand Slam for 13 years. I have been involved with England at times when we have been on the brink of a Grand Slam but missed out. Several of the current squad had similar experiences in both 2011 and 2013 and appeared to be more resilient because of that.

A perfect example of Jones’ man management could be seen with his use of scrum halves.

Ben Youngs played throughout the tournament but was asked to start on the bench for the deciding fixture. Jones told him to ‘come on during the second half and win the slam for us.”

Danny Care started the game and scored the opening try before Youngs took over, made the decisive break and set up the clinching score.

England’s future under Jones suddenly looks rosy. The 2019 World Cup preparations have already begun!

The Aussie made a great start in the opening event of the year, in Slovenia, where he finished as runner-up to Peter Kildemand in the final – with a points tally that puts him in third place in the series overall.

As for the Tigers, the current season has proved to be a really tough one, though a long overdue successful European campaign has been most welcome, with the new capacity tested to the limit in the glorious quarter-final eclipse of Stade Francais.

Louis Deacon

www.leicesterlions.co.uk

www.matthampsonfoundation.org

134 | NICHE

Fashion meets sport A more health conscious population means a demand for more fashion conscious sportswear.

Our new collection, Mantaris by ELLESPORT blurs the boundaries between leisurewear and daywear.

This main line, is quite different to our usual labels. The high quality premium brand is made of the latest performance dry active fabrics and fashion detailing with cute and practical pockets, panelling and thumb loops.

The pieces create a trend setting capsule wardrobe for fitness.

Being tailored to fit the UK woman’s body, the range is flattering for all shapes and sizes.

With fashion patterns that blend sportswear with the latest trends we can do the school run and head straight to the gym without any funny looks!

As top of the range performance wear with a high fashion edge it’s great for people doing any kind of training from yoga and running to boxing and dance whilst being on trend.

For Personal Trainers or social media bods we offer the chance to become one of our Ambassador Affiliates. We will provide a code that gives your clients and followers the chance to purchase from ELLESPORT at a discounted price while you benefit from 10 per cent of the profit at no risk or commitment!

Contact us for more information on the benefits of becoming an ambassador. Charlotte James, Marketing Manager  01455 633 720 www.ellesport.co.uk

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NICHE | 135

Life outside the ring

Putting the zing in your performance

Excitement for Leicester

Life Outside the Ring When you are a professional boxer there is really only one target: to win a world title.

Many leading sports stars, including 2015 World Snooker Champion Stuart Bingham, have increased their skills-set and improved their weaknesses after taking part in a phenomenon about to go global.

The Foxes have achieved the impossible dream! Here are my thoughts on a truly memorable season.

I managed to collect both European and Commonwealth titles along the way but, after a technical draw against Scott Quigg in 2012, caused by injury, and an early win in a comeback fight in 2013, I found that potential opponents all seemed to be avoiding me.

Eventually I decided to retire and right now my plan is to carry on helping young people at Triple Skillz whilst generating a super gym.

My own small gym, set up last year, has now reached the point where I need to be thinking about something bigger. Building a super gym for all sports and all ages and giving kids a place to go is a big dream of mine.

At the minute I train people in classes at the gym for ladies only, mixed classes and also classes for children.

Anyone is welcome to take part in my National White Collar Boxing scheme where I provide eight weeks free training. At the end of your eight weeks, we will match you up with someone as best we can to take part in a Fight Night.

The next one takes place at Republic Night Club on July 16.

All tickets sales are used to raise money for the gym and also to support the Edgar’s Gift charity.

Rendall Munroe

nationalwhitecollarboxing.co.uk

136 | NICHE

Stuart won the 2015 World Championship four months after using the Zing Performance programme, which enhances performance by engaging the brain-body connection and develops primary activities like visual/auditory processing and social interaction. This is why the effects are far-reaching and long lasting. People of all ages and abilities notice improvements like short-term memory, greater spatial awareness, better timing skills, emotional control and concentration.

Starting with an ‘Insight Assessment,’ Zing recognises areas for improvement using sophisticated software based on neuroscientific tests developed by leading universities. Optimising the brain improves cognitive, emotional and social performance.

A personalised programme is generated, taking five to ten minutes, twice a day, to challenge the balance system, having an impact on the cerebellum and cognitive performance.

Zing benefits almost every kind of performance whether in business, sport or everyday life. Follow the link for an exclusive discount.

