News

Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 Your Input Wanted

Following the re-election in May of Rupert Matthews for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. The new Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 is under development and a bespoke survey has been developed to help shape this. The toll...

September launch for 46,000 sq ft workspaces in Space City

September launch for 46,000 sq ft workspaces in Space City. Leicestershire’s first net carbon zero workspace for high tech and innovative businesses. * Dock 3 – 5: 45 offices and 9 industrial units in net carbon zero development *...

Elevate your business: Get the digital support you need!

Why not take an opportunity to elevate your business. You could have a digital skills coach helping you with a set number of hours of training in a designated digital skill if you are a business paying business rates...

Leicestershire digital inclusion research report 2024 launched

Leicester and Leicestershire digital inclusion research report 2024 has now been launched. The updated report on digital poverty within this area is now available. With an ever-increasing growth in the use of basic digital skills in the workplace, along...

Employers further develop your graduate talent pipeline

Employers further develop your graduate talent pipeline through the Loughborough Universities’ flagship event of the year. The Autumn Careers Fair will be returning on Monday 14th October (14:00 – 19:00) and Tuesday 15th October 2024 (11:00 – 16:00). The...

Sport and Physical Activity Local Skills Plan Launched

Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland have launched a new local skills plan for Sport and Physical Activity. This is the first of its kind for the area. The plan identifies key skills improvements, workforce challenges and priorities for local sport and...

Building Awareness of Public Sector Procurement Support

The latest edition to the business support offer the Leicester and Leicestershire Growth Hub are promoting has its focus on building awareness of public sector procurement support. The updated page found here provides background on how procurement processes work...

Could Beans Bring Opportunities To Leicestershire Businesses?

Could beans bring opportunities, support local people and businesses to become greener, healthier and more prosperous? That was the question discussed at an event which drew attendees from business, academia, non-profit organisations and local government to Winstanley House in...

Expanding Business Horizons with great.gov.uk

In today’s global economy, exporting offers immense opportunities for growth and expansion. For UK businesses, navigating the complexities of international trade can be daunting. This is where Great.gov.uk comes into play. As the UK government’s dedicated platform for export...

About the Leicester Employment Hub

Leicester Employment Hub is a business support service for employers in Leicester, run by Leicester City Council. The project team is dedicated to bridging the gap between employers and local people seeking meaningful employment opportunities. The hub has run...

Charity to Deliver £100k Worth of Business Grants

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity DOUBLES its grants budget to support businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Having provided interest-free loans to help support aspiring and existing business owners within Leicestershire and Rutland since 1542, The Sir Thomas...

Data Protection for Small Organisations: A Guide

Data protection is a critical issue for all organisations, regardless of size. It’s about protecting the personal information you hold about individuals, such as their name, address, and email address. Complying with data protection law is essential to avoid...

Sponsorship Opportunities 2024/2025 Leicestershire World of Work

Securing the right skills and fostering young talent is crucial to many employers across Leicester and Leicestershire – providing you with fresh insights and developing the workforce needed in the future. However, young people are not always aware of...

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act receives Royal Assent

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC Act), which became law in May 2024, marks a significant shift in how the UK regulates digital markets. This act aims to create a fairer and more competitive landscape for both...

Melton United Event Connecting Businesses and Local Students

The Melton United networking event will provide local businesses opportunities to meet their local educational establishments and gain insight into: • Helping students gain employability skills • Influencing your future workforce • Inspiring young people • Learning about how...

16 firms kick off latest cohort of £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme

The latest group of creative businesses to register for the £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme have started their investment readiness journey.  Cohort 2 of the regional programme kicked off in Lincoln with an in-person session led by delivery...

East Midlands Create Growth now open to businesses for Cohort 3

Businesses can now apply for Cohort 3 of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth Programme. Applications have opened for the third cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses. Companies are being encouraged to apply for...

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities: A Closer Look at Manufacturing in the East Midlands. The manufacturing sector is facing a challenging road ahead, with forecasts indicating two years of sluggish growth across Britain. According to the latest insights from...

Business Benefits from a free workshop around inclusive recruitment

Businesses are invited to strengthen their links with education through an upcoming workshop. Organised by the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub and Business In The Community (BITC), the free event will offer insight to business benefits through the opportunity...

New free management course for small businesses

The Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new, free, bite-sized online course to help small businesses grow. Delivered by the Government in partnership with the Chartered Association of Business Schools, Help to Grow: Management Essentials covers...

Winners of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024 are revealed

The winners of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024 were revealed at an event at SportPark in Loughborough. Dozens of finalists across 10 categories gathered last night for the sixth annual awards. They were joined by Leicestershire Innovation Festival sponsors, guests,...

Transition begins after LLEP helps bring £860m into Leicester and Leicestershire

The impact of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) over the last 13 years was celebrated during an event at the National Space Centre. The business-led strategic development body helped to bring almost £860 million of investment into...

First LLEP green skills newsletter out

Following the issue of the LLEP area Green Skills report last year, comes the first Green Skills Newsletter. This has been created in collaboration with our local authorities, districts and wider partners. It aims to bring information together around...

New Leicestershire entrepreneurs advised to “Find your reason”

An audience of new businesses and those thinking about taking the plunge came together yesterday at the Business Boost Start-Up event, organised by the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub. The event held at Leicester Racecourse, aimed to provide information...

Contacting the Business Gateway

We are experiencing problems with our telephone systems at the moment and apologise for any inconvenience this is causing. Please use our email – growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk if you need to contact us. Thank you.

Business leaders receive progress report on £40m Loughborough Town Deal

Business leaders gathered to find out more about the multi-million investment being delivered through Loughborough Town Deal. Around 90 guests attended a business briefing to hear about the progress of the 11 projects worth over £40 million of investment...

Finalists gather ahead of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024

Leicestershire Innovation Awards finalists met to exchange ideas as anticipation builds ahead of the presentation ceremony later this month. Shortlisted businesses joined sponsors and other guests gathered at De Montfort University (DMU) last night for a pre-awards event.

Pace of AI adoption means Government and education system have to catch-up fast, say small firms

Small firms need protection from deepfakes and improvements to the education system to allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) to live up to its true potential, a new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. Redefining Intelligence: The Growth...

Adey Steel’s Digital Transformation Story with Made Smarter East Midlands

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in competitive landscapes. Adey Steel, a prominent player in the UK’s infrastructure sector,...

New business owners don’t need to go it alone, says Leicestershire Growth Hub

Starting a new business can seem like a daunting prospect for many. There can be so much to think about and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With this in mind, LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub is running Business Boost:...

Safer Leicester: Leicester city centre awarded Purple Flag as crime at night falls by 28%

Crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Leicester’s city centre have seen a reduction of 28% over the five years from 2018 to the end of 2022. What assessors described as “great” crime and disorder statistics were noted as part...

Launch of Midlands Engine Investment Fund II provides £400m boost for small businesses

The British Business Bank is launching its £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II today, unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in the Midlands prosper and thrive.

Finalists revealed for Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024

The finalists have been revealed for Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024. Judges had a record number of entries to consider, as almost 100 nominations were received from local businesses, non-profits, researchers, education, and other organisations. The Leicestershire Innovation Awards –...

Leicester Scheme For Better Pubs And Clubs Wins National Award

The first year of Leicester’s Best Bar None scheme secured the ‘Best New Scheme’ award at the national Best Bar None awards, hosted at the House of Commons this week. The scheme is a national initiative that rewards well-run...

Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 set to be biggest yet

Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 drew more than 1,000 attendees over a busy fortnight of events. Organisers say that 2024 looks set to be the biggest innovation festival to date – with further events still to come after the Business...

TBAT Innovation Launches the 2024 Innovation Challenge

TBAT Innovation is excited to announce the launch of The Innovation Challenge, an initiative aimed at supporting SMEs in their quest for innovation and growth. The programme, meticulously crafted by TBAT’s expert team, brings together key partners to provide...

Students learn how to apply ideas during unique innovation day at Holovis

Dozens of young people learned how to turn ideas into action as they explored innovation during a unique visit to Holovis. The sixth form and college students received a masterclass in developing design and proof concept while visiting the...

Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur OBE recognises key role of business innovation

The Lord-Lieutenant has encouraged more of Leicestershire’s small business innovators to put themselves forward for a King’s Award. Speaking at an event staged as part of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024, Mike Kapur OBE described the benefits of receiving the...

Made Smarter East Midlands Supporting Manufacturers in the Region Towards Their Net-Zero Goals

Made Smarter East Midlands Supporting Manufacturers in the Region Towards Their Net-Zero Goals Through Digital Transformation Manufacturing is a driving force behind economic growth, but it also shoulders a responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Recognising this dual role,...

Unlock projects with the Community Energy Fund

Up to £100,000 is available to community groups to develop energy projects in their local area. The Community Energy Grant is a £10m grant scheme funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The scheme aims to...

BLOG: De Montfort University: ‘Innovation is at the heart of everything we do’

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) collaborates with businesses, community partners, third-sector organisations, Government and learners to share knowledge, expertise, skills, technologies and facilities to encourage innovation in everything it does. DMU’s business services team helps companies of all shapes...

BLOG: RBC Brewin Dolphin: ‘We recognise that innovation drives progress’

RBC Brewin Dolphin has been serving clients for more than 250 years, guiding their growth through all market cycles. The wealth management and financial planning firm’s history shows the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and seeing beyond short-term...

Health Minister attends Innovation Festival life sciences event at Charnwood Campus

A Government Health Minister joined the first life sciences event of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. Andrew Stephenson CBE MP visited Charnwood Campus to join more than 100 delegates considering innovation as a potential solution to health disparities and inequalities....

£14 million of investment delivered by Loughborough Town Deal and more on the way

Millions of pounds have already been invested into the area thanks to Loughborough Town Deal and more developments are on the way. The Town Deal is backing 11 projects with several already being completed or progressing well and 2024...

BLOG: Cross Productions: ‘Small change can add tremendous value’

Cross Productions advises on, and educates around, the implementation of marketing solutions for businesses. Cross is a team of creative thinkers who will go above and beyond to add value to clients and their brands. The Leicester-based marketing consultancy...

BLOG: Loughborough University: ‘Innovation has the power to improve lives’

Loughborough University is somewhere that anyone can realise their full potential. It is consistently ranked among the top-performing institutions in the country and holds an array of awards and accolades. These evidence its strength across all areas of delivery...

Praise for regional approach to productivity at launch of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024

Leicestershire is ‘leading the way’ in promoting regional business innovation, says the National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Speaking after delivering the keynote at the launch of the Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024, Martin McTague OBE said:...

BLOG: University of Leicester: Building innovation communities

From the invention of one of the most important discoveries in UK scientific research, genetic fingerprinting, to creating the first British degree in mass communications. From identifying supermassive black holes to uncovering the remains of King Richard III. The...

Final line-up revealed for launch of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024

All tickets have now been reserved for the sold-out launch event of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. Every place on the waiting list for returns for the event – taking place at Space Park Leicester on Monday 5 February –...

Funding boosts for borough businesses and organisations

Businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for two new grants to boost funds. The Rural Prosperity Grant offers a pot of £400,000 in support for rural businesses and organisations, while the Business Prosperity Grant is worth £150,000...

BLOG: MIRA Technology Park: ‘Partnership is essential to achieving our mission’

Innovation is everywhere at MIRA Technology Park. With more than 35 major companies on site, it is Europe’s largest mobility R&D cluster, establishing the very best collaborative environment for developing and commercialising new ideas. As a world-leading centre of...

FSB National Chair to launch Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024

The National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will provide the keynote at the launch of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. Martin McTague OBE will address guests during the event at Space Park Leicester on Monday 5 February.

BLOG: Freeths: ‘Encouraging people to work smarter – not harder’

LIF24 sponsor Freeths is a leading full-service UK law firm, with 1,000+ freethinking colleagues all working together to make the future better for its people, clients and communities. Established more than 200 years ago, its guiding values – smart,...

QEST Emerging Maker Grants

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers Emerging Maker Grants of up to £10,000 for the training and education of talented craftspeople at an early stage in their career. The Emerging Maker Grant is a new funding opportunity for...

New Guide Making Business Finance Work for You

Making Business Finance Work for You is a new guide created by the British Business Bank. The online guide aims to break down financial products available and cut through the confusion for business owners.

Business lunch briefing will update progress on £40m Loughborough Town Deal

Businesses are being invited to learn more about progress being made on Loughborough Town Deal while networking with local leaders during a free event. The Delivering the Deal business lunch – taking place on March 1 – will offer...

Leicester and Leicestershire Digital Inclusion Call for Evidence and Survey 2024 open

As part of the LLEP’s ongoing work to support digital inclusion, they are inviting partners, stakeholders, and employers to complete a short survey about current issues and challenges being faced by the local population.

£1.3m Create Growth programme ‘held a mirror up’ for us, says video business director

Participating in Create Growth enabled Ben Coates to reflect on how far his small business has come – and where he wants it to go next. Ben is the Director of Cande Group – one of 23 firms to...

BLOG: Exemplas: ‘Why innovation matters to our business’

LIF24 sponsor Exemplas enables companies to grow, scale, and excel by providing business support with exemplary expertise, advice, and networks. Staffed by a team of highly experienced advisors and specialists, they are able to help with every stage of...

Business Boost event kicks off Growth Hub’s 2024 events schedule

‘What’s your hourly rate and what do you cost your business?’ This was just one of the questions posed by growth specialist Maria Peggs at the Business Boost 24 event on Wednesday 17 January. Organised by the LLEP Business...

Skills for Life

Last week the Department for Education launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign, Skills for Life: It All Starts With Skills. It encourages and motivates young people, adults, and businesses to find out more about government skills and technical education...

Flood support for Leicestershire

Leicestershire County Council have provided an update on flood support. There are reported to be 400 residential and commercial properties affected by last week’s flood in the county. Leicestershire has qualified for the National Flood Recover Framework which means...

An award-winning business mentor will be key speaker for Growth Hub’s Business Boost event

The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub has announced Maria Peggs as its key speaker for the ‘Business Boost: Elevate your Business Growth’ event this month. The event aims to help Leicestershire small business owners kickstart 2024 with growth advice,...

Business Gateway Growth Hub takes lead on Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024

Update: 19 February – the awards nomination deadline has now passed. Small businesses can now nominate themselves for recognition of their new ideas. The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub took the lead on the Leicestershire Innovation Awards just before...

New Training Programme to support leadership skills for Leicestershire businesses

The Business Gateway Growth Hub has launched a new training programme for business owners in Leicester and Leicestershire looking to develop their leadership skills called Transform to Grow.

BLOG: COP28 – A review and implications for small businesses

Sajjad Khan, LLEP Innovation Board member, attended the first three days of COP28 held in Dubai earlier this month. He has provided his review of the event here as well as thoughts on the implications for our small business...

BLOG: Top 10 things to do before applying for finance

British Business Bank has provided the following guidance when applying for funding. A lack of finance can hold your business back and stop it from achieving its full potential. Here at Start Up Loans, we provide personal loans for...

