Niche Magazine Issue 16 by Cross Productions

September/October 2016

St Martins House The

AUTUMN ISSUE

FLEXIBLE ACCOMODATING CITY CENTRE VENUE

Business Awards

FINALISTS

Plus

Brexit Focus

#FindYourNiche FASHION | BUSINESS | HEALTH | FOOD | SPORTS

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

t. e. w.

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

SALON LEICESTER 6B Hotel Street LE1 5AW

Part of the

Group

The Team

Cover:

St Martins House Stmartinshouse.com

Photography courtesy of:

Joe Whitmore 07887 812 321 Jwhitmorephoto.co.uk Andy Ward 07540 722 628 Brill-creative.com Scott Choucino 07843 091 419 Scottchoucino.com

Official Media Sponsors of the Leicester Riders

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

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

Also Sponsoring Robbie’s Rugby Festival Leicester Law Society Awards Breast Cancer Pink & Scary Party Menphys Rainbows

Published by Cross Productions Ltd Nichemagazine.co.uk info@crossproductions.co.uk Tel: 0116 271 2573

Disclaimer – Niche Magazine and Cross Productions Ltd are 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 Mediamattersdirect.co.uk Self Select Distribution Selfselectdistribution.co.uk Niche App Download for free!

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Operations Director Leanne Baker 0116 271 2573

Sales Director Sally Smith 07931 220 116

leanne@crossproductions.co.uk

sally@crossproductions.co.uk

Design Editor Susan Holmes

Senior Journalist Kerry Smith

susan.holmes@crossproductions.co.uk

kerry@crossproductions.co.uk

Sales Executive Sharon Hodges 0116 271 2573

Sales Executive Zara Tyers 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, 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 | 03

VISIT US IN-STORE & ONLINE

Editor’s Letter

A Word from the Editor Let’s talk about Christmas! For some it is the most wonderful time of the year, others not so. At Niche we happen to happily fall into the former and can’t wait to be humming Jingle Bells and trawling through the shops, stores and boutiques in pursuit of the perfect gift. Our bumper autumn issue brings you some of the best Crimbo party nights out to be had in the county, like at St Martins House who proudly grace our front cover this issue, a great night to be had in such dramatic scenery. We also feature a tidy selection of the region’s retail outlets who right now are dusting off their festive trimmings to display. I know it’s only just autumn, I’ll stop now. Officially being known as The City of Sport, Leicester has a lot to live up to after last season’s successes on court and pitch. Niche gladly sponsored Leicester Riders’ supremo Neil Watson, and wish him well for his move back state-side after announcing his departure from the club. The new home ground for Riders has launched an exclusive hospitality package ‘1967 Club’, this looks awesome and well worth checking out. The balling season tipped off with a warm-up match vs Loughborough University Students; the home training ground of so many of our Olympians this year – what an amazing result for Team GB, we salute you. Leicester Racecourse offered up the perfect setting for our Niche 16 fashion shoot, Mother Nature blessed us with perfect weather too. We collaborated with style mafioso once again namely Indy Hair, Lumbers and Christopher Scotney, we were also lucky enough to work with Libertii Beau for stunning make-up and new girl on the block Condotti. A most welcomed addition to Stoneygate Shops, Condotti stock some very nice labels as well as offering a tailored boutique service. We hope you like the shoot. The Niche Business Awards will by now have dished out 17 gongs to the good and great of Leicestershire at a, what is planned to be, star studded spectacular event. We’ve pulled out all the stops and we trust you enjoyed our little surprise on the evening! Congratulations to all the nominees and special thanks to all the sponsors and ambassadors. Awards is quite a buzz word in the Niche offices at the minute, as we’ve only gone and launched the Niche Image Awards – designed to celebrate the world of fashion, hair, health and beauty. See our website for more information nichemagazine.co.uk October sees the return of the Leicester Business Festival, a massive success in its inaugural year, the two week celebration of the business world in Leicestershire has a tall order to follow. The highlight for us will be the Leicester Business Exhibition held at Leicester Tigers. This will be our third year as an exhibitor at an event that genuinely pays dividend, with a strategic approach it’s a sure-fire winner. Happy autumn! Lee

NICHE | 05

Contents September / October

Fashion

Health & Beauty

Wedding

08 Guido Palau trend report

22 Beau Aesthetica 24 Griffin Fit

46 The Dimblebee Catering Co

11 Niche Fashion Shoot

30 Boss Studios

51 Varneys

Food & Drink

Property

Business

54 Hotel Maiyango

70 Hamilton Leicester Ltd

89 Brexit 92 Top 41 Businesses

56 Kwoklyn Wan 62 Christmas

74 70 years of Michael John

119 Daly Systems 124 ADT Taxis

58 The Bull at Broughton

79 Mint Securities

122 City Communications

145 Sport

147 Leicestershire Golf Club

150 Motoring

152 Expert Advice

135

Out & About

160 Gemma Peplow

66 COVER STORY St Martins House

T FINALIS

OMAN ESS W R BUSIN A E Y E OF TH

165

Torr Waterfield Accountants

NEW Arts & Culture

130

The Niche Awards Finalists

174

The Junk Food Project

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205

U.S hair giant Redken announce three new faces to join the global brand and Creative Director Guido Palau shares his trend predictions for the year ahead Redken 5th Avenue NYC is a professional hair care and colour company that sets the pace and creates the buzz in the world of fabulous hair. The brand was set up by Paula Kent and Jeri Rhedding in 1960. After 55 years in the industry, Redken is recognised as the number one selling hair care brand in the US. With ground-breaking products and inventive creativity, they have an impressive portfolio, which includes Redken’s Global Creative Director Guido Palau, Creative Colour Consultant Tracey

Cunningham, and UK Ambassador George Northwood.

Lizzy Jagger

Amber Le Bon

She’s the eldest daughter of 1970s supermodel Jerry Hall and Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger. She’s beautiful, confident, and enviable in every way. She was described by Global General Manager Shane Wolf as having striking red hair and unique style that epitomises the Redken spirit. Lizzy makes her Redken debut this September when she will appear in print and digital campaigns for the launch of the new Heatcure Professional. 08 | NICHE

Meet the girls who have joined the striking collection of muses and trend-setters including supermodels Mariacarla Boscono, Soo Joo, and Crystal Ren. Along with the exciting new faces, Guido lets us in on the latest trends and what’s hot in hair and styling. The British-born Creative Director of Redken has worked with an

Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon and Yasmin Le Bon created this truly rocking royal trend creator. She’s known for outstanding style and trendsetting hair as well as her remarkable taste in music. She’s Dj’d for the likes of Victoria’s Secret and Gucci. Shane said she’s a fearless fashionista who’s not afraid of trying out new daring looks. Amber made her debut in an August campaign for the Bronde Sombre Haircolour.

array of celebrities and influential photographers and is known as a leading trendsetter in the fashion industry. Guido suggests we’re going to see a lot more ‘real hair’ in the way of natural textures, which is similar to what has been seen on the runways lately. The look of next year is set to be free and easy, nonchalant and effortless, and certainly very modern.

Suki Waterhouse

Fashion favourite, the British-born beauty is known for her signature blonde hair and fringe. She has several movie roles coming up and is the face of Burberry. Shane looks forward to the great energy she will bring to Redken and her multi-talented, dynamic personality. In September she will be seen around the globe in the Diamond Oil Glow Dry campaign.

“Designers’ eyes are getting attuned to looking at different types of people and different types of hairstyles. This message that is being sent out now is a very positive one. It’s the idea that you can really be who you want to be and wear your hair in a way that celebrates your individuality”

Here’s his autumn/winter 2016 trend report #Individuality

It’s all about a mixture of personalities and beauty of all kinds, celebrating and emphasising varying textures, chops and accessories.

#Effortless

Combine effortless looks with touches of personaility with hair bands and subtle styling effects. The idea of achieving glamour in a way that looks easy is very relevant now.

#Knots

It’s amazing how many different things you can do with a knot, and it’s something women can easily do themselves. They’re a great look for day-old or just-left-the-gym hair. There’s no need to shampoo before styling.

#Ponytails

From sleek and shiny lengths to chic loops that mimicked a glammed-up version of post-gym hair, the ponytail will never be out of fashion.

#Gothic

This season’s most standout looks showcased romance with a serious edge. The look was very extreme at Marc Jacobs with the finger waves, but at Prada, it was a broken-down romance using curl and wave to create a darker look.

Marc Jacobs

Hairstylists of the 1920s probably never imagined that finger waves would be trending on Instagram almost a century later! The modern version, created by Guido, borrows the signature sculpted waves from the iconic Jazz Age look, but kicksup the edge factor by leaving the ends natural and unrefined.

Alexander McQueen

When it comes to hair accessories, Guido’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: “They can be vintage and they don’t need to be expensive.” Dig into your jewel box (or do some flea-market shopping!) and create your own version of this punky/romantic hybrid.

Prada

A bold red lip paired with deconstructed, wet-looking curls made for a thoroughly modern and seriously edgy romantic look. Guido reinvented the classic curling iron set with a new finish and texture juxtaposition (flat and curly on the same head) that was unlike anything else seen this season.

Isabel Marant

One hairstyle didn’t fit all at Isabel Marant this season, where Guido created a range of gorgeous styles to complement the Parisian ‘cool girl’ looks that Marant sent down the runway. NICHE | 09

JOE WHITMORE / PHOTOGRAPHER T. 07887 812 321 E. joe@jwhitmorephoto.co.uk

JW Ad August.indd 1

23/08/2016 19:43

Yihannis wears Navy Armani Collezioni Shirt £119 - Christopher Scotney, Chino models own, Tan Heavy Cleated Brogues £55 - Next Hublot Limited Edition Chelsea Classic Fusion £9,500 - Lumbers Bethany wears Patterned Condotti Dress £365 – Condotti, Black Block Heel Sandals £38 - Next Georg Jensen Serenity Ring £330, Peak Earclips £165 – Lumbers

Bethany wears Black and Pink Pinko Dress £550 – Condotti, Black Block Heel Sandals £38 - Next, Georg Jensen Dew Drop Neck Ring £380, Black Onyx and Diamond Pendant £475, Black Onyx Earrings £170, Gianfranco Bigli Moments Collection Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring £970, Aqua Marine & Diamond Ring - £1,550, Aspinal of London Lottie Bag Smooth Forget Me Not £395, Chopard Sunglasses £425 – all Lumbers Yihannis wears Blue Hugo Boss Suit £579, White Elton Shirt £125, Penrose Tie £95 - all Christopher Scotney, Tan Heavy Cleated Brogues £55 – Next, Omega Globemaster 18ct Rose Gold £13,670 - Lumbers 12 | NICHE

Bethany wears Condotti Lace Coat £595 – Condotti, Black Mesh Peep Toe Shoe Boots £55 - Next, Gucci Horsebit Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail Ring £5,400, Gucci Le Marché des Merveilles Earrings £990, Chopard Box Like Bag Black Calfskin £620 – all Lumbers

Bethany wears Paul and Joe Cat Skirt £395, Red Paul and Joe Top £280, Condotti Fur Collar £59, Butler and Wilson Necklace £99 - all Condotti, Black Mesh Peep Toe Shoe Boots £55 - Next. Aspinal of London Lottie Bag Silver Saffiano £395 – Lumbers 14 | NICHE

Bethany wears Pinko Stripe Top £179, Pinko Stripe Skirt £189, Fur Collar £59 – all Condotti, Nude Signature Pointed Court Shoe £38 – Next, Chopard Happy Emotions Diamond Ring £6,360, Aspinal of London Saddle Bag Navy Smooth £350, Chopard Sunglasses £425 – all Lumbers Yihannis wears Tweed Magee Jacket £379, Navy Armani Collezioni Cardigan, Aramani Collezioni Shirt £149, Jacob Cohen Jeans £349 – all Christopher Scotney, Brown Suede Desert Shoe £42 – Next. Aspinal of London Large Mount Street Bag Brown Saffiano £650, Chopard Limited Edition Mille Miglia £7,690 – all Lumbers NICHE | 15

Niche Magazine credits and gives special thanks to: Photography by Joe Whitmore T 07887 812 321 W Jwhitmorephoto.co.uk Models: Yihannis Ballaihs & Bethany Melia Shot on location at Leicester Racecourse Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL T 0116 271 6515 W Leicester-racecourse.co.uk Condotti 32 Francis Street, Leicester LE2 2BD T 0116 270 6291 W Condotti.uk Christopher Scotney Designerwear 128-132 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EB T 0116 254 3957 W Christopherscotney.co.uk Next Highcross Leicester W Next.co.uk Lumbers 62-66 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP T 0116 255 1233 W Lumbers.co.uk Hair by Liam & Kacey of Indy Hair 1-3 Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ T 0116 251 7170 W Indyhair.co.uk Make up by Trixie of Libertii Beau T 07792 728398 W Libertiibeau.com Lee Parkin & Leanne Baker Niche Magazine T 07711 043 901 W Nichemagazine.co.uk

Yihannis wears Stone Island Jacket £375, Stone Island Teet £70, Stone Island Jean £185 – all Chrispoher Scotney, Brown Suede Desert Shoe £42 – Next. TAG Heuer Connected Blue Rubber Strap £1,100 - Lumbers

Images are owned and copyrighted by Cross Productions Ltd for exclusive use with Niche Magazine.

Condotti - a new cutting edge, designer boutique that brings the style and experience of the Via de Condotti, Rome to Stoneygate, Leicester. Designer brands including Pinko, Paul and Joe, Nicole Farhi, Butler and Wilson, Parosh and Jaylee, as well as Pamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Condotti collections are available. A personal stylist service is provided, and Pam can design and make bespoke tailor made dresses. Condotti caters for outfits for every special occasion as well as offering a touch of glamour to your everyday wardrobe. 32 Francis St Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2BD 0116 270 6291/07909 968 942 Condotti.uk info@condotti.uk

Those in the Fashion have their say

All wrapped up The biggest fashion statement this coming season is the coat. Everything from the aviator style shearling bombers which have made a massive comeback this year to patent macs, tan leather trenches, heritage check/tweed oversized coats, faux fur, quilted jackets and the cape, a huge choice to keep you warm this winter. Bicep length gloves have also made a show on the runways, they’re like thigh high boots for your arms. Talking of boots another kicking trend this season to be had, we have been seeing tough hiker-style tom boy treads in the magazines to thigh high, why not be brave and go for a bold statement colour to cheer up the grey days. The fabric of the season is no doubt velvet I adore it.. wear it crushed, coloured, top-to-toe anything goes. Expect to see lots of trousers, skirts, knits and outerwear in varying shades of tan this autumn, perhaps the most chic, classic colour there is, from muted khaki to soft caramels. However many of us feel this can be quite a draining colour to wear near the face. This season’s accessory focus is about the statement neck, drape scarves, neck chief’s, chokers or statement necklaces to add colour and lift. Everyone knows I’m wild for the print of the season… its all about the cats,! Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar - the prints are everywhere and we are certainly featuring it in our boutique this season. Meoww. Sukhina Garcia Betty Brown Boutique info@betty-brown.com 20 | NICHE

Why you need a valuation Professional valuation of one’s prized possessions is invaluable. An insight into the insurance world from a professional on your side is priceless. What is the real value of your jewellery and watch collection? Any question can be answered by the Lumbers’ team of expert valuers. Lumbers is the only jeweller in Leicester to have more than one Registered Valuer. The team is headed by Sarah Wilkins, MIRV, who has 15 years of experience and is one of only 160 professionals in the UK to have the National Association of Jewellers’ Institute Registered Valuer accreditation. This certification is from the UK’s leading association of jewellery valuers. They have proven their expertise with formal qualifications and experience and provide a trusted service. Many insurance companies refuse to settle claims when items are not valued or are proven to be underinsured when stolen, lost or damaged. So valuations need to be undertaken to a very high standard. At Lumbers all valuation work is undertaken onsite. The valuation process starts with a clean and examination of all your jewellery for any defects, which may invalidate your insurance policy. A photograph will be taken along with a full description, carat weights, quality of each gemstone, and fineness of metals. Then our expert valuation team will value your items. This makes it much easier to identify your jewellery in the event of a claim. 0116 255 1233 Lumbers.co.uk

Autumn hair trends We at Barrie Stephen are secretly excited for the change in the seasons as we transition from summer to autumn. Why? Well, you may have noticed that at the Barrie Stephen salons we are all ever so slightly obsessed with discovering gorgeous new styles and colour palettes that capture the trends in the most stylish of ways. We are starting to look towards the deep conditioning treatment regimes to get your hair in stunning shape, ready for the trend-focussed glossy, rich tones and sharp, strong styles. Typically, clients go darker for autumn and winter. But there’s a particular colour trend we’re loving at the moment; the unconventional rose gold. This pink, coppery tone adds warmth for the colder months and most of all, a cheeky injection of fun as this pink, coppery tone oozes warmth. If you’ve loved your boho waves and undone glamour throughout summer, now might be the time to get some structure into your look and one answer may be a fringe. Whether it’s thick and bold, or wispy and relaxed, it’s a simple and effective way to refresh and revive your style. There are five, soon to be six, Barrie Stephen branded salons you can head to for the very best advice and haircare service throughout Leicester so head to your favourite to chat with one of our lovely experts on what style would best suit you! Barrie Stephen 0116 402 6222 Barriestephenhair.co.uk

Fashion

Makeup by Trixie @ libertiibeau.com

www.justsloggi.co.uk Tel: 01332 811732 @justsloggi

REDKEN Blow Dry Diamond Oil, Dry Shampoo and heat protection primers From £14 Redken’s Blow Dry hairstyling products protect hair from the heat and blow dry extending products to make your perfect blow out last. NICHE | 21

Health & Beauty

Autumn to winter skin care tips revealed by Beau Aesthetica â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what you can do at home and what can be done in the salon

into winter fresh faced and dewy-eyed

Autumn is that tricky time of year that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never sure whether to love or hate. The crisp crunchy leaves beneath our feet, cool sunny mornings, the abundance of rich colours, and quiet blustery weather that seems to put a filter over our eyes so that everything looks beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes, these are the reasons we love the enchanting months of autumn. But there are a few downsides that we might notice when this time of year has quite frankly outstayed its welcome. Symptoms of autumnal frustration may include: dehydrated, rough, dry, and dull skin, dehydration lines, uneven complexion and increased mirror-checking!

CACI Ultra facial 22 | NICHE

The first thing that the experts tell you is to drink drink drink (water that is)! This will hydrate your skin from the inside out. But to enhance that healthy glow a CACI Ultra facial is the way to go. Beau Aesthetica specialise in cosmetic dermatology and Lipo suction. They suggest that as we grow older, our facial muscles start to lose tone and elasticity. On top of this, during the harsh blustery months of autumn leading into winter, there is less moisture in the air to help keep our skin supple, and we are constantly exposed to chilly winds and sudden central heating changes as we go in and outdoors. Once the cold has taken its toll, our skin can become tired-looking and

Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion

dull. This is where the CACI Ultra facial comes in. Represented by Jennifer Lopez, results are visible after the very first treatment. It delivers the ultimate hydration look by toning the facial contours and seemingly lifting the skin. The non-surgical treatment uses 27,000 vibrations per second to deeply cleanse the epidermis and plump the skin with a needle free alternative to dermal fillers to make you look fresh and hydrated. We will also have poor circulation during the cold weather so it is important to exfoliate also. Your skin will be free from all those old dry cells when you exfoliate around once a week. The people at Beau say that Microdermabrasion is a method of deep exfoliation that refines your skin using micro crystals, allowing fresh collagen and cells to form over time. The process visibly improves the texture and appearance of the skin, reducing and smoothing lines and wrinkles and producing more beautiful rejuvenated skin. Beau use Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion, which is a clinically proven skinresurfacing treatment that is said to effectively treat a whole host of skin

Health & Beauty

Recap Stay hydrated and drink water! Enhance with CACI Ultra facial Exfoliate those dead cells away! Enhance with Microdermabrasion Don’t put the sun cream away! Enhance with Glycolic Peel

care concerns that we are all more prone to in colder environments. Beau’s third tip is to continue using your sunscreen! Just because the clouds are covering the sun doesn’t mean your skin is ok to go SPF-free. Your skin is sensitive to the sun in winter as well so sun cream is an essential all year round if you want to avoid wrinkles as best you can! You can never hide from harmful UVA rays as they are present during all day light hours and pierce through the clouds. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are associated with ageing of the skin whereas UVB rays are more prevalent between April to October and are associated with sunburn. To help reverse skin damage caused by the sun (which is often unnoticeable to the naked eye), a glycolic peel will get your skin back in shape. These kind of facial treatments are medically endorsed as a viable alternative to more invasive chemical peels. Glycolic acid will gently encourage dead thickened layers to gently lift away. Skin will appear smoother, more translucent, softer and firmer. Glycolic acid peels are used to treat sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged follicles, coarse texture, pigmentation and acne. Beau will answer any questions you have, so there is no excuse to l ose control of your skin care. 0116 270 9141 Beauaesthetica.com

Beauaesthetica.com 0116 270 9141

NICHE | 39

Trimming

for Christmas As you read this, you have less than 16 weeks to trim down for the Christmas party season – yes, it can be done! You have just enough time to get in shape for those classic, flattering little black dresses. The LBD came into fashion in the 1920s and became incredibly popular during The Great Depression in the 30s because of its effortless and affordable appeal. Influential personalities such as Betty Boop and Coco Chanel showed the world how the little black dress could be worn to make a person look and feel like a millionaire!

and get your body ready for losing weight and toning up in all the right places.

So pull out that long forgotten about LBD from the back of your wardrobe and hang it up for inspiration. You WILL be wearing it this Christmas.

With a Griffin Fit exercise plan you’ll quickly start to see that working out will NOT give you the muscles of a male and make you look ‘manly’. Instead, it’ll pull that waist in, lift that bum up and trim down those thighs for a shapely silhouette to slide into that little black dress.

Unlike most things during Christmas, when it comes to working out, it is NOT the thought that counts Unfortunately though, unlike most things during Christmas, when it comes to working out, it is NOT the thought that counts. To feel your fittest and healthiest and look your best, even in those million-dollarlooking LBD’s, it is important for you to tone up your whole body now ready for your party outfits.

07817 915 485 Griffinfit.co.uk info@griffinfit.co.uk

24 | NICHE

It’s obvious but true: the best way to do this is through diet and exercise. With the help of Griffin Fit you’ll learn how to eat delicious foods with nutritional benefits that won’t leave you feeling hungry. Timing and regularity is important in your diet to give you energy

We specialise in tailored nutrition packages using foods that you like to produce a dramatic and sustainable change. But we won’t leave you there. We will give your our full on-going, monthly support throughout your journey with unlimited text and regular meetings.

Griffin Fit will push you to feel the drive that will get you on the path to looking fabulous in your Christmas dress! We can’t help you make that change by telling you what you want to hear. We are the mirror that will tell you what you NEED to hear. We know the gym can be a daunting place, especially if you’ve never been before. That’s why the Griffin Fit gym is completely your own if you want it to be. To get you started, we’ve put together three simple exercises for you to do at home to prepare your body for your personalised nutrition and training plan that we will put together for you depending on your desired results and lifestyle.

Health & Beauty

WORKOUTS Your target? Three sets of 15 reps for each exercise should do it. SQUATS Why? They’ll define your thighs and butt! They also help improve digestion and circulation. How? Stand with feet hip width apart Push your hips back, bend your knees and push your weight into your heels Raise your arms out in front of you as you lower into the squat Keep a straight spine Do not let your knees go over your toes Keep your lower body parallel to the floor and your chest lifted Hold and lift slowly back up Repeat

PRESS UPS Why? They call upon every muscle in your body to get into action. How? Lie face down and hold your torso up at arm’s length with your hands placed slightly wider than your shoulders Inhale as you lower yourself down until your chest is almost touching the floor Exhale as you squeeze your chest and press your upper body back up If the burn is too much for you though, try a variation of the press up touching your knees to the floor as well as your toes.

THE PLANK Why? To build your core strength and improve your posture. Plus, it’s a full body workout. How? Get into press up position. Bend your elbows resting your weight on your forearms, not on your hands. Make sure your body is straight from head to ankles. Tuck in your tum. And hold until you can hold no more! NICHE | 25

THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE ______ In just 6 weeks we will guide & support you to create your dreams, & watch as you begin to live them. With our empowerment programme, we shall focus on 9 key areas that will give you the confidence to believe in yourself.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

“A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE GONE FURTHER THAN THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD

...BECAUSE SOMEONE TAUGHT THEM HOW”

The Art of Beauty ______ Using teachings & techniques to create your own version of natural beauty; from the inside out emotionally & physically, encouraging you to define your internal space & the True Beautiful You.

“If you believe in yourself, anything can happen” The course will include: Nutritional info based on your body type, exercise plans that will work for you, colour teachings, human behaviour, mentoring, photography, confidence & team building e xercises & support.

BECOME PART OF THE COMMUNITY _____ Additionally you will gain new friends & learn about their life experiences & share knowledge & support with one another.

“The great thing about making new friends is that they bring new energy to your soul”

www.truebeautifulyou.co.uk

sam@sanctuaryofbeauty.co.uk

Bringing Nature back to Science

And Science back to Nature

We would like to invite you to relax, unwind & escape the stresses of the day in the tranquility of our therapy rooms. When you arrive with us weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take you on an experience to discover your total inner wellbeing. Feeling good inside, shines on the outside. We have carefully sourced our friendly products to give you the best results wit without any of the harmful chemicals.

www.sanctuaryofbeauty.co.uk

01536 760222 bookings@sanctuaryofbeauty.co.uk

PROUD FINALISTS OF THE NICHE AWARDS

MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY

Emma Brown Hair and Beauty, based in the heart of Leicester offers a premium service

0116 270 4374

at affordable prices (including NUS student discount). We have award-winning stylists

salon@emmabrownhair.co.uk @emmabrownhair Book online at emmabrownhair.co.uk

trained in the latest trends, cutting techniques and colouring skills in order to help you create a new image or simply give you a refresh. We offer free consultations, which are totally without obligation and an unrivalled reputation for innovation, quality and the very best in hair care and advice. We were finalists in the British Hairdressing Business Awards, finalists in the Most Wanted Awards â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Local Salonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, voted the second best salon in Leicester by the readers of the Leicester Mercury and are now proud finalists in the Niche Awards 2016.

28 | NICHE

EMMA BROWN HAIR 140 Clarendon Park Road Leicester LE2 3AE (Opposite the library)

AYURVEDA The Science of Life & the Art of Healthy Living The College of Ayurveda offers you the opportunity to learn more about Ayurveda and receive hands on practical knowledge and skills from experienced Ayurveda physicians, practitioners and therapists. We have put together a range of seminars and workshops which can be held throughout the year at various venues in the UK.

Our seminars and workshops are conducted by qualified Ayurveda physicians and practitioners. If you are interested in attending any of our seminars or workshops, or if you would like us to conduct a seminar or workshop specifically in conjunction with your organisation, please email us using our contact form with your request. Please note we are unable to offer permanent teaching positions for overseas applicants at this time.

www.ayurvedacollege.co.uk

20 Annes Grove, Great Linford Milton Keynes MK14 5DR 01908 664518

See the light Niche Magazine caught up with model and inspirational figure Celestia Barby as she launches a new unique studio in the heart of Leicester, she told us her story.... We are all unique and have each been brought up in different ways and cultures which creates different views on life. I was a farm girl, brought up in a quiet country village and from the tender age of 14 I was bullied at school for getting my hair cut short. My confidence low, I fell into the wrong crowds and formed bad habits which were really holding me back in all aspects of my life. At 21 I was in a 9-5 job and everything seemed pretty boring to me, I was in a set weekly routine and could not see the light until a miracle came and my creative talent emerged! A good friend of mine asked if I would like to be in a famous music video to model and dance, I jumped at the chance and after the video launched I got countless inboxes online saying that they had seen me in the video. At first, I struggled with the attention and couldn’t understand it there were 12 other

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girls in the video, so why me? It was strange to get compliments and for the first time I felt valued. This opened my eyes to become more creative with my life and start networking and putting myself forward as the product. I feel like I have really walked the planet and now I see the pure beauty in life. Above everything now I want to share my beautiful outlook and creative path with others. I want to inspire by adding value to your outlook and image to help evolve your profile as a human being and get closer to finding the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to welcome you to the world of Boss Studios where we are going to raise the level on this planet and make others see the light of the universe and evolve into beautiful individuals. It’s not just about the outside, after all, that’s just the shell...it’s about in THE SOUL!

For the last 5 years Celestia has been on channel 4, hundreds of model shoots, famous music videos, movies, competitions from British Bikini to Miss Leicester and has attended countless celebrity events. Celestia has also completed many courses from photoshop and business to photography and is eager to share her skills with you through the exciting new Boss Studios. Boss Studios is an innovative and inspirational space where you can find your inner light and glow with confidence with the help of a small, friendly and yet highly skilled team. You will sit down with Celestia to uncover the dreams and goals you never knew you had. Using the brilliant NEW CID make up range and a photoshoot you will feel self-worth work its magic on your whole life. Boss Studios invites you to find the light in your life and turn yourself from a cocoon into a butterfly, just like Celestia.

Get Inspired “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” At Boss Studios we have designed custom VIP packages for both male and female to add value to your image and outlook. Boss believes that everyone has the power to evolve inside of them to be the best they can for themselves. We want to welcome you to the Boss family and our door is open to make this world a more confident and happier place. The packages include inspirational sessions, photography, videography, social media presence and branding, plus a bit of fun. We are currently building Boss talent books for 2017 and doing a major competition starting in November to be the face of the brand. This will allow all creatives the chance to have their profiles set up and be able to apply for VIP jobs and network with others. Boss talent is also open to businesses

Boss Studios is very honoured to be teaming up with wildcat energy drink. We have got an unlimited supply of energy drinks in our studio. All money that is raised will go to our home town Leicester Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group Charity.

that are looking for lovely people of the public that have great souls, models, actors, dancers, singers, TV presenters and celebrities to be part of their projects. Each month we have beautiful models and photographers from across the world to come into Boss to shoot, promote and network. Keep your eyes peeled on our website and our VIP red carpet blog to grab the opportunity to be part of our STAR SHOOT DAYS. Our studio is available to hire please visit the Boss website for full details of our facilities and sets. We are evolving all the time and have a lot of hidden secrets for the future of our brand. Our advice to you if you’re reading this is always look up to the sky and understand that one of the main key’s to life is to first love yourself and then LOVE OTHERS!