My thoughts are with James Taylor, Nottinghamshire, England and ex-Leicestershire cricketer, who has recently retired from the game and coping with a life threatening heart condition. Paul Nixon zingperformance.com/zfns

A spell of five successive clean sheets and only conceding nine goals in the last eighteen league games leading up to the title is an incredible feat for any professional team. More so when we consider that most pundits were pointing to defensive frailties over the early weeks of the campaign.

The Foxes have answered every question asked of them. For me, the key factor is that they are very much a team. They work so hard for each other, showing not only an individual desire and willingness to win, but also revelling in the plaudits handed to their team mates. They have an unrivalled team spirit.

Swansea tested them at a time when many thought the pressure of the run in may finally tell, especially with Jamie Vardy suspended, but they came through superbly and actually recorded their biggest win of the season. Instead, it was their only remaining rivals, Tottenham, who cracked.

A point at Old Trafford was enough to remove the last remaining room for error that Spurs had and, the following night, the reigning champions Chelsea drove the final nail into their London rivals’ coffin, leaving Leicester City as League Champions for the very first time in their 132-year history.

Well done Claudio and the boys!

Matt Elliot mattelliottblog.co.uk

Sport

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0116 319 6626 WWW.HASHTAGYM.COM

Leicester sports round-up As spring is almost over, tea time is in daylight and we start to consider doing something with the garden, it usually means the sound of leather on willow isn’t too far away.

There’s been plenty of change for Leicestershire County Cricket Club and the management deserve huge credit for the hard work they’ve done both on and off the field.

Player recruitment, the stands being renovated and and the coaching staff having their ranks added to. Now all that remains is for Andrew McDonald’s men to make it a season to remember.

That could be yet another successful T20 campaign (this time under the brand new floodlights at Grace Road) or even a charge for the purist County Championship.

At the recent annual Bodie Hodges Foundation dinner and auction (huge thanks to all who attended and contributed) a coach from our

professional cricket club admitted, ‘we’ve got some catching up to do in this city.’

With the football club having the season we didn’t even dare dream of, the Tigers continuing to compete amongst the very best in the game and the basketball lads piling the pressure on Newcastle to take supremacy from their nemesis, the boys at Grace Road will hopefully draw on their sporting counterparts and take that into their season. I hope so.

Ian Stringer

Get to Grace Road and support the players and staff if you can to possibly make this another sporting bookmark in our lives.

Our little city and county eh?

NICHE | 137

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Just off of the High Street, two doors away from Pilot Menswear

No Brexit for

Leicester’s Teams At the time of writing, the front pages of all the newspapers are full of articles propounding the pros and cons of Europe and whether we should stay or go?

Well, here in Leicester the back pages of the newspapers are full of articles about Europe too but the theme here is very different.

Because both the City and the Tigers are loving Europe just at the moment.

semi-final since 2009, against another top French outfit, Racing 92. By the time you read this, you will all know whether further progress has been made but, regardless of the outcome, all Tigers’ fans are thrilled simply to be challenging seriously for European honours once again after a handful of wilderness seasons.

Tigers have just given Stade Francais a sound thrashing in the Champions Cup quarter final and are looking forward to their first

At the same time, the Foxes have just secured a Champions League berth for next season for the very first time in the club’s history.

138 | NICHE

Hopefully, by the time this is published, City will have had a place in the group stages confirmed, with six mouth-watering ties to look forward to.

So while the politicians argue about the pros and cons, there is no debate here in Leicester. At the moment, Europe is a wonderful place to be part of and both Tigers and City are preparing to make the most of their chances. So the only question remaining is ‘is your passport up to date?’ Dave Smith

Leicester Riders

WALKING HIS OWN PATH Just over ten years ago Shane Walker left for America hoping to forge a career in a new found sport. His journey would see him pit his wits against

“I stayed for a year to finish my GCSE’s in England before heading over to America.”

with the 6’10” forward long beyond his college years as he would mix it with some of best around.

Walker was offered a scholarship at the University of Maryland after playing AAU basketball, but made a transfer after his freshman year to get more game time.

“We had made it to the first round to play Ohio State. They had a good roster – Jared Sullinger & Aaron Craft - Sullinger went on to play in the NBA and Craft was on the all-defensive team. They had a good team and we just didn’t have enough to get past them. They were one of the elite sides that year and I think they actually made it to the final four.”

