Niche magazine issue 27

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#FindYourNiche

July/August 2018

LEICESTER CASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL

GO BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL Paul Gascoigne

Making Leicester home

#NicheBizAwards Semi-finalists revealed for the Niche Business Awards 2018

Thorpes Joinery Investing in staff loyalty

Imagine finding the perfect school for your children.

One beautiful campus One exceptional education

THE NURSERY 6 weeks - 4 years

FAIRFIELD PREP SCHOOL Boys & Girls 3 - 11 years

Where they are happy. Where there is endless opportunity. Where they can become their best selves, where nobody is a nobody and where good manners matter as much as good grades.

Don’t just imagine. Discover.

OPEN DAY: SAT 29 SEPT 09:00 - 13:00 CALL 01509

THE AMHERST SCHOOL Boys & Girls 4 - 18 years

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THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Boys 10 - 18 years

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THE HIGH SCHOOL Girls 11 - 18 years

Cover:

The front cover features Leicester Castle Business School, photographed by Joe Whitmore Photo

LEANNE BAKER

JENNY CROSS MANAGING DIRECTOR 07815 899 574

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

jenny@crossproductions.co.uk

leanne@crossproductions.co.uk

Contributors The Miller Partnership, Glynis Wright, Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Riders, St Martins House, Soar Valley Press, Abbots Oak, Barrie Stephen Hair, RDZ PR.

SALLY SMITH

LIAM DEACY

SALES DIRECTOR 07931 220 116

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

sally@crossproductions.co.uk

liam@crossproductions.co.uk

Photography & Video courtesy of: Joe Whitmore 07887 812 321 jwhitmorephoto.co.uk Peter Higgins conkers3.com conkersthree@yahoo.com

KERRY SMITH

SUSAN HOLMES DESIGN EDITOR

SENIOR JOURNALIST

susan.holmes@crossproductions.co.uk

kerry@crossproductions.co.uk

JESS HEWITT

EMILY KIRTON JOURNALIST

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

emily.kirton@crossproductions.co.uk

jess.hewitt@crossproductions.co.uk

0116 271 2573

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Official Media Sponsors of the Leicester Riders

Also Sponsoring Robbie’s Rugby Festival Leicester Law Society Awards Hope Against Cancer Rainbows Dorothy Goodman Academy

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.

nichemagazine.co.uk Published by Cross Productions Ltd 17 Mandervell Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5LR info@crossproductions.co.uk

Distribution Media Matters Direct Mediamattersdirect.co.uk Self Select Distribution Selfselectdistribution.co.uk

A WORD FROM JENNY

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believe education is the most important tool you can receive in life. Education lessens the challenges you will face and success relies on knowledge and experience – something that can be gained at any stage of life. The more knowledge you gain the more opportunities will open up to allow you to achieve better possibilities in your career and personal growth. We are lucky enough to live in a city that thrives on educational excellence. This issue we have taken the time to talk to a number of leading education providers to give you an insight into their offering.

Having been invited to become an entrepreneur in residence for DMU, I am excited to take on the role and have an impact on shaping some of tomorrow’s leaders.

You will see our cover story for July is Leicester Castle Business School, which is under the leadership of Professor Dana Brown. Their senior management team are truly outstanding.

It’s been an exciting couple of months since I last wrote to you; and in this time we have had the results through for the semi-finalists of the Niche Business Awards 2018, which you can see on page 106. Everything is back with our judging panel ready for the finalists to be shortlisted. Keep an eye out Friday August 10 when we will reveal who has been shortlisted. Tables and seats are now available to book

nichemagazineuk

@magazineniche

for the big night itself, which for its fourth year will be held at Athena on Friday September 7.

We have welcomed Liam Deacy to our team as Business Development Manager and with him have come a number or great sporting relationships. As we have confirmed our sponsorship with Leicester Riders as their official media sponsor for the fourth season running, we met up with retiring Captain Tyler Bernardini to talk about life outside of sport. Anders Mankert told us about his plans for the new Leicester Golf Centre, Leicester legend Steve Walsh joins us with his new column on Leicester City and we had the great pleasure of sitting down with England legend Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne on his move to Leicester.

I can’t sign off without extending my congratulations to Mike Kapur MBE who has been chosen by the Queen as the new Lord-Lieutenant of Leicester. He has succeeded Lady Jennifer Gretton as the monarch’s representative for the county on June 14 when she retired.

As well, huge recognition also goes to our contributor Eileen Richards MBE of Eileen Richards Recruitment in Leicester who has been given an MBE for her efforts to promote female entrepreneurship.

#FindYourNiche

CONTENTS EDUCATION

08 10 11 12

Preparing students for the workplace Gartree High School Loughborough Endowed Schools COVER STORY: Leicester Castle Business School 21st Century Learning

NEWS

15 16 18 20

Business News Sarah Harrison Investing in Leadership ER Recruitment

BUSINESS FOCUS

JULY / AUGUST 2018

LIFESTYLE

62 64 65 66

Fothergill Wyatt Michael John Flooring Chrysalis Interiors Property Columns

Featuring Fothergill Wyatt, John-Paul Dumbell, Michael John Flooring,

68 GARDENING

Featuring Leicestershire Garden Design, Bentley’s Garden Buildings, and Michael Wheat Ponds

70 Bentley’s Garden Buildings 74 Prostate Cancer Awareness 76 Health

22 22 23 25 29 33 34

Debbie Moore Coaching Utility Warehouse Nucleus HR Financial Management Finance Lab The Mediation Centre Legal columns

Featuring Rossell Fitness, Beauty by Marie, Fit for Industry

Featuring Paradigm Wills & Legal Services, Glynis Wright & Co and Hollingsworth Solicitors

83 86 88 90

Aumspas Food Court Abbots Oak The Dimblebee Catering Company

36 Legal columns

Featuring Josiah Hinks, Halo Consulting and Paradigm Wills & Legal Services

39 40 43 46 47 48

Leicestershire Law Society Sales Management The Ideal Marketing Company Incite Video Marketing and SEO Business Innovation

Featuring RDZ PR, Soar Valley Press and Iosys

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

52 St Martins House 54 Kwoklyn Wan 55 Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground

MANUFACTURING

58 Edward Cooper Young 60 Thorpes Joinery

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Featuring Aumspas, Priti Coles and My Solution Wellbeing

77 Oakdale Dental 79 My Solution Wellbeing 80 Beauty and Wellbeing Columns

SPORTS

94 Leicester Racecourse 97 Sports

Featuring Oadby and Leicester Gymnastics Club and Leicester Golf Centre

98 Paul Gascoigne 100 Tyler Bernardini

SOCIAL

106 Niche Business Awards semi-finalists revealed 113 Tracey Miller Culture 113 Amwell Care Home 116 Social Pages

Featuring Leicestershire Law Society, Cross Connections Business Expo, SVP Golf Day

JENNY CROSS

Diversity in the top 200

12 COVER STORY

Leicester Castle Business School

43 The Ideal Marketing Company

Once the humble home of predominantly the textile industry, Leicester’s economy today is hugely diverse and impacts sectors such as quarrying, construction, manufacturing, food production, commercial services, sport and retail.

In the last year alone, Leicester’s growth has been monumental with the top 200 of 2018 business list – compiled by De Montfort University’s Beverly Vickerstaff – being topped by businesses with a combined turnover in excess of £4 billion.

This year’s overall winner on the prestigious list is from the car manufacturing industry; The Sytner Group with a turnover of £4.8 billion. Also noted should be their 13 per cent increase in turnover whilst Barratt Developments, the 2017 winners, was runner up, and retailers Next, the 2016 winners, was listed in third place.

The top 200 is compiled from turnover figures.

We can’t ignore the impact we have made on the sporting world with Leicester City Football Club. The club has climbed a staggering 20 places on the list from 41 to 21 on the basis of an increase of more than 80 per cent as a result of becoming Premier League Champions in 2016, and the club’s first and successful UEFA Champions League campaign, reaching the quarter finals, which was the best result of any English club in 2017.

In other news

98 Paul Gascoigne

Retail is set to enjoy a further boost with Nestlé revealing it will be opening a transport and logistics base on 640,000sq. site at the Segro East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park. The company has described the space as a “digital warehouse of the future”. The warehouse will open in 2020.

NICHE | 07

BUSINESS FOCUS

Bridging the gap between education and the workplace Leaving the education system and starting out on a career can, for many students, present a range of challenges. Many roles require specific experience, some students may have chosen paths that are highly competitive, and some may have difficulty finding a role that matches their qualifications APPRENTICESHIPS APPEAR TO BE STILL AN AFTERTHOUGHT FOR MANY SCHOOLS WHEN IT COMES TO ADVISING THEIR STUDENTS...

MEETING SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS ALLOWS STUDENTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO ACHIEVE SIMILAR CAREERS AIMS

KATH KELLY Principal at Beauchamp College, and CEO of Lionheart Academies Trust

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olistic development and academic excellence are at the core of the Lionheart Trust. We strive to equip every learner from every background for the world of work, encouraging career aspirations as much as academic ambitions. This starts in year seven, with a ‘World of Work’ day and enrolling them on startprofile.com. This might seem early but we believe that personal, academic, and career goals will give even our youngest learners a vision of where they should aim. As part of this we have a careers coordinator on our pastoral team supporting a wide variety of career-focused needs from arranging work experience and offering advice on career pathways, to facilitating apprenticeships.

Our Monday career guidance talks are popular with students wanting to learn more from speakers working in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, and finance. Meeting successful professionals allows students to have a better understanding of how to achieve similar careers aims. We also have parent ambassadors and community governors happy to share their experiences of work and training.

We know that getting students workplace-ready means nurturing all career aspirations and offering the right support for all learners to be the best they can be.

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CHARLOTTE MORELAND Managing Director at Training for Business

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eaving school and progressing into adulthood is a daunting time in itself without the added pressure and confusion of what to do next. Schools have a huge focus on the university route, but what about other forms of further education?

The job market has shifted over the years and the notion of going to university and landing your dream job immediately after is often no longer a realistic objective. Out of the 14 million graduates in the UK last year, more than half of them were working in jobs that did not require a degree.

A recent study showed that out of the 460 school leavers questioned, 30 per cent did not know what apprenticeships were, more than 95 per cent hadn’t heard of degree level apprenticeships, and 55 per cent did not know where to look other than on Google.

Apprenticeships appear to be still an afterthought for many schools when it comes to advising their students on the next steps post-exams. There is still a stigma attached to apprenticeships. However, with the introduction of degree level apprenticeships, new apprenticeships standards, and various other changes to make apprenticeships more accessible, it is time that we start regarding apprenticeships as on par with university degrees.

Preparing Students

LEAVING SCHOOL AND PROGRESSING INTO ADULTHOOD IS A DAUNTING TIME IN ITSELF WITHOUT THE ADDED PRESSURE AND CONFUSION OF WHAT TO DO NEXT

JAMIE THORPE Commercial & Marketing Manager at Thorpes Joinery

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he working world is an extremely different place to that of education in many ways and with a drop reported in the number of graduates in skilled work compared with last year, it would seem that this disparity in environment is growing larger still. This issue is not limited to the UK. Worldwide, many businesses are reporting a lack of skilled workers, despite a huge number of young adults searching for employment.

There is perhaps not only a gap in environment but also in perceptions. It is becoming increasingly clear that possessing a degree is perhaps not enough to secure employment as, instead, companies are beginning to look at demonstrable experience and the skills that come with this.

More onus therefore needs to be placed on schools and universities to not only prepare their charges academically, but also to provide skills that are relevant today to succeed in the workplace. Skills such as critical thinking, networking, problem solving and teamwork are not simply taught but often gained through real world experience.

To that end, greater collaboration between educators and businesses to provide internships and work experience seems to provide a potential solution.

These placements can provide a taste of what the world of work is all about, whilst allowing the individuals to develop those skills that both employers and job seekers say are crucially lacking.

OECD FOUND THAT 52 PER CENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE (25 – 34) HAVE A DEGREE, HND OR SIMILAR, AND 36 PER CENT HAVE A TRADE OR OTHER MID-LEVEL QUALIFICATION

HELEN DONNELLAN Director of Business Engagement at De Montfort University

R ABOUT ONE-IN-FIVE GRADUATES WERE IN LOW OR MEDIUM SKILLED JOBS ON AVERAGE ACROSS THE WHOLE OF THE WORKING POPULATION

ecruitment of new staff is an ongoing issue for businesses of all sizes across Leicester and we hear a lot about how difficult it is to find staff with the right skills. This is especially the case for small businesses that do not have the capacity or time to use resources searching for the best candidates.

De Montfort University works with small businesses to support them to recruit graduates, but we often hear that graduates require further training once they start work so we are asking businesses to help us develop the best work-ready’ graduates. We hope that by introducing our students to the business environment before they graduate they will learn some of the skills that you as businesses value.

DMU is proud to launch #DMUworks: an exciting new programme offering students a breadth of professional experiences locally and overseas, and employers the benefits of working with new talent in ways that support their organisations.

Are you thinking of recruiting in the near future? Do you want to influence which employability skills today’s graduates need?

Can you help us prepare tomorrow’s local workforce to become ready for work?

DMU has great ambitions for its students and their place in the global workforce. We want to work with employers to offer opportunities to help get our students work-ready using the Professional Experience Options.

If you would like to propose an opportunity, or simply wish to find out more please email us on dmuworks@dmu.ac.uk and one of the team will be delighted to speak with you.

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A family of schools for all the family In the heart of Loughborough sits a group of independent schools unlike any other in the area

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oughborough Schools Foundation is quite exceptional due to the fact that hidden behind its treelined and manicured sports field façade sits a close-knit family of five schools.

Starting from six weeks old up to the age of four years is The Nursery, which is open 51 weeks of the year. Moving on, there is Fairfield Prep School, for children aged 3 to 11, where the new building offers state-of-theart facilities in light and spacious classrooms each with a covered outdoor play space.

Across the way is the historic Loughborough Grammar School for Boys, which was established in 1495, the exemplary Loughborough High School for Girls and also, Loughborough Amherst School; a Catholic school that welcomes ‘pupils of all faiths or none’. The Amherst School currently has a co-ed prep school and a high achieving school for girls aged from 11 to 18, and from September 2019 the senior school will also

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become fully co-educational.

Collectively, the schools offer parents across the East Midlands a unique opportunity for those choosing an independent education for their children. From the age of just six weeks old all the way to exam success at 18 years, a child and siblings can enjoy their whole educational journey in one beautiful, happy and richly multicultural family campus.

Although each is distinct, the schools share a tangible kindred spirit and educational ethos.

From the very youngest entrant to confident teenagers studying A Levels, Loughborough Schools Foundation encourages all pupils to be well-mannered, happy and self-reliant individuals in addition to presenting schooling opportunities for pupils to become the best version of themselves.

For those with siblings it’s one drop-off and one pick-up. An extensive transport network of school buses operates across the East Midlands, and for children

FROM JUST SIX WEEKS OLD ALL THE WAY TO EXAM SUCCESS AT 18, A CHILD AND SIBLINGS CAN ENJOY THEIR WHOLE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY IN ONE HAPPY MULTICULTURAL FAMILY CAMPUS

stepping up to senior school there is a natural progression rather than the shock of different and new. Friendships endure, bonds are formed and the senior schools are able to offer parents the choice of both co-education and single-sex education.

This togetherness offers parents and pupils so many benefits. The encouraging and attentive teaching staff and wonderful facilities provide opportunities for every pupil and an All-Steinway Music School, excellent STEM teaching and facilities, a Forest School, over 100 co-curricular clubs, and immaculate grounds and sports pitches are just some examples of this.

A visit to Loughborough Schools Foundation will demonstrate how inclusive, joyous and vibrant this family of schools is. For further details or to arrange a tour, please visit our website. lsf.org

NICHE FEATURE

Seeing students

over the finish line Gartree High School has taken on GSCEs – Niche finds out more

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artree High School has made the transition from a middle school to an all-through 11 -16 secondary school – and next year will see its first ever set of GCSE results.

Years of careful preparation have gone into the change, with new subjects, lessons and experiences introduced. This May saw Year 10 students take part in work experience for the first time – a fully-funded experience, with placements ranging from Leicester University, local vet practices, educational placements and more.

Gartree has long been a centre of educational excellence, demonstrated in their most recent Ofsted inspection in which it achieved ‘outstanding’ ratings.

The students’ best interests and success remain the focus of every decision made at the school.

Its new status means taking students through from Year 7 to Year 11. Gartree has always prepared its students for GCSEs through its excellent KS3 curriculum. Now, teachers are able to see the students through to the completion of their exams without unnecessary disruption.

Deputy Headteacher Mr B. Rackley said: “The students are not having to settle into a new school at a time when they need to concentrate on their GCSEs and studies. This allows the teachers and pastoral staff to work with

students they already know well.

“Having already built strong relationships, and knowing which approaches work best, our experienced and accomplished teachers have the edge they need to maximise their impact and support students through GCSEs.” Students in Year 10 have welcomed the individual encouragement received. They’re able to discuss their progress with staff and receive specialised instruction in classes big enough to inspire but not so big that they’re lost in a sea of faces.

Head teacher Ms S. Singleton explained that Gartree teachers encourage young people to take charge of their lives. They have already created an upper school based on boldness and ambition, and academic excellence built on strength of character.

She commented: “The essential foundations of an outstanding KS3 experience – familiar routines, values and friendships – strengthen and broaden as students move into KS4. These positive learning experiences form the bedrock for their GCSE courses.

“Students are given a lot of advice and guidance from teachers that know them well – subject experts that can link current strengths, attributes and interests to university courses and careers.

WHATEVER COURSES THEY TAKE, WHATEVER PATH THEY CHOOSE, THEY’LL FIND THE UPPER SCHOOL AN INSPIRATIONAL PLACE TO LEARN

“Year 10 is based on focused study, creativity and trying new experiences.”

Gartree has invested in new learning spaces such as a KS4 study and learning hub, and a separate upper school dining area and common room to nurture personal and intellectual confidence in a fun and exhilarating environment.

“This is a time for our students to flourish and take ownership of their school experience,” she added. “Whatever courses they take, whatever path they choose, they’ll find the upper school at Gartree an inspirational place to learn. It combines all of the great elements of KS3 with the intellectual rigour and academic expectations of GCSE.” 0116 271 7421 gartree.leics.sch.uk

PEDALLING FOR JAMIE

In September the school will ride from London to Paris on Saturday 22 – Monday 24 September 2018 for The Children’s Trust for children with brain injury in support of Jamie McKechnie who was the subject of one assembly that aimed to inspire students. The keen BMXer made a miraculous recovery after a one-punch assault left him brain damaged. justgiving.com/GartreeHighSchool NICHE | 11

Localising

the global economy - starting with education

NICHE FEATURE

As the UK readies itself to enter a post-Brexit business world Niche finds out what the education sector is doing to prepare – we visited the ethical business school of the 21st Century that is Leicester Castle Business School

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resources to solve those problems.

If we can train the next generation to look at business from a different angle I would hope we could have some impact on the world.”

And a significant leap that would be, the Doctor of Political Science explained, as materials written for business schools are all about ‘bottom line profit’. She noted a gradual shift across many of these educational platforms introducing modules on ethics and sustainability but believes that Leicester Castle Business School is going beyond education as usual teaching wholly from this critical perspective. The school projects her personal approach to global business.

On life after Brexit she said: “I don’t

Professor Dana Brown Global to local

We’re challenging students a lot on what that [post-Brexit] world is going to look like. [There will be] a significant period of transition think that Britain’s most successful future cities are going to be defined by large scale manufacturing anymore – it’s going to be that flexibly, that enterprising nature, the ability to integrate communities as well as refugees and new immigrants; they know they can come to Leicester and be successful and that is very special and different from other cities. That is the recipe for success as we potentially enter into a post-Brexit environment.

“We’re challenging students a lot on what that [post-Brexit] world is going to look like. [There will be] a significant period of transition, and what we find when we talk to businesses is that that’s the period they’re most worried about, not five to ten years from now, but that period of regulations and supply chains changing and how they’re going to

▲

hallenging students and businesses alike, Leicester Castle Business School promises to ‘go beyond business as usual’ since it began paving a way for a new generation of leaders when the school opened in March 2016. De Montfort University’s £4.2m investment renovated the Great Hall of Leicester Castle seeing it become the business school’s headquarters.

Its mantra was coined by its Principal Professor Dana Brown; a businesswoman and educator from America, who was part of developing programmes and initiatives at Oxford University’s Said Business School.

She came to Leicester with hopes of creating a curriculum that broke away from traditional business practices and mindsets.

Niche sat in the Professor’s office decorated in muted turquoises and browns; a theme she has injected into the castle’s Great Hall upon her arrival.

She told us: “I found it to be a very enticing place to take the next step in my career. There was an opportunity to be really innovative and think about setting up the business school for the 21st Century that I thought we needed to have in this world, that’s why I came here and have not had any regrets since.”

With the aim of encouraging students to think with more of an open mind, including undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as executive students undertaking tailor made courses to improve their business and progress their career.

She explained that Brexit can be seen as a chance to change the business world as we know it emphasising the importance of ethical trading and how this can positively impact world issues.

“Going beyond business as usual means a number of things. It’s thinking about business and its purpose in a bigger and broader way and training the future generation to think that way.

Traditional business schools taught how to exploit assets for profitability – and look at the world we live in today as a result.

We have environmental damage, continued poverty and problems in the world that we need to solve yet business has the power and the

Even as a child Professor Brown was interested in launching business. As a teen she worked with the former CEO of Woolworths who was launching a new business in her home town. It was from him she gained a real passion for enterprise. She then won a scholarship to study for a master’s degree in politics after which she became one of the first employees of Amazon. She returned to academia undertaking her PhD in political economy with an interest in business landscapes.

These combinations of expertise led her into the world of business schools and teaching the subject of thinking about markets in a broader perspective from a political and economic angle. Her career and education has taken her across America, and to Moscow, Cairo and Thailand. She has since worked at business schools for over 15 years – of which she spent most of her time at Oxford University – before she became Pro Vice Chancellor for Enterprise at DMU and Principal of Leicester Castle Business School.

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I think Leicester is a really special place for everything that it brings from the past: the tradition of manufacturing, the textile industry, and the amazing diversity cope with that. We look at some of those issues in detail with our students but also prepare them to be global citizens looking beyond Europe for opportunities.”

The school is taking particular stance on looking at how to make a local economy thrive. Professor Brown instills in her students the thinking of global opportunities in a way that creates more inclusive and dynamic local economies; backed by her belief that to be successful, businesses must ensure that local economies are benefitting from them.

“I think Leicester is a really special place for everything that it brings from the past: the tradition of manufacturing, the textile industry, and the amazing diversity,” she commented. “If you look at the number of new businesses that have been started by the immigrant community, the entrepreneurs we have in the city, this is a hub of innovation.

SMEs are the future of this country, as is small scale manufacturing, cutting down those supply chains, and thinking about more sustainable ways of doing business. Leicester is just ideally placed I think to grow as an economy.”

DMU has recently appointed Helen Donnellan as its Director of Business Engagement. The role requires Helen to work closely with local government and local businesses, which reflects the university’s desire to invest in relationships within the city.

16 | NICHE

A key part of Professor Brown’s students learning revolves around Leicester as a local economy and developing partnerships with Leicester companies. Having partnerships with Curve, LCFC, Leicester Business Festival, East Midlands Airport, law firms, accountancies, marketing companies, and many more, Leicester Castle Business School students have the opportunity to engage with the local community and are encouraged to help change it for the better.

But they don’t just learn about ways to change how the world does business.

They learn about themselves. Professor Brown told us: “I like students to learn how to network – that’s part of the lessons of life right? How do you go out there and introduce yourself to someone and make an impression? And we have staff from all over the world. They bring

a different perspective and linkages that our students can benefit from. It’s good for learning about global business but also a comfortable place to study because it is a very accepting place so no matter where you’ve come from you can come here and feel valued and part of our community.”

Believing that the environment in which you study is critical to success, the Slavic language expert said: “What I liked about the castle was that business shapes history in a big way and if you think about where we are sitting here in Leicester, this was the heart of the industrial revolution and this castle was at the centre of it – isn’t that an exciting place to be!”

Students aren’t confined to Leicester though. The DMU Global initiative allows trips to New York to be built into the curriculum. Last year 1,000 students visited Wall Street and the United Nations. The trips are designed to stretch students, inspiring them to look at the world in a unique way and take them out of their comfortable environment, changing their aspirations and empowering them.

Professor Brown summarised: “The world is changing very, very quickly.

The landscape for which businesses are operating in is changing quickly: new technology is coming into play as well as new political factors that will change the nature of the markets with which we engage in the future.”

Always on the lookout for new partnerships, she added: “Businesses always have to be at the top of their game in any area. Our academic staff are on the cutting edge of new innovations. They’re working closely with organisations all over the world, and to transfer that knowledge to the local business community I think is very powerful.”

To register interest in studying at, or partnering with, Leicester Castle Business School visit the website for more information. lcbs.ac.uk

BUSINESS NEWS LEICESTERSHIRE Sponsored by rdz-pr.co.uk #creatingabuzz

Swap ‘til you drop: Rock Kitchen Harris hosts charity swap shopraising over £1,500 for LOROS Rock Kitchen Harris hosted its very first swap shop on April 12 to help raise funds for LOROS Hospice. Despite the absence of a dated theme tune and Noel Edmonds, the Leicester-based creative agency managed to raise over £1,500 for the charity by selling raffle tickets, holding a silent auction and selling tokens for the swap shop.

The swap shop allowed employees to exchange vouchers that they had gained by bringing in unwanted items, for new clothes and accessories. In addition to the swap shop, there was a raffle, a silent auction, and Body Shop at Home representative Samantha Mollart was also on hand to give complimentary facials or hand and scalp massages and talk through her range of goodies, with 10 per cent of all sales going to LOROS. The event was kindly supported by local businesses that gifted items to the raffle including a distillery tour

for two people from Burleigh’s Gin and barista lessons from 200 Degrees Coffee. Further prizes were generously donated by Delilah Deli, Ragdale Hall Spa, Holland & Barrett, Phoenix Cinema, Argento, Leicester Gin & Rum Festival, Set, Exchange Bar, Kibworth Shooting Ground, Everards and Boden.

Alongside the raffle, a silent auction gave bidders the chance to win either a seven-course taster meal and wine for two at Leicester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant John’s House, or a spa day for two at Champneys Springs, courtesy of both companies.

Paul Sculthorpe, Director at Rock Kitchen Harris, said: “The huge amount we raised is a testament to the success of the evening and I’d like to thank the businesses that kindly supported us on behalf of everyone at Rock Kitchen Harris. Having worked with LOROS for a number of years now, we are

exceptionally proud to be handing over a cheque for £1,512. Their work is both invaluable and fundamental to terminally ill people and their families in the local area, so we hope our donation allows them to continue to help those in need.”