07932 450 522 Website - Boss-studios.co.uk Email - Boss_studios@outlook.com Twitter - @studiosboss Instagram - @boss.studios Facebook - Boss Studios 12 Kingsley Street, Leicester LE2 6DL NICHE | 31

Those in Health & Beauty have their say

Successful leadership

Autumn Beauty

A skin care secret

Anyone can be a leader, but what does it take to be a good leader? Good leadership is learned behaviour that becomes automatic and unconscious over time. Leaders are not born leaders, they will have a natural ability but it will always have to be perfected. Strengths and weaknesses in themselves will have to be recognised first before asking others to follow.

Sun, chlorine, and saltwater may have taken a toll on your skin throughout the summer, so fall is a time to detox, exfoliate and moisturize.

Hold onto summer a little longer with the Pure Fiji product range that combines summer with science.

Seeing and recognising your own fears gives you the ability to lead with compassion and a strong mindset. Using your own life experiences to lead and motivate is priceless because others can see that you are ‘only human’ and sometimes get it wrong but you have the courage to try again! One quality you need to have to be a successful leader is to be able to make others feel safe and confident to speak up and air their opinions. Then be prepared to listen! The best leaders have excellent communication skills, enabling them to communicate what their expectations are; this makes sure that there are no misunderstandings in expected performance by their ‘team,’ challenging you to think for yourself, be assertive, positive, inspiring and learn new things.

Oskia’s Perfect Cleanser A nourishing cleansing balm rich in youth-boosting vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, essential fatty acids and natural emollients to deeply cleanse, decongest, soothe and restore moisture levels. deMamiel’s Brightening Cleanse & Exfoliate A superfood powder for the face containing healing clays, plant and gem extracts to smooth and polish skin for radiance and glow. Elemental Herbology’s Cell Active Rejuvenation Support for mature skin helping to increase radiance, improve fine lines and wrinkles, and intensively moisturise the skin. Neom’s Tranquillity Bath & Shower Oil With 19 pure essential oils including skin smoothing organic safflower, jojoba and vitamin E, skin is left left soft and hydrated.

We know the importance of a good skin care routine. We perform an abundance of natural treatments and procedures from facial peels to non-surgical face lifts. But we also stock products that you can use yourself at home. Bursting with summery scents, Pure Fiji blends coconut oil and flower extracts to nourish and moisturise. At Beau Aesthetica we love their products for their intensive hydrating body oils, creamy coconut lotions, nourishing handmade soaps, and fresh sugar scrubs. The brand fuses a balance of nature and science to create dermatological solutions at a luxury level. This is achieved by ancient blends of drift nut oils and powerful plant actives with the latest in dermatological revelations to combat problem areas with targeted solutions to improve skin tone, minimise the appearance of wrinkles and encourage cellular renewal. We stock a line of their facial products. Pure Fiji also tackle skin care for men too.

Successful leaders are enthusiastic, passionate, energetic, genuine and not scared to share their own downs as well as their ups! They worry about their employee’s welfare and their achievements, and always lead by example. Priti Coles

Wild Nutrition’s Bespoke Woman Skin Hair & Nails Natural probiotics and antioxidants support that inner glow and a bespoke blend of Food-State nutrients, whole foods and herbal extracts contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin pigmentation. Meesha Kanadia

Find Pure Fiji’s all-natural, ancient treatments here at Beau Aesthetica. Am Vadhesha

0116 284 1944/07795 361 288 Priticoles.co.uk

0116 431 5395 Facebook: @AmeliaNour.Leicester

0116 270 9141 Beauaesthetica.com

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The Mana’ia range, specifically for men, is based on the secrets of the honoured cultures of the Pacific. Combinations of cold-pressed drift nut oils were used in their skin care rituals to nourish, hydrate and protect their skin.

Turning employees into

everyday athletes The more we watch these god-like Olympic athletes the more it seems we are inspired to improve on our own health and that of those around us We can become our own version of Mo Farah or Jessica Ennis in our everyday lives, and this doesn’t need to include running 120 miles in a week by the way. And as an employer a healthier fitter team would be beneficial to your business. The key to gaining great levels of fitness and health is to achieve something at the end. Olympic athletes spend their lives training for that one crucial moment – that is their reward. So how would you reward your staff? Vitality by MME offer health insurance policies, expert Stefan Wardle said: “A policy built around your staff will reward them and encourage them to not take time off work, with the added benefit of them feeling appreciated, which increases productivity.” The policies created by MME are tailored to each company and their employees with many bonuses and methods of support. “This is the kind of policy that doesn’t just pay off when you need to make a claim,” Stefan explained. As soon as the business policy begins, staff gain access to some

amazing rewards. They can receive cinema tickets every week, half price gym memberships, 40 per cent off BA European flights and Eurostar, and many more. Employees will also be encouraged to stay healthy and up their fitness levels, stop smoking, and lose weight all with the aim of keeping them from falling ill and feeling happy to come into the workplace. “We take seven days off work a year on average costing a company £554 per person. That means companies with 50 staff can lose around £27,000 in lost productivity.” NHS patients can be waiting up to 18 weeks just to be seen and have a wait time on top of that to actually get treatment. MME clients come to Stefan for help and advice when they do fall ill and are guaranteed to be seen by a specialist within days. By incentivising a healthy lifestyle and rewarding employees for having less time off, company productivity is known to increase – and it’s a great time to start a policy with the Olympics inspiring us all to take on a healthy lifestyle and get active!

A policy that appreciates your health ◆ Understand your health – get free online health reviews. ◆ Spend more time together - save money on European flights and Eurostar travel, and get cashback on child-friendly hotels, enjoy a family trip to Cineworld and Vue cinemas every week. ◆ Get active – get half price trainers for all the family, save money on bikes and enjoy family days out with the National Trust. ◆ Be rewarded for having dental and health check-ups and vaccinations for children up to 18, eating well and living life to the full!

0800 999 2205 Protectionbymme.co.uk NICHE |33

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

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

Specialists

In non damaging Hair Extension methods

347 Abbey Lane, Leicester LE4 5QJ 0116 261 0755 Loxhairdesign.co.uk reception@loxhairdesign.co.uk NICHE |35

THE LOVE OF

Niche takes a closer look at one of the leading notfor-profit healthcare providers in Leicestershire Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital has continued to raise their levels of care to provide a first-class patient experience. A broad range of selfpay treatments using the most up-to-date medical equipment can be sought out with private en-suite bedrooms and matron-led care, as well as a choice of consultants. The Leicester hospital specialises in a range of treatments including orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery, paediatrics, women’s and men’s health and sports injury. The unique to health and wellbeing group is an independent, not-forprofit organisation free of control from the stock market, shareholders and investors. As a result, any surplus profit is put back into the Nuffield Health system to improve

on its infrastructure, complete refurbishments and enhance the skills of their staff. Hospital Director, Tim Shewbridge said: “Our independence allows us to plan for the long term and make rational strategic decisions that benefit the customer.” Tim has spent a long career working across a number of household names and hospitals in finance and supporting the commercial element of each organisation putting the customer at the centre of the business. He also worked for a leading children’s charity and joined Nuffield to continue his career in the charity sector. Nuffield was perfect as Tim has a strong alignment to the values of the organisation.

The Nuffield Health Promise Our pledge to our patients is that we ensure our customers receive a clear and transparent price for treatment, the very best in clinical care, and with no limits on aftercare.

Hospital Director Tim Shewbridge

He said: “It is important to listen to staff, patients and consultants, and I will always look for a reason to get out from behind my desk to spend time on the ward or in theatres to see at first hand the challenges and successes on a day to day basis.” The attitude of Nuffield Health and that of its staff is simply to improve the health of the UK population. Strategically, this is what they aim for. Charitably, their aims are to ‘advance, promote, and maintain health and healthcare of all descriptions, and to prevent, relieve and cure sickness and ill health of any kind’. Tim explained they do this by providing accessible, affordable healthcare and by investing surplus back into the group. Nuffield Health’s approach to healthcare is unique in the way that it brings together all aspects of health related concerns. They believe that together, fitness, prevention, cure, support and information are the key to allowing people to get and stay healthy. Nuffield Health takes the view that health and fitness are intimately interrelated. Tim added: “It therefore makes sense to approach the two seamlessly within an integrated setting that is also connected to our hospitals and Fitness and Wellbeing Centres.” The result is a pioneering brand-new approach to health. Within a network of Fitness and Wellbeing Centres, that incorporate health services within them, the organisation offers unique

36 | NICHE

clinical health services. The latest technology combined with proactive lifestyle guidance, the expertise of a team of widely experienced doctors and physiologists, and the specialised delivery of dedicated Health Assessment and life style coaching are what make Nuffield true leaders in health care. Tim told us he is proof that the Nuffield approach works: “having joined a Nuffield gym three years ago I am now fitter and lighter than I have been for a number of years!” Private patients also have the option of an enhanced recovery programme named ‘Recovery Plus’ that includes physiotherapy, health checks, exercise and diet advice, and a three month free membership at Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Gym as well as a recovery coach. Recovery Plus embodies their end-to-end approach to healthcare that ensures patients will be doing everything they can to maximise their recovery. Tim and the rest of the Nuffield establishment are focussed on delivering high quality and safe health care to the Leicester population, and are particularly proud of the children and young people’s healthcare services. Increase your love of life with Nuffield’s health services. 0116 274 3755 Nuffieldhealth.com

Nuffield’s new MRI unit

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Independent consultants Fancy a flexible career? Like the idea of being self employed? Want to become part of a fast growing community? Independent consultants are rapidly growing throughout the UK in many industries including health and fitness, beauty, fashion and many more. If you believe yourself to have entrepreneurial spirit and a business mind with passion for building rapports with your local community, this may be the perfect alternative to a traditional 9 to 5 life style. Becoming an independent consultant enables you to work for yourself but represent an already established brand, eliminating the issue of building awareness. The market is already there and waiting for you! It is a quick and easy solution to any form of unemployment and is opening its arms to passionate, friendly characters looking for an enjoyable occupation that coincides with their own field of interests. This low risk investment of your free time could be the beginning of shaping your own future. Working around your own time schedule is something that is not commonly offered. There is plenty of time to relax and spend quality time doing the things you love, whether seeing friends and family more or taking more me time. You are your own boss, you choose the hours, you call the shots and how much you work is up to you. 38 | NICHE

Help and support is always on hand with many independent consultants belonging to vibrant and lively online communities where representatives can share their tips on how to build a business and gain advice. Alongside this, local and social meet ups with other representatives are a great way to meet others in the same boat, hear from top sellers and sales leaders and really grow your own personal network, for business terms and for social terms. You can never know too many people. What makes a good consultant? Firstly, Communication is key. Building networks with people will get you the money! Get your friends involved, get their friends involved and enjoy watching your business grow from strength to strength. Carrying yourself in a confident and friendly manner is going to gain you loyal customers who are likely to come back to you for further sales. Furthermore, being well organised and focused with strong sales skills is important, especially as it is all about selling ‘your’ products. Lastly, being an independent consultant comes with its perks! Free products and discounts are a way of saying thank you and show the companies appreciation of you being part of their community. So don’t hesitate and get yourself involved.

Arbonne

Arbonne transforms lives through pure, botanically based ingredients in scientifically tested products; a pure, healthy lifestyle; and the pure joy of helping others. Bev Sankey FB: BevSankey 07812 156 540 bevsankey@gmail.com

Forever Living

Founded in 1978 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Forever Living Products is the largest grower, manufacturer and distributor of Aloe Vera products in the world. Janet Jones janjones.myforever.biz 07746 864 177 aljanik@btinternet.com

Juice Plus

Juice PLUS+ products bridge the gap between what we eat every day and what we should eat every day. Sam Caffrey 07896 351 221 sambellatorte@googlemail.com

Cambridge Weight Plan

Cambridge Weight Plan provides flexible weight loss programmes to both women and men through our Cambridge Consultants, who will give you one-to-one support on your weight loss journey. Eileen Larder Search ‘Eileen Larder’ at Cambridgeweightplan.com 0116 288 9449 eileen1943@hotmail.com

Health & Beauty

PURE. SAFE. BENEFICIAL BEVERLEY SANKEY

My name is Bev Sankey and I am an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International

In 2012 I made the life changing decision to close my successful 28 year old manufacturing jewellery and accessories business. Years of ME, business pressures and life as a single parent meant my health had suffered. I loved what I did but when I was introduced to Arbonne I instantly recognised a new positive future, free of risk and stress. As the original ‘Green’ company, 36 years old and still part family owned, Arbonne is actually a way of life. The products are free of cheap nasty ingredients found in our everyday products; they’re toxin and paraben free, botanically based, vegan and earth friendly!

of Arbonne; the products and the business model. As a business woman I’d always realised the need for residual income, particularly important now with the declining savings and pension options people are facing and lack of job security. All the ingredients were there; internet driven, direct to market,

I believe in holistic and functional medicine and the East’s approach to prevention rather than cure so I identified entirely with the ethics

Swiss formulated wellness, world class, healthy, safe, pure, lifestyle driven, booming demographic of anti-aging and fitness generations, freedom, fun, low overheads, redistribution of wealth, and a Global Business Opportunity to create residual income! Now across six countries and globalising we can build a business in any of those countries. I show people how to grow a part time business simply by changing their shampoo, to have time freedom and financial freedom with the potential to help thousands of other people have a healthier and wealthier way of life. 07812 156 540 Beverleysankey.arbonne.com Facebook: @BevSankey bevsankey@gmail.com

WHAT IS JUICE PLUS+®? The benefits of aloe can be traced back through history, but Forever grows, harvests and manufactures the plant through a patented process which has been perfected to produce naturally succulent and high quality aloe. Our famous plain Aloe Vera Gel has been our top selling product for decades and it’s an ideal digestive aid. 07746 864 177 aljanik@btinternet.com

To be healthy, your body needs a range of valuable nutrients, and you need to eat a balanced diet that includes a varied selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Because that isn’t always so easy to do everyday, we at Juice PLUS+ have concentrated the best bits of 30 types of fruits, vegetables and berries in capsule form and you can now get the benefit of valuable phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. You will also be optimally supplied with powerful antioxidants that are important for your well-being. Try Juice PLUS+ - the next best thing to fruits and vegetables, and join us on our mission to Inspire Healthy Living around the world.

Independent Consultant

Samantha Caffrey sambellatorte@googlemail.com

NICHE | 39

Make a positive decision to change your life for the better

Are you ready to take control of your health so that you can live everyday healthy, energized and fulfilled feeling excited about your future?

At Your Ecstatic Health we help you to find the root cause of your problems with our highly successful, tried and tested approach. To book a 30 minute Complimentary Consultation call with Sue Ritchie, e-mail sue@sue-ritchie.com. Tell me the health issues you are facing and what is critical to resolve right now.

REAL PEOPLE I REAL SUPPORT I REAL RESULTS

“ I certainly never believed the changes would be permanent” ~ Linda

Eileen Larder 07784 333 851 I 0116 288 9449 facebook.com.larder.eileen I Twitter @Eileen Larder I Instagram

Melissa Victoria Beauty Therapy

Angel Eyelash Extensions Say Hello to the most natural looking lash extensions on Earth! Long lasting and tested at high winds and all extreme weathers, Angel Eyes are tear & sweat proof for even the most sporty of client! Each extensions is placed every individual natural eyelash, to create a breath taking effect that will have everyone guessing what your beauty secret is! Before

After

www.YourEcstaticHealth.com

Mind OVER Matter

WEIGHT / FITNESS ISSUES? EXAM NERVES? MOTIVATION? STRESS? PHOBIAS? ANXIETY? NOW IS THE TIME TO SORT IT! You are assured of a confidential, compassionate approach underpinned by an enquiring mind used to the discipline of scientific principles. I offer Hypnotherapy and BWRT – a radical new therapy ideally suited to treating fears and phobias. See my website for more information: www.leicetershirehypnotherapist.co.uk Terri Richmond BSc.; Post Grad. Dip. Equine Science; Dip. Hyp.. BWRT level 1 practitioner. Based at comfortable therapy rooms at various locations in South Leicestershire by arrangement to suit you. SKYPE consultation by arrangement. Coming soon - STUDY for a diploma in Hypnotherapy two days a month over 10 months. Early bird discount for 1st 3 applicants

For more information or to book an appointment call 07961 514 668 40 | NICHE

Email: terri.mindovermatter@btinternet.com Text or Phone (Mobile) 07741 256 704

www.stu-niquefitness.co.uk

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

8 Slater Street Industrial Estate Leicester LE3 5AS

GLEN PARVA Monday 9.15-10.15am 1.30-2.30pm 6.00-7.00pm Wednesday 9.30-10.30am 5.30-6.30pm Thursday 9.00-10.00am Friday 9.30-10.30am Saturday 3.00-4.00pm

LUTTERWORTH CYCLE CENTRE Tuesday 9.30-10.30am ÂŁ5 per session payable a week in advance (non refundable). Clair Davis BSYA 07954 412 244

Glen Parva venue details upon request as held at home

wellbalancedyoga@gmail.com

Ageing is Inevitable Prevention is Possible Sarah Barker Qualified Nurse 9 years experience in Aesthetics

Wrinkle Relaxation (Botulinum Toxin) Dermal Fillers PDO Thread Lift - Clinical Expert and UK Trainer Flawless Pen Micro needling Non surgical facelift (body areas available also) High Frequency Body Fat Treatment PAUL SUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Skin Tightening Thread Vein Treatments and Skin Tag Removal

07841 389 233 flawlessaestheticsandbeauty.co.uk Email thecosmeticnurse@mail.com 52 Stodman Street, Newark, NG24 1AW

Mole Clinic Medi Facials Food Intolerance Testing Menopause Testing and Treatment Clinic

NICHE | 39

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?

INTIMATE SPECIALITY WAXING BY PRITI COLES

UK’s leading waxing 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

Hollywood, Brazilian and Playboy waxing without embarassment. No sore skin or ingrowing hairs. Discreet and confidential

WAXING FOR THE SOUL NOT JUST THE BODY 0116 284 1944 / 07795 361 288 pritibodies.co.uk pritibodies1@gmail.com

Jacqui’s Beauty A professional, very friendly beauty salon. Offering affordable beauty for everyone. Specialising in waxing for women. Student discount Monthly offers. Enjoy our wide range of cosmetic and healing treatments in a very relaxing atmosphere.

0789 116 9119 Jacquisbeauty.co.uk 8A CHURCH GATE Loughborough LE11 1UD 42 | NICHE

REDKEN High Rise Volume Shampoo, Conditioner and duo volumiser From £15 Full volumising for fine or flat hair. Formulated with a body-boosting blend of filloxane, softening and silicone polymers for a polished, silky finish complete with supreme root lift.

Health & Beauty

Taking the buzz out of travelling A mysterious buzzing sound comes from your suitcase while queuing at check-in but you swear it’s not what everyone thinks! A new invention is the solution to an embarrassing situation Schelle, a new business based in the East Midlands, has designed a collection of cases to store your electric toothbrush when travelling providing an easy, hygienic and stylish solution to an annoying problem. Founder Ged McCall said: “The brief was simple to begin with: a box for my electric toothbrush. Prevent it accidentally switching on draining the battery and embarrassing me with buzzing inside my suitcase! We’ve also designed something lightweight, compact and bright, so I don’t leave it in the hotel like I’ve done with chargers, shirts and iPods.” Run by dad and daughter team and with help from the whole family on everything from operations,

creative input and design, Schelle is a family business through and through. It has also been designed and made in Leicestershire and Rutland with help from Lewis Trott design, Loughborough University’s Advanced Manufacturing Unit and Rutland Plastics. It’s the answer to a familiar annoying problem for any frequent flyer or someone travelling with an electric toothbrush. The Schelle Collection is available to buy online through crowd funding site ‘Indiegogo’ and the first 1000 sold will also come with a free travel related gift.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO AN ANNOYING PROBLEM Dishwasher Safe Antibacterial + Antiviral Lightweight + Compact Prevents Accidental Turn On Space for Two Brush Heads Shatter Proof + Robust Comes in eight colours

Schelle.co.uk

Price £10

Salon Spotlight at

Hair

Lee-Anne Warner has been a powerful member of our professional family for 9 years now. Starting as an Artistic Director, her hard work and ambition soon shone through, and her lovable, warm and bubbly personality caught Indy’s eye. Along with other positive attributes like her love for Hairdressing and loyalty to her clientele. Not long after, Lee-Anne was given a promotion as salon manager, a role which she took in her stride and performed outstandingly, with a great deal of excellence. And when the fateful time came that she had to step down from her position, it was for no better reason than the angel that she is, Tillie, Lee-Anne’s daughter. As her clientele patiently awaited her return, most dreading the style-drought and anticipating the

cave-man like image of themselves 9 months to a year from her leave. Her clients were overjoyed at the announcement that she would return after 4 months. High-fives all around. As much as she had fallen in love with being a mother, her loyalty pulled her back into the salon, continuing part-time to delight her clients. Loyalty is a feature that is nowadays hard to come by. Indy Hair is both proud and lucky to have such an asset in the salon.

0116 251 7170 Indyhair.co.uk NICHE | 43

7th Heaven Masks £1 Make yourself feel heavenly by treating your body to 100% natural, face, hair and body masks. Available at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Morrisons and Body care.

Silicea Hair, Skin, Nails, and Bones 30 capsules £13.59

Carmen Hair Dryer by Samantha £49.99

Capsules encourage glossy hair, hydrated skin and strengthened nails. Available at Holland & Barrett and online at Healthy2u.co.uk

Eliminate the struggle and free up your hands to achieve the perfect Essex blow dry using Samantha Faiers’ hands free hair dryer. Available at Carmen-products.co.uk.

Diamante Dust Hair Straighteners From £140 Repair and style your hair at the same time with the Diamante Dust hair straighteners. Designed with adjustable temperature controls that minimises any damage and ensure a healthy shine. Available in two sizes. Available from Designedforhair.com

Oblepikha Conditioning Spray £6.20 Fill your hair with essential moisture using Oblepikha Conditioning Spray. Made with a combination of silk proteins that seal and protect the hair leaving it as smooth as silk. Available at Naturasiberica.ru 44 | NICHE

Voya’s Visage Awakening Eye mask £37

Sheila’s Natural Products Lavender Balm £9.50

Revitalise and soothe tired looking eyes with voya’s organic eye mask. With extracts from the sea. Made for sensitive skin. Available at Voya.ie

Keep your lips moisturised with the beautiful handmade 100% Organic lavender balm. A quick solution to chapped, weather beaten, sore lips. Available at Janiro.co.uk

Urtekram Coconut Shampoo £6.19 Nourish and moisturise your hair with Urtekram’s Coconut Shampoo made with natural organic coconut nectar and daisy flower extracts. Available at Ecco-verde.co.uk

Max Hair Collegen Hair Loss Treatment £84.99

Lee Stafford Coco Loco Wonderball Waver £29.99

Prevent hair loss by pampering your hair with collagen’s clinically proven anti-aging treatments. Available at Thecollagenshop.com

Beachy waves to Bohemian curls. Its ceramic plates are infused with coconut oils to leave your hair feeling silky soft. Available at Argos.

Toni and Guy Style Fix Collection £29.99 each ...and FOR HIM Scuderia Ferrari Fragrance Gift Sets £30 Super cool fragrance gift sets which include their innovative Ferrari Fragrance iPhone 6/6s Case available in black and red.

Handbag sized professional Style Fix collection tools are great to perfect your style from the gym to the office, or for after work drinks, whenever wherever. Consists of a Style Fix Curler, Waver and straightener. Will be available at Boots.com

Rock & Ruddle Hair Brushes From £20 Treat your hair with a little TLC with the luxury Rock & Ruddle hairbrush. Available in different designs and with personalised option. Available at John Lewis, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Hoopers and many boutiques and hair salons across the UK.

Nanshy 12 Piece Masterful Make-up Brush Set £49.95 Create a professional look using Nanshy’s soft synthetic, 100% vegan make up brushes, perfect for all skin types. Available at Nanshy.com

www.vitalitybymme.co.uk 0800 999 2205 NICHE | 45

Wedding

Outstanding Outside Catering

Multi Award Winning Leicestershire caterers celebrate five years of success Leicester based The Dimblebee Catering Company Ltd are celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Looking at their remarkable growth and portfolio, it’s hard to believe that they are just five years old this October. To talk to owner Robert Dudley about Dimblebee’s five year milestone, the phone call had to be timely. The crew, dedicated to delivering only the best high quality handmade foods and service, had been working into the early hours for the launch of a new company head quarters in Leicester and wedding events in both Oxford and London. Robert reminisced: “We started as a small artisan caterer in 2011 and are now the go-to trusted brand for high quality professional events hospitality and handmade weddings. It is extraordinary to think that in only five years we have catered for over 50,000 people including Orlando Bloom, Steve Redgrave, Angela Rippon, Mark Selby and Pamela 46 | NICHE

Anderson and been invited to work with some of the UK’s best venues and companies” A chance conversation with Samantha Dimblebee in 2011 generated a partnership that would be described as ‘Leicester’s most in demand caterers’ just a year into their journey. “Sam and I shared the same values in terms of a love of traditional professional service, country style, and great handmade food. I originally employed Sam as Head Chef and her passion for good food and flexible personal approach helped to cement Dimblebee’s now trademarked country style. My background was entrepreneurial and corporate, so the skill sets complimented each other with great effect.” Dimblebee’s reputation spread quickly and it wasn’t long before they were approached to cater at Aston Martin Works, World Superbikes, Nottingham Castle, Ladywood Estate

and Leicester Cathedral, as well as launches for MINI, Jaguar, Porsche and the new BMW 7 series. Just two weeks before Niche spoke to Robert, the team led by Operations Director Simon Cox, had the honour of catering for the first ever wedding held within the 1,700 acre Cornbury Hall in Oxford as Lord Rotherwick opened his home to the public for the first time. The Company continues to grow at an impressive rate with further premises and key staffing this year. Robert said: “We very much owe a debt of gratitude to all those that have and who continue to support us, and here’s to what the next five years will bring!” 0116 283 3327 Dimblebeecatering.co.uk

Wedding

Quality Outside Catering & Wedding Caterers in Leicestershire & the Midlands. 0116 283 3327

info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk

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Wedding experts have their say

Quality canapé receptions We love a good canapé here at Dimblebee’s and so do a lot of our wedding guests it seems by the high demand. Canapés are a perfect distraction for guests while they wait for the bride and groom to make their first appearance as a married couple. They’re also a great talking piece for those guests who are unfamiliar with each other and help to keep hunger locked up ‘til the breakfast. Ours are unique, being both homemade and handmade to your requirements. We use fresh local ingredients and that we ensure you have only the best tasty eyecatching snacks on offer at your wedding reception. We offer a wide range of stylish presentation ideas. One of our favourites are the Dimblebee ‘Rustic Sliders™’ because of their rustic country style and are more substantial than our elegant bite sized canapés. Rustic Sliders™ are also a very good choice to have on offer for evening catering as well as receptions. Imagine, it’s been a few hours since the wedding breakfast and the guests have burnt a lot of energy dancing and drinking and will be needing a tasty fun night time snack! Why not try our Mini Bowl Foods - they’re delicious homemade tray-waitered mini bowls with an classic or street food style, or perhaps get hands-on in the evening with our Handmade Pizza selection, made to order! Simon Cox 0116 283 3327 Dimblebeecatering.co.uk

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To have and to eat Helen Alborn Cakes is a small business in Leicestershire specialising in bespoke wedding cakes, cupcakes and biscuit favours. Everyone wants their wedding day to be memorable and special and as a centrepiece to many, the cake is one way to express personality and style. It’s lovely to invite a couple for a wedding cake consultation with little idea of what they’d like, and leave excited about their very own wedding cake design. The cake consultation itself is an informal affair, often involving tea, where ideas can be gathered whilst sampling up to three freshly baked cakes of your choice. Each is baked from scratch, allowing for a variety of flavour combinations. Your design can be tailor-made gathering inspiration directly drawn from the themes of your wedding day; whether it be the venue, the dress, the invitations or the floral arrangements. Attention to detail is key, even with the simplest of designs whether you want a naked style cake, a rustic buttercream finish or fondant iced with intricate sugar flower work. They should all have that wow factor, but the taste is just as important.

Leicester’s Heritage Venues Make your own piece of history in our heritage venues. The medieval timber-framed Guildhall is one of the city’s most atmospheric and popular wedding venues, with a charming courtyard for a glass of champagne after your ceremony. New Walk Museum and Art Gallery is a Victorian landmark, just minutes from the station. A sophisticated choice where up to 200 guests can admire the fine art and meet our dinosaurs. A beautiful period setting for an exclusive, intimate wedding. Belgrave Hall’s walled gardens provide a most romantic backdrop for photographs and a marquee for receptions is available AprilSeptember. Abbey Pumping Station, with its magnificent beam engines, is a new and more unusual setting - already proving a popular choice with couples looking for somewhere different. Extensive grounds are available for marquee receptions. Please take a look at our website and guide for further details.

