Niche Magazine Issue 20

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May/June 2017

ALL SAINTS

LIVE at LEICESTER RACECOURSE on LADIES DAY BUMPER SOCIAL ISSUE

MOTORING WITH

PAINTWAGON REEP MIDLANDS FOX LANDROVER

LEICESTER BUSINESS FESTIVAL

#FindYourNiche FASHION | BUSINESS | HEALTH | FOOD | SPORTS

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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

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

Leicestershire’s most exciting Art Gallery JJ Adams | Kealey Farmer | Mr Go | Paul Oz | Marie Lousie Wrightson Fabian Perez | Akiyama | Doug Hyde

Cover:

Featured on the front cover are All Saints who are star guest at Leicester Racourse’s Ladies Day event, read more on page 94.

The Team

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 Paul Woodman Will Johnston

Official Media Sponsors of the Leicester Riders

Managing Director Jenny Cross 07815 899 574

Editor Lee Parkin 07711 043 901

jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

lee@crossproductions.co.uk

Also Sponsoring Robbie’s Rugby Festival Leicester Law Society Awards Menphys Rainbows Dorothy Goodman Academy

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.

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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

Journalist Emily Kirton 0116 271 2573

Contributors The Miller Partnership, Glynis Wright, ER Recruitment, Torr Waterfield, Leicester Racecourse, Beau Aesthetica, Curve, Leicester Riders, St Martins House, Dimblebee Catering Company, Griffin Fit, Soar Valley Press, Maiyango, MNE Accounting, Abbots Oak, Barrie Stephen Hair, EAS Windows, Antedote Art.

NICHE | 03

2017 HEADLINE SPONSOR

Recognising Outstanding Leicestershire Businesses and Business Professionals

SEPTEMBER 8th 2017

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MAKING ONLINE MARKETING EASY

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A Word from the Editor

After quite a late Easter break this year we greet the glorious month of May and all her welcomed Bank Holidays and ‘hopefully’ a few degrees increase on the thermometer. May also brings us the very first Cross Connections Business Expo, hosted at The Kube, Leicester Racecourse. This promises to be ‘One Powerful Day of Business’ with 60 exhibitors all showing their wares, so if you haven’t already, register now to attend this free event at crossconnectionsexpo.co.uk.

In the hallowed pages of Niche 20 we present some delicious dishes both for you to prepare and to dine out on, check out the superb dessert from Leicester’s favourite bar and kitchen, North.

There’s a distinct marital mood in the magazine with this issue, love must be in the air – it’s also at Abbot’s Oak, a lovingly restored and renovated boutique hotel and country house venue. St Martins House too are under the moon of love as they enter the traditional time of year for weddings, complete with onsite Cathedral!

To counteract the ‘lovey doviness’ of the nuptial news, we’re bringing you a nice little spread of petrol-head porn! Featuring Fox Land Rover as they open their doors to the country set, equestrian folk and simply lovers of the iconic British brand that is Range Rover as a specialist service centre for all things Land and Range Rover. The guys of Reep have dream jobs, they are precision detailers for supercar owners, read about the agony of having to polish and protect a Porsche GT or a Bugatti Veyron – our hearts bleed.

With all that’s happening in Leicestershire we’ve got a number of special social events covered within, one being a visit from possibly the most famous woman in the world – HM The Queen.

We feature pictures of her special Maundy Thursday service trip to our city and fine dining in the aforementioned St Martins House. There’s also plenty of events coming up too, make sure you mark them in your diary.

You’ll hear from me again in July, meanwhile Summer’s a comin’ - enjoy!

NICHE | 05

Contents May / June

10

Fashion

14

Health & Beauty

28

Wedding

10 Fashion trends

14 Beau Aesthetica

28 The Dimblebee Catering Co.

12 Fathers Day gift ideas

17 Amelia Nour 18 MediSkin Care

30 St Martins House

36

Food & Drink

44

Property

60

Business

36 Maiyango

44 Plug interiors 47 Readings

60 EHL 80 Everards Brewery

42 North Bar Recipe

53 Best Trends 47 MIPIM

84 Winstanley House

100 Motoring

108 Out & About

92

Sport

98 Function Jigsaw 06 | NICHE

104 Reep Midlands Ltd

112 Martin Dalby at 75

94 COVER STORY

All Saints at Leicester Racecourse

34

Abbots Oak - open for weddings

80

88

ADT supporting the community

108 John Durance - Special Forces

Soar Valley Press open day

NICHE | 07

Those in the Fashion Industry have their say

Dress for your shape

The Smartwatch

It’s Ladies Day

When we are asked for wardrobe advice we always take into consideration the actual person as well as the body shape.

Since Lumbers received the original TAG Heuer Connected, clients have thoroughly enjoyed getting handson with this innovative, playful timepiece. Our team can happily confirm that it is a big success story here at Lumbers. The new TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 boasts GPS so no matter where your day takes you, it will keep you on track. TAG’s newest smartwatch is water resistant down to 50 metres allowing the user complete freedom when it comes to their next adventure.

Spring is here and summer is well and truly on its way! I hope your calendar for the warmer months are packed with BBQs, garden parties and festivals.

However, let’s be honest – when can we really rely on the British weather! Not very often…

No matter what your body type, certain prints and cuts will do things (visually) to your silhouette.

Repeating, thin, vertical lines?

They’ll slim you. Patterned pants?

They’ll make your legs smaller.

Skinny jeans? They widen the torso and midsection as they trim the leg.

So, as a rule if you have broader shoulders and a narrower waist, avoid skinny cut trousers and jeans as they exaggerate your smaller centre.

If your shoulders and waist are proportionate then you can wear pretty much anything.

For a rectangular body shape, avoid double breasted jackets and tops with graphics that are also rectangular.

Men with wide hips should avoid skinny jeans as they can emphasise your waist line.

Powered by Android Wear 2.0, its capabilities have grown dramatically. The importance of apps cannot be understated and clear examples are both the use of Maps and Google Fit. The convenience of having a navigation system on your watch when going for a run has become essential in the world of fitness.

Moreover, the benefits of Google Fit; tracking your weekly activity in the background allowing users to compete against themselves every day is a wonderful way to make staying fit and healthy enjoyable.

Strava is another example of how fitness apps have come to the forefront of smartwatch software.

The development, accessibility and sheer volume of apps that can be used on the TAG Heuer Connected exemplifies the importance of this current trend within the health and fitness market.

That’s why it is important that we weather-proof our hair in the summer time. Especially if you’re off to a special event such as Ladies Day at the races and you need your hair to look perfectly polished all day long, no matter the forecast! Stay away from heavy duty products in your hair such as waxes and gels and stick to lightweight sprays. Put down your strong hold hairspray as that will not be your friend if you get caught in a rain shower.

Products that allow for more flexibility will be much more forgiving on your hair should they come into contact with wet weather. Better still, pop a travel size version in your handbag for that extra bit of insurance!

Any off the peg suit purchased from us can be altered to fit perfectly, and our made to measure offering is just that.

Duncan Green

TAG’s newest timepiece echoes the growing demand for a smartwatch to be up to date with your daily routine and provide a catalyst for advocating a healthy lifestyle.

Raj Pragji

An ever-popular choice for an event such as Ladies Day is a good up-do. With your hair tucked away neatly into a chignon, braided bun or a French twist, it’s pretty much storm-proof whilst looking the epitome of classy and sophisticated. It’s not the easiest style to master by yourself, so get yourself booked into your nearest Barrie Stephen Hair salon and have one of our talented experts create your perfect hair-up look for you!

Barrie Stephen

0116 254 3957 christopherscotney.co.uk

0116 255 1233 lumbers.co.uk

0116 402 6222 barriestephenhair.co.uk

If you have an oval body shape, avoid horizontal stripes and colourful belts or tops as they draw attention to your waistline.

Focus on well-fitting clothing as ill-fitting clothing will just further emphasise shape. It’s advisable for all men to find a good tailor.

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

Full on Florals

Florals? For spring/summer? Groundbreaking – every person who has watched The Devil Wears Prada ever.

This time around though it turns out, they really are.

Radical colouration, scale, fabrication and mood, designers thought it best to just go with it in full spring swing and full blooms from head to toe, shoes included. There is nothing standard about these arrangements – from double doses of Rococo-style jacquard florals with ruffles and raw hems at Marques’Almeida to subdued, blousy ‘70s bouquets at Chloé and neon carnations at Balenciaga. You’ll see no ditsy prints in this S/S 17 take on the trend, thanks.

Find these fashion fixes High street: Debenhams, Highcross Leicester Independent: Betty Brown, Francis Street, Leicester

Stripe Playsuit £28 next.co.uk

newlook.com

Star by Julien Macdonald Bag £59 debenhams.com

A mind-boggling start to the stripe parade for S/S 17. It’s the graphic, blocky offering that began earlier in the year with almost every major New York designer selecting this as their pattern du jour. Proenza Schouler’s chopped-up, highly-Instagrammable form will surely feature in a thousand and one fashion editorials for the coming season. If the wearers of the flower power print don’t seem dedicated enough, you can rely on the stripe-lovers to sponsor their obsession when it comes to these alternative lines - designers were set on also styling these from head to toe too. Of course, you’re more than welcome to nod to the trend with a natty striped knit or a barcoded pair of heels, but we do like this full-steam-ahead attitude.

houseoffraser.co.uk

Find these fashion fixes High street: Zara, Highcross Leicester Independent: Abiti, Francis Street, Leicester

Striped Stripes

very.co.uk

marksandspencer.com

More fashion editors than ever before were seen donning their shades indoors at the S/S 17 shows. Well, when you look at this rainbow of runway exits, can you blame them?

Pink, and lots of it, played a very bold part of the Paris Fashion Week schedule, with the likes of Balenciaga, Céline and Valentino all employing demure dresses promoting the most shocking shades of this pretty hue. Without frills, prints or girlish detailing, pink’s power was crystal clear. But if pinks not your thing, take your pick from the multicolour closet of S/S 17. From Kermit green to sunshine yellow, only one rule applies: wear LOTS of it.

Find these fashion fixes High street: Rees, High Cross Leicester Independent: Doyles, Market Harborough Faith Blue ‘Chloe’ high stiletto heel pointed shoes £35 debenhams.com

marksandspencer.com

newlook.com

Find these fashion fixes High street: River Island, High Cross Leicester Independent: Condotti, Francis Street, Leicester

Black Lace Up Corset £9.99 newlook.com houseoffraser.co.uk

riverisland.com

80’s Glam

To be bold this season the ‘80s trend will serve you well, and the proof was all over the S/S 17 catwalks. You know this is not a decade dip to be ignored if Isabel Marant has even stepped into the realm of high-shine fabrics and draped volume. The essence of the new ‘80s look really lies in evening outfits. You probably won’t find much of the mood filtering into daywear, but when it comes to going out, there’s much to be played with. Silhouette-enhancing nipped waists fastened with giant belts and flirty hemlines balanced out by big shoulders will have this look sorted. Crystal earrings and sky-high stilettos are crucial, and no one did them with more ferociousness than Saint Laurent.

Hugo Boss t-shirt £75 Green label ‘tee 8’ black t-shirt with ‘BOSS’ splash. Available in sizes M - 3XL from christopherscotney.co.uk

FATHER’S DAY The Dobell Honey Mac Overcoat £29.99 was £99.99 The rich honey coloured water and wind proof smooth outer layer is contrasted by maroon silk inner, and chain hook details. High quality and stylish, this makes the perfect Father’s Day gift.

Available from dobell.co.uk

Groov-e Classic Turntable £69.99 Able to play all vinyl sizes and featuring a vinyl to digital converter as well as an FM/AM radio, it’s a nostalgic gift for dads. Available in red, cream and black.

Available from groov-e.co.uk 12 | NICHE

Hugo Boss shirt £79 Slim-fit cotton shortsleeved shirt with floral pattern: ‘Cattitude-short’ Available from christopherscotney.co.uk

Nextbase Dash Cam 412GW £129.99

Snakehive Wilderness Collection £18.95

Motorists are using dash cams to capture footage in case an accident occurs. Capable of capturing footage in superb Quad HD you’ll never miss a detail. Available from nextbase.co.uk

Nubuck Leather is a top grain material carefully sanded to give it a soft suede texture. Resistant to wear and durable great protection for your phone.

Available from snakehive.co.uk

Penrose tie £95 This striking design is made from 100% woven silk made in limited runs using the finest yarns, crafted by specialist weavers in England and Italy. Available from christopherscotney.co.uk

DIY Speaker Kit £28

Fenchurch stranded church £40

With simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll be playing music in just a couple of hours while learning about circuits and electrical components too! Available from techwillsaveus.com

An absolute staple for spring. With its buttoned down collar and check pockets, it is both on trend and practical. Available from jacamo.co.uk

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage 2011 £13.50 (75cl)

Caorunn gin £26 Handcrafted in the Scottish Highlands and made from locally foraged Celtic botanicals. Available from Sainsbury’s

Merino wool goggle hat £95 The iconic C.P. Company Goggle beanie hat in khaki, made from cotton with a turn hem design.

Available from christopherscotney.co.uk

Full and complex yet smooth and soft at the same time, with layers of dark fruits combined with floral hints of fresh mint.

Perfect with any cheese board.

Available from Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s NICHE | 13

Health & Beauty

e d a c e d a s celebrate d… e n e p o s r oo since its d The award-winning clinic, for those who don’t know, is located in the lovely Stoneygate area of Leicester and has been providing a warm welcome and impressive portfolio of treatments in their years since they opened their doors. Beau’s reputation and longevity in the industry is testament to the quality of treatments and service offered.

Helping thousands of people feel more confident, beautified and pampered in that time, Beau continue to provide the very latest in cosmetic and non-surgical treatments to enhance the lives of those who visit. Beau Aesthetica wanted to bring their vision for honest, open and exceptional cosmetic procedures and nonsurgical treatments to clients throughout the Midlands and beyond. In an industry where clarity and communication isn’t always priority, Beau’s commitment to this has enabled them to build an unwavering highly professional and trusted reputation with industry peers and customers alike.

Both at the spa and clinic in the Stoneygate area of Leicester and the cosmetic procedure clinic, clients have always been impressed with the modern and open feel of the spaces at Beau in both the attitude of the staff and contemporary setting. Cosmetic procedures include Liposuction by VASER, Muscle Relaxing Injections, Skin Peels and Intracel and are only performed after intensive consultation and communication.

This ensures the client receives the perfect individual treatment – no two people are the same.

The team provide the non-surgical facial and body treatments at the Stoneygate clinic which includes all the latest treatments to help clients to feel their very best.

Beau’s passion for skin and body treatments is infectious and the team provide celebrity loved procedures which truly make a difference. The current repertoire comprises Colon Hydrotherapy, Endermology, Honey I Shrunk body wrap, CACI-facials, Natural Hair Stroke Brow Enhancements and Microdermabrasion to name a few. The professional, skilled team are the reason why so many keep coming back over the years with visitors always commenting on the warm and welcoming environment.

“We can’t believe we have been beautifying Leicestershire for over ten years now! In some ways, it feels like only yesterday we opened our doors filled with a passion to help transform and pamper and we still bring that excitement in providing this to our clients that we did right back at the start. We would like to thank all those who have been part of our story so far and welcome anyone who joins us in the future…here’s to at least ten more years!” Said Am Vadhesha, Beau Aesthetica Director.

Happy Birthday to one of Leicestershire’s most loved and respected spa and clinics!

0116 270 9141 beauaesthetica.com NICHE | 15

Those in Health & Beauty have their say

Get bikini beach ready?

Get set glow this summer

Wanting to shift those wobblier parts that just don’t seem to be going anywhere in time for summer? Give prepping for those bikini ready bods a helping hand with VASER.

Summer is coming and it’s time to get glowing, here are my picks for top to toe glow this summer.

Loved by celebrities the world over, with Lipo Vaser you can get the results you desire without all the stress and worry of shifting those last few inches that exercise and dieting just don’t seem to shift.

Many of us have those pockets of predisposed body fat that we can’t shake and the VASER technology and LiopSelection technique that Beau are trained in, offer a safe alternative to ridding yourself of them and feeling great.

There is very little recovery time and discomfort and yet the results can be seen straight away. Safe on just about every area of your body, VASER is the answer when you need to get rid of those stubborn bits that just don’t seem to shift.

OSKIA Get Up & Glow Serum Pop this wonder serum under make up as an ideal primer or bring some radiance when you need it most on naked skin providing instantly brighter, smoother skin! A personal fave.

Sister and Co. Oil Pulling Rinse with Spearmint Sister and Co.’s Oil Pulling Rinse will cleanse your mouth, whiten your teeth, reduce plaque, prevent cavities, promote stronger gums and ensure fresher breath all without any nasties. ila Spa Body Scrub for Energising and Detoxifying Buff away that winter skin with this revitalising Body Scrub. It smells incredible, detoxifies and stimulates the circulation, leaving mind, body and spirits refreshed and uplifted.

All things nails At BStyled, we use Gelish gel polish from Nail Harmony and I am a huge believer in this product! It’s not as thick as acrylic so it helps to keep your nails strong and growing. All of our clients are devoted to the brand and once you try it, you’ll realise why!

As we embrace spring and move into summer, we’re seeing plenty of pretty pastels topping the trends and moving away from glitters and inky dark shades.

Pastels and nudes go with everything and look gorgeous with a tan so are the perfect choice for your beach holidays.

If you’d rather make a statement, think corals, reds and oranges and big, bold prints. We’re loving circles and polka-dots this season – eye-catching and unique!

Consultation £25 £2000 – one area – now £1900 £3500 – two areas – now £3400 £4500 – three areas – now £4400 Am Vadhesha

Prismologie Sapphire and Oud Foot Cream Time to get your feet summer ready. This rich moisturiser will do the trick! With antioxidants, mood enhancing actives, sapphire microcrystals it will soothe tired feet and leave the skin soft and supple in no time. Meesha Kanadia

If you struggle to keep your nails in good condition, my number one tip would be to invest in a vitamin oil! Vitamin oils are so beneficial for your nails as they restore the moisture balance back into your nails. The best thing about them is that you can’t overuse them! Even if your nails are in great condition, a vitamin oil will always give them the little boost you never knew they needed. My other top tip is to stay away from the washing up liquid. It’s the worst thing that can come into contact with your nails as it’s so drying and damaging. Of course, well done to you for taking on the dish washing duty but don’t be without your rubber gloves!

Farren Spencer

0116 270 9141 beauaesthetica.com

0116 431 5395 amelianour.co.uk

0116 402 6222 BStyled

A simple procedure, you won’t feel pain, only slight discomfort and the results will show almost immediately so you can be beach ready in no time!

We have an offer at the moment for you to receive £100 off!

16 | NICHE

Elemental Herbology Water Melon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser Packed with hydrating, cooling and nourishing natural ingredients it prolongs tan, soothes, smooths and intensely moisturises with no stickiness.

Health & Beauty

Exclusive Boutique Celebrates its First Birthday Meesha Kanadia has had quite the year. Her luxury skincare and wellbeing boutique in Stoneygate, Leicester has become one the most visited and much loved shops with droves of converted luxury beauty fans now glowing gracefully around the city Having met Meesha nearly a year ago, we have watched the boutique organically evolve into an exciting brand and destination store for anyone looking to discover nourishing, luxurious beauty and wellbeing products which are ethical, cruelty-free, vegetarian and organic where-ever possible, but most importantly, of luxury.

Since opening the doors of her beautiful store, Meesha has not only earnt herself a number of local award nominations, accolades, and attracted exclusive brands to the store but has also achieved an anything-but-easy master’s degree in Law at Oxford. Travelling from Leicester to London to complete the course, it has been a year of hard work. She said: “I wouldn’t say it has been easy juggling both, but somehow having a lot on my plate has made me even more organised and committed to it all. It has been a year of both professional and personal growth and I wouldn’t change a thing. Now that my masters is complete though, it means I can dedicate even more of my time to Amelia Nour - and that is something I am really looking forward to.”

The boutique, which features brands which are often only found

in exclusive departments stores, is home to Oskia, Ila Spa, Sister and Co. and Elemental Herbology brands to name a few and has attracted high profile names from the industry to give masterclasses for her clients to enjoy a relaxing evening focused on specific brands found within the store, “The masterclasses have proven to be a great success, I have been hugely flattered by the fact that

I feel so privileged that people feel that a trip to the store is time carved out for them faces of the brands whose products I love so much have approached me to appear in the shop, with many travelling from various locations across the UK to visit.”

In this year alone, clients have enjoyed masterclasses from the likes of Mauli, Oskia Skincare and Prismologie. The community feel to the shop is something which Meesha is passionate to expand upon, “I set out wanting Amelia Nour to be a place where my clients will find a highly skilled and knowledgeable team of beauty and health curators

on hand to advise on every product and to bring a holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing without any pressurised feelings in a welcoming and relaxing environment.”

It certainly has, with more and more of us discovering that by taking a bit of time out from our busy schedules to indulge in a little Amelia Nour time to find the products which suit us, we are glowing and Meesha is nothing short of delighted at this idea, “I feel so privileged that people feel that a trip to the store is time carved out for them, finding things that they love to use and incorporate into their daily routines and skin care rituals from my store as well as creating something social is what I set out to do!”

So, what’s next for Amelia Nour?

“More! With the launch of my new website I hope to reach a wider audience and eventually I would love to have a flagship store in Covent Garden, London – that’s the dream.”

Well, going by her first year alone, we are placing our bets that this dream will be a reality soon enough.

AMELIA NOUR 0116 431 5395 amelianour.co.uk

NICHE | 17

Beauty

Wellbeing

Cosmetic surgery stats plummet as Britons opt for a more holistic approach to aesthetic enhancements and corrective procedures With constant social media feeds and a new beauty trend seemingly every other day, the pressure is piling high to appear perfect in everyday life. For both men and women, the chase to capture perfection has been ongoing, but the methods of grasping it have taken quite a different turn.

Surgical cosmetic operations dropped by 40 per cent last year after a surge of record-breaking heights in 2015, according to data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Analysis carried out

by BAAPS suggest that “a climate of global unrest and ‘bad news overload’ leaving patients

Your Doctors Dr Sumit Virmani MBBS, MRCGP Graduated: 2003, 14 years in the medical industry

prioritising stability and comfort over big life changes,” has meant that Brits have turned to cost effective, long lasting, non-surgical treatments to fulfil their aesthetic wishes.

Doctor led service and clinic MediSkin Care in Markfield, Leicester provides medical aesthetic treatments with the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment in the aesthetic market.