Hospital team recognised for patient care Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital is continuing its outstanding record in the provision of high quality care to patients and its commitment to staff development with the announcement that seven of its healthcare team has completed the HCA Foundation Quality Care Programme.

Tim Shewbridge, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health’s Leicester Hospital, said: “We are delighted that the team has successfully completed the programme as it encompasses the Nuffield Health values and behaviours and embeds the key competencies of the care certificate into the team’s day to day work. The certificate is a huge recognition of their commitment to the care of our patients.”

The programme has been designed to provide a

professional foundation to the work undertaken by healthcare assistants using a mixture of online and continuing education.

It requires a significant commitment from participants with 11 modules of learning to be completed over a 12 month period.

John McShane, Theatre Healthcare Assistant, said: “The programme was a big commitment to fit in around the practicalities of work and family life but it has been a great learning experience for me and I am delighted to receive the certificate.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Festive Summer

in the City

Summer in the city is one of my favourite times, as the weather heats up so does Leicester’s festival season. If you missed Leicester Riverside Festival in June then don’t worry there are a host of festivals to enjoy throughout the summer months. Sarah Harrison, City Centre Director

Open Streets

Last Sunday of every month A new monthly free festival celebrating people-friendly streets for families.

Arrive on foot, bike, skateboard, rollerskates or bus! Free guided rides and walks including graffiti art walks and rides and heritage walks and rides.

Sign up for organised neighbourhood rides to and from Open Streets at Market Square letsride.co.uk

Let’s Ride Leicester Rathayatra Festival of Chariots Sunday 15 July

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots is one of the biggest processions in the Midlands. The 40ft chariot, carrying the Deities of Lord Jagannatha will be hand pulled through the city centre and celebrated with music, dancing and singing. iskconleicester.org

Leicester Caribbean Carnival

Saturday 4 August Focusing on the Spanish cultural traditions in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe, this year’s theme is ‘It’s Latino fiesta’.

A street parade oozing sound and colour will make its way to Victoria Park to the Carnival Village featuring a large funfair, performances on the main stage and tempting food. leicestercarnival.com 16 | NICHE

Sunday 12 August A free mass family-friendly 6km bike ride for over 12,000 people celebrating Leicester’s streets and public spaces.

There’s plenty of entertainment along the route with music, BMX displays, Junk-art Bike Try-out, Spring Zone, Go-Ride and Rickshaws. letsride.co.uk/ events/Leicester

Sponsored by

rdz-pr.co.uk #creatingabuzz

Cosmopolitan Carnival

Saturday 18 August This spectacular arts festival celebrates the diverse cultures in Leicester with a variety of performances throughout the city centre hosting local, national and international talent. cosmopolitanarts. wordpress.com

Castle Classic Weekend Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August Round 4 and the penultimate race in this year’s British Cycling Road Series brings 120 of the fastest riders in the country back to the streets of Leicester, along narrow city streets from King Power to Castle over cobbles and around the Mile Straight. visitleicester.info

Journeys Festival International

Friday 17 – Sunday 26 August From music, digital arts and discussion to cutting-edge performance, Journeys Festival offers celebrates the artistic talents of local and international refugee artists.

Green Bicycle Mystery Weekend

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 August Join re-enactment rides and courtroom drama at Leicester Castle to discover the story of ‘The Most Fascinating Murder Mystery of the 20th Century’.

Leicester Belgrave Mela Sunday 19 August Star Plus and Belgrave Mela invite you to a day of scintillating entertainment and mouth-watering food. Enjoy a host of South Asian arts and cultural experiences and spot a bargain at the UK’s biggest shopping bazaar. leicester-mela.co.uk

City Festival

Saturday 18 – Monday 27 August City Festival celebrating everything we love about Leicester – right in the heart of the city. The ten fun-packed days will fill the city centre with street entertainment, sports, culture, music, art and heritage. Here are some of the highlights but keep up to date with what’s on by visiting visitleicester.info

Leicester Pride Saturday 1 September Leicester’s LGBT community comes together to parade through the city centre and the celebrations continue at Victoria Park with live music, food, bars, a street market and a funfair.

NICHE | 17

BUSINESS FOCUS

Why is investment in leadership beneficial?

As a business evolves the way it reaches out to consumers year on year, the leadership within a business should evolve concurrently. Training new leaders, and investing in current ones, could prove invaluable in the future of a company with many skills and experience being transferable

A BUSINESS’S REPUTATION ALSO RELIES HEAVILY IN HOW IT TREATS ITS STAFF. INVESTING IN EMPLOYEES SPREADS A POSITIVE IMAGE AND COULD INCREASE LOYALTY TO A COMPANY

LEANNE BONNER-COOKE MBE CEO at Evolve-IT Consulting Ltd

L

eadership investment is a hot topic for me right now as Evolve has invested in new board members in the shape of a new Managing Director, a NonExec Director and an FD. As an SME founder and CEO, my business has always been an extension of myself, so I knew that sharing the reins with a new senior management team would be a challenge.

However, I know that ultimately, our team expansion will allow us to grow and will provide us with new talent, new experience, and new contacts and opportunities.

Although the senior leadership team bring a wealth of experience, there is also much to learn from junior members of staff. We have recently invested in off-site time to learn more about each other and what we can achieve as a team. Off-site days help the team refocus without distraction and inhibition and most importantly, they provide the

18 | NICHE

senior team with invaluable ideas and insights they would never get in a weekly team meeting.

There is even a new trend in ‘reverse mentoring’, where new recruits and younger employees actually coach senior level managers.

This may be an extreme example, but the theory of reverse mentoring is not to be dismissed, as the intelligence on what isn’t working in a business tends to come from those on the front line. And how can the senior leadership team improve and grow a business if they don’t know where its weaknesses are? As people, being asked how we feel about a certain subject validates our experiences, therefore asking for upward feedback will provide positive feeling to your front line staff and they will invariably reward the business with hard work and loyalty that will trickle down to your customers: win-win!

Investing in Leadership

Creating leaders in your business A successful team relies upon great leadership. Leaders have the responsibility of navigating the business through, and learning from, drawbacks and achievements.

Think of an exemplary business leader – the person in your mind will be charismatic, assertive, appear to be organised, and express positivity in all they do. The business leader in your mind has risen to their position because of their ability to efficiently lead others whilst having a positive effect on those people.

As a business owner, making an investment into your team to produce leaders within your company expands your own leadership. Learning from others in the working environment has an impact on behaviour, flexibility, and ability to understand others. Learning outside of the business increases confidence and expands knowledge, influencing more of a broad-minded and unconventional thought process.

Having a vision of your business’s future, the future of your employees, and the future of the industry you work in is essential in growth and success.

LOUISE DONAGHY Head of Business Development and Executive Education at Leicester Castle Business School

A

re your leaders ready for the VUCA world? Whether it’s Brexit, digital advancements, generational differences (Gen Z is coming!), gender pay gap, artificial intelligence or environmental challenges, businesses are operating in an ever changing, disrupted world. Organisations today must respond to these external changes through continuous internal transformation which is the hallmark for the VUCA world we live in: VUCA is short for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (also a catch-all term for ‘it’s totally crazy out here!’).

The VUCA environment can either provide lucrative opportunities for business growth or sound the death knell of an organisation, particularly if the people within it are not prepared.

Successful leaders will have to visualise and anticipate these changes even before they occur and it has to be reflective in the strategies they create. How do they do this?

At Leicester Castle Business School, De Montfort University, we ‘Go Beyond Business As Usual’ to develop leaders for the VUCA world. Our vision and mission is to be nimble, fluid and adaptable to provide businesses with the opportunity to create bespoke and transformational educational investment for their employees. The educational experience we offer is immersive, interactive and cutting edge, delivered by pioneering thought leaders who are both academics and practitioners. We can make sure your leaders are ready!

LORNA CARLIN People Director at Mattioli Woods plc

T

he business environment continues to change at a rapid pace in response to client needs, technological developments, regulatory enhancements, and political uncertainty in an ever-demanding world.

Therefore, the pressure on leaders to become even more effective has never been greater. Hence the significant investment in our people to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to continue to be the best version of themselves.

As the edges between our work and personal lives continue to merge – largely due to advances in technology – our leaders need to support their teams in different ways, both in and out of the workplace.

To achieve truly productive and happy employees, we need to help them be healthy, both in body and mind. This means understanding each individual in the team, building strength through shared purpose so that they can work collaboratively together to outperform rivals.

At Mattioli Woods, we have been investing in our leaders at all levels through our Engage, Empower, Enable programme as we recognise that good leaders bring good business outcomes, and that happy employees deliver excellent client outcomes.

It starts with honouring people, collaborating together, encouraging diverse thinking, challenging behaviours and being focused on good outcomes to ensure that we deliver on our promises and strive to exceed expectations.

Good leadership starts with personal effectiveness, having a good understanding of our own strengths and opportunities, and aligning those to the overall business goals of Mattioli Woods plc.

NICHE | 19

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Recruitment

Attracting and recruiting the right person Eileen Richard Recruitment encourages businesses to review their recruitment process before recruiting additional candidates or replacing leavers. This begins by putting yourself in the shoes of a candidate looking for a job and understanding what makes your business an ‘Employer of Choice’

yet so often hiring managers do not allocate the time or commitment when interviewing

How to assess transferable skills:

EILEEN RICHARDS NEARLY FOUR IN FIVE CANDIDATES (78 PERCENT) SAY THE OVERALL CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE THEY RECEIVE IS AN INDICATOR OF HOW A COMPANY VALUES ITS PEOPLE

Managing Director at Eileen Richards Recruitment

H

ave you been trained on Competency and Behavioural Questions?

The first steps:

◆ Assess the key competencies for the particular position ◆ Review existing employees skills, do you have succession planning in place for somebody to move into the role? ◆ Write an attractive job advert relating to the key competencies desired, and why your organisation is a great place to work ◆ Select a route for advertising the role – internally through own media/recruitment agency ◆ Contrast received CVs to the job description assessing the candidate’s competencies in comparison to the role’s responsibilities ◆ Shortlist potential candidates and conduct a telephone interview ◆ Invite the successful candidates for a face to face interview

The importance of interview preparation:

National statistics show that the average cost of getting recruitment wrong to a business is £30K, this is why it is so vital to recruit the right people for your business. We place a high importance on candidates preparing thoroughly for an interview,

Is there such a thing as the ‘perfect candidate’? As a recruitment consultancy we often meet amazing candidates that just don’t quite meet the criteria ‘perfectly’. This could relate to qualifications, experience or personal attributes, consequently we encourage our clients to assess a candidate’s transferable skills against the competencies of the role and evaluate a candidate’s success on this basis.

Conducting a telephone interview:

We advise hiring managers to conduct telephone interviews. This is productive use of your time and gives you the opportunity to truly assess the skill set and motivation without giving up quality time to meet with candidates.

Reason for leaving:

Understanding the candidate’s real reason for leaving is crucial. You will never be given the real reason the first time.

How to close an interview:

Key things to consider: ◆ How to make a candidate feel excited about joining your organisation ◆ How long from interview to the offer being made?

Good candidates are not on the market for long ◆ Counter offers – quality candidates will be counter offered and so the importance of understanding their reason for leaving is key Preparing for an interview is so important, who is responsible within your organisation for hiring the right person for your business?

We offer training to businesses on successful interviewing. This can be onsite with all your managers or you can attend one of our workshops.

NICHE | 21

NICHE FEATURE

From breakup to breakthrough Niche finds out why conscious uncoupling is the way forward

G

wenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin used the term to describe their split in 2014 but after we heard of a new partnership between conscious uncoupling coach Debbie Moore and family lawyer Glynis Wright, we wanted to know more.

“Glynis recognises the trauma of divorce; her firm is there for the legal side and I’m here for the emotional side,” Debbie explains. According to the coach, conscious uncoupling is a journey that gives you the tools and insight to take control of pain, deal with emotions, move on in your life, and help children too.

“I went through a breakup that was quite frankly traumatic. I was so consumed by grief and anger in what felt like an unforgivable situation that if I didn’t do something to help me move on it could have destroyed me. That’s

when I found conscious uncoupling.”

Debbie combines her wealth of breakup and divorce experience with over 20 years’ working as a leadership coach. She extended her coaching offerings to show people how they can transition from a breakup to a breakthrough. “It’s a very powerful combination to find relief to better cope and move on stronger and happier in life, just like I did,” she tells us. “Ourselves, family and friends, although well intentioned, often want to blame but that can put you down the rabbit hole of despair. If we put all the blame and attention on the other person it’s disempowering.

“If we shift focus and put the attention on ourselves and see our own patterns we can be more aware of how we’re showing up. Taking just three per cent of the responsibility

makes your needs matter and is where you find the opportunity to trust yourself again. That’s where you find your power.”

As opposed to therapy, coaching works focuses mainly on moving you forward. Her programme invites people to work on what they want next in life.

“Divorce is overwhelming and such a shock to the system. It’s been compared to bereavement as you’re grieving and losing what you imagined your future to be. But you can get over it, you can move on – and in a healthy way.”

If you are suffering after a breakup, contact your doctor or Debbie Moore Coaching.

07808 783 483 debbiemoorecoaching.com

Utility Warehouse:

The Incentives

“A

The discount club has excellent incentives for their business partners – local distributor David Goadby speaks highly of the part time job that he runs from home allowing him to pursue other roles in his life

s a distributor and mentor, I enjoy a great deal of flexibility in my working life. I tutor mathematics: KS2, KS3, GCSE up to A Level,” David tells us. “I love making the subject more accessible and fun for my students. I am lucky enough to get fulfilment through both of my roles thanks to the flexibility of Utility Warehouse.”

In addition to his working life, David is quite the adventurer setting himself and his wife Anne a ‘bucket list’ of adventures to complete as they reached their 40th wedding anniversary. Their ‘40 Things’ list included becoming volunteers for Hope Against Cancer charity; a garden party; a visit to Glastonbury (not the festival); staying in a windmill, a family photoshoot; a day as a tourist around Leicester; and even trips

22 | NICHE

to the Arctic Circle and South America.

Anne, who was a paediatric ward sister and health visitor before retirement, also became an ambassador for Menphys.

Becoming a partner of the company (a distributor), can grant financial freedom, the ability to help others, top up your pension, gain more free time, meet new people, and work on your personal development.

A distributor simply spreads awareness of the altogether better deals households can achieve with gas, electricity, landline, broadband and mobile services all on one bill. Partners can start and indeed, should they wish, cease their Utility Warehouse journey, at any time.

Receiving free training for life, a residual income, plus an amazing array of incentives and rewards such as cash

bonuses, holidays, and much more, becoming a distributor provides a wonderful chance to gain a work/life balance.

Anne is looking for volunteers for Hope Against Cancer: to help at a fashion show fundraiser and awareness evening to be held this autumn and to promote their charity Christmas jumpers for local schoolchildren. Anne is also spearheading the Menphys Mile in local schools educating and raising awareness of the charity’s work through promoting health and wellbeing and community engagement.

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

CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO! TONI ROBINSON With all eyes on the recent media storm surrounding Plimlico Plumbers, it has no doubt left you confused as to the status of your self-employed contractors – or are they now workers?

Or worse: employees?

For me, the surprise of this case is that it got all the way to the highest court in the land, without determining that the claimant was a worker before this challenge.

After all, he worked solely for the respondent for six years, wore their uniform, leased a van with a GPS tracker and, following a heart attack, requested to reduce his working days from five to three. The respondent denied his request.

The flip side, which will no doubt now need to be addressed by a HMRC Tribunal is that whilst the claimant was VAT registered, both he and the respondent benefited from paying significantly less tax and National Insurance as a result of their arrangement.

There are several tests applied when assessing the status of a contractor or worker. The tests applied when assessing the status of the services provided have been in force for many years and include (but not limited to): • The Right of Substitution – where the contractor can subcontract the work to an alternative contractor of

equal competence without company objection.

• No Mutuality of Obligation – neither party is obliged to offer or accept any work.

• Control – there should be limited (if any) control on the provision of the services by the contractor.

The media will have you believe that this is a ‘shake up’ of the ‘gig economy’, whereas in my view, it’s a correction of the previous courts mistakes in a case where the respondent clearly had too much control.

07960 418 494 nucleushr.com

Nucleus HR are not like other HR services in the market place. We take time to review your company business plan and evaluate any existing HR practices. We then set out to design a HR strategy specific to your needs that works on transforming your commercial approach to HR, resulting in us working together to achieve your objectives in a more efficient timeframe, ensuring we all succeed.

It was important to us that as an organisation we should work with a company that we could build a partnership with and ultimately put our trust in. I have always been delighted with the way Toni and Nucleus HR have supported us. Firstly protecting us from areas of risk, and then driving forward both the practical and strategic HR plans, from recruitment, training & development, performance management right through to exit management.

No area of HR is left unturned – all delivered by commercial HR professionals who take time to integrate with our business. Without a doubt this has really contributed to my business moving forward.

Marcus McGee, MD Cloudy2Clear UK Ltd

Evaluate • Transform • Succeed tel: 07960 418494

email: info@nucleushr.com

www.nucleushr.com

NICHE | 23

How to take care of

cash flow

Cash flow, according to research, is an issue that eliminates one in four small businesses a year Here are a few methods to implement into your business strategies making sure the statistics don’t affect you.

1

Some businesses cost more to start up than others.

You might want to choose one that suits your long term budget – even if you’re not at that stage in your plan yet. No matter where you are in your business journey, know that the more well-known you are in your field, the more likely you are to build a customer base quickly. Do this by networking, blogging, vlogging, tweeting, posting and sharing! Many start-ups also don’t realise the different avenues of funding that are available. Organisations such as LLEP can help discover funding avenues.

2

Never end the search for money. Some small businesses rely on friends and family and that’s OK to start but you need to be thinking ahead of the game.

Always think ahead to the future. You might have enough

cpa

cash in the bank right now but what about next year or in five years’ time? Get talking to business owners who have been in the game longer than you, if they started in the same boat as you they’re likely to give you lots of advice – and who knows, they may even want to invest in your company.

3

It’s great when you make a big sale but don’t get too excited straight away. You need to understand what this client/customer is like. Make sure you do the appropriate credit checks on the company/individual in order to see what their history is like. Then, make sure you outline how many days they have to pay clearly. Sometimes, it can be best to decline the sale if they seem a cause for concern but before you do, it’s worth looking at discounts you can offer them if they pay more quickly or buy in bulk.

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Financial Management

Financial Management Net Profit Margin, Gross Profit Margin, Comparative Expense Analysis, Profit by Segment – what implications has one of the these finance management systems had on you and your business?

WHAT’S CONSIDERED A GOOD MARGIN IS RELATIVE. SOME INDUSTRIES – LIKE FINANCIAL SERVICES, PHARMACEUTICALS, MEDICAL, AND REAL ESTATE – HAVE SKY HIGH PROFIT MARGINS WHILE OTHERS ARE MORE CONSERVATIVE. INDUSTRY STANDARDS CAN BE USED AS A BENCHMARK AND AN INTERNAL YEAR-OVER-YEAR COMPARISON CAN BE USED TO ASSESS YOUR PERFORMANCE

IAN BORLEY East Midlands Senior Partner and Head of KPMG Enterprise in the Midlands

I

n the UK, there is no prescribed policy over exactly what costs are included in cost of sales (and therefore affect gross profit) and those included in overheads (below the gross profit line). The comparison of gross margin between sectors and individual companies can therefore be difficult.

However, regardless of how costs are presented in the accounts, it is important to understand where the business makes money and where the loss-makers are. I see many companies that rely on the total profit and loss account numbers but fewer who really understand the profitability of individual products, and even less that look at customer profitability. The latter also needs to include the ‘costs to serve’ – we all have customers that demand more than others (more frequent deliveries, just-intime, etc.) and an accurate assessment of customer profitability needs to take that into account. The trick here is to take into account all the costs associated with the sale of an individual product to an individual customer; not just the traditional direct costs of production.

The results of such analysis can be very revealing: we have seen clients being able to double their profits, from lower turnover, by dropping (or re-engineering) their lossmaking products and customers. Often, this also leads to significant improvements in the company’s cash flow.

JAMIE STEADMAN Client Director at MNE Accounting

G IF YOU’RE SELLING THE SAME PRODUCTS AND YOUR GROSS PROFIT MARGIN IS DECREASING YEAR-OVERYEAR, YOU NEED TO FIND A WAY TO REDUCE DIRECT PRODUCT COSTS OR RAISE PRODUCT PRICES

ross profit margin is the proportion of money left over from your revenue after taking away your cost of goods sold (COGS). This is shown as a percentage, so the lower your gross profit margin figure, the more sales needed to make a decent profit.

It’s not uncommon for us to work with a business owner who has been under-forecasting the profits of their business for years in the belief that they have a good gross profit margin. Perhaps the most obvious way to improve your margin is to increase your prices but this can be to the detriment of losing customers.

Where we’ve improved gross profit margins dramatically is by focusing on a business’s operations and stock management. For a hair salon group, before our support, they had little control over stock and no tool in place to accurately measure the impact of how the stock was used. Using some comparisons, we worked out what margins they were operating at to a very detailed level.

This gave us our starting position which enabled us to work out where they were going wrong. We helped them to recruit someone to manage their stock, integrated stock management software, which in turn reported back to our bookkeeping team. We brought their in-salon product spend down from 24 per cent to 16 per cent of sales saving just short of £100,000 a year. The salon gained £47,000 profit, cash that just didn’t exist the previous year.

NICHE | 25

Accountants to the Leicester Riders

Congratulations on achieving the Triple Crown two years running!

Riders do the numbers on the court, Torr Waterfield off the court.

Call 0116 242 3400 or visit www.torrwaterfield.co.uk

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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

TAARs and anti-phoenixism:

Pete Miller of The Miller Partnership can guide you through the new rules Changes to TAARs – the targeted anti-avoidance rules designed to stop businesses from liquidating and ‘phoenixing’ the trade – continue to be a headache for many business owners.

As I’ve mentioned before, many businesses are fearful of falling foul of the new rules, and their concerns have not been eased by the poor guidance issued by HMRC, which is too vague and brief in parts.

Phoenixing is where a business owner liquidates their company and takes the profits as capital, paying only 10% tax in many cases, then continues the same trade in another company or as a sole trader or partnership.

Under TAARs, HMRC can treat these profit extractions as dividends, charging tax at up to 38.1%. That’s clearly quite a difference in tax rate, so business owners and their advisers need to know exactly how HMRC applies the anti-avoidance test.

Uncertainty increases compliance costs, and it can mean businesses being wrongly targeted – leading to extra expense and anxiety for business owners while at the same time failing to improve the Government’s tax take.

As a corporate tax specialist, I am regularly invited to speak at tax seminars on Transactions in Securities, including the latest changes to anti-phoenixism TAARs. In this role I talk about how the rules came about, explain how the rules work and guide people through the pretransaction clearance application process.

So, if you’re struggling to make sense of TAARs and need expert advice, talk to us. The Miller Partnership is happy to advise you on preparing your tax return and assist you with HMRC enquiries.

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

Success Story Tight cash flow control for men’s fashion retailer Turnover: £1.5m Branches: 3 Employees: 12

0116 255 2422 hello@mneaccounting.co.uk mneaccounting.co.uk

With two peak seasons in the fashion calendar, purchasing, stock management and cash flow are important challenges for this business to overcome.

The management information we provide enables our client to make informed decisions and provides accurate insight into the margins to expect. Keeping on top of cash flow gives our client a competitive advantage in such a demanding industry.

NICHE FEATURE

What does your

money story say about you?

The Finance Lab is known for its unique approach – Niche experiences the process firsthand

H

aving met Rajesh Modha, owner of Finance Lab, at a number of events and working alongside him as a partner of the Leicestershire Law Society, Niche was interested to find out more about the offering Finance Lab had developed.

Having been trained by the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, Rajesh works from the strongly held belief that your wealth should be used to maximise your return on life.

Rather than trying to sell the next best investment, he concentrates on understanding an individual, their plans and aspirations, what worries them about their future, what obstacles they perceive, and their story around money. Only then can a meaningful financial plan be created.

Niche interviewed the qualified chartered financial planner on the concept – or was it the other way around?

Niche: Why do you choose to work backwards?

Rajesh: We ask what someone wants from life. Once you understand what that lifestyle looks like we can add the numbers to it and arrange a plan to match their aspirations.

N: Do you find there is a common answer to that question?

R: A lot of people have never been asked that question so it

can be a bit uncomfortable. Most people are on a treadmill feeling they need to go to work and earn as much money as they can hoping everything will turn out OK. My responsibility is to provide the space and time to really think about it. Most want to be financially secure and ‘happy’. We then try to understand what that looks like for them, so it is not a traditional IFA process.

N: Take us through it.

R: The point of our meetings is to understand them and explore all the options in life. Life is not just about money: it’s health, family, business, community, charity, and most importantly, time – wealth is just one component. Everybody has a money story and it’s my responsibility to understand it. So, tell me what would need to happen in five years’ time for you to believe you’ve been successful?

N: Erm, that’s a difficult question on the spot.

R: Exactly. Instead: if you had all the money you needed, what would your life look like now?

N: I’d probably be visiting lots of different places in the world.

R: So, you want to create wonderful memories. What if you have five years to live, what would you do?

N: I’d get on that plane. And I’d spend more time with my family.

I NEED TO EMPOWER YOU TO BELIEVE YOU CAN DO THOSE THINGS ONCE I’VE ADDED THE NUMBERS TO IT

R: What if your doctor said today is your last day, what did you not get to do?

N: I didn’t get to buy my family a bigger house, or see the world.

R: Finally, what’s your first memory of money?

N: School trips and how I wouldn’t ask to go on them because of the costs.

R: So potentially your relationship with money is that if you believe you don’t have enough of it you’re going to miss out on adventures.

Very quickly, your answers have told me what’s important to you.

Financial planning is strange in that it has everything to do with money but actually nothing at all.

I need to empower you to believe you can do those things once I’ve added the numbers to it. When it’s only about numbers there’s no sentiment but the decisions we make are all around emotion. If you understand your story, your investment experience in the long term is going to be a lot more successful.

What does your money story say about you? How will this affect your future?

0116 262 1414 financelab.co.uk NICHE | 67

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Litigation

What is Litigation?

Also known as dispute resolution, litigation is the process by which disputes between people and/or entities are resolved. This may be as primitive as the Tribal Leaders’ decision in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea or a decision by a highly sophisticated international court in The Hague

rules governing relations between corporations and individuals.

CHRIS GREENWELL Partner at Gateley PLC

M

aterial about the world’s litigation processes and its rules, history and laws would fill a library the size of Leicestershire, which makes this article a whistle stop overview! At their simplest, disputes are almost always about rights, money or assets.