As a small business, we book up fast. To avoid disappointment, check our availability as soon as your date is confirmed and then the fun part of creating your cake can begin. Helen Alborn 07506 344 376 Helenalborncakes.co.uk

Leicester.gov.uk/weddings museums@leicesrer.gov.uk

VINTAGE

WEDDING STYLING with a difference

10%ll ohirfef on a

with this adve

Contact Jayne 07739 074 654

www.littlerobinscottage.co.uk littlerobinscottage@outlook.com Facebook/littlerobinscottage Instagram - @littlerobinscottage

SURROUNDED BY THE ROLLING HILLS OF THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE Keythorpe Manor sits in the heart of England, easily located on the A47, Leicestershire

The idyllic setting offers the pavilion Marquee or newly converted Oak Barn. The Marqueeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glass doors open out on to the surrounding veranda, which is the perfect space for a drinks reception. The Oak Barn is an elegant Room for a Civil Ceremony or Wedding Reception, being both rustic and intimate, with a quirky stable area & terrace overlooking panoramic views of rural Leicestershire.

0116 259 8100 KEYTHORPEMANOR.COM

KEYTHORPE MANOR IS A QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE VENUE.

UPPINGHAM ROAD, KEYTHORPE, LEICESTER LE7 9XJ info@keythorpemanor.com @keythorpemanor NICHE | 49

Wedding Packages

Exclusive hire From 50 to 250 guests Full linen set up Chair covers Centre pieces Starlight backdrop Full catering Disco and Dance floor

Festivities LET THE

BEGIN

Soft play children’s area ideal for any

It will soon be time to start organising those

family celebration

all-important Christmas parties and you can celebrate your team’s hard work over the year with a Christmas party at Varneys that they will never forget. Taking care of all the details with a huge bar and brilliant disco – it is sure to be a Christmas bash like never before.

Book your event

07837 325 557

@VarneysFunFactory

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Much loved family venue in Leicester offer exclusive hire for weddings and other special occasions Tailor make your big day at this great location. With a capacity from 50 to 250 guests, the versatile and open space is ideal for what-ever your occasion calls for. A blank canvas upon which you can create your celebration, the adaptable area lends itself to a party atmosphere for the whole family. The large bar space caters for all drinks whilst the soft play children’s area is ideal for any family celebration to keep the kids entertained. Whatever your wedding party size, the team can help you create the perfect wedding day with packages that include exclusive hire, full linen

set up, chair covers, centre pieces, starlight backdrop, full catering, disco and dance floor! Varney’s take care of all the major things, leaving you free to simply select your wishes from their trusty book of suppliers and partners. You can discuss all your preferences with the Varney team able to cater for a huge range of formats. Contact the team to discuss your big day plans and create a wedding both you and your guests will remember forever. 07837 325 557

Kwoklyn Wan Varney’s have teamed up with Kwoklyn Wan; a partnership that offers a truly bespoke catering service. The oriental dishes provided by Kwoklyn add another string to the Varney’s bow offering their customers something another option on top of the more traditional three course sit down meal. Kwoklyn said: “I am delighted that Shane Varney has chosen to work with Eastern Heroes Kitchen. We offer a totally bespoke service for each client from Fine Oriental Dining to East Asian Street Food and a unique Oriental Afternoon Tea.”

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

GET THE PARTY STARTED We offer the very best in entertainment services ranging from DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to musicians, interacting with you and your guests ensuring your event is enjoyable, memorable and talked about.

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PART OF THE UK PRO DJ GROUP

Food & Drink

to perfection Wing Sting Here at Plukd, our mission is simple, we want to serve you the best Pluckin’ wings in town! We don’t Pluk about with our food. We believe in 100 per cent ethically sourced, British chicken – a happier chicken is a tastier chicken. It all started with one chef, who was very passionate about big, full flavours and good quality ingredients. However, he had a guilty pleasure; a secret obsession with hot wings. Plukd’s mission is to show that take-away food doesn’t have to be poor quality, lacking in flavour or imagination, and we want to stand out as the number one choice for Leicester’s foodies who crave restaurant quality food in the comfort of their own home. We have developed a menu that is fun, trendy and full of amazing flavours, quirky combinations and interesting alternatives. Our monthly specials keep the menu fresh and exciting allowing us to utilise some of the UK’s amazing local and seasonal produce. We also have a secret! Our owner and exec chef Justin Akpa is a bit of a celeb. He’s appeared on TV with celebrity chefs Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain (Channel 4 The Taste). He’s also developed food products for Starbucks,

WHSmith, Tesco, BA and Virgin Trains. His years of experience can be tasted in the Plukd menu. It’s easy to forget after understanding all we do at Plukd, that we’re a take-away. We’re on a mission to show that it is possible to provide fresh, great quality and exciting fast food, delivered straight to your front door (specified areas of Leicester). Our takeaway service will launch autumn/winter 2016 but you can experience the best Plukin’ wings in town before at one of our pop-up restaurant events in Leicester. Plukd.co.uk

On the 28th of July The Food Fanatics Club held The Hot Chilli Feast, at The Parcel Yard. In a small, cozy space, adorned with appropriately hot decorations, the event started with the food fanatics being invited to sample a range of chilli sauces – from mild to sizzling hot – before being treated to the first performance by vocalist Jessie. The beer flowed and the fun continued, guests were served five courses of delicious chilli-themed cuisine, interspersed by more live music, and bewildering illusions performed tableside by magician Colin. The atmosphere was warm, fun and friendly, by the time the last course was served – Chef Kwoklyn’s amazing chilli ice cream – everyone agreed that the Hot Chilli Feast had more than lived up to its name. To round off a wonderful night, several brave guests volunteered for Chef Justin’s Wing Sting Challenge and, after consuming large quantities of stupidly hot chilli wings in a very short time, a select few proved to have a fire-retardant mouths. A wonderful night was had by all. The food Fanatics Club next event, Steamed Buns and Dumplings, will be held at the White Bear, Hinckley on 22nd September 2016. TheFoodFanaticsClub.com NICHE | 53

10 years of Hotel Maiyango

A chic, contemporary hotel and restaurant in the heart of Leicester’s historic quarter This city centre vibrant boutique hotel and restaurant is known for its modern, welcoming and stylish approach to dining and overnight stays, and is the first port of call for many city residents and visitors nationwide. The stylish 14 bedroomed hotel, award winning AA rosette restaurant and conference and event location is a thriving part of the Leicester scene and one which raised the standard in hospitality in the city over ten years ago. The 10th anniversary of Hotel Maiyango came along this year and with it, to add to the acclaim and awards collected over the years, comes another addition to the

Maiyango mantle. It has been quite a marvellous 2016 for the hotel and restaurant, winning Gold as one of the yummiest places to stay in the UK with the prestigious Taste England awards. Managing Director Aatin Anadkat has always set the bar high. Food has always been a huge part of the hotel’s success and having the freshest of ingredients all locally sourced, and the most interesting and innovative of delicious menus taking worldwide inspiration. The multi award winning restaurant welcomed a new chef this year who looks set to further the restaurant’s already exceptional reputation.

The restaurant and bar is a must when visiting the city on a night out with friends or a romantic meal for two. Drinks are serious business, with a master mixologist and a daringly different cocktail menu – drinking and dining in such a stylish and social setting, this is night-life at its most fabulous! Maiyango knows how to give your celebration the edge, whether it’s for your wedding reception, your birthday party or your office Christmas-do, there are a variety of ways in which the team can make sure it’s as special and as memorable as it deserves to be.

Weddings at Maiyango are the ideal chic city centre affair and with the Cathedral and Guildhall at short strolling distance, it’s perfect to host your wedding celebrations. And the Christmas parties? They are really something! With packages tailored to meet you and your party’s requirements, proving to be the very best hosts and with all you could need taken care of including bespoke food and drink bundles as well as cocktail making opportunities, it’s a sophisticated Christmas celebration. The newly added Tasting Room provides a unique and rather special scene for celebrations, nights out

and corporate events with the exclusivity of your own space for up to 20 guests within luxurious, intimate surroundings. The Tasting Room boasts it’s own bar and cocktail making services as well as nibbles of your choosing, a boudoir make-up area for those last minute touches and the opportunity for you to play your own music. Very cool and ultra-VIP! Yet, with all its style, sophistication and contemporary vibes, Maiyango is the success that it is because of all these elements put together whilst still managing to be warm and welcoming too, which is no easy feat.

Maiyango.com 0116 251 8898

RECIPE

Sesame Seed Prawn Toast Ingredients 200g Raw peeled king prawns 1 Egg white 1 clove Garlic 1 tbs Corn flour Pinch of salt 2 Spring onions 8 Slices white bread Sesame seeds Cooking oil as needed for deep frying

Kwoklyn Wan

In all Asian cookery preparation is key so moving into large event catering has been quite a simple step, it just meant instead of peeling 1 or 2 onions, I now peel and chop 20kg at a time. So in this edition of Eastern Heroes Kitchen I wanted to show you two simple recipes that can be supersized, pre made and will have your guests scratching their heads trying to work out how you catered for a room full of people and didn’t even break into a sweat. Both dishes are available as part of a new Oriental Menu I have created for Varney’s Weddings in South Wigston, for further information about my Party and Event Catering and how to book me for your event please log on to EasternHeroesKitchen.com Kwoklynwan.com Twitter.com/kwoklyn_wan Facebook.com/BigWan888 Instagram.com/KwoklynWan

Place sesame seeds on to a plate or chopping board and press the toast paste side down into the seeds (Only seed the paste side). Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a pan or wok until hot but not smoking. Place your toasts into the oil and fry for 30 to 50 seconds on each side or as desired. Remove toast and drain excess oil on kitchen paper. Remove crusts and slice into triangles. The Prawn toast can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Once your guests arrive fire up the cooker and you’ll be serving tasty home made prawn toast in minutes.

Martial Arts Expert | Chef Entrepreneur | Food Blogger Award Winning Businessman As we roll into September we begin to start thinking about the forthcoming Autumn and the many events this brings, from Halloween, to Bonfire Night and of course Christmas. Catering for a group of 20 guests isn’t difficult; the trick is simply ‘Preparation, Preparation and Preparation’.

Method Put all ingredients except bread and sesame seeds into the food processor and blend to a paste. Spread the paste onto 1 side of the bread (don’t be too skimpy).

Allow 2 to 3 triangles per guest.

Chinese Style Curry Sauce Ingredients 2 tbsp Coconut oil or vegetable oil 2 tbsp Plain flour approx. 400ml Chicken stock A dash of Soya sauce 1 medium Onion, cut into large chunks 1 clove of Garlic, finely chopped 2 heaped tsp of Curry powder (a basic all round curry powder is fine) 1/2 tsp Ground ginger 1/2 tsp Chilli flakes 1/2 tsp Onion powder A pinch of Ground star anise A pinch of Ground cumin 1/2 cup of Frozen/fresh peas

Method Using a small wok or frying pan, heat the oil and add the onions to the pan. Fry until lightly browned. Turn down the heat to low and add the chopped garlic and chilli flakes. Fry for just a few seconds and add the remaining spices. Fry for a further minute and add flour to the pan. Cook over a gentle heat for approx 1 minute, stirring the whole time. Pour over the chicken stock and add the peas and soya sauce. Stir well then allow to cook over a medium heat for approx. 12 - 15 mins, stirring regularly. If it starts to get too thick, add a little more chicken stock or water. The sauce is now ready to use. Cook the curry sauce the day before and allow to cool before covering and placing in the fridge. To create a divine Chicken and Mushroom Curry simply fry off some chicken with a pinch of salt, add some sliced mushrooms and peas and pour over your pre made curry sauce, heat thoroughly and serve with plain boiled rice and your guests will think you’re a catering Goddess or God.

BAMBINO Over the school holidays, when one adult dines at Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

MANS W E N RESTAURANT

Bella Torte

Fresh, delicious homemade food

Cakes for all Occasions

CAKES

Good honest food in the heart of Leicester Breakfast, lunch or wind down at the end of a busy day. 33 Market Street Leicester LE1 6DN 0116 254 2090 Open 8.30-3.00pm Mon 8.30am-5.00pm Tue-Sat

07896 351 221

sambellatorte@googlemail.com @BellaTorte NICHE | 39

Award winning pub

at Broughton Astley

Bottomles s bubbles

Thursdays 6-8pm

£9.95

Lunchtimes set menu and silver menu Afternoon jazz each month. (Last wednesday) Brilliant location for all events with catering (outside bars, hog roast, kitchen, full and part exclusivity) Theme nights all week and a whole lot more.

01455 282 343/07528 976 681 Bullbroughton.com *Can all confirmed bookings please be aware you’ll have a 2 hour time allocation.

Local eatery scores top marks with us The Bull at Broughton is infamous for its character and welcoming hospitality. A lovely relaxing country pub serving a high standard of food from classic to a la carte, it’s the best of all culinary worlds with something for everyone’s taste. One of Leicestershire’s landmark pubs, its atmosphere and creative yet traditional menu draws gastro lovers from far and wide… Sharon, one of our very own Media Sales Executives, visited recently with her partner Adam and discovered a new favourite eatery in the process. “We were sat in the most beautiful spot, right in the window so we

could view the lovely stream which runs right outside. Our attentive and friendly waitress brought our lovely food out whilst we were watching the ducks! For starters, I enjoyed Creamed Carrot and Sweetcorn Soup whilst my partner Adam had Slow Braised Oxtail Terrine, both were delicious and set us up to be suitably excited for what our main course was to be, mine Duo of Lamb with the most amazing minted mash and for Adam his favourite…. Steak! Squeezing in pudding, just because, well you have to, no?! Mine was basically my dream dessert and consisted of Belgium Chocolate and Peanut Butter Tart served with

Salted Caramel Ice-cream! Oh My! And Adam’s was White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake with drunken berries. Wow. We were made to feel so welcome, couldn’t fault a single thing. Visit The Bull at Broughton, trust me, you won’t regret it!” Expect traditional Sunday roasts, made just like they should be, themed food evenings and fresh, seasonal foods cooked to perfection. Bullbroughton.com 01455 282 343

Food & Drink

THAN K

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S FRIDAY Grab your bottle of Prosecco for just ÂŁ20 | Every Friday between 3-7pm Marco's New York Italian Leicester, 73 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES 011625 75533 | info.marcosleicester@jupiterhotels.co.uk @marcosleicester | Marco's New York Italian Leicester

Big Daddies Diner is a family mobile catering street food business. We offer gourmet hotdogs, gourmet burgers, home-smoked pulled pork and brisket, and also chilli con carne and philly steak. We make our own toppings of slaws and sauces using only the freshest of ingredients, locally sourced where possible. Vegetarian options are also available.

07824 099 590 bigdaddies.co.uk #bigdaddiesdiner @bigdaddiesdiner

OUTDOOR CATERERS

SimplyCook £8.99 There’s always time to explore new cuisines and exotic flavors with a busy schedule. SimplyCooks boxes include 4 delicious recipe kits and easy to follow recipe cards to create delicious mouth-watering meals in 20 minutes. Simplycook.com

Kitchen Products

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Stelia £119.99 Technological twist on coffee. Includes touch screen technology, and automatic turn off. Comes with coffee pods and incredibly easy to use. Amazon.co.uk

Pressure King Pro £69.99 Take the pressure off meal times. Pressure King Pro creates mouth-watering meals 90% faster than conventional methods, still securing the juicy vitamins and nutrients. Also includes a Bonus Recipe book. Highstreettv.com

Prestige Raclette Grill £25 This grill is perfect to create bite size delicacies for family get-togethers or parties. Its non-stick pans also allows for an easy clean. Prestige.co.uk

The Dunton Bassett Arms, set in the heart of rural South Leicestershire in the historic village of Dunton Bassett, is a lively idyllic pub with log fires and fine real ales accompanied by an extensive fine wine list, which is complimented by a fantastic contemporary restaurant, and luxury accommodation.

Award Wining Pub & Restaurant

Luxury Accommodation

Excellent Chinese & English Food

Six en suite rooms

Traditional Sunday Carvery

All of our rooms feature oversized showers, 100% Egyptian Cotton linen, Flat-screen LCD Televisions, Broadband connection and Moulton Brown Toiletries

Served Daily Between 6 and 11pm Served Between 12 and 3.30pm

01455 209 786 Bennetts Hill, Dunton Bassett, Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 5JJ

www.duntonbassettarms.co.uk

Mac & Wild Ginger Laddie £31.95

Juice Burst Skinny from £1.29

Croft Pink Port £10.99

This pre-mixed cocktail consists of enticing flavours such as orange peel, ginger and sweet vermouth. Available from Selfidges & Co, Whole Foods or at 31dover.com

Fulfilling one of your five a day means it’s perfect for adults and children alike. Available from WH Smith, Superdrug, and Nisa stores nationwide.

This vibrant rosé provides a refreshing fruity sensation. Served chilled, on the rocks or as a base in cocktails and punches. Virginwines.com

Limited Edition Burleighs Gin PINK £42.50 With just 600 bottles available, be quick to get your hands on the PINK edition. Its combination of Japanese cherry blossom, pink grapefruit, hibiscus and rose flowers results in a refreshing gin. Available from 45 West Bottle Shop in Leicester and Burleighsgin.com

Koko Kanu £19-£20 Jamaica’s finest crystal clear coconut rum blended with natural essence of coconut is a great ‘skinny’ option to a Christmas cocktail and is delicious served over ice with your favourite mixer. Available from Sainsbury’s and Ocado.

Warner Edwards Gin 70cl £33, 20cl £15, 5cl £4.99 Award winning gin, created with only the best handpicked berries and fruit. Sloe, Rhubarb, Elderflower and dry varieties, takes your taste buds on an intensely fruity adventure. Warneredwards.com. Available from Amazon, Marks & Spencer, Majestic and Master of Malt.

Borel-Lucas Cuvée Réserve £33 A beautiful shine in the champagne flute. The bubbles and finesse in the glass signify the fruity aromatic palette that awaits the lucky recipient.Available from Champagne occaions.eu

GlenGrant Rothes Speyside £29.95 Treat yourself to one of the world bestselling malt scotch whisky. Bursting with flavours such as orange, toffee, and honeysuckle. Delicious with sparkling wine and rosemary. Thewhiskyexchange.com

Christmas Festivities

Party Nights Dance the night away with popular party tracks from our resident DJ or rock into the night with some classic hits from one of our live entertainment nights.

Plus 3 course festive meal from

02476 312 989

£25.95 per person.

Weston Lane, Bulkington, CV12 9RU

events@westonhallhotel.co.uk www.bw-westonhallhotel.co.uk

Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur 20cl £7.50 Wish your friends and family Joyeux Noel with a bottle of Chambord packaged in a beautiful gold box. Available from all major supermarkets.

Please see our festive brochure on our website or contact our events team for availability

e of Melton Mowbray Sloe G in The Hom

Delicious spirits made with British fruit and hedgerow berries, naturally infused with only the finest spirits

The Macallan Gold £38.95 Notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate, with lingering floral and light oak notes. The Macallan Gold is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons. Themacallan.com

01664 738 088

info@sloeberryspirits.co.uk

Northfield Farm Whissendine Lane Cold Overton Nr. Oakham Leicestershire LE15 7QF

www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk

Private and Corporate Events Make an evening of it and try all of the 7 bottles in the Borel Lucas range. Minimum 14 persons at ÂŁ35/person within the East Midlands. The event lasts approximately 2 Â˝ hours.

Champagneoccasions.eu

Deck the halls at

St Martins House Regal-feeling majestic-looking Christmas parties steeped in history are to be had at St Martins House this year

One look at the transformed Grammar School that is now St Martins house and you might mistake it for a very modern and exclusive building - but this conceals the magical venue that lies within. The serene setting certainly takes you back upon arrival at Leicester’s Historic Quarter as you find yourself surrounded by centuries of history – truly getting you into a Christmassy mood on a frosty night. The area is loved for is for its ease of access in the centre of the city and it’s almost exclusive feel. This quiet corner of the city provides a beautiful backdrop to any festivity with dramatic architecture and modern design enclosed by magnificent buildings and stories dating back to the 13th Century. Festive Party guests will find the venue easy to get to with lots of parking readily available. The quarter takes on a different feel by nights as the lighting adds to the beautiful backdrop of the cathedral. It’s a great way to really show employees and clients a fantastic time, and for the real party goers, popular bars and clubs are within walking distance.

But it’s not just a great location that St Martins House has to offer for their traditional festive Christmas dos. From 7pm – 1am party goers will enjoy a sparkling Peach Bellini or Peroni on arrival, a cash bar and decorated disco that will have revellers dashing round the dance floor to Midlands Pro DJ sets. The Grade II listed building was built in 1877 and preserves much of its Victorian architecture mixed stylishly with modern fittings. Inside, an impressive majestic quality is striking and certainly makes for a night to be remembered. Staggering high vaulted ceilings and stunning stained glass windows make for an ethereal feeling about the place – even while the DJ and disco lights are at their peak. With St Martins House, clients find a range of dynamic spaces in which a variety of celebrations fit into because of the impressive flexibility offered. They’ve catered for many different formats from private parties to corporate entertainment, award ceremonies, and chic private dinners.

Up to 150 guests can delve into the captivating atmosphere and come in from the cold to be treated to a deliciously heart-warming three course meal, sharing platters on each table, an assiette of desserts, coffee and truffles – a feast fit for royalty. From panelled intimate spaces to more magnificent areas, the real jewel in the St Martins crown is the angelic Grand Hall that attracts a resounding ‘wow’. This space comes fully equipped with all the latest audio-visual equipment, free WiFi, private bar and kitchen. The combination of modern and historic features will certainly surpass all expectations and make for a spectacular setting for your jolly Christmas Celebrations. Company bookings of 100-150 £37.50pp plus vat.

0116 261 5200 bookings@stmartinshouse.com Stmartinshouse.com

Niche Magazine review...

Our one night stay in the Med

Sloe Gin for a cosy Christmas tipple

Champagne fit for every occasion

We have always been smitten by the gorgeous Italian fare expertly crafted and proudly served at Cini, Enderby. The stylish dining room boasts open plan kitchens and an authentic and varied menu. We especially like ‘dining blind’, at chef’s choosing, it’s one of the best ways to sample delicious foods you wouldn’t normally order.

When you think of a special Christmas tipple, what springs to mind? Fast becoming a festive tipple staple for many, Sloe Gin is celebratory drinking which harks back to a time when folk would make their own Christmas drink with the picking of sloes in October to prep for the sloe gin making in time for Christmas. Just lovely.

Around the festive period the drinks you choose to celebrate the wonderful abundance of celebrations with family and friends is important isn’t it? Proper get together celebrations at this wonderful time of year deserve the very best in drinks to toast with, in our humble opinion anyway. Champagne Occasions are the exclusive suppliers of Borel Lucas champagne right here in the UK, and so, as the name suggests, they have the perfect drink for your special occasions.

Although we’ve enjoyed dining at and the hospitality of Cini many times, we’ve even hosted dinner, drinks and networking events here, one part of their offering remains unexplored. Cini is much more than a restaurant and bar – there’s a private dining villa and sumptuous accommodation to boot. The occasion arose for us to delve in EMB&B style. Our anniversary excursion started with a warm Mediterranean welcome, prosseco, hugs and exceptional service. We headed to our suite, we were shown the facilities of our stay for the night by the amenable staff. We ambled romantically to our table and were expertly guided through the menu. Both fillet steak and monkfish were served just perfectly. The cheese board and trio di sorbetti that followed delivered too. We finished our drinks al fresco on the raised terrace under the twinkling stars.

We were set the arduous task of trying out the award-winning Sloeberry Gin from the jolly experts at Sloeberry Spirits, who, quite frankly, know their spirits and they know them very well indeed. Awarded a Gold Star at ‘The Great Taste Awards 2013’ the Melton Mowbray. We were told (as long as we were over 18!) that we could enjoy the drink neat as a winter warmer, or after dinner as an accompaniment to cheese. It probably won’t surprise our readers to know that we loved it! Its really very lovely indeed and the perfect addition to your drinks menu this Christmas time, or even as a thoughtful gift to a friend (if you can part with it that is).

The family run business started after a trip to the vineyards in Etoges, France, the champagne enthusiasts fell hook line and all bubbly for the finest Borel Lucas champagne, so much so that they decided there and then after the first sip that they had to bring the drink to champagne lovers in the UK. We tasted the beautiful bubbly for ourselves. We loved the sharp sweetness of the delicious combination of the granny apple, cherry plum, and apricot but also tobacco and hazelnut which created noble aromas of maturity. The fresh balance of flavours results in a wine which is reminiscent of pear and green tea, it is just lovely.

The morning saw us rise and shine feeling good, ready for a hearty Cini breakfast after such a sound comfortable sleep. Who knew? An Italian mini-resort right here in leafy Leicestershire.

Sloeberry Spirits only use the finest spirits, to which they add their hand-picked fruit from the hedgerows of Melton Mowbray. No colourings or preservatives are used and the fruit is infused using traditional methods over several months. Shop the range, which includes Whiskey & Wild Damson and Vodka & Blackberry amongst other delights too.

Available through select stockists and shows as well as via their website. Discover information on their next tasting event and taste for yourself this incredible Champagne.

0116 286 3009 Cinirestaurant.co.uk

01664 738 088 Sloeberryspirits.co.uk

07583 741 364 Champagneoccasions.eu

BENVENUTI UNLIKE MANY OTHERS ‘SAPORI’ DOES NOT HAVE ONLY THE ‘ITALIAN NAME’ BUT IT IS INDEED A TRULY AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FAMILY BUSINESS, RUN WITH PASSION AND DEDICATION. SITUATED IN THE HEART OF ANSTEY, ONLY 10 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE CITY CENTRE AND THE BEAUTIFUL BRADGATE PARK, SAPORI OFFERS MODERN AND ELEGANT ITALIAN FLAVOURS WHILST MAINTAINING THE FAMILY VALUES AND TRADITIONS THAT THE OWNERS HAVE BUILT THEIR BUSINESS ON.

SAPORI RESTAURANT & BAR

40 Stadon Road, Anstey, Leicestershire, LE7 7AY Plentiful adjacent free parking available

For reservations call

0116 236 8900

Sapori-restaurant.co.uk For bookings more than 7 days in advance you can also book via email info@sapori-restaurant.co.uk

Property

Building Hamilton Leicester Ltd has a rich history in construction and building, a strong business ethos based on working with and supporting other contractors has seen them come out on top as reputable traders

Hamilton Leicester Ltd is a family business in every sense of the word. At the heart of the company is Steve and wife Louise. Steve, Louise and the team work together to build and maintain a stellar reputation for commercial building services across the country. The building firm was invited last year by the BBC to take part in the restoration of a Loughborough family’s home on hit TV show DIY SOS: The Big Build. Steve believes his company was sought after BBC researchers looked for reputable local tradesmen and perhaps saw them listed under the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Checkatrade. After completing the inspirational project along with other local companies, Steve said: “It was about helping out where we could. It was a proud moment that really stuck a lump in your throat when

70 | NICHE

the family said thank you on national TV.” Hamilton’s have a reputation built on Steve’s 18 years experience as well as his efforts to be at the heart of the community involving the company in projects where their expertise is needed to develop specific ventures. The family firm collaborated with Babcock Wilcox & Volund (BWV), Interserve Construction and Viridor to complete the brand new, stateof-the-art £96m Energy Recovery Facility project in Peterborough. Hamilton’s were called on to take care of only a small part, but their knowledge and advice became heavily relied upon. Steve explained: “We were proud to play a part in this. We went in to take care of the block walls and came out having become one of the major players, which was ironic as we were one of the smallest companies involved!”

Property

Our works with BWV was won purely on merit and directly with how we handled the Interserve side of the project.

together The Peterborough project began in 2013 and led to other great collaborations: “Our works with BWV was won purely on merit and directly with how we handled the Interserve side of the project.” Hamilton’s now operate together with trade partners and subcontractors to provide bespoke building work, ground works, demolition, refurbishment, third party client sites, and commercial sites throughout the UK. Over the past few years, Hamilton’s have been working closely with RoofMaker; the manufacturers of stunning and contemporary glass lanterns. Steve’s workforce has proven their prowess seeing them become the only registered, fully insured and approved installers of RoofMaker products. Because of this partnership, Leicester homes and businesses have access to quality, high-

end, impressive-looking bi-fold doors and rooflights. Keeping a close eye on the latest trends and building technologies and techniques, Hamilton’s have a vast portfolio full of versatile solutions in construction, technically demanding installations, project planning and realisation as well as outstanding ecological policy, Hamilton’s are in a position to offer you a truly exceptional level of craftsmanship and build quality. Get in touch for your next project – whether it’s an extension on your home or a whole office refurbishment.

Hamilton

Leicester Ltd. Bespoke Prestige Quality

MEET THE TEAM Steven Hamilton Managing Director/Senior Project Manager You’ll never see him in a suit – he’ll be overseeing the work while getting stuck in himself and guiding other trades. 0116 271 1048 ext 22 07904 222 904 07951 587 426 steve@hamilton-leicester.com Louise Hamilton Company Secretary & Accounts 0116 271 1048 ext 21 louise@hamilton-leicester.com Matt Bateman Works Director 0116 271 1048 07710 405 116 matt@hamilton-leicester.com Jamie Lawrence Works Director 07904 222 904 0116 271 1048 Jamie@hamilton-Leicester.com

Hamilton-leicester.com NICHE | 71

PAINT SERVICE

VILLAGE CHIC Have your own furniture painted by us We collect & deliver across the UK

Great Value, Great Service Over 28 Years Experience

- Old carpets disposed of - Wide choice & genuine advice

- Expert fitting guaranteed

“WHY BUY NEW WHEN WE CAN REVAMP THE OLD” www.villagechic.co.uk 07971 597 053 or 01636 918 190 8 High St Sileby LE12 7RX 9 Castlegate Newark NG24 1AZ

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- AXMINSTERS - CARPET TILES - LAMINATES - SOLID WOODS - VINYLS - SISALS OPPOSITE MAIN CHEMIST Shop online at www.astleycarpets.co.uk

M&SonVoucher withGrosvenor any Special£10 offers Woodward ULSTER&CARPET orders over £400 Brintons Carpets astleycarpets@yahoo.co.uk 01455 285214 75 Main St, Broughton Astley LE9 6RE (free parking)

Your Home of Flooring for over 70 years A brief history of Michael John Flooring 1946 - 2016 Michael Molloy Jnr takes over the business after the death of his parents. He appoints Tony Clare and Graham Morris to the Board of Directors.