Husband and wife team Dr Sumit Virmani and Dr Gunjan Bedi set up the clinic in order to educate and offer patients suitable treatments and price plans helping them to make the right choices for themselves.

Dr Gunjan Bedi MBBS, MRCGP, MRCPsych Graduated: 2003, 14 years in the medical industry

Background: emergency medicine, skin, mental health

Background: worked in hospitals all over the Midlands, was a psychiatrist before her GP career

Specialises in: hair restoration, body contouring, laser treatments

Specialises in: dermatology, facial enhancements

“Our patients have access to our phone numbers and email to get in touch any time. Some even contact us on WhatsApp for quick answers to their concerns during aftercare. It’s rewarding to be able to give real solutions.”

“I know doctors often don’t have time to see the impact that these aesthetic problems have on their patients’ lives. Being from a psychiatric background, I understand the effects of these problems.”

Dr Virmani said: “There is a massive rise in non-surgical procedures.

People can come in on their lunch break and go back to work as there is no down time and little recovery time meaning there’s no need to take time off work.”

For many suffering from complaints that are often seen as cosmetic through the eyes of the NHS such as skin lesions, acne or excessive sweating, it can be frustrating to be told there are no options available to you. Therefore, private care and treatment using non-surgical procedures such as injectables, peels and lasers are becoming a favourite due to their lasting effects and minimal down time.

Both serving GP’s, the MediSkin duo operate to the highest ethical standards and are registered with the General Medical Council, insured

by MDDUS and have a combined 28 years in the medical profession with extensive experience in emergency medicines, psychiatry and medical aesthetic treatments.

Dr Bedi said: “Working as a GP I know aesthetic concerns are seen as a want rather than a need and actually addressing these issues for people is very fulfilling. I offer the right advice and my professional opinion making patients aware of all their options and it’s up to the individual what they do with it.”

Dr Bedi was recently invited to the Royal Society of Medicine where

I know how these problems are dealt with by a GP

she spoke about treatment of acne with radio frequency. Mediskin is aiming to be the key reference site in UK for this treatment. She will also be speaking at the UK’s premier aesthetic meeting, International Face Conference, this year. One girl with severe acne came to see Dr Bedi who she equipped with the knowledge to decide which avenue to choose to go down for treatment.

“I know how these problems are dealt with by a GP and what is achievable through the NHS. At MediSkin we inform our clients about all the options they have through the NHS and at MediSkin,” she explained.

MediSkin approach their patients ‘wants’ as ‘needs’ and discover the root of their problems to treat the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Short and long term goals are discussed in a free initial consultation and in-depth, long-term aftercare is provided as part of the package.

Dr Virmani said: “We take time to understand patient concerns and look at what they think the problem is and what idea they have of themselves. We look at how we can address that from the root of the problem, which may not be obvious, and then educate so the patient is in total control giving them comfort and confidence.”

Contact the clinic for free advice for non-surgical and non-invasive treatment information.

01530 249 552 07952 888 456 mediskincare.co.uk

Those in Health & Beauty have their say

Las Vegas life savers

Why not to go under the knife

Marketing accolade for hair salon

I’m home! Las Vegas was home to the astounding Arbonne global conference in April. Over 18,000 people from seven countries came together to be the first in the know about the latest products and research. The vibrant city overflows with extravagance oozing from its very walls seeing us want for nothing. But there are a few things we could not have lived without while we were there.

In 2015 more than 51,000 Britons underwent cosmetic surgeries according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). But it’s become clear to many that there is no need to undergo surgery to improve appearance, reduce signs of ageing and that there are answers beyond the NHS that can help you with medical complaints so often considered ‘cosmetic’.

My whole team are celebrating after being recognised for our top-class marketing activities at this year’s KH Hair Awards.

Phytosport Complete Hydration The heat is astonishing so this blend of six electrolytes was vital to support optimal hydration. It’s quite an active lifestyle over there so we needed this for proper muscle and cell function, and to replenish electrolytes lost during our adventures.

You can choose non-surgical cosmetic treatments to reduce wrinkles, plump up your lips, remove blemishes, moles and thread veins and smooth the surface of your skin. Even slight changes can make a huge difference to how you feel about yourself. Non-surgical procedures such as Fractora, injectable fillers, body contouring, lasers and Lumecca help to give you beautiful skin and achieve the look you want without surgery. Recent advances in the aesthetic industry such as lasers and radio-frequency being used for non-surgical treatments have led to increased numbers of patients choosing these options.

Nutrition Bar It’s easy to get caught up in all the fun so we carried these around to eat between meals. With 10 grams of protein, 3-4 grams of fibre, and 16 vitamins and minerals they’re easy to digest, filling and nutritious.

Energy Fizz Sticks We didn’t want to miss out on any of the action so we made drinks out of these for a real kick-starter. When you start to feel sleepy they temporarily help to promote alertness and enhance cognitive performance.

Perfect for a week in Vegas… or a week at work for that matter!

Non-surgical and non-invasive options have many benefits. They are minimally invasive, which means they are quick and safe to perform, extremely effective, have minimal downtime, little to no recovery time and are vastly more affordable than surgical cosmetic procedures.

Since moving to our brand new ground floor premises on Bowling Green Street in the City last year, we’ve been involved in a number of community initiatives and events including October’s Leicester Fashion Week - and it was this initiative which gave us the edge over KH Hair’s Group’s other 21 salons when it came to choosing a winner for the 2017 Marketing Award at Derby’s Roundhouse on 8 April.

Chosen as Leicester Fashion Week’s ‘hair partner’, myself and my team hosted a special VIP launch evening, with a Master Class which provided guests with a sneak peek at the designs hitting the catwalks over the three day event. Attendees were also given expert hair tips on how to create the latest looks for the season.

During the week, KH Hair’s Art Team worked tirelessly backstage creating the looks for the catwalk shows which took place in iconic venues across the City.

You can purchase these Arbonne goodies on my site. As for the newest products under Arbonne’s sleeve, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until next issue! Bev Sankey

You can find us for free advice at the private Doctor-led clinic of MediSkin Care in Thornton Lane, Markfield. Dr Gunjan Bedi

It’s really great to be recognised for our efforts to promote the new salon and Leicester Fashion Week was a really important part of that initiative. It was interesting to collaborate with other businesses and individuals across the City and my thanks go to my hard-working team and all our lovely customers for their continued support.

Amanda Fall

07812 156 540 beverleysankey.arbonne.com

01530 249 552 mediskincare.co.uk

0116 255 3573 khhair.co.uk

20 | NICHE

KH HAIR LEICESTER 0116 255 3573 25 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, LE1 6AS Now open from 8am KH HAIR OADBY 0116 271 9700 82 The Parade, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5BF

www.khhair.co.uk

Loving your hair from every angle

DISCOVER DAVID LLOYD CLUBS

VISIT DAVIDLLOYD.CO.UK/NARBOROUGH OR CALL 0116 2727810 TO BOOK YOUR CLUB TOUR TODAY David Lloyd Narborough Carlton Park Narborough Leicestershire LE19 0LF

02174_Barbers_Advert.pdf

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FROM £19.00

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t. 0116 402 6222 e. salon@barriestephenhair.co.uk w. barriestephenhair.co.uk SALON LEICESTER King Street LE1 6RJ

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

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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.

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

Hollywood, Brazilian and Playboy waxing without embarassment.

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

Those in Health & Beauty have their say

Self-belief

A patients view

History is full of references to strong women. Cleopatra defended Egypt by forming a relationship with the two most powerful men in Rome, Marc Antony and Caesar.

Boudicca led tribes against the roman invasion of Britain. Mary Magdalene, devoted to Jesus, was the first to see his resurrection.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was the mother of John and Richard who became kings of England.

Joan of Arc was the 17 year old who led the French to victory at Orleans. Mother Theresa, Florence Nightingale, Indira Gandhi...

Breast surgery isn’t only for those who want to enhance their size, I see many patients who simply want to achieve more symmetrical breasts. Here is a patient whose asymmetry was affecting her life greatly…

The one thing that defines these women is the self belief, courage, lack of fear and the drive to change things in a good way for others.

We are all born with the same strengths and capabilities. As women we come from a place of strength every day, for our loved ones. Other people’s opinions and media intrusion however tells you to be a ‘yummy mummy’, ‘wrinkle free’ or ‘super career woman’. Then life consistently throws challenges at us, making us feel vulnerable and not quite up to other’s expectations or our own. This is when we have to turn inwards and acknowledge the strength of other females and see that we are ‘cut from the same cloth’.

Create the right circle of people and energy around you, get to know who you are, listen to the voice in your head. Trust the inner pilot. Remember all the good things you do, remember your strengths and what you emit.

Be strong, be happy. Priti Coles 0116 284 1944/07795 361 288 priticoles.co.uk 24 | NICHE

“From early teens, my right breast grew significantly more than the left and pretty soon my once active and confident self started to fade away. I layered up, stopped doing sports and found myself very distressed every time I even got dressed let alone looked in the mirror. Years of appealing for help through the NHS were fruitless, everyone was ignoring the fact that it was significantly affecting my whole life and mental health.

“Exhausted from being so emotionally distressed all the time I decided to seek private help. Mr Sankar was honest about what needed to be done and I knew I could trust him right from the start. Of course, there was discomfort after the surgery but it was short-lived and absolutely worth it!

“Trying on my first bra six weeks post op was emotional to say the least! I went to a party in an actual dress (not a sack!), I went to the shop and bought an off the peg bra, I went swimming without padding! MY FREEDOM WAS BACK” Mr Sankar

0116 274 3718 cosmeticsurgeon.org.uk

Understand your health Our gyms have an unrivalled range of equipment, our group exercise classes are second-to-none, and our personal trainers are on hand to help you achieve your goals.

At David Lloyd Clubs we aim to provide the latest state of the art equipment for our members. This is why we are proud ambassadors of Boditrax equipment. Boditrax is accurate body composition and cellular monitoring technology that fuses clinically validated hardware with simple, intuitive software.

This medically approved body composition analyser helps to manage weight loss, increase fitness levels and support your goals with scans that read your body composition accurate to within one per cent. It measures and categorises weight into body fat mass, fat free mass, bone mass and total body water, all in a matter of seconds. Users can track changes, trace movement and change for long term health management. Metrics include weight, segmental muscle and fat, total, intra and extra cellular fluids, skeletal and abdominal cavity analysis, metabolic efficiency, metabolic age and cellular performance.

Whether it’s your visceral fat percentage (around your organs) or your metabolic age, Boditrax is able to go into more detail than you would have ever experienced and help you on the way to changing your body, health and confidence for the better. To book your free Boditrax assessment, contact David Lloyd Narborough today.

0116 272 7820 davidlloyd.co.uk/narborough

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

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

No waiting lists.

By paying for the treatment you need, you can avoid the wait and go straight to feeling better faster

THE NUFFIELD

HEALTH PROMISE

OUR PRICES ARE ALL-INCLUSIVE* Your confirmed price is all you’ll ever pay.

WE WILL EQUAL ANY COMPARABLE PRICE** If you find a better price for the same procedure package, we’ll match it.

THERE ARE NO TIME LIMITS ON YOUR AFTERCARE*** We’ll be there for as long as you need us.

For more information please call or email: Telephone 0116 298 2612 Email Leicester.Enquiry@nuffieldhealth.com *Initial consultation(s), diagnostic scans/tests and investigations required to establish a diagnosis are not part of your procedure price. **Not including Private Patient Units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of your chosen Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. ***Where necessary, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required. Where a prosthesis is required for your procedure, this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s expected prosthesis lifetime. Clinically required indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of your condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of your procedure. The Nuffield Health Promise applies for patients paying for themselves and excludes fertility services.

NUF0217238452-1

Hearing Consultations Hearing Aids Ear Wax Removal Quality Aftercare

Professional hearing care from Consultant Audiologist Mr Neel Raithatha BSc (Hons), RHAD, MSHAA • Advanced clinical skills and expertise • State-of-the-art audiological facilities • Idyllic location with ample parking

• Small and discreet hearing aids • Latest hearing aid technology • UK Pioneer of Endoscopic ear wax removal

To arrange your private hearing consultation contact us now 0116 271 0777 / 0800 040 7652 thehearclinic.co.uk

Stoughton Grange Rural Centre, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2FB

Wedding

W

inter

W

armer

Wedding Feast

As everyone is celebrating their spring and summer weddings talking about a winter one seems a little untimely, but if you want a winter wedding it isn’t strange at all Winter weddings can be stunning, the frosty weather, the feeling of cosying up in a candle lit venue is all very romantic. But the planning for such needs to be now rather than later to ensure you are all set for the big day. Catering for a winter wedding feels even more important than the other seasons; your guests will be expecting comfort foods and feasts to warm their insides from the chill outside. Dimblebee Catering, one of the UKs most respected and prestigious caterers, is expert at providing winter food with a unique personal touch. Meeting with couples on a one-to one basis to discuss their wedding day catering needs, Dimblebee provide entirely bespoke catering with flexible or individual menus and flexible service.

So, what could you serve up for your winter wedding? Here are a few Dimblebee Catering winter wonder menu ideas to whet your appetite…

Winter Roast

What says cosy gathering more than a good old fashioned roast 28 | NICHE

dinner? Imagine the delight of your guests as they sit down to eat to a wonderful home cooked style roast dinner! It’s a Dimblebee speciality with locally sourced meats, vegetables and of course complimented with all the trimmings but with their unique trademark family carving style.

Stews and Sharers

A rustic affair, Dimblebee’s unique one pot dining style is becoming increasingly popular. You could opt for larger tables with big pots of lovely food in the middle such as stews or bourguignon served with crusty breads and sides, a modern elegant take on classic cosy suppers that will warm everyone and add a lovely sociability to things.

Feast on Moroccan Colour

Stunning slow cooked lamb tagine with sweet apricots and almonds, steamed saffron couscous with rich roasted beets with pomegranate gems… the aroma and look of sumptuous colourful fare passed around the table is the centre of

attention, move over floral displays and let the dining take centre stage!

Dimblebee Originals

First it was their famous Pork Pie and Cheese Wedding Cake, then the Rustic Slider™ and then Table Sharing Platters - now Dimblebee’s handmade Large Table Sharing Desserts are destined to set the benchmark for caterers this year.

Great fun and a wonderful spectacle as they are led out to tables with fountain candles blazing!

With a modern take on traditional favourites try Dimblebee’s stunning Large Raspberry Pavlova or Red Velvet Trifle with Sherry Shots or their famous Eton Messy™ for your winter wedding feast – everyone will be delighted, honestly these puddings are real crowd pleasers and create an atmosphere of shutting out the cold, cosying up and staying that way until the celebration ends.

0116 283 3327 dimblebeecatering.co.uk

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

0116 283 3327

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

c i h C City use e day h t f o r e d r is the o

at

o H s n i t r St Ma

Offering a prestigious wedding day location, St Martins House creates a romantic and city chic affair for any wedding day The location for your wedding day is very important. Setting the tone and atmosphere for the type of day you will remember and share together forever. St Martins House is a grade II listed city centre location where grandeur and style mix with contemporary luxury and comfort seamlessly.

A dedicated team of professionals handle everything you could need for the big day. From catering and décor to the entertainment and cocktails, the experienced team are passionate about creating the perfect setting for any wedding party, whether for an intimate do or the celebration of the year.

The building itself, once a Grammar School, underwent extensive refurbishment in 2011 to establish itself as one of the city’s leading events and conference locations.

By being mindful of the period features, as well as providing contemporary comfort, the purpose-built rooms and social areas are stunning and ideal for parties and weddings of all shapes and sizes. Found in the everevolving stylish Historic Quarter of our city, St Martins is a stunning location for your big day.

The Grand Hall is the jewel in the building’s crown which comfortably accommodates up to 200 people

Wedding

and is perfect for a grand wedding affair. Located on the first floor the hall is breathtaking with its vaulted 12 meter high ceiling and streams of natural daylight. Its original features make for a historic and stylish feel with vast indoor and outdoor photography opportunities. Nestled right next to the cathedral and the stunning courtyard - it’s a photographer’s dream. Its location near various wedding venues in the city is ideal with plenty of scope for a variety of styles of ceremonies, from the Town Hall to the cathedral there is an array of choice for those looking to tie the knot in the city and hold their celebration at St Martins.

Our city’s location on the map makes it the ideal and convenient setting for those traveling

from far and wide and with excellent transport links, hotel accommodations and plenty of parking are all within walking distance, it’s party planning for guests from all over. The accessible building boasts a range of bright, open social areas complete with chic furniture and outdoor spaces surrounded by the greenery in the courtyard right next to the stunning cathedral.

When it comes to the all-important food for your wedding, the team create exactly what you want from the canapés to the after coffees and mints the attention to detail is exceptional. By discussing your wants with the co-ordinators you need not worry about a thing. It’s all in the planning and the experts know how to make your visions for the event happen without you needing to worry about a thing.

Entertainment can be arranged with ease, so whether you want a cabaret style celebration or a relaxed disco playing all the classics they have the contacts and the facilities to carry it off in style.

0116 261 5223 stmartinshouse.com

Fit for Royalty Leicester welcomed Her Majesty The Queen as she attended The Royal Maundy Service at Leicester Cathedral. Lunching at the now royal St Martins House, her private reception included made-in-house canapés followed by a lunch with local charity leaders and celebrities served by staff at St Martins and Leicester College. The Royal luncheon affair comprised of local produce including Rutland trout, chicken with a stilton pâté, and vanilla pod crème brûlée with iced berries. Well, if the queen approves then what are you waiting for?

NICHE | 31

Wedding experts have their say

Mother of the Bride Start 3-6 months prior to the wedding. Though it is tradition that the ‘Mother of the Bride’ purchases her dress first to set the tone of the attire, nowadays who buys first doesn’t really matter as much, as long as both women are comfortable and feel glamorous in what they decide to wear. And yes, ‘Mothers of’ doesn’t have to mean frumpy, conservative or matronly.

Try on as much as you can, go to occasional wear shops and try the whole shebang, go to department stores like John Lewis and use their personal shoppers for suggestions. Today we see women wearing anything from a classic suit to a cocktail dress or even a formal gown, this all depends of the formality of the wedding.

Invest in foundations first, the secret to feeling more confident is the right underwear and it can have a dramatic impact on a woman’s shape, creating a flattering silhouette for all shapes and sizes.

Shapes, when in doubt, A fitted bodice and gently flared skirt work universally on most women, as it gives the illusion of an hour glass. Ruching and pleating are great for any woman who feels she wants to disguise any lumps or bumps Finally. Shoes, there’s only a certain amount of pain you can put up with before it starts affecting your stride, so make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken into! Sukhina Garcia Betty Brown Boutique info@betty-brown.com 32 | NICHE

How to find your wedding style Some clients come to us with a clear idea of what they want their wedding to look like, some have dreamed of every detail since they were little and some have no images of what they would like at all. Here are a few pointers which can help to create a vision of how your wedding day will look.

Magazines and Blogs Wedding magazines and blogs are a perfect source of inspiration, sure, you don’t want to copy anyone else’s day, yours will be unique to you but getting inspiration from others and current trends can’t hurt!

Mood Board Fun Just like you might use a mood board for the restyle of a room in your home, a mood board book, app or simply a poster you can gather colours, images from magazines and textures that will set the scene for the theme of your day.

Chatter Chatter Discuss with your partner your likes and dislikes in home décor, favourite colours or your shared history together – have you travelled together or got specific memories or locations which have played a part in your relationship? What is your style of dress? Taste in music? All of these considerations can help form a style for your big day.

Nicola Mason

07808 736 281 evelily.co.uk

Dietary Requirements?

No Problem.

These days it can feel like pleasing guests with menu choices at your wedding is a tricky business, especially when there are so many dietary requirements to consider; gluten free, lactose free, wheat free, dairy free, vegan… the list can feel a little daunting and it’s likely if you have perhaps 120 guests to feed at your wedding there will be a few who raise their hands with a dietary need.

So, how do you please everybody? Well, leave it to Dimblebee Catering.

Whenever we meet with a happy couple to discuss their wedding menu we always start with what they consider to be their favourite foods. We ask them to try to relax over pleasing their mums, the crowd and their cousin twice removed and to focus on themselves, after all the meal will be their first as a married duo.

Then, we take into consideration the style and presentation of the service, does it suit the image for their day? Then we consider those with specific needs, and because we are very well equipped to accommodate dietary requirements we are able to cater for any alternatives that may be required.

It is as simple as that. We do the planning to make your day stress free!

Samantha Dimblebee 0116 283 3327 dimblebeecatering.co.uk

Turning

edding Dreams

eality

into

Specialist wedding and event design company Eve Lily create weddings with romance at their core and the result is wedding days that surpass expectation at every turn Eve Lily creative and eternal romantic Nicola’s lifelong love of all things romance as well as her organised nature meant that a company like this was the perfect marital match. Nicola told us: “I love romance, flowers, lace and all things weddings and still, after nearly eight years since I started Eve Lily, I find so much joy at being a part of a couple’s wedding day.”

From consultation to the creation of décor and styling right through to seeing out the very last dance, Eve Lily offers creative and inspiring solutions to help achieve a wedding day beyond any couple’s dream. “Working closely with our clients is important to us, we know that each and every wedding is unique and so whatever style a client has in mind we have the experience and skills to bring their ideas to life, or, even if a client

doesn’t have a clear idea of what they like we will get to know them to try and discover what would suit,” Nicola enthused.

Drawing on their experience, passion and eye for detail in making any wedding day stunning, Eve Lily also have an extensive range of items available to hire helping you to achieve the look for any wedding day style whether its traditional, elegant, vintage or modern. Eve Lily can provide a whole event or small touches to ensure it is an immense success and within budget. “Whether a client wants our assistance for the whole wedding or simply to hire a few key pieces we like to help however we can.”

So, what is it that keeps Nicola and her team enjoying their work so much? “Eve Lily is my passion!

Weddings are so enjoyable to

me, everything about them! My family are my inspiration, with the business named after my daughter and the support and encouragement I receive from them -it’s what fuels me. I still love seeing our client’s reactions to how perfect it looks. For me, there is nothing better than knowing we have turned a dream into a reality for people and that it is something that will be treasured and remembered forever.”

Supplying clients in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and beyond Eve Lily are the wedding design company to help make any wedding day or event as special, memorable and magical as it ought to be.