“I didn’t play that much in my first year so I transferred over to Loyola University where I would graduate.”

some of the best in

“One of my biggest memories was playing at the Rupp Arena against Kentucky. We had stayed there the night before. We were treated like kings in the build up to that game.

I just remember wave after wave of people in blue, it seemed like the whole of Kentucky were going to that game.”

the country, before re-crossing the Atlantic once again to play out his dreams in Europe and Africa.

“I was really anxious at the start to be playing in America and live the lifestyle that it brings. It was really exciting for me to learn over there,” Walker had been late to find basketball and like most British kids has seen himself playing football rather than shooting hoops. But as he began to grow, a chance competition up in Cheshire would change his career path forever.

“I just kept getting taller - 6’4” / 6’5” - people started telling me I should play basketball. I decided to try it out, and although I wasn’t good, I joined my local side in Northampton.”

“I had some friends there and we all went to a camp in Cheshire, whilst I was at the camp they said they wanted me to head to America to go to high school and play basketball.”

“To be honest it was a struggle to start with as I had a lot to learn heading over there. I had missed a lot of years of basketball growing up so I was practising three/four times a day just to catch up. I kept it varied, practising with the teams but also individual workouts and working hard in the gym.”

“It was an adjustment period but one which I can look back on and be thankful for.”

That grounding for Walker would pay dividends as his Loyola side made it to the NCAA tournament in his senior year. A year that would stick

“We couldn’t even see how far back the crowd went. Then we got on the court and you have players like Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. All guys that are in the NBA now. They had a stacked team, we were so excited we kept it close for the first half but they were just on another level to us.”

“Games like that were tough to overcome but gave me some incredible memories. Memories that will live with me forever.”

“Looking back I feel that I should have made the decision that I wanted to make coming out of high school.

I wanted to go to Virginia Tech or Miami. I was talked out of it and talked into going to Maryland.”

“My advice would be to follow your own path. Do what you think is best for you as it’s your life to live.”

NICHE | 139

Sport

Sponsoring

a Tiger Signing a cheque to sponsor a Leicester Tigers player or coach means more than just a signature on piece of paper.

The support from local businesses is invaluable for lifting the team’s spirits and aiding them in promoting the club.

As one of the most supported clubs in history, Tigers are known for such a loyal fan base. Sponsorship from businesses solidifies the local ties helping to keep supporters in the forefront of the team.

Glynis Wright, Director of Glynis Wright & Co, a specialist family law firm said: “ Becoming a player sponsor for the Tigers has been a very positive experience for us. Tigers are a fabulous brand that we are proud to be associated with. We have had a great opportunity of meeting with other businesses who are also player sponsors at the evening events not to mention having the opportunity of watching great rugby. We have built a strong relationship with Greg Bateman who has attended business events with us and has met with our guests when we have hosted a table at one of the Tigers events. It’s a win-win situation.”

But what do the businesses themselves get out of it?

One sponsor says it’s a great way of building relationships with clients. Group Director Joel Mulloy at Abel who sponsors Manu Tuilagi says: “It allows me to get to know your clients on a social level outside of the office with some unique opportunities like getting to walk around the grounds.”

Sponsors and their families and friends are able to meet the players and coaches at exclusive social events putting them at the centre of the action.

Chris Cain, Director of IT company Kazoo, enjoys the benefits of sponsorship.

“It’s really good to have your name associated with a big Leicester sports team. Besides getting to go out on the lash and have a great

time, it’s really good for business,” Chris comments.

“Sponsoring Scott Hanson ties our name to him for the season, which gives us a lot of advertising.

We appear on the Tigers website and weekly magazine and we get to hang out with the player and coaches and the better Tigers do, the more people see us. “’We also get a lot of invites to Tigers events where we can meet with other businesses and make contacts and treat our clients.”

Sponsorship directly benefits the businesses involved but as well as this, these businesses are helping to support the local community and the next generation.

Leicester Tigers have been the driving force in schools helping children to learn through sports.

Sponsorships help the team reach their goal of achieving sustainable results in the community’s health, nutrition, education and inclusion to benefit thousands of youngsters around the region.

For sponsorship opportunities visit the official Tigers website. www.leicestertigers.com NICHE | 141

Striking a chorus for

Leicester Music Producer from Leicester defies the odds to turn his football song into the official anthem for Leicester City fans When Leicester City Football Club were too busy to think about producing a track to promote the club this season, Reece Nagra’s inspirational football song Fearless was put on the back burner.