All disputes start with a cause of action; the legal right to start a dispute that has any prospect of succeeding. These rights are usually contractual (stemming from a contract), Tortious (a collection of assorted rights that arise where one party causes another to suffer loss), Equitable (a collection of rights developed over long years by the courts designed to ensure fairness between parties), Fiduciary duties (a collection of legal obligations where one party is obliged to act in the best interest of another) or Statutory duties (where the state has codified obligations between parties).

The law distinguishes between the public law rules, which are those governing relations between parties and the state and private law, which are the

HOME TRUTHS

1 Think very carefully before litigating as ‘a matter of principle’, or making the claim as the Mafia would say: ‘personal’. This is a recipe for a very large bill. In other words, there is a lot to be said for biting your lip and moving on.

2 In litigation, especially over money or assets, there is rarely a complete winner or a complete loser.

3 However unjust it is, the party with the deeper pocket almost always has a very substantial advantage.

4 It can rapidly become very expensive.

Procedure The procedure varies significantly dependent on the type of dispute you have. The tribunal you proceed in also varies – but in all save the most urgent cases, whatever the type of claim whether public law or private law, the gist of the claim has to be notified to your opponent with sufficient detail to enable them to understand the claim and say if they agree, partially agree with you or are in dispute.

The courts are very busy and struggle to cope with the volume of litigation parties start. This means the courts always expect the parties to have done their very best to narrow the issues or better settle their differences altogether by formal agreement.

The sooner it is done the better – costs increase as the case goes on and parties can become entrenched quickly. If you can’t agree, your litigation commences. In simple terms, the parties formally describe their cases to the court.

The court sets an agenda to take the case to the judge who decides at trial who wins or loses.

The agenda will provide for disclosure, witness statements, expert evidence, and the logistics of getting all the evidence in clear order before the judge, with enough time to hear it.

Broadly speaking, solicitors drive strategy, interact regularly with the parties, and drive the litigation to a settlement or final court decision.

Barristers prepare statements of case and do the talking in court.

5 If you pay peanuts, there is a fair chance of getting monkeys. Ensure you have the right solicitor for your dispute.

6 It’s almost always better to settle than fight.

7 In England, normally the loser pays most of the winner’s costs. So if you litigate you risk your own solicitors bill and a fair chunk of your opponent’s solicitors bill.

8 The less you are arguing about, the less cost-effective it is to litigate – the costs can easily be the same arguing about £20,000 as £200,000. Low value does not mean uncomplicated.

NICHE | 31

The Litigation and Commercial Law Firm We help businesses, big and small, new and old. We help individuals, at home and at work.

Talk to us today to find out how we can help you.

19, New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TE

0116 204 7260 www.hlegal.co.uk mail@hlegal.co.uk

“We solve problems, from recovering a small debt to drafting complex contracts, a business break up to a restrictive covenant problem.�

Greg Hollingsworth Director

NICHE FEATURE

New

mediation centre

opens in Leicester Following the opening of The Mediation Centre in May, Niche hears from family mediator Ashwin Topiwala on the difference between court cases and mediation disputes

T

hought to be the first of its kind in Leicester, The Mediation Centre; a trading style of Dodds Solicitors LLP, has opened to help businesses, families and individuals resolve conflict without having to appoint a solicitor or go to court.

The centre, in Friar Lane, is staffed by professional mediators who have the knowledge, expertise and experience to assist in commercial, domestic and workplace disputes.

Ashwin Topiwala, a family mediator with 20 years’ experience, now also offers business and employment mediation services to a growing number of clients.

He said: “Often we find that disputes aren’t just limited to one part of someone’s life. It may well be that a couple who are divorcing might also run a

business together, possibly with others, creating a potential for commercial conflict.

“We are also able to assist in employment-related issues, such as where an employee feels they have been treated unfairly at work or in instances where an employer is having difficulties with a member of staff.

“The aim of mediation is to find a workable solution that both parties – including corporate entities or individuals – can agree on without having to resort to litigation. Our services are effective, confidential and impartial, and much more affordable than appointing a solicitor or going to court.

“It is also much less timeconsuming. Court cases can take months or sometimes years to be concluded, whereas mediation disputes can be settled in days or

THE AIM OF MEDIATION IS TO FIND A WORKABLE SOLUTION THAT BOTH PARTIES – CORPORATE ENTITIES OR INDIVIDUALS – CAN AGREE ON WITHOUT HAVING TO RESORT TO LITIGATION

even hours.”

Rooms at the centre, can be booked by the hour or all day if necessary – and in some cases legal aid is available. Mediators meet the parties privately initially to gain a clearer idea of the nature of the conflict and how it might be resolved.

Ashwin added: “Essentially, we provide a one stop shop, offering all mediation services under one roof in a setting that is central, comfortable, and confidential.

“By seeking mediation, businesses and individuals can negotiate the outcome for themselves, which can help rebuild trust and mend broken relationships.”

0116 201 8566 dodds-solicitors.co.uk/themediation-centre NICHE | 33

NICHE BUSINESS

Forum

NO FAULT DIVORCE

GREG HOLLINGSWORTH

SOLVING THE PROBLEM Litigation is inherently risky. Most clients don’t want to litigate and the courts actively encourage them to resolve their dispute both before and during court proceedings.

Working together, clients and lawyers should focus on a key question: ‘How do we solve the problem?’ It’s a question that needs to be repeated during the process. Most clients aren’t in the business of litigation and it’s an unwelcome distraction to their dayto-day business. But by focusing on this question, it means the case is regularly checked for solutions.

The solution might be a negotiated settlement. This would be run alongside putting the strongest case together to maximise the prospects of winning at trial or, even better, forcing your opponent into submission before you get there. The lawyer needs to balance the resources of the client and what is at stake. No lawyer worth his or her salt won’t be open to a settlement if it’s the right thing for the client. And that’s the key.

It’s about what the client wants.

Of course, your opponent might not be ready, willing or able to settle. That might be because they are not in a financial position to settle or they are set on their day in court. It’s then about your resolve to see it through and maximise your prospects at trial.

Cases can still settle on the steps of the court when their resolve may finally dissolve.

0116 204 7260 hlegal.co.uk 34 | NICHE

Last month the Supreme Court heard the case of Mr and Mrs Owens who have been married for nearly 40 years and separated in 2015. Mrs Owens has been trying to end the marriage since 2016 and has already been told by two different courts that she cannot have the divorce she seeks to end what she feels is a loveless and wretchedly unhappy marriage. Mr Owens has, so far, successfully argued that their marriage has not irretrievably broken down and convinced the court that the allegations that were made about his behaviour in the Divorce Petition were flimsy. Mrs Owens and all family lawyers are waiting to hear what the Supreme Court will decide.

Many of our clients seeking a divorce don’t realise that if they want to end their marriage without having to live separately for at least two years they will have to accuse their spouse of unreasonable behaviour or adultery.

The solicitors at Glynis Wright &

GLYNIS WRIGHT Co are all members of Resolution, an organisation of family lawyers which is campaigning for the introduction of no-fault divorce to avoid the acrimony that can be caused by parties airing their grievances in the Divorce Petition getting the divorce process off to the worst possible start. This ultimately can have a negative impact on everyone involved, particularly the children.

As family law specialists we can’t change the law, but all our solicitors do their utmost to reduce conflict and distress during the divorce process, especially as this helps to minimise the impact on the children of the family who must be placed first at all times.

0116 238 5680 glyniswright.co.uk

PREPAID FUNERAL PLANNING SATWINDER SIDHU The idea might seem a little morbid at first, but planning your own funeral can have many benefits in the long run.

Doing so will save your loved ones the heartache and the financial weight of organising it themselves, and you will be able to arrange the proceedings exactly as you want them. You can put plans in place that include locations, services and even flowers and songs if you want to.

If chosen wisely, a prepaid plan can also protect you from rising costs. Funeral costs can be met with protected funds according to your plans. A reputable provider will carry out a legal consultation on asset management and suggest flexible

funeral packages accordingly.

It’s important to buy a funeral plan from a recognised provider on you could run the risk of suffering if funeral directors or other companies go bust.

To ensure you receive compassionate support and care, find a company that is registered with the Funeral Planning Authority, and make sure your money is put into a trust that will be checked regularly to ensure it is protected – this will mean it is overseen by the FPA. For further information on funeral planning please get in touch.

0800 999 7750 paradigm-wills.com

THE DIVORCE TEAM IT’S ALL WE DO!

NICHE BUSINESS

VICKKI RIDGWAY

WHAT CAUSES CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS? Data provided by NHS Resolution indicates that claims that are a result of failures and delays in treatment and diagnosis cost the NHS more than any other.

In 2016/17 there were 2,668 successful claims closed by NHS Resolution, with damages totalling £397.5 million.

Between 2014/15 and 2016/17 the number of successful claims that were a result of failed/delayed treatment increased by 29 per cent.

This is hardly surprising given continually increasing waiting times; the number of cancer patients waiting for more than two months for treatment has doubled over seven years, and the number of people waiting for more than four hours in A&E has increased by 557 per cent since 2010.

In addition, there were 48 successful claims closed by NHS Resolution in 2016/17 relating to a failure to respond to an abnormal foetal heart rate, resulting in damages in excess of £136 million.

Year after year we face an ‘NHS Crisis’, with horror stories of people waiting to be treated in corridors or ambulances. Routine surgeries are being cancelled, causing continued pain and suffering for those waiting – and no doubt a deterioration in their condition leading to their escalation for emergency surgery.

The issue here is not the amount of costs being paid for legal representation but why the NHS does not learn from these mistakes.

0116 255 1811 josiahhincks.co.uk 36 | NICHE

Forum

WHY YOUR WILL NEEDS UPDATING Nearly two thirds of adults in the UK have not prepared a will, meaning that their possessions, money, property, and even dependent children could be left with someone they have not chosen.

Forty-two per cent of over 55s don’t have a valid will in place whilst 1.5 million people may have unknowingly made their will void by getting married. Marriage automatically revokes a will unless it is written in contemplation of marriage.

Other common errors found in wills are that they still include an ex-partner, don’t include a new relationship or, in some cases, not all the children are included as the will has not been updated since having more children, which can cause major issues.

We recommend that a will is

BHAVIN GANDHI reviewed every four to five years to ensure it is up to date with current situations and circumstances to avoid any of the above situations.

It’s always worth taking advice on whether your current will meets your requirements and has provided all possible options that are available when making a will. We are asked frequently by clients how they can ensure that their children’s inheritance is protected from future divorce or bankruptcy as they were never offered solutions to these issues before.

If you are in doubt or have any questions do get in touch.

0800 999 7750 paradigm-wills.com

SMALL OUTLAY: BIG BENEFIT As an employer you might wonder whether the outlay of Group Life Insurance (aka Death in Service) for your employees is worth it. It is. Here’s why…

My first point being the most obvious reason – a valued employee is a productive employee. Group Life Insurance pays a cash lump sum to the employee’s family in order to help secure their future and provide financial support. The result of providing the insurance for employees, which makes them feel highly valued, is an unbeatable opportunity to expand on your existing level of a duty of care for your employees. In turn, this will attract and retain employees in a very competitive marketplace.

In terms of cash outlay to benefit ratio, it’s an increasingly popular choice for businesses large and small costing no more than 0.5 per cent of a person’s salary. With no tax to pay on the premiums (it is not classed as

PAUL BRADLEY a ‘benefit in kind’ by HMRC) the cash lump sum is usually tax-free too.

Premiums are often also considered as an ‘allowable business expense’ offering a further cost saving benefit.

For your employees, it is the benefit of receiving high-quality life insurance where they might have struggled to obtain it privately especially if they have a history of health problems.

Providing Group Life Insurance for your employees is a sound investment which is often repaid in a more loyal and dedicated work force – and that is worth every penny!

0116 366 6866 halo-consult.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

reasons your will

is under threat

If you have a will you’ll understand the importance of legally securing your estate in the hands of your loved ones, but many do not realise that your wishes might not be as set-in-stone as you think they are

I

f a person has valid legal grounds, your will can be contested by them. Who would do this, and why? Perhaps a family member who you do not wish to inherit believes they have the right to your estate?

Paradigm Wills and Legal Services explains that only ‘interested persons’ may challenge a will. They may attempt to do so on the following grounds:

Testamentary capacity doubt

When you write your will you must be of sound mind. This means you must understand what a will is, recognise that what you are writing is indeed a will, you must be able to comprehend how much you have to give to your beneficiaries, appreciate what it means to include or exclude certain people from the will, and not be suffering from mental illness. If someone wants to contest the will and imply any

of the aforementioned to be true, they could do so on these grounds but they will have to have evidence for this.

Undue influence

If someone suspects, or wrongly accuses, that there was pressure put on the testator, or that the testator was manipulated when writing the will, your will could be under threat. If you choose to leave your estate to your child and another family member believes themselves to be more deserving of the inheritance, this person could suggest that the will was written under coercion or intimidation in order to receive a share. Deathbed wills have also been viewed under suspicion and those who were not present at the time may feel they have been denied what is rightfully theirs.

Someone may be able to contest a deathbed will on the grounds of undue influence.

DEATHBED WILLS HAVE ALSO BEEN VIEWED UNDER SUSPICION AND THOSE WHO WERE NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME MAY FEEL THEY HAVE BEEN DENIED WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY THEIRS

Inaccuracies

Your will may be challenged if it contains errors in spelling and grammar, meaning it can be implied that your wishes have been misunderstood at the time of writing. A person can contest the will if they believe this has meant they miss out on benefitting from the will. They may also argue that the wording is misleading or unclear.

Paradigm Wills & Legal Services says there are measures that can be taken to protect your Last Will and Testament once you are gone including protective trusts, a complete avoidance of DIY wills, and expert will writing from experienced professionals.

0800 999 7750 paradigm-wills.com NICHE | 37

Safeguarding Your Future

●

Private medical insurance

●

Income protection

●

Life insurance

●

Keyman and shareholder protection

●

Critical Illness insurance

●

Dental insurance

●

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

We are independent specialists who can advise on all your health and protection needs. Whether you are an individual or a multi-national with offices worldwide –

we can help

0116 366 6866

enquiries@halo-consult.co.uk

www.halo-consult.co.uk

Leicestershire Law Society

Calendar of Events

Check our website for more details leicestershirelawsociety.org.uk JUNE 2018 Wednesday 20 June SUMMER DRINKS GARDEN PARTY

Inviting our local dignitaries and members of the society including local lawyers. De Montfort University Trinity Gardens. Invitation only. 5.30pm

Tuesday 26 June PATRONS, JUDGES AND BUSINESS PARTNERS LUNCH

AUGUST 2018 DIVERSITY IN THE COMMUNITY DINNER

Celebrating diversity, cohesion and togetherness in Leicestershire, with our Police and Crime Commissioner as guest speaker. Date TBC

SEPTEMBER 2018 LLS ACROSS THE PROFESSIONS DINNER

A thank you and introductory lunch from the President with executive board to the patrons and business partners of the society.

An event raising the profile of the LLS with professionals coming together across the board. Date TBC

Friday 26 June JUDGES’ LUNCH

BAKE OFF AND SUMMER FÊTE

The executive board will have lunch with the judges of our awards to discuss learning points and what can be improved and built upon.

JULY 2018 SUB-BOARD LUNCH

The executive board will have lunch with all our sub-board members. A sounding board on how we can build upon their success. Date TBC

Sunday 29 July WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND LAW TEA PARTY

A tea party at the Leicestershire County Cricket Club with an Alice in Wonderland theme, celebrating the success of women across the professions. Open to all women in Business. 2pm

MANAGING PARTNERS LUNCH

Saturday 22 September

A community event and our charity fundraiser, which includes a baking competition, crafts, traditional stalls, and good old family fun. At Leicestershire County Cricket Club

OCTOBER 2018 REGIONAL SOLICITORS/ ACCOUNTANTS EVENT

A networking event bringing solicitors and accountants together through LLS, LANSCA and CIAT. Date TBC

DIVERSITY WITHIN THE LLS

A celebratory event as homage to all our past Presidents. Date TBC

NOVEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LAW SOCIETY OPENING DRINKS CEREMONY

Bringing together lawyers from around England and Wales. Date TBC

A lunch for the executive board members with the managing partners of our corporate firm members and a number of firms we are looking to bring on board as members. Date TBC

NATIONAL LAW SOCIETY CONFERENCE

CHEESE AND NIBBLES FOR SUB-BOARD MEMBERS

NATIONAL LAW SOCIETY BLACK TIE DINNER

A presentation by the Chair of each sub-board regarding their work with a view to recruiting enthused new sub-board members. Date TBC

A conference on key topics of interest to the various local law societies in attendance. Date TBC

The black tie dinner at which lawyers from England and Wales come together, comes to Leicestershire for the first time. Date TBC

DECEMBER 2018 AWARENESS OF ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

A panel discussion on domestic violence and the abuse of women in line with awareness week. With networking, drinks, and a book launch.

CHRISTMAS EVENT

Networking and drinks with a theme around Christmas. Date TBC

JANUARY 2019 CIVIC DINNER

For our local dignitaries, patrons, judges, business partners and committee members. Invitation-only. Date TBC

NEWLY QUALIFIED EVENT

Awarding certificates to all those newly qualified solicitors having qualified in the last three years. Date TBC

FEBRUARY 2019 LEICESTERSHIRE’S GOT TALENT

Our second charity fundraiser celebrating the talent of local people.

Shortlisting and finals on the night with a judging panel and a professional entertainment act. Auditions will be open in July via video clip applications.

Date TBC

MARCH 2019 AWARDS SHORTLISTING

Shortlisting announcement for the legal talent awards. Date TBC

APRIL 2019 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

A themed legal awards dinner with a presentation. Date TBC

MAY 2019 CLOSURE AND REFLECTION OF THE YEAR

Drinks and networking at Leicester University reflecting on the highlights and key moments of the year.

Date TBC NICHE | 39

BUSINESS FOCUS

The key to increasing your sales success A typical day in sales includes: selling, order processing, customer service, planning, admin, and travel. When pipeline management is actioned effectively, salespeople are able to keep track of deals stage by stage, and predict target completion. Whatever your approaches are to sales pipeline management, there are best practice measures to implement that will increase sales opportunities

THE MANAGEMENT OF A SALES PIPELINE VASTLY DEPENDS ON THE SALESPERSON CONTROLLING IT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT IT IS A SUCCESSFUL PROCESS. YOU MAY HAVE A SPECIFIC METHOD OF HANDLING A SALE, OR YOUR COLLEAGUE COULD HAVE A CERTAIN WAY OF ‘READING’ POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.

DAVID PITTS Sales Manager at Bakers Waste

T

he sales function at Bakers Waste is both complex and varied. Potential customers can range from large businesses with multi sites and complex waste management solutions to consumers looking for one-off skip hire. In addition, we also have a wide range of products and services and there are seasonal trends to take in to account.

To manage this effectively the sales team must be flexible in adapting to the customers’ requirements from completion of tender documents and account management to telesales and cold calls.

In a fast-paced environment, we also need to maintain a clear sales strategy in terms of the

40 | NICHE

market sectors we have identified as targets and promotion of the right products alongside the demands of the business.

The sales pipeline is reviewed regularly in line with the above. To remain on target and focused each team member needs a clear understanding of their KPIs, individual and team targets and knowledge of planned marketing.

Tasks need to be clearly defined; each member of the team needs to understand and be committed to the overall Sales Strategy as well as working with the daily demands. As a team we work closely together and towards a common goal.

Sales Management

How strategy affects sales To effectively manage your sales department you must first start by laying out exactly what you want it to achieve.

Usually, this consists of aspects such as successfully finding sales leads, the closing of sales, and the aftercare of those sales.

It’s essential to assess what your business can offer your potential customers and what their individual stories how and how it affects their spending. For this to work, your team needs to be able to understand what is being asked of them with any deadlines and details established. They need to be aware of any progress reviews that will be taking place, who is reviewing them, and how often these will take place. This will give each employee clear goals to reach. This is important not only for your business’ productivity but for their own individual success and wellbeing.

As a business owner you need to be asking the following questions: does my customer benefit from our offerings? Is this a service/product they will feel they need to return to? Does my sales team understand the importance of the customer’s story? Does each staff member understand what is expected of them? Is my team being effectively measured and reviewed regularly? And is each member of that team supported?

BARRY RANDALL CEO of Leicestershire Garden Design

E

very business needs a well organised and systemised sales process. Whether your company sells vehicles or a service to homeowners, you’re still fundamentally a sales organisation. That’s important to understand.

A typical week in my organisation would start with reviewing the business KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

This gives me the exact results of what’s happened in the previous week. It also gives me a chance to set new goals for the week ahead.

KPIs are the numbers driving your sales revenue. I’ll look at the number of leads, the source of the leads, my team’s conversion rates, and the average value sale. From that information I can set new targets for them.

For example, if my current target is £100,000 per week and my team are averaging £25,000 per sale we need to make four sales. If my sales team are converting one in four enquiries, I now know they need 16 enquiries to reach my target.

I also sit with the team and listen back to qualifying phone calls. Ask for evaluation forms after consultations, and set aside one day to focus on follow up calls.

This commitment to setting targets always keeps my team accountable to their results.

A TYPICAL WEEK IN MY ORGANISATION WOULD START WITH REVIEWING THE BUSINESS KPI’S (KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS).

THIS GIVES ME THE EXACT RESULTS OF WHAT’S HAPPENED IN THE PREVIOUS WEEK

MARK PLATT Incite Consulting at Inspiring Business Development

A

TAC is a simple sales processing model that allows you to keep track – almost dashboard your current sales pipeline – by tracking your prospect at each of the four stages, and can be used in a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system or spreadsheet.

A is for all: this is everyone in your target demographic, broken down by category. Let’s be honest, if you didn’t break this down your ‘all’ would be every business in existence!

T is for target: once you have completed your ‘all’ exercise then choose your top 20 prospects. Understand why they are top 20, and understand who in that business your decision maker is. Make a plan of how you are going to engage with them: weekly, monthly, quarterly, whenever it is, and stick to it.

A is for active: once you have completed the above and are sticking to your plan, should the prospect or client start to engage with you, move them into this category. As with ‘target’ have a plan of what you want, what your objectives are, and don’t lose sight of them, remember at this stage you might have won the getting-through-the-door battle but they have yet to buy!

C is for client: this is testament to how effective your ‘active’ is. If you have followed the process and your plan for each prospect and they buy, move them into this category. However, remember if you want repeat business, it does not stop here. Again, make a plan and stick to it! Once they are your customer the expectation grows and the integrity of your delivery is always being assessed!

Good luck.

NICHE | 41

DESIGN + PRINT

Soar Valley Press

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

NICHE FEATURE

Growth in the face of adversity When inspirational local businesswoman Helen Campbell’s life took an unexpected and tragic turn she found strength she never knew she had – Niche took a seat with her to discover just what life looks like since one heart-breaking day in June 2017

A

s the founder of Harborough-based marketing agency The Ideal Marketing Company, Helen’s husband Alastair Campbell was a well-known and highly respected businessman whose drive to provide a bespoke marketing service to the local business network and beyond culminated in Helen becoming part of the company too.

After setting up the company in 2003, by the end of the first year of trading, the company had grown sufficiently for Alastair to ask Helen to join him with the remit of working on PR projects for clients.

Helen said: “When Alastair set up

the company it was never in the plans for me to join him. Prior to starting a family, I had worked in education as a deputy headteacher and in 2004 was working as a part-time teacher while raising our two young sons. However, when Alastair said he needed me I decided that as we made such a good team in our personal life why shouldn’t we in our working life too?”

The duo became a force to be reckoned with supporting each other in the growth and development of the business every step of the way. “Never one for organisation, Alastair left that

side of things to me and our strengths and weaknesses worked really well with each other. English had always been my specialism and so I really enjoyed working on the PR side of the business, writing press releases and articles and liaising with journalists and clients. The company steadily grew to hiring more team members and moving to our lovely office on Market Harborough’s High Street.”

Over the years that followed, the business became a recognised and respected portal for every aspect of NICHE | 43

I am, however, very proud of the fact that we have emerged stronger than ever, recording our highest turnover ever in the company’s history during the first quarter of 2018 marketing including strategy, SEO, web design, brand development, social media, PR and email marketing.

Alastair also played a role in setting up local networking groups the Business Agenda and the Harborough branch of Working Breakfast. He added chair of the Chamber of Commerce to his CV in 2017. “So many friends thought we were mad to be working together as a married couple, but it honestly worked, and we couldn’t have been happier with how our business was evolving.”

Then on a summer’s day in June 2017 Alastair went into the office like any other day. Just a few hours later he suffered a heart attack collapsing in front of his team. The prolonged cardiac arrest left him in a medically induced coma, unaware and unable to speak or communicate in any way.

“That day was like any other, only slightly lighter because of the wonderful holiday that we had enjoyed as a family the previous week. A 44

| NICHE

physically fit man, Alastair had run several London Marathons and had completed the Harborough Half Marathon a matter of weeks before. I got the call and knew immediately it was serious,” Helen shared with us.

Of course, she couldn’t have known just how serious things were to become. After learning that her husband was in a critical condition having received CPR for over 50 minutes, the medical staff told her his coma was not only necessary, but lifesaving.

The kind of life he would have though was never imagined. “They told me from the outset that he would likely have significant brain damage.”

Alastair woke from the coma, but the brain damage was extensive, and the Alastair Helen had known was no longer there. “The struggle when you visit someone who you spent 29 happy

years with who is still physically there but not present in any other way is unfathomable until you go through it.”

And go through it she has. Just two days after he was hospitalised Helen walked into the office and assured the team that things would go on, for Alastair’s sake, hers and her team’s. “I knew he wouldn’t want the business to stop because he had. For a start he had worked too hard on it. Then, our team of course needed their jobs and I realised after some time had passed that I needed it too – and not only because I had a mortgage to pay.”

In keeping the business going she drew strength in putting one foot in front of the other each day to continue to maintain and then grow the business as he would have wanted.

“People often ask me how I continued

NICHE FEATURE

In a way, the trip will be in honour of the father, husband and man that Alastair was – I know it is what he would want

with things when my personal life was so painful, and I think really it was something I could control, something I could distract my mind with and something positive at a time when other things really weren’t.”

In fact, Helen and her loyal staff did more than just maintain the business.

Continuing to work at the company four days a week in between hours spent at the care home with Alastair, Helen took on the role of Managing Director in January, working to grow the business with the help of her talented team.

“At the age of 51 I really had thought I would be winding things down career wise but because of the way life goes I’m doing the opposite!

I am, however, very proud of the fact that we have emerged stronger than ever, recording our highest turnover ever in the company’s history during the first quarter of 2018.”

The team has grown in the face of adversity to include a devoted staff who have unique and individual areas of expertise as well as adhering to the values that Alastair set from the word go, which are still firmly at the centre of the business.

“From the start the company has always been about providing a genuine service. If we don’t think something will work for a client we tell them, if we think that perhaps an aspect of what they need is something that is outside our expertise, we tell them. We like to think that our clients respect this honest approach.”