07808 736 281 evelily.co.uk

NICHE | 33

Welcome

PAUL LEARY Chef extraordinaire Paul Leary of Woodhouse Eaves joins the Abbots Oak team as they expand on their boutique hotel and venue with a fine dining experience which promises to be everything you would hope for, and some Taking inspiration from the English country surroundings Abbot’s Oak dining will be suitably locally sourced and seasonal with the creative flair that Paul is renowned for. Boasting the style and ethos of the location throughout, the menu Abbots is proposed as a fine dining experience perfectly in tune with their environment incorporating fresh and exciting ingredients from local farmers, producers and suppliers.

Proprietors Sarah and Anthony told us: “We are thrilled to have Paul on board, having always appreciated his food we wanted him with us right from the start and after him seeing what we have done over the last 18 months he became convinced he wanted to be a part of it.”

The addition of Paul to the team is further enforcement of the spirit of the Grade II listed house, with Sarah and Anthony committing to create a sympathetic renovation with the help of local tradespeople, products and services and an ‘open home’ feel to anyone who visits, whether for a drink at the bar on a Friday or Saturday evening, a private event, an overnight stay or wedding. “The house stood still and untouched for a long time, it deserves to be seen and enjoyed by everyone. From the start of the project we knew we wanted to create somewhere that was as big as the house’s natural appeal renovating the features and in keeping with its character but at the same time offer somewhere with the little luxurious details which make a stay with us an experience,” Sarah explained.

34 | NICHE

original features accommodating anywhere up to 160 guests. Further plans for an extended Orangery and ample space for marquees enable weddings of any size to be arranged. “Things are really shaping up with our plans as a wedding venue destination, we have been working towards creating a unique and beautiful nuptial location since we opened our doors and have lots of exciting ideas coming into fruition over the coming months.”

Along with their home from home feel, the duo are keen to ensure that the house supports local suppliers for the many aspects of running things including utilising the crème de la crème of the food and drinks world and event suppliers with people like Bradgate Events, Eve Lily, Dimblebee Catering, Burleigh Gins and Charnwood Brewery all contributing.

The enthusiasm Sarah and Anthony have for providing a wedding exactly as any couple could dream of in their unique romantic location is palpable. Everything is tailored to exactly what a couple want with exclusive use of the house creating a homely, location style wedding of comfort and luxury.

Soon, a marriage license will mean that not only can couples celebrate their joyful day at the pretty location, but they can say their I do’s there too in the Oak or Cedar room featuring beams and

The four-acre formal gardens provide a stunning way to explore all the beauty of the British seasons and plenty of opportunity for a stroll at leisure. Complete with spectacular views and wedding day photo backdrops including woodland, landscaped gardens and inside boasting the grand staircase, which is said to be taken from the Pall Mall home of Nell Gwyn, mistress of King Charles II, and even a tower which boasts views out to not one but five counties there is a wealth of wedding day photograph opportunities.

Combine all this with their modern and welcoming approach to service, the addition of Paul to secure the house on the foodie’s map and their commitment to making the house a place for all, Abbots Oak is the boutique hotel destination to look out for, that’s for sure.

01530 833 952 abbotsoak.co.uk

Things are really shaping up with our plans as a wedding venue destination

NICHE | 35

Food & Drink

Make Sunday’s We started something a little different in February – the Maiyango Sunday Lunch!

I

t’s gone down a treat with our guests who all have one thing in common: the love of the hearty popular British dish. It is a little different to what we usually offer but Sunday’s were made for resting and there’s nothing that says lazy Sabbath afternoon better than a Sunday Lunch and we’ve made sure to add the twist of Maiyango magic to each dish on our Sunday menu to make your visit truly unique and memorable.

Our AA rosette awarded restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a specially designed setting for ultimate and intimate relaxation with an atmospheric buzz in the air. We’re also hot on dietary requirements and make our menus unambiguous so you know just from a glance if it’s the dish for you.

So, join us and enjoy a lazy Sunday to remember for just £12.95pp

HOW TO MAKE

The perfect yorkie

Sunday Lunch 12pm-4pm

s £20 £15.95/3 Course s se ur o C 2 5/ 9 1 course £12.

Starterscheddar croute

up with French onion so , dairy) (contains gluten

lad jam, soft herb sa uliflower, bacon ca d le ck pi , m Pressed ha orched tomato s, cucumber, sc rn co er pp pe ut, pink iry) Potted loch tro (contains fish, da d, basil, lemon d beetroot sala Goats cheese an ) iry (V) (contains da conut salad , coriander & co oi ch k bo h, ot iso br ) Tempura tofu, m ns gluten, soya (vegan)(contai

Mainspudding, grain mustard jus

beef, Yorkshire Roast topside of , dairy, egg) (contains gluten e jus g stuffing, appl g, black puddin in kl ac cr , rk po Roast leg of , dairy, egg) (contains gluten sil and tomato bergine bake, ba Gnocchi and au , gluten, egg) (contains dairy aise parsley holland rainbow chard, ed ilt w , on lm sa iry) Spiced baked (contains fish, da squash, roasted spiced butternut , es to ta po re ulange gf) Lentil hotpot, bo salsify (vegan, the . Please ask for are family served es 0 to .0 ta £2 po tra d ex an All vegetables on meat for an e day. Double up vegetables of th

Desserts

rns, coconut e, pink pepperco pl ap ne pi d te Roas sorbet (vegan)

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in er syrup, pumpk , finger lime, ging ge on sp le ac rfait, tre caramel Gingerbread pa ackberries, salt seed, pickled bl g) eg , en iry, glut (V)(contains da ies cream, raspberr rt, yoghurt ice ta on m le ed g) az Gl uten, dairy, eg (V)(contains gl hazelnut cream t beetroot with ee sw d an e at Dark chocol , dairy, egg) (contains gluten roasted thyme zelnut crumble, ha d an do va ca iry, gluten) cake, mus ins gelatine, da Apricot cheese ta on (c lly je ot apricots, apric

Yorkshire puds are infamously difficult to get right. If you’ve ever tried to make your own you’ll know this and you might even still be emotionally affected by the failure of what seemed to be the perfect recipe! You followed all the instructions and were so careful not to upset the mixture but this time, we have exclusive top tips from Hotel Maiyango’s Sous Chef Michael Francis on how he gets his yorkies just right.

Firstly, here’s how to prepare for 8 large puddings Egg x 4 Plain flour 140g Milk 200ml Sunflower oil Heat your oven to 230C/fan 210C/gas 8. Distribute a small amount of sunflower oil into muffin tin holes. Beat four eggs into 140g of plain flour until smooth. Continue to beat whilst progressively adding 200ml milk until free of lumps. Pour batter into holes and cook for 25 minutes until puffed and browned.

And here’s how Michael makes Maiyango’s extra special ◆ Create your batter and let it rest overnight ◆ Get the oil in your tray holes piping hot ◆ Do not overfill or you’ll end up with heavier and stodgier yorkies ◆ Pour you mixture directly into the centre of the holes for a perfect roundness ◆ Bigger is better!

0116 251 8898 maiyango.com

Food & Drink

'TimeSTEAK to Party'MONDAYS 30% OFF ALL STEAKS PARTY MENU NOW AVAILABLE

THREE COURSE DINNER FROM OUR SET MENU AND A GLASS OF PROSECCO - £25pp

EVERY MONDAY EVENING

FOR TABLES OF 8 OR MORE

MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN LEICESTER 73 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER LE1 6ES

T @marcosleicester L

To book, call us on 011625 75533 S Marcos New York Italian

73 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES

@marcosleicester

www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk www.mpwrestaurants.com Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer valid every Monday from 6pm

T’s&C’s Apply, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, tables of 8 or more

New and exciting dishes Our increasing demand for healthy, fresh, trendy, out-of-the-ordinary food satisfied in a setting that offers a perfect escape from everyday life Wagamama’s is right here in the centre of Leicester to satisfy our increasing demand for healthy, fresh, trendy, out-of-the-ordinary food in a setting that offers up a perfect escape from everyday life.

The Wok-Fried Greens were a healthy mix of tender stem broccoli and bok choi all stir-fried in a garlic and soy sauce. For even those of you who aren’t keen on your greens your mouth will water at these delicious vegetables smothered in tasty sauce. Hirata Steamed Buns were flavoured with BBQ Beef and red onion served with Japanese mayo and coriander. The subtly spiced shichimi dusted crispy fried Chilli Squid was seasonally balanced bringing out the flavours of the meaty seafood and came with a dipping sauce of chilli and coriander – this trio made up a hat trick of appetisers!

For our main courses, it was to be Grilled Duck Donburi, a perfectly tender shredded duck leg in teriyaki sauce with white rice, vegetables and kimchi with the duck exactly as it should be, packed with exciting flavours. The rice was a faultless sticky consistency bursting with a myriad of full flavours. The Steak Bulgogi, was made up of a marinated sirloin steak, miso fried aubergine, soba noodles and a sesame seed and bulgogi sauce – and what a tantalising combination.

A delicate presentation that focused on colour, texture and scent and brought out the exploding freshness of each ingredient.

Wagamama familiars don’t just come here to be ‘trendy’ individuals, but for an authentic, quality, and memorable meal. wagamama.com NICHE | 39

CHOOSE FROM 40 QUALITY GINS UNIQUE COCKTAILS

IMPRESSIVE NEW LUNCH & DINNER AL A CARTE MENU

AWARD WINNING FINE DINING RESTAURANT

PERFECT FOR BUSINESS LUNCHES, MEETINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS Our express lunch offers hard working staff the chance to enjoy our lunch service Wednesday to Friday. Simply call and order half an hour before you want to eat and we’ll have your order ready when you arrive.

Whether wooing clients, rewarding staff or simply having a discussion over food, we’re the best in Leicester to host you. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Hire out the whole restaurant and bring 40 guests for a sit down meal, or up to 100 for grazing bowls and canapés.

We’ve grown quite a reputation for our Gin Tasting Boards and making Gin Cocktails. Come and experience our innovative flavour combinations.

AMPLE ON STREET PARKING + OUTSIDE LOUNGE AREA + NO.1 ON TRIPADVISOR

42 Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0RB info@northbarandkitchen.co.uk 0116 225 5961 48 | NICHE

Food & Drink

'Time to Party' BUY A STARTER AND A MAIN PARTY MENU NOW AVAILABLE

THREE COURSE DINNER FROM OUR SET MENU AND A GLASS OF PROSECCO - £25pp

GET YOUR DESSERT FOR FREE* FOR TABLES OF 8 OR MORE

To book, call us on 011625 75533 and quote ‘So Sweet’

MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN LEICESTER 73LE1 Granby 73 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER 6ES

T @marcosleicester L

Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES

York Italian www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk S Marcos New

@marcosleicester

www.mpwrestaurants.com *T’s&C’s Apply - Not be used in conjunction any other offer, desserts from A La Carte menu only. Excluding ‘The Italian Job’ and T’s&C’s Apply, not to to be used in conjunction with any otherwith offer, tables of 8 or more ‘Selection of Italian Cheeses.

Quote ‘So Sweet’ To redeem free dessert. Offer valid Sunday - Friday until 30th June 2017’

Pukka - All Steak Pie £1.69 Pukka Pies recently launched its delicious new recipe for the nation’s favourite All-Steak Pie – and this month it won a Bronze Award at the prestigious 2017 British Pie Awards.

The recipe renovation includes high-quality, tender and chunky cuts of beef in a richer, darker, oozier gravy - all encased in new and improved golden pastry consisting of over 100 light and flaky layers.

Pukka Pies are available at retailers nationwide including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Co-Op. NICHE | 49

Joanna Betts and Joseph Latham are the team behind the gastro delights at North Bar and Kitchen. Here they share a delicious dessert recipe from their fine dining menu. Serves 2 RECIPE

Chocolate delice with chocolate and ginger crumb, strawberry gel and vanilla ice cream.

Vanilla Ice Cream 900ml Cream 250g Yolks 250g Caster 2 Vanilla pods Method Bring cream to the boil. In a bowl whisk the yolks and caster until it changes colour, add 100ml of boiled cream to the sabayon and whisk Add back to the cream and add the vanilla and cook until it coats the back of the spoon. Pass and Let it cool.

Transfer to the ice-cream machine and churn until thick. Transfer to tub and freeze.

Delice

Strawberry Gel 200ml Strawberry purĂŠe 7g Agar agar 50g Sugar Method Boil all ingredients together, whilst whisking. Pass and chill. Once at 5 degrees, blend and pass again.

Transfer to bottle.

42 | NICHE

84ml Milk

Ginger and Chocolate Crumb

196ml Cream

125g Butter

2 Eggs

5g Caster sugar

240g Dark chocolate (65% cocoa)

180g Plain flour

Method In a Bain Marie melt the chocolate, milk and double cream until glossy.

Pull of the heat and beat in the eggs until thick and shiny.

53g Dried ginger

Transfer to a clingfilm lined 8-inch long, 1-inch deep tray and place in fridge.

15g Cocoa powder Method Blitz together and spread out on a baking tray. Bake at 160 degrees for 12-14 minutes, turning the mixture twice, should be golden and crunchy.

y a D y l l Jo y a w A

FROM £40p p

There’s nothing better for shaking off the

stress of the working week than a Jolly Day Away.

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

The Jolly Day Away is designed for between 30 and 100 of your staff or clients to come out on an all day party with Steamin’ Billy. It’s perfect for team building, incentivising your staff or getting to know your important clients.

You get all of this...

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

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

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

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

MUSIC – we love music at Steamin’ Billy.

We’ll always put a band on for your enjoyment at the last pub you visit.

FOOD

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

E info@steamin-billy.co.uk

T 0116 3440064

A Jolly Day Away can be booked for any day of the week for as little as £40.00 per person.

Send us an email with your provisional numbers, location (so we know which pub to start you off from) and the date you’d like to have your Jolly Day Away and we’ll make it happen.

Jolly Good!

steamin-billy.co.uk/jollygoodbusiness

Property

Renowned for creating magnificent layouts and designs for living spaces in the home and famed for using the highest quality European brands to do so 44 | NICHE

The team that make up Plug Interiors all aspire to design and create beautiful, design led interiors, which is why they’re customers return to them again and again for innovative new designs to make their homes more beautiful and their quality of living more sophisticated.

Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living area, Plug create interiors that capture each and every one of their customer’s imaginations. Through clever design, the team can transform every element of your space into something functional and interesting. With access to the most innovative product and design ideas from Europe’s leading brands, there is no limit to what they can create for you.

By listening to you and understanding your needs, they will translate your ideas into interesting interiors.

Their creative design team and expert craftspeople have years of combined experience in design, building and installation. As individuals, they bring together decades of hands-on expertise working with top-quality brands to create stunning spaces that bring clients joy. Strong bonds with their suppliers, clients, and community enable Plug to innovate and achieve extraordinary results. They’re the complete package.

The team at Plug work together to gather your ideas and turn them into a visual reality. A dedicated team member will meet you and visit your home to get a feel for what it is you want, and what it is possible to achieve.

Customers have commended Plug frequently on their ability to take their customers ideas and adapt them into something that will suit their home and fulfil their wishes, and they have even been

complimented on their savvy ways of letting a customer know what won’t actually work and why, as much as they might want it to.

Being an independent family-run design company means each of the designers are focused and highly motivated with a depth of knowledge for residential interiors and highly experienced in project management, all whilst bursting with character and a welcoming approach.

With Plug, you get a dedicated designer wanting to share your transformation journey with you.

Their reputation lays in their customers hands because being independently run, customer testimonials and word of mouth is priceless to Plug’s standing in the design industry and local community.

0116 262 4440 pluginteriors.com NICHE | 45

At Readings we’ve all traded in Leicestershire all our careers so we’re local experts who can give advice on how best to purchase or dispose of a property, be that auction or by private treaty,” James explained.

OFFERS

With Readings, property seekers, sellers, landlords and tenants have access to over 130 years of thoroughly local know-how from a team who know Leicestershire inside and out. All locally employed with local backgrounds, they’re specialists in all districts of the county with strong understandings of house prices, crime, schools, costs of living, and neighbourhood lifestyles (especially Oscar who knows a great plot of land when he sniffs one out).

£1000 (+VAT) if you

instruct us to sell you property before the end of June*

Landlords! 20% of ALL landlord fees and management commissions*

*Quote NICHE when you enquire. Ts&Cs apply.

The

READINGS

property map It’s the only map you’ll need – they’re one of the largest, longest established estate agents in Leicester formed from the partnership of three respected businesses – Readings Property Group dates back to 1935

Oscar the office blogger 0116 222 7575 readingspropertygroup.com email@readingspropertygroup.com

In 2011, local companies Readings Hope & Mann and Peter James Estates came together with their combined expertise and industry knowledge to form the unrivalled Readings Property Group as we know it today.

With four directors from the three companies, Readings certainly has a unique personality that has become a well-known brand. James Court, Peter Woodthorpe, Will Ravenhill and Nigel Carlisle invite guests to their vibrant, modern offices for a cuppa… where you might even get to meet Oscar the office dog who famously runs the Readings blog!

The enthusiastic directors are passionate about property and will only employ team members who share the same eagerness for customers to succeed in their property ventures. With their ‘no sale, no fee’ policy and ongoing free advice, Readings are the agents of choice for many across the city and county for their property matters.

“I think our industry has relied too heavily on property portals.

The directors have invested in a highly informative website that customers can use for property alerts, tenant repair reports, valuation forms and downloadable applications. James said: “Our website is designed to help people through the process and that’s what we’re all about; trying to give value to people.”

Members of the National Association of Estate Agents and the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, Readings are one of a few agents in Leicester governed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

So customers can have confidence in Readings knowing they are regulated to strict codes of conduct.

If you’re looking for instant advice visit the Readings website or nip in to their offices in Granby Street.

Not just a pretty website These estate agents don’t just take care of buying, selling and renting, they are leading chartered surveyors (RICS assured) and also run exciting auctions from their offices.

Never been to an auction before?

Talk to the team and they’ll show you how the whole process works.

Readings next auction

Thursday 18th May, 6pm 48 Granby Street Leicester LE1 1DH

email to register or for more information auctions@readingspropertygroup.com NICHE | 47

Those in Property have their say

Landlord’s guide to letting This guide contains a number of useful tips that we hope will lead to a successful lettings process. Here are a few initial tips on preparing your property to let; you can find the full guide on our website.

Property condition. Properties tastefully decorated in neutral colours with modern kitchens, bathrooms and flooring really do rent faster and for higher rates. We can advise on how to maximise your property’s potential.

Appliances and manuals. All appliances and machinery, including the boiler, must be in good working order and serviced appropriately. It’s also really useful if you can include manufacturers operating and instruction manuals. Similarly, if you have any maintenance contracts, have details of these supplied.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). All rental properties in England and Wales are required to have an EPC which rates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of your property on a scale from A to G. It’s important to order an EPC before you market your property to rent. We can arrange this for you with a number of accredited Domestic Energy Assessors we use, or you can arrange to have this done yourself. Either way, it’s a legal requirement!

Download it on our website for more information.

Will Ravenhill 0116 222 7575 readingspropertygroup.com

email@readingspropertygroup.com 48 | NICHE

Stylish Surfaces Get a wow factor in your kitchen without changing the cabinets.

If your kitchen needs brightening up, opt for a reflective work surface such as polished stone, glass or stainless steel. Glass is commonly used for its hygienic, non-porous properties and the choice of colour and creativity. Add a backlit glass splash-back for that instant wow factor! Mirror is another fantastic option. Tinted mirrors in grey or bronze can add an elegant touch.

If space allows, combining two finishes and textures creates a warm, homely touch. Solid wood is a, natural material and can help combine the kitchen and living areas. Solid wood can also be treated in various ways with oils or sandblasting techniques to give incredibly unique results.

In a more traditional setting, stone work tops are still the most popular option. Composite work surfaces offer anything ranging from plain flat colours to granite/ marble effect slabs and are less porous than natural granite and marble, with better heat and scratch resistant properties.

Before you start designing your kitchen, think about the light available and if reflective surfaces are the best option. Consider existing materials and try to contrast not combine. Think about the look you are trying to achieve, whether you want the surfaces to be the feature point and what purpose they will fulfil. Finally try something new and exciting!

Francis James 0116 262 4440 pluginteriors.com info@pluginteriors.com

We support British manufacturing With Brexit well and truly happening, the topic of retailers investing in British manufacturing has never felt so relevant.

Purchasing abroad is something that more and more of us British retailers will be moving away from, shifting back to more UK manufactured goods as a more stable option particularly in financially unsettling waters. A consciousness of British foods and clothing has been growing in recent decades and with Brexit ahead manufacturing will likely follow suit.

We currently buy from a range of UK manufacturers including Amtico, who are world leaders in luxury vinyl tiling and manufactured in Coventry, Roger Oates, who make designer stair carpets are manufactured in the South of England, whilst Westex carpets are based in Yorkshire. Our partnerships with these firms have proved very successful. I would say one of the biggest advantages of working with British manufacturers is the assurance of the quality, by working with our manufacturers the standard is exceptionally high. It helps with our efforts to maintain clear communication and do our bit for nurturing the British economy and British talents all at competitive prices too.

Quality is at the heart of our company and we are proud to support British Manufacturing - we were around long before Britain joined the E.U. and will be around long after we have left. Mark Lucas 0116 254 1853 michael-john.co.uk

NICHE | 57

Traditional Lighting & Hardware Since 1888

www.broughtons.com

0116 232 3175

sales@broughtons.com

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sundays 10am - 4pm

The Old Cinema Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BP

A portrait of

Kealey Farmer

Following a storming Kealey Farmer Artist Appearance and Exhibition at Antidote Art in April, we’d like to share a little more on the phenomenal woman behind the beautiful artwork “I’d paint the whole world silver and gold if I could” was the determined childhood promise that led to a lifetime love affair with art for Kealey Farmer.

In 2003, having finally decided now was the time to make good of that innocent vow at her grandmother’s house, the Derbyshire born and bred artist chose to step away from her successful project management career to commit to her true vocation and go professional. She was now a full-time artist.

This move has been proven to be the right one as the Northants based mixed media artist is now known unequivocally as one of the most impressive, innovative and collectable contemporary British artists.

With over 25 years painting, drawing and personal study experience as a predominantly self-taught artist, Kealey’s versatility and authenticity are major contributors to her success. Having begun her career indulging in strong abstract pieces, dripping with colour and energy - her now signature move towards 3D elements began in 2006. The handmade elements 50 | NICHE

that include glass, diamond dust, Swarovski crystals and finished by the artist herself in resin have become a much-loved fixture within her work.

Touching upon romance, love, relationships and family and possessing an ability to hand produce confident, absorbing, captivating artwork that is almost brash in its delectability.