New funding programme to accelerate healthcare innovation in the East Midlands

Medilink Midlands and Health Innovation East Midlands (formerly East Midlands Academic Health Science Network – EMAHSN) have joined forces to launch a new programme designed to support and accelerate health innovations in the region.

Christmas Opening Hours

Season’s Greetings to all! As the holidays will soon be here please note our offices will be closed from Friday 22 December 2023, at 2.00 pm. We will reopen at 9.00 am on Tuesday 2 January 2024. If you...

‘I’d reached a crossroads – Create Growth inspired me to make some changes’ 

Participating in Create Growth was a reminder of the importance of getting the basics right. So says Jonny Prest, owner of Seed and one of the first 23 firms to recently complete the £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme.

NatWest Accelerator open for application for March cohort

The NatWest Accelerator is now OPEN for applications for the March 2024 cohort. NatWest understand that SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy and that have a responsibility to help them build back better. At the heart of the...

Made Smarter East Midlands Now Open to Micro Manufacturers

Following the Autumn Statement’s announcement of the nationwide expansion of Made Smarter Adoption until 2027, Made Smarter East Midlands has announced that the programme eligibility criteria will now be expanded to include micro-sized manufacturers with headcounts of one to...

Zero Carbon Innovation Centre gets Green Light

Major new plans for a multi-million pound East Midlands zero carbon innovation centre – aiming to transform cutting edge green research into commercial products – have been unveiled by East Midlands Freeport. The UK’s only inland Freeport also revealed...

LSIP: Take part in the ongoing skills improvement plan

Businesses are invited to be part of a new initiative which takes an innovative approach to bringing together businesses and education providers to ensure Leicester and Leicestershire can deliver the skills needed for now and the future.

Made Smarter East Midlands Welcomes Government’s £4.5 Billion Investment in Manufacturing

Made Smarter East Midlands welcomes the recent government announcement, delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the Autumn Statement on 22nd November 2023, who confirmed; “(the Government) will make available £4.5 billion of support over the 5 years to 2030...

Workforce would benefit from green skills training, new report advises

Upskilling and training will be required to get Leicester and Leicestershire’s workforce up to speed with green skills, a new report advises. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) released the Green Skills Report in partnership with Leicestershire County...

New multi-million pound Programme helps British SMEs lead the way on net zero air travel

The new ATI SME Programme will provide up to £10 million per year in funding opportunities for UK aerospace SMEs’ cutting-edge R&D projects. Cutting-edge British aerospace companies are set to benefit from a new multi-million pound SME Programme that...

BLOG: Empowering JIG UK Ltd’s Innovation and Growth Through Digital Transformation

JIG UK Ltd. specialises in crafting customised cast iron radiators and bathroom products, catering to plumbing merchants, radiator retailers, and direct consumers. Recognising the need to enhance their manufacturing operations, JIG embarked on a journey to boost productivity and...

Nominations open for LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards 2024

Update 19 February – the awards deadline has now passed. UPDATE 20 December – You can enter the awards using this link now Nominations are being accepted for the LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards 2024. The annual awards – now in...

Leicester charity leads way in shaping national recruitment inclusivity framework

Employers are invited to assess themselves against nine new standards measuring the quality of their engagement with young job-seekers. The Careers & Enterprise Company has developed its ‘Employer Standards’ framework as a method of improving engagement between young people...

Over £2.6m of support for city projects to support local prosperity

A NETWORK of over 30 groups and organisations is set to receive over £2.6million in funding to deliver advice, support and training for Leicester businesses, people and communities. The local projects will be supported through Leicester City Council’s allocation...

First sponsors announced for Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024

The first sponsors have been announced for Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 – as the event focuses on productivity gains from small changes. The theme of the sixth annual festival is ‘Small Change, Big Impact’.

Tackling the climate emergency in Leicester

Update 4 December: The closing date for this is now 26 January 2024. Leicester City Council have launched a public consultation on climate change and is looking for feedback from businesses, universities, voluntary/community groups, organisations and others. Take the...

Blog: How to test your business idea before blowing a fortune

We’re sharing information from the British Business Bank. Here we look at steps to take before you launch a new business.

Businesses can now apply for Cohort 2 of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth

Applications have opened for the second cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses. Companies are being encouraged to apply for the next phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media...

The world is in full sight at launch of Leicester Business Festival 2023

The ninth Leicester Business Festival 2023 officially launched into action yesterday at the University of Leicester’s Space Park with the Conference Of Parties (COP) Globe* as the backdrop. Over 70 free business events will take place in the area...

Female Founder Accelerator open for applications

The Female Founder Accelerator powered by Barclays Eagle Labs and funded by UK Government has been designed to support 100 innovative, female-led technology businesses.

Blog: Start-up success – how to avoid 8 of the biggest risks for start-ups

We’re sharing information from the British Business Bank as part of Business Finance Week which takes place all next week (6 to 10 November). In this post, they look at some of the key pitfalls to avoid when starting...

Hinckley and Bosworth Rural England Prosperity Fund Grants Now Open

Rural businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for grants to help them to become greener. A new scheme aimed at boosting the rural economy has been launched by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and will run until...

LLEP funds Skills Festival at MIRA Technology Park for automotive employers

A LLEP-funded programme of employment and skills initiatives in support of high-tech businesses in the automotive sector will take place in November. The free event is aimed at people working in the region’s automotive sector and is designed as...

Loughborough start-ups given top tips at networking event

New and early-stage business owners in Loughborough were introduced to a host of organisations and support available, to help them grow in a free networking event yesterday. The Kick Off in Business event was held at the Careers and...

£4.6m investment will bring 222 jobs to world-class lab space

More than 200 jobs will be created through a £4.6m investment in revamping laboratory space at Charnwood Campus. Highly specialised lab space, which is currently unused, is to be reactivated to create a world-class biochemistry building. The project will...

Businesses needed to support new employability programme at HMP Fosse Way

Key4Life, a rehabilitative charity for young offenders is launching a new employability program at state-of-the-art HMP Fosse Way and is looking for employers to get involved. They are hosting three afternoons at HMP Fosse Way in Leicester where you...

Does physical inactivity affect our productivity?

Active Together and other Active Partnerships across the Midlands have been working with the Midlands Engine and Coventry University to raise the profile of physical activity levels in relation to labour market participation (people being in work) as well...

BLOG: Start your digital transformation journey with Made Smarter East Midlands

The central purpose of the Made Smarter East Midlands programme is to fuel growth and bolster productivity among East Midlands-based manufacturing SMEs. By participating in the Programme, businesses are presented with a unique opportunity to delve deep into the...

New app for Oadby and Wigston businesses

Businesses in Oadby & Wigston will have the opportunity to reach more customers through a new app created by the Oadby & Wigston Council. The new OW Local app, which launches on 1 November 2023 has been designed to support...

HVM Catapult helps SMEs slash energy costs with new Manufacturing Energy Toolkit

The HVM Catapult launches national pilot scheme that can save SMEs up to 46% of their energy costs. As the winter sets in, the cost of energy will be a key concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes...

Expansion breathes new life into Phoenix

Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre has been the focal point of Leicester’s independent film and digital arts scene for many years. In fact, it celebrates its 60th birthday this month!  Following an £8 million expansion plan, Phoenix is looking...

Line-up of events and speakers revealed for Leicester Business Festival 2023

Events running at Leicester Business Festival (LBF) 2023 are now live on the official website so people can book their places. The festival starts on 6 November and is backed by well-known businesses including De Montfort University, Pattersons Commercial...

NEW capital grants for Melton businesses

Melton Borough Council has developed the Discretionary Business Grants Fund which will see up to £300,000 worth of grants go to supporting business start-ups, business growth, the high street and retail sector and developing the tourism economy. The new...

Final round of SHIRE Community Grants open

Round 3 of this year’s SHIRE Grants programme 2023-24 is now OPEN for applications. Leicestershire-based VCSE (Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise) sector organisations can apply for a grant (maximum £5,000) to deliver community based projects and activities that are...

£50 Million data innovation hub for manufacturers to access digital technology

UK manufacturers are to have their productivity and competitiveness boosted thanks to a new digital smart factory and testbed at Ulster University, backed by £20m of funds from UKRI’s Made Smarter Innovation Challenge.

The Digital Innovation Fund is now open!

The Digital Innovation Fund (DIF) is now open for applications! This fund from the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub allows manufacturers and organisations to drive innovation in the manufacturing sector and accelerate SMEs’ journey towards digital transformation. Submit your application...

Innovation Festival 2024: Apply now to sponsor and host events

Sponsors and hosts are invited to get involved in the Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. February’s fortnight-long festival is set to be the biggest yet, with a programme packed with events for local businesses.

Calling all Scale-up businesses

The ScaleUp Institute’s 2023 Scale-up Survey is live and needs Leicestershire business owners to get involved. It is the UK’s largest survey of scale-up and growing companies, now in its 10th year and wants the views of all scaleup...

Gearing up for growth – UK Games Fund’s new content fund is live

The UK Games Fund’s new content fund was launched on 14 September. The content fund will provide grants of £50,000 to £150,000 to indie games studios that can demonstrate an employment and revenue growth trajectory.

Leicester Digital Live 2023: Industry Leading Speakers Announced

Renowned digital marketing agency, Anicca Digital, is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated event, Leicester Digital Live 2023. This exclusive event is set to feature an assembly of distinguished international experts.Scheduled for Tuesday 3rd October 2023, the event returns to the stunning Winstanley House for the 2nd year running. The...

Two weeks left to submit Leicester Business Festival 2023 event applications

The application deadline to host an event at Leicester Business Festival has now been announced. On Monday 25 September at 11:59pm the application form to host an event will close.

Loughborough businesses can thrive in digital world thanks to Town Deal-backed programme

A free training programme is being launched to help businesses in Loughborough town centre make the most of the digital world. Love Loughborough is launching the Digital Training Hub which will include online workshops, in-person courses and one-to-one support....

Innovative Leicestershire – UKRI Children’s Health Impact Accelerator Success for Moti Me

Moti Me, led by Katie Michaels, is an innovative enterprise geared towards enhancing children’s health. With a special focus on children with developmental delay disabilities, their products support children in achieving significant milestones and consistently practising their physiotherapy exercises....

Cyber security boost as cluster launches to support SMEs and local firms

A new cyber cluster has been launched to support SMEs across the East Midlands in the cyber security industry to help the sector grow and boost the region’s economy. Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and...

Initial line-up for business festival now live

Due to popular demand; Leicester Business Festival organisers have published the first ten events already approved as part of the 80 event November programme.

Take Your Website to the World

The Take Your Website to the World programme from the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) will help to provide a deep dive on a number of website areas to get your website fighting fit for international reach and...

Save the Date! Business Finance Week – 6 to 10 November 2023

Based on the positive outcomes achieved last year, the British Business Bank will once again be working alongside several partners across the UK to host Business Finance Week 2023 between 6 to 10 November. Research consistently tells them that...

BLOG: Top tips for inspiring your employees to hop on their bikes!

Phil Saunders, SmartGO Project Manager at GO Travel Solutions provides his top 5 tips on encouraging your staff to travel to work by bike. Encouraging your staff to ditch the car and cycle to work can be quite a...

One-stop-shop to help businesses save money and go green

British businesses will be able to access brand new advice and support to reduce their energy bills while cutting their carbon emissions. The UK Business Climate Hub launched today (14 August 2023) includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of...

Can your business support the next generation of energy innovators?

The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) is training the next generation of energy innovators and needs the help of businesses across the region. The ERA consists of eight world-class research-intensive universities in the Midlands including Leicester and Loughborough. Many of...

National Space Centre’s journey to net zero

The National Space Centre, which has been open since 2001, has already made a ‘giant leap’ when it comes to sustainability. In 2019 the Centre recorded that 621 tonnes of carbon had come through their standard operations. However, by...

New online service will support with employee health and disability

The government has launched a new online service offering free advice to employers and managers about employee health. The Support for Employee Health and Disability Service is tailored to the needs of smaller businesses and will provide: Guided information...

Dates confirmed for Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024

The sixth Leicestershire Innovation Festival will take place at venues across city and county over two weeks in February. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) has confirmed that the annual festival will be staged from Monday 5 February...

NatWest’s Accelerator and other fully funded support for SMEs

Enterprise is an area that clearly defines NatWest. As the UK’s biggest bank for business, they understand that SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy and have a responsibility to help them build back better. There are a number...

Help to shape the cultural and creative industries strategy for Leicester

Leicester City Council and its partners (De Montfort University, University of Leicester and Arts Council England) appointed consultants The Fifth Sector in November 2022 to help develop and shape a cultural and creative industries strategy for Leicester.

New cost of living fund for community organisations

The National Lottery Community Fund have launched the new £75 million Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund. The funding is for frontline charities and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that are experiencing increased demand for critical services...

Melton Borough Council launches project to connect businesses with jobseekers

Melton Borough Council has built upon the success of its well-established Community Support Hub by creating a new Work and Skills Project, which will connect and support businesses and jobseekers across the borough.

New NW Leicestershire Rural Grant opens

The North West Leicestershire Rural Business Grants Fund will run until 2025 to fund capital projects for small businesses that will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy. This programme has been funded by the UK Government’s...

UK Government announces extension of CE mark recognition for businesses

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has today announced an indefinite extension to the use of CE marking for businesses, applying to 18 regulations owned by DBT.

Leicester Digital Live, early bird tickets now on sale

Leicester Digital Live, the city’s premier digital marketing conference, is excited to announce its return on Tuesday 3rd October 2023, with early-bird tickets on sale until 4th August.

New information hub to help directors make the right decisions at the right time

The Insolvency Service has launched a new online information hub to support company directors. The hub hosts guidance and information on a range of business themes commonly faced by companies and aims to help company directors to push their business...

Language Support Business secures funding to help non-native speakers

A start up language support business, CruxMate, has secured four-figure funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme to get the business up and running.

Events pour in for Leicester Business Festival

Leicester Business Festival 2023 is one of the most unique dates in the business calendar and is taking place from 6-17 November. A few weeks since launching and 40% of the 80 event slots have already been applied for.

Help to Grow: Management Course can boost business performance

Business leaders are sought for the next cohort of the Help to Grow: Management Course. The course is 90% funded by UK Government, so the cost is £750 per person. This practical course offers 1-1 support from a business...

Shop front improvement grants open for Oadby and Wigston

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council have launched their Shop Front Improvement grant scheme. The scheme is aimed at businesses in the borough to make improvements to their shop fronts. Grants of up to £2,000 are available, to be matched...

Improvements to apprenticeship scheme announced

The Department for Education has announced a series of improvements to the apprenticeship scheme which should make it easier for employers to access them and for learners and parents to find out about the skills and opportunities available.

Leading UK bubble tea brand secures £150k funding to grow its offerings

Chatime UK, a bubble tea brand with over 30 stores around the UK and more than 1,000 stores worldwide, has secured £150k funding with support from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans for stock purchases. The funding was obtained through...

