A throwback to where it all began

from the beginning to now

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As Niche Magazine celebrates its 50th issue, we flashback to where it all began and look at some other key milestones happening across

Leicester in 2022 WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

Nine years ago, a young mother of three set up a business in her living room. She registered Cross Productions as an official company and its first product was a business and lifestyle publication for the residents of Leicestershire. She called it Niche Magazine.

What started off as a monthly magazine carrying as much as it could about the great things people were doing in the city and county with just five people working on it, grew to become the bi-monthly, beautifully matte-finished, quality magazine you see before you today. But hey, we’re biased. It’s been clear though that the public are of the same opinion – we’ve seen and heard Niche Magazine grow as a brand, collecting more readers, followers, writers, designers, sponsors, and brand representatives as we go.

It’s a free magazine so that anyone can pick up a copy and learn about what’s happening in and around the county. The decision to turn Niche into a bi-monthly title was made so that our advertisers and the people, businesses, charities and events we wrote about gained a longer lifespan in the eyes of the public. It all equals greater brand awareness for them, creating a bigger impact, support for the local economy, and therefore, helping to promote Leicestershire as a great place to live, work and visit.

Leicester has an incredibly active business community. Having interviewed many business owners over the years, I’ve often heard from those who have relocated to Leicester and have found themselves astonished at just how lively and supportive the business scene is here compared to that of other cities.

We are immeasurably grateful to every single company and individual that has promoted us over the years. We’d like to personally thank a few who have advertised with us, attended our Niche Networking events and Niche Business Awards and recommended Niche Magazine from day one. Glynis Wright MBE of Nelsons, Eileen Perry MBE of ER Recruitment, Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE of e-bate Limited, Chris Cain of Kazzoo it, the team at Curve, Torr Waterfield, Charles Bentley, Nuffield Health, Athena, Chutney Ivy, and Midlands Pro DJ, as well of course, for all those who have supported us right up to today.

Here’s to another 50 issues of Niche Magazine!