Property

Fun in the sun We made it! We have survived winter and finally the days are feeling much longer and brighter and even warmer Summer feels just around the corner and as such it is time to start thinking ahead to those long balmy evenings and making the most of our gardens.

Hot summer days can be few and far between here in UK and so we must be ready to jump into action and enjoy the great outdoors when the opportunity strikes.

Having a few critical items are key to being able to turn your garden into the perfect entertaining space as soon as the weather man gives the go ahead. Ensuring you have some great stylish and comfy furniture is of course a must, but it’s often the little things that really lift an occasion and al-so make fantastic conversation pieces and create atmosphere at your next alfresco gathering.

As such I have found a handful of things which are a bit unusual, quirky but useful and beautiful and will really set the scene next time you’re entertaining outdoors, be it a BBQ with friends, drinks on the patio or a full blown outdoor dinner party. So we have a stunning woodland scene fire pit to toast those marshmallows and keep you warm once the sun has gone down; a drop dead gorgeous cocktail shaker so those margaritas keep flowing; a lantern full of tiny fairy lights; an octopus glass bowl or drinks cooler and, the pièce-derésistance, glow in the dark cushions!

Now all you need is to plan the menu…

Enjoy!

Samantha

x

LuxDeco - Extex Solar Glow in the Dark Cushions £116 Truly unique. The swirly pattern absorbs light in 30 mins and glows beautifully after dark.

All in a chic fully outdoor fabric.

Houseology - Sirius Aske Magnum Light Up Lantern £59 Twinkly lights inside a lovely lantern. Simple and stunning.

Anthropologie - Maryna Cocktail Shaker £48 This is just so pretty! Perfect for any occasion.

Graham & Green - Woodland Fire Bowl £325 What a showstopper! Beautiful by day and when lit at night will look just gorgeous, ethereal and other-worldly.

I love it.

Culinary Concepts - Octopus Stand & Glass Bowl £149.95 Elegant and unusual. Makes a great ice bowl for bottles or a fruit bowl, punch bowl, chocolate bowl, the list of uses is endless!

Chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks

Tel: 0121 647 6709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com NICHE | 51

Those in Property have their say

Landlord gas safety checks

Smart storage for a smart kitchen

Year-round colour

A Landlord Safety Gas Inspection Certificate (CP12) is required by law to be issued every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

At Farthings, to ensure our clients receive a high standard of workmanship, experience and professionalism, our company is accredited and monitored by several trade and industry bodies including the Gas Safe Register and we are an Accredited Installer by Worcester Bosch Group.

Over the years if there is one key thing I have picked up on to create a practical kitchen, regardless of the size, is having the right storage solutions. I know, I know, this sounds a little boring when you think of the subject of designing a beautiful kitchen space, but I believe that a kitchen space needs to stand the test of time and be a workable room i.e. it needs to be practically viable, usable on a daily basis.

So, in the last issue I talked about having the right fish for your environment. This time I’m going to talk about planting your garden up so it looks great even in winter.

The CP12 certificate is a legal document, which confirms that all gas appliances and installations work have been completed lawfully and within normal parameters at the time of inspection. We can carry out these inspections on behalf of landlords and letting agents, as well as ensuring that all gas appliances are regularly maintained and kept in good working order.

There are countless ways to work clever storage into a space and the best solutions are the hidden ones that can’t be seen from the outside looking in - all you see is the stunning lifestyle design, not the practicality.

We work with letting agents and private landlords to provide safe and well maintained gas installations for their tenants. All our engineers are Gas Safe registered and trained to the highest possible standards. We also provide ongoing training to keep them up to speed with the very latest safety issues and regulations so that we offer the best quality service. Our Landlords and Letting Agents services include a CP12 Certificate, priority emergency gas and plumbing repairs, regular maintenance of gas appliances, and upgrades and refurbishments. Our experienced and helpful staff will always be happy to assist you. Daryl Farthing 0116 232 1031 farthingsplumbingandheating.co.uk 52 | NICHE

Pull-out corner units, discrete waste-bins with sections, drawers with sections, sections, sections, sections – it is all about the sections! There are a wide variety of ways to make any space, whatever it’s size or dimension simply work for you. Sure, it sounds like the boring bit, but it is the bit that will allow you to see everything you have in the larder, reach for that utensil quickly and unload the dishwasher with ease.

Combined with stunning kitchen design, these are the things that make cooking in your kitchen a joy and not a chore.

Andrew Best

0116 235 1551 trendinteriors.co.uk

Some gardens can look a little miserable in winter! If it’s a heavy perennial garden with lots of deciduous plants this can be the case. However, with the right planting you can still have a striking garden year-round.

Firstly, there are some fantastic deciduous plants which look great in the colder seasons, for example: Acer Sango-kaku - Autumn see the leaves turn a bright rich yellow colour. By the winter the stem turns to a striking red colour which gleams on frosty mornings.

Cornus – Bright orange and red stems look awesome in winter, they also like a damp spot in gardens.

Evergreen winter beauties: Hellebores – Great for front of border planting and some varieties have striking flowers too.

Skimmia – Fantastic bud like flowers which open-up in spring time, great in the shade as well.

So, get your gardens looking great all year round. In the next issue I will be talking about keeping ponds clear and how easy it actually is. Michael Wheat 0116 240 3735/07590 535 623 michaelwheat.co.uk info@michaelwheat.co.uk

A space in which to

Providing made to measure kitchens combining handmade high quality materials, a personal service, and years of valuable experience, Best Trend Interiors are more than your average kitchen providers

0116 235 1551 trendinteriors.co.uk

Headed by Andrew Best, the company is a culmination of his many years of experience in the industry and the fruition of the very best in design techniques, kitchen makers and installers, Best Trend know what makes for a dream kitchen. Andrew has always appreciated good kitchen design and keeps a certain policy in mind always: “I would never supply anything for a kitchen that I wouldn’t be happy with in my own home, of course we all have different tastes but I like to think I have a good eye for quality and that’s where we stand out from the crowd of typical kitchen suppliers.� We know though, that there are plenty more reasons why Mr Best stand heads and shoulders above the rest.

From the selection of kitchen furniture makers, the design of your individual space to the fitting, the independent company adopt a supportive ‘hands on’ approach, which you will struggle to find elsewhere. “At initial consultation and during the design process I visit the home to determine with the client what would work best, taking into consideration everything from the style of the rest of the home, the type of storage solutions which would suit the now and the future demands and also, of course, the end result wanted in the busiest room of the house,� Andrew continued.

The flexibility of dealing with Andrew on a personal level from the start to the finish is massively apparent. Of course, with each kitchen component being made

to high quality specification, often handmade, clients receive the very best attention with each part often taking time and care to be made.

However, if you change your mind about the glass splashback at 2am the day before installation, the team will do their best ensure you’re happy. The beauty of this two-way design process means you get an honest and realistic approach, with Andrew keen to ensure the optimal result for you whether you know what you want or have no idea.

Once you have designed and selected all the little details for your kitchen comes the exciting, albeit slightly scarier and more interactive stage known as installation. Being the heart of the home, having your kitchen turned upside down is never a simple day affair but Trend makes the process as endurable and smooth as possible with only the very best fitters for the job. “I visit a project daily to ensure that everything is as it should be and we have a dedicated team of skilled, polite and committed fitters who adhere to our strict policy of satisfaction. I appreciate what it is like having a group of people come in and bring the chaos of reconstruction into your home, but clients often comment on how surprised they were at the speed and ease of how we complete a job. I want clients to not just like their new kitchen, I want them to be thrilled. I want it to be a space in their home from which they can create, socialise and enjoy.�

NICHE | 53

ehl commercial law

Passionate about Business

Specialists in commercial property Our solicitors have worked on some of the most significant property transactions in the region and we handle the property requirements of companies and individuals across the UK. Our specialists can help you with: • Acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property • Changes of use • Inward investment • Landlord, tenant and relocations • Negotiating leases and renewals

• Purchases and leasebacks • Property development • Property finance • Property investment SIPPs & SSAS • Property portfolio acquisitions and disposals • Specialist property litigation and enforcement

EHL Commercial Law Proud Ambassadors of the Niche Business awards.

EHL Commercial Law | City Gate House | St. Margaret’s Street | Leicester | LE1 3DA Tel: 0330 024 9643 | info@ehlcommercial.co.uk | www.ehlcommercial.co.uk

THE

GREATEST

THING

SINCE INDOOR

PLUMBING Farthings Plumbing and heating Ltd. The original family business Since 1964, plumbing and heating specialists Farthings has tended to the waterworks of homes throughout Leicestershire. Keeping the expertise in the family, the business has been handed down through the generations and is now run by Daryl, Beverley, and Paul Farthing.

Moving into shiny big new premises next month, the team are excited to shout about the services and technology that you might not know they have under their tool belts. Plumbing and heating is in the name but maintenance, design and installation is also part of the game.

Farthings can produce boiler checks, landlord gas safety checks and maintenance certificates as well as fixing them up when you’re in a calamity. Also experts in renewable energy and cost efficient heating Farthings are always on

hand to advise on changes you can make to help lower your bills.

The team can also design bespoke bathrooms and kitchens to suit your tastes and space. Using 3D autocad software, customers can visualise their new room before installation and also help design it in the process. Farthings can supply and fit all components of your newly designed space and manage the whole project so that you have nothing to worry about.

accredited installer for boilers, solar water heating, heat pumps and underfloor heating, and is a Business Directory Member of Leicestershire & Rutland Age UK. For all plumbing, heating, design and installation needs, contact Farthings for unbeatable service you can trust.

As a customer, there will be no separate entities you have to coordinate and organise by yourself as Farthings employs all the people you’ll need with 23 salaried staff who are all employed by Farthings directly.

The local go-to repairmen, designers and fitters are also Which? certified with the ‘Trusted Trader’ award, Worcester-Bosch

0116 232 1031/07855 751 958

farthingsplumbingandheating.co.uk NICHE | 55

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CLARITY in the foggy world of BILLS The confusion associated with managing our utility bills is very real for most. Imagine the confusion for the elderly?

Often with tighter budgets, companies vying for your custom, tempting switching deals and bills from separate providers, it can feel daunting. Not for those in the Utility Warehouse club though. Customers at Utility Warehouse don’t suffer from these kinds of woes, so it is more than ideal for the elderly. The unique provider houses all your utility bills under one roof, meaning you only receive one bill, the best deals and even cashback on spending. The popularity for the clearer, clever way of handling the murky world of utility bills is growing, it’s easy to see why.

First off, Utility Warehouse’s easy to understand single bill process is one of the biggest advantages of joining

the club! Having your phone, electric and gas all on one bill makes for far easier reading and budgeting for too, without that fear of lots of different bills coming in at various times – particularly good if you get paid or receive your pension on a specific date each month. Then there is the fact that users save money with the company continuously comparing prices with all the providers to ensure you get the best deals. Add to that the bonus of cashback on your spending at specific high street stores and you really are winning.

Perhaps the most advantageous aspect to the club though is the fact that their service is so good.

Setting out with an aim to be the

kind of provider that customers would recommend to their mum, Utility Warehouse are clear, honest and provide a service which doesn’t alienate its users with loads of jargon or confusing meter readings and guess work. Everything has a clarity to it and this is truly marvellous in a world so foggy with confusion.

07736 146 400 davidgoadby@uwclub.net save-earnmoney.co.uk

• • • • •

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• 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

56 | NICHE

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Authorised and regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority. Bentley`s Garden Buildings Limited, Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leics, LE7 4PN (Company Number: 4807454) acts as a credit broker and not the lender and only offers products from Barclays Partner Finance. Barclays Partner Finance is the lender. Barclays Partner Finance is a trading name of Clydesdale Financial Services Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. Clydesdale Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register number 311753) Registered in England. Registered No 2901725. Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, London. E14 5HP.

2017

Those who Cannes, do

LEICESTERSHIRE

2017

Delegates make a ferocious attempt at MIPIM to market Leicester as the place to be attracting investments from all over the world There really is no place like Cannes in March of every year. It’s the place where the most influential business leaders and industry experts gather in one place for the world’s largest property convention; MIPIM. MIPIM provides a unique opportunity for all kinds of property and construction businesses small and large, local and international, to network and mingle with personnel from the most well-known brands and businesses across the globe.

Each year, this is Leicester’s chance to attract leading professionals, brands and organisations to invest their business into the city and consider Leicester for future development plans. For maximum impact at the property exhibition, Team Leicester; a group of 15 individuals from local businesses and enterprises, have been working all year round to plan their strategies and build on the city and county’s reputation as a thriving, place-to-be for business.

This year’s MIPIM themes revolved largely around finance and investment, hotel and tourism, technology, and market trends.

The event hosts hundreds of events, influential speakers and talk subjects throughout the week.

BA(HONS), FCMA

72 | NICHE

This year Global Contributor for CNN Dr Parag Khanna did many inspirational talks, there were hundreds of current topics up for discussion such as Brexit and smart data, and many events connected thousands of people from small and multinational businesses.

The team have been working with the Midlands Engine; a brand with the sole aim of ensuring economic growth in the East and West Midlands, which is backed by 11 local enterprise partnerships and businesses. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) contributed in to the Midlands Engine along with other organisations around the regions to see that great success comes from the MIPIM 2017 visit.

This year’s expedition to Cannes saw the 15 delegates head to the convention equipped with their networking heads, speeches, promotional material and business cards at the ready. The Leicestershire ambassadors set out to promote their own businesses but first and foremost, Leicester as a prosperous city with room for investment and development.

Key schemes and development areas were promoted at MIPIM.

Among them was the £300m Mira Technology Park, the leading transport related Enterprise Zone which is a centre of excellence for automotive research, development and testing facilities. The Leicester Waterside scheme will make use of the city’s waterways and attract investors by offering opportunities for them around 300 new homes, offices, shops, green space and canal-side paths. Close to the National Space Centre will be the new £75m National Space Park enterprise zone. The unique environment will allow industry and academia collaborations, space research, education and innovation, satellite data technology, a space for business communities, access to state-of-the art equipment and cutting-edge university research.

Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) specialises in advanced engineering and manufacturing, high value research and development, energy and low carbon. It is one of the most accessible science parks in the UK and at 106 hectares is also one of the largest. The scale of potential development across this site means that there are considerable possibilities for the creation of new clusters for knowledge-based

businesses and associated high value manufacturing. Charnwood Campus is the first and only Life Sciences Opportunity Zone in the UK. Based in Loughborough, the unique, 70 acre site offers world class flexible laboratory space, specialist manufacturing facilities and office space. There are opportunities to develop, design and build bespoke working environments.

The MIPIM Mop-up event organised

by Director of Niche Magazine and Cross Productions Jenny Cross gathered some of the delegates to create a forum to voice what worked well for this year’s networking attempt and the exciting opportunities for 2018. The verdict was a positive one. Within just a few days of being back in the UK, Jenny had revealed that eight companies had already shown definite interest in investing in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Inward Investment Director at Leicester City Council Helen Donnellan said: “This year’s MIPIM was the busiest yet for Leicester and Leicestershire and a lot of that was down to the strength of our partnership with local businesses and the Midlands Engine group.

Leicester and Leicestershire

continued to go from strength to strength and it is vital that we all work together to maximise our unique opportunity of being one of the country’s most successful destinations for inward investment.”

The team are already preparing for next year’s conference and are working in unison with the public and private sectors to bring about further interest in Leicester at next year’s conference. Team Leicestershire hope to promote the event more widely to the general public as they plan in more 14-17 March meetings, marketing material and 2017in the run up to information outlets Cannes, France MIPIM 2018. mipim.com

MIPIM 2017 Number Crunching

Palais des Festivals

The world’s leading property market

23 000 visitors

2 600+

90

exhibiting companies

countries represented

900

4 350

500

architects & designers

developers

cities and local authorities

office & business centres

1 000+ projects presented

Participant’s types Investors & financial institutions • End users • Architects • Developers • Hotel groups • Local authorities • Business services & services providers

healthcare residential

mixed use retail & leisure sport

industrial & logistics

Numbers MIPIM 2016

NICHE | 75

Business

Leicester’s

bread and butter The SME – small and medium sized enterprise – a powerful group of beings, often underestimated, and often disputed by definition; the SME is in fact the livelihood of Leicester, according to Jason Hathaway

In 2016, there were 5.5 million businesses in the UK. Over 99% of these were small or medium sized businesses, employing 0-249 people, as reported in House of Commons Library Business Statistics briefing paper. Leicester nurtures over 30,000 of these SMEs (Nomisweb 2016) and local solicitor Jason Hathaway, Senior Partner of Edward Hands & Lewis (EHL), focusses his teams services to supporting these companies that are imperative to the local and national economy.

A family business itself, EHL fill a gap in Leicester’s market by offering valuable assistance to family-run and owner-managed SMEs. There are firms that are too small to be able to provide the level of service that EHL can and large firms are often too expensive, leaving SMEs few options when in need of legal support and assistance. EHL is also concerned by the approach many firms take towards clients and is aware of a sometimes stuffy attitude associated with the industry.

Jason, who appeared in Leicester Mercury’s ‘Most Influential’ list, said: “A lot of law firms cater for large businesses that are already established but very few focus on the

SME market. Our typical clients turn over anywhere between £500k to £5 million and are family-run or ownermanaged. They are the bread and butter of Leicester but there are very few companies to support them. We want to be the lawyer for ordinary folk.”

“We don’t want people to walk out of our offices feeling like they don’t understand something. We want clients to walk out feeling that we’re on their side, and they understand the advantages and pitfalls of their case and what the law means to them.”

This intimate service ultimately boils down to who EHL choose to employ. In a nutshell, the company will not employ those who are aloof and don’t connect with the client and ultimately, who risk the clients comfort and confidence.

“We like to employ people with personality and a bit of a story.

Rather than someone who’s taken a very structured path in their career, we perhaps prefer someone with a few flaws – maybe things didn’t quite go to plan for them or they decided to take a year out. But their personality fits.”

When Jason took over EHL in 2007, the company was made up of just six people and one office in Loughborough. Ten years later and the firm has 14 offices around the UK, over 150 staff and two other businesses, CoLaw and CPA, in the EHL group. In all areas of the business, Jason and his wife Leanne; a solicitor and chartered tax advisor, along with the other partners Paul Stubbs, Emma Fuller, Andrew Robinson and Stuart Southall, treat employees as they would their family.

“A lot of staff have seen us grow and have been a big part of that success, and it’s about being a positive influence in their success too. As important as work is, I believe there needs to be a ‘why?’ For me it’s my family and it could be something completely different for anyone else here but we’ve created a culture that understands that balance needs to be achieved.”

His employee’s happiness is imperative to the businesses success as he says ‘people buy from people after all,’ which is why Jason has an employee engagement committee to organise staff parties, ‘wow awards,’ employees of the month, and numerous benefits.

It took a lot to get the business and employees to where they are today though. When the familyman took over, the business was a very small traditional practice with no IT systems or email – ‘even though it was 2007!’ The homegrown entity was built from very little through a period of economic turmoil. But with confidence in his own capability, Jason left his previous partnership to take on the firm making his own decisions and mistakes at his own risk.

“The previous owners were good people and I liked how the firm had been run. My timing, however, wasn’t the best. I took over in August ’07 and in September people were queuing up outside Northern Rock,” Jason admitted. “Things were very different 10 years ago with the financial banking crisis.”

Looking back, times have changed significantly for EHL and now the group is even looking to expand their reach beyond the UK by establishing links in Ireland and the Middle East. “With Brexit, clients are looking more outwardly. They’re thinking, ‘should I have a subsidiary abroad?’ because as a country we’re on our own now and we’re looking for a more outward reach to connect with the rest of the world.”

But as far away as Jason takes EHL, the roots of the company will remain firmly in Leicester. Making itself always accessible to clients, with the company’s locations based at the heart of the communities it serves.

Local, family-like service for the modest hero that is the SME is at the core of EHL. Jason, Leanne, Paul, Emma, Andrew, Stuart and the rest of team will continue to serve them.

5 Tips to selling your business EHL can help you succeed in many areas of your trade but one common activity companies often experience shortcomings is when it comes to selling their business. Here are Jason’s tips 1 Start Planning Now 2 Understand why your business is valuable and protect that 3 Ensure the business can operate without you 4 Immediately tackle any negatives or hurdles likely to impact price 5 Give us a call

0800 999 8880 ehlsolicitors.co.uk

Those in Business have their say

The gig economy what is it?

Buy to let interest limit

The term ‘gig economy’ is now being referred to on a regular basis, but what is it?

As many owners of rental properties will be aware, from 6th April 2017 there is a restriction on the tax relief available on mortgage interest on residential Buy to Let (BTL) loans. The restriction, which is being phased in over four tax years to 2020/21, will eventually limit tax relief to the basic rate of income tax, currently 20%.

A definition of the gig economy is ‘a way of working that is based on people having temporary jobs or doing separate pieces of work, each paid separately, rather than working for an employer’.

This way of working is becoming increasingly popular with the individual arguably having the flexibility to undertake different types of work. A view of this type of working has also been viewed as a situation where people are exploited as cheap labour.

Recently this type of working has been challenged via the employment tribunal system with two high profile cases involving Uber and Pimlico Plumbers. The initial outcome of such cases has determined that individuals engaged within this method of working as a worker. Thus resulting in workers entitled to be paid the national minimum or living wage, and to receive annual leave and statutory sick pay.

This situation has raised questions about the status of an individual whilst undertaking short term work or ‘gigs’. Are they a worker or are they selfemployed?

If you are an organisation working or considering using individuals on a ‘gig’ basis you should obtain the right advice in order to avoid any pitfalls. Ivan Spibey 0116 212 1153/07712 115 663 info@atomhr.co.uk atomhr.co.uk 62 | NICHE

For a 40% tax payer (usually taxable income over £44,000) the staggering of the restriction means that over the next four years, tax relief on interest will be reduced by 1/8 each year to 50% of its 2016/17 level by 2020/21. For example, a 40% taxpayer paying £2,000 in BTL mortgage interest each year will currently be entitled to £800 of tax relief; this will reduce by £100 a year to £400 by 2020/21. As income is assessed before interest is deducted, more people will find themselves in the 40% tax bracket.

This, combined with the extra 3% Stamp Duty applying to additional residential homes being purchased, amounts to a significant increase in the tax burden relating to owning residential rental property.

The tax relief restriction does not apply to companies letting residential properties, so we are experiencing an increase in requests to set up a limited company to acquire properties they would like to buy for rental purposes. But be aware that commercial BTL mortgage rates tend to be higher than personal rates. Peter Morris 0116 242 3400 torrwaterfield.co.uk

How to avoid Court Separation or divorce can be emotionally challenging and trying. A lot of people ask whether they can avoid going to Court and if there is another way to resolve matters with their spouse.