LLEP welcomes praise for Growth Hubs in Government-commissioned report

The LLEP has welcomed publication of an independent report recognising Growth Hubs for their support for local businesses. The Government-commissioned report identifies a number of encouraging results in relation to the impact of Growth Hub support provided to local firms between...

New webinar aims to support local businesses with skills challenges

A new webinar showcases the experiences of local business owners and provides a variety of practical solutions to the current skills challenges. The Building the Workforce of the Future webinar sets out why businesses need to think about developing...

Top business opportunities offered at the festival

Size does not matter…. at Leicester Business Festival! Any business – small, large or from the public or private sector – who has something to share with other businesses, can get involved. The annual festival will take place between 6...

Grants of up to £5,000 available to Leicestershire businesses

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity pledges to support businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through £50,000 delivered in grants in 2023. Having provided interest-free loans to help support aspiring and existing business owners within Leicestershire and Rutland since...

Digital Marketing Conference gives Leicestershire businesses latest insights

Last week, Leicestershire businesses learned about the latest digital marketing trends and updates at the Business Gateway’s Digital Marketing Conference. The event which saw 200 delegates in attendance, was opened by LLEP Chief Executive, Phoebe Dawson who spoke about...

Growth Hub celebration event sets out post-ERDF business support plan

It was ‘business as usual’ as success stories were shared at the conclusion of a growth project that has supported 4,000 local firms. The sold-out celebratory event in Leicester marked the end of a partnership project part-funded by the...

BLOG: SMEs are integral to us achieving our global sustainable development goals

Andrea Collins of Global Trade Department provides her thoughts on sustainability and the role of SMEs. COP26 dominated our newsfeeds, radio waves and television screens in November 2021, and rightly so. We are on the verge of no going...

Could you host T-Level industry placements?

Over the next few months, the Department for Education and SDN are hosting a series of practical webinars looking at how you can host T Level industry placements in different sectors and the role of the line manager and...

Nicky Morgan says local Careers Hub is ‘shining example’ as it marks 5-year milestone

Baroness Morgan of Cotes has praised the Leicester and Leicestershire careers team tasked with bridging the gap between schools, colleges, and businesses. The former Loughborough MP, now chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company, says the work of the...

East Midlands businesses awarded Create Growth grants worth up to £30k each

The first group of successful Create Growth grant applicants has been announced – with up to £400,000 of funding now heading to the East Midlands. Fourteen grants, each worth between £10,000 and £30,000, have been awarded to creative businesses...

Harborough’s Rural Grant Scheme opens today

Updated 29 August 2023: The application deadline for the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme has been extended until Monday 30 October 2023. The Harborough Rural Grant Scheme opens today, Wednesday 21 June 2023. Eligible businesses across Harborough District are invited to apply for...

Growth Hub celebration event sells out as European business funding support draws to a close

All tickets have now been reserved for a one-off event celebrating business growth success in Leicester and Leicestershire. The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub organised the event to mark the conclusion of a partnership project – part-funded by the European...

East Midlands NatWest Accelerator is now OPEN for applications

The fully funded East Midlands NatWest Accelerator is now OPEN for applications for the September cohort. Enterprise is an area that clearly defines NatWest. As the UK’s biggest bank for business, they understand that SMEs are the lifeblood of...

Manufacturer fast-tracks expansion with help of Business Gateway Growth Hub

Creating jobs and improving efficiency was always part of the plan for Micro Weighing Solutions (MWS). And the Leicester-based firm turned ideas into outcomes with help from the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub. Support meant that MWS secured funding for a...

Support for sustainable transport

A sustainable workplace has never been more important. As our society moves towards implementing more carbon-reducing policies and behaviour, relying on cars will become ever more restrictive and expensive. The Leicestershire county council-based team supports businesses, that recognise the...

BLOG: What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and how does it affect me as an exporter?

If you have your finger on the pulse regarding sustainability, you’ve likely heard of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) but may still be wondering how it affects you. Quite simply, EPR is an environmental policy that makes producers responsible for...

Digital Marketing Conference 2023 to bring latest digital trends to Leicestershire businesses

Businesses across Leicestershire can learn about the latest digital marketing trends and tactics at an upcoming conference organised by the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The Digital Marketing Conference 2023 takes place at Leicester Marriott Hotel on Friday 30 June...

From frozen food truck to £5m business hub – with more still to come

Ocean King is expanding from its modest 5,000 square foot base to a new £5m state-of-the-art business hub – but there’s more still to come. “We’ve worked really hard for this, and we’re not done yet,” explains Steven Thai,...

From kitchen table to the world! Urban Apothecary founder to share her business journey

Beauty industry stalwart Tajinder Banwait will describe the journey of her fragrance company from kitchen table to international audience during a special event celebrating local businesses. Urban Apothecary started life in Leicester in 2012, going on to supply the...

BLOG: Resolving disputes in the workplace

Chartered HR professional, and MD of Loates HR Consultancy, Sarah Loates has over 20 years of experience in the field. She provides her top tips for business owners, managers or HR staff on resolving disputes in the business here.

Kitchen manufacturer, Interiors by Design has tools for growth

A significant investment in machinery and support from the Business Gateway Growth Hub is helping kitchen and bedroom manufacturer, Interiors by Design fight back in difficult trading conditions. The independent, Wigston-based company is taking advantage of support available to...

Quick Guide on Workforce Support for Businesses

The LLEP Skills Team have updated their guide to workforce programmes for Leicestershire businesses. Here you will find a round up of the skills support for employers including apprenticeships, redundancy support, T-Levels and ESF funded help. Download the quick...

13 top tips experts offered up at one day conference for small business owners

13 expert speakers offered free advice to small business owners at the Business Gateway Growth Hub’s one-day conference. The event – hosted by LLEP Board Members Glynis Wright MBE and Sonia Baigent – gave business owners a host of...

BLOG: Conflicts, clashes and calling in Acas

The dark days of winter have coincided with the biggest pressures in employment relations seen for many years. Public sector workers’ concerns over pay, coupled with the social and economic hiatus caused by covid-19 (coronavirus) and the current cost...

Investment means TEK Seating is a cut above the competition

Leicestershire-based TEK Seating has invested £125,000 in new machinery to satisfy rising demand and take additional control of its production process. Increased competition for the vehicle seat manufacturer was also a driver to expanding its in-house capabilities for further...

Positive mood at business conference as experts provide free tips to local SMEs

Energy audits, apprenticeship advice, and wellbeing at work strategies were just some of the topics covered at a free conference to help SMEs navigate the current cost of doing business. Around 150 people attended Leicester’s Morningside Arena on Tuesday...

12 speakers confirmed for free day-long ‘Survive and Thrive’ event for SMEs

Expert speakers who will share tips on how to ‘survive and thrive’ in business in 2023 have now been confirmed for a free event next week. The one-off conference has been organised by the Business Gateway Growth Hub and will be...

Free export support worth £1,800 for businesses through LLEP pilot with Santander

The Business Gateway Growth Hub has joined forces with Santander to offer an exclusive package of products to export businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire. Businesses will gain free access to Santander Navigator, a digital portal which supports the needs...

New event programme for ambitious women in business

A free events programme has been created for female-led enterprises in the East Midlands. The programme aims to help female-led business owners gain the tools and knowledge to make an impact in the business world and stand out from...

DfE extends HGV Skills Bootcamps with hundreds more funded places in East Midlands

The Driver Academy Group (DAG) a consortium led by HGV training specialist HGVC, and comprising workforce solutions group Manpower and trade body Logistics UK, has again been awarded the lead role on the Government’s extended Skills Bootcamps in HGV...

‘Growth Hub event will help businesses navigate choppy waters’ – book now

Support for SMEs in navigating the cost of “doing” business will be the focus of a one-day conference in April. The event, organised by the Business Gateway Growth Hub and hosted by LLEP Board Members Glynis Wright MBE and...

‘Experience on Main Street Conference’ Set to Empower Businesses

Following the success of Experience UK’s recently published Experience on the High Street market report, Experience on Main Street Conference will take place at the Curve Theatre, Leicester on 25 April 2023 and will explore the opportunities within high...

Phoebe Dawson announced as new Chief Executive of LLEP

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Board has today announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive. Phoebe Dawson is due to start in May after being offered the position following a comprehensive recruitment process. She is now completing...

Blog: Growth for problem-solving PR agency

Sandstar Communications is an international PR and marketing agency established 10 years ago. The business, based at DOCK in Leicester, offers a range of services centred around copywriting from supporting a business with its marketing strategy, media relations, exhibitions...

Elite Labels – forward thinking company with a sustainable range

The Elite Labels Global Group manufacture and supply a broad spectrum of clothing labels, retail and e-tail packaging and garment embellishments from both the UK and strategic global sites to support their client requirements. The Leicester-based business has been...

LLEP responds to Government decision to transfer functions to local authorities

The LLEP will continue to work closely with partners as it awaits Government guidance as to how its functions should be transferred to local authorities by April 2024. The Treasury’s Spring Budget described on Wednesday the intention for functions...

Learn more about Loughborough start-up incubator support

Leicestershire startup founders are invited to learn more about gaining six months of free workspace and business development support. LUinc. is staging a series of online and in-person drop-in sessions as it recruits for the fourth cohort of its...

Employer Skills Forums – get involved

Finding and retaining the right staff with the right skills can be a challenge. SMB College Group have hundreds of students looking for the next step in their career, and the college aims to make sure they have the...

Free places for 200 SMEs at Growth Hub ‘cost-of-business’ expo

Businesses have been invited to a free business expo to learn more about reducing costs, saving on energy use, and recruiting more effectively. Delegates will be able to build networks and gain business support advice at the ‘How to...

Record attendances across Leicestershire Innovation Festival

Leicestershire Innovation Festival attendance hit new highs as fresh records were set at the fifth annual event. Several events sold out this year – including the flagship LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards – during a festival themed around increasing productivity among...

LLEP initiative with Microsoft gives SMEs free digital tech support

Thousands of businesses will gain access to free resources that will help them get the most of Microsoft technologies as a new pilot scheme is rolled out in Leicester and Leicestershire. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is working with...

Innovate UK CEO praises passion and energy of Innovative Leicestershire

Innovate UK Chief Executive Indro Mukerjee praised the energy and passion of Innovative Leicestershire in a keynote speech at the sold-out LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards. Addressing a full house at the National Space Centre on Thursday night, he reflected on...

100+ SME manufacturers have applied for £3m Made Smarter East Midlands

More than 150 businesses have now applied for Made Smarter East Midlands – with two-thirds already going forward to the next stage. In excess of 100 eligible expressions of interest have been received since the programme launched in December....

The Innovation Challenge has £5,000 cash prize

The Innovation Challenge is brought to you by TBAT Innovation with headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and has been designed by their expert team to stimulate and support innovation in SMEs. It leverages the expertise of their unique partner network...

Dozens of creative businesses apply for £1.3m Create Growth East Midlands

East Midlands Creative Consortium leading programme to accelerate growth First cohort will commence in Spring, with 100 businesses to be supported by 2025 Early uptake revealed during sold-out event for Leicestershire Innovation Festival Fifty creative businesses have already applied...

BLOG: Part 2 – Innovation puts Leicestershire business in pole position for cycle safety market

We continue our interview with George Fox, one of the founders of the innovative bicycle helmet company, Hedkayse. This time George shares the company’s vision for an exciting future of growth and diversification.  (Catch up on part 1) You’ve...

Innovative Leicestershire website launches at Leicestershire Innovation Festival

 Innovative Leicestershire launched in Loughborough this morning as the county’s 2023 Innovation Festival got underway. The new brand and website were introduced as the Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Innovation Board also described a 10-point Delivery...

BLOG: Innovation puts Leicestershire business in pole position for cycle safety market

George Fox is the founder of Hedkayse based in Market Harborough. He has a degree in product design and his passion for this innovative company and the potential applications of its products is infectious.   We caught up with George...

Days left for businesses to register for free events at Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2023

More than 20 events will look at how local organisations can get more productive Festival launches on Monday with event at Loughborough University Biggest ever LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards to be held at National Space Centre

Free business tools from Microsoft

The Business Gateway is working with Microsoft to provide free productivity tools aimed at micro, small and medium-sized businesses from any sector. The new initiative is a suite of free resources, including advice and training, made available by Microsoft...

Applications open for £1.3m Create Growth East Midlands

Creative businesses in the East Midlands can now apply for a free programme of support to accelerate business growth, create jobs, and prepare for investment. East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²) has begun accepting applications from high-potential creative businesses after...

Innovate UK CEO to deliver keynote speech at LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards 2023

The Chief Executive of Innovate UK will visit Leicester to meet researchers and businesses during Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2023. Indro Mukerjee will spend time at Space Park Leicester to learn about work by the University of Leicester to drive...

Free tool to help build business resilience

Leicestershire SME businesses now have access to a free resilience and growth tool from Loughborough University. The Resilience and Growth Tool, RAG for short is being offered by the University’s Business and Economics School to local businesses providing free...

Start your own business with LUinc

Start your own business in Leicestershire in 2023 LUinc. is providing free workspace and training for new start-ups Six months of support for local business founders and social entrepreneurs Applications open now for joining next cohort of free programme...

Will 2023 be the year you take your business online?

Will 2023 be the year you take your business online? The prospect might be attractive but do you have the knowledge (and skills) to move your business into an ecommerce operation? Our popular four-part webinar series ‘Setting up an...

Business volunteers needed to support enterprise in schools

More than ever, young people need support and inspiration to help them succeed in their best next steps. With the help of local business leaders, the LLEP Careers Hub is driving change to the way careers education is delivered...

Free masterclasses on offer to support SMEs across Leicestershire

Businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire can apply for free places on a series of masterclasses run to support start-ups and entrepreneurs. DMU award-winning Crucible programme, which has supported 70 businesses over the past five years, is making its monthly...

New guide helps small businesses build resilient workforces through low-cost investment in skills

How can SMEs build resilient workforces at low cost while supporting the growth of their businesses? A free guide published by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) addresses this question and more – offering a raft of practical...

Help educators understand needs of business – Local Skills Improvement Plan

A Local Skills Improvement Plan – or LSIP for short – is a tool being produced on a locality-by-locality basis to help educators better respond to the needs of local businesses. Further Education Colleges must consider the LSIP when...

Coffee with a conscience – Leicester Coffee House is about more than profit

Gail Brown and her partner, Aaron, developed their love of food and coffee into a business and made sure that it embodies the values and ethics they also share. When I arrive to interview Gail, Aaron explains that she’s...

Is your website growing your business? Inzar Haq investigates

Today we’re chatting with Inzar Haq from Insight Consultancy, a digital agency based in the heart of Leicester City.  Inzar is one of our voluntary Business Champions, able to offer in-depth advice when a Leicestershire company needs it.  Here...