A ‘hands on’ boss, Helen continues her husband’s belief that employees should not be expected to do anything above and beyond what they themselves as business owners would do. “I would never ask an employee to do something that I wouldn’t do – they see me working just as hard as they do, hopefully building respect and motivating them to excel. Something must be working as our team has never been stronger.”

For Helen, the change in her future has been particularly hard to process.

“I struggle sometimes with the fact that so much has changed in the future I imagined for myself. Life is busy, I visit Alastair almost every day in the care home where he resides, I am running the business and yet I always ensure I have some time to enjoy life still and have a wonderfully supportive network of family and friends. The changes have meant I have had to step out of my comfort zone a great deal and I have felt personal reward for that.

I enjoy what I do and uncovered strength I never knew I had.”

What’s next for Helen? “Business wise we will continue to grow, to expand our services and continue to evolve in what is a fast-paced industry.

But I have learnt the importance of spending precious time with friends and family as well as Alastair, finding further balance in my life where I can.

Later this year I am taking a trip with our two sons to Thailand with money that was originally set aside for travels with my husband. In a way, the trip will

be in honour of the father, husband and man that Alastair was – I know it is what he would want.”

The Market Harborough based team provide bespoke marketing services including strategy, SEO, web design, brand development, design, social media, PR, copywriting and email marketing.

01858 445 543 idealmarketingcompany.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

The

impact of

brand

and how to build one Somebody, somewhere in the mystical depths of the internet once told me that a brand is a promise, and I truly believe that

M

y name is Adam King and in the last four years I have created over 500 online videos. I’ve worked with customers in every industry, from small to large enterprises, charities and global businesses.

Each client I’ve worked with has tasked me with helping to build their brand. And here’s my promise to them...

Video is a marketing tool and like most tools, if it’s not used correctly, it will fail to gain results.

Good video content is strategically built and tactically positioned to get you those results and Incite Video is exactly that: highly professional video content that gets results - the missing link between a media company and a marketing strategy.

So my promise is quite straightforward.

I’ve set out to create a video production company that cares about the performance of our 46 | NICHE

videos as much as we care about them visually.

Yes our videos look and sound great but will they improve sales? Will they grow your audience? Will they raise awareness?

The solution depends entirely on the problem you’re trying to solve but often, video is the tool you’re looking for.

So, let’s take Sarah’s story as an example.

Sarah sells jewellery from an e-commerce site and most of the traffic for her store comes from Instagram. Sarah was posting videos of her product that were failing to bring in the desired sales. Instagram has recently changed it’s placement to promote its story feature first. Many saw this as a move to compete with Snapchat and replicate the rival app’s popular feature. With this new update

IT’S ABOUT STAYING AHEAD OF THE LATEST CURVE AND UTILISING YOUR VIDEO CONTENT TO THE MAXIMUM

the average user’s journey now consists of opening the app and immediately scrolling through the stories available. We created several short and snappy videos for Sarah in the correct size and resolution to upload and release throughout the month of May. The result? Sarah’s sales hit an all time high. The same videos, used on the same app, with completely contrasting results.

On paper it’s simple, but in reality these apps are constantly evolving and changing. It’s about staying ahead of the latest curve and utilising your video content to the maximum.

If you’re thinking of using video to grow your business then reach out today, my first question to you will be: what problem are you trying to solve? hello@incitevideo.co.uk

BUSINESS FOCUS

Marketing

Marketing SEO Search Engine Optimisation is an essential marketing strategy for business longevity, brand consistency and awareness. As the

NICK RINYLO

internet constantly adapts to suit the needs of its consumers, so must SEO. From July, Google will favour HTTPS sites over HTTP meaning secure sites will rank highest

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT COMPANIES WHO BLOG RECEIVE 97 PER CENT MORE SITE LINKS THAN THOSE WHO DON’T, AND THAT 72 PER CENT OF MARKETERS SAY THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE SEO TACTIC IS RELEVANT CONTENT CREATION.

PETE FROST Managing Director at Unity

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t’s important to keep a fluid budget in today’s digital marketing world for SMEs. A few decades ago the definition of marketing was represented in the form of billboards, plus radio and television adverts, but fastforward to 2018, a lot has changed. Businesses are allocating a considerable chunk of their marketing budget to focus on social media, SEO websites and mobile – welcome to the era of digital marketing.

It goes without saying that SMEs that use digital marketing methods to promote their services have a clear advantage over their competitors. And when applied correctly, they have the potential to generate long-term results.

Even though it can be quite challenging for small and medium businesses to find the budget to apply digital marketing strategies,

it is well worth the trouble!

The majority of SMEs struggle to benefit from the traditional brand awareness campaigns, such as TV advertisements, in the same way large businesses can. So instead, SMEs should invest their focus on more direct, measurable and scaleable advertising using digital marketing.

The trick to ensure you receive the best return on investment is to keep your brand agile in this challenging digital environment, and spend strategically with a fluid marketing budget so you can gain optimum results from your efforts.

Digital presence of a brand can no longer be built in a traditional fashion where everything is set in stone. You need the flexibility in your strategies and budget to give you the freedom to adapt to new ideas and technologies.

S

Managing Director at Assisted

EO should remain an integral part of a business’s marketing mix and an integrated approach to SEO ensures any investments complement each other, thus maximising returns.

SEO in 2018 spreads further than just keywords on a webpage. Instead it’s about improving your website’s content to enhance your potential customers’ experience, increasing their time onsite and the number of pages they visit. This in turn improves engagement metrics, which Google will measure and therefore pass the benefit onto your business’ positions within the search results for your key terms. This is just one example where a good SEO strategy crosses over into other areas of digital, in this case UX (user experience) and CRO (conversion rate optimisation).

Further to this, promoting your business online to generate ‘backlinks’ to your website isn’t simply just an SEO process anymore. Instead, it’s important to spend time understanding audiences, identifying influencers and potential publications that your customers would be interested in. It’s then a case of looking to collaborate with them to feature your products or content. This process of promoting products and content is much more aligned to a traditional PR strategy, the benefit being that this approach builds both brand awareness and website authority in the major search engines. Win-win!

NICHE | 47

NICHE BUSINESS

Forum

THE REWARDS OF AWARDS CRAIG JOHNSON

THE DANGERS OF DIY When it comes to websites and software, getting a mate to help you out isn’t always the best approach. If you need a professional website that works and keeps you and your site visitors safe, then engage with a professional.

With as many good intentions as they may have, your mate most likely won’t be there to get you out of the mire when the inevitable happens. Recently, three of my clients have had hacks through the back door of their site providers. For one of them I took six years of results from his site in a spreadsheet and built a new one from that in less than a week.

WordPress is one of the largest content management systems in the world and it’s brilliant but it means it becomes a target, it does have insecurities.

There are other server providers for sites that host on shared platforms, meaning there could be hundreds of sites run from one server making all of them more susceptible to security breaches and malfunctions.

It’s important to Iosys as a company that we keep our dedicated, Nottingham-based servers strictly for our clients only; we don’t offer hosting to other sites as this could compromise security and quality.

On top of this, we host secure ‘https’ sites as standard, which Google will also favour in terms of SEO. If you have an ‘http’ site, ask your web developer why!

01530 444 384 iosys.co.uk 48 | NICHE

Mention the subject of ‘awards’ to business owners and managers and the reaction is normally either that they would never be good enough to win or that they are way too busy to think about non-essential activities.

Most driven businesspeople have talents and qualities which, due to their modesty, are not recognised by them as being anything out of the ordinary. At RDZ we know exactly what the awards panels admire, and we only suggest that a business enter if we know they are likely to impress; after all, our own reputation is very closely linked to that of our clients. It’s a very British trait to be humble and to play down accomplishments but those achievements are part of what makes a business great - real ‘shining lights’ which deserve to be taken out from under the ‘bashful bushel’!

We know that business owners work very hard to achieve success, securing existing clients through satisfaction and winning new clients by getting the word out there about their amazing products and services.

But what better way to illustrate

RACHEL HARGRAVE greatness than to have it recognised by an independent panel of experts, especially when standards are so high and competition fierce?

RDZ clients who have experienced award success have seen a marked increase in new business, directly attributed to the raise in profile, even by nomination alone. Most also experience a boost in morale and motivation as employees feel a sense of pride from seeing their employer showcased in such a positive light.

Think of award entry not as an inconvenience or ‘long-shot’.

Embrace it as a means of proving your greatness, promoting your capabilities and making your employees very happy people!

01509 813 913 rdz-pr.co.uk

DOES YOUR STAND STAND OUT? CHRIS GOODMAN There are many good reasons why pull-up banners are so popular.

They are very quick to put up, easily transportable, look professional and are cost-effective to buy.

However, their popularity reduces their impact – they are everywhere! So, if you want to stand out from the crowd then the standard pull-up banner is not for you. Fortunately, there are a whole host of enhancements to the humble pull-up. You can go for a wider version; we offer banners up to a whopping 2.4m wide, or you can go extra tall or double sided.

There are new alternatives such as stretch stands that can be funky

curved shapes but still pack into very small bags. LED lighting can also be used with these alternative stands to light up your offering.

Enhance your presence with a stand-out stand that won’t blend into the crowd.

If you want to look at some creative alternatives, then why not get in touch with us at Soar Valley Press. We’ll look at your requirements and can help you with the whole design and production for all your exhibiting needs.

0116 259 9955 inspire@soarvalleypress.co.uk

study by Public Health England (PHE) released in 2016 found that the number of five-year-olds with tooth decay had dropped 0116 262 7150 oakdaledental.co.uk

BUSINESS FOCUS

Technology

ITaaS (IT as a Service) another acronym!

Information technology businesses are beginning to use the ITaaS (IT as a Service) model. The method is used to deliver IT facilities to a company as a managed service with clear products and pricing to create a built, bespoke package agreed on a monthly fee. The provider will either be an internal IT department or an external IT company with the aim of competing against other providers. ITaaS is said to save money and increase customer value

CHRIS CAIN Owner at Kazzoo IT

I

T solution partners are always plagued by the IT language barrier. We like to keep things as simple as possible and not blind people with unnecessary waffle.

If you’re developing your IT systems in-house or have a provider of services, the thing to look at regularly is change and review.

The systems and apps that are available today might not have been available six months ago and may be superseded in a year’s time.

Internal IT systems may be becoming a thing of the past, but in some instances having physical internal servers that centralise control are necessary and actually produce better performance than cloud services.

Many people are opposed to change but change is good! If it makes you and your team more productive then the benefits are worthwhile.

The path is different for every company and every industry but by shifting your mind-set, taking relevant steps that incorporate your organisation’s long-term aims, and working with the right partners, it can be a straightforward and rewarding one.

The vital role played by IT in the modern business According to research spanning the last 20 years, it is proven that the businesses that invest in upcoming technology and advanced processing methods have increased their share of the market, their ability to compete in their industry, and consequently, their profitability.

It’s the investment into IT infrastructure that allows a business the chance to examine customer, sales and productivity data, which in turn allows the planning of its future journey in the short and long term. This leads on to the modern wonder of digital marketing. Promotion of a business using IT tools can be carried out in the comfort of your office chair at little to no cost.

It is also due to the phenomenon that is the cloud, that communication with consumers across the world and more locally is able to occur. It’s because of this information technology that the likes of an SME in Leicester can reach out to businesses and customers on the other side of the world. for the likes of larger business, IT allows business leaders to maintain, observe, and adapt virtual offices across the globe.

NICHE | 51

52 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

The city’s premier venue for conferencing and celebrations is looking forward to a new £1.8 million luxury hotel development just a stone’s throw away

L

ocated in the heart of the city, St Martins House enjoys the stunning and rejuvenated courtyard in Leicester’s historical sector – made famous recently with the discovery of Richard III’s remains in the nearby Greyfriars car park. A destination for guests and delegates from far and wide, the venue now offers further flexibility and appeal with the new St Martins Lodge.

A luxuriously appointed hotel on the edge of the Cathedral and gardens, the elegant £1.8m development is a welcome addition to the revitalised area. The Georgian building will offer the finest overnight accommodation with 28 luxuriously finished bedrooms, including a top floor suite, breakfast and a car park provision overlooking the Cathedral Gardens.

The lodge will be the latest expansion in the exciting regeneration of the area which has enjoyed rejuvenation and development of the surrounding streets and buildings.

St Martins Lodge will blend seamlessly within its surroundings in this historic quarter of the city.

Its proximity to the Cathedral, the Guildhall and to St Martins House conference centre will also mean that it will be ideal for people wishing to stay close to their meeting, event or wedding venue, as well as anyone

it will be a true asset to be able to offer excellent high-quality accommodation nearby visiting other areas of the city.

The building, which had previously been untouched for some time, was acquired by the Diocese of Leicester’s Glebe Committee, which generates income from investments in land and property to help pay clergy salaries and pensions within Leicestershire.

Nick Quinn, Director of St Martins House, is delighted with the accommodation project and what it will mean for the area. He said: “The project has enabled us to provide full 24-hour conference facilities with the accommodation boosting our highquality existing function room hire and catering at St Martins House. It will be a welcome addition to the now thriving historical sector of the city and it will be a true asset to be able to offer excellent high-quality accommodation nearby.”

The architects for the project are a Market Harborough company, Corporate Architecture, who – with over 30 years of experience and a vision in keeping with the building

and area – have formed a unique and sympathetic look to the building. Décor and interior design comes courtesy of the renowned Fabers group who, with their skills and dedication to creating interiors with a ‘craftsman’s mindset’, are set to create something very special indeed. Stepnell Ltd are the appointed high-profile builders making an impact on the city’s landscape with their eye for detail and prestigious reputation.

The Chair of the Glebe Committee David Beeson said of the development: “We have been eager to add prestigious accommodation to the Glebe portfolio for some time now and the ideal opportunity has been found in St Martins Lodge. There are significant synergies which tie cultural, business and spiritual operations together in this part of the city. With this building development we can support both Richard lll tourism, other users of the Cathedral and surrounding businesses.”

St Martins House has the capacity and skill to create a vast range of events in this distinct, historic area of the city.

0116 261 5200 stmartinshouse.com

NICHE | 53

A team that

cooks together

achieves together Niche talks team building with Kwoklyn Wan on why he’s created his own corporate workshops

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eam building should be all about having fun, says TV Chef Kwoklyn Wan; that is, all about having fun on the surface whilst you have the good-for-business trick up your sleeve of getting your employees to bond, take pride in their work, and tackle challenges together more efficiently.

Kwoklyn has created corporate cooking classes specifically designed to put your employees in an environment that offers them the opportunity to enjoy themselves without thinking about work. He tells us the Chinese say eating is as important as breathing so you might as well make it delicious.

He explains: “Eating habits differ across cultures and for many of us they often involve sitting with our eyes glued to the TV! In Chinese culture, dinner is a shared experience and the unique etiquettes encourage close relationships with all diners at the table. So a team that cooks together achieves together.”

Being regularly filmed for TV shows and online content, Kwoklyn is experienced in working with large and small teams of people with a variety of personalities in a variety of roles from reserved camera operators

54 | NICHE

THE CLASSES ARE REALLY FUN AND INTERACTIVE, AND IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT COOKING, IT’S THE PROCESS BEHIND IT

to challenging researchers through to sensitive directors.

It’s safe to say he knows the importance of getting along with co-workers and the impact this has on the outcome of a TV programme.

It’s very much the same in any business. If teams are dysfunctional and lack compassion for one another, it shows. It means they won’t work as efficiently as they could and aren’t maximising their true potential.

According to Kwoklyn, when people within a team get along, their overall day-to-day mood is improved, they’re more motivated, they have more enthusiasm for their role, and they lift each other’s spirits. All resulting in efficient, productive employees who have each other’s back.

What’s the best way to get them to do this? Create opportunities for them to have fun together. He says: “The classes are really fun and interactive, and it’s not just about cooking, it’s the process behind it: you have all your ingredients, methods and timings.

And at the end of it they’re so chuffed at what they’ve made.

“The classes and meals can be adapted to the type of business

or individual so that they really take something away from the day. They have fun in the class but also learn how to cook quick meals, healthy meals, lunch prep, or anything else they want to learn they can ask me on the day.”

With a team building day they get a day out of the office where they don’t have to do anything work related, making them feel appreciated by you as an employer. They mix with people they never thought they would mix with, meaning they become more open minded, and they get to know how each other works.

They can pick up on each other’s strengths and weaknesses; so when the time comes in the office they know when to help someone out or they know who to go to for help. Team building gives people the opportunity to get to know each other’s personalities, understand each other, and build lasting friendships.

Kwoklyn supplies all equipment and ingredients to visit your company onsite, or your team can join him at one of his cookery schools locations. kwoklynwan.com/cook/ corporate-events

NICHE FEATURE

BRUNTINGTHORPE

Planes, tanks &

bendy buses Top secret cars are tested at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, police train for high speed chases, it’s home to WWII aircraft, and is the original home of BBC show Top Gear – ‘pretty cool’ is an understatement, yet that’s all we seemed able to say as we toured around the multi-purpose, 700-acre space with business manager Paul Atkin

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ast week we had battle tanks here, we were testing military vehicles,” Paul says. “We test for most UK manufacturers here; everything from vintage to rally to 4x4 to lorries.” It’s this range of vehicles that is now not just tried and tested by skilled officials but is available for the likes of you and me to get behind the wheel.

The ex-RAF WWII nuclear bomber base, which is home to an extensive aircraft museum, is also the perfect spot for large scale, confidential events through to public events or team building activities. Just last year Paul and his team hosted a three-day construction show across 1.5m sq ft. of outdoor space. It attracted over 14,000 visitors. The next day Paul probably had a company team racing around in VW Racing Cup Lupos – there were only 20 made in the world.

The four entrepreneurial Walton siblings who own the proving ground have converted all hangars to alternative-use buildings that provide endless opportunities. A ‘because we can’ attitude is embraced by all staff meaning health and safety

– although a top priority – is kept a behind-the-scenes operation, and instructors are encouraging without bombarding guests with dos and don’ts. This alternative thinking has seen Kasabian perform in the museum’s Boeing 747 Jumbo jet, and enticed the likes of Freddie Flintoff, Michael McIntyre, Boden Clothes, and Asian wedding planners.

It’s also Bruntingthorpe’s team building days that deserve more than the ‘pretty cool’ description.

Building cars from scratch, plane pulling, bendy bus and HGV driving, and 4x4 off-roading are just some of the experiences offered on a truly bespoke level.

Paul explained: “Team building is inherently good for a business and we can deliver at different levels. We can send a consultant into a company to see what the problems are and organise activities around them to bring certain employees together and iron out issues.

“We’ve failed if you go away and you’re not smiling.”

0116 279 9329 bruntingthorpeevents.com

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Hangar 42

Seats: 1,500 A 1942 aircraft hangar set in its own 10 acre plot with private access, high security, industrial kitchen, numerous water closets, customisable lighting, and office for external event managers.

Popular for: product launches, fashion shows, retail sales, award ceremonies, exhibitions, Asian weddings, film work, Christmas parties.

The Whittle Building

Seats: 120 A building converted from an old Peugeot dealership with 180° bi-fold doors for adaptable space and maximum views of the race track, with kitchens and water closets.

Popular for: company launches, car launches, charity dinners, Christmas parties, team days out.

NICHE | 55

BUSINESS FOCUS

Secure a grant

to help your manufacturing business to grow!

There are a number of grant schemes available for businesses in Leicester and the surrounding area. Are you aware of what’s available?

SHELLEY HARVEY Director at SFB Group

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iche spoke to Shelley Harvey, Director of SFB Group about how she advises her clients on how to grow their business. Her manufacturing background enables her to help them find solutions to the key issues and challenges they are facing. She finds that one common theme is finance growth.

“Businesses often have a project in mind, but haven’t got the finance in place to move it forward. It’s a catch-22 situation, as progressing with the project is what’s going to drive efficiencies, grow turnover and improve profitability for the client. So, I help them to put together a project cash flow and discuss the options for filling the finance gap.

“It is surprising that many business owners aren’t aware that a grant could be the missing piece of their funding jigsaw.

“Some companies don’t know about the various grant schemes and who to approach for help. This is where we step in. SFB are proactive in letting clients know about the grant opportunities available, so we can support them throughout the entire growth journey.”

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PETER WHITE Director at SFB Group

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FB has worked with a number of manufacturing clients, helping them to secure grant funding for their business growth projects. We spoke to Peter White, Director about his experiences with the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

“SFB works closely with the Growth Hub at the LLEP Business Gateway which identifies schemes that might be able to fund projects.

“Before contacting the scheme managers, it is important that an outline project plan is in place. We advise our clients to consider the following: • The key project objectives • Total project cost • Key milestones • How the project supports growth and job creation within the business • The demand for the project • How the project demonstrates value for money • Who will deliver the project?

• Options appraisal – what will happen if the grant isn’t secured?

“By thinking about the above, an applicant is prepared for the meeting with the scheme manager.

“SFB supports clients through the whole grant process. Our team can complete the application form and collate the supporting documents. For example, many grant schemes require you to submit a cash flow forecast, and provide three quotes for expenditure items and copies of your accounts. We ensure that the application is complete before it’s submitted.

“We’re also on hand to answer any questions the funder may have and can help our clients to deliver a good business case for why their project should be funded.”

Manufacturing AFTER THE GRANT BOARD MEETING WE WERE SOON NOTIFIED THAT OUR APPLICATION WAS SUCCESSFUL AND WE WERE AWARDED THE MAXIMUM GRANT OF £25,000.

JO BEKIS Manufacturing Services Adviser, East Midlands Chamber

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ollaborate for Growth supports SMEs across Leicester and Leicestershire and includes free, confidential and specialist business advice, workshops and seminars. The project helps a number of sectors but one that always welcomes support is advanced manufacturing.

As a specialist in manufacturing, I’ve been actively engaging with SMEs for a number of years. With a background in the industry, I’m well placed to understand client needs and give support where it’s needed.

As with many manufacturing organisations, attention is focused on resources, lean manufacturing, maintaining a competitive edge, and reducing costs and waste. But high on the agenda for many manufacturers are innovative advanced technologies and product R&D, allowing them to stay competitive in an already competitive sector. And the rate of digital advancement is only going to increase.

It is fantastic to engage with so many ambitious clients who are not afraid to embrace new technologies, have the drive and desire to succeed and the passion to keep moving forward in economically challenging times. The support I give is to help them to continue to achieve those goals. Directors often know what ‘great’ looks like and simply require a guiding hand or a fresh pair of eyes on their business.

Jo, I love talking with you! Those days when I’m struggling as a business owner (that very lonely place) it’s great to bounce ideas and just feel that I’m not alone. Of course it always helps that you are a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge. Sandra Wiggins, Director of DPI (UK) Ltd Jo, just a quick note to say I found your workshop extremely interesting, useful and eye opening, thank you.

Can we please have your professional view on this and the privacy policy? As Astrid said we were all impressed about your presentation at our last meeting. Mike Bennett and Astrid Bennett, Directors of Clean Surfaces Ltd

For more information accessing support from Collaborate visit www.llepbizgateway.co.uk/collaborate and complete the simple form.

Collaborate is a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and partner organisations: Leicester City Council (accountable body), Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber and the Food and Drink Forum.

EMILY SMITH Finance Director at AVW Fabrications Limited

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o facilitate growth in our business, we reviewed our largest expenditure and decided to bring one of our biggest costs in-house. We wanted to have a powder coating facility installed, but didn’t have all the funds immediately available to do so.

We arranged meetings with our bank manager and accountants to review the options for raising finance. Both recommended that we consider grant funding, referring us to the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Business Gateway to see what may be available to us.

The LLEP put me in touch with some relevant scheme managers. I was soon contacted by the Collaborate for Growth project, which arranged a meeting to discuss how they could help us. They advised that we could apply for a Collaborate Business Growth grant, which offers grants from £5,000 up to £25,000, with the grant funding up to 33 per cent of the total cost of the project.

They explained the next steps and helped us to complete the expression of interest form.

This was a straightforward process and we were soon advised that we met the criteria for eligibility and were assigned a grant manager who visited us to discuss the process. We completed our application form which we sent to the Grant Board for sign off.

After the Grant Board meeting we were soon notified that our application was successful and we were awarded the maximum grant of £25,000.

We are now awaiting the completion of the powder coating facility, which we are required to pay for in full before we can claim our grant.

The grant will have a substantial impact on the business and has made our project viable.

It not only supports the future and growth of the business, but has also supported the employment of two new staff members to run our facility.

NICHE | 57

Addressing

the skills gap Niche takes a look inside the firm taking the skills shortage into its own hands

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ixty-two per cent of surveyors believe shortages in skilled trades are holding back the sector, according to a survey carried out by RICS. Pressure has mounted on the government to invest in and promote apprenticeships for skilled jobs in a bid to keep construction industries booming.

Chartered Surveying firm Edward Cooper Young believes the key lies in education. The firm set up the ECY Talent programme, which is used as a means of raising awareness of the surveying industry as a career path to non-surveying graduates and pupils in secondary and higher education.

Ashley Cooper, Senior Partner, said: “The next level for us is to provide mentoring to the next generation.

“I would like more local business leaders to give up time and help inspire secondary school pupils about entrepreneurism. This requires joined up thinking by local schools and the business community alike. A slow burn, but it will come.”

The firm visits schools and speaks at career days promoting surveying 58 | NICHE

For me it’s about inspiring the next generation and planting a seed that can be nurtured and the various routes into the industry.

Ashley added: “For me it’s about inspiring the next generation and planting a seed that can be nurtured, fulfilling the students’ full potential in what they want to become.”

ECY Talent also enables all employees to be able to foresee and aim towards a clear career pathway.

Ashley said: “The core focus is on training the surveyors of tomorrow in the way we want them to be trained – ‘on the job’.

“This allows them to become a ‘sponge’ absorbing all the knowledge from experienced team members, not just on technical elements, but personal

skills, interacting with clients, and delivering the ECY philosophy.”

As an employer, Ashley is known for developing his staff in areas they express interest in. He has taken on employees lacking relevant qualifications if he believes they have what it takes to become a key part in the business. Research shows only 13 per cent of employees feel engaged worldwide. Providing training and flexibility has proven to increase productivity and create a positive working environment.

The high level of service coming from ECY is due to its motivational investment in staff training. Each team member is the life and blood of the business according to Ashley – his company’s philosophy and attitude towards training and investing in its employees has seen it grow into its new premises aligning with its five year business plan.

01509 416 519 ecycs.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND WHY IT GOES A LONG WAY Four case studies from ECY that have benefited from employee engagement Stuart Sherwood

Will Richardson

Senior Associate I did a BA (Hons) International Business degree, which resulted in a work placement within construction.

I gained a full time role after graduation and so I was entered onto an RICS accredited MSc Quantity Surveying degree programme (known as the ‘non-cognate route’).