At Glynis Wright & Co we are committed to attempt to reach an out of Court settlement and encourage a non-litigious approach. One approach that we often consider is family arbitration.

Family arbitration is a method of dispute resolution in which a third party makes a decision about your finances when a relationship has ended without any recourse to the Court.

It is clear that each divorce is different and therefore an advantage of family arbitration is that it means that both parties have the opportunity to appoint an arbitrator that they consider to be experienced to deal with the specific issues within their matter.

The family arbitrator ensures that all of the relevant information is presented and thereafter makes a decision based on all of the evidence. They also consider the evidence which is presented by both parties’ representatives.

The arbitrator’s final decision is a binding ruling on the parties.

If you would like find out some more information about family arbitration or alternatives forms of dispute resolution, book in for an appointment with one of the specialist lawyers at Glynis Wright & Co. Glynis Wright 0116 238 5680 glyniswright.co.uk

WE HELP WITH: DIVORCE SEPARATION FINANCES DISPUTES OVER CHILDREN COHABITATION BREAKUPS

Award Winning Legal Firm of the Year 2015 CALL:

0116 238 5680 OR VISIT:

glyniswright.co.uk

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LEICESTERSHIRE

Sale Of Queen’s Buildings Is ‘Catalyst’ For Change In Leicester’s Cultural Quarter An historic building in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter has been sold for around £1 million – and work has started on site for its £2 million transformation into apartments and a restaurant.

the property – which was latterly shops and a snooker hall. The redevelopment could attract further investment to the area and help make it even more attractive to visitors.”

The grade II listed Shahista House in Rutland Street will now be called Queen’s Buildings – as it was originally named when built in 1897.

Queen’s Buildings sit opposite the Curve and is a landmark building in the area. The redevelopment of the property will breathe new life into the cultural quarter, say its new owners Park Portfolio.

Mark Tildesley said: “This is a significant building in Leicester which has been underused for a long period of time. With redevelopment and investment, Queen’s Buildings will bring something special to the area.”

The property will be transformed into 14 apartments, with a restaurant in the basement and on the ground floor. James Coningsby, head of Nelsons’ commercial property department, acted on the sale of Queen’s Buildings, with Mark Tildesley of Leicester-based Rich & Carr acting on the purchase.

James said: “Nelsons Solicitors was pleased to act for the owner of 66 | NICHE

Andrew Watson of Park Portfolio said the firm had been involved in the development of numerous buildings in the Cultural Quarter over the last 15 years, including The Foister Building, The Cherub Building, Exchange Buildings, and Rutland House.

He said: “To illustrate our commitment to the Cultural Quarter as well as pursuing the development of Queen’s Buildings, we also acquired Assurance House in Rutland Street for another mixed use scheme.

“We remain long term investors in this exciting vibrant area of Leicester.

We are delighted with the support from Leicester City Council who have been absolutely fantastic in helping us bring this scheme forward.

They had a ‘can do’ attitude to the development of Queen’s Buildings, knowing the building is a catalyst for further investment in the Cultural Quarter.”

Leicester City Council supported the scheme by assisting in providing car parking facilities close to Queen’s Buildings. Sue Waddington, assistant city mayor with responsibility for the Cultural Quarter, supported the scheme.

She said: “I’m delighted to see this beautiful building being renovated.

For too long it has been neglected, but now it is being brought back into use and will take its place in the centre of the Cultural Quarter as one of the city’s most attractive landmarks.”

Built in 1897 as a shoe factory, the property is Flemish in design.

This year sees the 4th generation family business, Sturgess Motor Group of Leicester, celebrate its 120th anniversary.

Established in Leicester in 1897 by Walter E Sturgess, the business started by selling bicycles then motorbikes, and eventually migrated to cars with the appointment of the Rover franchise in 1904. The company started from a modest shop in Leicester’s West End and gradually expanded throughout the city with several purpose-built premises.

Over the years, the company has held authorisation from a number of vehicle manufacturers including Maudslay Trucks, post WW2 Chevrolet, Rootes Group, Panther Westwinds and Noble, to name a few. Today Sturgess represent Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Hyundai, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and Suzuki.

The appointment of Jaguar and Land Rover in 1947 and 1948 respectively make Sturgess one of the world’s oldest retailers of those brands.

Commenting on the achievement of the 120th anniversary, Company Chairman Mr Chris Sturgess said: “I am enormously proud of the business and the achievement of this milestone, particularly in view of the amount of consolidation that has happened in our industry over the years. We have a tremendous, professional workforce who have a laser-like focus on delivering quality products and services and

we will be continuing our strategy of responsible and considered growth.”

This growth has already started with the recent opening of a new Group Bodyshop, preparation and logistics centre and the next 12 - 24 months will see new sites being built and current sites being refreshed in line with their brand partners updated Corporate Identity programmes.

PHOTOGRAPHY: PUKAAR NEWS

Indian fine dining experience with classic Indian hospitality.

Judges were impressed by Chutney Ivy’s team of highly trained chefs who fuse the very best of traditional Indian cooking techniques with the freshest ingredients whilst ensuring each dish receives the inimitable Chutney Ivy contemporary twist.

Chutney Ivy wins second award Michelin Recommended restaurant Chutney Ivy is celebrating its second award win of 2017 after being named Restaurant of the Year in the prestigious Leicester Curry Awards held on the 23rd April at Athena.

The awards, designed to celebrate Leicester’s rich Asian culture and the culinary craftsmanship that goes into making the city one of the UK’s most prized curry destinations,

culminated in a gala dinner where Chutney Ivy scooped top prize.

Awarded following a combination of public votes and a judging session by a panel of industry experts, the award of Restaurant of the Year cements the local curry house’s reputation as the Leicester’s premier-league curry restaurant and the go to destination for those looking to enjoy a contemporary

On being awarded Restaurant of the Year at the Leicester Curry Awards, co-owner of Chutney Ivy, Shaf Islam said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be named as Leicester’s Restaurant of the Year at an award ceremony that acknowledges and celebrates the hard work and commitment that goes into making Indian cuisine in Leicester the best in the UK.” With a new spring a la carte menu just around the corner, 2017 is turning out to be a winning year for the city’s favourite curry house having already been named as the Best À La Carte Indian Restaurant in Leicestershire at the Lux magazine 2017 Restaurant & Bar Awards.

NICHE | 67

Business

Sturgess Motor Groups 120th anniversary

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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

The new anti-phoenixing rules: Talk to us about TAAR In a move designed to prevent what is known as “phoenixing”, the Government introduced new Targeted Anti Avoidance Rules, or TAAR, in the Finance Act 2016.

Phoenixing is where shareholders receive capital distributions on the winding up of a company then go on to run a similar business in another form.

An example of this would be if you started to carry on the same business after winding up your previous one, or if you continued to trade through another company.

If you are caught by TAAR, then you could see your capital distributions being taxed as dividends at a tax rate of up to 38.1 per cent – and not as capital gains tax which may attract entrepreneur’s relief at the much more palatable rate of 10 per cent.

The crux of the new rule is whether or not you are trying to avoid income tax by phoenixing the business, which is something only you, or the clients you’re advising, can decide.

Crucially there is no HMRC clearance for TAAR, so under selfassessment, you and your clients will have to determine for yourselves whether or not the new rules apply. This isn’t easy and it carries the risk of having to pay extra tax and penalties if you get it wrong.

Although these rules are new, The Miller Partnership has many years’ experience in advising on such motive-based tests in taxation legalisation, so if you’re worried about TAAR or would like some guidance, please get in touch.

For further information on TAAR and how it might affect your business please contact Pete Miller on 0116 208 1020

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.

Our specialities include: Taxation of corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions, disposals, demergers, reorganisations & reconstructions HMRC clearances Transactions in securities anti-avoidance legislation Taxation of corporate intangible assets & goodwill Disguised remuneration Taxation of partnerships Patent Box

T: 0116 208 1020 M: 07802 197 269 The Miller Partnership New Walk House, 108 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6UF

www.themillerpartnership.com pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com

0116 255 2422

hello@mneaccounting.co.uk mneaccounting.co.uk NICHE | 83

Qdos - Driving HR Technology in 2017 In 2017, technology is driving businesses to be more efficient than ever before. This is no more prominent than in provision of HR, health & safety and training services. Web based software and solutions in this area are nothing new. However, the extent of the solutions are driving businesses to be more innovative and is ultimately motivating them to modernise their HR, health & safety and training delivery, leading employers to find dramatic improvements in the following areas: Saving in cost of resources Saving in cost of on-site supply systems Saving in time Higher level of engagement of employees Many small businesses, even in these modern times, find themselves heavily reliant on spreadsheets for staff databases, tutor led training for all training needs and paper-based folders for health & safety documentation.

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Solutions in Human Resources & Employment Law

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We believe that understanding and complying with HR & Employment Law shouldn’t be like splitting the atom

72 | NICHE

The key for employers is understanding that they have a range of solutions, which have traditionally only been available through managing a number of different suppliers, where you do not get the savings from a cost perspective. The utopia is finding a supplier who can provide a wide range of relevant services that fits the specific business requirements; from remote technology solutions, readily available, expert support, all at great value from one supplier.

2017 is an exciting year for Qdos Consulting, with significant investment in a growth plan that will see them offer new services to existing clients, extend an incredibly compelling service to Business Owners of SMEs and continue to provide outstanding, bespoke support to corporate partners.

To learn more about what’s coming, keep an eye out on social media (Twitter - @ QdosConsulting, Linkedin – Qdos Consulting Limited) and register your interest for the Q Interactive event taking place at Leicester Race Course on June 30th.

For more information visit us at www.qdoshr.com

25/04/2017 17:05

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

If you are looking for a career change or a new member of staff, give us a call and see how one of our Recruitment Specialists can help you

Connecting People, Businesses and Opportunities 0116 254 9710 Eileenrichardsrecruitment.co.uk Twitter: @ERRECRUITMENT1

Those in Business have their say

Our progress, your success

The importance of CRO

Take your message on the road

Communication systems are vital for all businesses. They determine the tone and content for your customers, promote trust and confidence in your employees, and communicate clear messages throughout the company. This is why everything we do at Daly revolves around the efficiency and productivity of the businesses we work with.

Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) means actively working to increase the percentage of your website vistors who ‘convert’ into valuable customers.

A pull-up banner is your own travelling billboard, quick to put up and incredibly effective if you follow some simple design rules. You have a split second to captivate the audience, so use this space for a short phrase or attention grabbing graphics. Add something compelling for people to smile about. As soon as you’ve related to your audience they’ll be more likely to switch on to what you’re promoting.

We have committed 2017 to our own growth in order to sustain and develop the growth of our clients.

As part of our growth initiative, we have hired a new UK Sales Manager to lead our sales team and utilise his skills and experience in the areas where we have seen a significant increase in activity within our company.

Paul Shepherd joined the team in 2016. With a background in IT and business consultation he has proven qualifications to deal with our increased demand of products and services. His attitude has reshaped the seven-strong internal and external sales team that cover our entire product range, which has also seen an upsurge as a result of our progressive partnership with NEC. Appointing a Leicester-based dedicated Sales Manager has ensured a quicker turnaround and more efficient team, meaning an even better customer experience and a rise in customer satisfaction for our clients. But, as we focus on our own growth, fantastic prices and good service remain our priority. Peter Daly 0116 242 6996 dalys.co.uk 74 | NICHE

This could mean they purchase something, sign up for a mailing list, send an enquiry or any other KPI (key performance indicator) you’re looking to improve.

Why does CRO matter?

Successful CRO will increase your conversion rate. Assuming your advertising costs remain constant, this means every customer you get is costing you less. In short: CRO directly affects your profits!

How can I improve my CRO? Depending on your KPI, many different changes could constitute CRO. You might need to draw more attention to your call-to-action on a page, make the content easier to read, replace distracting visuals, fix any unprofessional mistakes, or even update your entire website.

Bringing in more traffic is important, but not enough. Your website needs to be extremely relevant to the people you are attracting, and make it easy for them to convert.

Diana Esho

0333 332 6396 123ranking.co.uk/the-conversion-genie

With whatever image you choose, make sure it’s relatable to your target audience, of a high quality, and that it represents your brand 100 per cent. Using a professional photo strengthens your visual presentation. Let your graphics speak because good design sells. Colours help to make you stand out but they must tie in and work with your existing corporate colours and logo. Display your core message and logo at the top of your stand. Have your main message at eye level; your company slogan, image of a product or website, or somewhere most likely to grab attention.

Contact details are often best placed towards the bottom but must be clear and easy to find.

This is particularly important for an exhibition where you may not get talking to everyone.

Include your website, contact number and/or email address.

A company address and social media channel can also be used.

Chris Goodman

0116 259 9955 chris@soarvalleypress.co.uk

Not sure which way to turn next?

Since 1893, we’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

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

Leicester 0116 254 8871

Market Harborough 01858 467181

Hinckley 01455 639 900

QInteractive, hosted by Qdos is a free informative event, bringing together selected guests to benefit from interacting and networking with other business owners in the East Midlands.

QINTERACTIVE

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

LEICESTER RACECOURSE 30TH JUNE 2017 REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT

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NEC’s Smart Hospitality addresses five main challenges:

Be Our Guest Checking-in with hospitality systems The hospitality industry is booming – great news for hoteliers but with this comes more pressure to stand out from the crowd and higher expectations of smaller hotels It takes just one bad experience for 49 per cent of people to discontinue use with or switch to using a different hotel, according to a study

by Lithium. Great customer service and experience comes from the first point of contact through to the time guests leave, keeping them from straying to the competition.

But to meet higher demands and release staff pressure, systems and processes is where it begins.

A faster response enabled Small teams can work from anywhere within the hotel using flexible routing ◆ Calls answered more quickly from anywhere ◆ Prevent losing business to competitors ◆ Even a small team can maintain high service levels Sharper service made easy Callers receive automated message greetings if staff are unable to answer a call with the Information Message feature. ◆ More attentive service at busy times ◆ Customers reassured while on hold A secure and convenient way to work Maintain control when away from reception with an NEC door phone and handsets ◆ Maintain control of the premises ◆ Safe and secure way to let guests or staff in

Telecommunications provider Daly Systems suggest investing in a quality system gives hoteliers more time to focus on building their presence and do what they do best for their guests. Dalys has a wide ranging portfolio, employ NEC trained technicians, and has become known for providing technically advanced business solutions.

Their partnership with technology provider NEC Group has help build and maintain a reliable and trustworthy reputation.

The NEC systems installed by Dalys, help those within the hospitality industry control costs and improve staff efficiency. NEC co-operate with leading international chains such as Hilton and Mandarin Oriental, whilst Dalys have intimate local knowledge of their customers. Therefore, small to mid-sized hotels can benefit from fine-tuned solutions with global knowledge and experience.

Faster check-in, check-out and easy billing Simpler room management is a reality with the NEC property management system ◆ A simplified final bill means guests aren’t kept waiting ◆ End of day audit for effortless payment tracking ◆ Room occupancy and availability report for fast overview

Optimised cost and staff efficiency Mobility options can help your team provide great service from anywhere in the hotel ◆ Wireless DECT for staff who are always on the move around the building ◆ Keep your guest response times sharp and reduce your corridor miles

0116 242 6996 dalys.co.uk

The systems are robust and reliable with a long lifecycle, meaning hotels are able to achieve a superior set of standards for guests therefore ensuring they have a competitive edge.

#BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

The Fastest Growing Companies in Leicestershire ALISTER DE TERNANT

Managing Director at Associate Events Delivering innovative projects from major product launches to complex community interest events across the UK certainly keeps Alister on his toes and delivers a satisfying buzz every time. Although this requires long hours on the job, Alister feels fortunate to achieve that work-life balance that many strive for, which is a top priority for him with a young, growing family at home.

Growing up in Surrey, he started his working life at just 13 years of age washing cars and since then he has had jobs as a waiter, technical support advisor, a systems analyst, bar tender, nightclub manager, business analyst, outdoor event producer, commercial and technical director and is now the managing director of Associate Events. Alister says that the job you’re good at

and enjoy the most will always be the one that practically engages all of your natural learned skill and experience that enables you to make a positive impact on others and rewards you in a meaningful way.

Since moving to Leicester in 2008, he has been a proud citizen of the city and believes that he wouldn’t have got to the position he’s in now without his wife Emma’s support.

Able to achieve precious time with his family, Alister also loves to travel, play the drums, and is aspiring to finish his private pilot’s license.

One of his favourite quotes and advice to give to anyone is: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” – Winnie the Pooh.

experience working within a diverse range of sectors and companies on her way to progressing to Managing Director of a national business.

Eileen set up Eileen Richards Recruitment locally over three years ago to offer a bespoke service to her clients and candidates.

EILEEN RICHARDS Owner of ER Recruitment

The benevolent businesswoman started out on her path in the recruitment world over twenty years ago as a Trainee Consultant.

She gained priceless wisdom and 76 | NICHE

Although as a young girl she was unsure of which career path she would choose to follow, Eileen was always certain that she would be independent and was determined to be in a position where she was able to make her own choices in business. Her mum always told her: ‘treat people how you would like to be treated.’ People who know Eileen know that she lives by this advice, and together with her philosophy that ‘people are your most important asset in business,’ clients and candidates are guaranteed to find

the best employer and employee for each of their personal needs.

Additionally, being commercially aware with a pragmatic approach means the company can advise their clients with confidence in a consultative manner.

Inspired by her family and the local business community, Eileen became a co-Chair of Enterprising Women for the Chamber of Commerce across the East Midlands. She is also a Trustee of the local charity Hope Against Cancer for which she has shown profound support and has ardently promoted.

The recruitment company has an exciting year ahead as Eileen plans to introduce some new business sectors to their services, and she is also in the process of increasing her staff headcount.

Sponsored by

ehlcommercial.co.uk PETER GEORGE

Founder and Joint Managing Director at Reep (Midlands) Ltd Since the formation of Reep Midlands Ltd in October 2016 Peter George has been living his dream!

After eight years of planning, his passion for automobiles and drive for success led him to join forces with Pri Chauhan to create the luxury automotive company.

Peter loves every single day at Reep; he’s an influencer who gets to make a difference and takes a great deal of personal reward in providing a product for clients that they will love as well as creating a work place that allows his highly skilled team to ‘belly laugh’ at least once a day!

His passion for supercars has been there since he was a young boy and even at 16 he was career orientated, eager to start work as soon as he could after education. He spent three years studying for an Automotive Management qualification alongside his day job and a career in the industry followed.

Counting his father as his most prominent inspiration, Peter says it was his father’s incredible work ethic combined with his ability to still find lots of time to kick around a football that had such a positive effect.

Loyalty and respect is hugely important to Peter and he thanks his family and friends for the part they have played in supporting him in realising his dream with Reep.

CARLEY RIMMER

It was only seven years ago when Carley got the idea for Fusion Living. After gaining a degree, a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing, a Diploma in Interior design, moving on to an eight year career in marketing at a regional law firm, and then five years working in business development in a University, the believer of excellent customer service decided to take the plunge.

Client Manager of MNE Accounting George Wake dreamed of being a footballer, but then found his true vocation at MNE Accounting and decided to put aside his footballing fantasies. However, he would like to make sure readers know he is still available to make the England squad should they need him.

Although MNE lacks a football pitch, George enjoys his position as Client Manager. In particular he enjoys working with a group of people who are all driven to growing a company and seeing the progression of his team on their journey to becoming top accountants.

Owner/Director at Fusion Living Carley wanted to own her own business from a young age and is now the owner and director of one of the hottest local independent online furniture stores. She supplies stylish furniture to home owners, interior designers, architects, event hire companies, restaurants, bars and work spaces to name just a few. It’s also her job to market the growing business and promote the company to new customers. She also takes on the lead role of looking after customers in the UK as well as a growing customer base in Europe.

GEORGE WAKE

Her family and husband proved to be a powerful source of support, encouragement and guidance.

Seeing her parents own and run their own businesses – starting right back to working on the markets selling hosiery in the ‘70s – the Oadbyborn entrepreneur saw them as an inspiration having had a great positive influence in her career. As for the future though, Carley aims to continue to grow a great team and become known as the place to buy high quality, design-led furniture with excellent customer service.

Leading a team of eager young professionals, George manages a portfolio of around 40 clients. He also loves the concept that hard work at MNE means that progression is always possible and feels his passion is what helps to fuel his team. In fact, it’s the positive impact he can make on his team rather than anyone above him which attracted him to his current role at MNE. This is where the reward is for him, it’s about the team rather than the man.

So, despite the football career not coming into fruition (yet!), George proves that you can be happier in a role that reaps its rewards through supporting the success and progression of others.

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DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

Print fit for a Queen In preparation for HM The Queen’s visit to Leicester Cathedral on Maundy Thursday in April, Soar Valley Press printed a range of items including invites, menus, and graphics for the exhibition commemorating the day, which have been displayed at the Cathedral.

But why were Soar Valley chosen to fulfil such an important duty in the momentous event? Well, the company are expanding. The directors, brothers Chris and Dave Goodman have invested over £80,000 for six new pieces of equipment in order to lengthen their footprint and maintaining care and responsibility for the environment. This investment has seen the company grow in service and product offerings in just six short months.

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Printing facilities in Leicester have hit a royal high as Soar Valley Press invest in new equipment and became the official printers for the Queen’s visit to the city

With even more advanced equipment, the company has been able to increase its range and capacity of products that are now produced in-house. This includes special effects such as foil blocking and soft-touch lamination. Along with this, mounting and extra-thick business cards and invites are now possible – all extremely exciting to all designers, magazine editors and anyone with a business who uses printed promotional material.

The company has also opened a brand new, shining Press Room and new digital press. SVP revealed the glimmering new Press Room and all within it in a very successful open day that took place in April. Sixty guests attended the event giving Soar Valley the opportunity to showcase what it can offer to new and existing clients.

After weeks of planning, sending out some very fancy invites they had created using new machinery, counting up the RSVPs, arranging the refreshments, making up the goodie bags, tidying and cleaning the studio, the open day finally arrived and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The afternoon welcomed a steady stream of visitors, clients and friends who had come to celebrate the team’s recent expansion. All guests were able to meet the team, learn more about the capabilities of the new equipment, ask questions, get inspiration, see demonstrations and receive free advice, it was also a brilliant chance to network with other successful local businesses too.