Council in search of Numeracy Champions

As part of their Multiply project, Leicestershire County Council is working in partnership with National Numeracy. This project involves training Numeracy Champions across the region who can empower adults to get on with numbers so they can fulfil their...

M42 closures over Christmas and New Year

Business owners and their staff are advised to allow more time for their journey if they travel on or around the M42 J9 to J10 during the Christmas and New Year period. The M42 will be closed between J9...

Not just a Corner Shop – innovative, caring and community orientated. PART TWO

Pratik Master and his wife Bhavini (known as Bee) have taken the local corner shop previously run by Pratik’s parents and turned it into something truly amazing.  Their innovative approach embraces the social needs of their local community as...

LLEP invests £90,000 in extending project to grow digital skills in Leicester and Leicestershire

Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will collaborate in extending a project to improve digital skills across Leicester and Leicestershire. DMU has been commissioned to lead the LLEP’s Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) in...

Festival will shine light on change makers at Innovation Awards

Nominations for the Leicestershire Innovation Awards are now open! These Awards are one of the highlights of the Innovation Festival, led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub that takes place from 6 to 17 February 2023.

Register your interest in the Create Growth Programme

Creative businesses in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Rutland and Lincolnshire will benefit from £1.3m of new funding as part of the new Create Growth programme. A brand new website for the programme is now available www.eastmidlandscreategrowth.co.uk As a regional project, Create...

Not just a Corner Shop – Wigston Deli is innovative, caring and community orientated. PART ONE

Pratik Master and his wife Bhavini (known as Bee) have taken the local corner shop previously run by Pratik’s parents and turned it into something truly amazing.  Their innovative approach embraces the social needs of their local community as...

Niche innovation creates a global market for The Simulator Company

Here we talk to Sagar Haval (Managing Director), who founded The Simulator Company with his wife Babita Haval (Director).  It is based on an innovative response to the need for more sophisticated medical models on which to practice various...

Your guide to Building the Workforce

If you’re concerned about future recruitment, want to raise awareness of your sector, or give something back – why not get involved at the grassroots, by linking to one of our excellent area skills offers that can help your...

National Forest Arts Grants 2023

Some great news from the National Forest: We are pleased to let you know that the National Forest Arts Grants have reopened for a third round. The Arts Grants are to support the National Forest creative community to develop...

Fast start as Growth Hub chief sets out new direction in support for local SMEs

The Business Gateway Growth Hub’s new Partnerships and Growth Hub Manager hit the ground running – signalling a new approach in how the service will engage with local small businesses. Salma Manzoor made full use of her arrival in...

Leicestershire celebrates major environmental achievement during COP27 

As world leaders continue to discuss the climate crisis at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, action to reduce carbon emissions continues to be taken closer to home.  The LLEP Business Gateway and its partner Zellar, are celebrating a milestone...

Award puts Leicester logistics firm in pole position

We are very happy to share this story about innovation from one of our leading local companies:  A Leicester logistics specialist is celebrating after winning an award for innovation from a leading industry body. Translink Express Logistics Ltd won the...

Deadline imminent for Business Gateway Growth Grant

Business owners in Leicestershire have just a few days to submit their interest in the Business Gateway’s growth grant. This grant is open to Leicestershire businesses trading b2b, looking to introduce new products or processes and innovate. So far...

Groups invited to apply for anti-poverty community grants

Organisations working to address poverty in Leicester – such as schools, charities, community groups and businesses – can now apply to the city council for a grant of up to £10,000 to support their work. Applications for Leicester’s Anti-Poverty Community...

£1.2m funding to accelerate growth and create jobs in East Midlands creative sector

Creative businesses in the East Midlands will benefit from £1.2m of new funding to accelerate growth, create jobs and stimulate investment. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) led a consortium of regional partners bidding for a share of...

Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2023 launches

The fifth Leicestershire Innovation Festival will take place in the new year – with organisers placing the spotlight on small business. The Business Gateway is again leading preparations for the festival – themed on productivity – as 20 events...

Grant helps PR business, 1284 continue its success story

Loughborough-based PR and communications strategy business 1284 used a business growth grant to increase productivity – translating time saved into the launch of a new service. The business was founded in 2020 from its base at the Loughborough University...

Cleaning pad business just scratching the surface when it comes to growth

Twelve months ago Harry Green, decided it was time to sell his cleaning pad business in Leicester. After all, he was 95, maybe it was time to close the business! However, neighbours Priyesh, Amit and Niraj Mandalia, inspired by...

Saving our Textiles industry is everyone’s concern

The rebirth of Leicester’s garment supply chain needs a concerted effort from us all says Sajjad Khan of the Apparel & Textiles Manufacturers Federation (ATMF).    PART ONE (part two below) Before we look to the future, let’s remind...

Gardening business digs in with good practice

While Oliver Lockwood was on furlough in 2020 the seed of an idea began to formulate for his future. Having always loved gardening could he go from a corporate marketing job to being someone who turns up in a...

Less Waste means more business for Lucy

Lucy Stones discusses the success of A Little Less Waste in Melton Mowbray. A Little Less Waste in Melton Mowbray has been trading for less than a year, but its founder Lucy Stones recently won three awards at the...

New report on Leicester’s Black Business Community

A new report commissioned by the LLEP Business Gateway provides a blueprint for future support for the Black Business Community in the city and identifies some key challenges. The main issues include finding and securing funding; a lack of...

Exclusive events for manufacturers

Manufacturers across Leicestershire can find out about opportunities to collaborate together at a Leicester Business Festival event hosted by East Midlands Chamber. The Chamber is inviting business leaders to find out more about the Leicestershire Manufacturing Network at an...

Made Smarter – vital support for manufacturers

Are you the maker or producer of a product? Do you spend most of your days trying to resolve reoccurring issues such as machine downtime, meeting customer demand or manual tasks that cause delays?  Can you not get the...

Business Resilience Workshop for Leicester SMEs

Now more than ever, it’s important that you and your business colleagues are resilient enough to cope with all the changes that are taking place in the economy.  There is so much uncertainty and so many challenges for a...

Stephanie is nappy ever after since receiving Business Start-up Grant

Ashby mother-of-two – who was inspired to launch a reusable nappy business after postnatal depression – has seen the company go from strength to strength. Stephanie Revill, 29, suffered from postnatal depression following the births of both of her...

Leicester Design Season at LCB Depot

Here’s a message from our friends at Leicester Design Season:  Unbelievably we are at our 5th Leicester Design Season this year.  Based largely at the LCB Depot this year, the season now boasts partners from the city’s creative design...

Selling online? Learn the right way to do it

Many businesses want to sell online but don’t know where to start or how to choose between the bewildering array of options. To help, the Business Gateway is running a four-part webinar series ‘Setting up an online shop’ which...

New Peer Network to support early-stage businesses announced

The Business Gateway Growth Hub has launched a new Peer Network specifically aimed at helping early-stage business owners in Leicester and Leicestershire. The new programme, which starts on 27 October will support the growth and development of businesses trading...

If you have a defibrillator at work…

3 October marks the first day of SADS awareness week. Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome affects mostly younger people and causes the heart to stop beating unexpectedly and without any prior diagnosis. When someone suffers from cardiac arrest, the clock...

Announced: full line-up for Leicester Business Festival 2022

Insights from a football club aiming for Net Zero, digital masterclasses, the business quiz and improving mental health in the workplace all feature on the must see line-up. The Leicester Business Festival 2022 full programme is now available online....

Zerocarbonbusiness.uk

Zerocarbonbusiness.uk provides free energy cost saving and carbon reduction advice for businesses www.zerocarbonbusiness.uk is a web-based resource to give businesses free, trustworthy and impartial information on how to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, and access business opportunities from the Net Zero...

Starting in Business Programme from NBV

NBV are hosting a Starting in Business Workshop at the Harborough Innovation Centre. It’s available for people across Leicestershire. Starting in Business Programme Whether you have an amazing idea, have spotted a gap in the market or have taken...

DMU can help you get funding for your innovation

There are many sources of funding available to your business to work with universities.  Here are some ways that DMU can help you apply to funding schemes. QuIDs – Quick Innovation Developers If you’ve got an idea for your...

Additional energy support for households

The government has also announced the Energy Price Guarantee for households in Great Britain, limiting the price suppliers can charge customers for units of gas and electricity. This support is in addition to the previously announced £400 energy bills...

Government announces energy bill support for businesses

Updated 14 October 2022 A new Energy Bill Relief Scheme will provide help with the cost of gas and electricity for all non-domestic customers, including all UK businesses and voluntary and public sector organisations. The scheme will apply to...

Chancellor announces new Growth Plan

Chancellor announces new Growth Plan In September 2022 the Government announced a new plan for growth that introduces a massive package of tax cuts and new investment zones in an effort to increase productivity. Tax cuts include: – Cancelling...

Western Power Distribution Energy Affordability Fund

Western Power Distribution (WPD) Energy Affordability Fund Grant funding is available to all organisation types within the WPD area which includes the East Midlands to deliver local affordable warmth and/or Priority Service Register services. This year it is looking...

Growth snowballs for gritting business

Loughborough-based gritting business Weatherwise Services has seen a whopping 157% increase in turnover in the last four years of trading. It started in 2017 with just two vehicles covering 36 sites and now has 14 vehicles over 250 sites....

Businesses need more substantial energy support, says East Midlands Chamber – but don’t neglect green investment

Commenting on Prime Minister Liz Truss’ energy plan, East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “As the cost of doing business crisis bites ever deeper, it will be reassuring for firms to know there will be some support...

Time running out for free sustainability platform licences

Businesses are under increasing pressure to operate sustainably, but it can be hard to know where to start. Sustainability platform Zellar offers SMEs all the tools they need to understand how sustainable they are, what Net Zero looks like,...

Employers’ views sought on numeracy skills required

A new Serco survey seeks to understand what employers are looking for when it comes to numeracy skills, how improved skills could help their sector and what they currently offer in terms of support or training to new recruits....

Last few days to submit Leicester Business Festival events

On Friday 9 September, applications for Leicester Business Festival (LBF) will close. Any firm wishing to run an event in this exciting November fortnight dedicated to business has just one week left to submit its event application. By hosting...

East Midlands Accelerator

Here’s the latest update on support available from the East Midlands Accelerator: East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is leading a collaborative partnership of our region’s universities and business support agencies, to deliver business support in a number of...

Meet the Business Adviser – Rana Sultan

Continuing our series of ‘Meet the Adviser’ blogs here’s our latest conversation with Business Gateway Adviser, Rana Sultan. What’s your background? I spent many years working abroad for Deloittes and EY (Ernst and Young) in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation...

Leicester women in business invited to join Peer Network

Award-winning entrepreneur, Dawn Edwards of Challenge Consulting will facilitate a Women in Business Peer Network which starts next month. The Network, along with others focused on high-growth businesses and future leaders, is being run by East Midlands Chamber and...

Leicester College Freshers Fair 2022/2023  

A message from Leicester College: Leicester College Freshers Fair is being held on Wednesday 14 September 2022 and offers your organisation the opportunity to market products and services to approximately 2,500 learners.   

Ambition to Grow: for High Growth and Manufacturing SMEs

Ambition to Grow aims to help deliver a programme of support to high growth businesses in our LLEP region (covering Leicester and Leicestershire).  This will help them to identify their own unique barriers to growth and guide them through...

Founder of sustainable clothing brand Boy Wonder is pretty amazing herself

Ashby-based sustainable clothing entrepreneur, Ismay Mummery, is a multiple award winner and finalist.  In 2021 she was named one of the most inspiring female entrepreneurs in the UK by f:Entrepreneur.  In August this year she won £10k worth of...

Innovate UK Competition: Women in Innovation Awards 2022

Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is offering up to 50 Women in Innovation Awards to women entrepreneurs across the UK. The winners will receive a £50,000 grant and a bespoke package of mentoring, coaching and...

Meet the Business Adviser – Remee Thakrar

Today, we’re talking to Remee Thakrar who has been at the Business Gateway since April 2022. Prior to that he was working on a project called the Employment Hub which is funded by the European Social Fund.  Remee’s background...

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – apply now to celebrate your achievements

Here at the Business Gateway, we’re committed to celebrating the success stories of our local businesses – both to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and to help put Leicestershire on the map as a great place to...

SMART Grants and the Biomedical Catalyst funding competitions from Innovate UK

Innovate UK have two sets of grants available to support innovation among SMEs. SMART Grants Application deadline: 26 October 2022  Funding available: £100,000 – £2 million project costs; up to 70% funded. Open to all industry sectors – projects must...

New hive of activity for local buzz-ness

A former engineer obsessed by bees, who decided to change his career overnight, has become beekeeper to more than five million honeybees across Leicestershire. After 30 years as an engineer and following two strokes, Nigel Collier knew he needed...

NatWest Accelerator Programme CLOSING SOON for applications

Enterprise is an area that clearly defines NatWest. As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we understand that SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy and that we have a responsibility to help them build back better. At the...

Free Fire Safety Workshops for Business

On Thursday 1 September Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are co-hosting two FREE Business Fire Safety Workshops with our colleagues from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Fire Protection Teams. These virtual workshops will help business owners and managers to understand their legal...

Meet Business Adviser, Juan Pardo

Today, we’re talking to Juan Pardo, a Business Adviser for the Business Gateway.  He’s been in post just over three months on a part-time basis. This role is one of three jobs he has as he also works for...

Good news as The iNet extends support programmes

The iNet’s support programmes SPRING and PROSPER have been extended and the maximum spend has been increased. SPRING which stands for Supporting Productivity, Innovation and Growth will now run until December 2022. It can provide a grant of 27.41%...

An Update from the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

There is lots of activity around developing the cyber ecosystem for the Midlands so you are sure to find something useful below: DCMS has a cyber newsletter to which you can subscribe   Cyber Essentials Survey The Government is...

Grants to help install electric vehicle charge points

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based scheme that provides grants towards the upfront costs of purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points. Business owners on a journey to cut carbon emissions are being encouraged to take advantage...

Businesses with just one employee can now benefit from Help to Grow Digital

The Government’s Help to Grow: Digital Scheme has expanded its eligibility to businesses with at least one employee, meaning up to 1.2 million businesses could benefit nationwide. The government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme is nearly tripling in reach,...

Low Pay Commission comments on national garment industry.

The Financial Times this week featured this article: Leicester garment factories still exploiting staff, study finds Low Pay Commission urges UK government to do more to prevent abuses that continue despite clampdown. The LPC says ‘the case of Leicester...

VegVan Farm will support the community from the ground up

There’s been a lot of talk about pivoting to survive for businesses during and after Covid19, but what about when you’re ready to start a new business and have to divert the idea before you’ve even begun? This was...

Funding available for SMEs related to Aerospace

Aerospace UP still has funds available from its Innovation Grant. If you are an SME in Leicester or Leicestershire, you could be eligible to apply. Here’s what they say about the criteria: It is not essential to have any...

Up to £5,000 travel grants available

Some great news from Leicester City Council for City-based businesses. The City Council’s Active Travel Team supports city businesses to make commuting and any work-related journeys more sustainable and healthier for staff.  The other benefits of switching from your...