I got to understand the work of the professional quantity surveyor and opted for a switch of career into private practice. I joined ECYCS as a Project Surveyor in 2013. The company supported me in completing my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) so I could become a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor (MRICS). My rise within the company has been excellent meaning I now head up a team of 12 (soon to be 19!) surveyors within the employer’s agent/project management/quantity surveying team and members of the senior management team. Alongside my work at ECY I have been an active member of RICS Matrics and was chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland region 2016-17.

Associate I completed my degree in law but was looking for a different industry.

The Built Environment was always interesting to me, which drew me to ECY. I joined the firm and completed an MSc. The approach at ECY gives autonomy for the individual to push forward and take their career where they want. This has been critical to the speed at which I’ve developed skills, knowledge and experience through working whilst studying. I was promoted to an associate role due to technical ability and commitment to the business from their investment in me from day one. I’m now working towards my Chartership.

Shivam Radia

Senior Surveyor The opportunity to join ECY came through a higher level apprenticeship in 2014. I already had sufficient qualifications to start my PQS career at degree level. However, it was crucial that I found the right company so I took the higher level apprenticeship whilst working full time as an apprentice surveyor with ECY: effectively taking a step back to move forward. After two years I achieved a Double Award Grade Distinction in Construction and the Built Environment. I was mentored by a senior surveyor and promoted to assistant surveyor after my first year. I have since worked directly with Ashley.

I mentor an apprentice and another surveyor is joining my team imminently.

I have now completed my second year part time RICS accredited degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. I was awarded my third promotion to Senior Surveyor last year.

Samantha Gamble

Marketing Executive I started in 2014. My role at this time was as Ashley’s PA. In January 2017 ECY Marketing was created, which meant a new department had been formed to fulfil the firm’s aim to grow and promote brand awareness. This meant new roles had been created, and as someone who knew all the ins and outs of the company, I transitioned into the role of Marketing Executive. We had a digital marketing apprentice start with us in August of last year, which meant we could develop and grow the ECY’s marketing. In September 2017 I went back on to an HE Course at Loughborough University for one evening a week for a year to gain my CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Certificate in Marketing Level 4. I’m due to graduate in September 2018.

NICHE | 59

Why

company culture

is critical to

survival

Hundreds feared job losses this year after reports of companies closing down branches, stores, and departments threatened redundancies across the country – for job security, one company encourages job seekers to look a little closer to home

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I’ve arranged four work experience placements to date and we’ve recently recruited another new apprentice 60 | NICHE

horpes Joinery claims its long-running success in Leicester is all down to its employment of local staff. The company has a high staff retention rate that it believes is due to its promotion of job satisfaction and security.

The joinery firm has been running since 1947 when its founder opened a workshop manufacturing everything from clocks to boats. Thorpes now fits bespoke offices and has a portfolio that includes work completed for Booking.com and Apple.

As the company expanded into new premises in the Market Harborough Airfield Business Park this year it created 10 new jobs and employed 5 new apprentices. Among the team, nine per cent have been with Thorpes for over 25 years. Their long service was made possible due to the company’s continuous adaption to the changing needs of its people as well as the changing demands of consumers.

Jamie Thorpe; the fourth generation of the family, brought into focus the need for a marketing department and strategy, and has taken on the responsibility to employ and train staff to develop the once outdated structures in place. He has also adopted the company’s ethos that employees are

regarded as highly as family members.

And as their skills change or develop, they are promoted to areas of the business they express interest in.

Here we find out from Jamie how Thorpes finds talent, nurtures and holds onto it, why it’s known as a great place to work, and the secret to successful leadership.

Q A

What’s your experience of finding the right staff for the job?

We like to employ local and we have enough applications coming in that we don’t need to look outside of Leicestershire. But the number of skilled applications is dropping so we’ve made an attempt to get into the schools. We’re going to open up our new site for students to look around so we can show them all the opportunities. I’ve arranged four work experience placements to date and we’ve recently recruited another new apprentice. We have a very high staff retention rate and company culture and favour internal promotion where possible. Our new space opens up more chances to do so and maintain our ethos throughout, as all the team then believe in the same thing.

NICHE FEATURE

0 to 1 years

6%

4%

1 to 5 years

6 to 10 years

AN EMPLOYEE’S JOURNEY

9%

Scott Imlay

29%

17%

11 to 15 years

Contracts Manager In 1989 Beauchamp College student Scott Imlay undertook a week of work experience with Thorpes Joinery. Scott tells his story…

16 to 20 years 21 to 25 years

22%

13% 25+ years

Q

Why should companies try to encourage employees to seek new opportunities within the company?

A

One of our more unique elements is our staff. We have a consistently high staff retention rate, which was around 97 per cent last year – and this was the average for previous years also. The pie chart above highlights how out of a 90-plus strong workforce we have had a number of employees here for a very long time. In fact, 8 have over 25 years here, 28 have 15 years or more, and 48 have been here for over 10 years, which accounts for over half of our workforce. The benefits of this are pretty wide: lower hiring costs, high skill levels and a smooth operation that is based on trust and communication.

We take great pride in some truly remarkable statistics regarding our employees. This consistency means that around 13 per cent of our staff have remained at the company for over 20 years, many of whom even completed their apprenticeships with us - this level of commitment to our firm is something we actively seek to encourage and we are delighted to see it in action.

Q A

How has Thorpes managed to keep such high staff retention rates?

We think that a part of the reason why so many choose to stay with us for such a great period of time is down to a strong company culture, one which centres around commitment to a project and our client and doing

business the right way. In essence we are a friendly, approachable company whose overriding goal is our clients’ programme requirements.

Q A

How is that culture perpetuated?

Most firms with a strong culture follow a process known as ‘onboarding’, and this is certainly true of us at Thorpes. Onboarding refers to the process by which new employees learn the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviour that characterise a firm’s ethos. We facilitate this through mentors, and key members of staff who pass on their experience and attitudes to the more green employees – this is both organic (happens naturally) and planned (through mini placements). For this to be successful you have to match personalities within the firm, which is a careful consideration of ours.

We also hugely favour internal promotion over external hiring wherever possible. Staff from all departments have started their journey with us as apprentices or in different roles. For example, several of our contracts managers originally began life at Thorpes in the factory, working their way up to running projects. This acts as an incentive, demonstrates the value we place upon our staff and increases job security – all contributing factors to a strong company culture.

01858 438 350 thorpes-joinery.com

Whilst contemplating my future at school I realised that getting a trade was going to be the answer for me. I began my work life as an apprentice to a very skilled joiner, Andy Hooper. I stayed with him for most of the three year apprenticeship.

In 1994 I left for about a year with the intention of travelling. In 1995 I had a chance meeting with Simon Dunkley who suggested I come back to Thorpes at the Great Glen site.

I did return and in time managed to move onto making some of the nicer one-off items on my own, and this I found challenging and rewarding. Opportunities began arising on the shop floor and the office – somehow I must have shown some sort of aptitude because I was approached to see if I fancied moving into the office.

In 1997 I accepted the chance to move into contracts. It was very different then; small contracts (no less of a struggle though) but more to concentrate on. We shared an A3 drawing board and did everything by hand.

Over the next 20 years everything has moved onwards and upwards with ever-changing systems and computer based applications for just about everything. We have also had numerous internal appointments from the shop floor to the office. All of the additional work and staff meant that as the company had progressed so much it culminated in our move to brand new premises last year.

NICHE | 61

How social media will sell your property

Senior Valuer Mike Holland of estate agency Fothergill Wyatt reviews the impact of online communication on the property industry

T

here can be no doubt that over the past twenty years the internet has revolutionised the way estate agents do business. Traditional agents, as well as online and hybrid agents, have for many years been advertising through various property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla and rely heavily on this form of advertising to find buyers for their property listings as well as to generate further business as a consequence.

However, over more recent times, many agents have been increasingly using social media platforms in order to promote their stock and build brand awareness. This more recent phenomenon within the industry is still within the experimentation phase, and with quantifiable success, is difficult to measure. At Fothergill Wyatt we feel it is important that sellers know the agent they chose to act for them does have a social media presence and utilises this alongside more traditional marketing methods to ensure all bases are covered.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn are all now frequently used by many agents in conjunction with the more traditional web based activities.

It is important to always bear in mind

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when choosing an agent that you are selling your property in competition; not isolation. Any marketing campaign should cast the widest possible net in order to attract as many potential interested buyers as possible.

There are four main types of buyer: active locals, active out of area, and the more passive buyers that are again, either local or not. The active buyers will always use the main property portals, such as Rightmove, OnTheMarket, and Zoopla and will be regularly notified when new stock is available. Those more passive buyers may well be considering a move but as yet are not trawling through the property websites on a daily basis. However, what they may be doing is perusing through their social media accounts on their phone or tablet and may ‘accidentally’ stumble across exactly what they (didn’t realise) they were looking for! These passive buyers are also known to make more emotive decisions and may well end up paying a vendor a higher price for their ‘perfect’ property over those more active in the market place.

There can be no doubt that a thorough marketing campaign must incorporate all forms of marketing inclusive of social media in order to attract the maximum number of potential

buyers to a property.

We are all still experimenting in how best to use these platforms and trying to find new innovative ways to utilise the technology at our disposal.

Video tours, viewing/open house invitations, local information blogs, and community events have all been evident online recently, with some proving more successful than others in terms of audience engagement. As a new generation of agents enter the industry that is more familiar in using the innovative technology, it is inevitable that we will become even more sophisticated with our ideas.

We recognise the importance of a social media presence and are currently active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. We continue to strive for new ways to market our properties and provide the most inclusive and exhaustive marketing campaign for our sellers. Although the industry is always changing our main focus remains the same: to find our vendors the right buyer willing to pay the best price by ‘making your property our priority’.

0116 270 5900 info@fothergillwyatt.com fothergillwyatt.co.uk

NICHE FEATURE Fothergill Wyatt Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors

Featured Property – To Let:

Featured Property – For Sale:

Main Street, Kirby Muxloe £1,300 PCM

Knighton Drive, Stoneygate £610,000

Presented to the market in the highest of standards and situated in a highly desirable road; this five bedroom family home is set in a small courtyard development located in the popular village of Kirby Muxloe. Just a few minutes’ walk from the popular Royal Oak pub and offering excellent access to the city centre, and M1 and M69 motorways; it makes the perfect family home for any professional. The property can be offered unfurnished, furnished or part-furnished and is available at the end of June.

Council Tax: Band F EPC rating: C

Contemporary living in a beautifully renovated four bedroom, three storey Victorian villa located in the desirable area of Stoneygate with excellent commuter links.

Close to renowned public and private schools and within walking distance of popular shops, bars and restaurants of both Queens Road and Stoneygate. Offering an abundance of original Victorian features this spacious accommodation comprises of a living room, study/snug, large living kitchen, four double bedrooms and three bathrooms. Landscaped rear and side garden, garage and off road parking.

EPC rating: E Semi-detached three storey Victorian family home Renovated and modernised to high standard ◆ Large open plan living kitchen ◆ Four double bedrooms ◆ Three bathrooms ◆ Guest suite ◆ Landscaped gardens to side and rear ◆ Off road parking including garage ◆ Close to renowned schools ◆ Easy access to local amenities & mainline station ◆

Large family home ◆ Spacious lounge with French doors leading to the garden ◆ Five bedrooms ◆ Two bathrooms, including ensuite to the master bedroom ◆ Downstairs W/C ◆ Utility room ◆ Beautiful landscaped rear garden ◆ Spacious office ◆ Off-road parking and single garage ◆

◆

NICHE | 63

Your leading independent flooring retailer for over 70 years...

NICHE FEATURE

Go with the SAM MANSELL

faux

Greenery is big this summer! Foliage is huge news and while nothing beats the real thing, not all of us are green fingered enough to look after multiple houseplants in our homes

O

ne solution is to go faux! There are some very realistic options out there for everything from big blooms to sculptural leaves and even small trees.

True, these won’t give you all the health and wellbeing benefits that you reap from the real thing, but it has been proven that looking at greenery does have a calming effect physically and mentally on our bodies, and this is true just as much from the faux.

One of the great pluses of faux plants is that they need very little maintenance, just a little wipe or dust off every now and again. You can move them around the house and mix them up to give rooms a fresh look without having to think about whether they are getting enough sunlight, too hot or too cold etc.

Of course they are a little more expensive initially than real plants, but considering how long they last, they are a real investment that pays for itself time and time again. Just make sure you choose blooms you really love and that will go with lots of different rooms and colour schemes to get the most out of your investment. A gorgeous classic white orchid will go anywhere and always looks good.

Make smart choices and you’ll never regret the decision to go with the faux.

Sa

mantha x

White Large Potted Orchid Plant £385

The ultimate choice. This hyper-real orchid will have every houseguest believing they’re the real deal. Pricey but worth it. amaranthineblooms.co.uk

Galax Leaves Bundle £6.76

So modern. So elegant.

So stunning. pavilionbroadway.co.uk

The Windrush Lilac Bunch £205

Lilacs are so quintessentially English and this bunch is just gorgeous. oka.com

Japanese Cedar Tree £29

A very pretty little tree to add a bit of zen to your living space. bloom.uk.com

Calla Lillies in Tall Cylinder £55

A Kelly classic. Simple but beautiful and will look effortlessly gorgeous in any room of the house. kellyhoppen.com

chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks

Tel: 0121 647 6709 f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com NICHE | 65

PROPERTY FOCUS

Forum

WHAT IS A SELF-BUILD? MARK LUCAS

IN PRAISE OF LUXURY VINYL FLOORING With its good looks, warm feel and ease of maintenance luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) is an increasingly popular choice for many. Here’s why…

Cost There are lots of reasons why LVT is great for the bank balance.

For a start, it’s generally a great deal cheaper than its flooring peers at a very reasonable price point. Compared with tiles, carpet and wooden flooring its price also allows for a more regular change up in your home’s interior design so provides great flexibility.

Safety LVT is ideal as a safer option in the home or office environment. With anti-slip surfaces offering a ‘softer’ fall; it is especially effective in areas where water may be present such as bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and laundry rooms.

Maintenance Famously easy to care for, an LVT doesn’t require specialist coatings or cleaning materials and is particularly hardy when it comes to everyday traffic.

What’s more, any areas that suffer damage can often easily be replaced in a cost-effective way.

Style There are lots of stunning design options with LVT in the current market, with excellent imitation wood, stone and tiling as well as vibrant ‘talking point’ designs for any room. Bold colours, metallic effects and even centrepiece motifs to give the wow factor in the hall or dining room.

0116 254 1853 michael-john.co.uk 66 | NICHE

A self-build is the building of your house, it does not mean you have to build it yourself.

Around 11,000 self-build homes are built each year, but less than 10 per cent of those homeowners were physically involved in the process by laying bricks or other similar building work.

The majority of self-builders are much more involved in the creative process – taking part in the design stage, choosing the tradespeople and deciding on finishing touches.

The benefits of self-build 1 You get to live in something you may have dreamt about.

2 You live in something you have helped design and build.

3 You could be mortgage free.

4 You can be living in the latest ecofriendly home with low energy costs.

Main points to consider 1 How much it will cost. Typically your build costs will be somewhere between £1,000 and £3,000/m².

2 How you are going to finance it – savings, loan, sale of present home.

JOHN-PAUL DUMBELL 3 If you are looking for land, how will you find land for sale? Specialist plot finding services (like plotfinder.net) are incredibly useful, but they shouldn’t stop you from being proactive. Drive around the area you’re looking at for any potential opportunities, look on local authorities websites and scan through planning applications, use Google Earth to identify any potential infill plots or room to build in existing gardens.

4 Planning and restrictions.

5 Time frames.

6 Project managing it. Do you employ main contractor or subcontractors?

7 Insurances.

8 Registering for VAT exemption.

0151 430 0432 metrodevelopments.com

PRIVATE RENTAL SECTOR #LOOKFORTHELOGO NICOL NIGHTINGALE Did you know that anyone can set up a letting or estate agency without any qualifications or experience? It isn’t even mandatory to have in place things like Client Money Protection, which most landlords would expect would be a given until a rogue agent runs off with all their cash – although, thankfully, following years of campaigning by ARLA Propertymark, this is about to change.

There are now more than 150 pieces of legislation governing the private rental sector and given that we are living in an increasingly litigious society, it is more important than ever to ensure that as a landlord you take steps to protect yourself, your property and tenants or, that you choose an agent with the tools and knowledge to do it for you!

All ARLA Propertymark protected

agents will: • Hold formal professional qualifications to at least Level 3.

• Have Client Money Protection (CMP) to protect your income • Comply with a nationally recognised code of practice • Hold professional indemnity insurance • Undertake continuing professional development to ensure they’re up to date with best practice and frequent legislative changes If you are currently a landlord or contemplating becoming one, protect yourself by ensuring you use an ARLA Propertymark protected agent – after all, you wouldn’t book a holiday that wasn’t ABTA or ATOL protected; your property is a far more costly investment.

I am the ARLA Propertymark Regional Representative for the East Midlands and happy to assist with any queries you may have.

0116 270 5900 fothergillwyatt.co.uk

PROPERTY FOCUS

IAIN BENTLEY

LET SPARKS FLY It won’t be long before Guy Fawkes Night, and with the largest stock of fireworks in Leicestershire available all year round, we have picked up a tip or two on how to pull off the best displays.

Quality over quantity Good fireworks are worth the money and absolutely not worth (or safe!) making them yourself. Go for well-priced fireworks–the bargain basement ones are cheap for a reason. Select a wide range of fireworks which will produce varying effects for the full duration of the show.

Plan a running order A good start with any display is to start with a bang to get the crowd’s attention.

Then, you can move on to a range of different effects with differing heights, shapes and noises.

Everyone expects an epic finale though so save your most special rockets and bangers for this time.

Light on the subject Decide where you want to set your fireworks off and arrange the order and positioning in the day light, so it’ll be easy to work with once it’s dark.

A large flat area, free of dry grass is a good start. A big, metal bucket filled with sand is a great platform to set off fireworks. Arranging them in a long line with one person lighting fireworks at each end of the line makes things easy and safe. Just be sure to space them well enough.

Safety first Always have a large bucket of water on hand and a hose if necessary and if you can, get a bucket full of sand and a fire extinguisher too. Keep the crowd a safe distance from the display.

After safety my biggest rule is… have fun!

0116 267 5117 bentleysgardenbuildings.co.uk 68 | NICHE

FRONT GARDENS ARE BACK WITH A BANG Jo Thompson was an RHS Chelsea award winning garden designer this year. She designed a garden. In celebration of her win I’ve put together some hints and tips for sprucing up the most viewed part of your home; your front gardens.

How many of us walk through our front doors every day? Now, apart from jazzing up our entrance way with a couple of planted pots, our attention to detail tends to stop there.

Well, front gardens are back. And they don’t have to be dull, concrete spaces. People dream of a beautiful back garden to entertain, so why is the most frequently seen part of our homes the most neglected?

You may well have a tight space with room for only one car, so planting is more important. You don’t have to

Forum

JODIE FEDORKO pave the whole thing, let’s face it, you won’t be parking right up to a wall so plant there instead, this can make it feel bigger, brighter and help in aiding drainage.

The balance between hard and soft landscaping is the crucial design point here, so you want it to be practical but attractive. You should consider combining paving with a welcoming attractive garden.

If you’re not sure about where to start on your own, look for a gardening company who can design your dream garden and make a great first impression with your driveway.

0116 214 7076 leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk

SUMMER IS HERE! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR OUR POND? MICHAEL WHEAT We all love a bit of warmth and sun.

The birds are singing, the wildlife is bustling away, and the plants are greening up. This also brings on the dreaded weeds in the pond. Here are the three main issues, which prevent having a clear pond.

1 Fish – if the pond isn’t filtered properly the pond water will turn a grey/brown tinge. This is because there isn’t enough bacteria area to handle the fish waste.

2 Green water – algae in the pond grows epically in the summer! UVs need to be installed to stop this from happening and the bulbs need to be

changed every 9000 hours.

3 Blanket weed – the dreaded blanket weed! This needs to be chemically treated in order to remove it from the pond. We use Blanket Answer; a powder sprinkled over the surface of the pond that will give the water a milky appearance for a few days, and Oases Phosless to treat blanket weed.

If you have any questions about your pond please pop an email over to me.

I’d love to help.

0116 240 3735 pondsbymichaelwheat.co.uk

We will transform your ordinary garden into a stunning, beautiful one!

We create breathtaking, bespoke ponds.

www.pondsbymichaelwheat.co.uk Call: 0116 240 3735

11087_Niche Magazine Landscape HP.indd 1

09/04/2018 12:44

Garden Products Kew Gardens 3-Piece Gardening Gift Set, Stainless Steel £34.99

Kew Gardens collection box set features a weed fork, hand trowel and transplanting trowel in Neverbend stainless steel, with leather straps and FSC-certified Ash handles for longevity. Available from johnlewis.com

Burgon & Ball Cream Greenhouse Caddy £22.99

Keep greenhouse paraphernalia such as twine, labels, ties, seeds, and snips tidy in this pretty caddy featuring a carry handle and divided sections. Caddy Only available from johnlewis.com

STIHL HSA 56 hedge trimmer £199

Featuring double-sided teardrop shaped blades, the HSA 56 has a high cutting performance that makes light work of pruning small branches around the garden. It’s lightweight and cordless design allows for easy operation, without the fear of cutting cables or getting tangled in your hedge.

Available from stihl.co.uk

NICHE | 69

COUNTESTHORPE

BLINDS

Broughtons

Traditional Lighting & Architectural Ironmongery

WE SPECIALISE IN SHAPED CONSEVATORY ROOF BLINDS Blinds: Verticles, Venetians, Rollers, Romans, Pleateds, VELUX & Woven Wooden Blinds Awnings: Manual, Motorised, Automatic also with lights

FREE Home measuring and fitting service CALL for a Quotation 0116 277 6749 / 0771 833 7048

www.countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk

Showroom Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm The Old Cinema Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BP

0116 232 3175

www.broughtons.com

sales@broughtons.com

YOUR LOCAL LIGHTING SPECIALIST

CALLING ALL LANDLORDS WHEN DID YOU LAST GET A SAFETY CHECK ON YOUR PROPERTY?

Landlords are required by law to ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is safe when tenants move in and maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.

LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE 107A/B Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 OTD

www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk

0116 233 0303 70 | NICHE

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Mon - Sat 9 - 5

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Sun 11-4

GET YOUR CERIFICATE NOW

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NICHE FEATURE

Working from home just got easier Working from home is increasing the demand for home offices sited within the garden – the dilemma is that available space and distractions can be barriers to making it work successfully

A

Bentley's Garden Buildings garden room can be used as a home office, which can be built within your outdoor space and – normally – without the need for planning consent.

Electricity and broadband can be connected to your home office making the space as useful as an office at a place of work. Without rent or rates, your home office is the most cost-effective solution, without the time and cost of the commute to work.

Bentley's garden rooms are built for use all year round with materials requiring practically no maintenance, including floor, wall and ceiling insulation and underfloor heating. Double glazed Eurocell PVC-U doors and windows are made to suit each customer's individual requirements in a choice of finishes and styles. Additional

natural light can be provided overhead with Eurocell Skypod lantern roofs available in multiple sizes and colours.

Roofs are covered with seamless Firestone EPDM rubber roofing with a 15-year manufacturer guarantee. Walls are clad in Eurocell Coastline composite cladding, available in six New England colours with a premium embossed woodgrain finish and fire tested in the UK to BS EN 13501. Alternatively, choose Hyperion composite cladding available in four colours; both have a 10-year manufacturer guarantee.

A garden room can equally be used for any purpose: gym, bar, hobby room, artist studio, beauty salon, therapy room, hair salon or shop, to name just a few.

Call in to see Bentley's Garden Buildings at

TOP: EUROCELL SKYPOD LANTERN ROOF RIGHT: EUROCELL COASTLINE COMPOSITE CLADDING

Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leicestershire, LE7 4PN. Find them on the A6 Leicester to Loughborough road where they are open seven days a week Monday to Saturday 09.00-17.30 and Sundays 10.00-16.00.

Bentley’s Garden Buildings can also visit you to discuss the possibilities at your home and provide you with a written quotation.

0116 267 5117 bentleysgardenbuildings.co.uk NICHE | 71

New Hip Replacement Procedure Improves Patient Recovery Problems with bones and joints can really hamper your way of life. In the UK, around 10 million people have one form of arthritis or another and it affects people of all ages, young and old. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people.* What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ due to its prevalence in older people. There is no known cause of osteoarthritis but whilst it is more frequently seen in older people it can develop at any age and is also more common in women.

Osteoarthritis is painful because joints become stiff and inflamed when the smooth cartilage lining in the joints gets damaged. Without the protection of cartilage, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move, causing the pain that is all too common for sufferers.

Simple, everyday things like going for a walk or even getting dressed become more difficult.

There’s no known cure for osteoarthritis and it will get worse with time. However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving mobility and reducing pain. The damaged joint can be replaced with an artificial one, called a ‘prosthesis’ - it can be made from a combination of metal, plastic or ceramic. This is a common procedure to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and is a longterm solution for worn-out joints.

Last year alone, Nuffield Health carried out almost 4,000 knee replacements and almost 5,000 hip replacements.

If you require further information please call

New minimally invasive Hip Replacement

Recent advancements in prosthesis design and surgical techniques are changing the game in hip replacement surgery, improving recovery times for patients. The new Superpath® procedure, available at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital means hip replacements can be completed with reduced trauma to the soft tissue around the hip often without cutting any muscle at all. This means patients are back on their feet more quickly and with less discomfort and pain.

Source: *www.nhs.uk

0116 298 6787

Tim Shewbridge – Hospital Director At Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, we understand that when you’re in pain, you want answers quickly and easily. We talk to you about the best way forward for you and if you have any questions, access to expert advice is easily and readily available.

We are delighted to have recently completed our 50th Superpath® procedure and we have been impressed with the speed at which patients get back on their feet.

What does the patient say?

52-year-old Wayne Carlisle from Leicester can’t praise the innovative procedure highly enough. A lifetime of playing sports and running marathons meant he needed a hip replacement, although he admits he was in denial for a long time.

“I ended up seeing three consultants!” he laughed. “I just couldn’t believe that I needed a hip replacement. I was blaming the pain on anything and everything but arthritis, even a hernia operation that I needed. But then I had an MRI scan and was told that I really did need a hip operation.”

Wayne, an IT director, was told about the procedure at Nuffield Health’s Leicester Hospital and jumped at the chance to try it because he was keen to return to normal life as quickly as possible – although no-one could have predicted just how quickly!

He had his operation in September 2017, was discharged the next day and was mowing the lawn the day after that!