Michael John expands its premises, purchasing 190 Narborough Road and Mark Lucas joins the team.

1946

1978

1988

1959

1985

The 1990s

Michael John leaves their original store and moves to a new showroom at 188 Narborough Road and focuses on selling carpets and rugs.

Simon Manley joins as a ‘Saturday lad’ and helps out in the showroom as the company continues to grow. Simon goes on to study retail business management for the next three years.

Rapid expansion means key appointments are made including David Preston in 1993. Michael John is recognised as one of the UK’s leading flooring retailers, winning master store awards.

Michael John starts out as a family business with Michael J Molloy Jnr, at age 11, helping his father sell a range of items, including shoes, clothing, watches.

1946

With 1000s of styles and colours available from your local store today... Michael John Flooring 188 - 190 Narborough Road Leicester LE3 OBU T: 0116 254 1853 Michael John Flooring at Maison Interiors 37 - 41 London Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5DL T: 01162 712 584 MJ Trade Flooring Unit 5 Mill Hill Industrial Estate , Quarry Lane, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4AU T: 01162 862292 Michael John Flooring at Broughton House Interiors 4 Main St, Broughton Astley, Leicester LE9 6RD T: 01455 284884

www.michael-john.co.uk sales@michael-john.co.uk

Carpets

Wood

Vinyl

Rugs

Michael Molloy Jnr retires, but remains as chairman. Simon Manley is made managing director and appointed to the board. Mark Lucas and David Preston are promoted as managers.

Michael John Flooring expands again, to open new Maison Interiors store in Oadby.

A new store opens in Broughton Astley, named ‘Broughton Astley Interiors’. New Michael John Flooring website is launched and Mark Lucas and David Preston are made partners.

2000

2012

2015

2016

2005-2010

2014

2016

Expansion continues with the opening of a warehouse in Enderby with a clearance outlet centre. Tony Clare and Graham Morris retire as Company Directors. Simon Manley celebrates 25years at Michael John Flooring.

Revolutionary Amtico Design Centre studio installed at Narborough Road showroom. Mark Lucas celebrates 25 years at Michael John Flooring.

Sees the company celebrate 70 years of working in the heart of Leicestershire, developing into the area’s premier independent flooring retailer with stores across the county.

Michael John Flooring, is proud to be celebrating 70 years of working in the heart of Leicestershire. The company’s roots are centred in the county and our focus has always been to help provide the best, quality service to the people of Leicestershire. During our 70th year celebrations, we’ve chosen to raise money for LOROS who have helped so many people’s lives in the county, donations can be made through our Just Giving page:

www.justgiving.com/michaeljohnflooring

Those in Property have their say

A peak in burglaries Unsecured garage doors, no security lighting, no visible intruder alarms, valuables on display. These are the most common causes of break-ins in the UK. Aviva analysed ten years of claims data to reveal peak times of theft. Trends showed that as the daylight hours become shorter in the month of October, household thefts rose by 5 per cent in the same week that the clocks go back. On top of this, malicious damage increased by 160 per cent around Halloween. We advise that you get your property secured. You’ll be protected come Christmas when thefts are also at a peak, and into the New Year for years to come. Each of our systems are designed around your home and the way you live. We make them simple to use and provide flexible wire-free arrangements that are perfect for you to add extras at a later time such as alarm activation notifications straight to your phone, flood detection or one-touch operation. Over 50 years of experience in security technology means that with Abel you’ll receive in-depth product knowledge and service. We are one step ahead of criminals. We will work out the best position for CCTV around your home, the best system for your lifestyle and environment, and on hand advice and support whenever you need it. Joel Mulloy 0116 265 4200 Abelalarm.co.uk 76 | NICHE

The problem with patios

Rugs, glorious rugs!

So last issue I mentioned doing something different with those large patio areas, but what exactly do I mean?

Geometric patterns. Modern stripes. Bespoke designs. There are masses of fabulous rugs that can be found in our showrooms and endless possibilities that we can have made for you, designed by you.

Maybe you’ve moved into a new house or you had your patio done many years ago and it is what it is - just a very large area; after all, the table and chairs are only going to take up so much room! So what to do? We have completed a couple of projects where we took up some slabs and dug up some areas inside the patio to plant it up with flowery and leafy goodness – depending on what look you’re going for, quaint English countryside, or exotic jungle rainforest maybe? Plants and flowers give the patio colour as well as some much needed height to break up the flat space making it more aesthetically pleasing. Also, adding plants with scents and smells adds to the outdoor experience while sitting on your patio enjoying a glass of wine, a good book or a family get together. But what about raised beds? Again, they offer height as well as making the areas easy to maintain as you will no longer need to get down on your knees!

The more traditional knotted, oriental rugs we stock are hand woven by trained specialists across the world in places like Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Much like that with wood flooring, which we covered in last issue, these kinds of rugs achieve a certain look possibly featured in a grand hall or an old cottage stuffed with character. We also have modern takes on these with softer colouring. We have brochures available for free download on our website and samples can be found in store. But if you find yourself unable to fully fall in love with any from our selection, you can create your very own personalised rug. Choose the size, colours, pattern and fibres and we’ll have it hand tufted for you. Send our team a picture of your favourite dress or curtains and we will create the pattern and colours to match. You can even make it for yourself on our site Beautifulflooring.co.uk.

Next issue I’m going to be talking about some easy wins with your pond maintenance including how the way you’re feeding your fish is making your life harder! Michael Wheat

We are part of a nationwide group of retailers who run the site, which allows us to approach manufacturers in unison to keep prices as low as possible for our customers across the country. Mark Lucas

0116 240 3735/07590 535 623 Michaelwheat.co.uk info@michaelwheat.co.uk

0116 254 1853 Michael-john.co.uk

This autumn we’re plunging into the blue in an attempt to grab hold of summer for just a little longer As summer fades and the days grow cooler, we long to hang onto those balmy, warm evenings and bright sunshine. So to delay the settling in of autumn, I’m looking to inject a little summery fun into my interiors. I’m loving bright clear blues, they’re hot right now and they’re just beautiful and summery, but will work just as well as the nights draw in. Blues with a teal hue combined with splashes of gold and other metals or monochrome black and white geometrics are perfect. A little bit retro and oh so fun! Think Palm Springs style meets Miami. Add a new rug to your living space, spruce up your bathroom tiles or kitchen splashback. A stylish new statement chair and a lick of bright new paint is just what the doctor ordered. Blues are cool and calming, exactly what is needed as we all start to think about going back to school, back to work after summer break, gearing up for new starts and new beginnings.

Fired Earth - Ruffalo Ravello Tile £7.99 per tile Contemporary twist on an old favourite. Looks brand new again. Gorgeous colour, I adore it! Houseology.com - Eichholtz Elson Chair £760 I love the graphic pattern. Classy, sassy and timeless. The Rug Seller - Arte Espina Criss Cross Rug From £514 An investment piece which is so fresh and cool. Graham & Green - Gold Tree Trunk Stool £169 Metallic, evokes nature, practical, beautiful. Every box ticked. Little Greene - Pale Berlin Paint £19.25 for 1lt A wonderful cool summery blue. Equally at home in a modern or traditional home

So keep your cool this autumn by taking the plunge into the blue! Find the shade that you love the most, that relaxes you, that brings to mind the ocean on holiday or the midday big blue sky of summer.

www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks

Here’s to new beginnings...

Samantha

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

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Property

Plunge into the blue

• • • • •

Specialist pond builder Pond cleaning Pond maintenance Wildlife ponds New builds

• Landscaping and Decking Service • Planting Service • Free design and quote • Expert in shady borders • Low maintenance plans • Gardens that look good in all four seasons

Be prepared with Wayne Lord Talking about boilers at this time of year whilst sweltering in the summer heat may feel a little premature but... The trouble is, if you wait until winter to get your boiler serviced, you run the risk of it packing in completely - right when you need it most and waiting in a queue of other customers in exactly the same situation. Getting your boiler serviced now ensures you are all set for the colder months in plenty of time without fear of being left with no heating or hot water for days. Wayne Lord Plumbing and Heating are one of the most highly respected and trusted plumbing firms in the Midlands and having made the Niche Awards 2016 semifinals, it seems that this accolade is reciprocated by many. As the go-to firm for many of us here in the Midlands, Wayne Lord are a household name. Providing all your plumbing and heating as 78 | NICHE

well as oil, gas and LPG needs, and landlord safety checks in a professional, efficient and friendly manner and having over 20 years of experience, they are a firm who are going from strength to strength. Competitive prices, honest advice and free quotes as well as an emergency call out service are available with excellent communication, reliability and skill.

It’s for these reasons that so many customers recommend the team to family, friends and businesses. No job is too big or too small for Wayne Lord Plumbing and Heating – they are simply trustworthy tradesman at their best. Waynelordplumbing.co.uk 0116 210 0718/07718 587 541

SECURITY Amidst all the disconcerting Brexit reports, there is at least one professional body we can rely on to keep our personal belongings safe and sound To keep your possessions truly safe in this uncertain economic climate, Mint Securities have one of the most secure centres available in Europe, which has been specifically designed to protect their client’s belongings with multiple level security systems. Co-Owner Surekha Chouhan said: “Our safe deposit boxes are for individuals as well as businesses. If your valuables are not specifically covered by your home insurance, they may well not be covered at all. We also offer unlimited contents cover, and in our experience, when you do specify your valuables, your home insurance premium increases dramatically.” A variety of box sizes, service packages and payment plans make for flexible use. Boxes start from as little as £12.50/month. Mint’s Holiday Box for just £50 has fast track registration, no fees and no deposit - so you can enjoy your holiday.

Also available is individual ALL RISK insurance cover, specific to your box and in your name. Mint offers insurance products in your name so the cover is specific to you and any claims go directly to you; unlike some other safety deposit centres. All insurance products are underwritten by the most reputable institutions such as Lloyds of London and are organised and administered by Ellerton Knight.

Mint’s Holiday Box is just £50, no fees and no deposit

A multi-level security system ensures only you can access your box. Once you have registered your box you are the only ones who can access it from then on.

Mint’s mission is to offer all customers high levels of security, which are unachievable in any normal household.

As members of the Financial Conduct Authority and Safety Deposit Association your security is guaranteed. Even when you arrive or leave our premises Mint want you to be safe. All sites have free on-site parking monitored 24/7 - 365 days, which means you are safe from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave. Cover can also be provided for when you take your valuables offsite.

LOCK IT DON’T LOSE IT!

Mint Owners Directors John Connell and Surekha Chouhan are business partners and also own autistic care homes, a large property portfolio and have recently acquired a cemetery.

So unlike the uncertainty that the UK faces in these times, you can be certain you can trust Mint Securities to protect you most precious belongings.

0116 254 9747 Mintsecurities.co.uk

SME winners 2016, Business Woman 2015 Awards NICHE | 79

Property

A true sense of

Those in Property have their say

Ultimate Home Builders

Home styling from the outside in

Amid the turbulence, a fixed point of reference

With exceeding expectations at the forefront of our vision we always expected to grow, however the recent demand has been quite unprecedented. Multiple projects ranging from domestic home improvements including large extensions, full house renovations and full rental property refurbishments including HMO’s have been instructed. As well as commercial, new build and varied structural projects for a range of homeowners, businesses, investors and developers.

We style everything from top to bottom in our homes so why do we settle for less when it comes to the main exterior features of our homestead – the windows and doors?

When it comes to savings, getting yourself in a fix can actually be a positive.

The ‘Hot Topic’ of this season has been ‘to build or not to build’; we are very excited about future plans for build to let strategies, with low stamp duty, high demand and creating long term security. Ultimate Home Builders have been working with partners and investors to help make peoples money work for them, with the Bank of England interest rates at a record low many savers have taken a hit on their return whereas investing in bricks and mortar offers a more favourable way to make higher returns reasonably quickly. Building relationships and working together is key! Our belief is that there is plenty of success and opportunity available for all those who are willing to work for it. We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic via email. Chrissy Wright Ultimatehomebuilders.co.uk contact@ultimatehomebuilders.co.uk

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A lot of our customers aren’t aware of the options available. The perception is that ‘a window is a window – they are all the same,’ but that’s just not true. Windows and doors can completely change the look and feel of a property, and we’d even go so far as to say they can transform an ugly house into a dream home! We aim to open people’s eyes to the choices available and perhaps encourage them to be a little more daring. Coloured frames and doors are becoming increasingly popular even just a really subtle choice, such as cream or pale grey, can really give the ‘wow’ factor. We have scores of colours in our Ral range, which is great when redecorating as it’s possible to colour match to interior paint colours. If your style is contemporary cool I’d recommend anthracite grey with chrome handles, but if you are after a vintage look then chartwell green and bronzed handles is a great choice. Although we’re passionate about the look, we know that style and substance matter. We have the highest quality standards behind us; we belong to the Glass and Glazing Federation and we are registered with FENSA, which means an assurance of quality and total protection. Adam Spradbury 0808 115 5359 Easwindows.co.uk

Committing to keeping your money safely tucked away for a defined period is generally rewarded with a higher interest rate than the flexibility of easy access. In a reflection of how a fix means your mortgage repayments are protected from rising interest rates, so a fixed rate savings product shields the interest you earn from the already historically low Bank of England Base Rate heading further towards zero. With fixed rate savings you know what interest payments you will receive for the period agreed at the outset, often a year or two. If Base Rate does head south to zero or even into negative territory (and that is far from a theoretical position, several countries are already there), then savers with variable products are going to lose out. Those not in a fix will find themselves in a pickle. The rates available on new bonds or other fixed rate products won’t be as generous as they were before a Base Rate cut. In a turbulent and unstable financial world, certainty of a known reward for investment is of real value for those who rely on getting something rather than risking receiving nothing. 01536 772 256/07989 562 517 Hrbs.co.uk/savings

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS

Lazy Sundays, even lovlier in autumn As the nights draw in and the mornings grow chilly, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lovely to indulge in late season sunshine whenever you can. Or, to throw open the French doors and enjoy the fresh air from the sofa. And after a bracing walk, to snuggle down with the Sunday papers, or just relax in a room with a view. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be lovely to get away from it all for the weekend without ever having to leave your own home? With EAS, you can join thousands of customers across Leicestershire who already do just that.

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Call us today on

0116 2710120

Showhome at 25 New Street, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5EB

www.easwindows.co.uk

Algarve

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Individual Villa for 4 at the front of the Aldeamento

2 minutes walk to the beach. Free use of tennis courts, pool at Vale Do Lobo Tennis Centre. Good discount on twilight golf. Large private balcony with seaviews and awning suitable for extra people, June-Sept. Supervised childrens playground nearby. Tel: 01935 891 241 I peakevenetia@rocketmail.com I www.1valedolobo.co.uk

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL: 01455 202 985 / 07753 748 769

Would your organisation benefit from elite property and contruction sector opportunities? Building Connections is bringing together professionals from across the industry. @BuildingConnect #TeamLeicestershire #MIPIM2017

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JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction. The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership* is ÂŁ20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership* is ÂŁ25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Please note, membership fees increase 1st September 2016.

Costco Leicester Westmoreland Ave, Thurmaston Leicester Leicestershire LE4 8PH

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Business It happened

One of the biggest political shake ups in our recent history. With a near half and half opinion divide between us all, Brexit is anything but clear to so many of us. Will the freedom from Brussels laws make things easier for our industries? Will restricted access (if any) to the single market mean big losses to our businesses? What will happen to UK firms in the view of a global market? The first major change we witnessed was David Cameron abandoning ship and leaving his successor Theresa May to keep it from sinking. Mrs. May will be the first female PM of her own kind as she takes on a new way of life for Britain. She assures the population that our wish to leave the EU will indeed go ahead. May and her cabinet will need to build new relationships, new trade deals, govern new laws, and if we succeed, others could follow suit. Our vote to leave the EU has been said to instill skepticism of the EU in countries such as Greece, Italy, Poland and Hungary. To ensure that we thrive in a post-EU life for Britain, May has had a reshuffle of her PM cabinet.

Some of her decisions have raised eyebrows such as appointing Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary, and the shutting down of the Department of Energy and Climate Change, but she has also been out doing a spot of networking of her own. Within a month our new Prime Minister was travelling to meet up with other leaders around Europe such as Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, to secure new friendships and deals for our future. Remain campaigners fear that companies will reconsider the prospects of negotiating here and that we will have less influence on the international stage. The Remain side also believes the British economy relies heavily on our ability to move freely throughout Europe, so we will therefore lose valued professional migrant workers. Conversely, Brexiters see that we will save billions of pounds a year that we contribute towards the EU, as well as gaining control over our borders and increasing our

security. Out voters view EU laws as restrictions to manufacturing and trading, and that we will be better able to control immigration and shortages of skilled workers with a points system like that of Australia. But even though the majority of us voted to leave the EU, there are still questions lingering that are yet to be answered. Will companies from overseas choose not to invest in the UK or cease trading with us? What will it mean for British expatriates living abroad? Will I still be able to go on holiday? Will England still be able to play in the Euros!? The truth is, we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the answers to many questions for some time. Article 50 was only created in 2009 to initiate a formal exit of the EU for countries who wish to no longer be a part of it, allowing two years to come to an agreement. However, since it has never been used before, it is unpredictable how long it will actually take for the proceedings to go ahead, and according to the BBC it could take up to six years for us to be officially independent; until then, EU laws will remain.

NICHE | 89

How though, will Brexit directly affect those of us here in Leicester? The Leicester Mercury revealed: 54.6% Oadby and Wigston 60.7% North West Leicestershire 53.8% Charnwood 58.1% Melton 59.5% Blaby 60.3% Hinckley and Bosworth 50.6% Rutland 50.7% Harborough 48.9% Leicester voted to leave.

For many, the changes mean an even greater investment is needed in networking within their business communities in order to provide further support, flexibility and strength in the aftermath of this monumentous decision. We chatted to local entrepreneurs to discover how Brexit is affecting them now and how they are feeling about the future.

What Brexit means for the UK and local economy for companies in Leicestershire Exchange rate and overseas buyers and we expect some other major brands to follow suit. So perhaps for the consumer, now is the time to purchase!!

Comment from Dominic Gomersall Managing Director Lumbers Brexit continues to divide discussions and bring many differing opinions to the fore. However, whichever way we personally voted, the time is now to conclude as simply and quickly as we can. For Lumbers, the initial exchange rate fluctuations have provided a challenge as we import from around the world. This will cause pricing issues in the future if we see no signs of an improvement over the coming months. Certainly diamonds and precious stones are priced world-wide at source in US dollars, so we have already seen an increase in diamond prices that is being reflected in new orders. Gold price has spiked. Watch brands are feeling the pinch of the pound devaluation against the Euro, and Swiss Franc, and are threatening price increases. Some have already committed and we are seeing an eight per cent increase by Chopard next month. Mont Blanc likewise have given us notice of a 10 per cent increase 90 | NICHE

Fortunately for Lumbers the deficit on the exchange rate has increased the opportunities abroad and a few of our international clients have made important purchases since the vote caused rate drop. We have therefore found some equilibrium in the overall exposure to foreign currencies and managing this with opportunities that arise. Personally, I do not see any of our European friends wishing to destroy or reduce their own opportunities to export to the UK, and I believe they will hesitate in introducing any trade tariffs that may reduce their own economic outputs as the world still stutters from previous economic issues. The current discussion needs to center on a quick agreement of the principles that we are to negotiate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is only the uncertainty that is currently holding the nation at risk. A positive coherent plan from our newly formed government will surely increase the Bank of Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence to leave interest rates as they are and not inflict more damage to the pound. Then perhaps local businesses can take on the world and see prospects improve as we export and import globally!

Imports/local economy are able to lay a significant challenge at the doors of the establishment winemakers in France; the Champagne region and beyond.

Comment from Laura Hadland on behalf of Liz Robson Rothely Wines Small independent wine producers in the UK are feeling the same uncertainty about Brexit as the rest of us. Businesses like Rothley Wine Estate are already concerned about the decreased spending power of the pound because winemaking equipment is usually imported from countries with more mature wine industries. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Quite the opposite in fact. Rothley Wine Estate’s owner and Head Vintner Liz Robson is hopeful that Brexit will encourage the government to sit up and take notice of the burgeoning English wine industry. Liz believes that as foreign imports become more expensive, consumers are likely to turn to locally-produced beverages, particularly given the geometric rise in the quality of wine made in the UK. She emphasises that the quality of sparkling and white wines have dramatically increased to the point where English producers

Taxation

Winemakers are also hopeful that an increased focus on English wine will also result in a lowering of duty and more centralised support for their products, in the same way that the British craft beer scene has benefited from progressive beer duty supporting small scale producers. Brewers and winemakers are also taking the opportunity to work together, to share expertise, and experience. As the market for microbreweries, wine tastings, and food pairing with wine and beer increases, strong business to business relationships are allowing the smallest independent producers to increase their reach. Mark Tetlow is Leicestershire’s first Beer Sommelier and owner of newly created business, The Beer Hub (www.thebeerhub.co.uk). He believes that this is the time for the British drinks industry to pull together: “It is our role to form communities where our knowledge and passion can drive a strong, resilient sector for the future.” In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, it seems that the British love of booze will continue to drive demand for high quality, small scale production, which can only be a positive outcome of Brexit.

relationship with the EU and must be managed in a way that does not harm Britain’s ability to trade. Also, many of our international agreements arise from our relationships with the OECD, the UN, etc., not the EU, and from our double taxation treaties with other countries. Comment from Pete Miller The Miller Partnership

Whatever Brexit means for taxation, nothing is going to happen for a couple of years. Our new Prime Minister has said she will not invoke Article 50 until early next year, allowing the Government time to get a better deal for the UK. Most people don’t realise how much of our tax system is impacted by EU rules, such as reliefs applicable to UK companies extending to other EU companies. The most famous case concerned Marks & Spencer claiming tax relief for losses in its EU subsidiaries, which forced changes to UK tax rules. But I do not think that there will be any major changes in the short to medium term. It may be that some of the UK tax regulations imposed from Brussels will be repealed eventually, but this will depend on our future

VAT, which is an EU tax, represents nearly 20% of the UK’s tax take so we’ll still need it, or something like it, to balance the books. We’ve always had consumption taxes or sales taxes and tax policy has always sought to find the ‘right’ balance between these and direct taxes (on earnings or profits). Of course, if we retain VAT, the UK may not be required to operate it according to EU standards if we leave. But again, changes will be needed to take account of our future relationship with the EU. Brexit could present an opportunity for a root and branch appraisal of the whole UK tax system, making changes without worrying about EU rules, so we can spread the tax burden more evenly and cut rates. But it’s unlikely; politicians will tell you that major changes are more attractive the further you are from the political process, which is another way of saying that that changing is not a vote winner! NICHE | 91

#BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

The Fastest Growing Companies in Leicestershire Leicestershire has been revealed to be the most diverse county in the East Midlands according to Grant Thornton UK LLP’s annual Top 200 Fastest Growing Businesses Report, with 41 companies on the ranking out of the 200.

1 2

Danaher & Walsh Group Ltd SECTOR:

Other specialised construction activities

region’s businesses which have delivered the greatest sustained growth in profit over a three year period from 2012 to 2015. The information printed here is taken from the latest publicly available data from FAME. While we have used our reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the data, we assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.

£11,257,000

TURNOVER

Paul John Construction (Leicester) Limited

& Construction

Other specialised construction activities TURNOVER

£903,000

Manufacturing & Industrial

Services

£21,424,000

Retail

Retail sale via mail order houses or internet TURNOVER

SECTOR:

TURNOVER

Mayuri Dhanak 0116 257 5562 mayuri.dhanak@uk.gt.com 94 | NICHE

£31,107,000

Adept Care Homes Ltd SECTOR:

Services

Residential care activities for the elderly and disabled TURNOVER

£6,729,000

£10,436,000

Manufacturing & Industrial

Manufacture of concrete products for construction purposes

£10,878,000

B & P Fabrications (Leicester) Limited SECTOR:

Services

7 14

Manufacturing & Industrial

Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations

Stressline Holdings Limited

TURNOVER

Remedi Medical Holdings Limited

£21,210,000

Producers of both light and medium sheet metal fabrications

Manufacture of other food products TURNOVER

£20,704,000

Industria Personnel Services Limited

TURNOVER

Cofresh Snack Foods Limited

SECTOR:

£18,772,000

SECTOR: Property

Retail

Wholesale of hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies

Craft Superstore Limited

Services

Central Group Limited

SECTOR:

TURNOVER

£44,780,000

Vehicle test track facility for vehicle test and development TURNOVER

Robert Pochin Limited

Temporary employment agency activities

Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground Limited

SECTOR:

Transport

Freight transport by road TURNOVER £8,814,000

3 10

Construction of residential and non-residential buildings TURNOVER

SECTOR:

TURNOVER

Property & Construction

SECTOR:

The report highlights the

Property & Construction

Cobley Transport Limited

£8,660,000

Morningside (Leicester) Limited SECTOR: Retail

Dispensing chemist in specialised stores TURNOVER

£5,975,000

H.K. Wentworth Limited

SECTOR: Manufacturing & Industrial

Manufacture of other chemical products TURNOVER

£21,810,000

Coba International Ltd SECTOR: Wholesale

Design, manufacture and distribution of thermoplastic products TURNOVER

£50,330,000

Dallas Burston Ashbourne Holdings Limited

SECTOR: Wholesale

Wholesale of pharmaceutical goods TURNOVER

£6,175,000

B.T.E. Plant Sales Limited

SECTOR: Wholesale

Wholesale of mining, construction and civil engineering machinery TURNOVER

£55,950,000

Willoughby Core Management Logistics Ltd SECTOR: Transport

Airplants Dust Extraction Limited & Industrial

Manufacture of other fabricated metal products TURNOVER

£72,589,000

M.P.K. Garages Limited SECTOR: Retail

Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores TURNOVER

£61,002,000

Total Motion Vehicle Management Limited

Renting and leasing of cars and light motor vehicles

£21,195,000

Glenmere Timber Company Limited SECTOR: Wholesale

Sawmilling and planing of wood TURNOVER

£12,001,000

SECTOR: Manufacturing & Industrial

25 34

Prima Solutions Limited

SECTOR: Services

Computer programming activities

Interiors and display solutions

£5,208,000

£38,376,000

TURNOVER

Lesta Packaging PLC

Qdos Group Limited

TURNOVER

£14,527,000

SECTOR: Wholesale

Westleigh Developments Limited SECTOR: Property

& Construction

Wholesale of electronic and telecommunications equipment and parts

Jelson Holdings Limited SECTOR: Construction

Construction of residential and non-residential buildings

£16,323,000

SECTOR: Services

Business and management consultancy

23 32

£286,000

Linecross Group Limited

SECTOR: Manufacturing

Industrial Manufacture of other plastic products TURNOVER

£26,995,000

Wholesale of metals and metal ores TURNOVER

£56,878,000

Selective Marketplace Ltd SECTOR: Retail

£30,601,000

Hawthorn Theatrical Ltd SECTOR: Services

Specialised design activities TURNOVER

Packaging activities

SECTOR: Manufacturing & Industrial

TURNOVER

KWT (UK) Limited

£3,016,000

Retail sale via mail order houses or via internet

Universal Developments (Leicester) Limited

TURNOVER

Computer programming activities

29 38

£82,713,000

TURNOVER

Synergy Logistics Ltd

SECTOR: Services

TURNOVER

Upton Steel Limited

BPX Group Limited

£23,721,000

£9,767,000

TURNOVER

£76,959,000

TURNOVER

27 36

Development of building projects TURNOVER

SECTOR: Services

Activities of insurance agents and brokers

Non-specialised wholesale trade

SECTOR: Suppliers/distributors

SECTOR: Services

TURNOVER

TURNOVER £22,367,000

The Nuttall Group Limited

TURNOVER

& Construction

Electrical installation

£20,667,000

TURNOVER

East Midland Electrical Installations Limited SECTOR: Property

Other food service activities

SECTOR: Wholesale

SECTOR: Manufacturing

NCB Foodservice Limited

SECTOR: Services

£19,579,000

Warehousing and storage TURNOVER

£14,412,000

Moseley (PCV) Limited SECTOR: Services

Sale of other motor vehicles TURNOVER

£16,111,000

H3 Contracts Limited

SECTOR: Property & Construction

Construction of utility projects for electricity and telecommunications TURNOVER

£1,318,000 NICHE | 93

LEICESTERSHIRE

Joint venture to improve local community A joint venture between Pick Everard, Gleeds, and AECOM has been appointed to deliver a new £350m Scape Group framework to offer the broadest range of consultancy services available to the public sector. Named Perfect Circle, the group will lead environment specialist Scape’s new National Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework. Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, commented: “The Perfect Circle partnership delivered the most economically advantageous tender and, supported by an extensive local supply chain, will provide the best level of service to our public sector clients.” The services available under the BECS framework include project management, quantity, building and commercial surveying, architecture, design, engineering, highways consultancy, and strategic asset management among others.

Mark continued: “The team has shown commitment to sustainably improving communities through a work placement programme, charitable commitments and employment opportunities.” Duncan Green, Managing Partner of Pick Everard, said: “With a consortium of leading firms with industry expertise, and working closely with local suppliers, we can deliver the very best high quality, value for money services for clients.” The significant boost for the local providers will see around 150 SMEs support the consortium supply chain partners with 27,000 discipline experts spanning the group. In order to enhance communications between these various stakeholders, Perfect Circle will create a web-based collaborative platform providing a single portal for exchange of information between partners, suppliers, Scape, authorities and construction partners.

Patrick Flaherty Chief Executive of UK and Ireland AECOM trusts that AECOM will contribute to the framework with their breadth of diverse and specialist disciplines within the communications. Gleeds Chairman Richard Steer believes the teams have worked incredibly hard to produce a bestin-class bid and that it is now their job to ensure they are able to hit the ground running once the framework goes live.