Midlands Makers Market returns to city for biggest event yet

July welcomes the return of the fifth Midlands Makers Pop-Up Market, and it’s set to be its biggest event yet. Launched by local business owner Nikki Millar and supported by BID Leicester, the event will take place on 30...

Charity to deliver grants of up to £5,000 to Leicestershire businesses

Having provided interest-free loans to help support aspiring and existing business owners within Leicestershire and Rutland since 1542, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has announced that it is now welcoming applications for grants of up to £5,000 to...

Leicestershire employees encouraged to take part in Cycle to Work Day

Leicester City and Leicestershire County Councils are inviting businesses to encourage their employees to take part in Cycle to Work Day on Thursday 4 August this year. There are numerous benefits to cycling including cost savings, improved mental and...

Business support has helped mentor find her niche

From fashion to investment readiness, Pamela Sharpe’s enterprise journey has been far from typical. Despite her new business – Mela & Sharpe – being stalled by the pandemic, two years on she has found her place helping SMEs get...

Scale up using tech advice and funding from Digital Upscaler

How could one-to-one Digital Technology Advice benefit your business? If you’re a business looking to scale up, there are a number of aspects within your business that you may need to review in order to meet your growth plans....

BID Leicester succeeds in securing second five-year term after strong winning ballot vote

City centre businesses have voted emphatically in favour of a second term for the Business Improvement District, which will see £4.5m invested in Leicester city centre over the next five years. The result was announced today, with a total...

Business Gateway recruits Citizen of Change to support Leicestershire’s black business community

Leicestershire’s Business Gateway has recruited an intern from the University of Leicester to help it support the local black business community more effectively. Omolara (Lara) Anubi (20) is in the second year of her Media, Culture and Society degree...

BARCLAYS EAGLE LAB TO OPEN AT DMU

Ambitious entrepreneurs and SMEs will be able to get advice and support to scale up and innovate thanks to a new partnership between De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) and Barclays Eagle Labs. A new Eagle Lab will open in...

East Midlands marketer welcomes Business Gateway campaign on Neurodiversity

A Loughborough-based Marketing Manager has lent his support to a campaign to highlight the benefits of employing people who are neurodivergent. Barry Aldridge, who is himself neurodivergent, works at Flotec Industrial where he uses his condition to create new...

Leicestershire firms trading b2b should take advantage of growth grant before it’s too late

Business owners in Leicestershire are being urged to check if they are eligible for a growth grant from the Business Gateway Growth Hub before funds run out. Currently around £400,000 remains in the pot for the Business Growth Grant...

Local businesses helped by Business Gateway during 12-month period topped £2billion combined turnover

The Business Gateway Growth Hub supported more than 1,500 businesses – with a combined turnover topping £2 billion – during just 12 months. The service also helped hundreds more people in Leicester and Leicestershire as they started their own...

Businesses line-up to be part of festival

The countdown to the Leicester Business Festival (LBF) is on. It will run from 7-18 November and is a fortnight of business events and networking, held right across Leicester and Leicestershire. Each year, over 1,000 businesses take part, 100s...

Grant is driving force to increased productivity for T&N Tyres

With the Government’s net-zero target for greenhouse gas emissions set for 2050, many businesses are making changes toward more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. Despite the challenges of rising costs, T&N Tyre Supplies has invested over £100,000 in new machinery...

Extension gives city SMEs a little longer to apply for growth grants or vouchers

UPDATE: 21 JUNE – THIS GRANT IS NOW ALLOCATED AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE. The application window for the UK Community Renewal Fund in Leicester has been extended to 30th June. Businesses in Leicester are being urged to apply now...

Leicester city businesses invited to join new Peer Networks

SME directors and senior managers are being invited to join East Midlands Chamber’s new peer-to-peer networking programme. The programme, part of the East Midlands Accelerator, gives directors and senior managers the opportunity to share common business challenges and objectives.

Marketing advice for Mallory Meadows is working

Rustic wooden cabins and luxurious roundhouses, with private hot tubs! This is Mallory Meadows, based in Kirby Mallory, Leicestershire. The business is run by husband and wife team Chris and Emily Tams as the perfect get-away for busy people....

Leicester city SMEs offered free sustainability audits

Three local universities – De Montfort, Leicester and Loughborough – are offering city businesses a free sustainability audit to be conducted by their students. By participating, the business will receive a useful assessment of its business practices in areas...

Leicester composite business has right formula for success

What do an Aston Martin DBS, a wind turbine blade and an America’s Cup boat all have in common? They are all made using innovative, lightweight but strong, composite materials. Formulating the right recipe for the job is the...

SHIRE Community Grants open for applications

There’s good news for social enterprises and voluntary or community organisations as the SHIRE grant programme reopens for applications. The SHIRE Community Grant programme enables VCSE (Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise) sector organisations to deliver community-based projects, services, and...

Event ideas wanted for annual business festival

The Leicester Business Festival (LBF), one of the largest of its kind in the UK, will take place from 7-18 November 2022. The festival is in its eighth year and will combine online and in-person events. Large or small...

BID Leicester launches ambitious plan for 2023-2028

Leicester’s Business Improvement District, BID Leicester, is delighted to launch a new business plan, which outlines an ambitious vision for Leicester’s city centre over the next five years. Created after extensive consultation with more than 350 city centre businesses,...

Facing barriers to growth due to lack of tech knowledge?

If you’re a business looking to scale up the Digital Upscaler programme could be for you. This funded programme is designed to support high grow businesses across Leicestershire by offering knowledge, investment and capacity to scale up through technology.

Guiding the Havana Salsa team to growth

Laura and Rodolfo Roque began their Cuban salsa class business, Havana Salsa, in Leicester around 10 years ago. Since then the husband and wife team have established a network of venues across the East and West Midlands using trained...

Net Zero Accelerator will help Leicester businesses go green

The Net Zero Accelerator from East Midlands Chamber has been created to help businesses gain green skills, invest in net-zero practices and access financial support to help achieve carbon neutrality. Funding from the Community Renewal Fund means businesses in...

Next size up for growing fashion business

After just 18 months in its new premises, the Leicester Fashion and Textiles Academy Ltd has outgrown the space and is on the move again. Their unique mix of services including fashion design, manufacture and consultancy seem to be...

Time running out to apply for green grants

Businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire are being reminded that they have just a few weeks left to apply for grants to help to pay for energy efficiency improvements. Leicester City Council’s Green BELLE scheme offers grants of up to...

New support scheme available for city businesses affected by the pandemic

Businesses across Leicester that were not previously eligible for Covid-19 business rates relief may now be eligible for new support if they were adversely affected by the pandemic. Leicester City Council has received £8.7m from the Government to administer...

Funded leadership training for city SMEs most affected by pandemic

Leicester City SMEs are being invited to register for the Help to Grow leadership and management programme by East Midlands Chamber. The 12-week executive leaders programme is aimed at businesses particularly hit by the pandemic looking to recover and...

HOW CAN T-LEVEL STUDENTS HELP YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?

Benefits at a Glance: Taking on a T-Level student costs you nothing; you do not have to pay them You will be paid £1000 if you agree to take on a T-Level student between 27 May and 31 July...

Focus on Green Leicestershire – Green Shoots    

In this interview, Peter Squires of Green Shoots, an emission-free courier service, shares his journey to provide a green service to local businesses across Leicestershire and beyond.   When did you start your business and why? We started the...

Football America UK is (super) bowled over by grant support

Whilst there was no American football, or any other sport, being played during lockdowns in 2020/21 Leicestershire-based Football America UK took advantage of this quiet time to make big changes. The business has invested nearly £28,000 in a bid...

East Midlands Manufacturing Network launched

The East Midlands Manufacturing Network aims to help manufacturers share best practices and experience in a trusted peer environment. It will focus on shared issues and challenges; bring a better understanding of the financial support on offer and help...

Fireworks company hopes to come back from the pandemic with a bang!

Inspiration for what is believed to be the only moving firework system in the UK came to Rob Sosbe during his toughest time as a business owner. Watching light beams bounce around illuminated buildings in November 2020, part of...

Leicestershire’s Business Gateway offers green suppliers a shop window for sustainable products and services         

The Business Gateway for Leicester and Leicestershire is calling on suppliers of environmentally friendly products and services to make contact, so that it can showcase these to local businesses trying to become more sustainable.      Rachel York, Manager of...

Business Gateway welcomes Good Growth result with plans to help small business build on it.

The Business Gateway for Leicester and Leicestershire has welcomed the findings published today by Demos-PwC as part of their Good Growth for Cities Index.  The Index saw Leicester achieving the highest ranking of any East Midlands city at 14th...

Representing Leicestershire’s female entrepreneurs at The House of Lords

    Ismay Mummery is the founder and Managing Director of Boy Wonder Ltd, her sustainable fashion brand for boys. Business Live recently named her as one of their rising stars of women in business for 2022. I had an amazing...

New grants to boost Sustainable Tourism in the National Forest

The National Forest Company (NFC) is launching a new grants scheme to help fund projects aimed at establishing the National Forest as a sustainable destination for people to visit.  The grants have been set up to support businesses with their...

East Midlands Accelerator to offer grants and support to Leicester City firms

Small businesses in areas earmarked by Government for UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF) support are being encouraged to learn more about how they can take advantage of the support on offer. These areas are: Leicester City, Derbyshire Dales, High...

In Pursuit of a Vision

Peer Network participant, Stuart Fraser, talks about Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, its challenges and the future he would like to secure for it.   If you were a child in the 1960s or had children in the late 1990s,...

Focus on ‘Innovative Leicestershire’ must continue all year round.

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Chair of the LLEP Innovation Board, has called on businesses and organisations across Leicestershire to maintain the focus on innovation created by the recent Leicestershire Innovation Festival which ended on 25 February.  Leicestershire Innovation...

New enterprise and employment support for Leicester females

Zinthiya Trust have announced a new innovative partnership project designed to maximise the employment and enterprise potential of women in Leicester over the next 6 months. The She Inspires Business Playbox project has successfully secured £349,588 from the UK...

Leicester businesses offered training subsidy for growth

East Midlands Chamber has announced a new training subsidy to help businesses across the region with their post-Covid growth. The subsidy covers the upfront 10% fee of joining the Help to Grow management programme which is designed to help...

Support means renewable energy business is ready for high demand

We caught up recently with Zara Glew, commercial director of Environmental Energies. With the Government’s carbon emissions target of Net-Zero by 2030 set, the business has seen rapid growth in demand for their products and services. They’ve been supported...

Think outside the box with Charnwood Campus

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and stakeholders gathered at Charnwood Campus to celebrate their innovative life sciences business and to share how they have thought differently to grow their business. Keynote speakers shared their insights as to why innovation is...

The Circle Foundation for disabled entrepreneurs

In this blog, Mark Esho MBE, shares his experience of being a disabled businessperson and launches a unique initiative to support other disabled people in starting their own business. For a while now, I’ve been planning something exciting. A...

SMEs are natural innovators – here’s how they increase productivity and profits

Research by the Federation of Small Businesses has shown that its members do not necessarily see themselves as ‘innovators’.  Yet the FSB points out that, as entrepreneurs, SMEs and microbusinesses are, by their very nature, continuously improving their products and...

Pall-Ex’s Warehouse to Wheels scheme delivers first graduate

Pall-Ex’s Warehouse to Wheels programme, which aims to provide warehouse staff with the opportunity to progress into HGV driver roles, has delivered its first graduate. The initiative has been identified as a key tool in combatting the ongoing driver...

Business support means a new chapter for Willoughby Book Club

No one said it would be easy taking over a business. But the challenges of the last two years were never meant to be part of the story for the Willoughby Book Club. Director Marianne Chala faced a fire...

Launch Event Videos #LeicsIF22

The Launch Event for Leicestershire Innovation Festival took place on 14 February at Space Park Leicester.  The event saw over 70 guests join us to hear from some of the most innovative companies in the county along with organisations...

Only a few months left to SPRING into action for iNet grant

There are just over two months left before iNet’s SPRING grant programme closes. SPRING – Supporting PRoductivity, INnovation & Growth – aims to support SMEs looking to increase their capacity or capability. iNet offers intensive support for growth and...

Business Gateway ‘Think differently’ webinars are done…differently

Leicestershire’s Business Gateway is offering small businesses support with a difference from 22 February with a programme of four webinars.  Designed to give business leaders the skills they need to encourage new ideas from their teams, the four free...

Business Gateway and DMU join forces to support would-be entrepreneurs.    

Leicestershire’s Business Gateway and De Montfort University are working together to offer a unique opportunity to anyone with a business start-up idea.  DMU’s Crucible programme, which has successfully supported 60 businesses over the last five years, is now being...

Innovate UK SMART Grants open

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation. Smart...

Become the Leader you want to be

Leadership Development with a Difference The biggest issue on leadership training right now is that there are lots of courses that take you through a number of pre-defined, generic steps without any reference to your individual situation or needs. ...

Accelerator programme to provide free ‘green’ support in race to net zero

Businesses are set to get free help to go green after Government funding worth £1million was awarded to support companies in Leicester in the race to net zero. The East Midlands Accelerator programme, led by East Midlands Chamber, will...

Leicestershire Innovation Festival programme

Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2022 has already captured the imagination of businesses across the county.  There are so many high quality events in the programme already and several more to be confirmed.  Please check back with this page regularly and...

Apply to win £5,000 from the Innovation Challenge

TBAT Innovation have launched The Innovation Challenge, bringing together key partners to support small businesses to innovate. The Innovation Challenge has been designed by TBAT’s expert team to stimulate and support innovation in SMEs by leveraging the expertise of...

Dates announced for Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2022

Following on from the success of Innovation Week in June 2021, dates have been announced for 2022 with the focus on innovation due to spread across a fortnight to accommodate the wide range of events.     Leicestershire Innovation Festival...

Omicron grants open for applications

A number of local councils have started taking applications for the new Covid grants announced by the Chancellor in December.

Tourism and Hospitality Omicron impact survey

If you have a business in the Tourism or Hospitality sector, the Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport would like to know how you have been affected by Omicron.  Your response will help them build a case with...

Start-up Surgeries from NBV and NatWest

NatWest has teamed up with the experts at NBV to deliver a fortnightly #StartUpSurgery. This aims to  provide support to all those in Leicestershire who are in the process of starting a business or are thinking about doing so....

Government announces additional support for businesses

Additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced today (21 December). Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of...

Our Peer Network Programme is helping local companies to move up a level

Our Peer Networks continue to prove very useful and popular with small businesses locally.  We still have places on the Tourism and Hospitality group.  If you would like to apply please complete the form here.

Time to Go Green and Boost your Business  

Leicester’s Business Gateway is giving small businesses the opportunity to play their part in tackling the climate crisis and improve their bottom line with a series of six webinars in the new year. As well as reducing their carbon...

Is your Technology holding you back?

Digital Upscaler is a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire). It aims to support high growth businesses across Leicestershire by providing them with the knowledge, investment and...