The local music producer and owner of record label, Babycamp Records had previously written lyrics for what he hoped would become a hit with football fans.

After meeting up with old friends and speaking to football followers, he was moved to write a song to celebrate the clubs success.

Reece said: “From speaking to fans I changed a lot of the original lyrics to incorporate a lot of Leicester history and heritage. I wanted it to be less gimmicky and more nostalgic, to create an anthem that was down to earth for the people.”

It soon became clear that Fearless was going to be a success after playing it to a friend who would wake up with the song stuck in his head.

When BBC Radio 2 aired the track, Reece was inundated with tweets and emails and requests for selfies.

“I’m overwhelmed. It’s had a really good response. Even Serge from Kasabian has heard it!”

Babycamp Records is now proud to present Fearless as the official anthem from Leicester City Fans.

References to King Richard III, Pukka Pies and Claudio Ranieri represent the journey of Leicester as a whole.

“Leicester didn’t want to do a track but the fans did! I just hope in my heart that I’ve given them a good song; not just for the fans but for all the people of Leicester.”

Reece is still busy developing his artists at Babycamp Records and recently had one of his artists who has been with him since age eight appear on a Channel 4 documentary and featured in the music video for Lay it all on Me by Rudimental ft. Ed Sheeran.

Fearless will bring a tear to every eye in Leicester symbolising the unity and pride we all share of our city as a whole.

The single and video will be released 2nd May and is available now for pre order on i-Tunes.

www.babycamprecords.com

Motoring

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LET THE MOBILE GARAGE COME TO YOU NICHE | 143

Air conditioning

Ford Mondeo Vignale

4x4 for you?

Most vehicles today come with air conditioning and climate control systems as standard. Anyone who has been stuck in a hot car during the summer will know how valuable air conditioning is, however not many people know that along with your vehicles mechanics, the air conditioning system should also be serviced.

Ford is heading up market, increasing their brand awareness and this car is a great front runner for the brand.

The spring and summer time is upon us and many of us will be planning adventures and activities that allow us to make the most of the summer.

It is estimated that up to 15% of the refrigerant gas is lost annually meaning that your air conditioning system will not be as efficient as it should be.

Eventually lack of maintenance will give you a costly repair bill for new condensers or compressors.

It is generally accepted that you should service your air conditioning system every two years or every 30,000 miles.

This is not part of routine vehicle servicing, so if your vehicle is more than two years old it’s probably due an air-con recharge.

The process is quite simple and involves removing any old refrigerant gas and oil from your air-conditioning system and replacing it with the correct amount of new gas and lubricant.

Generally a vacuum test is also performed to ensure there are no cracks or damage in your airconditioning system that could cause the gas to leak out.

That stale air-con smell? It is advisable to include a system cleaner to remove any unpleasant odours caused by a build up of harmful bacteria in the system that would otherwise circulate in your car.

Dean Riley 0800 859 5283 www.themobilegaragepeople.co.uk 144 | NICHE

Exterior: Vignale badges hint something is different, extra trim is gentle on the eye and it is a brilliant looking car. Ford are really pushing the new exterior and are producing very good looking cars.

Is it enough though, to persuade the Germanic faithful?

Interior: Fantastic specification and finish - seriously impressed.

The high quality components used allow this step up into a new class which is why I am really excited to see how much market share is taken back from the German brands.

Engine/Power: 2.0 TDCi 180 Automatic Ride and Handling: Combining comfort driving, and the ability to have fun at the same time is what the market demands, and Ford have delivered. You still have fun but look professional.

The Competition: BMW 3 & 5 series, Mercedes C Class, Audi A4 and VW Passat. There are obviously more but I’m taking a calculated guess that the Ford team made this their target.

Closing Thoughts: I was expecting to be let down, but if you have read this through then you might have guessed that I was totally converted by this car. This is what the market has been crying out for - to take the market share back from the German brands. Serious contender. Harry Hill 0116 251 1122 www.totalmotion.co.uk

From holidays with the family and trips with friends, having the big day and getting married to taking part in events or getting some time to indulge in your favourite hobby, the summer months bring many opportunities for enjoyable and fun times.

At times, the trickiest part of the plan is transportation; how to get everyone to where they need to be is often an annoyance. Our usual vehicle isn’t always the most practical option, but 4×4 vehicles can offer a good solution.