Newby Castleman supports charity’s 30th birthday Leading firm of chartered accountants, Newby Castleman, is sponsoring an event marking the start of a Leicester based children’s charity’s 30th birthday celebrations this November.

The charity, Soft Touch, will host a 1980’s themed interactive exhibition throughout the month of November to mark its 30th birthday, following a VIP launch on Wednesday 2nd November sponsored by Newby

Castleman. Established in 1986, Soft Touch uses arts, media and music activities to inspire and engage disadvantaged young people to develop creative, social and employability skills. Newby Castleman is also celebrating it’s 65th birthday this year. Stephen Castleman, Partner at Newby Castleman, said: “Our 65th birthday is a fantastic opportunity for us to step back and take stock of everything we have achieved and the wide range of great companies we have and we still work with. The history and legacy of Newby Castleman speaks for itself. We have many clients that have been with us not just for years but for decades.

94 | NICHE

Business

Total Motion help support apprenticeship provider with rebrand of fleet Positive Outcomes one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship providers has taken delivery of a fleet of new MINIs as part of their 20 years in business celebrations. The new fleet including rebrand, hit the road in time for National Apprenticeship Week complete with the companies’ rebranded image. Leicestershire vehicle fleet management specialists Total Motion worked with Positive Outcomes to ensure that the vehicles met their driver’s needs and the rebrand went smoothly. Total Motion also used their sector leading end of life programme to assist Positive Outcomes with the dispose and return to lease of their existing fleet. Speaking about the new working relationship with Positive Outcomes, Total Motion Head of Sales, Graham Lincoln said: “We were introduced to Positive Outcomes last autumn, and were excited to build a working relationship with them for now and for the future. We really like what

they do, and since taking on 12 young apprentices ourselves, we really wanted to support them in the way they bring young people into training and apprenticeships.” Total Motion have supplied 50 MINIs to Positive Outcomes and also assisted with creating recognisable and dynamic branding to ensure that Positive Outcomes is identifiable across

the UK. The two organisations are keen to continue their working relationship for a number of years. With the UK’s largest family-run and privately owned leasing and fleet management provider in the UK fully behind supporting young people and committing valuable resources, it is hoped that this relationship will benefit youngsters nationwide.

When Barrie met Jack Barrie Stephen and his Hotel Street salon BStyled, has recently linked up with haircare industry giants Redken and more specifically, an old employee who made quite the impact way-back-when… When Jack welcomed Barrie into a restaurant in Leicester where he was working as the manager, he rolled out the red carpet and gave Barrie an incredible experience with his second to none customer service skills. Barrie instantly knew that he had to work with him and wasted no time in employing Jack in a managerial position. It wasn’t long before Barrie’s Ashby salon opened its doors to the public and that’s where Jack really made his impact on the business, taking the salon from zero to hero from day one. After reaching the dizzy heights of a British Hairdressing

Awards Retail Salon of the Year win and five successful years as the salon manager, Jack moved on to explore the hair industry and now works as a representative for haircare brand Redken. Since choosing to stock Redken products within BStyled, Barrie and Jack have had the chance to reconnect and work together once again. “Jack and I are both so fired up and very excited about working together on BStyled,” says Barrie, “He has gone from working for an independent chain of salons, to a corporate company and his entrepreneurial flare and creativity that became apparent all those years ago when he worked for me has only strengthened and improved. Barrie Stephen Hair is where it all began and it almost feels as if he has come full circle.” NICHE | 95

Balancing the books, Type ‘accountant’ into Google Images and a bunch of pictures of calculators, people in suits and bar charts appear. But type in ‘Torr Waterfield’ and you’ll be greeted by a lot of friendly-looking people enjoying themselves. Torr Waterfield aren’t your ordinary stuffy accounting firm; instead they are a group of accountants registered with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) who efficiently get the job done, give back to the community, and know how to take the stress out of accounting which for some may be considered yawn-worthy. The TW office looks after businesses of all sizes from small to large national companies. Mike Waterfield, director in the business, said: “From the one-man-band builder to large corporates, there’s a place for everyone here.” Many clients have remained loyal with the accounting firm since its inception. Clients get unlimited 96 | NICHE

advice on tax returns, auto-enrolment pensions, bookkeeping, and everything else that comes with driving a modern business forward with considered accounting.

Waterfield were colleagues at another accounting firm and saw a gap in the market.

“There are so many things to think about and remember for businesses to comply with,” Mike said. “We are responsible for hundreds of accounts and tax returns and we are so confident in what we do that if a client misses a deadline, without us notifying them, we will pay the penalty!”

Mike explained that people assume accounting has to be a stuffy business with no room for personality, but the pair were opposed to this and felt so strongly about their idea that despite having a mortgage and young children, they left their stable jobs to set up Torr Waterfield. With them they took on fellow accountant Julia Noon who has proved invaluable to the building of the business.

It wasn’t always so imperturbable though. It took a lot of hard work in the early days to get Torr Waterfield to where it is today with the welcoming and approachable reputation. Mark Torr and Mike

It began on London Road; the then place to be for business and from their networking circles they were able to hand pick staff fitting the Torr Waterfield bill. Eventually, the trio had established a rare and unique brand

Business

breaking the mould of accounting. Since moving from London Road to Clarence Street in 2008, their large, plushly fitted offices speak for themselves. A spacious reception area complete with live topical news broadcasts, a chilled water machine and selection of client testimonials set the feel of the business before even meeting anyone. The receptionist answers the phone with a smile on her face, which will have no doubt put the caller at ease. Callers are transferred without any interrogation. “We never want our callers to be asked who they are; we aim to keep the tone of the business welcoming at every point of contact,” Mike added. Walking through the offices it’s not hard to notice the details, from the modern door handles, to the bare brick work with open plan office and meeting rooms named after Leicester’s well known local parks; the building has a deliberately relaxing theme.

The directors prefer an egalitarian culture within the business and employ an open door policy. Each department share a large airy communal workspace encouraging team work – very handy in the event of absences as this provides continuity in client service. As Torr Waterfield has grown, the directors have taken on apprentices to create job opportunities within the community. They are also sponsors of the Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Leicester Mercury’s Women in Business. You only need to check out their Facebook page to see that this is a strong, down to earth team, energetic with a passion for supporting the community. The office was decked in Leicester City blue to support the Foxes in the Premier League and the team are always up to something to raise money for charity. They recently took part in Bluesource charity five a side

football tournament raising money for Rainbows Hospice. This year’s charity of the year is mental health charity LAMP (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Projects). Torr Waterfield held their annual Karting Cup in May where they get together with a variety of businesses to create 12 teams to compete against each other; overall they raised a whopping £1,200 for the charity! But it doesn’t stop there; the accountants are always looking for ways to stay active within the community so in September, staff will be taking part in a ‘Walking Challenge’ with friends and family too. They’ll spend two days walking 45 miles around Lake Windermere. They hope to raise over £2,000 for LAMP. Show your support at Givey. com/tw2016lwc

0116 242 3400 Torrwaterfield.co.uk

NICHE | 97

CALL:

0116 238 5680 OR

VISIT:

www.glyniswright.co.uk

Those in Business have their say

Selling your business? Selling a business can be a lengthy, stressful process. A sale may be considered for many reasons, not just retirement. You only usually sell once, so prepare to make it the least stressful experience. Here’s a few pointers: ◆ Review strengths and weaknesses of your business ◆ Consider Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the business, and how these can wow a potential buyer ◆ What is the business worth and what is the minimum value you are prepared to sell for? ◆ Consider ways to increase sales and reduce costs. Increased profitability increases business value. ◆ Consider the infrastructure, management profile and whether the necessary skills and knowhow will be there without you. ◆ Consider your own tax position, ensure the sale method is suitable to you e.g. is Entrepreneur’s Relief available? ◆ Consider employee issues when sold; e.g. do employment rights apply? Do you keep key employees ‘in the loop’? ◆ Consider your shareholders, they may not be legally binded. ◆ What may happen to the business premises. ◆ Appoint professional advisors and expert help to assist with your valuation and legal and tax positions.

What happens to the children on divorce? Separation or divorce can be difficult to deal with but when there is a child involved it can become even more emotionally challenging and trying. There are so many things to think about; when shall I tell the child? what will I say? how will the child react and feel? Who should they live with after separation? Parents will need to consider how often they will see their child and the arrangements, how they will be involved in their day to day life and any new living arrangements which they will need to put into place. In an ideal world, parents would sit together and discuss the issues and reach an agreement which is suitable for the child but it is not always easy to discuss or agree matters with a difficult spouse. Sometimes dispute arises, and then the parents need to seek legal advice. However, the parents should choose lawyers that support out of court agreements and who do not seek to increase the acrimony by taking the case into court unless there really is no alternative.

Will vs Skill Whilst the fight for talent acquisition and retention continues to rage on throughout the business world, it can often feel that there is simply a lack of available candidates who match your business needs. When discussing this problem with clients, I regularly find that ‘talent’ is described as a person’s ability to perform the technical or operational aspects of the role; which is undeniably important. This is referred to as an employee’s ‘skill’ to complete the role. When assessing someone’s ability to complete a role, their key motivators should always be considered; what drives them be the best they can be? So in essence a person’s ‘will’ to complete the role. We increasingly see that businesses that have the most talented employees, find their business stagnating. This is because whilst we need technically talented people, we should also be looking for driven, determined, passionate individuals with strong work ethics. People who consider the business as if their own. When looking at individuals, you can sometimes add a level of ‘skill’ that matches your organisational needs, but it’s virtually impossible to add the ‘will’ to someone.

If you would like to find out more about selling your business, speak to me at Torr Waterfield. Peter Morris

If you would like find out your rights regarding residence or contact or require assistance to reach a suitable arrangements with the other parent, book in for an appointment with one of the specialist lawyers at Glynis Wright & Co. Glynis Wright

It is important to balance a person’s ‘skill’ to perform the role well within your organisation with a person’s ‘will’ to deliver. Remember, you have the right for your employees to be as passionate about your business as you are! Toni Robinson

0116 242 3400 Torrwaterfield.co.uk

0116 238 5680 Glyniswright.co.uk

01455 852 028 Qdoshr.com

100 | NICHE

Business

What makes a successful fast growing company in Leicestershire? Grant Thornton UK LLP met with these top performing businesses to find out… EVOLVE. Whether it’s growth through external funding or via acquisition(s), it’s important to keep building and moving forward. Finding the right method of expansion for your company and then putting it in place requires comprehensive financial and business advice to make it a resounding success.

TALENT. Attracting and retaining the right people at the right time is vital. Firms need to attract people who are ambitious and willing to help the company grow. Equally, firms need to work at retaining those employees with the right remuneration packages in place that work for both parties fairly.

TAX. Paying the correct amount of tax and making the most of valuable reliefs, such as research and development tax relief, can aid cash-flow and free up more funds for internal investment.

For more information on our services and how we help a variety of companies, plus details on the East Midlands Top 200, please contact Mayuri Dhanak on 0116 257 5562 or via email at mayuri.dhanak@uk.gt.com

grantthornton.co.uk © 2016 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. Grant Thornton UK LLP is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.co.uk for further details. GRT104159

NICHE | 101

Those in Business have their say

New bookkeeping regulations As a business owner you’ll understand the importance of recording and storing company information and financial transactions. You’ll also know that bookkeeping requires the knowledge of debits and credits and financial accounting. You will need to keep detailed records of the following: billings for sold services or products, invoices from suppliers, customer receipts, employee pay and providing of financial and statutory reports. These days, bookkeeping is done with the use of computer programmes but by 2020, HMRC will demand that everybody keeps their bookkeeping records on an approved accounting system. Therefore, paper and spreadsheet systems will need to be re-evaluated before this new rule comes along. At MNE Accounting we are noticing an increase in the demand for our accountants to be better involved with the ins and outs of each of our clients’ companies and this is not just on an advisory level. Your accountants will need to be able to put your requirements into action so that your business will be able to comply at the time. By doing this, HMRC will have a clearer view of each individuals earnings earlier than they are able to at the moment.

Did you know? If you are looking to change your business communications, our offering is unique and incorporates telecommunications, digital marketing and web management. Here’s a snapshot what we do: Telecommunications Clients are always price savvy but know quality support is invaluable when things go wrong. Our telecoms service ranges from phone lines, broadband and fibre, business mobiles and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Digital Marketing These packages include complete social media management, search engine optimisation and pay per click advertising, allowing us to run successful online campaigns to fit all types and sizes of business. Web Management As well as providing easy to navigate, fresh and eye catching designs, our web service gives our clients the freedom to make changes to their site, without any large overheads. We also provide web hosting, exchange email hosting, SSL certificates (internet security) and domain name registration.

Planning a business event 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. 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.

We have made sure to have the systems and workforce in place to push your businesses forward and ensure compliance with all relevant government regulations. Natasha Harris

Our distinctive approach means all communication services appear on one utility bill. Our cost savings increase with the more services they have but the thing our clients love most is that they have one dedicated account manager for all of the above; one person who takes care of everything and takes the time to get to know their business. We really do offer a truly personal touch. James Morris

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

0116 255 2422 Mneaccounting.co.uk

0115 838 4284 Citycommunications.co.uk

0116 271 2573 Crossproductions.co.uk

102 | NICHE

Business

Taking control We talk money with MNE Accounting and why getting customers to pay up using efficient credit control is vital to business performance It’s all hunky dory when you’ve sold a product or service for x amount of money but what if that client doesn’t pay on time, in full or at all? The office atmosphere can soon turn sour after many frustrating attempts have been spent asking for payment. Making a sale means very little for a business until the customer settles account. Well, it’s time to take charge of your business! Director of MNE Accounting in Leicester Tim Emmony said: “Too many businesses ignore credit control when actually, bringing their customer’s debts down is simply cashing in on an asset that has been there all along.” In 2015 business-money.com found that UK SME’s had over £67.4 billion worth of unpaid invoices. “Essentially,” Tim explained, “a client not paying means that your outstanding debts are being used as an interest free business loan service.” Tim advises that good credit control exhibits a strong standing in the business community, which in turn, demands respect from customers and competitors. MNE are an outsourcing company looking after £150 million of business all over the UK. Tim set up MNE to fill a gap in the market and provide companies

“Many of our credit control clients came from a routine of panicking when it came to VAT or salary payments, delaying their own salaries at times”

of all different sizes with a team of expert staff to oversee all the ins and outs of their business, therefore cutting time and saving costs for these companies in many ways. He clarified: “Many of our credit control clients came from a routine of panicking when it came to VAT or salary payments, delaying their own salaries at times, just because their credit control wasn’t up to scratch.” Losing control of your customers’ debts can result in a messy battle to pull the money together to pay suppliers and employees. Credit control is an essential part of running a business. You may be profitable on paper but in reality, there are many start-up businesses that end up going bust because of poor credit control. For advice on how to keep your finances in an order that will carry you from strength to strength, talk to MNE for the best methods to suit your way of doing business.

0116 255 2422 hello@mneaccounting.co.uk Mneaccounting.co.uk NICHE | 103

Realise

Take a fresh look at your HR Outsourcing 01455 852028

sales@qdosconsulting.com

www.qdoshr.com

@qdosconsulting

Your Potential

Those in Business have their say

IT issues To keep your business flowing at a steady pace you need to be able to handle IT issues efficiently! If you’re a small to medium-sized business, Kazzoo could be your on-call IT department. Having trouble adapting to the latest Windows 10 update? Internet slowing you down? Or maybe you’re working from home and can’t access your files at the office? Our remote, telephone, and labour IT support diagnostics will get you working promptly. As well as a yearly audit report, and daily backup checks, your business will be in safe hands. We teach you (in plain English, without patronisation!) how to take care of your networks including how to clean up your PC for optimal running speed, troubleshooting, recovering files, and security issues. No matter what the issue, there are no stupid questions! We want your IT problems to be solved quickly, easily and painlessly.

Effective communication

Buy health insurance, save money

At Dalys we enjoy the challenge of providing solutions for businesses with issues for voice, data, IT, access and security, which may hold them back, or become costly in time or to maintain.

Never heard of such a thing? Vitality by MME have the figures to prove it.

We’ve devised solutions for customers locally and UK-wide, with multiple branches or a number of remote workers where a single system or hosted solution is installed, allowing multi-site businesses to work as one single unit for telephony and data, giving cost savings too! A customer needed to increase their production area and found nearby premises to relocate part of their business. As a telephony customer, they had specific needs for the new site; cabling for voice and data, and to connect the two premises. We were able to deploy a ‘line-of-sight’ solution enabled by Wi-Fi access points on the outside of the buildings, allowing use of broadband and networked IP CCTV between sites. Our own lines and calls platform enabled us to place diverts, ensuring no down time during the works.

Businesses need healthy employees so Vitality developed a service that would encourage staff to take less time off and increase the quality of their work. Health insurance policies start as low as the price of a coffee, and with Vitality by MME, customers receive a vast range of benefits even if they don’t make a claim. Each of your employees have their own lives and families, which believe it or not, is more important to them than your business. Our policies reward staff for healthy living. After all, if they are fit and healthy, they’re less likely to make a claim costing us less to insure them. And this way, they are adding invaluable benefits to the process of your business.

As NEC Business Partners and working with other high quality, innovative suppliers, we offer the most advanced systems and services. Our customers gain a measurable benefit.

They’re rewarded with cinema tickets, iTunes, British Airways, Starbucks, and many other perks. They’re stimulated to get fitter with money off trainers, bikes and gyms, as well as healthy eating and they also have access to health check-ups to better understand their body’s needs. With these benefits the average family can save £1227.60 per year; something that will set your company aside attracting staff.

To get you started on fast and easy computing, have a free system check on us. Email us your contact information for a no obligation appointment. Chris Cain

We hope to have put across our love and experience of finding solutions to communication, networking and IT problems, so get in touch whatever difficulties you have. Peter Daly

The overall outcome is happy staff who save you money by taking less time off work and an increase in productivity. Stefan Wardle

Kazzoo.com info@kazzoo.com

0116 242 6996 Dalys.co.uk

0800 999 2205 Vitalitybymme.co.uk

We aim to boost your software knowledge and hardware confidence, so much so, you’ll be needing us less and less. If we notice a system or process that could be improved, we’ll give you our strategic advice, if we spot something that may benefit your business we’ll have your interests in mind and recommend.

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Accountancy & Finance Customer Service & Sales

Executive Search & Selection

Your Local Recruitment Human Resources

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Insurance & Financial Services

Legal

With over 20 years experience

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Connecting People, Businesses and Opportunities

0116 254 9710 Eileenrichardsrecruitment.co.uk Twitter: @ERRECRUITMENT1

“Every 22 minutes an adult dies leaving a minor orphaned” 0800 380 0098 Yourconcernuk.com

Hanns-G LCD Monitor £75 Model: HannsG HE225D PB, LED Monitor 1000:1 250cd/m2 1920 x 1080 5ms VGA DVI (Black) Screen Dimensions: 21.5” Resolution: 1920 x 1080, VGA, DVI, SPEAKERS 5ms, VESA, BLACK Toshiba External Hard Disk Drivers £60 Model: Toshiba Canvio Ready 92TB) 2.5 inch External Hard Drive (Black) Disk Capacity: 2000GB USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.0

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SAMSUNG Solid State Drive £70 Model: Samsung 750 Evo (250GB) Solid State Drive SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5 inch (internal) Storage Capacity: 250GB Software Included: Magician Software for SSD management

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“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle” Sir Winston Churchill

Business Patent Holders: Do the old Patent Box rules still apply to you? As from last month, onerous new rules came into force making access to the Government’s Patent Box tax initiative much more complicated and restrictive. Introduced in April 2013, Patent Box was a welcome boost to UK technology and innovation – effectively offering Britain’s entrepreneurs a 10 per cent cut in corporation tax on the income they received from their patents. Hypothetically businesses paying £100,000 of corporation tax, can, through Patent Box, make savings of around £50,000. However, as part of the Finance Act 2016, the rules have now been modified to incorporate new ‘nexus’ calculations which link research and development spend directly to patents. Under the old regime, it was irrelevant who undertook the original research resulting in the patents. But, in order to satisfy the revised rules, Patent Box claimants must now prove that they did the work themselves or paid for it to be done by somebody else. These stringent new regulations have caused UK entrepreneurial companies to re-evaluate their corporate structures – and I’m sure that all the red tape will

UK Tax legislation is the most complex in the world and, when you’re looking at the Taxation Of Company Reorganisations, Pete, literally, wrote the book The Miller Partnership are experts in all aspects of corporation tax, specialties include: Taxation of corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions, disposals, demergers, reorganisations & reconstructions HMRC clearances Transactions in securities anti-avoidance legislation Taxation of corporate intangible assets & goodwill

have put off some smaller businesses from pursuing Patent Box.

Disguised remuneration

It’s not been made any simpler by the 71 amendments to the draft legislation

Taxation of partnerships

that were passed by Parliament in June! So we are all still trying to make sense of the detail of the new regime. In the meantime, businesses who lodged their patent application before 1 July 2016, or who already hold a patent, have two years (until 30 June 2018) to opt into the old, much less complex, regime, so it is worth making the most of Patent Box’s potential tax benefits. For more information and advice on corporation tax, please contact Pete Miller on 0116 208 1020

Patent Box

T: 0116 208 1020 M: 07802 197 269 The Miller Partnership 5 Museum Square, Leicester LE1 6UF

www.themillerpartnership.com pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com NICHE | 109

Business

Those in Business have their say

We never ‘just deliver software’

How best to apply for a job

Why you should say no to a DIY will

So, your core objective is to grow your business, but that involves focusing on technology solutions you know little or nothing about. And, aside from the circa 68 other priorities that your team are committed to, you’ve never got the time to be proactive. Then there’s staff who don’t like change; Barbara in Finance - she’s been with the business since the start and knows her way around the system and, ‘it works just fine.’ Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Many business owners will tell you that one huge barrier to growth is finding the right recruits. This is true in our business - getting applications is easy but it becomes a needle in a haystack scenario because even the better applicants can submit very lazy applications.

DIY Will Kits are becoming a growing trend nowadays for their accessibility and competitive prices.

I realised this all-too-common predicament many years ago and decided to launch my own software solutions business because I knew there were thousands of ideas not being realised and opportunities for improvement being missed. Quality software is an enabler: It DOES make things better. If you understand how users will engage with it and what business process you are expecting it to support, you can choose the right software, and be confident that it will work. By listening to your objectives, conducting a transparent and equal partnership, and engaging the people in your business, Evolve can help you implement changes to improve your processes and profitability. We never ‘just deliver software’; we wrap them in professional services to ensure any solution implementation is seamless and painless.

Submitting a CV to outline your skills is pretty obvious but business doesn’t get done just because people are clever; personality is almost as vital in my view. So, how to demonstrate this? A covering letter! Obvious to most but surprisingly many people think a CV alone will win an interview. At Mne, many have fallen at this hurdle. Don’t be afraid to use normal ‘spoken’ English. And think before you say you’re “loyal, dedicated and hardworking” or “I work well on my own but also as part of a team”… Everyone says these things! The best application I had recently put their covering letter in the form of a poem - this put their personality and intuition across in a pleasantly innovative way.

Although the thought of exploring cheaper, faster options can be very tempting, there are some extremely important facts and significant risks that need to be taken into consideration because in the end, they can cause more problems for those left behind than not leaving a Will at all. Far too often mistakes are made in DIY Will Kits. Mistakes can range from incorrect spellings of names to the required execution and signing of the document. You only have to miss filling in one thing to make your Will invalid and amending these mistakes will ultimately be costly and complicated to rectify. So when you pick up one of these kits, thinking you’re saving money, the chances are it will cost significantly more in legal fees to put things right than if you had consulted with professional Will and Estate Planners.

We love your ideas. Talk to us about how to make them a reality. Leanne Bonner-Cooke

My advice is that next time you apply for a job, pretend it’s the only application you’re ever going to make and that the recruiter can’t wait to read it. Your application will get you through the door - or at least make a dent on the recruiter. If it doesn’t, maybe they’re not the employer for you anyway! Tim Emmony

DIY kits should only ever be used if your financial situation isn’t complex and your wishes are straight forward. For example, if you own a business or have properties overseas, we strongly believe it is not worth the risk. Make sure your loved ones are protected by getting in touch with one of our expert Estate Planning consultants. Phil Izzard

0116 298 7460 Evolve-consultants.co.uk

0116 255 2422 Hellomne.co.uk

0800 380 0098 Yourconcernuk.com

110 | NICHE

Not sure which way to turn next? Since 1893, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been helping our clients plan for and overcome times of change, uncertainty and difficulty. We help clients just like you navigate and succeed in uncharted waters. Call our expert legal team 0116 254 8871

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Those in Business have their say

Retirement in the workplace It is now five years since the default retirement age was abolished. Before 2011, an employer was able to retire an employee once they reached the age of 65 provided they followed a statutory procedure. Although legislation withdrew the default retirement age in 2011, many employers still believe that they are able to retire an employee, and this is a fair reason for dismissal. This is not the case. ◆ An employer should be careful of how to address the issue, and in most cases this is the choice of the individual. An employer should be aware of the following areas; ◆ An employee should not be placed under pressure to retire. This could have implications involving age discrimination, and constructive unfair dismissal. ◆ If an older employee is performance managed, comments such as him or her being ‘oldfashioned’ should be avoided. This again has implications involving potential age discrimination. ◆ There are some exemptions where keeping a retirement age can be justified. This is the case in the Police or Fire Service. This has been subject to challenge within the employment tribunal system, but to date such cases have not been successful.

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The main things that will affect your cover are type of tenant, the risk of natural occurrences around your property, compliance with health and safety regulations and if the property has been unoccupied. Rebuild estimate costs in Leicester are around £140,000. There is a rebuild shortfall and costs arise from being underinsured. Brooksure calculate accurate rebuild costs. Letting out properties can be a minefield. Don’t take the risk of securing a policy with the cheapest insurer. We have seen the damages that can occur as a result. As expert brokers with a vast array of experience in varied sectors, we get the best policy that covers all eventualities as well as being tailored to an individual’s specific needs. There are various complexities that you may have missed or misunderstood upon purchasing your insurance. Brooksure makes sure this doesn’t happen. We take it upon ourselves to educate our clients. We make sure they know what is needed of them to ensure they will be covered in the event of a claim. Call us for further advice. Andy Brooksure 02476 499 000 Brooksureinsurance.co.uk

Business

Solving property insurance

Being a landlord isn’t as simple as just renting out a property for someone to live in or set up a business – the rules aren’t always obvious when letting out commercial and residential properties Brooksure Insurance are independent brokers. With over 20 years’ experience they have seen how those who are unfamiliar with the complexities of insuring properties can affect lives and businesses. From property rebuild cost to fixtures and fittings, there are so many regulations to comply with. Owner of Brooksure, Andy Shore, has compiled information for our readers about three things their clients most commonly have difficulties finding cover for, misunderstand or simply forget. Health and safety checks and risk assessments are essential! You are at risk as a landlord if you have missed something that could affect your tenants. At the same time though, Brooksure says you need to have proof that your tenant has sufficient business insurance in the event of a claim. Health and

safety is a very complex situation and should be approached with a professional attitude. There are further complexities with unoccupied or non-standard buildings and insurance needs to be approached in a different way. Brooksure find that the easiest way for clients is to let the brokers do the work. This way nothing is missed and no corners are cut, and they know they have all the relevant information available to get their properties in order for their insurance policy. Do you have various properties with different insurance renewal dates? Brooksure can insure all your properties under one policy portfolio saving you a lot of time, stress and money when it comes closer to the time to renew. Nature is a powerful thing and can dramatically affect the lives of people’s businesses in the event of

flooding or fire in the worst cases. Brooksure have set up specific schemes to help those in high risk areas and flood areas. It is often difficult to find insurance for these types of risks but Brooksure understand their complexities and have schemes in place to cater for these insurance policies. You need to check if your policy covers the full reinstatement value of your commercial or residential property. Brooksure will tailor your insurance to each individual specific requirement to make sure you are fully covered for any eventualities. As expert brokers, we understand our clients’ needs and will provide the most competitive quotes to suit the client’s policies. If you’re worried about your policy, let Brooksure know. 0121 693 8740/07776 250 532 Brooksureinsurance.co.uk

NICHE | 113

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Business

Leicester’s

Historical Racecourse Leicester Racecourse celebrate their long history with an exciting package for family groups and business get-togethers

Getting Festive For an alternative to the traditional Christmas party for you and your colleagues, head over to Leicester Racecourse for an afternoon of exhilarating racing! There are three race meets during December and the racecourse can offer an executive hospitality box or places in their raceday restaurant. If you’re on more of a budget, simply purchase an entry ticket and enjoy some trendy local street food vendors.

Something you may not know about our city’s distinguished racecourse is that its history dates back to 1773 when it was based at Victoria Park. After spending 110 years in the location, new opportunities and prospects came about with a move in 1883 to its now familiar home of Oadby. Oadby brought the luxury of a larger course and the potential for greater numbers to spectate and enjoy what Leicester Racecourse had to offer. Leicester Racecourse forever remembers the day that changed the business forever. To celebrate and commemorate the move, they have created the ‘1883’ package. The treasured local course welcomes families, groups of friends and business professionals to enjoy hospitality in their raceday restaurant. This convivial bundle style offers dining for four guests on six occasions throughout the raceday calendar with Premium Entrance Badges and racecards, premium seating overlooking the course as

well as a drinks package of house wine, beer, cider, and soft drinks; the perfect way to get everybody together and entertain your friends or clients. You’ll indulge in a delicious three course meal all made with wonderfully tasty local ingredients where possible, and a stress-free experience with allocated parking. There is also no need to worry about being unable to attend as 31 races are hosted each year in both the flat and the jump season, so there are plenty of opportunities to join in and get the most from your bundle. Contact Nicola Moss at Leicester Racecourse for more details on how to get involved in this fabulous racing package that promises VIP hospitality! 0116 271 6515 Events@leicester-racecourse.com NICHE | 115

Welcome to

New Walk

New Walk is a rare example of a Georgian pedestrian promenade that is now full of successful thriving businesses Laid out by the Corporation of Leicester in 1785, the walkway was intended to connect Welford Place with the racecourse (now Victoria Park) and is said to follow the line of a Roman trackway, the Via Devana. Almost a mile long, New Walk has been a Conservation Area since 1969, ensuring its unique character is protected.