Delicious canapés and refreshments were provided by Soar Valley’s good friends Steamin’ Billy who joined the event on the day and

received many compliments. On the way out, guests received their goodie bags stuffed with helpful branded promotional items to ensure that the day would be remembered. One client even stayed behind to watch the process of her new pull-up banner being designed on screen, printed on the large format printer and manufactured so she could take it away with her!

So, it seems Soar Valley’s ecoefforts, support of local business and their influence within the community, paired with their passion for print and all the tech to do with it, got them the job as printers for HM The Queen’s Maundy Thursday visit to Leicester.

Substantial investment has been a response to a great demand for printed materials and a dramatic increase in clients within the last 12 months. And new developments are still to come! Soar Valley plan to invest even further in new equipment to meet the continuing upsurge and plea for fast turnaround, complex work.

If you were unable to make the official opening but would like the opportunity to come and meet the team and receive free advice on how to go about your next project with standards fit for royalty, give Soar Valley a call to arrange a date – they’d love to see you.

0116 259 9955 soarvalleypress.co.uk NICHE | 81

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DESIGN + PRINT

Fit for a Queen

Soar Valley Press

We are proud to have produced a range of print items for the Queen’s Maundy Thursday visit to Leicester.

Talk to our friendly team about design and print fit for a Queen.

WILL

ALFIE

ALI

DAVE

ANNA

CHRIS

KATIE

0116 259 9955 www.soarvalleypress.co.uk | inspire@soarvalleypress.co.uk NICHE | 99

Restoring history engaging the public

The opening of an extraordinary venue with a remarkable past will make history itself after the multi-million pound restoration is uncloaked this year A prominent historic local building is due to open this year after being restored to its former glory. The Grade II listed structure was once the home of the Winstanley Family who built it in 1775. The property has seen many births, deaths and marriages as it was handed down through the generations and lived in through two World Wars. It later became the Braunstone Hall School before becoming derelict for the last 20 years. Now, the building has become a boutique wedding, business and events venue, banqueting hall, and will include a permanent exhibition of the Winstanley family memorabilia.

Naresh Parmar and son Kiran, who own The City Rooms in Leicester, have restored the property so that the history and tales of the stately home can once again be enjoyed by all. Once Naresh and Kiran purchased the property and permission was granted, Braunstone Hall School underwent a multi-million restoration project to revamp the neglected building that holds so much local antiquity. The new owners have renamed it Winstanley House in honour of the family who built it.

Originally, the construction of the countryside residence was commissioned by Clement Winstanley, the High Sherriff of Leicester. He had inherited the Braunstone Estate from his father in 84 | NICHE

1770 and in 1775, Clement chose local architect and builder William Oldham, who later became Lord Mayor, to carry out the epic project of the five bayed, 2.5 storey manor house set in over 100 acres of rolling parkland. The Winstanley family occupied the hall for more than 150 years.

In the 18th Century, the family were loved by the public and had a good reputation in the community for being honest, balanced and thoughtful in their manner and decisions that influenced the lives of the local people. The family members held important roles as leading dignitaries in The Leicester Corporation but their ownership of the Hall came to an unfortunate end in 1918 after Britain’s success in the First World War. The government passed an act of parliament which aimed to ‘make Britain a land fit for heroes to live in’.

This meant that Richard Winstanley, the last Lord of the manor, had to sell off his estate through a mandatory purchase order so vital modern housing could be built.

The family’s much-loved home was transformed into Braunstone Hall school in 1932 until 1996 when it became unoccupied until Naresh and Kiran stepped in. But history continued to be made until this time.

During the Second World War, the surrounding park area became a military camping ground for British

and American personnel, known as Anderson Shelters, of which some can still be found on the grounds today.

After a careful renovation, the newly named Winstanley House has transformed into an impressive venue complete with two lavish, contemporary ballrooms, 19 boutique, luxury hotel rooms and a contemporary British steak restaurant and cocktail bar serving contemporary British dishes using traditional methods. With an elegant courtyard, space for a marquee, the former Braunstone Hall has become the perfect location for large and intimate wedding celebrations and civil ceremonies.

The house is surrounded by 168 acres of public parkland with lakes and a walled garden just a short walk away making it a desired setting for the most romantic and fun wedding photos. The two new large function rooms catering for up to 450 and 150 guests will be equipped with state of the art audio visual and lighting equipment with the entire property being carefully designed using quality furnishings and modern amenities whilst still enhancing the traditional features.

The father and son team have breathed new life into the property.

Their persevering passion for restoring the property to its former glory for all to enjoy and for the whole

community to enjoy saw most of the restorative works completed by local tradesmen with MTE Leicester, timber frame specialists, responsible for the build. The pair were motivated by the important role the Winstanley family played within the community throughout the 1700s and 1800s.

The latest modifications to the grand house have played tribute to the significant events that the building has witnessed throughout its history.

The City Rooms has become an iconic venue widely known for its private parties, corporate events and conferences, christenings, weddings, memorials, wakes and charity events.

Naresh and Kiran adore the arched ceilings throughout The City Rooms, something Winstanley House also features, which the proud owners excitedly incorporate into the City Rooms branding theme giving a connectedness between the two properties.

After some research, Naresh contacted Andrew Poore who is the only living relative of the Winstanleys and hopes he will attend the grand opening. Eager to unveil the striking home and all its stories, Naresh and Kiran look forward to extending an invite to you for the big reveal in July.

This stunning venue will be offering special launch packages for weddings, private events and meetings booked before September 2017 to take place any time before September 2018.

0116 366 5642
 info@winstanleyhouse.co.uk


The

People’s Brewery

Combining tradition with ambition and innovation, the multiaward winning Everards of Leicestershire to open world class new home ‘A pub without people is just a building’ and Everards believe that people make their pubs what they are. Everards is a name in the East Midlands instantaneously associated with friendly, welcoming public houses boasting the very best ales and social hotspots in our cities and surrounding counties. All of their pubs are run as independent businesses by passionate licensees who can offer a great pub perfect for their local community.

The multi-award winning company has just recently added another gong to its cabinet with a win at prestigious Publican Awards, where they were crowned the Best Tenanted/Leased Company. To

show appreciation the business held their Annual Awards Lunch too through which they celebrated the successes of all their hard working business owners.

Still independent and family owned, Everards have remained loyal to the community and people values since William Everard brewed his first ale over 165 years ago and simply stated that “no effort shall be found wanting in the production and supply of genuine ale of first rate quality.” Cheers to that William!

With the sixth generation of the family now in the business, Everards are looking to their next chapter, creating a new Leicestershire home for their offices and brewery, called Everards Meadows. This will have an estimated £30m invested in the site and is to be an open environment the public can enjoy. The exciting destination will have many reasons for people to visit including a Shop and Tasting Room for beer sampling, hospitality and a place to share a passion for the finest quality beer. A progressive and cutting edge café/bar will connect seamlessly to the green space and be an arena for socialising. Rutland Cycling will have a cycle centre at Everards Meadows so the green

space can be explored or you can cycle straight into the heart of Leicester city.

Chairman Richard Everard believes the new site is all part of the company’s commitment to ‘develop the business for the next generation.’ An exciting hub of Everards activity, the site is much welcomed in the area where so many of us enjoy supporting local business, goods and services so passionately.

While excited by the prospect of a new home, it’s very much ‘business as usual’ at the pubs and brewery. They are still brewing their iconic Tiger along with Beacon Hill, Sunchaser and Old Original.

Alongside these they brew a different beer every month – May and June will see the return of two favourites from 2016, Midland Red and Single Hop IPA. To accompany their brand-new site, there will soon be a shiny new website where you can keep up to date with pub business opportunities, latest brews and news.

There is also an Everards Meadows site at everardsmeadows.co.uk. everards.co.uk NICHE | 87

R O F E R O M

. . .

R E T S E C I E L

G N I DO

...than taking you from A to B ADT Taxis are one of the leading firms in the East Midlands. With a fleet of cars servicing both business and individual needs, ADT has an innovative app to its name - which makes travelling from one place to another easier than ever, a reputation for excellent client relations and all with a local community interest too Headed by Mr David Hunter, who is a familiar face within the local community both in business, social and charitable circles, David’s success is down to hard work, moving with the times and building strong relations with customers and within the local community.

With his business being an evergrowing success and his firm a household name, we caught up with David to find out more about his charitable work and why he believes the secret to a successful business isn’t all down to moving with the technological times, but in actually meeting face to face with fellow business folk and communities.

Why is it important for you to be involved with the local community?

With the onslaught of large global corporations and digital technology where people hide behind apps, emails and social media. Now, more than ever, it’s important to see, hear and talk to real people in the local community where ideas and contacts can flourish. You still get a better service from Bob the accountant or Glynis the solicitor, or Frank the local coffee shop owner and it is this that makes them all

the more successful. These people run, live and breathe their local business and it is important for the very people that are buying or using these services to put a face to the name I feel. It’s satisfying to meet these people within the business community, to get together now and again to raise money for local people and causes. I can’t see Uber, Costa Coffee or Bookings.com doing the same and that’s why I will always get involved in helping in any way I can to be part of the business and local community.

We saw you at the recent L Factor event, how did you get involved?

One of the organisers, Ian Guyler, is so passionate about the event and raising money, he wouldn’t leave me alone in hassling me to be involved! He kept popping around to my office every week, begging. This carried on for a few months until in the end watching a grown man crying, on his knees, grabbing my legs and pleading made me cave in! Seriously though, the L Factor is a magnificent event and the work Lord Taverners do is worth every penny, I’m very proud to sponsor it. It was a lot of fun, I don’t think anyone stopped laughing! Next year I’m considering singing at it, it needs a bigger draw

next year and so I ought to oblige really. Watch this space.

What do you feel about Leicestershire’s local network of businesses?

The local network is a powerful and friendly one and it’s great to meet likeminded people. It would be even better if a more diverse range of businesses were involved. From the one-man band Kitchen designer and fitter, to the lady that runs a small craft business from home; these people should be involved too.

Being a solo entrepreneur or start up business isn’t easy, it takes a lot and it is important to me that we help each other out in a variety of ways.

In a world becoming dominated by faceless communication, it’s refreshing to say the least that so many business people in the Leicestershire area want to get together to support and guide each other. It feels only right that we should all do so, our friendly city has experienced some great highs in the last few years and as a result there is a great feeling about the place. I am all for finding ways to ensure we build upon this in the city.

0116 255 5222 adt-taxis.co.uk

The local network is a powerful and friendly one, and it’s great to meet like-minded people

Driving

Leicestershire forward

Leicester Business festival is back and will continue to showcase and add to the county’s economic prosperity

Leicester and Leicestershire is the East Midland’s largest economy. In 2014 Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) reported Gross Value Added of 3.9 per cent, growing the economy to £19bn by 2015; a growth rate which outstretched that of London. With the economy predicted to grow to £23bn by 2020, the Leicester Business Festival (LBF) is back and will continue to play a critical role in the landscape of Leicestershire’s economic success.

This success is fed by LBF offering a unique combination of events that drive the strength, diversity, innovation and forward thinking culture of Leicestershire’s business community – it has become the platform to place the region at the centre of the UK’s business agenda.

LBF will return 23rd October – 3rd November 2017 and will be, for a further two years, structured under a new Community Interest Company and with thanks to the generous support of the festivals headline partner Leicester Castle Business School (launched by De Montfort University).

Professor Dana Brown of Leicester Castle Business School said: “The festival’s key aims of promoting the region and supporting the drive for economic growth falls into perfect harmony with [DMU’s] own strategies and initiatives. Joining forces with LBF will showcase what the city and county have to offer.”

LBF is currently the region’s largest business event offering an extensive and wide-ranging programme of more than 120+ impressive events each year over a two-week period. In 2016, 24 per cent of the 12,500 visitors were from outside Leicestershire demonstrating the extent to which the festival is reaching far beyond the boundaries of the region and securing interest and investment from elsewhere in the UK and abroad. These events are hosted by the dynamic leaders of the business community and are programmed to showcase the developments and innovation coming out of the region.

Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive, and Director of Community Interest Company which operates, owns and holds responsibility for developing LBF said: “East Midlands Chamber is proud to be a stakeholder in the festival to ensure its members, customers and the wider business community get the opportunity to participate in this world class business festival which is a key component in creating an environment that is conducive to good business in an ever-evolving business community.”

Forged private and public sector partnerships and contributions from companies such as MIRA Technology Park, PWC and Brewin Dolphin, along with access to events such as TedX talks and ‘Gateway to India’, emphasise the fruits to be harvested by companies both large and small from involvement in LBF’s vision.

Founded in 2014 by the LLEP, the festival’s core objective is to place the region’s activities on a national and international platform in order to attract inward investment that will facilitate economic growth. The vision of the LLEP was to bring individual local businesses together to facilitate collective growth.

Organisations with a national and international reach, such as Norton Motorcycles and Make it British outline the far reaching scope of the festival whilst of equal value, LBF is always mindful that 67 per cent of Leicestershire’s businesses are SMEs; the programme consequentially also saw events hosted by local media and marketing companies, the LOROS charity hospice, Exchange Bar, Be Happy Yoga Project and Big Difference Company to name but a few.

The inaugural LBF was hosted in 2015 with an aim to host just 20 events and achieve local community buy-in in to the concept. It succeeded in hosting 80 events, following more than 140 applications and attracted more than 7,500 visitors. With a market reach of around 12.7Million, LBF 2016 grew to 117 events with 12,500 visitors. Over 97 per cent of attendees questioned said that their business benefitted as a direct result of attending LBF.

LBF truly is the demonstration of Leicestershire’s business community as it is today; dynamic, diverse and driven towards economic prosperity. This ownership of the programme has played a critical role in the festival’s success to this point and with the support of likeminded partners and sponsors. LBF continue to showcase the county’s rising success, locally, nationally and internationally for the foreseeable future.

23rd October – 3rd November 2017

Making LBF 2017

Your Year This year’s festival will be run in association with Associate Events.

Tickets for events will start being released from 1st July, with the final programme being published at the beginning of September. The event application process closes on 31st August 2017.

Whether you are interested in sponsorship, hosting an event or simply attending, the diverse opportunities LBF has to offer make this the year that you can put your business and Leicester and Leicestershire at the forefront of the regional and national business agenda.

Event tickets available from 1st July 2017 0116 464 5995 hello@associate-events.com

Sport

Teams are on the up in Leicester Dave smith gives us the low down on our home teams At the time of writing it is a case of ‘six of the best’ for new Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare.

City have climbed from the relegation zone to a brief flirtation with the top half of the table since Shakey took charge, thanks to five successive league wins while the club ‘let slip the dogs of war’ on a memorable night at King Power Stadium to sweep aside Sevilla to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. A handful more points are required to stave off any final thoughts of relegation and Atletico Madrid await (again!) in the last eight of Europe’s premier competition: the fairytale goes on for the Foxes.

At Welford Road, Tigers are also savouring long awaited success with silverware in the trophy cabinet in the shape of the Anglo Welsh Cup. Although approached as a largely development competition, with Assistant Coach Geordan 92 | NICHE

Murphy at the helm, the whole squad were on the pitch at the end of the Twickenham Stoop final to celebrate a 16-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs. By the time you read this, the consequences of the key Premiership defeat to Bath at Twickenham may be known: Tigers may yet snatch a top four spot and contest the Championship under new Head Coach Matt O’Connor, who took over the reins from Aaron Mauger after an emotional farewell victory over Northampton Saints in the East Midlands derby.

Seemingly regularly on an upward trend, Leicester Riders also have silverware to parade – well, technically, glassware – as they retained the BBL Trophy at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow with a convincing 91-58 victory over Plymouth Raiders. Taylor King picked up the Most Valuable Player award for his 20 points and 10 rebounds and Head Coach Rob Paternostro

was glowing with pride at the final buzzer. Riders’ impressive league form also continues with the leaguewinners crown seemingly certain to be added to the tally and the Championship Play-Offs beckoning.

Even the rebuilt Leicester Lions are getting in on the act, winning their opening fixture of the new season before only succumbing to reigning champions, Wolverhampton, by a single point in the second outing.

There appears to be promise of better times ahead at Beaumont Park too.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club swing into action in April. The Foxes will be looking to jump on the bandwagon too and to get involved in the promotion race in Division Two as well as to make a mark in the oneday competitions.

It seems like it is never dull being a sports fan here in Leicester …

the do club

Summer Lunch

and an afternoon with Nigel Owens MBE World famous rugby referee and international celebrity Enjoy a 3 course lunch, which falls just before the weekend of the final British Lions test match against the All Blacks in New Zealand, followed by entertainment from Nigel Owens MBE, as he shares his experiences and stories as one of the World’s leading Rugby Union referees.

Friday 7th July

Leicester Tigers RUFC Welford Road, Leicester

12.00 pm

Appointed as an international referee in 2005, Nigel holds the record of most international test matches refereed with a total of 74, including 13 games in three World Cups (2007, 2011 & 2015) one of which was in the 2015 World Cup final at Twickenham between The All Blacks and Australia.

As an after-dinner speaker Nigel combines his natural sense of humour and anecdotal tales of his times refereeing decisive games, as well as some of the funnier sides of the game that the cameras do not always capture.

In short, Nigel is a formidable speaker and is regarded as one of the funniest Rugby Speakers in the country with his stories and unique approach.

Dave Bryon, former MD of the airline bmibaby, writer, newspaper columnist, comedian, raconteur and very fine gentleman, will be your Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon.

contact us now to book your table

tables of ten available for more info visit our website or contact: info@thedoclub.co.uk | 07796 141325

www.thedoclub.co.uk *All card payments are subject to third party booking fees

tickets

ÂŁ60

*

per person

S L IR G R E V O C E NICH

Never ever have we ever felt so thrilled!

s t n i a S l l A e s r u o c e c a R at Leicester

Sport

Save the Date Saturday 8th July 2017 Much-loved 90s girl band are back and heading for Leicester Rob Bracken of Leicester Racecourse has only gone and secured All Saints to perform at Ladies Day on Saturday 8th July. They were one of the most successful pop bands back in the day and they’re making one hell of a comeback – so Leicester Racecourse is very grateful for the group of four to be gracing the venue with their presence.

All Saints achieved 12million record sales, five number one singles, two multi-platinum albums and two Brit awards. It’s been a decade since Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, and Natalie and Nicole Appleton released an album until now with the launch of their brand new album Red Flag and 15 years since they last went on tour.

At their peak, the Never Ever and Pure Shores singers would have been adored by teenagers and now, these all-grown-up-teens (yes, you) can see the band play their favourite songs that they know so well along with some songs from the new album, which we can assure you with songs like Make U Love Me and Puppet on a String, have a contemporary sound without losing the core essence of All Saints.

LADIES DAY

At Leicester Races Tickets on sale now

singer Jaki Graham, as well as TV personality and TOWIE star Mark Wright performing a DJ set who is also known for presenting ‘Club Classics’ on Heart Radio. The night will be hosted by BBC football reporter and commentator Ian Stringer.

Rob is also known to be a bit of a foodie so there’ll be plenty of fancy grub on offer from only the very best tried and tasted street food vendors in the Midlands such as classic fish and chips, gourmet burgers and stone baked pizza – all in posh food vans!

Hospitality-wise, tickets range from £30 for standard entry to £295 for a premium executive box complete with all-day deluxe food and drinks, designated parking, TV for live viewing of the races, and a host for the day. The centre of the racecourse will also be open for private hospitality. Rob is consistently working to improve Ladies Day year on year so 2017 will see more conveniences, more seating, more champagne, prosecco and craft beers!

Racegoers on 8th July will be treated to a performance from the girls after betting finishes and the horses are stabled for a welldeserved rest. And it’s all thanks to Rob who, being somewhat of a music enthusiast, spotted the band were on their way back into the charts and got in touch with the right people to make it happen.

Ladies Day is just out of reach, which means there’s still time to prepare all outfits, accessories, friends and tickets in advance of the musical, foodie, racing event. As Leicester has such great transport links and tourist attractions, Ladies Day at Leicester Racecourse has visitors from all over the country.

And with an array of fantastic hotels around the area, the 8th July will be the perfect day to get together with friends and family – a proper Ladies Day out!

That’s not all though! Also performing on stage will be Say Something singer Karen Harding, three-time Grammy-nominated British R&B artist and Ain’t Nobody

Reminisce with your old pals while you enjoy all your favourite All Saints songs in an up close and personal live performance after all the fun and frolics of Ladies Day.

Keeping it Classy Last year the Grand National hinted that Ladies and Gents should smarten up their attire in an attempt to make Ladies Days more ‘aspirational’. Rob’s seen some interesting fashion statements so here are his essential tips on dressing to impress at this year’s gathering. ◆ Find an outfit with eye catching colour to make you stand out from the crowd ◆ Avoid ridiculously sized heels for all-day comfort ◆ Wear a hat that will get you noticed – the crazier the better ◆ Less is more so avoid showing too much flesh ◆ NOT drinking from the bottle will make you appear more demure and graceful 0116 271 6515 leicester-racecourse.co.uk Facebook: Leicester Racecourse Twitter: @LeicesterRaces

NICHE | 95

Those in Sport have their say

Knife culture

Discover gymnastics

Don’t be ‘that parent’

Knife crime has become a norm with youths. Recently a kid in my amateur boxing club passed away after he was stabbed. I’ve seen this happen too much in the work I do at Triple Skillz.

It might be your first handstand in years or it might be perfecting the split leap to add to your collection of moves. Whatever challenge you’ve set for yourself, trust me you will achieve more than just this one goal you have in mind by taking up adult gymnastics classes or dedicating more of your time to it.

Whether you’re an armchair sporting parent or you’ve played professional sport at elite level, you have to give support and have a growth mind-set with good standards for a rounded child.

There is a worrying issue with this gangster culture growing through social media. Young kids are trying to portray this bad man image – the clothes, drugs, cars, and they don’t really see anything else. Youth clubs seem to be disappearing through government cuts and when kids get excluded from school they’re on a worse path with no routine or structure.

I don’t know where the government is spending the money but it always goes back to the kids anyway in the end when they get arrested, go on tag and so on. Instead of trying to solve the problem from the beginning, we’re waiting till the end.

Leicester is a multicultural city but also segregated so they’re growing up with a ‘we are we’ attitude and they are segregated again when they’re excluded and sent to Triple Skillz. Exclusion piles on the pressure for them to create an identity for themselves.

How many kids need to die or get hurt through knife crime before people realise? It is all about getting them on the right path, which is why I want to get into schools to get to the root of the problem before they’re excluded. Rendell Munroe tripleskillz.co.uk 96 | NICHE

This is an amazing sport that pushes you using a range of different activities. We have lots of people who come to our classes who haven’t done a forward roll in years as well as people who come to gymnastics to make themselves more advanced at another sport.