Keep your business moving. Get ahead of new rules for doing business with the EU

On 1 January 2022, there will be changes for businesses in Great Britain who import from the EU. There will also be changes for UK businesses who sell goods in the EU. Businesses moving goods from the EU to...

LLEP welcomes opportunity of Singapore digital trade deal

The LLEP has welcomed agreement of a major international digital trade deal as an opportunity for local firms to expand into one of the most tech-savvy and rapidly expanding markets in Asia. The UK Government announced on Thursday that...

Hauliers are you ready for import changes?

All UK hauliers moving goods from the EU to Great Britain (GB) need to prepare for import control changes which will take effect from 1 January 2022.

Make sure your small business starts the new year with enough cash

Every business needs cash to trade and to grow and this can be particularly important to small and medium businesses.  To help your business find the money it will need to grow in 2022, we’re running a series of...

Selling to the Government – a guide for SMEs

Some good news for small to medium sized enterprises, the Government has published a guide on how to set yourself up to sell your products and services to them. The Government is committed to increasing its procurement spend with SMEs,...

Support for Covid-hit businesses reaches milestone

The recovery of Leicestershire businesses affected by COVID continued this week with the number of SMEs receiving support hitting the 100 mark.  100 local businesses have signed up for the Start Up Business Support or SUBS programme, aimed at...

Is your business ready for electric?

Switching to electric vehicles might seem risky to a business that relies upon its fleet. To remove the guesswork around vehicle range and charging patterns, Go for Zero helps businesses go electric with a free-to-use and impartial assessment of...

Funding extension for Business Gateway means support for hundreds of local firms

A KEY source of support for Leicester and Leicestershire’s businesses will be able to reach nearly 200 more firms following a decision to extend its funding. An additional £2million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money has been awarded...

Prestigious Awards return for Innovation Week 2022

Following the huge success of the Innovation Awards in September, LeicestershireLive has launched its fourth event dedicated to its local pioneers: the Innovation Awards 2022. Once again these awards will be supported by the Business Gateway Growth Hub. Celebrating...

Government makes £27m available for farmers, foresters and growers to boost productivity

Farmers across Leicestershire and the UK can benefit from a £27 million pot to invest in productivity-boosting equipment as the Farming Investment Fund has now opened for applications. If you’re a farmer, forester or grower, the Government is urging you to...

BLOG: Meet our advisers – Aruna Bhagwan

Changing attitudes to business advice, how robust is your business and taking a holistic approach are some of the things we cover in our latest Meet the Adviser blog. Aruna Bhagwan is one of 11 Business Gateway Advisers and...

Tender Opportunity: Business Gateway Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Business Gateway Growth Hub, working with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Leicester City Council is inviting quotations to appoint a collection of Consultants to undertake a Business Gateway Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Boost your Business Growth with 50 hours of training

Are you a member of the senior management team at a small or medium-sized business based in the East Midlands? Do you want to take your leadership skills and your business to the next level? Join other business leaders at the...

Why should you build your supply chain resilience?

Andy Neilson is a professionally qualified and award-winning procurement and supply chain executive who has delivered business transformational change programmes for global organisations. He has 30 years industry experience having worked for and/or supported large brands such as KMPG,...

Big Ideas and Peer Support for Microbusinesses

At the Business Gateway, the vast majority of our clients are microbusinesses.  That means we understand their challenges and have experience of supporting them to grow.  One of our most successful programmes is a thing called Peer Networks.  That’s...

Free business advice and support, what’s not to love?

Challenges continue for small business owners post-pandemic whether that’s recruitment issues, reducing energy costs, supply chain interruptions or sourcing finance. The message from the Business Gateway Growth Hub is, you are not alone. Businesses will have the opportunity to...

Space Centre sees launch of a different kind, on a mission to tackle climate change.

This week Leicester’s National Space Centre saw the official launch of a unique approach to reducing the carbon emissions produced by businesses in Leicestershire.  Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and The Business Gateway have funded 100 places for local...

New Business Gateway Manager appointed

The Business Gateway for Leicester and Leicestershire has appointed Rachel York to the role of Manager, taking over from Jon Egley who previously held the role.  Rachel, who joined the Business Gateway in early October, is originally from Leicester...

Passion for events and all things digital? We need you!

East Midlands Chamber, one of the delivery partners for the Business Gateway Growth Hub is seeking an Events and Engagement Officer. This role will involve planning, organising and administering a range of digitally themed business support events for the...

Budget benefits for Leicestershire’s Small Businesses

The Chancellor’s budget, which was announced on Wednesday, contains some good news for small and medium businesses in Leicestershire.  The Business Gateway is keen to ensure that local businesses are aware of the positive changes that affect them and...

Making the Government’s Recovery Loan Scheme work for you after the budget

In this article Lawrie Chandler looks at financing schemes that have been supported by the British Business Bank and how they can be useful for smaller companies, particularly microenterprises, to support development of their business from a finance perspective....

Chancellor commits £400m to next generation of Midlands Engine Investment Fund

The Chancellor has today announced a new £400m allocation for a new Midlands Engine Investment Fund to be delivered by the British Business Bank, bringing the total for investment in the region to over £700m. This announcement represents a...

Less than two weeks until Leicester Business Festival

The annual Leicester Business Festival (LBF) fortnight gets underway in just under two weeks’ time, on Monday 8 November. This is the seventh LBF which boasts another packed programme containing 90 fantastic events. Nearly all events are free to...

Modern day rag and bone business thrives despite the worst of times

Leicester based, Industrial Wiper Company, collects unwanted second-hand clothing and fabric and creates cleaning wipers that are used across a variety of industries from food to janitorial services. Despite a turbulent year facing many market disruptions, as well as...

Shott in the arm for engineering businesses

The Royal Academy of Engineering is searching for high growth engineering and technology businesses that want to develop their leadership skills. The Shott Scale Up Accelerator programme run by its Enterprise Hub is a free, six-month programme and is...

APPEX programme to help Advanced Manufacturers reach new heights

The Business Gateway is once again demonstrating its support for Leicestershire’s key sectors by creating a programme for innovative Advanced Manufacturing companies.  Called APPEX, the course will help participating companies achieve Advanced Manufacturing Product and Process Excellence to help...

New Export Support Service

A new helpline and online service has been launched to give business owners answers to practical questions when exporting to Europe. The service is free to any UK business in any sector for any stage of its exporting journey....

Tickets available for region’s largest business event

Leicester Business Festival (LBF) is running from 8 to 18 November and has an incredible 90 events. Nearly all events are free to attend, but it is vital that tickets are booked in advance. Visit the website to have...

Support for businesses whose start-up was interrupted by Covid-19

If you started your business in or after 2018, and your trading was interrupted by lockdown, we have some support that’s just right for you. We can help you find grant funding and apply for it and we can...

CO2 Reduction scheme reaches milestone   

A pioneering scheme to help Leicestershire businesses reduce their Carbon Dioxide emissions has recruited 70 local companies keen to go green.  The 70 companies represent the full range of Leicestershire’s economy with manufacturers NS Engineering, MWS Ltd, DPI (UK)...

Time to Rebrand Leicester’s Fashion Sector says local entrepreneur

Local fashion and textiles entrepreneur, Saj Khan, is on a mission to rebrand and rebuild Leicester’s ailing rag trade. After 18 terrible months of Brexit- and Covid-related closures, plus damning media headlines about working practices, the sector must change...

Join the Leicester Startups Accelerator programme

Being a startup founder can be daunting, especially if it’s an ambitious and innovative business idea, but it doesn’t have to be… Leicester Startups presents a brand new accelerator programme to help you grow your startup. They have pulled...

Rapid Growth for Lockwood Salads

Breaking through the traditional images of farmers and farming, comes a modern day, family-run salad-growing business based in Hinckley, Leicestershire. With the use of new technology, practices that protect the natural environment and a passion for healthy, high-quality food,...

BLOG: Previns seeks to preserve Indian heritage through fine foods

When Niraj Bhatt set up his fine Indian foods business in 2011 he had no experience in the food industry. However, he was driven by a passion to preserve the flavours and recipes he had grown up with and...

Rebranding Leicester’s Fashion Sector – Saj Khan

The traditional model of manufacturing, with the exception of a few factories, was to use the limited resources they had to produce a garment as cheaply and quickly as possible with little regard to quality and craftsmanship. This very...

Learn how to make positive changes in your business

Making positive changes in your business can be difficult if you don’t know how or where to start.  That’s why we offer a series of events to explain all of this to you.  Our partners – like Leicestershire’s universities...

Covid – Government’s Autumn and Winter plan

Yesterday the Prime Minister set out the government’s plan to manage Covid throughout autumn and winter. To support businesses through the autumn and winter period, the Government will continue to provide up-to-date Working Safely guidance on how employers can...

Vaccination Survey for Leicestershire County Council

As the vaccination programme continues, Leicestershire County Council is exploring new ways to improve vaccine uptake across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR). One area they have identified is through workplaces, therefore they would like to firstly gather intelligence to...

1-2-1 support will help you exploit UK-negotiated free trade deals

Significant opportunity remains for trade with the EU, but also with the rest of the world; some argue that opportunities are even greater beyond the EU. So, we watch with interest the trade negotiations the UK continues to strike...

Starting out in business and getting financed in the right way for you – Lawrie Chandler

When you’re starting out in business, it can be pretty difficult to navigate the business landscape.  Looking at it from a finance perspective can add another layer of complexity. Critically, businesses thrive or die based on cash. The topic...

Digital Upscaler Technology Forum dates announced

First of its kind, Digital Upscaler a technology-focused business support project delivered by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has launched an autumn series of Technology Forums to support high growth businesses across the region. This series of Technology...

Export Live webinars from the Department for International Trade

The DTI (Department for International Trade) is offering a series of Export Live webinars , which is open to all individuals or businesses in the East Midlands who are looking to export or want to ask those tricky “export...

Recovery grant helps IT business serve more customers

A forced office move and reduced revenues due to the global pandemic meant Ashby de la Zouch-based business IT support provider UKBITS, faced an uncertain future last year. However, with the benefits to the environment caused by the lockdown...

Every business needs to change if it’s going to survive

“I understand that some people are switched off by the term ‘innovation’ so let’s not use that word.  Let’s use the word ‘change’ instead, or ‘improvement’.  If we look at where we use innovation it’s actually all about change...

Growing support for forthcoming business festival

Leicester Business Festival (LBF) has recently gained support from several key local businesses, joining forces to help encourage local business growth and showcase the work of the region Running from 8 to 18 November, the LBF champions five main...

Peer Networks provide real benefits to SMEs facing challenges Part 2

Where – honestly – is the problem? A lot of my group are on a journey of discovery in which they realise that actually they are the problem.  They acknowledge this in private.  The problem is normally their own...

Free Webinars to discuss Mental Health at Work

A series of free webinars will show Midlands businesses and organisations that talking about mental health at work is not as hard as they might think – and employers are being encouraged to attend. The Mental Health and Productivity...

PEER NETWORK Programme benefits business leaders in so many ways #1

John Collier is the Peer Network group leader for the Growth cohort.  He shares some common issues that regularly arise in this group, and talks to the Business Gateway’s Peter Allen about how to move SMEs forward by encouraging...

Leicestershire’s Family Businesses – a proud tradition, a modern challenge

David Williams was MD of a family-owned business in the food and drink sector for 20 years, supplying Asda and other well-known brands.  Here he discusses the pros and cons of family businesses with the Business Gateway’s Peter Allen....

Trading Places – Cocoa Amore

Pete Gardner is the founder and Director of Leicester-based Cocoa Amore, having taught himself chocolate making in 2009. A serial entrepreneur, Pete works closely with the region’s BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) and was a founding member of Loughborough BID....

Webinars on securing funding and managing your finances

Whatever happens next this year, one thing is certain – you’re going to need money The subject that most of our clients want to talk to us about is, not surprisingly, finance; how to get funding and how to...

Innovative Leicester continues with programme for SMEs

The drive for innovation in Leicestershire which began in Innovation Week, June 2021 continues today with the launch of a programme of events specifically for SMEs in the county and city.     Leicestershire’s growth hub, The Business Gateway, has...

Lightbulb moments lead to growth for West HR

Many agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed various aspects of life including the way we learn. For Melton Mowbray-based West HR, online learning had already started to feature within their training delivery. However, the pandemic has also led...

Develop your website and digital marketing painlessly

Sue Jerham is the Director of National Forest E-Bike Holidays, which provides “Self-guided electric bike and walking holidays for the gentle adventurer”.  Here she shares how learning digital skills has transformed her business. I worked for the same company...

End of Lockdown is only the beginning for SME staffing challenges.

The end of lockdown presents an opportunity for many more businesses to open their doors again and start trading, but it also presents significant challenges in terms of managing staff.  Sarah Loates, owner of Loates HR Consultancy who works...

HR Essentials – in more ways than one.

We all know that the pandemic and prolonged lockdown have created a very difficult situation for businesses and the impact is still being felt now.  Many staff have been furloughed, attitudes to home working and office working have changed,...

Manager sought to lead Growth Hub

Are you an experienced leader that can champion Growth Hub leadership in a proactive, efficient, coordinated and collaborative manner? The LLEP is a strategic body that exists to drive forward regeneration and growth of the local economy in Leicester...

First 40 Leicestershire companies announced for carbon reduction pilot scheme

Leicester and Leicestershire Business Gateway announced today that the first 40 Leicestershire businesses have secured a place on a carbon reduction programme offered by the Business Gateway in partnership with the company Zellar.  This is set to be the...

Organisations sought to deliver start-up support

The Business Gateway Growth Hub, working with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Leicester City Council is inviting quotations for the delivery of a programme of business support for start-up businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire. Locally based...

BLOG: Meet our advisers – Paul Bennett

In the next ‘Meet the Adviser’ blog we caught up with Paul Bennett. Paul has been with the team since March last year joining at the start of the pandemic and is only just meeting a lot of the...

Free Amazon Bootcamp: Exporting for success

Join a one-day online bootcamp to hear how you can export your products. Date and time: Tuesday, 10 August 2021                09:00 – 13:00 BST            Online Amazon Bootcamp: Exporting for success Join this free bootcamp to hear how you can...

Please support SMEs in the Tourism and Hospitality supply chain #MyHiddenGems

We often work closely with The Federation of Small Businesses in our region so we would like to share their latest initiative with you so that you can take part and support SMEs in Leicestershire: As you know, the...

Rebuild of Glen Parva facility creates massive opportunity for local suppliers

REBUILD OF GLEN PARVA YOUNG OFFENDERS FACILITY CREATES MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL SUPPLY CHAIN COMPANIES. This event has been rescheduled to 28 SEPTEMBER As part of the Ministry of Justice Estates Transformation Programme, Her Majesty’s Young Offenders Facility at...

Loughborough University launches business start-up accelerator programme

Loughborough University has partnered with Charnwood Borough Council to launch an exciting new programme that aims to help local people working on unique, early-stage products or services bring their vision to life. Established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Get £4,000 for taking on an apprentice until 30 September 2021.