You may not need a 4×4 vehicle for 51 weeks of the year, but on that one occasion, it can really come into its own and deliver exactly what you need.

4×4 vehicles offer a great driving experience and they also have the space (up to 7 seats) to comfortably fit all passengers in with ease.

They offer a practical solution for off road driving, towing and storage, yet combine this perfectly with style and luxury. This makes a 4×4 vehicle as suitable for driving on city streets or up to the door of the top hotels as it is on remote country lanes or on a farm.

If 4×4 Vehicle Hire could help you plan for your summer, then visit the website for more information, advice and guidance.

Ram Karia 0116 208 1380/07821 747 469 4x4vehiclehire.co.uk/leicester

Q: Where would you lease your next car or van from?

A: Total Motion

0116 251 1122 . www.totalmotion.co.uk

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Out & About

BILLY OCEAN

Leicester City are Premier League Champions and the city is in the midst of madness and celebrations. Leicester has got football fever and rightly so. I had my first season ticket at Filbert Street when I was 9 years old and in all these years I’ve never seen anything like this. Crazy times!

Sir Elton John at Leicestershire County Cricket Club on Saturday 11 June. Tickets for all of these shows are selling fast so don’t miss out. Over at Leicester Racecourse the attendees of highlight fixture ‘Ladies Day’ will be treated to the soothing tones of Billy Ocean 2 July.

But what else, other than the sport, is going on in our lovely city? First up; MUSIC. Don’t miss out on some great gigs from the likes of Less Than Jake (4 May, O2 Academy, Travis (16 May at De Montfort Hall), Tony Wright from Terrorvision (22 May at The Soundhouse), Adam Ant (24 May at De Montfort Hall), The Last Shadow Puppets (31 May at De Montfort Hall) and, of course,

Elsewhere around town, Bruxelles on High Street have a great after work treat for a sharing cheese board and 2 glasses of Prosecco for £15 from Monday to Thursday, or why not upgrade to the whole bottle for an extra £5?

The Kitchen at The Cookie, also on High Street, have also just released their brand new spring menu and it’s lip smackingly

great. Chorizo and Chickpea Stew with Cornbread Dumplings? Oh go on. What’s more they’ve got a great lunchtime meal deal for just £5 happening from Wednesday to Sunday from midday to 3pm.

Now we’re just waiting for the sun to start shining so we can get our beer garden face on. Check back in the next issue for our guide to Leicester’s best outdoor drinking spots!

Keep up with very latest from Cool As Leicester.

www.coolasleicester.co.uk Twitter @coolasleicester.

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MUSIC IN THE PARK Saturday 11th June Charity concert

Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of music and fireworks infront of Wistow Hall.

All ages welcome.

Gates open 5.30pm Concert 7.30pm Fireworks 10.00pm Adult £15 (on the night £20) 10-16’s £5 Under 10’s Free

0116 231 8431

www.wistow.com Tickets available from Baileys at Wistow Rural Centre, and at all 24 LOROS Shops throughout Leicestershire & Rutland.

Or call the Credit Card Hotline on 0116 231 8431.

Hampers can be ordered in advance from the Wistow Café and collected at the concert on the night.

Ring 0116 259 3756 for more details.

Raising money for LOROS & Leicester Charity Link

Itinerary

Billy’s Euro Charity Bike Ride

WE’RE BIKING TO THE

CITY OF BIKES!

We’re looking for intermediate riders to join us for a three day jolly cycling to Amsterdam, in the name of charity! We need six more riders to take our group up to 12, can you spread the word or nominate any riders?

Steamin’ Billy

Sunday 14th August 2016 Minimum sponsorship required £750 each £500 to the charity + £250 expenses

billy@steamin-billy.co.uk www.steamin-billy.co.uk

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1. Depart Harwich 11pm Sunday 14th August for the overnight ferry to Hook of Holland 2. Start cycling with overnight stay in Arnhem (140km) 3. Tuesday morning head to Amsterdam with overnight stay (110km) 4. Wednesday morning cycle back to Hook of Holland for the overnight ferry at 11pm, arrive back in Harwich at 7am Thursday morning.