“I didn’t even need to take painkillers, because the pain after the operation was nothing compared to the pain I had suffered before. I just can’t believe how good the procedure is, it is phenomenal. I’m now back to playing squash at the standard I was previously. It is just incredible.”

or visit

Event

HIP HIP HOORAY

Minimally invasive

hip replacement Talk to the expert Mr Ashwin Kulkarni

This event is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the new Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement, You will receive a one-toone mini advice session with Mr Ashwin Kulkarni Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Friday 27th July 2018

nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/leicester

MEN

it’s time to talk about our

prostates Statistics tell us there are now more deaths from prostate cancer than breast cancer. But unlike the screening programme for breast cancer in women, there is no such thing for us men for prostate cancer so we tend to ignore the issue, don’t we?

W

ell, perhaps it’s time we took some notice and I’m going to get the ball rolling by telling you about my experience. Along the way, sharing this story might just help to debunk a few myths and, if at any point any of this should sound familiar to you then perhaps you won’t ignore the situation any longer.

Some time around four years ago I started to get up regularly in the night to take a pee. Nothing dramatic, just

74 | NICHE

the once each night, and after all, I was in my mid-sixties so it was just one of the joys of getting old, right? Also, I noticed that my urine stream was not as powerful as in my younger days but again, we all get older, don’t we?

I also became aware that a few of my male friends had been diagnosed with ‘prostate problems’. None of them were overly forthcoming – because we men don’t really talk about these things – but I did manage to glean a

few details, which served to reassure me about my own lifestyle changes.

Firstly, the prostate generally tends to enlarge as we get older; this is natural and is not necessarily a cause for concern. My friends who had experienced problems all seemed to have an assortment of symptoms that were more dramatic than mine: needing to urinate multiple times in the night, blood in their urine (you should always see your GP if this happens), and difficulty in actually peeing (you need to go to A&E if you find you cannot urinate at all; this is potentially dangerous). In all cases, tests showed they each had an enlarged – but benign – prostate and needed to be prescribed tablets to help to shrink the organ. In some cases, a small procedure to effectively create a hole through the middle of the prostate was required to relieve the constriction on the urethra (the tube that runs from bladder to penis, right through the middle of the prostate) but no-one was in danger.

With my changes being much less alarming, I concluded that I might have a slightly enlarged prostate and I would keep an eye out for any worsening of symptoms before bothering my GP (whom I hadn’t seen for at least a decade in any case).

Typical faultless male logic, right?

Now, I would probably still be happily going along in that self-same state with no serious symptoms to prompt any action. But with a stroke of luck, I happened to receive an invite for a free NHS well-man check up at my local surgery and when making my appointment I happened to mention that I was now in my late sixties and had never had a prostate check so asked if that would be included. The check just involves an additional blood test. Even my GP didn’t sound too concerned when I described my lifestyle changes.

I duly underwent my health check in October 2017 and lo and behold the only blood test that showed an abnormal result was the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. Now the main reason that there is no regular prostate screening programme for men is that this test is the only one that is currently available and it is not always reliable. In my case the reading was 7.8 (the norm for men in their sixties is around 4.5), so not dramatically high (usually a double figure value is the warning signal for cancer) but in need of explanation. As there were no signs of any urinary infection, a

NICHE FEATURE

retest was ordered for November.

The same result came back so I was to be referred to the local urology department for further investigation, just to be on the safe side. As cancer could not actually be ruled out, an urgent appointment was requested by my GP and I found myself attending a clinic at Leicester General Hospital in early December.

A physical examination revealed some hardness on one side of my prostate – something seemed to be present that should not have been, despite still having no real symptoms. An MRI scan and a biopsy were ordered to determine what was present and these were both carried out within a week – once you are on the ‘cancer pathway’ there are no undue delays in the NHS. By now, I had found out more information, and here is an important observation for you men to take note of. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. It is also the most easily treatable as it generally tends to grow very slowly, often without any noticeable symptoms or dramatic effects on lifestyle. The reason there are so many deaths arises from the fact that it is often undetected until it has spread significantly and assorted pains finally develop. However, the fact remains that if detected early, many men do not actually require immediate treatment but instead, just need to be monitored regularly. Many can live for a decade or more with prostate cancer and not have any significant effect on their lifestyle and actually more men still die with prostate cancer than of prostate cancer.

So, back to my case. My results were delivered just before Christmas and, bizarrely, the scan and biopsy did not quite match! The MRI scan (for which I closed my eyes and wore headphones so was little different from trying to doze off with the sound of roadworks outside but no overwhelming sense of claustrophobia) appeared to show a possible tumour near to the edge of my prostate but significantly, no sign of any cancer in the surrounding tissue. The biopsy, which was nowhere near as invasive or uncomfortable as I had imagined and I had fully recovered from in a couple of days, found cancer cells in only three out of nine samples and were all of the low risk, slow growth type.

On the basis of the biopsy alone, I might well have been put onto a monitoring programme but the

A physical examination revealed some hardness on one side of my prostate – something seemed to be present that should not have been, despite still having no real symptoms consultant decided that a further biopsy was required to have a more detailed look in view of the scan results. This second biopsy required me to attend as a day patient, where more samples would be taken from a different direction across the entire prostate. This was carried out in late January 2018 under a general anaesthetic so I did not know anything about the procedure. Again, I was back to normal within a few days, so no big deal. This time the results showed cancer cells in 9 out of 23 samples, but still mostly of the low risk variety.

By now we had reached early February and the assessment given by the team in urology was that although the results on paper were still borderline, treatment was to be recommended because of the positioning of the tumour. However, there was one more regulation step to undertake before that plan could be confirmed: a bone scan to check there was no spread into my skeleton. That was carried out in midFebruary and came back clear. So, on February 21 I opted for radiotherapy rather than removal of the prostate and commenced treatment that very day – initially this consists of hormone treatment to prepare for the radiotherapy.

That decision is ultimately a personal one. I was of course guided by the clinical team who explained the pros and cons of both routes.

Both were intended to eradicate the cancer entirely as it had not spread beyond the prostate, so it came down to personal judgement as to possible side effects and their likelihood.

Throughout the entire process, it

is necessary to be patient. As much as the initial reaction to being told you have cancer is ‘get rid of it as quickly as possible’, the slow growth of prostate cancer does allow time for treatment to be considered thoroughly.

And realistically, I could well have had this tumour growing for several years and not known anything about it.

All of which brings me back to my initial message. We men need to stop ignoring those small changes and assuming that everything will clear up on its own in due course.

If you’re getting up in the night to pee then it may well be because a slightly enlarged prostate is putting pressure on your bladder. If you are experiencing a reduced flow in your urine then it could be because an enlarged prostate is constricting the flow. But remember, an enlarged prostate does not necessarily mean cancer. However, any such lifestyle changes really ought to be checked out for your own peace of mind. The lack of a screening programme is not an excuse for ignoring the situation and you do not want to end up as one of those men who doesn’t find out there is a problem until it’s too late.

As for me? Hopefully it’s been caught just in time. I’m currently undergoing hormone therapy and all appears to be on course for radiotherapy to commence in early June. I will update you on the treatment phase in a subsequent edition. Meanwhile, if anything I have discussed rings a bell with you, then please do not ignore it. As Bill Shankly famously did not say: “It is not football; it could be a matter of life and death!” prostatecanceruk.org AT THE HOSPITAL FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT

NICHE | 75

HEALTH FOCUS

Forum

THE KEY TO SELF-LOVE HERSHEY CHAMPANERI

FIGHTING FIT SKIN THIS SUMMER Seven in 10 people have visible skin conditions such as acne, and 72 per cent of this group says it affects their confidence, according to the British Skin Foundation.

If you’ve ever suffered with problematic skin you’ll understand how this can affect your self-esteem. Around this time every year I see an influx of clients wanting to improve skin conditions, feel radiant, and repair their skin over the summer.

For these clients I turn straight to Elemis BIOTEC facials. Depending on which treatment a client needs the machine can deliver products clinically proven to iron out wrinkles, contour complexion, tackle uneven skin tone and discolouration, smoothen, detoxify and decongest, and improve the skin’s ability to repair itself and encourage muscle to firm.

Elemis’ five in one advanced bio-electric gets to work in as little as 30 minutes. This makes it a great last minute treatment before heading off on your holidays and the perfect way to revive skin after a week in the sun (always use a high factor SPF!). And with our pay-as-you-go, or package service, it’s convenient too.

Summer is also the time lots of people want to undergo lasting beauty treatments. Once you feel comfortable in your skin, set yourself up for a month of flattering cluster or individual lashes, tints and threading for on point brows, and eye-catching acrylic or Shellac nails.

07779 512 904 aumspas.co.uk 76 | NICHE

Many of us wish for love, yet it eludes us. We don’t realise that we have the ability to become a love magnet attracting love of all kinds. Love is a natural state of being and your soul wants to resonate with it. To experience love though, we first have to let go of fear.

The notion ‘love is what we were born into, fear is what we have learnt here’ is how a lot of humans live their lives; building an energetic wall around themselves to protect from death, disease and being hurt by others. Yet we have no control over these things, what we are really doing is blocking being loved or giving love.

Before you can truly love and receive love, you have to love yourself, and accept yourself with all the flaws and so called imperfections.

To achieve this, firstly start to

PRITI COLES listen to the judgements that you serve on yourself when something goes wrong or when you don’t look your best. You are your own worst critic!

Just by noticing this harshness and fear, you give your self-permission to be gentle towards yourself.

Realising that each day comes with a new set of challenges – emotional and physical – for all of us helps us to let go of the fears, the expectations.

Feeling compassion, kindness and love for yourself helps you receive and give love.

07795 361 288 priticoles.co.uk

INCORPORATING MINDFULNESS INTO BUSINESS REBECCA CRUTCHLEY Mindfulness is the latest buzz word when it comes to mental health and it’s slowly but surely being taken seriously by employers because it’s proven to reduce stress, improve decision making, enhance memory, boost focus, and improve the self-regulation of our emotions and feelings.

What is it? Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are, what we’re doing and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis.

Who’s it for? For anyone at any point in their lives and it’s never too late to start.

Why do it? Our minds are constantly focused on the future or the past, which can make us depressed, anxious, angry, sad and preoccupied, meaning we’re

not giving our all in the current situation.

Mindfulness gives us the ability to be aware of the present moment.

Where should I do it? You can practice mindfulness anywhere.

When should I do it? You can eat mindfully, fall asleep, walk, and brush your teeth mindfully.

How do I do it? It can be as simple as taking a few minutes out of your day to sit quietly with your eyes closed or open.

It’s not a quick fix and takes practice, however, whenever and wherever you’ve chosen to practice mindfulness, all you need to do is concentrate. Observe your thoughts and sensations and notice the temperature, sounds, and light around you as well as how areas of your body feel and pay attention to them without labelling anything positively or negatively. Try one thing today mindfully and see how you feel?

0116 403 0092 mysolutionwellbeing.com

NICHE FEATURE

The invisible

smile fix

BEFORE

AFTER

Over 2.5 million people have used a dental treatment called Invisalign, including Tom Cruise and Khloe Kardashian, but you’ve

BEFORE

probably never heard of it – one of our Niche reviewers tried it out

F

or the majority of my adult life I have hated my smile. As a forty-something mum of three with a busy career I had never considered doing anything about my smile phobia. But something changed last year. Maybe it’s because I have more time to spend on myself, or that my social life has improved now the kids have grown up, or maybe it’s social media showing me just how perfect everyone’s teeth are these days but my mindset had definitely changed. I was determined to get the smile I always wanted.

The problem was this: my upper right central tooth had always overshadowed my upper left central tooth as it sat much more far forward and lower. It was this one tooth that always made me hate having my picture taken or laughing so much that all my teeth would show.

I went to see Dr Alif Moosajee at Oakdale Dental in Fosse Road Central in June 2017 thinking the only way to get a better smile would be to take the tooth out entirely and have a dental implant put in. But Alif recommended Invisalign braces, which surprised me but I was certain this was the best option after speaking to him.

Invisalign is a revolutionary brace treatment that utilises a series of clear, removable braces that are practically invisible.

People just don’t know about Invisalign because nobody knows

when someone is wearing them!

Studies have shown that nearly half the population dislikes their smile yet a quarter of adults say they have avoided the dentist for over two years. Just going to the dentist can open up a world of opportunities you never thought were possible for you before.

Over 44 weeks I had 24 retainers made; these were changed every two weeks or so as instructed by Alif and Invisalign expert Dr Josh Virdee. Teeth ache slightly upon the first wear but this fades as the first day of each retainer goes on. I had to keep them in all day and night and remove them when eating. This was somewhat of a pain when out at events but I quickly adopted methods of making retainer removal swift and stealthy.

I could see from the digital progress viewer the dramatic difference in my teeth from the beginning to the end results. But what was most incredible about the treatment was not the results themselves but the experience I received at the practice. All Alif and Josh aim for everyday is to make their patients smile with confidence.

With my new look, I now have a healthy smile and feel confident about smiling every day. I’m not afraid to show it!

0116 262 7150 oakdaledental.co.uk

AFTER

A DIGITAL REPRESENTATION OF THE PROGRESS OF INVISALIGN TREATMENT

Dr Alif Moosajee The principal dentist at Oakdale Dental is also the author of the book The Smiling Dentist. He also makes appearances on BBC TV and Radio and on Channel 5 commenting on topical dental issues. Alif was voted Best Young Dentist in the UK 2016 and was highly commended in 2015 in the Best Young Dentist category.

Dr Josh Virdee Josh’s passion and enthusiasm have made him really popular in the practice with both the team and more importantly all of the patients he sees. He has an ethos of caring for his patients in the same way that he would treat members of his own family. Josh loves being able to improve his patients’ smiles and has a special interest in moving teeth with Invisalign.

NICHE | 77

NICHE FEATURE

13 reasons why schools are embracing mindfulness

The Cambridge Dictionary describes mindfulness as ‘the practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment,’ Counsellor Gurbinder Singh told us why his team have introduced it in primary schools The Netflix original series 13 Reasons Why has shone a pretty harsh spotlight on bullying, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing within school cultures. Many educators are introducing meditation into the classroom as a means of improving kids’ attention and emotional regulation. It was 10 months ago that Gurbinder (44) and Vimi Seewooruthun (40) formed My Solution Wellbeing.

Rebecca Crutchley, a counsellor and mindfulness trainer who is part of their team, has trialled the company’s Mindful Kids Program in Langmoor Primary School in Oadby. Students practice mindfulness activities in the mornings and afternoons to start and end their day stress-free.

Gurbinder said: “My daughter is doing her GCSEs and has been

practising mindfulness and she’s so calm – it’s like having a gym for the brain. Your mind is often on the future or the past but it’s important to try to be in the present.

It’s like when you put your favourite track on in the car and before you know it, it’s the end of the song and you have to play it again to actually listen and enjoy it.”

Vimi explained: “It gives you clarity in the present moment because all the noise reduces. You can think much more clearly and make better decisions.”

If you or anyone you know is experiencing issues in school, contact your doctor or call My Solution Wellbeing for advice.

0116 403 0092 mysolutionwellbeing.com

Gurbinder and Vimi say it’s essential for schools to embrace mindfulness.

Students have experienced: 1 an uplifted mood 2 improved decision making 3 reduced disruptiveness 4 happier teachers 5 refined focus and concentration 6 a stronger sense of community 7 improved teacher-pupil relationships 8 increased productivity 9 a more calm environment 10 improved emotional intelligence 11 better developed emotional resilience 12 an enhanced ability to manage their emotions 13 diminished susceptibility to peer pressure

FIT FOR INDUSTRY CREATE INDUSTRY ATHLETES 12 MODULE SEMINARS The Fit For Industry Program consists of regular massage therapist site visits and 12 forty-five-minute talks

£16b

cost to industry

in 2014 due to sickness

TALKS ON THE TRUTH ABOUT: HEALTHY EATING, CALORIES, SUGAR, CARBOHYDRATES, FAT, PROTEIN, SLEEP, EXCERCISE, SITTING, TEAMWORK AND MASSAGE

WELL-BEING PROGRAMMES FOR BUSINESSES 0116 340 0255 functionjigsaw.co.uk 24 Long Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2AH NICHE | 79

HEALTH FOCUS

Forum

READY, SET, GLOW! JULIE HAYTON

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING IN BUSINESS It’s been proven that stress, anxiety and depression are linked to extended illness and injuries at work meaning your business could be losing out on productivity and profit due to employee absence. The Labour Force Survey found that 11.7 million working days are lost a year because of these illnesses.

Relationship issues, weight problems, and work-life balance to name a few are all contributors to life stress and can affect a person’s ability to cope with their workload.

From my experience in elite sport, professional athletes are educated on lifestyle choices and their effects from a very early age. Yet many individuals and employers were unaware of how much of a dramatic effect that choices and environments have on their employees, which is why I set up Fit for Industry.

We have created a totally flexible programme that can deliver strategies into workplace environments to educate, inspire and empower employees. Services range from education workshops, onsite massage therapy, onsite exercise class delivery, desk exercise plans, inspirational speakers, team building events, and a concierge service to take the hassle out of life.

The programme consists of 12 forty-five-minute talks that can extend over a period of 12 weeks or 12 months, each followed by a bespoke massage targeting individual needs.

Employee all-round wellbeing is steadily being taken seriously.

It is essential to increased and successful production.

0116 340 0255 functionjigsaw.co.uk 80 | NICHE

Radiant and glowy are the buzz words of the beauty industry these days and with good reason – who doesn’t want to look youthful with a bright, healthy, glowing complexion? It’s sought after and never more so ahead of and during the summer months. There are plenty of treatments to help your skin on its way to gloriously glowing. Here are my top summer ready choices.

Dermaplaning After coming out of the dulling and drying winter months our complexions are crying out for the opportunity to appear brighter, more even and shed the effects of the cold weather.

Dermaplaning does the trick and some, with its unique method of shedding dry skin cells and peach fuzz. The pain free procedure results in an immediate brightness, plumpness and more even skin tone!

A secret for many a celeb hitting the

MARIE RANDALL

red carpet, dermaplaning is causing quite the stir in the beauty industry.

Fake Tan What’s the saying? Fake it till you make it? Fake tan is still one of my most recommended ways to get a summer glow fast. Sure, it’s cheating slightly but it’s a lot safer than getting it the natural way and produces immediate results – perfect for a pre-holiday pick me up before you get poolside.

These two treatments will work wonders to get your glow on and have you feeling ready for the hotter weather.

07983 463 105 mariesmobilebeauty.co.uk

PROTECT YOUR CONFIDENCE AND WIN NICOLA ROSSELL If you are like most adult women in the UK you’ve probably been on a diet at some point, or thought about it at one time or another.

The most frustrating thing about dieting, or attempting to lose weight by any means, is that the results don’t seem to stick around for that long, and the effort and energy that you put into it are typically not rewarded.

This is where a system that encourages you to protect your energy and confidence is essential to generate consistent lifestyle choices and consistently great weight loss results!

Inserting the simple habit of ‘win tracking’ has shown amazing and powerful results in our ladies weight loss programmes.

The simple act of giving yourself

credit for the good stuff that you are doing every single day has been more effective than anything else we do for creating a mind-set that is strong in the face of a long day at work, the kids playing up, waking up in a funk and generally feeling like you just haven’t got the energy left to make the best choices.

Without energy and confidence you will struggle to develop the consistency that is needed to get great weight loss and lifestyle results.

Start tracking your wins today and protect your confidence for better results!

07983 551 550 rossellfitness.co.uk

Summer beauty treatments £35 FR O M

MICRO-DERMABRASION

The cold weather can leave skin looking a little dull. A non-surgical microdermabrasion treatment will visibly resurface the skin, stimulating new collagen growth and removing dead skin cells, which can often cause dull, lacklustre skin.

PE R SE SS IO N

WAXING

£40

A spring and summer essential, waxing frees up so much time in the summer months when you are likely to be showing more skin.

Lasting up to six weeks, professional waxing for legs, arms, face and underarms will leave you smooth and fuzz-free for summer.

G FU LL LE IN I A N D B IK

CACI JOWL

£50 FR O M

As we grow older our facial muscles naturally start to lose tone and elasticity.

Genetics, lifestyles, weight fluctuation and environmental factors can all influence the rate and degree to which our muscles will lose their tone. After a course of CACI facial toning treatments, the contours of the face will look lifted and toned.

A monthly top-up treatment is recommended to maintain results.

NAILS

M A N IC U RE FR O M

£25

There is nothing like perfectly manicured and pedicured nails in spring and summer shades or a Classic French Manicure to freshen your outfit and really complete your look. Choose Shellac or gel nails for longer lasting result.

IO N PE R SE SS

COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY

With an estimated 6.5 million people in the UK lamenting at bowel problems (and those are just the people reporting it to the NHS) it would seem something isn’t going right, literally.

FROM Cleansing and detoxifying the colon and intestines, colonic hydrotherapy improves the digestive system’s functionality and PER SESS ION efficiency as well as boosting overall health.

£65

£250 FR O M

PE R SE SS IO N

ENZYME FACIAL

MICROBLADING

According to FBC Research it is estimated that around 50 per cent of us fill in our brows with makeup everyday compared to 28 per cent in 2015.

Microblading is taking the world by storm, one set of brows at a time. The procedure, which deposits small hair-like strokes of semi-permanent tattoo onto the brow, lasts up to 18 months and saves time, stress and money.

Many of us reach for a lighter makeup base in the warmer months, meaning we are seeking out a brighter skin tone without the layers of makeup. An enzyme facial improves the complexion’s clarity and condition by using fruit enzymes which gives brighter, clearer and smoother skin. Perfect for a pre-summer complexion pick-me-up.

£35 FR O M

PE R SE SS IO N

0116 270 9141 17 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2DA beauaesthetica.com

t. 0116 402 6222 e. salon@barriestephenhair.co.uk w. 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

NICHE FEATURE

A dream in Fiji On her tropical island home in 1996, 19-year-old Hershey Champaneri had a dream, here’s how she made her dream a reality

H

er beliefs and warmth radiate from her, her face reflecting that beauty is about reducing stress, eating right, creating positivity and treating your skin well. Hershey’s youthful looks leave you pondering when she comments on having celebrated her ‘big birthday’ last year that it can’t possibly have been that big, she looks nowhere near old enough!

It was Hershey who created aumspa. Her vision began aged 19 when, unlike many of her peers on the island, she wanted to make her mark not in academia but in beauty. Without a training academy she needed help to make it reality and it was her father who provided it. With family here in the UK, he booked a flight and accompanied his daughter to England where she completed a course that was to be the first step in her beauty journey.

She told us: “My father will always be my biggest inspiration.

I often look at my certificates and recall with a huge amount of gratitude that he was the one who set me on this path.”

Hershey then married, had a family and worked as an agency manager under Ash Kumar, who became her mentor and source of inspiration. “An opportunity came up for me to open a salon of my

own and I jumped at the chance pouring everything into creating an environment that was warm, welcoming and tranquil.”

As her business grew her path led her to David Lloyd gym at Meridian Park Leicester, where another opportunity presented itself. “I was looking for a new base and when I met with the team here I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to provide a spa feel within the gym setting.”

Investing her time, money and energy into creating the aumspa ambiance that her existing clients knew and loved paid off, some of which having over 15 years of loyalty to her.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without my clients. I give clients my all and really believe in the art of listening to them. I want them to feel important, special, pampered and cared for during the time they are with us. They tell me time and time again they return because of the genuine relationship that we build with them.”

Stepping into the spa is otherworldly. The smells of sandalwood, its intimate feel and images of Buddha provide a mood that transports you immediately to a world of relaxation, a place for ‘time out’ and self-care that we all crave in our modern lives. Clients enjoy

I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM NOW WITHOUT MY CLIENTS. I GIVE CLIENTS MY ALL AND REALLY BELIEVE IN THE ART OF LISTENING TO THEM

an essential list of treatments for nails, hair removal, massage and facials using the very best products in each field.

With a natural approach to beauty, Hershey isn’t one for invasive procedures, opting for the use of revolutionary Elemis BIOTEC technologies over injectables. Her Elemis range consists of specialised treatments specifically designed to contour, define, brighten, and resurface the skin tackling ageing with clinically proven age-defying ingredients, all delivered under exceptionally relaxing circumstances with bespoke massage.

“I personally love the non-surgical procedure in combination with world-leading products; it really rejuvenates the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and evens skin tone out.”

Hershey and her trusted manager ‘feels like a family member’ Krish assess each individual’s needs providing the same level of care and gentle touch whether it’s for an eyebrow threading or full massage.

Find tropical tranquility at the David Lloyd Gym, Meridian Park, Leicester.

07779 512904 aumspas.co.uk NICHE | 83

t. 0116 402 6222 e. salon@b-styled.co.uk w. b-styled.co.uk SALON LEICESTER 6B Hotel Street LE1 5AW

Part of the

Group

10% off

for Niche Readers enter code: niche10

ArthurKnight.com

BARRIE STEPHEN Happy Summer! The sun is shining, we’re in full swing and the BBQs are out. Many of us are off on our holidays to busy and bustling foreign cities and exotic locations. It’s all well and good planning our holiday hair styles but when it comes to it, all you want to do is chuck it up in a messy bun! And that’s completely fine. So, let’s talk the hair colours you can go for this season to keep your laidback styles looking a little more glamorous.

For lighter hair, shadowed roots are going to be huge this season.

Natural depth in the hair enriches the skin tone, so not only is this look low-maintenance but it’s also very flattering. Using a naturally darker colour on your roots rather than the ends will create that grown-out root look whilst looking much more

THE HOTTEST HAIR COLOUR FOR SUMMER polished and wearable. This contrast is so on trend and will look gorgeous in an up-do or a messy bun!

Blonde hair never goes out of style, and those pastel tones we’ve seen for the last few years are still here to stay. This season they’re much more subtle though, and the new Schwarzkopf Professional Blush Washes we’ve just got in the salon are perfect for playing around with different tones as they last up to five washes – plus pastels look incredible with your summer holiday tan.

If you don’t fancy a hair colour makeover this summer but you still want gorgeous hair for your holidays, head into your favourite Barrie Stephen Hair salon for a gloss treatment. Gloss treatments give you a gorgeous and enhanced shine,

boosting dull and lifeless hair and leaves it looking healthy, revitalised and silky-smooth. And don’t forget to book in as soon as you’re back for a replenishing deep conditioning treatment to revitalise hair after all that sun, sand and sea.

0116 402 6222 barriestephenhair.co.uk NICHE | 85

FOOD COURT In this issue, local businessmen and women choose their favourite places to eat in Leicestershire

The best eating establishments in Leicestershire TYLER BERNARDINI

CARAVELLI

01509 211 228 caravelli.co.uk THE OLD MANOR, 11-12 SPARROW HILL, LOUGHBOROUGH LE11 1BT

My good friend runs Caravelli’s in Loughbrough, I go there once a week, every week. I might as well be in Italy when I’m there. It’s family run so you have that feeling like you’re at you’re at your uncles house, as if you’re part of a larger family.