The Government is offering your business £4,000 if you take on an apprentice between now and the end of September; that’s an additional £3,000 on top of the £1,000 they were already offering. If you took on apprentices after...

New package of measures to support road haulage industry

A package of measures to help tackle the HGV driver shortage has been announced by the government. In an open letter to the road haulage sector, ministers have pledged to work with industry leaders to attract new drivers, simplify training...

Get free expert support to sharpen your pitching skills to secure investment in your business

Innovate UK EDGE Pitchfest supports innovative and ambitious UK small to medium sized businesses to get investment-ready and develop their investor pitch to help raise finance. “It’s a great experience and I would recommend it to every entrepreneur looking...

Future Fund: Breakthrough Now Open for Investor Applications

Future Fund: Breakthrough, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Budget 2021, opens today for applications. This UK-wide programme will deliver £375m of government funding via British Patient Capital, a commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank. Due...

Up to £2,500 available for your community

LOCAL CONNECTIONS FUND FROM THE NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND: GRANTS AVAILABLE UNTIL 6 AUGUST Grants are still available to support projects that aim to bring people together, in safe and secure ways, to make sure they are aware of...

Covid19 restrictions come to an end but caution advised

Today, 19 July, most legal restrictions will end including the removal of social distancing and social contact restrictions and remaining businesses will be able to reopen. Step 4 will mark a new phase of continued caution, whilst managing the...

Grant enables Translink Express Logistics to go green

Distribution and warehousing business, Translink Express Logistics is well on its way to becoming a greener business after introducing real-time track and trace service for palletized goods. The Narborough-based business has used a Business Gateway Growth Hub grant to...

New strategy launched to support hospitality sector

A new strategy to ensure England’s pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues can thrive long-term and adapt to consumer demands has been launched by Business Minister Paul Scully today (16 July). The Hospitality Strategy focuses on reopening, recovery...

Search on for best businesswomen in Leicestershire

The LeicestershireLive Women in Business Awards have launched and they are looking for entries from the best businesswomen in the region. The awards, which are headline sponsored by Growth Partners plc, will recognise the achievements of a wide range...

Access to finance spotlight from the British Business Bank

The British Business Bank commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct research with SME Intermediaries on Access to Finance in their area.

Advanced Manufacturing orders are booming, but key issues need addressing.

CHRIS OWEN – LEADER OF THE PEER NETWORK GROUPS FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING   Chris Owen discusses the issues facing Leicestershire’s Advanced Manufacturing sector – some of these have been created by Brexit and Covid but others are more long-standing...

New website launched to make Melton a destination for tourism and business

Melton Borough Council has today launched a new destination website for the borough, ‘Discover Melton’. The website will promote Melton as a go-to destination, attracting people and businesses to visit, live and invest in the borough. Discover Melton will...

Coronavirus loan schemes benefit businesses across the East Midlands

New data shows that businesses across the East Midlands received a total of almost £4.7bn in funding under the government’s two largest Covid-19 loan schemes, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS). ...

Employees encouraged to take part in Cycle to Work Day

Leicester City and Leicestershire County Councils are inviting businesses to encourage their employees to take part in Cycle to Work Day on 5 August this year. There are numerous benefits to cycling including cost savings, improved mental and physical...

Innovation funding available to tackle plastic packaging

The Government has announced that it is looking for innovative solutions to tackle the world-wide problem of plastic packaging. It is making £7m available from its Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund for research and development projects which can ‘significantly impact’...

Business Festival putting Leicestershire’s businesses in the spotlight

Leicester Business Festival (LBF) is back from 8 to 18 November 2021, bringing the business community back together after a difficult year. It has even been cited as contributing to the local Economic Recovery Plan, to help build back...

Towards a Greener Leicestershire Part 3 – Penny Price Aromatherapy

Penny Price Aromatherapy is a well-known Leicestershire company, based in Hinckley, and one which puts sustainability at the heart of its business.  Here, Director of Operations, Ellie Dunmore, gives us an insight into how they ensure they always remain...

Showcase celebrates best of Leicestershire’s innovation culture

Leicestershire Innovation Week 2021 ends today (Friday 25 June) with over 1000 people having registered for 14 events.  One of the highlights was Wednesday’s Innovation Showcase which involved three of the pioneering innovative companies right here in Leicestershire.  Around...

Last chance for businesses to apply for post-pandemic Restart Grant

If your business has been affected by the pandemic, you still have a few days to apply for a Restart Grant as applications close on 30 June 2021. This one-off grant is available to non-essential retail businesses and hospitality,...

Innovation Week Launch is Out of This World

Leicestershire Innovation Week 2021 got off to a flying start today (21 June) with some amazing presentations from inspiring companies and individuals. The official launch event, ‘First Steps to Business Blast Off’, was organised by the Business Gateway Growth...

Maven launches funding clinics

Regional fund manager, Maven has launched a series of clinics for local businesses to help address funding and support needs across East & South East Midlands. The funding support sessions will help enable companies to identify and apply for...

Innovation Week 2021 aims to inspire

This year’s Leicestershire Innovation Week has one goal in mind: to inspire businesses of every size and sector to embrace innovation.  Register Now to join this exciting event at Innovation Showcase – Shaping Our Future – 23 June 2-3pm....

SHIRE Community Grants now open for applications

Social Enterprises, Voluntary and Community organisations will be able to access a range of grants for community-based projects and activities that are specifically focused on improving the lives, health and wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities in...

BLOG: Towards a Greener Leicestershire #2 Andy Statham CIWS, Coalville

Cast Iron Welding Services (CIWS), based in Coalville, has been operating for 75 years and, in the words of Sales Director, Andy Statham, “using what one might describe as a foundry process, we look less of a hi-tech manufacturer...

Calling all small businesses to lead the charge to net zero

The Together for Our Planet ‘Business Climate Leaders’ campaign encourages small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050 or sooner through the new UK Business Climate Hub. Small...

Historic city centre shopping streets set to benefit from heritage cash boost

BUSINESSES and property owners in two of Leicester’s busiest shopping streets can now bid for a share of a £1.5million fund to help restore historic buildings. Leicester City Council has been awarded the cash from Historic England as part...

Blog: Towards a greener Leicestershire part 1: Tunde Sobola, green entrepreneur

(originally published 28 May 2021) Business Gateway has launched a unique green initiative with Zellar to enable 100 Leicestershire businesses to measure their carbon emissions and take action to reduce them.  In this series of articles, we’re looking at...

100 ways to go greener

(originally published 26 May 2021) The Business Gateway is giving 100 local companies the chance to use a brand new digital platform to monitor and reduce their carbon emissions in a pioneering green initiative. The ‘sustainability as a service’...

Online events give property boss breathing space

The commercial property sector has been hit by Covid-19 in different ways. Working from home and flexible employment arrangements have meant the market has contracted, not to mention the unfortunate closure of businesses no longer needing premises. For flexible...

Food photography – engage their emotions

Food and drink producers spend hours perfecting their recipes and creating marvellous things for us to eat and drink. To connect with more people did you know by learning a few simple photography and display skills you can massively...

Tender opportunity to deliver Innovation webinars for Business Gateway

The Business Gateway Growth Hub is expanding the range of webinars on offer to local businesses. We are planning to host a series of webinars focusing on supporting micro and small businesses to embrace Innovation in these challenging times....

Mental health and resilience – are you doing enough in your food and drink business?

As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week we caught up with award-winning health and wellbeing practitioner Tracy Duggan about why wellbeing and resilience support is so important for your employees, especially right now with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Grants still available: Green BELLE for low carbon and energy efficiency

Green BELLE grants are specifically for SMEs in Leicester and Leicestershire who would like to install low carbon and energy efficient measures in their premises.  These include heating, lighting, insulation, renewable energy and other measures. Grants are between £1,000...

Beat the Street launches in Leicester

In less than a week you’ll be able to collect your ‘Beat the Street’ card to take part in a Leicester City Council initiative which hopes to encourage everyone, including business owners and their staff, to get moving. The...

Grants still available: ‘Growing Enterprise’ grant up to £2,500

We’re taking a look at the many grants available to businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire so that you don’t miss out on the financial support you need to grow your business for the future. First in the series is...

Pay As You Grow Scheme Reminder

If your business has taken a Bounce Back Loan during the Covid19 crisis the Pay As You Grow (PAYG) scheme announced last September by the government allows you different options when it comes to repayment. You can: request an...

New £2.5m Creative Industries Fund launches next week

Innovate UK is launching a new funding competition called the ‘Creative Industries Fund’. It aims to provide a package of targeted support for growth so ambitious, creative businesses can reach their potential. UK registered micro and small businesses in...

Going Green means reducing costs for small businesses

“We can all worry about carbon when we’re flush with cash. It’s much harder when you’re trying to keep your business afloat and we understand that.”

Business Gateway Peer Networks – a sector support network for your SME

We are recruiting for the second Peer Networks scheme and this time there will be 17 cohorts of 11 people, working and learning together with an experienced group leader, to tackle the common issues that they face.  Here are...

Leicestershire’s small businesses ‘at risk’ of trading illegally due to lack of EU trading knowledge

Four months since the Brexit deal was signed, there are many hundreds of micro, small and medium-sized businesses across the county who could be at risk of trading illegally, as many are not aware of the full extent of...

We have a vacancy for a Business Adviser

Business Adviser Vacancy East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Leicester LE3 Temporarily remote £32,000 – £34,000 a year – Full-time, Contract fixed term until 31 December 2021, full time (35 hours per week) – Could be extended to June...

BLOG: Meet our Advisers – Joanna Moore

Here Jo looks back at how Covid has impacted her clients and changed the type of support provided by the Growth Hub, highlighting the difference a Business Adviser can make by listening and supporting, as well as advising and...

BLOG: TRADING WITH THE EU WHILE LEAVING THE EU – PART THREE

In the final part of her blog, Andrea Collins predicts how the situation in Europe will improve and details how Leicestershire’s businesses can get support right now to negotiate their way to continuing trade with Europe.  During the programme...

Outdoor seating grants to help local hospitality businesses

CAFES and restaurants in Leicester can apply for grants of up to £4,000 from the city council to buy outdoor furniture. The grants – which have been set up to help businesses operate safely as they begin to reopen...

UK Community Renewal Fund opens to bids from projects in Leicester

INNOVATIVE projects that will support people and businesses in Leicester can now bid for a share of the Government’s £220million UK Community Renewal Fund. Set up to boost the 100 communities most in need across the UK, the fund...

Applications open for medtech and life science manufacturers fund

Life science companies can now apply to a new £20 million fund to expand manufacturing in the UK. The Medicines and Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund, designed to boost the UK’s ability to respond to future pandemics is open for...

BLOG: TRADING WITH THE EU WHILE LEAVING THE EU: PART TWO

In part two of her blog, Andrea Collins explores the ways in which leaving Europe impacts UK trade with the rest of the world, the pros and cons of new markets and how companies can educate their European customers...

Invest Midlands will examine how we can move forward post-Covid

Invest Midlands has unveiled an exceptional line-up of speakers for its first virtual conference which takes place on Wednesday 26 May. The event brings together the brightest minds and passionate voices of the Midlands to set the agenda for...

All female team of chemists stick to strategy for greener growth

The Leicester-based team has created an A2 fire-rated greener adhesive and been supported by the Growth Hub and was featured on LeicestershireLive this week. An all-female team of chemists has developed a safer and greener material that can be...

Small business confidence rebounds as shops re-open in England and Wales

The Federation of Small Businesses today issued this press release with positive news about business confidence: Quarterly Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Index (SBI) posts highest reading since autumn 2014 Majority of firms forecast increase in revenues...

BLOG: TRADING WITH THE EU WHILE LEAVING THE EU – PART ONE

Andrea Collins is Managing Director of the Export Department and has more than 24 years of experience in exporting to Europe and Overseas.  On behalf of Leicester/shire Growth Hub she has been delivering information sessions and one-to-one consultancy to...

BLOG Meet our Advisers – #2 Altaf Ahmed

We caught up with Altaf Ahmed, our Senior Business Adviser who specialises in supporting the Fashion and Textiles sector, to see what he’s focussing on right now: As we know, the last twelve months have been extremely difficult for...

Recovery Loan Scheme opens to support businesses as they recover from the pandemic

The Recovery Loan Scheme, a new scheme to support access to finance for UK businesses as they recover and grow following the pandemic, opens to applications from today. The scheme, announced at the Budget on 3 March 2021, is...

BLOG: Meet our Business Advisers – #1 Matt Bateman

We caught up with Matt Bateman to see who’s been calling him and which issues Leicestershire’s businesses are thinking about, post-Covid.

MEIF invests £100 million into Midlands’ businesses

Midlands Engine Investment Fund hits £100 million milestone Fund has made over 480 investments in Midlands’ small businesses Helped unlock an additional £90 million of private sector leverage £100 million has been invested in the region’s small businesses through...

New to import/export business? SME grants available until June.

The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice if your business has up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover. What you’ll be able to...

Tender opportunity: Grant Funding Applications and Access to Finance webinars

The Business Gateway Growth Hub is expanding the range of webinars on offer to local businesses. Resent research and local data is telling us that businesses are keen to kick start their recovery process post the Covid-19 pandemic and...

Growth Hub support for Food and Drink sector is a recipe for growth

Food and drink producers have had to adapt and diversify over the last 12 months in order to survive. Food delivery, selling online or takeaway services are a few examples of changes to business models made necessary by the...

Koi Sports is match-fit for future growth

For many businesses, 2020 was possibly a year they would rather forget. Leicester-based community interest company, Koi Sports CIC, used the time to reflect, plan for future growth and take advantage of the free support available from the Business...

Funding options available for women in business

If you’re a woman with her own businesses and looking to grow, or you have a dream of starting a new venture, the Leicester and Leicestershire Growth Hub is a great place to go for advice and support.

Apprenticeship levy transfer offer from ASDA

The Leicester Employment Hub has been working in partnership with ASDA who are looking to support businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire, by transferring some of their apprenticeship levy to create new apprenticeship opportunities.

Tenants move in to new workspace at Pioneer Park

A NEW hub for business at Leicester’s Pioneer Park is now open and welcoming its first tenants. Work started on the £5m scheme last May, and now developers Brackley Property Developments – working with the City Council – have...

Leicestershire businesses can now get University support for the journey to net-zero

A scheme that has successfully supported businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to reduce carbon emissions and implement energy saving initiatives is now available in Leicestershire, after a successful new funding award of £1.7m. Energy for Business, delivered by the...

Low carbon grants offer way for businesses to save on energy costs

OVER 100 businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire have benefitted from low carbon funding totalling more than £550,000, and there’s still £1million up for grabs.  The Green BELLE project can provide grants of up to £7,000 to small and medium-sized businesses...