Wedding Belles

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Unveiling

Leicester’s hidden history With the help of the local community, the revival of a historical fairy-tale-like manor will be revealed later this year

Hidden beneath a magnificent enclosing of mature trees, the ancient Abbots Oak manor house, overgrown and undergoing renovation, echoes a setting from a Charles Dickens novel and is a treasure trove of well-kept secrets.

Dating back to the 17th century, Abbots Oak is a grade II listed building that started life as a chapel.

Above the entrance reads ‘Peace be to this house,’ a gentle motto added by a local architect and solicitor Thomas Nevinson who finished the gothic revival of the property’s tower in 1864.

As figures of historical importance added to the building throughout centuries, the last of which was

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almost a third of the building by Judge Joyce in the 1900s, the chapel became a dearly loved home by all who came across it.

Leicestershire husband and wife Anthony and Sarah Kurr saw an opportunity to rekindle a forgotten romance with a house that epitomised charming English tradition. Their plan was to start an affordable and accessible restaurant, boutique hotel and wedding and events venue.

Located on the edge of Charnwood forest, home to deer and other woodland creatures with a square fairy tale tower at its centre, surrounded by forest-like gardens and a wishing well hiding somewhere

Out & About

in the thicket, Anthony described Abbots Oak as a ‘natural childhood environment with a Snow White feel.’

Stumbling upon a magical mirror or spindle in one of the many rooms would be unsurprising.

“We want to bring local people together in something that is theirs”

The couple’s dedication has meant living in the leaky-roofed, unheated, unserviced manor for three years as they battled for permission to restore the listed building to the quintessential country home it once was.

Much of the building work has been done by local builders Martyn Snutch.

Their team of skilled craftsmen have seamlessly restored the building from the Swithland Slate Rood to the antique fittings of the building to their original condition. The charming tucked away building will be revealed later in the year when guests can visit for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, stroll the grounds and book a stay in a lavish room overnight.

The couple welcome christenings, conferences and parties, and the manor has already had wedding enquiries into 2018. Overlooking the five surrounding counties, the tower also adds to a romantic hideaway feel or eccentric party location.

Sarah commented: “We want the public to know that we are welcoming them into our home. We want to bring local people together in something that is theirs.” People are encouraged to come as they are into the relaxed setting with open fires in the winter and sunny terrace and Cedar lawns in the summer.

Every chapter of the restoration has been locally focussed, employing local companies such as inspirational kitchen designers Bluestone Catering Solutions, HSSP architects, William Hercock Building Suppliers and Barkers Interiors, plus many local food suppliers.

Healthily produced beef from local farm Tory and Bens will provide the kitchens with a traditional English breed to replicate food eaten in the past, cheeses will be supplied by local companies Sparkenhoe Dairies among others and arrangements with Bradgate Park venison and Charnwood Brewery are established.

The gardens will be gradually restored with Victorian greenhouse, Kitchen garden and orchards

Legend Has It King Arthur’s last battle is said to have taken place at Barden Hill, visible through the window of the main reception room between the trees. providing a suggestion of times gone by. Conscious of their carbon footprint, a biomass boiler will be sustainable and green and supply the rooms with ample hot water and heating.

The couple are eager to take guests back in time to the luxury of many bygone eras. The interiors have a great Elizabethan feel with carvings depicting the Queen and a continuation of design work dating to Edwardian times.

Sarah said: “We’re going to recreate the authentic luxurious olden day feel but with all the modern day comforts. So when you wake up from your vi-sprung bed and make a coffee with the espresso machine, next to it will be the traditional cut glasses for your water and all modern luxuries in the bathrooms.”

And as you come downstairs for breakfast, you will be stepping on an elaborately carved oak staircase said to be taken from the Pall Mall home of Nell Gwyn, mistress of King Charles II and re-sited in the Tower.

Anthony said: “It’s been in private hands for so long that it’s gradually lost its historical documents and what we have now are anecdotal stories but we are constantly finding out new things. The chapel could be medieval but this can only be guessed from the architecture. Many thanks go to the local people who are helping to piece together the story of Abbots Oak. “We’ve recently found that the cellar beneath the chapel has in part been sealed off, Sarah is desperate to get behind it to see what its hiding.”

Sarah is also keen to find a link to King Richard III in their research.

As visitors will see upon its reveal, despite the lack of a magical mirror, Abbots Oak still simply emanates fairy tale romance.

Book for Lunches, dinners, afternoon teas, birthdays, weddings, parties and conferences.