Town Museum (now New Walk Museum).

Residents in the 1880s included Josiah Gimson, head of a large engineering firm, whose home (No. 112) is now part of the Belmont Hotel.

By the later 19th Century, as family size fell, some houses became lodgings or apartments. More were sub-divided into offices or converted for educational use in the 20th Century, and by the 1970s New Walk had been transformed from a residential area into one dominated by commercial activities. Despite these changes it has managed to retain its unique character as an urban promenade.

The first public building on New Walk was a Roman Catholic chapel (1819) on the site of what is now Holy Cross Priory. A Nonconformist Proprietary School was opened in the 1830s and later became the

116 | NICHE

Last to be developed along New Walk were the large Victorian houses of its upper section. They reflect the growing prosperity of Leicesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business and professional classes who preferred to live away from the town centre.

Business

Solicitors for you and your business Based in the heart of Leicester, Hollingsworths is a specialist litigation, dispute resolution and commercial law practice offering clear, cost-effective and practical legal advice to help you achieve results and solve your problems. Our friendly and experienced team provides services for businesses and individuals across the country, from large national organisations to local, owner-managed businesses in Leicester. Hollingsworths Solicitors 19, New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TE

Tel: 0116 204 7260

I see our role as solving problems, from recovering a small debt to drafting complex contracts, a business break up to a restrictive covenant problem. Our goal is to help and support our clients to make their lives and businesses bettter.

Email: mail@hlegal.co.uk Greg Hollingsworth Director

www.hlegal.co.uk

LITIGATION | COMMERCIAL | DEBT RECOVERY | CORPORATE RECOVERY & INSOLVENCY

Innovation Centre relocate to New Walk

The IBM Client Innovation Centre, which was established in Leicester in April 2015, goes from strength to strength. We caught up with Bernard Szczech, the Chief Executive. He told us that the centre now employs over 120 people in the city, providing IT services to IBM’s clients across all industry sectors ranging from financial services through energy, utilities, distribution and manufacturing to the public sector. “I’m delighted with the quality of the labour force in Leicester and Leicestershire which confirms we made the right decision to locate here.” Said Bernard The CIC is actively recruiting recent graduates for roles in software development, test and support and in data analysis. The firm is currently scheduled to move into its eventual HQ, 20-40 New Walk.

Ibm.com/cicuk NICHE | 117

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 shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be like splitting the atom

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

For more information and to register your interest email info@building-connections.co.uk

Building Connections 1/2.indd 1

118 | NICHE

24/06/2016 13:30

Business

Keeping up with

Dalys

Local innovative communications company Daly Systems will be attending the Leicester Business Exhibition to be held on 27th October at Leicester Tigers’ Stadium For the 10th year in a row, the Leicester Business Event (LBE) will successfully bring together over 100 local businesses. The Daly Systems’ team are excited to show off their telecoms, IT, and mobile solutions, which revolutionise their clients’ company processes and aid efficiency. Leicestershire’s longest-running business exhibition attracts those looking to source new products, network and improve their skills. Professionals heading over to Dalys’ stand will find features and services to really make a difference to their business productivity. The experts fulfil all business communication requirements with advanced solutions ranging from call management to IP CCTV systems and everything in between. Peter Daly set up the company in 1996 and has ensured that his business embraces new technologies. This means their customers are able to improve their own customer services using Dalys’ in-house technical and sales teams, and as a leading NEC partner, ensures fully manufacturer-trained engineers are available for full support. The company began with the sole purpose to supply, install, and maintain telecommunication systems for businesses. It was Peter’s determination to be one step ahead

*From 24th October – 4th November at venues across Leicestershire

of the game that now has Dalys providing a vast product portfolio, which includes IT maintenance and mobile services. So as well as taking care of all communication needs with progressive technology, Dalys can put systems in place to protect and monitor internet based traffic to keep business flowing uninterrupted. At the LBE they will also be promoting their mobile service ranges and packages that keep customers connected wherever they may be. The team are also anticipating the Leicester Business Festival* where local businesses will showcase their products to more than 7,000 people. Keep an eye out for details about Dalys’ LBF event that will be taking place during the festival in their offices!

0116 242 6996 Dalys.co.uk

Communication is Key Available Car

The company’s growing telephony requirements have been supplied by Dalys for the past 10 years. To improve internal and customer communication, an upgrade was needed and a single system solution to service all four office sites allowed them to operate as one. DECT handsets ensure that staff can be located wherever they are on site, and the NEC IP system operating over SIP lines ensures resilience at all times.

Beckworth Emporium

Dalys increased Beckworth’s internet access, delivered WiFi for their staff and customers on separate networks, and reduced their telephone costs dramatically. A radio-linked leased line meant no costly civil engineering works, and allowed uninterrupted data transfer, and voice, to be delivered to a new NEC SV9100 replacing an XN120. The new telephone system also incorporates NEC IP DECT handsets allowing staff to remain in contact with colleagues wherever they are. NICHE | 119

Those in Business have their say

NETWORKING

Niche Networking at Warning Zone

Future-proof your mobile apps

Is your head in The Cloud?

We are so pleased to announce the September ‘Niche Networking’ event is to be held at the fantastic educational facility, Warning Zone, Thursday, 15th September 2016 from 18:00 to 21:00.

Mobile apps can be designed for almost any purpose; at Swipe and Tap we pride ourselves on creating innovative, bespoke apps to suit our client’s needs. Whatever your business idea, we can help bring your ideas to life.

The Cloud is the latest digital trend, and most organisations are no longer deciding whether they’ll use cloud computing, but rather how they’ll use it. But most don’t know where to start, and what would be suitable for ‘The Cloud’.

A well designed mobile app can be a shrewd investment and helps to create a positive image for your business. Swipe and Tap are here to help you keep your investment productive for years to come.

There are four key steps to take when assessing your cloud readiness before you build your Cloud strategy: 1. What are the business drivers and reasons for moving to ‘The Cloud’? Costs, operational, effectiveness, security, disaster recovery/business continuity? 2. Assessment - Of current IT capabilities in terms of people, process and technology 3. Analysis – Define key cloud adoption capabilities to achieve objectives 4. Plan – Prioritise initiatives that will deliver the IT and Business Strategies

Warning Zone is a unique, interactive learning experience in Leicester, teaching life-skills to children and young people. Eight set-piece scenarios run alongside the new e-Safety Zone. The facility educates young people on understanding risks and consequences, peer pressure, antisocial behaviour, grooming, cyberbullying and much more. Warning Zone is a charity, and relies on donations and individuals who act as Volunteer Guides. There will be reception drinks and light-bites served from the kitchen. We host a night of networking, where businesses connect and transact, and a chance to meet old faces and to be introduced to new. Richard Grudgings and colleagues of Warning Zone will host interactive tours of the facility - be prepared to be impressed and have some laughs along the way!

The mobile scene is constantly evolving with hardware and operating systems changing regularly. Such changes can drastically change the way your target audience interacts with your app. We have recently introduced a new care package to ensure your app works as well as it was intended, or even better as new technologies become available, as an Apple registered developer we receive software updates several months before they are released to the public.

For your chance to get involved book now. Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite or by calling the Niche office on 0116 271 2573. If you have any queries or would like to know more, please give Lee a call on 07711 043 901. Don’t worry if you can’t make this one as our next Niche Networking will be hosted by Lumbers 3rd November.

As part of our new service, we can test our client’s apps to make sure they still perform well and implement any required changes to make sure your app stays relevant and up to date.

0116 271 2573 Eventbrite.co.uk

0116 216 0660 Swipeandtap.co.uk

120 | NICHE

If you would like to know how we can help you unleash the power of mobile apps for your business, talk to us today. Aaron Wardle

A Cloud strategy should be created by the executive team, not solely the CIO. Such a strategy takes into account how Cloud can best support the business, and it considers the changes the strategy would cause to the way people work and make decisions. Consult with a professional team whom you trust to flesh out an assessment and full strategy that meets your needs and objectives. But don’t rush into a decision - it is an important one with a potentially large upfront investment, so take your time. Speak to Evolve for impartial and straight-talking advice. 0116 298 7460 Evolve-consultants.co.uk

Business

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City Communications

At the heart of any successful business should be effective communication. City Communications have saved businesses thousands of pounds a year across NottinghamÂ shire and Leicestershire simply by making sure that the right services are in place and they are on the correct tariffs for the needs of their business. In many circumstances we often find businesses have been sold a product or service that doesn't suit them or that their annual charges for a service are increased without their knowledge. This results in the business paying far too much. That's why we offer a free consultation, during which we will look at your phone lines, broadband and web services and recommend the best options for your business. By looking at how you use your telecom services, we can ensure that the correct equipment and solutions are in place. We will look through your last month's telecom invoices and recommend like for like services that in most cases we are able to offer at a much lower rate. Our fixed line business phone lines are a completely seamless transfer process from most suppliers and we often find that we are over 40% cheaper than BT Business.

www.citycommunications.co.uk Trent Business Centre, Thoroton Road, West Bridgford, NG2 5FT - 01158 384 284 - sales@citycommunications.co.uk 122 | NICHE

Telecommunications - Web - Digital Marketing

Driving Value, Driving Business We pride ourselves on our customer service and can offer the exact same BT engineers and service level agreements. This allows us to match or beat BT fault response times and guarantees. Our free consultation service also includes looking at your web and email hosting plans. We find most small to medium businesses require our normal hosting plans and are often paying way over a normal rate for hosting. We believe that your web presence is one of the most important marketing tools for your business and the money we can save on hosting would be better invested in boosting your online performance. We can offer a wide range of digital marketing services and another part of our consultation is recommending how you can utilise your online presence. All of our hosting services are based in the UK with fully managed data centres. We are very proud of our 99.9% uptime and fast server load times and our objective is to provide you with a web hosting solution, not just a service. Whether you require a web hosting package for a simple web site, small business or full e-commerce site our hosting experts are here to meet your needs. Phil Izzard, Managing Director of Your Concern UK got in touch with us after being referred from one of our existing customers. They had recently moved into new premises and needed a new phone line and broadband connection. By using our free consultation service, we identified that their phone system was not only inefficient but it was also an excessive cost to their business. We recommended installing a more cost effective and suitable product which dramatically reduced costs. While working closely with Your Concern we were also asked to take a look at their Digital Marketing as they were paying around ÂŁ800 p/m at that time and again, we were able to reduce this service by 75% together with improving their web content and online presence. Your Concern has also utilised our website design and management service, through trusting us with previous products and services.

"We strongly disagree with insistent sales reps and believe in helping our clients get the right service for them, without the hard sell."

Get in touch with City Communications to book your free consultation.

www.citycommunications.co.uk Trent Business Centre, Thoroton Road, West Bridgford, NG2 5FT - 01158 384 284 - sales@citycommunications.co.uk

Telecommunications - Web - Digital Marketing

NICHE | 123

A taxi firm impresses the people of Leicester with a pioneering app and elite business service

Taking you places

#InStyle

We have learned to expect the impossible from technology in this wondrous digital age and when technology delivers the once impossible to us, we are impressed only until it doesn’t work faster than we want it to, until we realise it isn’t personalised to a T, and the server is down for a short period of time. We remember when Google Maps fascinated our curiosity when it became available to us on our cherished screens. Eleven years on and we expect it to be a feature on our phones as standard. We want undisrupted faster internet connections, better more personalised services, and if you’re a business owner or someone who lives life on the go, these things make a big difference to the ins and outs of both your working and social life. Things we never even deemed possible, now, are delivered on demand and when things don’t meet our exalted expectations on (almost instant) arrival, it just isn’t good enough. Leicester taxi firm ADT are exceeding expectations and have created an app that fulfils ever-growing requirements wanted from a transport company and more, and are constantly improving the app before we even realise we want it improved. 124 | NICHE

ADT’s current client list includes some of the largest companies in the UK, with over 100 accounts. They arrange travel for over 39,500 people every month. The company has even chauffeured for the X-Factor judges recently this year. Such a large amount of custom demands forward thinking and progressive actions. The app allows potential passengers to book a taxi at the touch of a button. Searching for your address and selecting a pick up time couldn’t be easier and as Company Director David Hunter concerns himself with his customers’ safety, full information on the driver is available so passengers know who the hired designated driver. Customers even track how far away their ride is. The app eliminates the hassle of paying over the phone as fares are charged automatically to a prearranged business account and the customer is instantly notified of wait time and can find detailed information on their driver and vehicle. ADT’s latest technological advancement is an easy-to-install piece of equipment that can be fixed into reception desks for the ability to request a taxi at the push

The app allows potential passengers to book a taxi at the touch of a button and full information on the driver is also available of a single button. This is great news for receptionists who can call upon a taxi without having to take their time to arrange a pick-up over the phone. Once the button is pressed, a taxi will be dispatched from the nearest location. Each installation is personalised to the specific needs of the client. The system is currently installed at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Rothley Court, Premier Inn, Travel

Business

lodge, Loughborough University accommodations, Loughborough Hospital, and ADT has 300 more units to be fitted in establishments around the county. In a time when we hanker perfectly demonstrated and easily interactive services, ADT has recognised that the public likes a no-fuss, hasslefree, information-led, personalised yet remote service. ADT have since spawned elite taxi service

TAKE ME to go hand in hand with their innovative mobile app in satisfaction of this demand.

the journey, a uniformed chauffeur will offer the morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspapers and chilled bottled water.

For business clients who require high-end transport, TAKE ME delivers passengers to their destinations in style. Customers are offered an executive journey in Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volvo and other ĂŠlite vehicles, or travel eco style with a choice of high-end hybrid cars like the Prius. During

Overall, the customer receives faster, more accurate service, a smooth journey, and a solution to the demands they never even knew they had.

Adt-taxis.co.uk

NICHE | 125

The Year So Far… How quickly is this year passing by and what a year?! Whether it’s recovery from the recession or Brexit, Championship wins or Richard III it seems that this year has been anything but quiet; but what does it mean for Leicester and Leicestershire based businesses? The short answer is whatever you choose it to mean. After all successful businesses don’t rely on what’s going on ‘out there’, instead they absolutely and with 100 per cent conviction forge their own futures. Says Rachel Hargrave, Agency Director of RDZ PR, “Successful businesses commit to making each day count and each year their very best. What the Government does, what international markets do or what their competition does is, of course, worth noting but it doesn’t define them and it most certainly doesn’t limit them.

Why are we talking about this specifically this month? Well recently we were flicking through an industry magazine when we were hit square between the eyes with this headline;

“Most People Wouldn’t Care If 74% of All Brands Disappeared For Good” Wow! That’s going to be hard to stomach if one or more of those brands is yours (for the record the article didn’t list the brands). With digital technology developing faster than ever and the marketing and PR landscape continuously changing it’s not a surprise that some businesses are just plain failing to keep up with trends; but what trends should you be keeping up with?

“Most People Wouldn’t Care If 74% of All Brands Disappeared For Good”

“That all said if you aren’t connecting or relevant to your audience and potential customer base then you are in deep trouble and all the planning and ambition in the world will not get you to where you want to go.”

1. Ad blocking It’s a rising trend with consumers blocking ads that pop up across the internet and social media channels. Whilst ad blocking users still only represent 6% of the world’s internet population, advertisers are being urged to be aware of the massive cost of ad blocking that is expected to reach $40

billion this year. Why are people ad blocking? Many ads are deemed as being irrelevant to those that are being targeted with users feeling that advertisers fail to deliver meaningful messages. 2. It’s all about listening Did you know that internet users create over 30,000 mentions with “where can I buy” phrase monthly? Did you also know that social listening tools enable you to collect such comments in one place and then reach out to prospects? It is being tipped as one of the most effective channels for generating sales and yes, it is all absolutely legal. Social listening isn’t just about generating leads, however. Brands need to understand its crucial importance in brand reputation management and in engaging audiences. Think about internet users as reporters who not only form opinions but share them. … and please don’t ignore comments that concern you whether they are positive or negative. Interact with your audiences to create a bond / a closer bond with your clients / to or customers, consumers and to quickly alleviate any crisis situation should you find yourself facing one. Is it really worth it? Well Playstation recently reported that they track all social

media mentions about their brand and gaming in general and respond to users in real time. They report the following results: 60% more followers on Playstation profile 55% more Tweets about Playstation 88% more positive content about Playstation

Talk, “It just so happens Apple fulfil this vision by making and selling computers.” Other examples abound on the internet but include Coke which doesn’t sell fizzy drinks but offer happiness and Universal Music doesn’t sell you a song or songs but gives you emotions and moments. Engage your client, customer and consumers emotions and you connect with them far more strongly.

Worth it? A resounding YES! 4. Influencer marketing 3. Tell your story and get emotional! The younger the consumer / client / (Oooh! This one is so RDZ PR!) customer the more likely they are to According to the Brand Storytelling Report distrust brands – FACT. Corporations 2015 by Headstream more than don’t have the big impact on half of consumers are more behaviour and consumer likely to buy a product in / client / customer We want to hear stories the future if they really preferences that they about real people. love your We want to hear stories that used to have. Couple brand story. that with the fact that

we can either relate to or aspire to.

We want to hear stories about real people. We want to hear stories that we can either relate to or aspire to.

With today’s consumers demanding more in terms of customer service, being less loyal to favourite brands and more resistant to traditional marketing messages, brands need to develop a bank of relevant stories and tell them to their audiences in order to make their brands meaningful. Get that meaning back into your brand and engage with your audience and you could very well be looking at a viral campaign which generates organic recommendations which will always be considered more trustworthy than any corporate messaging. Get emotional and use emotion to help your business stand out from the crowd in a highly competitive marketplace.

traditional advertising is not as effective as it used to be and we need a new way of thinking.

Tear Out & Keep Reminder: 1. Make your online (and offline ads) fiercely relevant so you won’t be blocked or ignored 2. It’s all about listening – investigate social listening tools. How could they help your business or brand? 3. Tell your story and get emotional! 4. Think about those who influence your clients, customers and consumers. How can you cooperate with them and get them on board?

Internet users in particular have been found to be more likely to trust a favourite blogger than a recommendation from a brand. So bloggers and other influencers do, indeed, have the power to shape opinions and are often seen to be more credible to today’s younger online audiences. In a sense this shouldn’t unduly surprise us. Word of mouth recommendation has always been a valuable source of information. However, with the birth of social media this has become turbo charged. Influencer marketing as it’s been dubbed brings measurable results to businesses.

If you need any further encouragement head to You Tube and watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk ‘Start with Why’ which, in short, tells the story of how Apple flipped their marketing strategy and instead of telling consumers about ‘what’ they do (as most businesses do) they start with ‘why’ – the core belief and the reason why the company exists. From ‘why’ they move to ‘how’ (‘how’ they want to achieve this mission) and finally ‘what’ – ‘what’ methods they are going to use to do it. So Apple don’t sell computers they offer a way of thinking and a challenge to the status quo by making their products beautifully designed, simple to use and user-friendly. As Simon says in his TED

RDZ PR Ltd, 3 Barrow Road, Sileby, Leicestershire, LE12 7LW 01509 813 913 www.rdz-pr.co.uk

Those in Business have their say

PR - just press releases? Recently a client of mine received an email stating that the figures they quote for their client base were ‘untrue and unsubstantiated.’ My client was understandably upset. They are one of the most moral companies I know and I have no doubt that they are spot on in terms of their quoted client base. The email sender was a new supplier to them and the matter was resolved quickly and efficiently, but a slight distaste has been left. If someone has an issue with you or what you are saying, they should raise it – appropriately. But what should you do if the media has misquoted you or put something untrue in the public domain?

Top sales tips Sales forces depend on developing and maintaining relationships with clients. Consider what makes clients tick and keeps them loyal to your business. Successful account managers require a multi-faceted approach that affirms positives and accepts shortcomings. Fulfil promises. Clients might not expect you to deliver a proposal by the end of the day, but a promise to deliver one changes the game. Clients are usually flexible about terms, but consider them set in stone once quoted. Tailor your work to their needs. Whether you are in the middle of securing a promotion, expanding your business’s reach, or getting favourable press, don’t let any side priorities interfere with the attention you give to customers.

100% more enjoyment - 30% more forests We are delighted to have made it to the finals for the Niche Business Awards in the Eco category. We use sustainable paper sources for the vast majority of our paper supplies, normally certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). This means that the materials have been traced to their source and that any de-forestation is replaced with new forestation. Our printing and finishing equipment is geared to digital production which greatly reduces the amount of waste. We recycle all our paper waste along with plastics, glass, metals, and cardboard.

Be honest. No company is perfect, but many buckle at the thought of admitting weakness. Tell the truth about why you cannot meet every expectation; clients will trust you more in the long run.

Last year we undertook an energy saving audit. We identified areas around lighting and heating where we could reduce our energy usage and made changes including new LED lighting and pipe-lagging where recommended.

Avoid backlash. Unless dealing with a business owner, keep everyone in the loop. Ask whether your client’s superiors know of project changes.

We have three electric vehicles with plans to change our other company vehicles to electric at the earliest opportunity.

Manage expectations. You can’t consider account management work complete until properly reviewed and adjusted where necessary.

We offer a design and print service to local businesses which reduces their carbon footprint by being able to use a local supplier.

Crisis comms is also an area of specialism for me so if you find yourself in trouble you now know where to come. The first conversation is always without charge. Rachel Hargrave

Whatever size of your business you must keep valuable clients happy. Master the art of account management to ensure your clients remain with you. Lee Parkin

Hopefully this information has helped to highlight the ways in which we strive to reduce our environmental impact as a small business. Chris Goodman

07976 806 578 Rachel.hargrave@rdz-pr.co.uk

0116 271 2573 Crossproductions.co.uk

0116 259 9955 Chris@soarvalleypress.co.uk

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso.co.uk) is the independent regulator for the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK, whilst Ofcom (Consumers.ofcom.org.uk) regulate TV, radio and on demand services. If you have to contact either of these keep this article close to hand and refer to their websites. Neither organisations are to be used lightly and you should always start with the media outlet who has aggrieved you, but if you get no joy from them you now have the contact details of those to speak to.

128 | NICHE

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

100% more enjoyment 30% more forests For most of us, reading a magazine like this is more enjoyable when printed on paper. And this applies to other business communications too, where a physical brochure or mailing leads to better results. Using paper can also help the environment, it is a sustainable source with European forests growing in size by over 1,500 football pitches every day for the last 10 years! Forests absorb CO2, paper is recyclable and print adds real value to your products. At Soar Valley Press we use sustainable paper, carbon offset our paper consumption and minimise our waste and energy use. We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Niche Awards Eco Business Category.

WILL

ROSIE

DAVE

ANNA

ECO AWARD

CHRIS

KATIE

0116 259 9955 www.soarvalleypress.co.uk | inspire@soarvalleypress.co.uk

This September Cross Productions present the event that everyone’s been talking about since its premiere in 2015 For the second year running Cross Productions’ publication, Niche Magazine, will present the Business Awards, cordially headline sponsored by Leicester Racecourse. The ceremony will shine a spotlight on Leicestershire’s best in business. Providing an opportunity for the deserving winners to shout about their success, the ceremony will celebrate achievements from all 17 category sectors including Eco Business, Fashion, Sports, and Business Woman of the Year. Nominations closed in May and since the inaugural awards last year, submissions have increased dramatically. Flooding in from both the general public and local business professionals, a huge range of firms, charities, and individuals have been nominated for reasons ranging from taking on apprentices and creating job opportunities to those who have overcome challenges to achieve great success. Nominees were whittled down by Niche’s judges selected throughout the business community accompanied by each category sponsor and award ambassadors. The semi-finalists went through to the second round of ‘Meet the Judges’ held in the hospitality 130 | NICHE

boxes at Leicester Racecourse overlooking 200 acres of magnificent greenery. Nominees were given the chance to present to the judges achievements, challenges that have been overcome and work undertaken within the Leicestershire community. Leicester Racecourse were keen to get involved with all the pomp and also to show support and love of fellow local business. Welcoming the Awards team to the Racecourse to host the penultimate round, the premium racing venue management team were grateful to to meet and get to know some of the leaders from fantastic companies around Leicestershire. So, as the big night looms in the not-so-far future, the Niche team and Athena have been working tirelessly to pull off the most glamorous Las Vegas themed event. Last year’s 007 theme set a high precedent but it is certain that the Niche Business Awards will go far beyond expectations this time! From show girls adorned in feathers to some truly amazing prizes up for grabs and lots of secrets and surprises in between, 9th September will not disappoint.

Business

Leicester Racecourse were keen to get involved with all the pomp and also to show support and love of fellow local business.

THE FINALISTS The votes have been counted and here are our finalists 2016

BEST RESTAURANT Sponsored by Abel Chutney Ivy North Bar & Kitchen Sapori

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Sponsored by The Miller Partnership College Court IGS Solutions Rowley Turton

MOTOR Sponsored by Griffin Fit Farmer & Carlisle Sturgess Group Total Motion

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR Sponsored by Easy Internet Lizzie Griffin Shane Whitfield Tayla Blu

SHAPING TOMORROWS LEADERS Sponsored by Total Motion Beauchamp College Loughborough Grammar Soft Touch Arts

SPORTS Sponsored by Mocha Marketing Leicester City Football Club Leicester Riders Leicester Tigers

CHARITY Sponsored by Hamilton Leicester Alex’s Wish Bodie Hodges Foundation Matt Hampson Foundation

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Little Women Leanne Bonner Cooke – Evolve IT Gemma Orton – Mocha Marketing Tajinder Banwait – Urban Apothecary

TRADE & CONSTRUCTION Sponsored by Torr Waterfield Leicestershire Garden Design Michael Wheat Pond Design Wayne Lord

ECO Sponsored by Glynis Wright & Co Earth Buds Eco Clean Carpet Care Soar Valley Press

BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored by RDZ PR Barrie Stephen – Barrie Stephen Hair Cuan Forrest – Ellipse Energy Simon Hill – Total Motion

INDEPENDENT RETAIL Sponsored by Kazzoo IT Hot!Mess Lumbers Taurus Health & Fitness

BEST NEW BUSINESS Sponsored by Pro Active Resolutions Griffin Fit North Bar & Kitchen Pallette London

ABOVE & BEYOND Sponsored by Leicester Racecourse Charlotte Thompson Tony Fowler Tracey Miller

FASHION Sponsored by Barrie Stephen Group Betty Brown Hot!Mess Neil Smith HEALTH & BEAUTY Sponsored by Bev Sankey, Independent Consultant for Arbonne Emma Brown Hair Fit 4 Work Priti Coles WEDDING SERVICES Sponsored by Dimblebee Catering Company Betty Brown Keythorpe Manor Lumiere Photography

NICHE | 131

What do the

NICHE Business Awards

mean to Cross Productions? Jenny Cross, Managing Director of Cross Productions the team behind Niche Magazine and Business Awards, was quite clear in her vision when she created the Niche Business Awards. Jenny says: “I wanted to create a way of recognising that local independent business are equally important to the economy and communities as are the larger corporations who are usually the winners of business related awards. Our team carefully structured a process for nomination, shortlisting and judging to ensure that the whole experience was fair and easy to follow.”

We were so pleased with the results last year and unearthed some absolute stars as well as those who genuinely are at the top of their game. This year we have been gobsmacked by the nominations coming through and the attendees on the evening. Bring on 2017!” As a business Cross Productions find that the awards have opened doors thought not possible to open, giving access to a new level of contacts and clients. In conjunction with their networking and charity events the awards now is something that is staple in the marketing mix.

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Bal Gill

of Silk Powder Bal Gill is the successful business woman behind Silk Powder; a renowned professional makeup, beauty and training School in Leicester Bal’s career so far is one which has excelled from her hard work, determination and passion for the industry. When Bal was 20 she married and moved to Canada, had three children and after becoming a single mother, took the decision to enrol on a course for a Diploma in Makeup Artistry. Obtaining an Honours Award achievement Bal moved back to England and took course after course eventually setting up her own mobile makeup and hair business, specialising in bridal services. Over the years she fell in love and re-married, had a shop on 132 | NICHE

Narborough Road in Leicester and then Stoneygate Shopping Centre. Bal and her husband became involved in a host of local community projects, as well as growing the business through developing her own makeup brand called LOU Carvalio. By this point Silk Powder was providing beauty therapy and teaching facilities when Bal’s husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, passing away just over four months later. This huge personal bereavement knocked her for some time and yet it was through her determined attitude and in memory of her husband that she kept on keeping on with Silk Powder.

Bal loves to pass on her skills to others so she developed the Silk Powder Training School which offers flexible VTCT accredited courses in makeup, hair and beauty. Never one for standing still, Silk Powder became the official makeup partner for the Miss England semi-finals with Bal even becoming one of the judges. Along with her supportive family, she continues to take the business from strength to strength through whatever life brings her way. She says her favourite part of her work is making people smile. 0116 270 7692 Silkpowder.co.uk

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Leanne Bonner-Cooke of Evolve

Leanne was our Business Woman of the Year in the inaugural Niche Awards – this year she’s up for the title again!

Leanne believes this achievement demonstrates that working in partnership with their excellent clients is what drives her success. Her business, Evolve, is run on the basis that business improvement starts with the people, processes and company technology. She likes to achieve results but at the same time have fun and focus on what motivates her staff and what keeps them engaged and enjoying coming to work at the Evolve offices. Leanne puts these values into everything to do with the business. She ensures that Evolve operates with the customers’ best interest at heart and works with integrity and the respect of her staff, customers and suppliers. Evolve’s story started with the technological evolution in the

1980s. Leanne was witness to this new digital era and quickly realised that companies weren’t taking full advantage of new technologies. In 2007 Leanne transferred her dream into reality and established Evolve. She battled as a female business woman in a traditionally male sector through Britain’s economic recession, the hardships of cash flow and a lack of developer skillset in the UK. Her hard work has paid off as proven by her five award wins in 2015, a large portfolio of high end clients and continued sustainable growth. And as well as running a business, she finds time to mentor at Soft Touch Arts, take part in Steamin’ Billy charity bike rides, be a part of the British Computer Society, and Women in Business.