They create fantastic food from Naples, which is always so good and so authentic. My favourite dish at the minute is the arancini balls but everything is always cooked so well that it never arrives at the table in front of you and you think it could be improved on. Every dish is cooked like how your mum cooks for you – you feel like they really cared to make this food every time.

GREG HOLLINGSWORTH

PADDY’S MARTEN INN 0116 266 5123 paddysmarteninn.co.uk 98 MARTIN ST, LEICESTER LE4 6EU

When it comes to eating out in Leicester, my first thought is ‘Curry’!

Leicester is blessed with so many high quality Indian restaurants and narrowing it down to just one isn’t easy.

But for me, my favourite is Paddy’s Marten Inn. Tucked away on Martin Street, the restaurant has been serving its customers for over 20 years. My first visit was probably around the early 2000s. It changed my perception of Indian food. It was different to what I had tasted previously in that it felt truly authentic. I’ve been a regular customer ever since with family, friends and clients.

Paddy’s Marten Inn is a family run 86 | NICHE

Every single meal I have had there I’ve always felt like I’ve been looked after. They care so much about each customer. They’ll come and sit down with you, talk with you a little bit about what you’re eating, get to know you, and the quality of service and the care for you is just incredible.

You know you’re going get quality when you visit whether it’s for a three course meal or tapas or anything in between. And the wine list is awesome!

My favourite wine at the minute is Primitivo from Salento in the region of Puglia; a red grape wine, which is quite popular with lots of people right now, but I’m always trying out other great options on Caravelli’s menu.

restaurant with Paddy, Raj and other family members at front of house, and mum Amita overseeing the cooking of her recipes in the kitchen. Amita’s reputation is such that in 2011, she was paid a visit by Jamie Oliver, and featured in one of his TV programmes.

That didn’t make getting a table any easier!

Three tips if you decide to pay the restaurant a visit. First: book, it gets busy! Second: everything is good but the Salt and Pepper Fish and the Crispy Chilli Bindi to start are just amazing!

Third: if you over order (I always do!

It’s rumoured I do it on purpose) ask the waiter to pack it up for you to take home. It tastes great the day after too.

LEANNE BAKER

WAGAMAMAS 0116 253 0046 wagamama.com 6 HIGHCROSS LANE LEICESTER LEICESTERSHIRE LE1 4SD For me this place is always top of the list when we decide to eat out somewhere.

Every member of the waiting staff know wagamama inside out. If you’re not sure on something on the menu they will run through the ingredients and even bring out samples for you to try.

Last month I went over to try some new items on the menu, specifically the vegatsu curry; a vegan take on the katsu curry. It consists of seitan coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, covered in an aromati curry sauce with sticky white rice and a seasoned side salad – just as tasty as the chicken version. The tofu harusame glass noodle salad was a mix of glass noodles, tofu, kale, edamame, adzuki beans, mangetout, blackened

PAM MARR

PERKINS BAR & BISTRO 0115 937 3695 perkinsbarbistro.co.uk STATION RD, PLUMTREE, NOTTINGHAM NG12 5NA Perkins Bar & Bistro is my ‘go to’ place when I have friends or relatives visiting from outside the area and it’s also an easy solution for my husband and children to book for a Mother’s Day or birthday treat. The truth is though that this venue never disappoints. With many restaurants, there is often a clear winner between service and food quality but at Perkins both are always fabulous.

This week I had an opportunity to visit with a friend and business colleague for a catch up. It was Monday evening, so we expected little in the way of atmosphere, but we were very much impressed by the number of fellow diners and the arrangement of seating to ensure that no one was ‘lost’ in a quiet

TOMMY REID

carrots and pea shoots, topped with fresh mint, crispy fried shallots and dressed with a spicy vinegar. We shared this and the chicken version between a group of us and it’s safe to say everyone preferred the tofu version; it was firm and tasty. The squid balls also deserve a mention. Our waiter explained they are a modern version of the dish which includes cottage cheese instead of the tradition ingredient of octopus. A truly delightful starter.

Presentation of each and every dish is also second to none. As we ate outside in the sun we spotted at least four passers-by with their eyes glued to our meals, it even enticed one lady to come in there and then.

corner. We were introduced to something called The Monday Club by our very efficient and welcoming waitress; a set deal, which offered two or three courses from a rather delicious menu for around £17, including a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic drink if you’d rather – we particularly recommend the mocktails).

Best of all, my dining partner was presented with a personalised vegan menu put together when I had booked just hours before as the chef had realised that the standard menu on the day had too few vegan options. Brilliant food, lovely surroundings and very attentive staff made this a real school night treat (and of course great company helped, should my friend be reading!).

BLACK IRON RESTAURANT 0116 366 5642 Info@winstanleyhouse.co.uk WINSTANLEY HOUSE, LEICESTER, LE3 1HX My favourite Leicester based restaurant is the Black Iron Restaurant at Winstanley House. I absolutely love steak and the food is excellent with a great selection of dishes – the steak is always cooked to absolute perfection. We have been there many times with friends and family and for Mother’s Day and it never disappoints, I tend to stick to steak and potatoes wherever I eat out and my wife likes to try different dishes; her favourite is beef ribs and pork belly which she’s had twice. We have always left happy and feeling full. What’s great about Black Iron is that the grounds and terrace are amazing; you can have a drink in great surroundings before eating.

The service is exceptional – from

initial greeting at reception by Anthony to the thanks when you leave – it’s amazing how service-driven they are. We have been there when it’s been very busy but the staff have remained focused and happy to help at every opportunity.

The building is an old historic school that’s been converted and it’s nice that they have kept a lot of the old features but with a modern twist.

With the quality of the food, service and atmosphere, you would expect to be paying much more for the experience than you do. And it really is a great experience.

I cannot speak highly enough of this place and I intend to go back at every opportunity.

NICHE | 87

Magical location, magical memories

NICHE FEATURE

We explored a wedding destination with the wow factor in the heart of Charnwood’s countryside which comes complete with exclusivity, history and a truly magical hideaway feel

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quintessentially English charming Grade II listed venue, Abbots Oak Manor is nestled picture perfectly by the edge of Charnwood forest and is a wedding venue fit for creating the most magical memories. Providing stunning rooms, a warm welcome, original features, exceptional food and locally sourced handpicked drinks – this family run manor house offers so much more than you might expect from a wedding venue.

The multi award-winning boutique hotel, bar and events venue is owned

by Sarah and Anthony Kurr and is the result of many years and tears to get it to all its splendour as it stands today. Keen to create something rather special from the start, the couple set about utilising the skills of local craftsmen and women, builders and interior specialists to achieve a home from home feel yet with luxurious touches in the details. “The building is a local beauty spot, it always has been, and it holds so much charm. When we set about restoring it we had to ensure all of its charm remained so that meant bringing original features back to life whilst injecting luxurious details along the way,” Sarah told us.

Dating back to the 1500s and once the home of Sir Matthew Joyce, the listed brick and stone country house was also formerly a chapel and

boasts beautiful oak panelled rooms, open fires in abundance and the real jewel in its crown, a magnificent Tudor staircase. There are two locations within the venue suited to civil ceremonies, the Oak Room and The Cedar Room, the latter comes complete with open fire, chandeliers, specialist Gin bar and an oak sprung dancefloor and can cater for up to 50 guests. In addition, happy couples can opt for a reception in the recently redesigned Garden Room with plenty of natural light, contemporary furnishings, as well as a gorgeous view of and access to the beautiful garden.

The food served is equally as important with a menu carefully curated in accordance with a couple’s tastes and preferences in mind. At the helm of the kitchen is recently appointed Sam Dimblebee who, with over 30 years of high profile experience in the industry, devises traditional menus with flair using locally sourced ingredients – including many from the manor’s very own garden.

“The food at any event is important but it is especially so at a wedding. Sam is so good at creating really special wedding menus. Whether it’s sharing table style feasts, buffets, canapes or six-course taster menus it is always unique and memorable for all the right reasons,” Sarah explained

Stunning scenery and an abundance of restored original features offer the ideal spots to capture memories forever. Think unique countryside views, beautiful sweeping staircase, extensive gardens and the nearby woodland and you are somewhere closer to imagining this special destination. The peaceful location is home to an abundance of wildlife – badgers, foxes and even deer can be spotted; it’s the perfect location for those who appreciate the beautiful countryside.

Accessible to guests from across the country, the luxurious bedrooms, all large and beautifully appointed, come complete with luxury king sized beds, Nespresso machines, fluffy towels and toiletries as standard. Rooms are ideal for the happy couple and close guests before and after the wedding, creating a real ‘retreat’ feel to the big day. Sarah commented: “Newlyweds love the idea that their wedding is more than a day, with guests able to arrive in the lead up to the big day itself and to stay on after creating a real location wedding experience.”

Our advice: view and book this unique venue fast before it’s too late!

01530 833 952 abbotsoak.co.uk

The

Dimblebee catering difference

The company quickly became market leaders in the event and wedding catering industry, and consequently, a major source

I

n 2010 Robert Dudley, an operations director and quality consultant originally from Leicester, set up The Dimblebee Catering Company Ltd intending to provide first-class dining to weddings and high end companies such as the motoring and technology giants he had previously worked with.

The brand quickly caught the eye of businesses across the Midlands and leaders began snapping up the chance to have the caterers to design menus for their companies. It took just two years from the first catering order for Aston Martin Works to request their services for their VIP Bonhams Auction.

Now with his Head Chef and Director James Barber, who has catered for stars such as AC/DC around the world, the Dimblebee Catering team delivers quality menus and service where quality truly matters. Robert explains: “We chose 90 | NICHE

of inspiration to the competition not to cater food dressed with gold leaf and dry ice – although we can do. Our clients know the food they like. They look for high quality food, professional staffing and flexible service – and that is what we provide.

It’s not pretentious.”

The brand is well known as the originators of traditional rustic country style foods, its personal service and ability to compliment any event or wedding theme effortlessly. Robert believes this sincerity took the company from ‘non-existence’ to a £480,000 turnover in only four years, which at the time rivalled that of many catering companies that had been in business for over a decade.

After just two years, the caterers were catering on a monumental scale for household names including Selfridges, Lloyds Bank, Perkins, Robert Bosch, English Heritage and Mattioli Woods.

Currently, the company feeds 10,00012,000 people each year on average.

“We’re different because I’m not a chef and the Dimblebee Catering company was not set up by one. Having our own excellent foods is critical but so is expertise, investment in operations, people and quality. Dimblebee Catering was born with a clear drive for best practice and continual improvement which is why we are different; there is a cost to quality however, the security we offer for important one-off events is ultimately why I think the company has come so far.”

With custom designed kitchens, warehousing, and branded event fleet, Robert’s company has received substantial private investment and, as an independent business, delivers dedication and honesty that the caterers believe stands out in the marketplace.

There are a lot of wedding caterers out there but if yours doesn’t do corporate… it’s for a reason

“There are a lot of wedding caterer’s websites out there but if they don’t have the ongoing client list to match… it’s for a reason,” Robert warns. Because many outside catering businesses are set up by chefs as opposed to experienced event chefs or business people, Robert says they can have problems with cash flow, longevity and following regulations, which is a vital risk when it comes to couples booking their wedding day or business owners booking large events. Robert suggests spending a few pounds online to make commercial checks before booking caterers and having personal tastings at their kitchens.

Whereas some caterers will set up tasting fairs, Dimblebee Catering charge a small fee for a one to one, tailored meeting with James where clients have the opportunity to adapt their menus and see for themselves where and how the food is prepared.

This way, guests can see the difference before they even taste it. It’s because of these personal touches that clients often keep in touch with Dimblebee Catering reminding the company how special they made their day.

In the past, Robert has found it’s sometimes best to keep his food under wraps as smaller caterers have been known to take easy inspiration from his menus and brand. “It’s flattering but sometimes it is also as simple as highlighting: ‘do you want a Dimblebee Catering cheese-board or do you want a board with some cheese plopped on it?’”

Robert encourages clients to take the opportunity to see the Dimblebee Catering difference and meet the team to avoid disappointment.

0116 283 3327 dimblebeecatering.co.uk

Meet your caterers Robert Dudley

James Barber

Milijana Trifunovic

Ilijana Trifunovic

49, Owner Having worked and developed several diverse businesses as operations director, quality consultant, and marketing manager, Robert has experienced running a business from all angles.

Taking time off from manufacturing operations he created the Dimblebee Catering brand in 2010 and applied his business acumen to the outside catering industry and this has seen the company go from a small start-up to large scale catering at Cornbury Hall, Heritage Sites, Kenilworth Castle and has worked with Sir David Samworth, Leicester Cathedral and Perkins, and provided catering to Christian Fuchs, Pamela Anderson and Orlando Bloom.

30, Event Manager With a background in running High Street eateries and previously working as an area manager for seven Chimichanga restaurants where product quality and customer experience must match effortlessly, Milijana has high standards. After working at Leicester Tigers in the events preparation department, she fell in love with event and wedding planning and eventually found herself in her current role. She says the supportive team approach is rare and that it’s refreshing and motivating to work in a place in which every member can drive improvement and loves what they do.

38, Head Chef/ Director As Head Chef it goes without saying that James is passionate about creating incredible food but it was when he spent nine years travelling the world that he truly enhanced his craft. Working for a location catering business, James has transported kitchens across the globe to cater for celebrities and events on a vast scale.

Running the Dimblebee Catering production kitchen has enabled him to produce fare from many different cultures. James has had requests for African BBQs, Mediterranean bowl foods, Moroccan buffets, Asianinspired canapés, love story menus, and even beans on toast!

29, Event Manager After just six months Ilijana has thrived in the Dimblebee Catering environment. She says working in such a caring team that involves everyone, listens to each and every opinion, and encourages idea creation from all employees is refreshing and a welcome change from the chaotic, and isolating restaurant setting she was so used to.

Now Ilijana can put her skillset to good use in the event catering industry.

It was when she saw how much her sister Milijana was enjoying her role in event planning at Dimblebee Catering that she seized the opportunity to join the team.

NICHE | 91

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Walshy’s Leicester

are going to celebrate this season for a while, but we will get back together for next season, and there will be no looking back, no talk of a treble treble, but let me tell you, it’s a great time to be a Riders fan.”

We also asked Rob about the surprise news that Captain Fantastic Tyler Bernardini and Eric Robertson were both retiring from the professional game after winning the final. He told us: “Sad news for us all, both are great dudes, and it hits you hard, but I’m very proud of what the guys did both on the court and off it.”

So while the Riders ended on a massive high, the emotions have been mixed at both the Tigers and the City where both clubs will be undergoing some player restructuring for next season. Each will be looking to improve on their seasons, and we will be hoping for more success for both, perhaps trying to recapture past glories and catch up with current Leicester champions: The Leicester Riders!

At the time of writing the fixtures for the 2018/19 Premier League season have just been announced. So the first home game will see Wolves in town and I’ve already been on the phone to invite my old sparring partner Steve Bull down to the King Power.

I can’t wait for the new season to begin and I’ve got to say I’m impressed with the two signings so far. Jonny Evans is a solid centre half with bags of experience, and despite a difficult season at West Brom, he is a magnificent addition to the squad. I can’t say I know too much about Ricardo Pereira but from what I have seen he looks like he likes getting forward and will offer something different to a developing squad.

Reportedly €25 million for a full back though – imagine what Larry (Simon Grayson) would be worth these days!

I am hoping when the magazine comes out England have had a great World Cup and are on track for a decent run in the knockout stages.

More importantly, I hope Jamie Vardy has been given a chance to shine. For me Vards is going to play a vital role in Leicester’s upcoming season and in the transition to a new-look side. He is not only a goal scorer but his attitude, determination and hard work represent what Leicester City is all about and, like me, he likes to get stuck in! Here’s to August and a fantastic season for the Blue Army! Read more on the AFDA Academy and Your Sports Pad on the Niche website.

leicesterfantv.com

@stevewalsh5

A Double Treble sort of Season The latest Riders news with Phil Holloway What an end to the season for the Leicester Riders! Having already won the BBL Trophy in Glasgow earlier in the spring, the team cruised to the title of the League which entitled them to a good draw in the Playoffs. Coach Rob Paternostro ensure the squad did not relax at this crucial point of the season and worked them hard during preparations for their Quarter Final double header against Sheffield Sharks. The Riders eased passed the Sharks and then took on the Bristol Flyers at the Morningside Arena in Leicester in the semi final second Leg – and to the big crowd’s enjoyment booked themselves another trip to the O2 for the final, against London Lions.

In a tense final, London looked strong, but with some excellent individual performances, but importantly an amazing team performance, the Riders took victory to complete the Treble – again! So this is a double treble, if that makes any sense!

At the players’ awards night, we caught up with Rob Paternostro and asked him if he could make it a treble treble next season? He told us: “We

nichemagazine.co.uk NICHE | 93

elebrate Celebrate the most wonderful time of year in style at Leicester Racecourse to get you in the true Christmas spirit

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ocated close to the city with ample parking and accommodating up to 250 party revellers, the racecourse’s festive feast evenings are perfect for groups of friends, family or work colleagues to enjoy the Christmas party season in style.

General Manager Rob Bracken said: “Christmas parties have always been popular at Leicester Racecourse, we are always listening to our customers on ways to make events more enjoyable and each year we have the same companies returning and of course new ones too!”

The prestigious venue, which hosts a variety of high profile events year round, creates a sophisticated Christmas winter wonderland providing all you need for you and your party to celebrate with an impressive party this Christmas 2018.

Packages for tables of 10 are available and your price per head includes all entertainment, a three-course meal and the opportunity to soak up and immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere that your team will never forget, even if the drinks are flowing all night.

The carefully curated festive menu is the work of a team of highly skilled chefs using quality ingredients. The classic menu provides the right amount of tradition with a contemporary twist.

Parties £38 pp

Three course meal, live music and a well-respected DJ’s will spin the tracks to help you and your group dance the night away whilst the bar is stocked with a plethora of drinks to ensure you can enjoy an evening of carefully selected beers, wines and spirits.

Bar open at 7pm, food served at 7:45pm and disco until 1am

Dates Available: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st December

Chef’s

Christmas Menu Celeriac velouté with truffle cream (GF)

Crayfish with curly endive, mango, capers & watercress cream

Roast breast of Turkey served with fondant potato, seasonal vegetables & thyme infused jus (Pigs in blankets, sage & apricot stuffing & cranberry sauce) (GF) Warm Beetroot & Blue cheese Tart served with fondant potato, seasonal vegetables & tomato coulis

Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy cream 0116 271 6515 leicester-racecourse.co.uk 94 | NICHE

Black Forest Dark Chocolate torte with glazed morello cherries

CHRISTMAS RACE DAYS If you would prefer to make a day of it the opportunity is there with Christmas Race Days combining festive season fun with a light flutter on the horses too. Or, if you are wanting to continue your party after the big day itself, the course’s Festive Race Day provides the perfect opportunity with plenty to keep the whole family happy.

There is plenty to look forward to with the Festive Race Day because Re Take That are back! The world’s number one Take That tribute band will be ‘back for good’ so make sure you’re ‘ready for it’ – playing all of your favourite songs after racing! And there’s no need to worry about the winter weather as all entertainment will be held in a huge indoor heated marquee, not to mention the wide variety of street food and bars also available on the day.

SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER 3 course carvery meal £54.95 per person

THURSDAY 6TH DECEMBER 3 course chef’s christmas menu £48.95 per person

WEDNESDAY 12TH DECEMBER 3 course chef’s christmas menu £48.95 per person

FRIDAY 28TH DECEMBER FESTIVE RACE DAY 3 course carvery £56.95 per person

Chef’s Christmas Menu in the Nelson Suite Restaurant £69 per person Standard entry £25pp, under 18s free Corporate hospitality available on all dates, contact Jemma at: hospitality@leicester-racecourse.com

for more information.

Early bird offers available

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JON MUTCH

GYMNASTICS LOWDOWN Lots of people ask me before they start with us what a session entails. Most have a general idea that there will be some apparatus and some flexible things but, aside from that, they are always curious as to what a 60-minute recreational gymnastics session looks like. With that in mind, here’s a mini guide to a typical one-hour gymnastics session age 4-16.

We start with a fun warm up and stretch to ensure the body is ready for action and the mind is in the right place. Then it is time for a carefully scheduled rotation of apparatus using the vault, bars, beam, floor and tumble/air track for the girls, and floor, pommel, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar and tumble/air track for the boys.

Gymnasts can expect to develop handstands, cartwheels, bridges, rolls, walkovers and many other skills.

Individuals are grouped according to skill level and age so that they can be taught accordingly, and each session works on increasing strength, body control, flexibility, confidence and co-ordination.

Above all though, the sessions are centred around each gymnast having lots of fun whilst learning new skills, building confidence, strength, flexibility, co-ordination and making friends. All this is tailored to each individual so that every gymnast can reach their full potential at their own pace in a fun environment.

Classes run for 44 weeks of the year.

07813 205 852 olgc-gymnastics.co.uk

LEICESTER GOLF CENTRE

TO OPEN THIS YEAR PGA Pro Golfer Anders Mankert is set to re-open Oadby golf course, adjacent to Leicester Racecourse, which closed six years ago Voted UK’s #1 Instructor by Best of UK Awards, Anders Mankert has taken on a long term lease and aims to have the Leicester Golf Centre open to the public by October this year. He is currently coaching at Cosby Golf Course.

Anders’ vision is to see families and individuals of all ages and abilities frequent the revamped 9-hole course. He said: “There’ll be none of the stuffiness associated with golf clubs, no dress code; I’m not interested in what colour their socks are, I’m interested in them enjoying themselves.

“We’re going to introduce a customer service that the golf industry is lacking. Golf clubs can feel intimidating to people but it’s all about having fun, which is never spoken about.”

Two pro golfers, Tom James and Matthew Ulyett who specialise in coaching children and ladies, are lined up to join

the centre. He plans to have four resident coaches by October.

Anders the 44-year-old, originally born in Sweden and now happily settled in Lutterworth, is a soughtafter coach himself with golfers coming from all over the UK to practice with him. He was one of only three in the world to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award

by England Golf.

After the closure of three major Leicestershire courses, Anders says traditional clubs will rely on the less conventional Leicester Golf Centre. “It will act as a feeder club so it’s in membership clubs’ interest for us to exist.”

Oadby and Wigston Council closed the 18-hole course in 2012.

Golfers from its original following have been in touch with Anders voicing their desire to return. andersmankert.co.uk NICHE | 97

Gazza calls

World Cup fever is sweeping the nation and on every television station there are images of legendary World Cup moments: the birth of the Cruyff turn in 1974, Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ in 1986 and Paul Gascoigne’s tears in the 1990 semi-final against Germany. But there were no tears when Niche sat down for an exclusive interview with this football icon

98 | NICHE

E

ngland legend Paul Gascoigne is one of the most recognised figures in footballing history and is widely regarded as being the finest player to have ever donned an England shirt.

Teammate and Leicester’s own Gary Lineker describes him as ‘the most naturally gifted footballer England has produced’. The people tend to place him as the most likeable, popular and loveable footballers of all time and he’s recently made Leicester his home.

Fresh from pulling on his boots again to appear in a memorial match for Bradley Whitfield, brother of agent and friend Shane Whitfield, Paul appears happy, relaxed and at his jovial best posing for photographs, signing autographs and having a joke with his teammates and the crowd.

Not a huge fan of press interviews, Gazza immediately puts us at ease

NICHE FEATURE

Leicester home

Shane drove 600 miles to pick me up and got me into a private treatment centre. He took care of everything whilst I focused on getting back to the person I was and wanted to be with his wide grin and cheeky demeanour, it feels like we’re catching up with an old friend rather than meeting one of the biggest football stars of all time.

And so, we kick things off with the question on everybody’s lips: why Leicester? He smiles big and tells us it’s ‘a genuine friendship’ with Shane Whitfield of Kong Events which has brought him back to his best and turned his life around resulting in him being ‘happier than ever’.

“Since I arrived here I’ve not looked back. I’m happy, smiling, laughing. I’m playing football again, I’ve not played for two years which just shows how much better I am feeling,” he says.

It’s certainly no secret that Gazza’s life hasn’t been all trophies and glory though. No stranger to hardship, his struggles with alcoholism have been a leading cause of disruption and depression in his life.

“I have had my share of battles for a long time and dealt with a lot. But, on December 2 after finding out my

dad was terminally ill, I relapsed and was not in a good place,” he tells us.

“Shane drove 600 miles to pick me up and got me into a private treatment centre. He took care of everything whilst I focused on getting back to the person I was and wanted to be. I’ve known Shane for quite a while, so he knows me well and my history, when I came out of treatment he was there to pick me up and take me to a safe environment and for that I will always be grateful.”

Shane is now Gascoigne’s full time and only agent, booking him exclusive ‘Evenings with Gazza’ events as well as many other high-profile appearances in and around the city. “The events Kong put on are always packed out, plus he and his team escort me to them in a private limo, which can’t be grumbled at! Shane makes sure I’m surrounded by great people from the bodyguards to the staff at events and he never leaves my sight. He really is a great person, I have seen how kind hearted he is first-hand to his family

and to me,” he remarks.

So having travelled the world and lived in cities like Newcastle, London, Glasgow and Rome, what does the footballing legend make of us and our fair city?

“I have been really impressed with what I’ve seen so far, truthfully,” he laughs. “I didn’t realise how nice Leicester was and, more importantly, how welcoming the people are, they have been so courteous, polite and kind when they have wanted a photo or an autograph or just to say hello. I feel at home here already and Shane has shown me some sites like the cathedral, Beacon Hill and Bradgate Park. I love being outside playing tennis, golf or going fishing – that is ideal for me.

I’ve also enjoyed some really good restaurants; my favourites have to be MORE and San Carlo so far.”

The great man is already causing a stir out and about with sightings cropping up all over including treatment received by the hair makeover maestro himself Barrie Stephen. “I have to say Barrie was such a nice person, he put me at ease straight away and gave me a cracking new cut! I also got a sharp new suit at Christopher Scotney, they have some lovely threads!”

Having once graced the pitch at Filbert Street, even pulling on the famous Foxes shirt in 1997 for Steve Walsh’s Testimonial match, Paul has enjoyed a couple of trips to see Leicester City play with Shane and friends. “I’ve been to a couple of Leicester games. I wanted to watch [Jamie] Vardy myself to see if he was as good as I was told – and yep, he’s a class act and rapid. Lovely family too.”

The message from Gazza is clear: he’s feelin’ good, he wants to meet you and the message from us to him is: we couldn’t be happier to be embracing the legend that is ‘Gazza’ in our city. paulgascoigne8.co.uk kongevents.co.uk NICHE | 99

Tyler Bernardini Hoop Dreams to Hedge Funds?