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Glastonbudget Tribute Festival

True to style the line-up at this year’s premier UK tribute music festival is a bevy to behold. There’s acts performing in awe of The Stone Roses, Tina Turner, David Bowie, The Jam and Guns n Roses, this is just a sprinkling of talent on main stage. Original bands, cover acts and local grass-root talent will also be playing for you aural pleasure.

Glastonbudget are proud to announce first time compere for the event, as Steve ‘Krusher’ Joule. Krusher comes from the UK hall of ‘Rock Fame’ having worked with some of the very best on and off stage. He was the creative talent behind some of the most memorable album covers from Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Motorhead and Japan to name a few. Krusher also edited the metal magazine Kerrang as well as MC’ing the legendary ‘Monster’s of Rock’ and ‘Ozfest’ festivals back in the day, he also had several stints as club and radio DJ as well as TV presenter.

d lastonbudget an Nick Tanner, G ’ Joule Steve ‘Krusher

Our friends at Glastonbudget have given us a reader competition to give one lucky entrant to win a taste of luxury at Glastonbudget. 4 VIP weekend entry tickets with some pretty amazing add on’s including ‘posh-wash’ showers, late night entertainment and an essentials packed goodie bag. When the night is done you can retire to your 5m fully furnished Bell tent for the height of luxury in field dwelling. Isn’t this the way camping should be... it’s ‘Magical Camping’.

These tents look romantic and stylish. The design is simple: natural cotton canvas draping down from a central pole, which is held tight by guy ropes to create a distinctive oldfashioned shape outside and a wonderfully ambient space within.

Bell Tents provide a great space for camping at Glastonbudget.

To enter simply email your Name, age, address and phone number to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk You must over 18 to enter, the prize is for you plus 3 guest, no cash alternative, competition closes 23rd May, winners will be contacted by phone, existing ticket holders will get the upgraded offer. Further terms and conditions apply.

What’s On

PinK & Scary Party October 28th Queens Hall Mercure Hotel Leicester 7 ‘til late Fizz and Canapés on arrival

Disco, Fun Games and Drag Acts

£10

Tickets online at Eventbrite or call 07711 043 901 for more information Fancy Dress optional - Pink and Scary

Beast Cancer Awareness Month Part of Leicester Business Festival NICHE |NICHE 03 | 05

Bodie Hodges The Bodie Hodges Foundation held their 4th Annual Sports Dinner at Leicester Tigers and a Managers Special Q&A with guest speakers were Richard Cockerill (Leicester Tigers), Rob Paternostro (Leicester Riders) and Nic Pothas (Leicesetershire CCC).

The help of 250 guests helped raised ÂŁ19,000 towards a holiday lodge that will be used by families bereaved of a child. Awareness of the Organ Donation Register was promoted and 35 people signed up to help young Matthew Pietrzyk who is desperate need of a kidney.

Entertainment was provided by King Brasstards, Magic Amit with his exceptional hypnotism and magic show and a game of celebrity Heads & Tails with contributions from many sports stars. The Q& A with the Managers gave a fascinating insight into life at Leicester’s leading professional sports clubs.

There was an incredible range of auction lots ranging from a Lionel Messi signed shirt, Muhammed Ali signed print through to a VIP Great North Run Entry inclusive of a helicopter flight. This made a significant contribution to the over amount raised.

Legally Blonde Always a sucker for high camp musical Niche were there in force for the press night of Legally Blonde at Curve and ‘OMG you guys!’ that’s what we got. The audience pleasing performance delivered all the well-known sayings to much delight.

When the beautiful and popular sorority sister Elle Woods gets dumped by her boyfriend Warner for a more ‘serious’ girlfriend, she is left with only one logical choice – she packs up her pooch and bags herself a place at the prestigious Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back her man. But what she finds there is so much more.

TOM WREN@CREATIVEBYWREN

This witty, fun-filled and feel-good production is about following your dreams and staying true to yourself.

In Elle’s world, anything is possible and the feeling is infectious.

Star of the show ‘Bruiser’, took centre stage before the curtain lifted as guests met the pampered pooch for a photo and pawtographs (I know).

Loros Fashion “We just wanted to say thank you again to all of you who helped, modeled, attended and enjoyed yourselves and all who raised all that lovely money for LOROS!!!

A big thank you to our sponsors Cartwright King Solicitors and Marks Electrical. Also a big shout out to those of you who donated to us as you could not attend in particular Sue Wilkes and all her very generous Weight Watchers.