“I could see the virtues new technology brought to a business. It became apparent that IT departments were, typically, dictating to the business and that didn’t make sense to me. That’s why when Evolve was imagined, I was determined to offer something many IT firms didn’t: a business consultant who would concentrate on the people and processes, and an expert who could develop the technology to realise the customer’s desired outcomes.” Leanne Bonner-Cooke

0116 298 7460 Evolve-consultants.co.uk

NICHE | 133

MOTOR

Sturgess Motor Group From building bicycles to building a recognised Leicesterbased brand trusted around the world, the Sturgess Motor Group have exceeded their own expectations

The outstanding fourth generation family motor retailer was founded in 1897 under the name Walter E. Sturgess & Sons assembling and selling bicycles. After also taking on a franchise and needing larger premises, the business grew quickly. It was the 1940s that brought the family business into its golden age as they acquired the Jaguar and Land Rover franchises further growing what was a small family business into what is now the largest motor retail employer in Leicestershire hiring over 260 staff. Now run by Chris and Barney Sturgess, who get stuck into the day-to-day running of the company from sales to the admin. Sturgess Motor Group have also been featured in the London Stock Exchange â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. Sturgess are now also able to offer Volvo, Fiat, Hyundai, Suzuki, and Abarth since successfully attaining these marques within the last 15 years. Company Chairman Chris has spent most of his working life in and around the motor industry so customers can count on his knowledge and professionalism. His brother Barney joined the

business in 2005, having previously spent some time with Land Rover in North America, and Mercedes Benz with another dealer group. He now holds the position of Managing Director.

trusted name and reputation in the industry. This goes hand in hand with their charitable and public forward ethos and their highly experienced and dedicated team have built up a respected standing.

Being granted the Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen in 1971 was an impressive feat Sturgess supplied the horse and carriage conveyances and two horse lorries. They still maintain this relationship with the Royal Household as they are the regular provision for services and repairs to horse and carriage trailers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments like these that have earned the company their

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

0116 402 1470 Sturgessgroup.co.uk

134 | NICHE

MOTOR

M&E Accident Repair Just fixing cars isn’t what M&E are about they really go the extra mile to ensure clients leave happy with a safe and repaired vehicle.

M&E Accident Repair Centre provide specialist car repair services for when the unfortunate bump, scrape or crash occurs. Road traffic accidents do happen and after ensuring that all passengers are safe and sound, it’s vital to have your trusty carrier checked over too. Even if it may appear on the outside to be free from damage, it’s critical that the internal mechanics are all in tip-top condition too for any ongoing journeys. Of course, with something as important as this it’s crucial that your motor is in the very best of hands, with state-of-theart facilities, the very latest in

repair technology, insurance and fleet approval and fully trained technicians, M&E’s clients are. The staff go above and beyond, arranging to collect the vehicle, supply a free courtesy car and handle all the approved estimates in order to deal with the complete insurance claim on a customer’s behalf. With quality assured processes and guidelines in place, repair authorisation gained, parts ordered and on-site, M&E carefully check vehicles into the repair production system working in-line with manufacturer repair protocol.

“Our company ethos is customer centric, everything we do is aimed at creating a reassuring honest service for people who may have been through a stressful crash situation.” Amil Butrym Customer Director

0116 276 6619 Meaccidentrepaircentre.co.uk NICHE | 135

V:GD Creating tasty and diet specific desserts all in a day’s work. Born from the founder’s personal struggle with Coeliac disease as well as other intolerances, V:GD create raw, vegan, gluten and refined sugar free desserts to retailers and via farmers markets and food festivals. After attempting to locate a dessert that would suit her dietary requirements and having no success, founder Tasneem realised there was a gap in the market to provide a dessert initially aimed towards the allergy market inclusive of Vegans. Tasneem is passionate about her desserts and manages to convince occasional skeptical customers to sample her products where they are pleasantly surprised at the taste, texture and appearance of a dessert that is free from many common ingredients. She is dedicated to growing a brand that promotes a healthier dessert as she also has three young children and she daily attempts to reduce their refined sugar intake. She said: “I believe that we are a strong contender for best new business in the Eco Category as not only are all our desserts handmade but each slice is hand cut, packaged in eco-friendly packaging and the very fact that they are vegan means we are planet friendly. Above all, we strive for our desserts to fill that gap for so many people with intolerances and those who follow a vegan lifestyle.” 07711 758 694 V-gd.co.uk 136 | NICHE

Taurus

Eco Clean

Bringing about positivity and change in the nutritional retail sector

Cleaning households with an Eco guilt free footprint.

Taurus, based on Narborough Road in Leicester, is the hub for all fitness related nutrition products. Market leaders and pioneers in their field, they have consistently sought out the very latest health products to help their discerning customers reach their physical and mental goals. Wanting to reach as wider market as possible, the popular retailer also have a full e-commerce website and post nationwide.

As consumers we no longer need to bring chemical and toxin laden products into our homes and businesses in order to achieve a clean space. Eco Clean are a 100 per cent natural plant based cleaning products company who specialise in a unique product for carpet cleaning. Their unique cleaning process leaves carpets ready for use immediately with no waiting around for drying or risk of that all-too-familiar damp smell that is often the result of standard carpet cleans.

Health & Fitness Carpet Care Ltd

A decade old family run business, Taurus are a team focused and passionate when it comes to creating the right positive mindset to grow as a company, for their own self-development and as an inspirational and motivational force to encourage others to do the same. Their Facebook page ‘Six Pack for the Mind’ has offered customers a unique opportunity and a chance to grow mentally with motivational tools and advice. This self-development and personal growth information has been a huge success and is a groundbreaking approach to health and fitness, not only in their field but for our modern times. Company Director Puneet Kumar said: “I have had a serious speech impediment since I was 12 years old and because of this, I lacked confidence and drive. An award like this would really recognise people with speech issues to inspire others to start their own business.” 0116 254 6140 Taurushealthandfitness.co.uk

They use a product made by Host; an American company, and it is the only dry carpet cleaner to receive the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) BioPreferred Certification. It is fragrance free and certified as 100 per cent Biobased! It has now been 10 years since Eco Cleans’ launch and in that time they have helped high profile businesses and residential homes achieve a cleaner space with minimal disruption and low environmental impact using HOST products. They are thrilled to be finalists in the awards. Having been established for over 10 years now and using Eco products in that time, they are confident that the way they run their business is friendly to both the environment and their client’s space. 0116 355 2680 Ecocleanfloorcare.co.uk

WEDDING SERVICES

Keythorpe Manor Keythorpe Manor is a stunning wedding venue run by a committed, family team. The breath-taking Venue, located in the gorgeous South Leicestershire countryside, is perfect to host the biggest day in many people’s lives with a setting that is memorable for all the right reasons. Keythorpe Manor prides itself in being able to provide a completely bespoke experience, offering luxury facilities for various events. This commitment and passion they put into providing the very best experience is evident in every aspect, even in the very little details. The stunning venue can accommodate both intimate and larger party sizes with options of their Grand Marquee or the newly

converted Oak Barn. Keythorpe Manor provides an elegant backdrop from which to create a dream wedding day. The location could not be more ideal as the countryside retreat is located less than half an hour from the city centre yet it feels wonderfully secluded, with an abundance of opportunity for the most beautiful photography. The Bridal cottage provides on-site accommodation for the newly-weds, and there are also several local places of accommodation for the bridal party. The family team are continuously investing in their prestigious venue, both from a service and

facility perspective and the whole process for them brings an awful lot of enjoyment, they simply thrive on giving guests a refined and memorable experience at the Manor.

“To be considered for an award is a real honour in itself, and we look forward to attending the prestigious Awards ceremony this September…Thank you for everyone’s incredible support!” 0116 259 8100 Keythorpemanor.com

ABOVE & BEYOND

Sue Crooks of SJC Marketing

The LoveLBG Ladies Business Group brings together local businesses owned, managed or represented by women. There are currently 7 groups in Ashby, Burton, Coalville, Loughborough, Leicester, West Midlands and Derby, launching in September 2016 which sold out in early August. Networking LoveLBG style offers a sociable, sharing and inclusive alternative to the hard sell format of traditional groups, encouraging business women to get away from the work place for just a short time (no crack of dawn starts with breakfast meetings for busy working mums!) and meet like-minded ladies from the local area to share

experiences and promote each others businesses. According to founder Sue Crooks, part of the group’s success is its less formal structure which many people find far more comfortable. The Ladies Business Group has grown incredibly quickly since its launch over 4 years ago. No sector is locked out. Every member has equal status. Passionate about the group, Sue drives it forward with energy, warmth and humour. She’s especially good at connecting people and

businesses together and as Managing Director of SJC Marketing Limited in Ashby, she brings professional expertise in social media, marketing and communications to promote and support the group. In 2015 the LoveLBG Ladies Business Group raised over £5000 for charity. This year 30th November we are holding a charity Christmas lunch at The City Rooms with festive stalls and a fashion show raising money for Alex’s Wish. Lovelbg.co.uk NICHE | 137

BEST NEW BUSINESS YOUNG ENTREPRENUR

Griffin Fit For the body-conscious, the overweight, and the health concerned, Griffin Fit has been the driving force for people achieving their fitness goals across the midlands

Griffin Fit breaks down the barriers that holds us back from visiting the gym; lack of confidence and motivation! Lizzie specialises in tailoring nutrition and training programmes for achievable and sustainable results and have given this support to competitive athletes and working professionals alike. With such diverse experience she has developed an exclusive system guaranteed to achieve results. To get Griffin Fit to where it is today, Lizzie has worked tiresome hours and become a ‘Jack of all trades’. Within five months she had the studio set up and continued to train clients full time as well as taking on six months maternity cover for a friend. During her 14hour days and seven day working weeks she became a roofer, painter, decorator, carpet layer and more to achieve her dream and going against negative attitudes who told her it couldn’t be done. Within 5 weeks of opening the studio Lizzie’s client base had tripled proving to her all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it and her dream and passion for helping more people was becoming true. Griffin Fit has been commended by their clients for taking on these premises creating something unique in a sea of fitness studios. The same clients who stand as testimony by achieving amazing results in weight loss and fitness. As part of the package, Lizzie has put together a range of benefits for clients to take advantage of. Private or semi-private (1-2-1 or 138 | NICHE

up to 3 people) training sessions are available, tailored meal plans, unlimited nutrition coaching, free aftercare (sports massage), a gym photoshoot or a spa day if joining a 12 month programme, client of the month opportunities, social outings to meet the rest of the Griffin Fit community. Lizzie gains great satisfaction from watching the transformations of her clients, not just in their body shape but their confidence, positivity and self-esteem. Lizzie is literally changing client’s lives and because of this, she loves what she does.

07817 915 485/0116 367 8819 Griffinfit.co.uk

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

TRADE & CONSTRUCTION

Michael Wheat

Pond & Garden Design A celebrated and renowned creator of stunning outdoor water features.

Building his knowledge, craft and trade from a young age whilst working with his dad at his garden centre, Michael Wheat has real experience based on real work. Learning names of plants, good garden design and eventually fish care and pond work from this young age, often working independently, his enthusiasm and passion for the industry has been there from the start. Now, his business creating ponds, aquatic features and garden designs has really taken off and his drive and love for the skilled job is infectious.

Working with customers, tapping into his year’s of experience and sometimes still his dad’s endless pot of knowledge, Michael transforms existing outdoor residential and commercial spaces and ponds as well as building new ones to bring gardens across the county to life. Drawing on his specialist training, Michael creates ponds and aquatic features, which are visually stunning; they add a tremendous amount of value to your garden or working environment. He believes ponds and features should encourage wildlife and a

sense of calm and that colour is key when designing. His signature style is one which many people and businesses have come to love and recognise in the area.

0116 240 3735 Pondandgardendesign.co.uk

TRADE & CONSTRUCTION

Leicestershire Garden Design Creative garden designs by LGD have often been spotted on TV – now they are recognised for green-fingered flair. Leicester Garden Design is one of the most highly regarded outdoor design space specialists in the UK. Having delighted countless residential and commercial customers over the years, and even regularly appearing on a number of BBC shows, LGD is a well known brand regionally having built up a great deal of trust amongst their clientele across the UK too. Their style and quality is one that is recognisable instantly and brothers Barry and Jeff Randall are amongst the UK’s leading garden designers. The duo attribute their success to an excellent foundation of knowledge,

hard work, a strong team, and of course, creative flair. Their unique approach to designing, building and maintaining stunning gardens takes every aspect of a gardens space and the owners’ requirements into account to create a dream space. Committed to running a business with a strong eco-conscience has meant that the company has been recognised for a host of awards and their green-fingered methods are pioneering. Using the very latest eco technology and materials as well as careful planning, their green spaces are truly green in every sense of the word.

The team are all delighted to have been nominated and announced as finalists. They say that their efforts to go the extra mile for every customer and the satisfaction it brings is what makes landscaping a truly enjoyable experience. As well as this, they believe their passion for what they do is key for returning clients as so many have commented on how thorough, friendly and hard-working the team is whatever the weather.

0116 214 5541 Leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk

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WEDDING SERVICES

St Martins House The historic grade II building is a sought after wedding venue that has influenced the design of its surroundings in the historic quarter of Leicester

St Martins House is a conference and banqueting centre, along with a café, bookshop and leased office space. With the general manager boasting stints as chef in some of the best restaurant kitchens, you can be assured that catering for every event, whether it be a business meeting in the Bishops Room or a huge wedding celebration in the Grand Hall, will be of the best quality. The venue specialises in bespoke weddings and events, and has a client list including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, NHS Leicester and Apple. Since the re-development of Cathedral Gardens, that were, heavily influenced by the centre’s outstanding mix of bygone and modern characteristics, the historic quarter has been transformed into a city centre wedding venue with charm and beauty unlike any other. As a business, St Martins strive for the ultimate in customer and employee satisfaction. Staff are trained in-house as well as externally and yearly appraisals take place to ensure job satisfaction and the whole team’s full involvement in progression. The conference centre appreciates that further schooling or college can be a challenge for

0116 261 5200 Stmartinshouse.com

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some so they are committed to offering apprenticeships working extensively with Leicester College. The historic venue’s outreach department supports local groups such as Welcome Project, City of Sanctuary and Contact Centre, and in the next two years St Martins hope to expand this with similar partnerships by 50 per cent. The

donation of half of the profits made each year by St Martins in support of their work in the community to Leicester Cathedral shows a real sense of social awareness. St Martins has found that working within the local community as well as offering service to the public has increased their wedding market over the last two years three-fold.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

College Court College court is one of the leading venues in Leicestershire with a wide variety of spaces for conferences.

It’s a fantastic city centre location accommodating anything from 2 to 160 delegates. The modern, bright open feel make it the ideal venue for a growing number of commercial and corporate companies nationwide and it’s a venue which is helping secure Leicester’s position as one of the best conference destinations in the UK. The highly capable and professional staff are a team dedicated to ensuring any conference or event runs as smoothly as possible meeting and exceeding expectations of guests and businesses at every opportunity. The hotel accommodation is a huge advantage to this already exceptional conference venue. Boasting 123 stylish, comfortable and contemporary rooms it allows conference members the opportunity to travel from far and wide as well as providing

the opportunity for delegates to unwind and relax in the evening, knowing they need not travel until the next day or even the next few days! Local transport links are excellent with East Midlands Airport, the train station and M1 and M69 nearby. The architects and designers of the venue have created a relaxing environment yet it’s a stones throw from the lively city centre. College Court’s restaurant is a star attraction all on its own with the culinary team’s creativity and passion for great produce and highquality dishes prevalent whether for small or large numbers. At the forefront of what it is that clients want from a conference venue, College Court have excelled on all levels attracting new and regular corporate clients from across the UK. It has become the place to meet for so many.

“I believe that College Court operates an outstanding offering to the corporate and commercial market and offers the very best in hospitality. As Leicester’s only dedicated conference centre, we are confident that our £3m turnover has brought new clients to the City who have never been here before, raising our profile and boosting our economy.”

0116 244 9669 Collegecourt.co.uk NICHE | 141

CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Alex’s Wishes Conquering Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; a childhood life-limiting muscle wasting condition with no cure There are an estimated 50 boys living with Duchenne in the East Midlands. Alex’s Wish are on a mission to eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy within the next 10 years by funding projects to bring about new treatments and ultimately a cure. Since launch in 2012, they have raised over £430,000. Alex is 10 years old now and was diagnosed aged three. His parents Emma and Andy Hallam knew there wasn’t enough work being done to bring about new treatments quickly and more funding was urgently needed to help this generation of children. So Alex’s Wish was set-up.

The registered charity run a number of flagship events including a Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride, a Charity Golf Day at Rothley Park in September and an annual starstudded Dandelion Ball in November.

in the treatment and cure of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy but only if action is taken now through fundraising so that clinical research, clinical trials and clinical trial capacity is maximised.

They’ve raised £76,000 in the first 6 months of this year from cycle rides and the support of local businesses like MME, Salusbury, Harding & Barlow Solicitors, Regional Recruitment, Leicester Speedway and Ratcliffe College.

They are reaching out to local businesses to help support them in any way they can from sponsoring to attending events to help out. In exchange, they are dedicated to helping raise the profile of the businesses involved working closely with RDZ-PR.

Never before has there been so much promise of new treatments being found. For the first time, there is a chance of a major breakthrough

07903 349 475 emma@alexswish.co.uk

SHAPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Soft Touch Arts This creative power-house assists young people in making their mark in the arts, music and cultural world. What does it take for young people who perhaps have mental health and learning issues, or those who live in broken, chaotic homes with low incomes to get the same chances in life as everyone else? Often disconnected from mainstream education, some young people don’t get these chances and miss out on opportunities to shape a brighter future for themselves. Soft Touch Arts, a Leicester based charity, is one organisation that provides encouragement and support when it’s most needed. 142 | NICHE

Supporting Leicestershire’s most disadvantaged young people by involving them in enjoyable and challenging arts, media and music activities, they engage young people in projects that build confidence, self-belief and a sense of purpose. Constantly paving the way for disadvantaged individuals who have so much talent and ability that can be unlocked with encouragement and positivity, their work is unparalleled and of immeasurable benefit to the community. Through using the

arts as a platform and offering alternative ways to develop skills tailored to individual need, they help people move towards further education and employment. Giving young people the tools and platform to shape brighter futures for themselves, Soft Touch are true finalists. The charity appreciates this recognition and is grateful that what they do for young people is recognised on such a scale. 0116 255 2592 Soft-touch.org.uk

ECO BUSINESS

Soar Valley Press The print company are making a difference to the Earth through sustainable management and demystifying the myths surrounding paper itself

Wondering why a print company that uses tonnes of paper each year would make it to the final of the Niche Business Awards in the Eco category? You probably thought that anything related to the print and paper industry was anything but Eco friendly. There are many myths around how environmentally friendly paper is and Soar Valley Press hope to dispel them. The paper industry is actually a great benefit to our environment with sustainable production of a renewable source that absorbs seven times more the amount of CO2 than is used in its production (Ecofys 2013). Paper is a truly renewable resource - it really does grow on trees! But as trees grow older, they absorb less CO2. The paper industry regularly cuts down and replants new trees, therefore increasing levels of CO2 absorption. Soar Valley Press are part of a carbon neutral scheme managed by the Woodland Trust, and last year the amount of woodland that was planted thanks to the contributions Soar Valley Press made was almost 200m2.

modern print equipment, and use sustainable paper sources. So, rather than what you might think, the eco-minded members of the print industry have helped the growth rather than the decline of the forests in our world. Infact, European forests have been growing by over 1,500 football pitches every day! Soar Valley Press are also set to move their vehicles to zero-emissions and have put in energy saving measures in many aspects of their business.

“We strive to dispel the notion that print isn’t ecofriendly, our efforts to be green are seen in every aspect of the business. It is our job to show others that print is green and awards like this help our cause greatly!” Chris Goodman – Managing Director, Soar Valley Press.

By buying paper from sustainably managed forests, always recycling and opting for greener options in every area of their business, Soar Valley Press really do not have to feel guilty about using this natural and renewable product.

The company also minimises any waste and chemicals with their

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press 0116 259 9955 Soarvalleypress.co.uk

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Emma owns a fashion boutique. She always has time for her business now sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free from her accounts.

Outsource your accounts to MNE Accounting and focus more of your time where it matters. For more information visit www.hellomne.co.uk or call 0116 255 2422

PLUMB IMAGES WWW.PLUMBIMAGES.COM

Sport

Leicester sports round-up As summer winds down, BBC sports pundit Ian Stringer winds up for the city of sports’ winter seasonal pursuits. There’s singing about a European Tour and there’s actually seeing the draw happen and Leicester City’s name being put up against the cream of European football. Tigers fans have been used to mixing it with the very best on our continent for decades but it’s a new experience for those who’s preference is the spherical ball. I was kind of hoping for a trip to Besiktas, Russia’s Rostov or the Italian stallions of Napoli, however, what a fantastic look Group G has. New signings Mendy and Musa could have a huge part to play when City take on the Brugge, Copenhagen and Porto. The summer recruits are full of potential and will certainly bolster the team for some incredibly busy weeks.

It’s that time of the year where the winter sports are getting going and the summer ones ending. There will be a time that City, Tigers, Cricket, Basketball and Speedway will all be competing at the same time, love it. Being back to the treadmill of weekly press conferences, radio programmes and matches is great. Love the summer as I do, Wimbledon can only keep me engaged for so long, unless Andy Murray is perfecting his keepy uppies. I was privileged enough to follow The Foxes in The International Champions Cup meaning trips to Glasgow, LA and Stockholm were part of my summer of work, calling a game involving Leo Messi is a real privilege I have to say, the entire

Ian Stringer stadium went bananas when he came out to warm up, Messi mania was something to behold. As was the reception the players had from the American fans who loved the Cinderella story of Leicester City in Hollywood. Good luck to all those athletes and teams about to start their seasons, hoping to replicate what their local heroes have achieved. Work hard, play hard. NICHE | 145

Those in Sport have their say

Champions in the Caribbean Last month I was lucky enough to coach the Jamaican Tallawahs for the second time following a successful spell in 2013 where we won the competition. This year involved a 45-day campaign with regular 20,000 sell-out crowds in attendance. Our aim was to create a legacy and win the competition once more. Preparation is key for tournament cricket such as the CPL T20 and this year’s planning was impressive, allowing us to go into the competition full of confidence. Once again, I was privileged to be working with some top talents and legends of the game such as Chris Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara, Dale Steyn, Shakib Al Hasan and Andre Russell. Andre Russell had a very impressive tournament hitting a century off just 44 balls against the Trinbago Knight Riders to send us into the final, which we won in emphatic fashion by 9 wickets to beat the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The 2016 CPL broke new ground by announcing the first fixtures to be played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Being able to spend a week with the squad in Florida was a great experience and really helped progress the CPL into new heights.

The next generation Canadian golfer George Lyon won gold at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. This was the last time golf would be seen at an Olympic Games until Brazil 2016. The intervening 112 years have seen many changes to the game of golf. It is now one of the most watched sports in the world with huge audiences viewing the best players in the world every week on their televisions as well as attending the professional events across the globe. As well as increased viewing figures the sport has seen a large growth in participation. Golf clubs have opened their doors and welcome anyone that wishes to play the game. Players new to the game have been helped by modern coaching methods and technological advancements in golf balls and golf clubs. These advancements have made golf more enjoyable and easier to learn. With English man Justin Rose winning gold in Brazil and a 7th place in the women’s event from Charley Hull the next generation of golfers will hopefully be inspired to take up the game.

Olympic heroics and Tiger’s talk Rio 2016 marks the debut of rugby sevens, a faster, shorter adaption of the popular sport. Rugby Sevens differs to traditional 15-player Rugby with a focus being on strength, speed and the ability to beat the man on a one to one basis. Tournament competition is always strong and with Sevens heavyweights such as Fiji, South Africa and Argentina all gunning for the Gold; Team GB had their work cut out. Finishing top of their group against strong teams such as New Zealand and Japan saw a Quarter Final against potential winners Argentina. A strong defensive game eventually saw GB winners with a Dan Bibby try in extra time to secure a semi-final against South Africa. Another close victory set up a gold medal final against favourites Fiji who thus far had costed through the tournament. Beating the Fijians would be a tough ask for any team and they showed their strength and speed to win 43-7 in decisive fashion.

The CPL is also about working with young talents of the game and helping to progress their skills by working with experienced teammates and coaches. Paul Nixon

Interested in taking up golf or know someone that would like to try? Contact Head Professional at The Leicestershire Golf Club. Tim Stevens.

Tigers this season will be looking to improve on their league form. Following a good showing in Europe last season the real test is to compete against teams such as Saracens and Exeter to take the title. It’s been a quiet off-season for the Tigers with no major squad changes, however captaincy has been given to Tom Youngs; a true stalwart of the club. Louis Deacon

Zingperformance.com/zfns

0116 249 8792

Matthampsonfoundation.org

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The Leicestershire Golf Club has a growing junior section with girls and boys receiving regular coaching with playing opportunities and fun activities every weekend.

Sport

A par for Excellence The Leicestershire Golf Club

In the heart of Leicester, a golfing gem ‘putts’ women and children first and celebrates the achievements of their Junior and Ladies sections The Leicestershire Golf Club is famed for its magnificent James Braid designed course, with well maintained, fast and true greens that are playable all year round. In the midst of the city with excellent practice facilities, Head Professional Tim Stevens offers coaching for ladies, gentlemen and juniors of all golfing abilities. The club has a thriving Juniors Section ably managed by Ben Peters and many of its members strive to follow in the footsteps of The Leicestershire’s grown-up junior, Jevann Parmar. At nine years old Jevann became a member and this year, now aged 19, has gone on to win the Leicestershire and Rutland Golf Union (L&RGU) Spring Tournament, played over 2 days and 2 courses. Recently, Jevann won the L&RGU Amateur Championship with a level Par score of 136 and with Riyaz Ahmed and Marc Palmer ensured the club won the Team Shield - an amazing

feat to top off a great day on 10th July when L&RGU held its 36 hole Amateur Championship at The Leicestershire. Following the career path of Jevann, current junior Finn Dobson has won both the Spring and Autumn Flag 50 competitions at The Leicestershire and was awarded Most Improved Player of the Year. He joined the Shires Junior Golf Tour this year aged eight and after playing at different courses around the counties Finn has qualified to play in the Grand Final to be held at The Leicestershire 23rd October. In other news at the golf club, the Ladies Team has won the L&RGU Handicap Shield Bronze Division in May. Made up of Clair Tandy, Lucy Pover and Sue Bromwich, the team are the first to win the competition in 35 years for the club. The Niche Magazine Chip and Sip event in July attracted many

business ladies who realised the beneficial effects of golf in combination with fun, health and fitness. In the same month, the club were delighted to see Sir Ian Botham and Shane Warne fly in by helicopter – starting in Durham, the duo played a hole in each of the cricketing counties for charity and were full of admiration at the quality of the course and the reception they received at The Leicestershire. The club welcomes more juniors and ladies of all abilities to visit the course and try their hand at some lessons with Tim. Come as a group or as an individual and enjoy a lesson or a few rounds. Afterwards, explore the architecturally significant clubhouse for top notch catering with an amazing view of the course. 0116 273 8825 Theleicestershiregolfclub.co.uk

NICHE | 147

The largest selection ExpertRackets Advice l In storein Practise Wall to try Rackets out in store of the UK Expert Advice

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CALL:

0116 262 2113

EMAIL: sales@withersonline.com 6 Carts Lane, Leicester LE1 5FL Just off of the High Street, two doors away from Pilot Menswear

A grand day out

Dave Smith

After a taste of globe-trotting in the International Champions Cup, Leicester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-season ended with a first trip to Wembley in sixteen years; a first-ever trip to the rebuilt stadium under the arch; and a celebratory day out for the fans, who each received a free t-shirt and clap banner courtesy of the owners before the FA Community Shield. And, as expected, Wembley

knew exactly how to put on a show. As pre-season games go, this was a useful exercise, with the game evenly balanced before United got the decisive break to capture the silverware. Shinji Okazaki saw a glancing header hit the bar and stay out before big-money signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic planted his late header against a post, only to see it drop just over the line. Former Foxes loanee, Jesse Lingard, opened the scoring with a dazzling individual effort, dribbling his way past four defenders who perhaps should have found a way to halt his progress and Jamie Vardy latched onto a woefully short back pass to round David de Gea and slot home an equaliser as the frightening pace of Vardy, Musa and Gray unnerved the United rearguard. No trophy but plenty of encouragement for the City faithful as they prepared for the defence of their Premier League title. Will we ever tire of saying that? I doubt it!