16 | NICHE

NICHE FEATURE

The imposing presence of the 6ft 6in Italian-American basketball player is even more noticeable as Niche encounters him in a discreet English pub garden, with his Sheepadoodle dog Gryffindor, to ask what the future holds for him after retiring from Leicester Riders

A

fter a four-year spell with BBL champions Leicester Riders – for the last two years as elected captain – Californian-born player Tyler Bernardini has retired from the team. During his period with the Riders, they went from runners-up to winners of the BBL trophy, League and Playoffs consecutively over the last three years. His decision to leave the team in his fourth year aged 29 meant going out on a high after defeating London Lions on May 20.

“When you go out like that, winning everything you can win, it’s really special, it’s where you’d want to be, so to have done that is really special,” Tyler told us.

It’s not just titles and trophies that Tyler has helped to secure for the club, though – he warned Coach Rob Paternostro that he would not be one to ‘just turn up and play basketball’. The business school graduate seized the opportunity to run the sales processes behind the club – and the revenue coming into Morningside Arena has grown by 35 per cent in the year since he took complete control of ticket sales.

“I’m interested in economics and how businesses function so to get a hands-on look at the way the business is run and get a chance to improve it and implement strategy changes was important to me.” He added: “The profile of the sport has grown – obviously winning helps that kind of awareness but it’s nice to have been a part of it and you feel like you’ve left the place in a better situation than when you found it.

As a kid I was always taught that.

“We won eight more trophies than we had before I was here. I’m proud of that contribution. Riders were here long before I was and they’re going to be here long after, but I had this little stint of time to contribute.”

So how was it that Tyler was able to take the team from challengers to champions in a relatively short space of time? After taking a moment to prevent his dog Gryffindor eating scraps from an empty table, Tyler reveals that his pure love of the sport has taken him from strength to strength. He admits he was probably better at swimming, but preferred the team aspect of

basketball and working together to achieve a common goal. Basketball also runs in the family: his father played in college and his grandfather played professionally in the 1920s.

Born to Italian parents and a mother passionate about education, he grew up in American culture where sport and grades are equally important, and went off to the University of Pennsylvania.

“In America if you want to play at a high level of sport you have to do well academically and get yourself into a uni that will allow you to compete so it’s a unique relationship that doesn’t really exist in a lot of other places in the world,” he explained.

He then went on to the Ivy League Wharton School of Business, where he insisted on using basketball solely as a platform to create something else. He said: “I think a lot of the time people play sport and they don’t always use it as a means to further other ambitions.

I’ve always wanted to do different stuff from a business and education standpoint and I allowed sport to be a vehicle for that.”

His studies at Wharton consisted of client strategies, global market, international finance, legal studies, and philosophy – an important subject he believes allowed him to pursue different avenues and communicate effectively in business. “In my last year I got injured and was deciding whether I should do a field in finance or continue my basketball career. I had a job lined up at Morgan Stanley in Philadelphia but ended up going to Italy.”

That summer the Italian team Cantu spotted Tyler at a showcase game.

He was due to fly over there when he met Emily a narrator for Audible who is now his wife. He was to spend a few short months with the team in Italy before passport complications meant

travelling back to America where he set up his own sports development training business and ran camps for Nike as well as taking on a private school’s leasing business in which he made $300,000 profit within 10 months. But after some time the couple wanted a change.

“I got a call from an agent I used to work with, talking about a team in England trying to grow their profile.

The club sounded intriguing and it was perfect timing – it was like it was meant to be,” he explained.

Through the Riders, Tyler was able to gain his master’s degree at Loughborough University as well as the welcome change he and Emily craved.

He said: “Since moving here we spend a lot of time in country pubs like this with my buddy [Gryffindor]. The dog culture in this country is amazing. Because of him I get up at 6.15am and go out in the park with his friends. We love Beacon Hill and Bradgate Park.”

In four years in Leicester, Tyler has certainly made an impact on the locals. He’s volunteered for Red Cross Leicester helping refugees and foster children, and is an ambassador for charities Alex’s Wish and Hope Against Cancer. “As a sportsperson you have such a small window to be able to be a force for change and people care what I have to say right now. In two or three years they might not, so I’ll do what I can while I have people’s ears.”

For now, Tyler keeps an open mind, interviewing for finance roles in London and America, and is in conversation with Riders owner Kevin Routledge about directorship roles.

As a sportsperson you have such a small window to be able to be a force for change and people care what I have to say right now NICHE | 101

Leicester Riders

Season Tickets 2018/19 Season ticket holders are the lifeblood of our basketball club, and we’ve put together a package that hopefully reflects that...

Games Season ticket holders will have their own seat at our BBL Championship home games plus all BBL Cup & Trophy home games.

The season ticket also means that you save money every game on full & concessionary prices while guaranteeing your great view of the action at Morningside Arena.

We have decided to reward Season Ticket holders with a number of special events and incentives, highlighted by a preseason meet & greet with the new team. Other incentives will be announced through the summer. Earlier bookings will allow payment by direct debit to be paid over a longer period.

Priority access Season ticket holders are also entitled to priority access on tickets at all of our events, pre-season, playoffs and major finals.

How to buy Pay by cheque, call +44(0)116 255 8635 or visit the Morningside Arena (31 Charter Street, Leicester, LE1 3UD) to purchase.

Payment by Direct Debit is now available to be set up for monthly payments to spread the cost of your season ticket, making it even easier to join the Riders for every game!

#WeRideTogether

Direct debit prices will be spread over remaining months of 2018 and are available on request.

Season Tickets 2018/19 - Pricing Chart ONE PAYMENT (inc VAT)

Adult

Kids

Concession

Family 1 (2&2)

Family 2 (2&3)

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£265

£140

£190

£630

£710

Abbey & Castle Stands

£215

£120

£155

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CONTRACT HIRE versus OUTRIGHT PURCHASE IAN HALLAM IMI

The main reason businesses choose to contract hire a vehicle is the benefit of a fixed monthly budget.

An employer simply tells us their monthly budget and we find a selection of vehicles to suit. We’ll then ask how many miles the employee is expected to drive each year – the average is usually 20,000-25,000 – and from all the information provided, we will come up with a fixed monthly payment.

The contract hire can come with or without a full maintenance package. This entails all scheduled servicing, tyres and general wear and tear items. Anything functional to the car is covered under the terms of the maintenance package, so exhaust, brake pads, etc. will come under that agreement.

From an accountant’s point of view it’s great as you can claim back 50 per

cent of the VAT on the monthly rental payments as well as the entire VAT on the maintenance package – if it is a commercial vehicle such as a van or pickup truck, up to 100 per cent of all VAT can be claimed back.

Each package can be tailored to a company for however long they desire, which gives the employer a fixed multi rental. There is less down time for the employer as they do not need to worry about selling the car, instead, they can select a new car to replace the old one at the end of the contract.

The only downside is that you will be tied into the agreement for the duration of the contract, so should an employee leave, you will continue to pay for the vehicle.

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104 | NICHE

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THE MOT LOWDOWN Required by law, the MOT test is an examination for all vehicles which are three years plus. You need a valid one to ensure your car is legally fit for the road and to acquire tax for your vehicle.

It might be easy to assume that all garages who provide MOTs are same, right? Wrong.

The service you get is more important than people think; really, it’s what sets one MOT service apart from another so look out for a garage with experience and high ratings.

If your vehicle passes its MOT, great, you pay your money, get your certificate and carry on driving the vehicle till your next test is due. If it doesn’t, these advisories will need to be met and then the vehicle requires a free re-test.

A common misconception in the world of MOTs is that if your car passes then it’s technically all sound. An MOT is not the same as a service of the vehicle. There could still be plenty of issues with the vehicle outside of the regulations, so make sure your vehicle is serviced regularly too.

The test is a vital aspect of vehicle ownership, but it needn’t be a stressful process. Find a garage with excellent customer service and the MOT will be as easy as A, B, C!

0116 289 2308 jordanmotors-leicester.co.uk NICHE | 105

NICHE BUSINESS AWARDS

ANNOUNCE

SEMI FINALISTS FOR 2018 The esteemed Business Excellence Awards were introduced to acknowledge and recognise the exceptional work and businesses based in Leicestershire in the face of an ever increasing competitive market.

J

udged by a prestigious panel of judges, the 2018 Business Excellence Awards seek out the leading lights of the business industry, looking for those whose creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership has helped them achieve success in an increasingly challenging corporate climate. These awards recognise and honour the most respected companies, charities and employees covering a variety of industries.

Jenny Cross, Awards Coordinator, discusses her pride in the semi finalists: “Leading a business to success can be a tough challenge, and as such we are keen to showcase the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our deserving winners. I would like to wish them the best of luck for the future and congratulate them as they will now go back to panellist ready for the finalists to be shortlisted.”

The Niche Business Awards pride

itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

To book tickets for the Awards Dinner please email info@crossproductions.co.uk or call 0116 271 2573

THE SEMI FINALISTS In no particular order TRADE & CONSTRUCTION Thorpes Joinery MJE Contracts Pochin Smallman and Son Westermans International Glenfield Electrical

FASHION Hype Clothing Claude & Co Betty Brown Pilot Clothing No Fuchs Given Tejay Sportswear

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Karen Sidden Karen Holder Krys Lakin Ian Morris James Sharpe Graham Jennings

MOTOR Epic Accessories Stretton Circuit AC13 Premier Sturgess Motor Group Move Vehicle Leasing Vehicle Consulting

CHARITY Soft Touch Arts The Bridge Bamboozle Arts Alex’s Wish Hope Against Cancer Bradgate Park

YOUNG ENTREPRENUR Bhavik Samani Christian Fuchs Oliver Rayns Pete Frost Joseph Barsby Hannah Myatt

WEDDING SERVICES Winstanley House Keythorpe Manor Hambleton Hall St Martins House The Bridal Show Bradgate Brides

EDUCATION Beauchamp College Learning without Limits Leicester Castle Business School AFDA Academy Dorothy Goodman School LCFC Community Trust

BEST NEW BUSINESS Nucleus HR Patterson Commercial Law Driving Talent Ltd MD Signs & Fabrications Loyal Free Incite Consulting

INDEPENDENT RETAIL Gelato Village Steamin’ Billy No Fuchs Given SH Scent Betty Brown Zephs Café 106 | NICHE

SPORTS Leicester Riders James Golding Anders Mankert Withers Sports Tejay Sportswear Team Fighting Fit

BUSINESS GROWTH Loyal Free Patterson Commercial Law Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors Phonix Leicester Mo Bro’s Leicester City Football Club

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Mattioli Woods Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching Newby Castleman Weightmans Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors SFB Group BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR Kevin Routledge James Upton Shahid Sheikh Nik Kotecha Dominic Gomersall Ashwin Mistry BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Eileen Richards Jo Tallack Karen Cureton Claire Herbert Mehmooda Duke Shelley Harvey AWARDS DINNER Friday September 7 2018 Athena, Leicester #NicheBizAwards

NICHE | 17

NICHE FEATURE

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

brings ‘OVO’ to arenas across the UK A LIVE NATION PRESENTATION

Cirque du Soleil is delighted to announce a brand-new UK arena tour with OVO OVO – meaning ‘egg’ in Portuguese – is coming to Nottingham and Birmingham with shows in September and October. The show is a celebration of nature and co-existence. After making its UK debut in London in January, the arena tour will start in Liverpool on August 16 and the show will then visit Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester and finally Birmingham, ending on October 7.

Having thrilled more than five million people worldwide since the show premiered in Montreal in 2009 as a Big Top show, OVO embarks on a journey, offering the same captivating production as the Big Top performances, but on a larger scale now, visiting major arenas and venues, including those around the UK. OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck 108 | NICHE

and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists from 17 countries specialising in many acrobatic acts. This includes Alanna Baker from the UK who plays the role of the Black Spider in the show. She was crowned gymnastics European Champion in 2011 and won Bronze in the World Championships in 2012. Alanna, who has been training since she was five years old, has travelled around the world with OVO to countries as far reaching as Japan and Australia and is now set for a return to her home here in the UK. Pre-sale tickets are available via the Cirque du Soleil and Live Nation websites.

IT IS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT WHEN A GAWKY, QUIRKY INSECT ARRIVES IN THIS BUSTLING COMMUNITY

The Creative Team

Artistic Guides Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix Writer, Director & Choreographer Deborah Colker (first female director at Cirque du Soleil) Director of Creation Chantal Tremblay Set and Props Designer Gringo Cardia Costume Designer Liz Vandal Composer and Musical Director Berna Ceppas Lighting Designer Éric Champoux Sound Designer Jonathan Deans Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer Fred Gérard Acrobatic Performance Designer Philippe Aubertin Makeup Designer Julie Bégin

Cirque du Soleil OVO UK arena tour cirquedusoleil.com/ovo livenation.co.uk

September 12-16: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena October 3-7: Birmingham Arena

NICHE FEATURE

The great

Scot A prolific composer of our time, Scottish born Martin Dalby’s life is full of both career and personal highs. Here we explore his life and times and draw inspiration from a man who pursued his passion from the very beginning…

B

orn April 25 1942 in Aberdeen, Scotland, Martin Dalby came into the world already a lover of what would become a lifelong career and passion.

Born to a musical father, Dalby’s musical passion started wombside. His organist father would play to him whilst in his mother’s womb and the strong influence continued throughout his youth. “The first music I ever heard was in the womb whilst my father played clarinet. I obviously can’t remember what I heard but there is no question about it, it affected me! Without a doubt, the baby, not understanding what he’s hearing, is taking it in,” Dalby told Niche Magazine.

Early Years

Following in his father’s footsteps, Dalby set out for a career in music, which began with enrolment at Aberdeen Grammar School where music became an integral part of his study and leisure time. His father was, at the time, not confident of his son’s musical abilities but thankfully with the support of his school music master David Murray, his father’s concern was abated. On the subject Dalby said: “Mr Murray told my father, ‘Stop, because he’s really quite good.’ It was an excellent education and English composer Herbert Howells was my professor. He gave me everything he had and I NICHE | 109

BIOGRAPHY BORN: Aberdeen, 1942 EDUCATION: Aberdeen Grammar School Royal College of Music, London Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship, which enabled him to spend two years in Italy WORKS: 1965 Music Producer to BBC’s Music Programme (later to be Radio 3) 1971 Became Cramb Research Fellow in Composition at University of Glasgow 1972 returned to BBC as Head of Music, Scotland 1991 pursued a more creative role in BBC Scotland. A result of this was the production, amongst other things, of BBC Scotland’s massive radio history, for which he won a Sony Gold Award 1993 Dalby retired from the BBC and composes full time Martin has written a large amount of music for orchestra, chorus, brass and wind bands, Church, film, radio and television.

From festivals to orchestras, his work has been performed widely throughout the world.

Dalby, (John) Martin Scottish composer and broadcasting administrator; b. Aberdeen, April 25, 1942. He was a violinist in the National Youth Orch. Of Great Britain before attending the Royal College of Music in London on scholarships allowed him to pursue studies in Italy (1960-3); additional scholarships allowed him to pursue studies in Italy (1963-65). From 1965 to 1971 he was a music producer with the BBC in London. After serving as the Cramb Research Fellow in composition at the Univ. of Glasgow (1971-72), he held the position of head of music with the BBC in Scotland (from 1972), where he was executive music producer (from 1990).

A prolific composer in the art of classical music Martin Dalby’s extraordinary career spans decades and his influence has reached worldwide acclaim. encyclopedia.com 110 | NICHE

adored him for his encouragement and faith in me.”

In 1960 Martin was granted a prestigious scholarship at the Royal College of London in Composition. His fellow students included composer Herbert Howells and violist Frederick Riddle. His passion for music grew and grew as he immersed himself in the classical world amongst talented peers who all encouraged, supported and inspired each other. “My fellow class members were a huge inspiration to me at this time in particular. We all fed from each other’s energy for music and it really was an inspiring time sparking creativity and cementing my joy in music.”

Travel

Following his official education Dalby entered into a period of travel which taught him just as much as his time in his studies. Travelling to Italy he spent two years playing the viola in an Italian Chamber Orchestra that toured Europe and North Africa. His time in Italy was thanks to the Otavia Prize and a Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship and was at a time, which was hugely rewarding for him both academically and personally, even learning Italian on the journey from London to Rome all those years ago. “I am still fluent in Italian and was determined to have a grasp on the language by the time I reached the country – so I did! I read the entire ‘Beginners Italian’ book on the train journey there!”

Career

Dalby’s marriage even has musical roots with meeting wife Hilary whilst playing in an orchestra together in

He gave me everything he had and I adored him for his encouragement and faith in me

Hong Kong. Hilary was later part of the orchestra at the BBC. When the BBC decided to shut down the orchestra headstrong Hilary went on strike.

Standing at the picket line outside the studios, Dalby recalls getting into trouble for buying coffees for the protestors, “I told my boss that it was paid for with my money and therefore I could do what I liked with it!”

His time at the BBC wasn’t always rebellious though. Interviewed upon returning from his travels by none other than Hans Keller, Dalby reflects: “He was such a character. In my interview with him he asked me a very tricky question, when I asked him afterwards why he asked something so challenging he simply replied, ‘I wanted to see how you coped with it, I apologise, it wasn’t fair of me!’”

He made up for the harsh beginnings however on Dalby’s very first day at the BBC producing when he asked him to come to his office for a friendly drink, “I really didn’t expect him to invite me for a beer, he was always full of the unexpected!”

In a varied and vibrant career, Dalby achieved a great deal – even whilst holding down his job at the BBC including music for a film about Edinburgh Zoo and some documentaries and dramas. He was featured in a BBC 2 drama called Dreaming featuring Billy Connolly where he performed a piece called Cod Opera; a Mozart spoof.

There are many standout moments in his career, Dalby recalls one in particular, “When I was head of music for BBC Scotland I was talking to the late John Drummond about one of our proms; we’d got the programme more

MUSIC FIT FOR ROYALTY Classical music reached a wide audience recently at the wedding service that saw Prince Harry marry Meghan Markle, it was unique, classic and yet modern too - but what was it?

Whilst waiting for the bridal party, British composers included Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Peter Warlock. Pieces were played by an assembled orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren Green and included: Elgar - Salut d’Amour, Serenade for Strings (first movement), Chanson de Matin Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Greensleeves Warlock - Capriol Suite, movements 2, 3, & 5 Holst - St Paul’s Suite, movement 4 Howells - Psalm-Prelude Set 1, No. 2 Bach - Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541 Handel - Eternal Source of Light Divine Lord Of All Hopefulness Tallis - If Ye Love Me Paradis - Sicilienne Fauré - Après un rêve Schubert - Ave Maria Leiber & Stoller - Stand By Me Rutter - The Lord Bless You and Keep You John Hughes / William Williams - Guide Me O, Thou Great Redeemer Boyce - Symphony no. 1 in B-flat – Allegro Etta James - Amen/This little light of mine NICHE | 111

Despite the inevitable slowing down of my involvement in the classical world, it will always be a part of my soul, music runs through my veins!

IN UTERO CONCERTOS Creating Clever Kids?

The debate is on-going; playing classical music to babies (including those in the womb) has been found by some researchers to be a source of calm, a head start in education and a pastime that strengthens the bond between parent and child.

It’s called the Mozart Effect. The study conducted in 1993 at The University of California found that teens who listened to compositions

by Mozart before a test did better than those who sat in a silent room or listened to any other music.

Classical music CDs are handed out to parents in some hospitals as they are believed to create a stimulating yet relaxing environment for parent and baby. It’s also unsurprising the effect it may have on the tiny person who is brand new to the strange world and will find comfort in the familiar sounds they listened to in the womb.

Martin told us: “The first music I ever heard was in the womb whilst my father played clarinet. I obviously can’t remember what I heard but there is no question about it, it affected me! Without a doubt, the baby, not understanding what he’s hearing, is taking it in.”

Towards the end of the second trimester, your baby’s hearing will be developed well enough for their little ears to hear the delight that is classical music. Whether playing the works of great composers will produce a child prodigy or not has not exactly been proven but if it helped to get Martin where he is today, we’d say it’s worth a try!

or less set up but we hadn’t got a solo spot. He said we needed something really special and I said ‘what we need is John Ogden.’ He’d been ill, we all knew that; he’d had a breakdown but he did come and play with us and it was fantastic. Even though I wasn’t a fan of the music that I knew was safe for him to play, I put my job on the line and the audience went spare! I had the courage to go with it and I knew it would work. And that was Oggy back on the map.”

As a producer at the BBC from 1965 to 1971 in London and Head of Music at BBC Scotland from 1972 and Executive Music Producer from 1990 his lengthy career continued even after retirement in 1993 with the BBC calling on him to join the orchestra occasionally and commissioned works.

“Despite the inevitable slowing down of my involvement in the classical world, it will always be a part of my soul, music runs through my veins!”

Now retired, he takes interest in railways, literature and bird watching and holds a private pilot’s licence. martin-dalby.co.uk

112 | NICHE

NICHE CULTURE

Game On!

I

’ve never been a gamer. My younger brother, Paul, was an absolutely avid Atari Asteroids fanboy, spending whole days in 1979 glued to the screen before anyone considered that a concern. But, although I enjoyed a little bit of Space Invaders or Donkey Kong, gaming has never really been my thing.

Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, therefore posed something of a conundrum. Spielberg is the director of my childhood whose thrilling cinematic rides in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Jaws left me spellbound, but whose overly sentimental approach can sometimes grate.

Spielberg has unleashed his inner geek in a cornucopia of ‘80s pop

TRACEY MILLER culture references as we experience that sci-fi staple, a dystopian future.

It’s 2045 where the grim realities of life in the Ohio Stacks are escaped as the populace endlessly chase dreams in OASIS the virtual-reality platform created by mad genius James Halliday, fabulously brought to life by Mark Rylance, and his business partner Ogden Morrow, played by a weasely Simon Pegg. Halliday sets the ultimate gaming quiz to determine who will inherit his fortune and the game is most definitely on!

Thrill at OASIS super hero Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) whose avatar Parzival wants to win the OASIS for the purest of reasons whilst driving the iconic DeLorean pitted against the

the likes of the A Team van, and pinkhaired speed diva Art3mis. Parzival is aided most ably by by bff Aech (Lena Waithe who is absolutely terrific) fighting off King Kong, a ravenous T Rex and a host of pop culture legends.

Bad guy Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) is a corporate white dude absolutely determined to win and keep the populace enslaved. VR is the star here and if you’re looking for Spielberg to condemn the digi-verse, then find another movie, but if you want action packed family friendly fun, go for it!

Ready Player One is out on DVD from the August 6.

traceyannmiller@hotmail.com

NICHE CARE

A royally big day for care home residents and toddler group Residents at a Melton Mowbray care home got into the spirit of the Royal Wedding occasion on Saturday May 19 by holding a party of their own with a local toddler group

T

he Amwell care home invited nursery workers and children from the local Oasis Nursery Centre to meet with residents for a morning of fun before Prince Harry wed Meghan Markle.

The home, which provides residential, dementia and respite care in Asfordby Road, treated them to all the traditional elements of a Royal Wedding street party including patriotic decorations, old time music, and a long table of sandwiches and delicacies. The day started with some free-play allowing the children, all under five, to play with a huge range of toys, while nursery workers introduced the kids to residents. They then got together to sing well-known nursery rhymes, play games, and later the residents read the children some stories.

The Amwell manager Tracy Heyes said: “Royal weddings have been a major attraction for a lot of our residents throughout their lives. Many of them remember the street parties they had when The Queen and Prince Philip got married in 1947.

“Many of our residents have a real soft spot for Prince Harry – remembering when he was born, watching him grow into a young man and now have been so excited to celebrate him marrying the beautiful Meghan Markle.

“I think the importance of the nursery group visiting is that it helps to bridge the gap between the young and elderly within the local community. It was heart-warming to see the children and residents singing along to the songs and doing all of the actions. There was lots of laughter and fun. We saw endearing relationships forged between some of our residents and the children, which was wonderful to see. Our residents had a wonderful time and many of them have not stopped talking about it. We are now hoping to make this a regular event.”

01664 882 525 theamwellcare.com info@theamwellcare.com NICHE | 113

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NICHE SOCIAL

Leicestershire Law Society Legal Awards The Leicestershire Law Society Legal Awards gives the opportunity to highlight key legal individuals and firms in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who stand out as ambassadors for the industry. The awards have become a permanent fixture in the legal and business calendar, with the event attracting a capacity crowd year-on-year to celebrate the success and achievement of both individuals and firms over the last 12 months. This year over 300 guests attended. The winners for Leicestershire Law Society Legal Awards 2018 have now been announced: Solicitor of the Year: Sponsored by The 36 Group - Mehmooda Duke DL, Moosa Duke Solicitors Junior Solicitor of the Year: Sponsored

by University of Leicester - Fiona Harrison, Freeths LLP Chambers of the Year: Sponsored by Finance Lab - The 36 Group Trainee/Paralegal of the Year: Sponsored by De Montfort University Sharon Percival - Emery Johnson Astills Large Law Firm of the Year: Sponsored by 2 New Street - Freeths LLP Small Law Firm of the Year: Sponsored

by KCH Garden Square - Josiah Hincks Solicitors and Moss Solicitors

116 | NICHE

NICHE SOCIAL PAGES SPONSORED BY

B-STYLED.CO.UK PART OF THE BARRIE STEPHEN GROUP

Cross Connections Busines Expo 2018 The Cross Connections Business Expo ran for its second year on Wednesday 9 May. It was held again at the convenient location of Leicester Racecourse’s event space The Kube where games, live drone demonstrations, and free confidential waste shredding took place outside.

The inside space was filled with fabulous displays from local businesses that all came together for one day of powerful networking. Scancom Distribution Ltd brought a Tesla to the venue, Eventologists put up a fantastic 3D jungle feature wall, Kwoklyn Wan gave live cooking demonstrations inviting guests to get involved, Riders put up a basketball hoop, J Nandha Photo & Video was taking free headshots for guests, bra fittings were taking place at the Tutti Rouge stand, and facials were being done by Beau Aesthetica.

Four speakers gave riveting talks throughout the day on relevant, current topics concerning marketing, PR, business goals, and access to finance.

Guests commented on the lighthearted atmosphere, quality of stand displays, and unique food offering from The Shack.

NICHE | 117

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Soar Valley Press hosted its first ever golf day on a sunny Thursday in May in support of Zinthiya Trust; a local charity that helps those living in poverty or abusive situations to get back on their feet with work placements and advice, counselling, and access to affordable everyday essentials.

Companies united at Market Harborough Golf Club to show their support for the charity and together they raised £547.85. Among them were Kazzoo IT, Hollingsworth Solicitors, Michael Ambrose, Arthur Knight Shoes, Anthony James Insurance and 10 other teams. The winner of the day was Kevin Boulter who was representing Zinthiya Trust.

Chris Goodman, Managing Director of Soar Valley Press, said: “Our Golf Day was a good way to bring our clients together but also an opportunity to support a charity. We have worked with the Zinthiya Trust for a number of years, helping them with their design and print needs, and it is a great charity to support. Working particularly with vulnerable women they do fantastic work, offering advice as well as practical support.”

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Soar Valley Press Charity Golf Day

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