All in all we raised just under £11,000 profit for this amazing charity” Charlotte Thompson & Imogen Cox

Wo dside

in the Community

We are one of the best performing animal centres in the UK!

WE NEED

In the last 10 years we've rehomed 36,240 animals!

In 2015 94% of our animal intake was rehomed, reclaimed or released

Our animal return rate was at it's lowest in 2015 at just 3% of our yearly intake!

YOU!!

There are loads of ways that you can help us continue to care for our amazing animals: Dog Walking

Reception

Admin

Cat Fosterer

Events

Cattery Assistant

Fundraising

Home Visitor

Charity Shops

Kennel Assistant

If you want to help one of Leicester's most historic charities call us on: 0116 224 2437 or email vc@rspcaleicester.org.uk!

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The Dog Parlour – Groomers to the Stars!

Tantrums & Tiaras – Celebrities & Sequins?

Saturday 16th April witnessed one of the canine stars of Legally Blonde, currently playing at Curve Theatre, Leicester descending on The Dog Parlour, Leicester Rowena Wyevale Garden Centre in Rothley for a ‘pre-show’ VIP pampering and grooming appointment!

Buster Brown (played by Leicesters local Chihuahua GaGa), the infamous and energetic crowd pleaser found time in her busy schedule to leave the Papparazi and the adulation of audience applause behind to drop in for a very special hair styling and pampering session at one of Leicester’s newest, chic Dog Grooming Salons – ‘The Dog Parlour!’

In true ‘A’ Lister style, Buster Brown (AKA GaGa) arrived, chauffeur driven amidst fanfayre and red carpet with VIP treatment all the way. Photography was carefully orchestrated by Maz of Leicester as GaGa walked the red carpet, posing for her fans in time honoured tradition.

GaGa was accompanied on the day by her special friend, Poppy, a stunning black Labrador who not only helped keep the adoring fans at bay but also enjoyed the experience of ‘The Dog Parlours’ foaming, massaging bathing experience, followed by a special manicure, blow dry and leaving the salon in a bouquet of the most exotic canine fragrance.

Poppy’s owner, Barrie Stephen, Leicesters’ hairdressing entrepreneur was thrilled with the overall experience and result.

Look out for GaGa playing Buster Brown at Curve Theatre, Leicester in Legally Blonde and covet that stunning hair style!

Following the amazing success of one of the most chic dog grooming salons in the area, The Dog Parlour want your dog to experience and enjoy the quality and talents of our incredible stylists and state of the art equipment.

From a luxurious bathing experience, nail clipping and ear cleaning to a full groom it truly is luxury all the way in surroundings your precious dog can relax in and enjoy……Why?...because they’re worth it!

Free Parking • Loyalty Discounts • Extended Opening Hours To secure your appointment email us at info@thedogparlours.com or call 07340 832 682

Leicester Rowena a Wyevale Garden Centre. Loughborough Road. Rothley. Leicester. LE7 7NL.

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∞ IN ASSOCIATION WITH LOUGHBOROUGH ENDOWED SCHOOLS

A CHARITY FESTIVAL OF

RUGBY MUSIC

& FOOD

Y L U J

6 1 0 2

RUGBY 10S TOURNAMENT TH WOMENS 7S TOURNAMENT KIDS TAG RUGBY TRADITIONAL BBQ 10AM ONWARDS - DONATION ON ENTRY PIMMS TENT GIN GARDEN LOUGHBOROUGH GRAMMAR KIDS ZONE SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES WOODHOUSE RD HOSPITALITY MARQUEE QUORN LE12 8AJ RUGBY VILLAGE FOLLOWED BY PARTY ON THE PITCH - 8PM ONWARDS

16

W W W. R O B B I E S R U G B Y F E S T I VA L . C O M Registered Charity No: The Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust: 1125406

Robbies Rugby Posters 20163.indd 1

The Jake McCarthy Foundation: 1151542

21/04/2016 15:44

t. e. w.

0116 402 6222 salon@barriestephenhair.co.uk barriestephenhair.co.uk

SALONS ANSTEY The Nook LE7 7AZ

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH Castlegate House LE65 2FH

LEICESTER King Street LE1 6RJ

NARBOROUGH Carlton Park LE19 0LF

W W W. G E O R G I E S T E E P L E S . C O M