Whichever type of person you are, gymnastics will test your abilities, but more accurately, prove to you that you’re capable of so many things you never thought possible of yourself.

Within our safe surroundings of spring boards, foam pits, crash mats, shedloads of space, and trained and experienced instructors, there is plenty of room to learn.

You’ll build your strength, tone your body, improve your flexibility, learn some wicked moves, and enhance your social skills. The social element makes it a lot of fun but if you do want to get your head down and train hard, there is plenty of space for this too.

Everyone is welcome, so come and try it out Wednesdays and Thursdays 8pm – 9.30pm.

Jon Mutch 07813 205 852 olgc-gymnastics.co.uk

Obviously, we all want the best for our children but it’s important we don’t become that painin-the-backside, over-excited, screaming parent whose kid wishes they would chill-out.

With modern pressures in our society, children have much more to deal with from school and college; more homework, more expectation, finding good jobs, buying the best car or the biggest house, and social media telling us how to look, dress and so on.

But, whatever standards of sport you did or didn’t play, as a parent, what’s vital for our child’s development is about our child, not us living out our sporting ambitions. We learn more in sport by getting things wrong, it’s part of the process. Physically and mentally, kids develop at different times, some grow early, some late, others make good sporting decisions aged seven and others do this at fourteen.

I believe children find their best methods for themselves, in time.

Just love, support and make sure they have fun with friends, and then their passion will shine bright for many years wherever they want to take it, either the club third team or their country.

Not wherever the loud pushy parent wants to go!

Paul Nixon paulnixoncricket.com

leicesterarena.co.uk 0116 326 9700 mail@leicesterarena.co.uk

How lifestyle affects

work performance Employee happiness is essential to company productivity and profit – KERRY SMITH finds out why Work related stress, depression or anxiety cases were at highs of 488,000 in 2015/16 (Labour Force Survey). These concerns have also been linked to extended illness and injuries in studies that examine the effects of stress, depression and anxiety. The Labour Force Survey found that these conditions resulted in 11.7 million working days lost.

The staggering figures have left health specialists like Julie Hayton, Managing Director of Function Jigsaw Sports Injury Management, baffled that more is not being done by employers to ensure the wellbeing of their staff. Julie developed Function Jigsaw after embarking on an 11-year career with Leicester Tigers in which she 98 | NICHE

progressed from massage therapist to head of medical services.

Upon opening Function Jigsaw in Wigston, Leicester, the team were immediately taken aback by the general public’s lack of knowledge on self-help for general health and wellbeing. Julie said: “This can impact on your ability to stay healthy a better understanding of lifestyle choices can improve your general performance, reduce your incidence for injury and maximize your ability to cope with work and life stress.”

Outside of the injuries that are commonly present in active individuals, there have been many injuries that have occurred as a result of low fitness levels and poor

lifestyle choices such as bad posture, poor nutrition and dehydration.

Increasingly, injuries are sustained due to general ergonomic workplace stresses such as chair design, monitor and key board positions and repetitive work actions.

From her experience in elite sport, professional athletes are educated on lifestyle choices and their effects from an very early age, Julie assumed that those outside of professional sport would also have this kind of understanding.

Seeing that many individuals and employers were seemingly unaware of how much of a dramatic effect that choices and environments have on individuals, Julie set up the Fit for Industry programme and trialled it

What’s in it for employers?

The programme is flexible and tailor-made to each company’s requirements and they will benefit from the delivery of a trial day in order to gain first-hand experience of the type of information that Fit for Industry can deliver.

Peripheral support is also offered if employees suffer an injury at work or during a leisure activity, the program ensures an individual service that maximises recovery by offering a company discount on all services.

What’s in it for employees?

Employees benefit from the opportunity to ask professionals questions that are relevant to them and on-site massage therapy and the option to receive discounted or subsidised ongoing therapy and discounted access to all Function Jigsaw’s associated practitioners. onsite with the help of Mark Sharman of Impact Creative Ltd. “We devised a program that delivered a work based education program and on site massage therapy. I have always compared the program to the concept of ‘give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.’”

The Fit for Industry programme consists of regular massage therapist site visits and 12 forty-five-minute talks that can extend over a period of 12 weeks or 12 months. Massage has not only gone mainstream, it has now gone corporate. Companies large and small have discovered the benefits of wellness in the workplace and they are utilising massage as a way to attract and keep employees whilst maintaining productivity.

After offering his employees officebased chair massage, Mark said: “Shoulder massages on a regular basis with minimum disruption proved to be very popular and well received. Our sickness levels have dropped significantly over the past 12 months and we have seen a real boost in moral as staff feel valued.”

The wellbeing of a company’s staff is progressively becoming essential and a very real concern in

the modern workplace. Put simply, business managers who have happy employees will experience high quality performance and productivity and therefore an increase in profit.

Julie explained that Fit for Industry programme users aren’t always just affected by workplace stress: “Relationship issues, weight problems, work life balance to name a few are all contributors to life stress and can inhibit an individual’s ability to cope with workload stress” To combat the effects of such issues, Julie formulated 12 short presentations that deliver key points for educating employers and employees in an informal meeting that provides the attendees with key information to understand how certain aspects of modern life can impact dramatically on an individual’s health.

“Companies who use this programme are those that appreciate the demands of modern life and want to empower their employees to be fit for life and in turn, fit for Industry.”

Work-place massage focuses on the upper body and consists of a 15-20 minute routine (not much more than a coffee break or a cigarette break), which is applied through the clothes while the client is seated on an ergonomically designed chair.

Massage therapy has shown to: ● Increase

alertness and concentration (more productive employees) ● Reduce stress (happier work environment) ● Reduce the instances of common cold or flu symptoms (less sick days) ● Decrease the number of headaches (employees can focus on work) ● Increase quality of sleep (employees arrive refreshed and ready to work) ● Decrease the likelihood of being tired (employees will think on their toes) ● Enhance a secure sense of self (employees work with confidence) 0116 340 0255 info@functionjigsaw.co.uk functionjigsaw.co.uk

Motoring

From the world’s most forbidding territory to superior sophistication in design, travel and technology – Land Rover has conquered it all and rural independent Land Rover Service Centre, Fox Land Rover, is extending the brand’s trademark ideals and solutions from the heart of the community

It’s a hobby, it’s a look, it’s a fellowship. It’s a way of life. Land Rover owners have all this in common. They buy into a British product and a quality vehicle they can take pride in, and with its price tag comes superior service and after sale care. Or does it?

chore. So, he’s created a relaxing environment and a service that takes care of all his guest’s needs.

Bill Saund, Service Manager of Fox Land Rover, set up the specialist servicing centre in October last year based on the idea that top class care should continue for life after purchasing a Land Rover model.

The team is made up of Bill who started his career at 16 on the workshop floor and progressed to management level for over 30 years, as well as two technicians Gavin Oliver who has worked on the marque for the majority of his career and has also worked in South Africa, and Andrew McKerrow who has been in the industry since the age of 16 and specialises in Defenders.

He said: “People are fed up with the prices and the quality they get from main dealers. They’re just too busy and don’t have time to be able to care for their customers in the way they would hope. I believe in one-toone, traditional, personal service. You don’t get such personality and care with the big retailers.”

Bill has been in the motor industry for over 40 years and says he and his employees are a product of main dealerships, meaning they have the understanding and experience of high level customer service that they value today at Fox, whilst fulfilling a niche in the local area.

“There is a huge need around here for quality repairs, servicing and MOTs for Land Rovers. The logistics of getting into the city centres of Leicester and Northampton are quite difficult, so here on both of those borders we have Fox,” he explained.

The rural site in Husbands Bosworth gives drivers the opportunity to use their vehicles for what they were made, encouraging customers to take a pleasant drive in the country to get to the trusted servicing centre.

Bill believes taking care of your Land Rover shouldn’t have to feel like a

“People don’t want to be rushing around to come here to be greeted by a suit, we’re laid back here, comfortable, with the right attitude.”

Bill has established a strong relationship with Land Rover meaning that Gavin and Andrew are trained by Land Rover to their high standards and are also able to give their guests the reassurance of genuine parts, and technical backup from the car manufacturers themselves.

It’s because of this relationship that Fox are able to complete work on anything from the original 1948 Series I; later to be known as the Defender in 1990, all the way through to the celebratory iconic Range Rovers.

The Fox location promotes an unusually laid back atmosphere with plenty of parking and a large welcoming reception with panoramic floor to ceiling windows for all Fox guests to immerse themselves in the Great British countryside.

The chic reception area contains a stylish collection of traditional furniture and ornaments that Bill has collected over the years, paramount

security, refreshments and insured courtesy Land Rovers to use while waiting for services, repairs or MOTs to be completed. He’s even in the process of installing kennels for guests’ dogs if they need to be cared for whilst waiting.

The company doesn’t just expect the locals to come to through their gates though, Bill likes to get out and about and involved in the community spirit. Supporting local companies and organisations, Fox sponsor various events around the area that are important to the community and have a connection to the Land Rover way of life.

“The people who own these vehicles are buying into a kind of Great British way of life. It’s a reliable British product that’s made just down the road in Coventry and promotes British countryside travel and outdoor pursuits such as equestrian hobbies – it’s become an institution.”

Because of the society that has become associated with owning a Land Rover, Fox has sponsored the Belvoir Point to Point Garthorpe horse racing event as well as Lutterworth Golf Club and the agriculturally focused Moulton College.

The servicing centre is also trusted to take care of Stamford Hall’s vehicles and those of a number of high profile business leaders.

With all the team being from main dealership backgrounds as well as having that ‘edge’ on other service providers, Fox are the answer to the Land Rover ‘missing link’ in the East Midlands. foxlandrover.co.uk 01858 571 122/07795 661 077

An enterprising system is being used by local family-run Paint Wagon who specialise in repairs, valeting and wrapping

Advanced

car body repair Customers now have access to a cutting-edge colour mixing scheme after the car technicians formed a partnership with Syrox; a colour matching expert brand developed by leading global supplier of liquid and powder coats Axalta Coating Systems.

Paint Wagon have been using the proven spectrophotometer technology, Syrox Colour Reader, which has resulted in extremely happy customers. The machine scans the paint of a vehicle to get the exact match for scratch repairs every time.

A spectrophotometer and a dedicated cable for connecting to the Syrox Colour Search software allows Paint Wagon to use the quick and accurate online global database of more than 70,000 formulas meaning high quality repairs are always guaranteed.

The family firm located on Saffron Way, Aylestone has a trusted standing within the city and its owner Colin Tidman strives to extend his services sticking to a strong ethos of using only high quality trusted brands, which is why he chose to invest in the reputable, global Syrox trademark.

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The brand provides for the likes of Mercedes and other high end car manufacturers and is backed by 150 years of coating experience.

At Paint Wagon, they service all cars from Ford to Porche so all customers can experience the leading technology.

What’s more, the colour matching coating system is environmentally friendly using water-based paints whereas solvent-based paints used in older technology systems contain heavy oils. Water-based paints, without altering their performance, are free from the strong odour

associated with solvent-based paints, which are hazardous to human health and have a negative impact on the environment.

So, you can be safe in the knowledge that the damage to your car is being rectified by trustworthy, experienced, professionals using leading systems for high quality service who are conscious of their environmental impact.

07967 752 623 paintwagon.uk

Motor

the new 500 riva. the smallest yacht in the world.

With its elegant Sera Blue exterior and chrome details, luxurious hand-painted mahogany dashboard with maple inlay work, Ivory Leather seats with blue piping and Riva logo, everything on board will make you think of a yacht*, except for the comforting hum of the 16" blue diamond finish alloy wheels on the road below. It’s available in either hatchback or convertible.

THE FIRST 500 UNITS WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH AN EXCLUSIVE PERSONALISED PLAQUE.

AYLESTONE ROAD, LEICESTER, LEICESTERSHIRE LE2 7QN. T E L : 0 11 6 3 6 6 0 1 2 8 W W W . S T U R G E S S G R O U P. C O . U K

Fuel consumption figures for the new Fiat 500 RIVA in mpg (l/100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5) – 65.7 (4.3); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 83.1 (3.4); Combined 60.1 (4.7) – 74.3 (3.8).

CO2 emissions 110 – 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes 2

and may not reflect real driving results. *Vehicle is for land use only. 3 year warranty consists of a 36 months’ unlimited mileage warranty (incl.

24 months’ Pan European warranty) which guarantees your vehicle against defective manufacturing faults for 36 months from first registration.

This excludes wear-and-tear items. Retail sales only. T&C’s apply. Warranty subject to exclusions. See Fiat.co.uk for full details.

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At Vehicle Consulting we pride ourselves in supplying vehicles to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Please ask for personal quotations

0116 278 8160 or 07896 944 168

ALL CARS DELIVERE D TO YOUR DOOR

NICHE | 103

A Private Members Club…

for your Car We meet the exclusive car care connoisseurs caring for your dream behind closed doors

So you’ve made your choice. You are now in possession of the keys to your exciting new automobile.

Maybe it’s your first supercar, selected because of its perfect blend of style and power. Or it could be the latest addition to your growing collection. Or perhaps you’ve found your pride and joy in something a little more practical.

So where does one go to give their vehicle a luxury makeover and keep it in pristine/concours condition? How about a private, appointment only 7,500 sq. ft bespoke unit on Chartwell Drive in Wigston, Leicestershire? Allow us to introduce the largest indoor Detailing and PPF Studio in the UK that you are unlikely to have heard of – Reep Midlands.

Drive past the Cromwell Tools World HQ and look to an unassuming building housing two businesses owned by local entrepreneurs Pete George and Pri Chauhan. PG Automotive is a market leading automotive recruitment business which takes up most of the first floor offices, while the other vast space is taken up by Reep Midlands.

With a rear shuttered entrance, state of the art CCTV and large gates with perimeter fencing, it is clear that there is something very exciting and exclusive taking place behind closed doors – almost like a London Members only club.

Reep Midlands was designed and built from scratch by Pete and Pri 104 | NICHE

alongside Chris McDonald, owner of the Reep Group of Companies and a shareholder in this exciting venture. Having already launched in Harrogate, Glasgow and Chester, Chris’s next dream of expanding to the Midlands was realised by Pete and Pri who wanted to create the flagship studio with a unique boutique-themed, extravagant feel to it, where premium car care meets premium members club.

Services offerings were kept simple described as paint enhancement, paint correction and paint

protection. Additional services such as bespoke vehicle wrapping and personalisation are also on the menu.

“Part of the Reep Midlands offering is the social aspect for enthusiasts, car lovers and collectors who share a common interest – their car. We provide a premium treatment for cars, motorhomes and even the odd helicopter that is the equivalent to a full Elemis treatment applied by a professionally trained Therapist,” which is how it was put to me by Pri. This makes perfect sense now.

We act as a car spa for people who want their vehicles to be pampered Pete said: “We act as a car spa for people who want their vehicles to be pampered and they want trustworthy and credible people to do it. There’s an almost circle of trust in this industry and people have confidence in Reep as a business and in us as the people who run this flagship car care studio.”

Gliding into the building I see the unexpected; customers transforming into guests upon entering and relaxing in the boutique surroundings before being shown into the modern lounge with full views of the pristine studios where the magic happens and car conjurers can be seen performing their highly skilled craft.

The manufacturer trained familylike team operate with the same passion as Pete, Pri and Chris using revolutionary technology and products such as Swissvax and Gtechniq, which are renowned for being the best paint protection

and enhancement products in the world. An example of the quality would be Swissvax Crystal Rock, which is manufactured by hand in Switzerland and can cost up to £1,000 per ‘pot,’ as well as LLumar’s self-curing PPF (Paint Protection Film) now being part.

“PPF is nothing new, however, in the last year it’s actually developed significantly and become the latest must-have option on a luxury or performance vehicle. You might have seen a car with a transparent film over the front end of the car that’s PPF,” Pri says.

The surprisingly tough LLumar film is manufactured from thermoplastic urethane, an invisible film that is professionally applied to painted surfaces on your vehicle in order to protect it from stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions and the added bonus is that it comes with a 10 year manufacturer guarantee.

Another popular treatment is provided by Northamptonshire based Gtechniq, a clear liquid coating applied after the paint work has been made flawless and dries as hard as glass. The application of this ceramic-like coating is to be only completed by professionals with Reep Midlands being one of only a few authorised centres in the UK permitted to apply their Crystal Serum Black product; the most highly rated product in the industry.

Reep work in conjunction with luxury franchise and independent car dealerships such as Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and Porsche and others nationwide. Sytner are one of the household dealer networks offering a full luxury detailing solution to their customers in conjunction with Reep Midlands. Chances are, if you’ve ticked the luxury detailing or paint protection box at your local dealer, it will have passed through the doors at Reep Midlands before being returned to you. ❱❱ NICHE | 105

economic climate, never mind being the largest in the UK.

Nobody will know your car was here until it’s gone.

❱❱ The local £5 car wash that suffices for a lot of us feels a lifetime away from the experience you have as a guest at Reep Midlands. Being met at the door by Marketing Manager Lyndsey reminds you already that you’re in a special place. Along with the luxury customer experience, Pete and Pri have clearly built a studio designed to hold events for supercar owners and car clubs.

and giving them a place to meet and connet. Currently in a queue to be detailed, we see a brand new Ferrari 488 Spider, a BMW M4, a stunning black Lamborghini Aventador, a three year old Audi A4, two Porsches, a large motorhome and a Volkwagen T5 Van belonging to a local electrician (his pride and joy); quite an eclectic range of vehicles, which are all fairly easy on the eye!

Following a very successful open day (on a freezing cold day in February with sleet and heavy rain), Reep Midlands has held car club events on weekends and welcomed a diverse customer base including VIPs and high profile collectors. Pete and Pri believe in networking and embracing people who own these types of cars

The idea for Reep Midlands has been nearly a decade in the making as the two directors had a vision for their automotive recruitment business, PG Automotive (UK) Ltd, to be overlooking a supercar business to provide a unique environment for their Consultants. Neither expected it to become a reality in the current

106 | NICHE

The attention to detail has to be seen to be believed. Three individual bays have been themed in a Formula 1 style design with unique lighting tunnels surrounding each car. It feels more like an operating theatre with the detailing teams looking like surgeons ready for their next procedure. Walking into the funky reception area or through the moody Malmaison Hotel style dark corridors and into the chandeliered handover suites, you get a sense that real thought and effort has been put behind the design and how a customer purchasing a high quality treatment would want to be treated.

Whether you are male, female or you have decided to bring the family with you – Reep Midlands will make you feel comfortable and have all the toys and an environment to keep all pleasantly occupied.

Both Pri and Pete are very welcoming (as are Lyndsey, James, Matt, Robert, Michael and Tom in the detailing team) and invite you to view your vehicle being transformed.

“It’s a friendly culture with an open door policy we have going here.

Anyone can book in and come and look around, take a tour, but only if we know who they are and when they’re coming,” Pete explained. But at the same time, “nobody will know your car was here until it’s gone.”

Respectful of their customer’s privacy, the car enthusiasts operate under a strict confidentiality policy that protects each owner’s wishes.

With some very exclusive and high profile cars already having visited Reep Midlands (under a cover of darkness in most cases) and being delivered directly under covered trailers to Europe ready for the summer season, it seems like only a matter of time before more luxury car care owners use Reep Midlands as their primary car care partner throughout the year. Media coverage for Reep Midlands has been intense with many automotive publications such as Auto Express along with TV Channels expressing an interest in this fascinating business.

Fancy a drive? Arrange some spalike treatment for your vehicle and discover what’s out there for you.

0116 344 0096 reepmidlands.com

Book today 0116 289 2308

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Out & About

DURANCE BY NAME ENDURANCE BY NATURE

Leicester man with hearing loss, John ‘The Nutter’ Durance, reaches the gruelling final of BBC2’s ultimate physical and mental military challenge show, Special Forces The sixepisode TV show put 22 contestants through a series of gruelling physical and mental 48 hour challenges set by special forces teams from different countries, including the Green Berets in the US and the SAS in Poland. After each round, the contestants considered the weakest were eliminated.

John loves a challenge and a crazy one at that, hence his nickname The Nutter. When his neighbour passed on the BBC2 application form for the show he knew it was something that spoke to his desire for a good challenge. “I have never let my hearing loss deter me from doing anything that I want to do.

My being deaf means I can’t join the army and I feared the show might be the same but I also wanted to show that people with a disability can do most things that they set their minds to. It was fingers crossed at this point!”

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Born with a hereditary congenital condition which resulted in profound hearing loss, John needs a hearing aid to hear speech - and would struggle to hear loud sounds such as a jet engine flying past or a pneumatic drill without hearing aids. When he made the cut, John enlisted the help of Audiologist Claire Marshall at The Hearing Centre in Leicester to ensure that his hearing aids would be suitable for the tougher conditions and prepared himself by ramping up his already thorough training regime.

Feeling equipped, fit and ready John set off for the challenge of a lifetime which would include a host of mentally and physically exhausting tasks. “Physically, the toughest challenge for me was the tyre drag as I was one of the lightest males at 72kg and dragging that beast of a 52kg tyre which was over 70% of my bodyweight down and up a hill for 40 minutes took its toll! Mentally, the Ocean with South Korean Instructor

Ken was a nightmare due to water being a challenge for me from a near drowning at seven years old, I was just thinking, ‘When is this going to end?’ In terms of enjoyment, I love team work and always have done so the pilot rescue mission in the desert was a highlight. We had a great leader and the whole thing went surprisingly smoothly in the searing 40 degree heat - my sauna training came into play here that’s for sure.”

So, as most of us sit back in the comfort of our living rooms watching people go through these intense challenges, we might ponder, why would anyone want to put themselves through this? “I would do it all again in a heartbeat! It taught me so much, not to judge people by first glance as you don’t know their back story, to always be kind, helpful and respect people. I also learnt the power of choosing the right people around you, especially if you have a disability. With the right positive vibes, you can excel in life!”

0116 270 0101

www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

PRESENTS

Charity n o i t a r b Cele Ball Come join us and celebrate in Great British style at The Kube, Leicester Racecourse for a bumper night to remember

3 course gala Dinner Music and entertainment from

Johnny & The Goodtime Boys Auction, Raffle, Games and Dancing Dress code - Black Tie Tickets

£65 or table of 10 £600 BOOK NOW! 0116 271 2573

or email events@crossproductions.co.uk SPONSORED BY

The Lion King Stay: One Aldwych Hotel Show: Disney’s The Lion King Theatre: Lyceum Theatre The whole experience: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Invited to experience the Pride lands in all their glory – the show that’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history – we decided to do this in style.