RidersFixtures 2016 Home games 25/9

Worcester Wolves (H) 16:00

9/10

Surrey Scorchers (H) 16:00

23/10

Leeds Force (H) 16:00

12/11

Lions/Raiders *BBL Cup 19:45

25/11

Bristol Flyers (H) 19:45

9/12

Newcastle Eagles (H) 19:45

21/12

London Lions (H) 19:45

30/12

Leeds Force (H) 19:45

advanced tickets (on door) Adults from £12-15 (£15-18) Concession from £9-12 (£12-15) Children from £7-10 (£10-13) Family ticket options available

ticket office

www.leicesterriders.co.uk +44(0)116 255 8635

Motoring

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ROLL UP IN ST YLE

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

4x4 Vehicle Hire Leicester Tel: 0116 2081380 / 07821747469 leicester@4x4vehiclehire.co.uk 4x4vehiclehire.co.uk/leicestershire

4x4 Vehicle Hire Leicester, 1489 Melton Road, Queniborough, Leicester LE7 3FP Company Reg: 08255410 VAT Number: 153303838

Those in Motoring have their say

Timing belts Unlike problems with the clutch or the brakes on your car, it is very difficult to tell if there is an issue with your timing belt from the noise it makes when you drive. Most belts need replacing around every 80,000 miles. This is just an estimate, some may snap before this and some will still be going after 100,000 miles. They are not an item that is generally inspected on a service as some can involve a major strip down to access them. Timing belts do not gradually stop working over a period of time. They either lose teeth and with that the ability to transfer power or they snap, bending vital engine parts as they go. Either way the result will be the same: the car will not work until at best the belt is replaced at worst you have your engine rebuilt. If in doubt, you should always replace your belt rather than waiting to see if it lasts. The cost of having a new belt fitted will be much lower than the cost of repairing a damaged engine if it snaps unexpectedly. Our timing belts come with an interval lifetime warranty, which sets us apart from our competitors, many of who will only offer 12 months. If you have any concerns regarding your vehicle’s timing belt we would be happy to have a chat with you. Michael Porter 0800 859 5283 Themobilegaragepeople.co.uk

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Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab Pick Up

Meticulous attention to detail

The new marketing leading pick was released late 2015 and with it claimed ‘WhatVan?’ Pick Up of the year. The L200 had over 300 improvements from the previous model which you can instantly see, whether it be exterior or interior.

More than a means to get you from a to b, for many of us, our car is our pride and joy and that means when the most minute scratch appears so too does panic.

Exterior: Completely overhauled. A more aggressive front grille, which is in chrome, automatically brings attention. Higher sides on the rear keep the same load space but allow taller loads to be carried more securely. Interior: Full leather interior, and chrome door strips with Barbarian in blue lights, which give a luxurious feel to the cabin. New grab handles to help you in and out and a much needed improved navigation/audio system. This is now a Mitsubishi product, not Kenwood like in the previous model. A key feature is the soft open/close tailgate which is a real winner. Engine/Power: 2.4 Diesel 178 BHP Ride and Handling: It is incredibly comfortable and does what is required of this type of vehicle. It is also well aided with a reverse camera, making it easy to park. The Competition: Ford Ranger 3.2TDCi Wildtrak Auto The L200 is a great work horse vehicle that has got comfort and luxury included within. Total Motion offers this vehicle on a number of different finance arrangements for business users and private individuals. Harry Hill 0116 251 1122 Totalmotion.co.uk

You can’t leave your car with just anyone to fix though, they need to be good at what they do and leave you feeling more than happy with the results. Paint Wagon have been restoring your car babies back to their full glory for over 40 years now and as a result have earned a highly valuable reputation within the area and beyond. They will gladly fix anything from minor or major scratches and scrapes or full re-spray should you need it, they perform valeting, bumper repair, alloy wheel repair to paint correction; just some of the specialist services they offer in their workshop. The workforce is passionate about their subjects and the products they use. The very best in materials are used each and every time to achieve the very best results. Complete with a three year paint finish guarantee, Paint Wagon use high quality materials including Meyer paints, 3M polishing and Diamondbrite; one of the most enduring paint protectors on the current market. Countless customers will go to no-one else and always remark on their quick turnaround and meticulous attention to detail. Colin Tidman 07967 752 623 Paintwagon.uk

Initial rental of £2678.94 plus VAT for business users only. Figures exclude VAT. Based on a 36 month non maintained Contract Hire agreement for an Audi Q5 2.0 TDI (190) Quattro S Line Plus 5dr S Tronic with a monthly rental of £297.66 plus VAT, based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles with an excess mileage charge of 11 pence per mile plus VAT. Includes 9 months initial payment. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to vehicle availability, credit approval, manufacturers price changes, volume bonus and purchase through Total Motion Vehicle Management Ltd. In the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required. Terms and conditions may apply.

To enquire, simply call us and quote ‘NA2016’

Those in Motoring have their say

Protecting your investment

Land Rover tailgate picnic

Calm throughout the storm

5 tips to keeping the value in your car.

Ahead of this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials from 1st-4th September, title sponsor Land Rover has collaborated with TV chef James Martin to encourage Burghley spectators to go the extra mile with their picnics this year.

In a profession like yours, it is essential to have a reliable vehicle that allows you to continue providing your services, whatever the weather.

◆ Keep it clean! Dirt on paint, carpet, leather and plastics can cause damage that is hard to remove, keep it clean and it will look better than the majority of other cars when selling. ◆ Touch up stone chips as and when they appear. This will stop the paint looking tired and will also stop the formation of rust on the exposed metal. ◆ Keep it smelling nice! Change the pollen/cabin filter regularly; this stops musky smells. Also make sure to have your interior properly cleaned at least once a year, this will remove any smells as well as dirt, keeping that new car look and smell for as long as possible. Do not smoke in your car, this smells bad after a while and can be tricky to remove without professional help. ◆ Keep the paint work polished and waxed, even if its only twice a year that you do it (we recommend more often for a car that is used daily) it will help keep the paintwork bright and shiny. ◆ Make sure you’re using safe wash methods, bad wash techniques are the easiest way to damage the paint on your car, and you will need the help of a professional to remove this. 2 buckets, a quality, clean, wash mitt and quality car shampoo, not dish soap! Miles Marr 07775 524 983 Fxdetailing.co.uk

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Land Rover has over 30 years heritage in the equestrian sport and has been title sponsor of Burghley Horse Trials since 2005. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials have become almost as synonymous with picnicking as it has world class equestrian sport, and the Land Rover Tailgate Picnic Competition has become a popular feature. In recent years it has been judged by some well-known faces, including event rider Zara Tindall, Channel 4’s Kirstie Allsopp and TV presenter Matt Baker. Land Rover has worked with James to create two picnic recipes, which benefit from sitting in the car for a long-distance journey. Find his recipes at landrover.com The former Saturday Kitchen presenter said: “It can be a real challenge keeping picnic food fresh when you have to travel a few hours to get to an event like this, but these recipes are specifically designed so they actually taste better after sitting in the care for a long time.”

Modern 4x4 vehicles offer this stability and reliability. Designed to tackle extreme terrains, they are ideal vehicles for icy motorways, snow covered streets and flooded roads, allowing you to reach your destination safely. They offer a spacious and comfortable interior, with features including satellite navigation and heated seats; improving your journey on those chilly days. We at 4x4 Vehicle Hire offer you the opportunity to make use of a practical, reliable and comfortable four wheel drive when you need it most. From occasional use, to a fleet of 4x4 vehicles on long term hire, we can match your requirements to ensure your business runs smoothly. With national franchises, 4x4 Vehicle Hire will provide you with a local service. When the weather man delivers bad news, we’ll get you a hire vehicle ready for collection, or have it delivered to your door. Our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, fully insured, and can be fitted with snow chains or tow bars for an additional charge.

The Land Rover Tailgate Picnic Competition takes place on cross-country day at the Trials on Saturday 3rd September in the reserved car park.

Call us for more information or come by the office to see how we can assist your needs. Ram Karia

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Out & About For the low down on whats happening in and around our region, be in the know. Allow us to introduce our Lifestyle Editor, Gemma Peplow, who will guide you on what’s happening and where you should be seen.

DELILAH - 4 ST MARTINS, LEICESTER LE1 5DB

I’m writing this from a comfy chair in one of my favourite coffee shops, watching Leicester go by as I drink tea and scoff a brownie. I tend to do this a lot (brownies help creativity, I reckon) and it’s brilliant to see the place full and thriving, with even more people milling about outside. Over the past few years the city centre and its outskirts has changed quite a bit, and this year, with so many recent openings and even more in the pipeline, there couldn’t be a better time to write about fantastic new places and exciting things that are happening in Leicester. And out in the county and Rutland too, of course.

We should probably get acquainted, shouldn’t we? I’m Gemma — lovely to meet you! — at your service to natter about everything from shopping and eating out to fashion and beauty. I’ve lived in Leicestershire nearly all my life and happen to think that when it comes to shopping, we’ve got it just right; big enough to have some great high street names and lots of creative independents, but not so big it’s unmanageable. (Yes, London, I’m looking at you. I think you’re ace, but never, ever at rush hour. Or on a busy Saturday.) I genuinely love shopping in Leicester and will be unashamedly

shouting out about our brilliant independents and talented makers and business owners at every opportunity. Which means I’ll be spending a fair bit of time out and about in said independents — so please, spare a thought for my bank balance. It’s a tough gig, I know, but somebody’s got to do it. As this is my first job for Niche, I thought it would be nice to give you a brief introduction to just a few of the new things that are happening. First up, there’s Delilah, the new delicatessen which recently opened in St Martins: fresh bread, self-serve oils, more than 150 different cheeses, meats NICHE | 157

6 FRANCIS STREET, STONEYGATE, LEICESTER LE2 2BD

from all over the world, 200-plus wines, craft beers, dozens of jams and chutneys, and all sourced from small artisan producers. Take your favourite foods home or, even better, sit down, order a drink and eat in. I’ve tried the green eggs (scrambled with pesto, don’t worry) and they’re delicious, but I’m most excited about returning on a Friday evening to sit outside (I’m putting my order in for decent weather now) to sample the Swiss-style fondue and lots of red wine.

23 BOWLING GREEN ST, LEICESTER LE1 6AS

While we’re talking food, the new bottomless Sunday lunch at The Kitchen at The Cookie, in High Street, also deserves a mention. Enjoy a three-course roast dinner for just £10 and add on your unlimited Prosecco (really, as much as you can drink) for an extra £15. Book a table and get your sorry-I’m-late excuses straight for Monday morning. If coffee’s your thing, The Coffee Counter, in Bowling Green Street, is a new one to try. I’m also pretty excited about Bodega, the new restaurant bringing a taste of South America to St Martin’s Square. In the world of fashion, there’s a new opening in the form of exclusive boutique Condotti, in Francis Street, Stoneygate. Brands include Pinko, Paul and Joe, Butler and Wilson and Nicole Farhi, but it’s Condotti’s own range of garments that are the big draw for me. They really are beautiful, so if you’ve got a special occasion coming up I’d definitely recommend a visit. 158 | NICHE

CONDOTTI - FRANCIS STREET, STONEYGATE LEICESTER LE2 2BD

A UNIQUE VENUE FOR THE TRUE DRINKS ENTHUSIAST

45 West Bottle Shop & Bar - 4a Hotel Street, Leicester LE1 5AW - www.45west.co.uk

Curran Interior Design is another new opening for Francis Street; I haven’t had a chance to pop in yet, but as an interiors addict I’ve been following their progress excitedly on Instagram. And finally: gin. If I’m on a night out I’ll usually have a gin and tonic in hand, so the opening of gin bar and shop 45 West, in Hotel Street, at the end of last year was the cause of much excitement. Now I’m looking forward to sampling their new limited-run Burleigh’s PINK edition, inspired by a trip to Japan and distilled with preserved cherry blossom, pink grapefruit, hibiscus and rose flowers. Be quick, as there’s just 600 bottles available, and you’ll only be able to find it online and at 45 West. There’s lots more to tell you about, of course, but to start I thought I’d give you a taster of some of my recent discoveries. If you know about a new opening, interesting product launch or a big revamp, please get in touch. I’m always looking for new places to visit. @gemmapeplow

45 WEST BOTTLE SHOP & BAR - 4A HOTEL STREET LEICESTER LE1 5AW

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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

Out & About

ADAPTOR DAVID WOOD DIRECTOR MAX WEBSTER

Olympians set to battle for

Burghley Glory Over 12,000 visitors attended the first Burghley Horse Trials in 1962 but the equestrian event now attracts over 160,000 guests, 600 trade stands and 100 top international competitor entries. This year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials looks set to be an international affair, with some of the World’s leading riders descending on Stamford. Ninety-nine horses from all around the world will compete for the £63k first prize. A win for New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson would be a fairy tale result. He is the only rider to have won the event three times ‘in a row’ and suffered a fall in 2015 resulting in a serious neck injury. Following a remarkable recovery, Andrew will compete in his first 4* event since the accident. With neither last year’s winner Michael Jung nor the hugely popular William Fox-Pitt entered, due to

their Rio commitments, we could see a totally new face heading the podium this year. Strong challenges are likely from antipodean riders such as Christopher Burton who brings Nobilis 18 and TS Jamaimo and Shane Rose who has entered Shanghai Joe, CP Qualified and Virgil. Britain’s Zara Tindall and High Kingdom are also looking competitive, as are Sarah Bullimore, Izzy Taylor and Rosalind Canter. The event also sees 24 first time combinations. Young British riders include Lissa Green and Imogen Gloag who at 21 years is the youngest rider entered. At the other end of the spectrum, Italian Olympian Giovanni Ugolotti will visit Burghley for the first time with Oplitas.

A bond sealed for life This unique and rather special company bring jewellery collections hand crafted in France, which incorporate luxury jewels with your beloved horses hair woven within. The concept was born from one families’ desire to create something that enabled their daughter to remain close to the bond she had with her very first pony. Realising the passion that so many have for their horses, the family created collections which enable countless others to enjoy a reminder of their horse to wear close to them. Your designs can be as unique as your relationship, and each piece is hand crafted to your specifications. Choose a bracelet, necklace, earrings, pendant or cuff links in whichever precious metal you desire and select a weave pattern which will use your horses hair. The ordering process couldn’t be easier, you simply choose your model of design, send your measurements and horses hair (if your design is to include this) and the highly skilled team make the rest happen, then, you just wait for your bespoke piece to come to you through the door. These beautiful pieces make the most thoughtful of gifts and enforce a bond which can be carried for life. If you are a boutique here in the UK and feel that your customers would love these precious designs contact Caracole to become an accredited retailer. Laurence Caracole Caracole.fr

CARACOLE Horsehair jewellery

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Arts & Culture

Leicester has a rich and varied cultural heritage fuelled by the thirst to be enlightened in all things art, dance, performance, history, architecture and as a summary, civilisation. We have a melting pot of culture sat right on our doorstep which is enjoyed by many, we just wanted to shine a light on some of it. We have a creative hub in Leicester based in the cultural quarter, centred around Orton Square (aptly named), in the form of the Leicester Creative Bureau (LCB), Makers Yard and Phoenix, it really is a bustling centre of people and businesses creating things – from video to pottery, images to poetry, web sites to pastry. And as you know creativity is at the centre of culture. Did you know that Phoenix is home to 7/5, a group of both current and aspiring filmmakers. When an open invitation to 300 potential participants resulted in a scant fourperson reply, the 5 people who met at 7pm were given the chance

to use Phoenix as their creative base. Now they are over 100 strong, skill-sharing to provide handson experience and inspiration to young up-and-coming filmmakers, actors and technicians. 7/5 meet on Wednesdays at Phoenix at 7.30pm, and all are welcome. We are a city that likes a celebration too. There’s always an excuse for a gathering or festival, the annual Pride festival kicks off September nicely with all the colours of the rainbow on show in the parade through the city ending at a party in the park, Victoria that is. August also saw the Caribbean Carnival, literally, wind it’s way through the streets of Leicester

October brings the spotlight firmly on Leicester, being one of the largest celebrations outside of India, with over 37,000 people attending the 2015 switch on of the lights on Belgrave Road and more attending Diwali Day itself, in the heart of the city’s Asian community. Enjoy a firework display and live cultural entertainment on stage as the festival of light marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Lights are switched on Sunday 16th October, with Diwali day being 30th October. Visitleicester.info NICHE | 165

Leicester’s Cinephile Culture Those of us who love film love Phoenix, for its varied and engaging cinema offering. From low budget art house jewels, vintage movie masterpieces, Scandi-Noir thrillers, or Hollywood blockbusters, Phoenix is a Leicester venue of choice. But Phoenix is much more than just a cinema, café, digital arts exhibitor, educational hub and community enclave: it’s a registered charity and home to a number of independent film production companies. Alexzandra Jackson, Education Manager at Phoenix, runs Poppy Jack whose Short Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with a four-day run at Phoenix this August. Monkey Basket was formed by actor and filmmaker Kenton Hall in 2009, and his debut feature, A Dozen Summers which premiered at Phoenix, produced by Poppy Jack, is available to buy at Amazon on DVD. Keith Allott’s Bad Shoes Film is full of community spirit. Featuring young people-centred documentaries, social realism and drama, including How Will You Hear Me - 13 films from a young person’s perspective on the failure of older people to listen - and Pulled Both Ways - a look at divorce through mediation - sponsored by Glynis Wright, these films, written and performed by children, inspire, change lives and educate adults. Keith also co-founded 7/5, a group of filmmakers and potential filmmakers who meet at Phoenix. Read more about this in the section intro. Tracey Miller traceyannmiller@hotmail.com

A Guide to buying art The first thing many of our gallery visitors apologetically splutter, even before getting through the door is ‘sorry, I don’t know anything about art’. Well neither did the two Cocker Spaniels that popped in for a sniff with their owner, but they still enjoyed their visit. Joking aside, we completely understand, art is one of things that falls in the the same category as opera, classical music and fine wine - a shrouded subject coveted by an exclusive intellectual few. Recently, we were invited to the Opera, and blurted out the same line, feeling as inadequate as a tabloid hack at the Poet Laurette awards. I know nothing about music, I can barely draw a treble clef, but I still log in to iTunes. I simply disregard what doesn’t tickle my musical fancy and search for the tune that does. Now apply that same template to art. It can often be the title that sways it for me, it can make me smile or simply uplift me. We play our part by talking to you about the artist, their methods, their inspiration and add depth and value to your chosen piece.

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery Leicester’s original museum has wide ranging collections and displays spanning the natural and cultural world. A family friendly day-out, the galleries include Ancient Egypt, Dinosaurs, Wild Space, gallery for the under 5s -The Den, a Victorian Art Gallery featuring works from the fine art collection and a modern and contemporary art gallery. The first floor galleries include World Arts, the Arts & Crafts Gallery, Picasso Ceramics: The Attenborough Collection and Leicester’s internationally renowned German Expressionism collection. The museum also offers a range of events from curator’s talks to lunchtime concerts. Tours of the museum are also available for groups, please contact the museum for further details and availability. New Walk Museum and Art Gallery originated in 1849 when the Literary and Philosophical Society formally presented to the town its various collections, which have grown and developed over the last 160 years into one of the premier museums and art galleries in the East Midlands.

Antidote’s Plain Easy guide to buying art is. Find a reputable gallery (we happen to be a really friendly one in Lutterworth). Browse, engage, soak it up see what captivates you. Then ask the lovely people at Antidote to deliver it for you. Sara Lovatt

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery has been the inspiration for many people including one of the world’s most influential art dealers Anthony d’Offay, Lord Attenborough and Sir David Attenborough, who pursued their love of art and natural history as a result of spending their formative years as regular visitors to the museum.

01455 556 951 Antidote Art Ltd

0116 225 4900 Visitleicester.info NICHE | 167

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture in Leicester

Niche Networking Announcement of Business Awards semi-finalists With 80 guests the July Niche Networking event was not dampened by the inclement conditions. A summer BBQ was planned, luckily the guys at Big Daddies Diner come with their own pop-up kitchen with coverage – the show did go on. The hearty streetfood was expertly paired with Steamin’ Billy pale ales. The evening was held at MNE Accounting’s modern and spacious offices and courtyard, a great set-up for business events. Jenny Cross, Managing Director of Cross Productions publishers of Niche Magazine took to the floor and announced the semi-finalists for the 17 categories of the Niche Business Awards, many of whom were at the event, so lots of beaming faces. The next stage was a ‘meet the judges’ day where each semi-finalist had 10 minutes to show the independent judges why they would be a worthy winner. Good luck to all finalists!

168 | NICHE

Howes Percival Summer Sports Day Howes Percival descended on the Tigers Training Ground at Oadby, on 5th July, for their annual Leicester office sports day, barbecue and raffle. It raised over £600 for the Matt Hampson Foundation. Matt Hampson launched the event with an inspirational talk. Teams took part in nostalgic events including tug of war, bean bag race, space hopper racing, and many more. Professionals from DLP Consultants, BSP Consulting, BDO and Howes Percival were among the victorious! Leicestershire County Cricket Club set up their speed cage competition for players to test how fast they can bowl along with a raffle prize of tickets to their games. Raffle prizes were donated by local businesses. Cross Productions donated a table for ten at King Power Stadium with Gordon Banks; Everard’s Brewery, Next and Donington Race Circuit gave fundraising support; and a lucky winner will be attending a production of Bugsy Malone, courtesy of Curve. ATTENDEES: DLP Consultants, BSP Consulting, RSM, RG+P, Cedar Business Solutions, SamCorp, Ridge, Leicester Racecourse, PKF Cooper Parry, Bibby Financial, BDO, Hayles Accountants, Grant Thornton, Cross Productions, Griffin Fit, Abel Alarm Company, Brewin Dolphin, RSM UK, Shouler and Son, Elwell Watchorn & Saxton LLP, Just Hype, St James’s Place, Rowleys Bizm, Davidsons Developments Ltd, Eden Financial Consultants, Clumber Consultancy, iPlan Solutions Ltd, Beyond Wealth Management, Finance Lab, FFBN NICHE | 169

LRC Ladies Day 2016 It’s their biggest event of the year, and Leicester Racecourse certainly didn’t disappoint at Ladies Day 2016, which exceeded all expectations with record breaking results. Last year saw nearly 9,000 in attendance, and this year, the bar was raised even higher. 11,055 race-goers swarmed through the gates - the biggest crowd the Racecourse has seen for more than 60 years. 14 local food vendors were on hand to serve exotic and traditional food, with local company Steamin’ Billy serving real ales, a cocktail bar and an octagonal champagne bar, accommodating for all tastes. The Racecourse also welcomed some incredible acts to the stage. Billy Ocean, Mica Paris, Re-Take That and DJ Fast all performed in the evening. With astounding figures, the Racecourse are already busy planning next year’s event. So, put Saturday July 8th in your diaries for Ladies Day 2017, as it’s already set to be a huge occasion. Tickets will go on sale at the end of November.

170 | NICHE

Michael John Race-day On Sunday 7th August, Michael John Flooring held a race day at Leicester Racecourse to celebrate their 70th anniversary. With over 100 invited guests made up of staff and customers, it was a day of fun, sun and a flutter on the Michael John sponsored race. This day was a great opportunity to celebrate all that’s been achieved in that time, with speeches thanking staff for their hard work and customers for their loyalty. Also welcomed were their colleagues from LOROS to the event. As part of the year-long 70th anniversary celebrations, Michael John have been supporting the Leicester based hospice. Every year, LOROS care for over 2,500 people across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. They provide free, highquality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill adult patients, their family and carers. You can donate directly to the LOROS Hospice via our JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ MichaelJohnFlooring You can also donate to LOROS by using JustGiving ‘text code’. Just text MIJF70 to 70 070 followed by your donation amount!

NICHE | 171

Robbies Rugby Festival 2016 Thank you to all who attended and supported Robbies Rugby Festival 2016 on Saturday 16th July. Even without the sun a the festival had a fantastic turn out. People who came along and joined in during the day or who came to Party on the Pitch, should know that their attendance will make a difference to 2 fabulous charities; The Jake McCarthy Foundation and The Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust The festival pays maximum respect to the fantastic medical team, physio team and referees – these are the people that make the event run so smoothly doing a fantastic job as always. The rugby teams, stands and stalls all played a blinder and The Loughborough Endowed Schools were great hosts. “We raised a fantastic £11,240 for our charities and we cant wait to do it all again next year, thanks to all involved including our sponsors.” Georgie Fowle and Alicia Pearson, RRF Organisers

172 | NICHE

The British Indian Awards In association with BDO, the 4th British Indian Awards took place in July. The prestigious ceremony was held at Athena, Leicester where the deserving winners were announced. The evening was a celebration of the success and achievements of Britain’s Indian individuals, communities and business people. “The calibre and scale of talent at the British Indian Awards is a testament to the commitment and hard work the British Indian community holds, along with the opportunities available in the United Kingdom,” commented Yasmin Mahmood of event organiser’s, Oceanic Consulting. “It was an inspirational evening and we are humbled and honored to recognise and reward the many inspirational individuals and businesses that participated.” Attendees from across the country joined the glamorous event, which was hosted by Kamlesh Purohit of BBC Radio Leicester. The Awards also raised over £1,300 for the official charity partner, Silver Star.

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Feed bellies

not bins

Tuesdays 11:00 - 13:00 Thursdays 19:00 - 20:30 Fridays 12:00 - 14:00.

07739 186 948 Realjunkfoodleicester.org trjfpleicsvolunteers@outlook.com

The West End ‘PAYF’ Café The West End Centre, Andrews St, LE3 5PA

For more information on how you can help the humble heroes feed the hundreds call or email Bobby and Alison

Food poverty affects 5.8 million people in the UK whilst an estimated 15 million tonnes go to landfill every year – Niche find out what a local project is doing to combat the statistics Aiming to intercept perfectly good food from becoming waste and bringing the local community together, The Real Junk Food Project, which started in Leeds by founder Adam Smith, was brought to Leicester by husband and wife Bobby and Alison who share in the founder’s philosophy of bridging the gap of waste and hunger. The global network of pay-as-you-feel (PAYF) cafes are on a mission to feed the hungry and are looking for local folk to help out, or donate money or time to keep the scheme running and be part of the exciting sustainable project. The innovative concept means that diners pay what they think the meal was worth, not necessarily what they can afford. Bobby and Alison stress that the cafés are not soup kitchens but instead, a food hub open to everyone who loves anything from curries to casseroles and crumbles to bread and butter pudding. You will find their PAYF Café at The West End Centre in Andrews Street. The group of volunteers put together a tasty nutritious menu that requires forward thinking and strategic planning to get the very most out of the fresh food they have rescued from being needlessly wasted. The West End Centre PAYF Café served Niche a comforting bowl of ratatouille with a crunchy side salad and crusty bread, and even rustled up an off-the-menu request of a cheese salad sarny. The flavoursome dishes were put together by a voluntary professional chef and went down a treat. We were also grateful to be surrounded by the kind of company that so many high street chains are lacking; a welcoming

atmosphere filled with approachable people who are always up for a chat. We were shocked to hear that customer’s pay-as-you-feel contributions worked out at just £2 per head. Bobby and Alison are calling out to everyone from families to business owners to visit the café and pay as much as they feel their meals are worth. Food is donated by a wholesale market in Freemans Common, Marks & Spencer Oadby store, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables via a large distribution channel. With meticulous organisation and preparation, they put together incredibly inventive culinary creations using the stock they have with appreciative diners amazed and fully satisfied with the dishes served. But what about the legal side? Alison explained: “Historically, companies have been afraid of being sued. We agree to take full responsibility for the food; all we ask from the donor company is that they are honest with us about the reasons why the food has been wasted and that they have an audited food safety and hygiene policy and process in place. We discuss each donation with the donor party to make sure we are complying with food safety law in each instance.” The couple have opened the public’s eyes as to just how much food is wasted that could be used to feed thousands of people every day. Bobby believes their biggest success is pulling the community together from all walks of life. He added: “We are proud that companies now

RECIPE

approach us. It shows that society and commerce is starting to take the food waste issue seriously.” So far, the duo and their voluntary team have catered for events for Leicester City Council as well as a handful of local festivals and venues and are feeling positive about more events lined up. Bobby was awarded for his contribution to society and the scheme that has changed so many people’s lives, he said: “There are many success stories about individuals who have found the project and have gained so much from it, friends, skills, experience and even a social life they never had before.” In just two years Bobby and Alison’s Real Junk Food Project venture has fed over 6,000 bellies, not to mention all the people fed indirectly by giving food to charities and other schemes.

Carrot And Potato Curry serves 3-4 people Ingredients 600g Carrots (peeled and cut into half inch crescent 400g Potatoes (peeled and cut into one inch squares) 2 medium Onions (cut lengthways) 2 cloves of Garlic (chopped) 1” Ginger (peeled and chopped) 2 Green chillies (chopped) or to taste I to 2 tbsp Cooking oil 1 tsp Cumin 1 tsp Black mustard seeds 1/4 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Salt 1 tin of Tomatoes or fresh 1/4 tsp Garam Masala Fresh Coriander

Method Heat up the oil and put cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they are popping add the onions and fry until lightly golden brown. Add the garlic, ginger and chillies and fry until garlic is a little cooked. Add turmeric and salt and stir well. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 3 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the carrots. Leave to cook for about 15 minutes and stir occasionally. Prick the potatoes and carrots and see if they are cooked. Add garam masala and freshly chopped coriander. Serve with rice and salad or can be eaten with nan or pitta bread.

RECIPE

Banana Pancakes and Ice Cream Pancakes

Serves 4 Prep Time 15 mins Cooking Time 7 mins

Chop 3 large bananas and crack 4 eggs into a jug then mash them up. Whisk until smooth using a blender if needed.

Ingredients 3 Bananas (for pancakes) 4 large Eggs

Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan on a medium heat and spread across surface.

4 Bananas (for Ice Cream) Splash of water

Ice Cream

Pour some of the mixture, between 10 and 20cm across, into the center of the pan and gently shake in a circular motion and leave cooking for 2 minutes

Method Chop 4 large bananas, put pieces in a freezable container and place in freezer over night or for four hours min. until frozen. Take them out of the freezer about half an hour before serving to soften slightly. Prepare your pancake mix (as below.) Before cooking your pancakes pour a tiny splash of water into a food blender and add the frozen banana pieces. 176 | NICHE

Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. (You will need to stop the blender every few seconds to mix the mixture so that all the pieces are smoothed.) Do not leave the blender on for more than 30 seconds at a time to avoid overheating. If the mixture is not smooth after 3-5 minutes, give your blender a break and try again after 5-10 minutes rest.

With a flat utensil, gradually loosen the edges all the way round working your way to the center of the pancake. When the pancake is loose, flip it over. It may break, if it does, flip all the pieces over and leave for a further 2 minutes. Serve your pancake on a plate with a nice dollop of your freshly made ice cream and enjoy.

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