Staying and dining at the five star One Aldwych Hotel, right across the street to the Lyceum Theatre where we would soon be headed, set us up for a magical night.

From reception to room this hotel certainly has the wow factor. Dinner overlooking the Bond-style Lobby Bar with live piano music, traditional British food with subtle twists and first class waiting staff made for a superb and much welcome dining experience. As for our room, we were awe struck at its contemporary class before noticing the intimate details. Macaroons and a welcome letter invited us to make ourselves comfortable, and water, slippers and a travel bag were just a few details that left us wanting for nothing.

A childhood classic taken from the screen and to live audiences seen by over 70 million people around the world, the show honoured

the 1994 classic admirably, yet Director Julie Taymor had the show literally bursting with life, colour, music and pure art. Making no effort to conceal the workings of the puppetry and scenery, the actors human bodies surprisingly become one with their lion head, gazelle and grassland props. Tears made from silk ribbon, shadow arts and mesmerising choreography propelled waves of emotion and perfect comic timing made this a show for all to adore.

Elephants never trampled so gracefully down the aisle of a theatre and for the opening sequence of the show, this spectacular scene left a lot to live up to – it didn’t disappoint. A feast for the eyes with vibrant costume design, lighting and sets there is more to see than can ever be seen here. The energetic African rhythms pounded in our chests invigorating every goose bump to surface.

Looking for a night out of a different kind? One Aldwych and the Lyceum Theatre awaits. Hakuna Matata! lyceum-theatre.co.uk NICHE | 111

t n e m e v e i Ach A LIFETIME OF

A treasured composer celebrates his 75th birthday with those who loved his music – and an extraordinary anecdote makes the occasion even more meaningful

Our much-loved renowned classical composer Martin Dalby celebrated his 75th birthday on April 25th. His work has touched many lives throughout his 75 years and still does to this day.

His playing, composing, BBC career, and his many jovial stories continue to be talked about and admired in classical circles.

In celebration of Martin’s life and works, the Royal Scottish Conservatoire arranged an extraordinary presentation to coincide with the Scottish composers 75th birthday. On 27th April, two days after his birthday, Martin was interviewed in front of a live audience at the Scottish Music Centre City Halls by someone very special.

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His interviewer, Oliver Iredale Searle, has been described as one of the most interesting emerging compositional voices in the Scottish Music scene. And he is none other than one of Martin’s very own pupils of many years ago. Since his education, Oliver has accomplished many feats including a number of music projects for people with cochlear implants, creation of theatre music, attained the position of Chairperson of the Scottish Music Centre, and holds a lecturing post at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

So when Martin was asked to be interviewed by Oliver in honour of his birthday and life’s work, Martin was thrilled at the chance to get

to meet an ex-pupil after all these years.

A proud Martin said: “I taught Oliver many years ago and he was always one of the ones who stood out to me and I’ve come across him a few times since then. I’ve always respected him and during the process of getting ready for the presentation, we got along fantastically.”

The pair spent time getting together everything they would talk about for on the night but Oliver had his work cut out for him with such a laid-back Martin. He said: “I was quite confident about it all actually. I generally don’t prepare for these things. I always think that something will spark a

memory and the stories will flow from there.”

The hour-long guest appearance from Martin was a great success, although the composer himself was a little worried about attendance figures.

“I knew there would be members of the Music Centre there and some members of the public but the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, which was mine at one time, were doing a concert upstairs so I was worried that people may leave half way through to watch them.”

But his worries were irrational as it turned out more people than he would have ever thought were

interested in hearing what he had to say after all these years since his retirement, proving that he was a true inspiration to younger generations. The show with Oliver quizzing the great Martin received a fantastic turn out.

The two spoke about what inspired Martin and what influences can be found within his music. “Nikos Skalkottas is a Greek composer whose string quartets just blew me apart and in many ways his musical language became a part of mine.

I loved his modern sound and I pinched that noise working it into my own music but with a different process.” As Martin has said before; ‘to borrow is a good composer but to steal is a genius, and we all do that and hope nobody notices!’

Nikos Skalkottas is a Greek composer whose string quartets just blew me apart

NICHE | 113

PASSING DOWN

THE TALENT Oliver Searle 1984 English composer, lecturer, and holds Doctor of composition Student of Martin Dalby

Martin Dalby 1942 Scottish composer, BBC Head of Music, Retired Student of Herbert Howells

Herbert Norman Howells 1892 – 1983 English composer, organist, and teacher Student of Charles Villiers Stanford

Charles Villiers Stanford 1852 – 1942 Irish composer, music teacher, and conductor Student of Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms 1833 – 1897 German composer and pianist of the Romantic period

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He also shared stories of his time in Italy with L’Accademia di Napoli; the orchestra of a university-level art school in Naples. He spent two years playing the viola touring around Europe and North Africa with the 80-strong orchestra who became family to him. His time in Italy was thanks to his winning of the Otavia Prize in 1963 and a Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship; a stage in his life that he revealed was wonderfully educating.

A long-lasting career with the BBC was also a topic of discussion. His job was to support other artists.

He ran a symphony orchestra with a producer to help him. “I hope I inspired it. Part of the policy, which to an extent I inherited, was to give young people you’d never heard of a chance and get their career on the road. I think I achieved that. I made sure that we went for it but we didn’t take risks, we knew in our blood that this kid was going to be good and we were more or less right. A lot of them are still going now,” he commented.

In 1965 Dalby was appointed as a music producer to the BBC’s newly formed Music Programme - which was later to become known as Radio 3 for which he produced some fantastic programmes that brought classical music to a wide audience.

Never one to rest on his laurels, in 1971 Dalby become Cramb Research Fellow in Composition at the University of Glasgow. He then returned to the BBC once again as Head of Music in Scotland. It was from here that he began his important work developing the public profile of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on a national and international level.

He was to remain in this role for some twenty years and this time really increased his impact on the classical music scene for a wider audience. Relinquishing his Head of Music post in 1991 allowed him to adopt a more creative role at the BBC and he became a huge figure in the history of BBC Music

in Scotland, during which he won a Sony Gold Award. He retired from the BBC in 1993 but his passion for music has never rested.

The audience were treated to further discussion and a listen to Martin’s most loved music. The evening was followed by a fabulous drinks reception where the guests were able to get to know Martin and wish him a happy birthday.

But, what made this particular show quite so extraordinary was a series of facts that Martin was excited to reveal. Oliver, it turns out, in many ways and unbeknown to him at the time, was taught some of what he knows by a legendary leading composer of the romantic period.“What’s fascinating and what I loved about meeting up with

Oliver again is was once indeed a pupil of mine, and I was once a pupil of Herbert Howells, Howells was a pupil of Charles Villiers Stanford, and Stanford was a pupil of Brahms! So really, what we want to know is how much of a grand student Oliver is of Brahms,” Martin said commendably of his former student.

I taught Oliver many years ago and he was always one of the ones who stood out to me

Oliver is one of the many pupils that Martin has played an influential role in the life of and he expressed his most sincere gratitude at being given the chance to meet up with a past pupil getting the opportunity to see how far he has come. What a magnificent way to celebrate a birthday for a man who has spent so much of his life inspiring others.

x n i t r a M y a d h t r i B y p p a H NICHE | 115

Arts & Culture in Leicester

In the Summertime

A Kruger Safari

Art as an investment

Since 1975 when Jaws first hit the big screen, Summer has become ‘Blockbuster Season’. Here at Niche we’re taking a look at some of Summer 2017’s potential commercial big hitters.

Stop, lions! My sister hit the brakes and we watched in excitement as they emerged from the grass walking towards our vehicle until they were just a metre away. We were in Kruger National Park, my favourite place in the world, and after a few distant glimpses, we finally had the dream lion sighting we had been hoping for.

Leo Stein (born 1872) fell in love with paintings by unknown, poverty stricken European Artists.

In the same way we watch TV for entertainment, Leo was enraptured by the vibrancy the paintings made him feel; he scrimped and saved to add to his collection.

It has been argued that Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the best, if not the best, Marvel movies ever made, so its much-hyped sequel has plenty to live up to: the humour, the characterisation, not to mention the action! It certainly will be interesting to see in which direction they take our lovable band of misfits? Always rooting for Groot!

War for the Planet of the Apes is the second follow-up to my favourite ever remake. Each instalment adds depth and gravitas to ape leader Caesar, magnificently played by Andy Serkis. The stories have always been genuinely compelling and it has been terrific to watch both action and storytelling effectively unfold.

The ‘War’ of the title is something that most of the apes have been trying to avoid, epitomising the inhumanity of their all too human foe. One of the most highly anticipated summer blockbusters of the year.

Wonder Woman has a genuine place in my heart. I absolutely love Gal Gadot’s 21st century take on the incomparable Linda Carter’s iconic character study of female empowerment. With a supporting cast which includes the award winning Robin Wright and our very own Lucy Davis, this could be a Summer of Girl Power!

Tracey Miller traceyannmiller@hotmail.com

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Say safari and most people imagine a fancy lodge with a guide taking you out on game drives, but this isn’t the only option. Kruger is the jewel in the crown of South Africa’s vast array of natural attractions and with an excellent network of roads and accommodation choices, it is the perfect place for a self-drive safari.

We were midway through our visit to the park which was reaping the benefits of an excellent rainy season. The rivers and waterholes were full to bursting and it was the perfect environment for the animals that call it home. So far our daily drives had treated us to sightings of elephants, cheetah, buffalo’s, hyena’s, giraffes, hippo’s, zebra, rhino, warthogs and a variety of beautiful antelope species.

As our trip progressed, we added more species to our list including the endangered wild dog and one of the most elusive animals and my personal favourite, the leopard. The trip was complete and I could go home and start planning the next visit!

Nikki Lynas 0116 291 7777 millingtontravel.com

It later transpired that the art was that of Matisse, Degas, and Picasso. He bought, not for investment, but because he loved it. Leo reportedly paid the equivalent of £77 (in todays money) for ‘Woman with a Hat’

by Matisse. In 2007, an original Matisse sold at auction for $33 Million. The current value of Steins collection isn’t worth contemplating; alone, Picasso’s ‘Child with a Dove’ sold for £50m in 2013, that gives you an idea.

Art is now seen as one of the four most profitable, easy to store physical assets. Economist Joe Roseman coined the phrase ‘SWAG’ - (Silver Wine, Art & Gold). Because of arts, desirability, portability, and stability and the independence of their price from the stock market they add genuine diversity to an investors portfolio.

Sadly, we have missed the boat on bagging a Picasso. However, one thing Antidote are particularly good at is spotting trends for future investors. Call us to discuss, you may be thanking us some time soon!

Remember: 1. Buy because you love it.

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to open new store Rutland Cycling will open a visually stunning 10,000 sq. ft. cycle centre at the new Everards Meadows country park, adjacent to Fosse Park, Leicester The national award-winning family business from Rutland will be bringing their range of electric, road, mountain, hybrid and children’s bikes to Leicester in partnership with the family-owned Everards brewery. The store, due to open in spring 2018, will offer Rutland’s unique model of hire, demo and retail in a newly-created country park, where purpose-built cycle trails and cycle skills loops will link to the traffic-free Grand Central Way into Leicester city centre.

Together, the two local businesses are investing over £1.6 million into the cycle centre and over 10 local jobs will be created by the new store alone.

Stephen Gould, Everard’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have Rutland Cycling working with us. Rutland’s family and local heritage, allied to their industry-

leading retail experience, make the company an ideal partner for our exciting development at Everards Meadows. Sharing a passion for our local area, we both believe there is a fantastic opportunity to introduce more people to the joys of cycling in our region. The Park will not only feature a new brewery but also high-quality restaurants, cafes and visitor experiences.”

Rutland Cycling’s new centre at Everards Meadows will be Rutland’s 11th store, following the opening of new builds at Cambridge Station this year and Peterborough in 2015.

Managing Director of Rutland Cycling David Middlemiss explained: “We are extremely excited to be working in partnership with Everards on our latest store. The Everards Meadows development is an ideal location for our cycling services. We

greatly look forward to getting more people on bikes in what is a beautiful part of the world, right on the doorstep of the City of Leicester. We’ll do that not just with our brand new hire bikes, but also through bike sales in what will be our most exciting store yet. An electric bike department, women’s department, road and MTB zones and bike fit offer will all feature, backed by the best brands in the world of cycling. As a family business ourselves it’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to work with an iconic regional brand who share our values of the highest customer service.”

Rutland also grew through the acquisition of Station Cycles, Cambridge in 2016. The cycle company secured a £3m investment from the Business Growth Fund in 2013, to support the expansion of its store network and website.

0330 555 0080 rutlandcycling.com

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nichemagazine.co.uk and enter online into our draw Draw takes place June 30th 2017. T&Cs apply. No cash alternative. One winner chosen randomly from entrants.

Goldsmiths has two showrooms situated in Leicester Highcross Visit the teams there to find out more about the stunning SS17 collections

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55 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HR | T: 01664 88 25 25 | www.TheAmwellCare.com NICHE | 118

The Importance of Making a Will

What story will you bring?

It’s time to dust off your treasures for a great, free day out as BBC One’s Sunday evening programme Antiques Roadshow comes to Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester, on Thursday 15th June Visitors are welcome to just turn up on the day, but if they have an item with a particularly unusual story attached, or perhaps an interesting collection, or large items of furniture, they can let the production team know in advance via the Share Your Story link on bbc. co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

Antiques Roadshow Executive Editor, Simon Shaw said: “We are looking forward to coming to Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester on Thursday 15th June. It’s a wonderful example of our industrial heritage and will make a refreshingly different backdrop for Antiques Roadshow.

“Our team of experts and Fiona love nothing better than hearing people’s stories and seeing what items they bring, so we hope as many people as possible come to Abbey Pumping Station and enjoy what our visitors consistently tell us is a fantastic day out. Even after 40 years, the magic formula of surprising some lucky guests with exciting news about their treasures 120 | NICHE

is still a thrill for us, the visitors and the viewers.”

Many of Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who are invited to raid their attics and bring along their family heirlooms, household treasures and car boot sale bargains for inspection.

Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce, who marks her tenth year presenting the programme, said: “The best part of working on Antiques Roadshow is that we never know who or what is going to turn up. The visitors, the objects, their stories and the location all combine to make a fabulous experience that we aim to capture for the viewers.”

Doors open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm. Entry to the show is free, everyone is welcome, and no tickets or pre-registration is required. For parking arrangements at the venue, please check the website. bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow

Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have said that two things are certain in life - death and taxes.

Despite this, a 2016 YouGov survey found that nearly two-thirds of adults in Great Britain do not have a Will. Dying without a Will can cause financial and emotional worry for those loved ones left behind. It only takes around an hour of your time to meet with your solicitor to obtain the right advice for your situation and provide instructions as to your final wishes. The cost of a solicitor drafted Will usually starts at around £150, depending on the individual circumstances. However, most of my clients find the peace of mind that comes from knowing that things are in order far outweighs the cost.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document that gives somebody of your choosing the power to deal with your financial affairs and health and care decisions. They are usually needed when you lose the mental capacity to make those decisions for yourself. For a one-off cost of between £300-£500 you can have your solicitor put an LPA in place. If you don’t have an LPA and subsequently lose capacity, your family will need to apply to court to be appointed to make those decisions for you. The cost of this is usually thousands of pounds. An LPA is a short term outlay for long term reassurance.

For more information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact George Neal or myself.

Samantha Downs 0116 262 8596 dodds-solicitors.co.uk

Egg-cellent Easter hunt

at care home Children from two local nurseries and a local primary school were treated to a two-day egg-cellent Easter egg hunt at a Melton Mowbray care home on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th April Kids from The Oasis Family Centre in Nottingham Street, the reception class from the Grove Primary School and Park Lane Nursery in St John’s Drive visited The Amwell, a new all-inclusive residential, nursing, dementia and respite care luxury care home on Asfordby Road, for an Easter egg adventure in the home’s beautiful gardens which overlook the River Eye. The children explored the woodland, collecting Easter eggs which were hidden across the grounds

by The Amwell’s activities co-ordinator Lucy Fraser and staff members.

Some of the staff at The Amwell, which opened in March, joined in with the fun with receptionist Sophie Mee dressed up as a giant Easter bunny.

Taking care of your legal needs With a team of fully trained, highly experienced solicitors who specialise in all aspects of Wills and Probate law and can deal with your case sensitively and professionally.

The Amwell care home manager Chris Batty said: “We would like to thank both nurseries and the Grove Primary School for joining us in our Easter celebrations. It was great to see all the kids having so much fun.

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31 Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5RA www.dodds-solicitors.co.uk NICHE | 121

Niche Networking at Maison Interiors In March we gathered our bi-monthly business networking group at Maison Interiors, Leicester Road, Oadby. The evening was attended by over 60 guests in the sumptuous designer interiors showroom, with the seating being much more luxurious than at previous venues!

The positive group were greeted with a flute-full of bubbles and enjoyed a superb buffet supper by Zeph’s CafÊ of Oadby.

Zoe Hubbard, manager of Maison Interiors and interior designer, walked the group through the interiors process and where she draws inspiration for projects. Concluding the talk with a video of one of her completed stunning homes with a glowing recommendation from the owner/builder of the house, Mark English of MJE Contracts.

The next in the series is to be held at Woodside RSPCA, Leicester when guests will have a chance to see what goes on behind the kennels. To book visit eventbrite.co.uk and search Niche.

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L Factor Performed by the local business community, watched by the local business community and funded by the local business community raising crucial money for Lord’s Taverners East Midlands, the L Factor talent competition was a very entertaining event.

The stage at Leicester Arena was stormed by over 13 carefully rehearsed acts, some taking the performance more seriously than others. Judges for the evening were Chief Inspector Simon Cole (not Cowell), TV’s Room 101 star Nick Hancock, partner of law firm Gateleys Chris Greenwell, Angela Knight and Cherie Concannon. But the crowd cast the winning vote and secured able vocalist Nick Taylor of Juice Creative the top spot, visually assisted by the gorgeous Nichettes.

Well done to all acts for your performances.

In total the event raised just shy of £40,000. Our thanks to Ian Guyler, Marie Brown, Alison Beddow, Kate Rengger, Claire Herbert and the team of volunteer supporters on the night.

NICHE | 123

Half way round the world with 40 gins North Bar & Kitchen on Hinckley Road closed their doors to the public for an evening to host their gin event.

After a welcome glass of gin and canapés of cauliflour bhaji and tomato and mozerella kebabs, we all sat down in the restaurant to listen to a talk by Sean McCarthy from Portobello Road Gin, who educated us on the history of the spirit, the origins of ‘mother’s ruin’ and gave us an insight into the way gin is made.

While listening, we were treated to more canapés of curried monkfish in pastry spoons, breadcrumb encrusted shepherds pie and more while sampling more gins from the vast array of varieties North had to offer.

One of the favourites of the night was an unusual but lovely rhubarb and custard gin. This went down really well with the dessert canapé of biscuit and rhubarb done three ways.

A raffle was held during the evening in aid of Hope Against Cancer, which raised £137. Thanks to all who entered.

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Abbots Oak official opening The beautiful Grade II listed hotel opened its historic doors to the public in March. Its owners Sara and Anthony Kurr have carefully guided the pile through a £1.2m restoration.

The couple moved into the leaky roofed property with no heating in 2013 just before the -10°C winter.

Renovations began with the roof and electrics through to finishing touches in the nine en suite guest bedrooms. An orangery is to be built and planning permission is pending for log cabins and a billiard room extension. Already, the venue has held a sold-out Mother’s Day event, a 40th birthday party and secured 15 wedding bookings. Regular Gourmet Nights with Chef Paul Leary and a cookery school with Kwoklyn Wan is in the diary. The proprietors are also working with the Tourist Board as part of the Charnwood Edible Forest Festival. The opening couldn’t have happened without Juice Creative, Martin Snutch Builders, Charnwood Accountants, Antidote Art, Burleighs Gin, MD Fabrications, Reep Midlands, Dimblebee Catering and many more.

NICHE | 125

When the Queen came to Leicester

Arriving by train at Leicester station, the Queen and Prince Phillip were welcomed to the city by many crowds.

Before the 11am service, they were a part of the parade that travelled through the city centre towards the cathedral. At the service, Her Majesty distributed small silver coins, or Maundy money, to 91 men and 91 women representative of her age.

Spectators around the city could see the service on two screens set up for the royal visit. The Very Revd David Monteith and Bishop of Leicester Right Revd Martyn Snow greeted The Queen and Prince Phillip and other well-known faces such as Engelbert Humperdinck came to witness the service. They then had a fantastic royal lunch over at St Martins House.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: WILL JOHNSTON

Leicester Cathedral was visited by Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for the Royal Maundy Service on Thursday 13th April. This was Her Majesty’s first visit to the city and the last Church of England cathedral Maundy Thursday service to welcome her.

Kealey Farmer show at Antidote Art Our huge thanks to the Sara Lovatt and Richie Atkiss of Leicestershire’s Antidote Art for hosting a fabulous show with of-the-moment artist Kealey Farmer and her stunning collection of limited editions and original pieces on display. Also to the live performances from exceptionally talented Dwaine Lauin Hayden (as seen on The Voice UK) and Mason Noise (as seen on The X Factor).

The warm Easter weekend made for a very pleasant afternoon being wined, dined, entertained and awed with the stunning artwork in the Lutterworth gallery. Champagne and prosecco corks were popped in harmony with gorgeous canapes served.

Antidote Art is a destination gallery for any lover of art – we leave attitude and snobbery at the door and enjoy the visuals.

For more information on Kealey Farmer’s collections, check out the piece in our property section.

NICHE | 127

Amelia Nour 1st Birthday Party

On the night, Scentered’s Sam Speight held an exclusive masterclass on relaxation, renewed positivity and supporting your wellbeing, which was enlightening and educational and guests were able to sample products.

Hand and arm massages were offered by Prismologie’s Natalia, and champagne and exclusive Scentered goody bags were provided.

Meesha was very excited to celebrate her first year in business with some of her loyal clients and was extremely grateful for all the support Amelia Nour has received. She looks forward to many more years to come.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ALISHA PATEL

Festivities were had at the boutique paradise that is Amelia Nour on Allandale Road last month. It was the stores first birthday and the night also celebrated the launch of the website.

Run by young entrepreneur Meesha Kanadia, an animal, environment and luxury lover, the Amelia Nour store has been providing Leicester with premium, animal friendly products that can only be found in the likes of Selfridges.

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