Positive news for fashion and textile manufacturers

Like most other sectors, the fashion and textile manufacturing industry is experiencing challenging times in the pandemic. On top of this, demonstrating commitment to ethical and social compliance has never been more important for Leicester and Leicestershire firms, together...

BLOG: Learn how to identify talent from within your business to reskill

Learn how to identify talent from within your business to reskill and adapt in challenging times The pandemic has meant that for many organisations business-as-usual has had to change. Adapting to the changing world and customer demands has meant...

If you think your business is too small to be affected by Brexit, think again.

Many small businesses may think that they’re not dealing with Europe at all.  Perhaps you’re a children’s shoe shop, a local bookshop or a patisserie or flower shop.  Many shoes come from Europe, flowers from Holland and patisserie?  Well...

Second round of Industrial Energy Technology Fund opens

Innovate UK have £40 million available via the second round of the Industrial Energy Technology Fund competitions. The funding is available for feasibility studies, engineering studies and deployment of technologies that improve the energy efficiency of an industrial process...

Growth Hub welcomes Chancellor’s budget support for business

Leicester and Leicestershire’s Growth Hub has welcomed the measures announced in yesterday’s budget by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

UK Border Readiness – what does Brexit mean for hauliers and drivers?

As we head further into 2021 and the impact of Brexit becomes ever more apparent, one of the more critical discussion points is how it will affect the movement of goods between the UK and EU, and what it...

BLOG: Eight simple steps to create your brand’s tone of voice

Helen Tarver is a freelance content writer and will be speaking at our next webinar for Food and Drink producers on 17 March – Digital marketing and promotion for your products. She provides her 8 top tips on writing...

New Euro tariffs and charges – paying too much?

Leaving the EU and its former trade deals has meant that there has been an explosion of new regulations, tariffs and ways of reporting to Customs and HMRC to contend with, and many more still yet to come as...

‘Adapt to change and make your business stronger’

‘Adapt to change and make your business stronger’ message from Trading with Europe’ webinar The overwhelming takeaway from yesterday’s Leicestershire Live and Business Gateway Growth Hub webinar was a positive message that there is enormous potential for UK businesses...

At a Glance: What the latest Government Covid briefing means for businesses in Leicestershire

The Prime Minister’s latest COVID briefing (22/2/21) brought signs of some good news for regional businesses.  Here are the key points that affect your business in Leicester and Leicestershire:

New recovery fund for Hinckley and Bosworth businesses

Small businesses in Hinckley and Bosworth that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to apply to a new fund to help businesses to safeguard jobs in the borough. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has launched...

New suite of post-Brexit support for Leicestershire businesses with European connections

At a time when business survival is the number one priority for SMEs, keeping abreast of the many changes in legislation that are being drafted in with immediate effect can leave business owners bewildered and unsure of how to...

Digital health checks help businesses do more with technology

Adopting digital solutions can mean better customer experiences, improved productivity, enhanced security and more, but knowing where to start can be a stumbling block for many business owners.

Government announces £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove has announced a £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund to support small and medium sized businesses adjust to new customs, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the...

Covid-19 rapid testing for workplaces

An online portal has been launched to make it even easier for business in the private sector to get involved and find out more about offering rapid testing in the workplace. Business that are open during lockdown can now...

Lockdown Your Data: East Midlands Cyber Security Week

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has partnered with De Montfort University, Leicester and local experts to deliver Lockdown your Data: East Midlands Cyber Security Week. The week-long event from 1 – 5 March has been designed to inform and support businesses...

Bounce back loan borrowers can delay repayments by extra six months

Businesses that took out government-backed Bounce Back Loans to get through Covid-19 will now have greater flexibility to repay their loans. The Chancellor’s Pay as You Grow repayment flexibilities now include the option to delay all repayments for a...

Almost 20,000 jobs protected by Film & TV Production Restart Scheme

Many film and television productions have been paused during the pandemic due to a lack of insurance against Coronavirus-related losses, such as filming delays when cast or crew members are ill. The £500 million Film and TV Production Restart...

Grants deadline extended to help pubs affected by lockdown closure

The closing date has been extended in a scheme to provide financial help to ease the impact of lockdown on city pubs whose income doesn’t largely depend upon food sales. Leicester City Council is administering the grants for so-called...

BLOG: Top tips on boosting motivation and performance

If you are a business owner or line manager looking for some practical ways to boost motivation and productivity and pick up tips of what to do when performance starts to dip, in their latest blog, Loates HR provide...

Last few days to apply for Leicester wet-let pub grants

PUBS whose income doesn’t largely depend upon food sales have until the end of January to take advantage of additional financial help on offer, joining over 70 city pubs that have already received funding. Leicester City Council is administering...

British Business Investments announces new £10m commitment to Syndicate Room

British Business Investments, a commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank, has announced a £10m commitment to Cambridge-based venture capitalist Syndicate Room. The £10m commitment from British Business Investments’ Regional Angels Programme will be invested by Syndicate Room, which...

Leicestershire businesses can benefit from free advice to trade in Europe

The Growth Hub was featured on LeicestershireLive this week with some details of a special event on 24th February and the support available for businesses trading in the EU. 

Leicestershire employers needed to help shape mental health campaign

Employers across Leicestershire are being urged to help shape a campaign to encourage firms to improve mental health support at work. The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) is recruiting ten companies from across the Midlands to help shape...

Growth Hub support helps Sophia to achieve independence

Sometimes while going about our normal routines people start to formulate what could become a great business idea. That’s what happened to Occupational Therapist, Sophia Dickinson.

Green Home Grants Skills Training

The Green Homes Grant skills training competition was designed to provide support to the energy efficiency and low carbon heating supply chains to deliver works under the Green Homes Grant scheme, and to scale up to meet the additional...

Business volunteers needed to help rewrite the story of careers education

Local businesses are being asked to help “rewrite the story” for young people by putting their skills to use with a local school or college as an Enterprise Adviser. More than ever, young people need all the support and...

Coronavirus loan schemes benefit businesses in East Midlands

New data published this week shows that businesses in the East Midlands have received a total of almost £4bn in funding under the government’s two largest Covid-19 loan schemes, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce...

EU support – telephone line now open

Following the end of the EU transition period there are new trading processes you need to follow and actions you must take to continue trading with Europe or employing EU nationals. The Growth Hub has launched a free telephone...

New textiles training centre to launch in Leicester

An innovative project to deliver apprenticeships and accredited training for the textiles industry is set to be launched in Leicester. Leicester City Council has teamed up with leading training provider Fashion Enter Ltd and local clothing company Ethically Sourced...

Free support for Visitor Economy businesses

A new programme of support has been announced for visitor economy businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire, to help combat the economic impact of Covid-19. This dedicated support programme is aimed at tourism, hospitality, sport and leisure businesses, and the...

Start-up Accelerator programme launches

In partnership with Leicester Startups, the Start-up Accelerator programme has been launched to support start-up businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire from 22 February to 2 April 2021. This fully-funded programme offers 6-weeks of structured workshops, round tables sessions and...

Sustainable travel grants available for businesses

Leicester City Council’s Walking and Cycling Team is committed to supporting businesses who recognise the importance of reducing the number of single passenger car journeys made by staff and customers by providing a number of free initiatives to eligible...

Blog: How to rebuild employee trust and morale

What are you doing to help your employees during this Covid-19 crisis in what seems like a never-ending rollercoaster of lockdowns, restrictions and new ways of working? HR Training Consultant Annie Litchfield from Loates HR provides her 5 top...

Asymptomatic testing to be rolled out across the country starting this week

Rapid, regular testing for people without symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be made available across the country from this week, with the eligibility of the community testing programme expanded to cover all 317 local authorities. Local authorities will be...

Tender opportunities to deliver webinars for the Business Gateway

The Business Gateway Growth Hub is expanding the range of webinars on offer to local businesses. We are starting to focus on sector support to help the recovery process of our businesses post the Covid-19 pandemic. We are proactively...

Survey shows region’s economic recovery is “treading water” but businesses are confident about future

The economic recovery has stalled in the East Midlands as tightening Covid-19 restrictions took their toll on businesses, according to new research published today. An East Midlands Chamber study found cashflow and advanced orders were significantly affected for many...

Businesses asked to donate old smartphones

Businesses and other organisations in Leicestershire and the East Midlands are being asked to help people in our communities struggling with their mental health by donating old smartphones. We all know that 2020 was a tough time for many...

£4.6 billion in new lockdown grants for businesses announced

Rishi Sunak pledges £4.6billion in lockdown grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Tougher restrictions will leave businesses in England closed until at least the February half-term in a bid to curb rising Covid-19 infections. As part of Mr...

National restrictions from Tuesday January 5 2021

The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. You should follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these...

Applications open for Leicester Accelerator Programme

After a successful inaugural programme in October last year, Leicester Startups presents a brand new accelerator programme to help you grow your business. They’ve pulled together a whole community of experienced founders and business experts into a high-tempo six-week...

Leicester and Leicestershire moves to Tier 4 from midnight

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock has announced today that Leicester and Leicestershire will move to Tier 4: Stay at Home from the beginning of Thursday 31 December 2020. Tier 4 restrictions mean: people must not leave their home or garden...

Join the Small Business Leadership Programme this January!

A consortium of business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC) and supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is delivering a free, fully-funded Small Business Leadership Programme that supports business leaders to enhance their...

Christmas opening times

Due to the festive season we will be closed from 1pm Christmas Eve then operating with reduced staff until Monday 4th January: Growth Hub T: 0116 366 8487 CLOSED: 25th, 26th, 27th December | 1st to 3rd Jan REDUCED...

Customs Grant Scheme reminder

The Customs Grant Scheme has been set up to help businesses prepare for new customs arrangements from 1 January 2021. This includes supporting businesses who trade with the EU to undertake training to improve their understanding of customs requirements...

Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

New Guidance has been issued that sets out support for wet-led pubs that have been severely impacted over the Christmas period due to temporary local restrictions. Eligible businesses may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of £1,000 from...

Department for International Trade (DIT) Internationalisation Fund

SMEs are now able to apply for co-investment funding from DIT’s new Internationalisation Fund using European Regional Development Funding (ERDF). On 16 October 2020 DIT Ministers announced, as part of the Government’s Export Growth Plan, to help businesses in...

Furlough scheme extended until the end of April

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the furlough scheme until the end of April 2021. He said the move would provide certainty for millions of jobs and businesses. The government will continue to pay up to 80% of the wages...

Guidance for the Christmas period

Government guidance for the Christmas period can be found below: Meeting friends and family Visiting bars, pubs and restaurants Visiting churches and other places of worship Visiting shops and Christmas markets Attending events, including performances and Christmas lighting ceremonies...

UK Transitional Support- Request for Quotation

Background With the United Kingdom having left the European Union and the transition period coming to the end on the 31st December 2020, there will be significant changes in the way that UK businesses will need to operate, particularly...

Business evictions ban extended until March

Business owners affected by the pandemic will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced. The majority of commercial landlords have shown flexibility, understanding and commitment to protect businesses during an...

Creative and Digital businesses we need your help!

The Business Gateway Growth Hub will be delivering a suite of new workshops specifically dedicated to businesses from the creative and digital sectors within Leicester and Leicestershire. This programme is due to begin early next year. In the past...

EU staff must apply to EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021

EU citizens and their family members (including non-EU citizens) need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue to live, work and study in the UK. Given the valuable contribution EU citizens make to businesses and organisations across...

£1,000 Christmas grant for ‘wet-led pubs’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional £1,000 Christmas grant for ‘wet-led pubs’ in tiers 2 and 3 who will miss out on business during the busy Christmas period. Pubs that predominantly serve alcohol rather than provide food...

Boost for retailers as opening hours extended

In a much-needed boost for the high street, retailers will be able to extend their daily opening hours from Monday to Saturday in the run up to Christmas and through January, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced. From tomorrow,...

Updated guidance for working safely during coronavirus

Updated working safely during coronavirus guidance has been released from government to support businesses when Local Restrictions come into force on the 2 December. Businesses that will benefit from these updated guides include: Takeaway services Close contact services Shops...

Businesses urged to file their annual accounts ASAP

Companies House are urging businesses to file their annual accounts as soon as possible, as the disruption caused by coronavirus continues to affect lives, businesses and the economy. Companies House’s online filing service which is available 24 hours a day,...

BID Leicester respond to Leicester being placed in Tier 3 restrictions

BID Leicester has responded to Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s announcement that Leicester will be placed into Tier 3 restrictions from 2 December when the national lock-down comes to an end. BID Leicester Director Simon Jenner has once again written...

Calls on businesses to prioritise mental health

A major initiative aiming to boost economic productivity is calling on businesses across the East Midlands to prioritise their employees’ mental health after COVID-19 has put significant strain on workers’ well being. The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP),...

Leicester & Leicestershire Tier 3: Very High Alert

New Local Restriction Tiers, which come into play on 2 December have been announced, and Leicester and Leicestershire have been placed in Tier 3: very high alert. The tiers have been strengthened compared to the previous tiers in order...

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces 2020 spending review

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the 2020 spending review on Wednesday 25 November. In a statement in Parliament, he also briefed MPs about the state of the UK economy and the latest forecasts for the UK’s public finances. An overview...

LLEP virtual AGM takes place on 1 December 2020

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership’s (LLEP) virtual Annual General Meeting takes place on 1st December at 5.15pm. The AGM will provide an opportunity for the LLEP Directors to update you on the key economic developments of the year,...

Local Restrictions Support Grants launched

New Government grants are now available for businesses affected by the latest Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The Government has released business guidance for these schemes. The Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses) supports businesses that have been required to...

Concerns pandemic is distracting from crucial EU Transition preparations

Evidence suggesting that many Leicestershire businesses might not be prepared for the end of the EU Exit transition period has led to calls to action from local community leaders. After officially leaving the EU earlier this year, Britain’s transition...

Free leadership support for small business leaders

Universities across the UK are running the Small Business Leadership Programme, a ten-week Government-funded programme led by academics and experts to help support small businesses and SME leaders over the coming months. The Small Business Leadership Programme will equip...

Have your say in the last QES of the year

The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the biggest business survey of its kind in the East Midlands. The results provided are analysed by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) in order to help shape crucial policy discussions locally, regionally...

Takeaway service extended for restaurants, pubs and cafes

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide takeaway services for another year. The new measures will help give businesses the confidence they need to continue to serve customers and hopefully...

BID champions use of Leicester Gift Card as staff reward

The Leicester Gift Card, produced by BID Leicester, comes just in time for Christmas when businesses will be gifting and rewarding their employees and clients for their hard work and loyalty over the turbulent year. The scheme allows employers...

Sustainable East Midlands campaign launched by Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has urged the region’s businesses to go green and reap the benefits to their bottom line in a new campaign. The Sustainable East Midlands initiative will highlight both the business case and regulatory requirements for companies that engage...

New Safety Tech Innovation Network will promote safety tech sector

Across the world, a new wave of companies are developing a huge variety of innovative products and services that help businesses better protect their online users from harm. UK companies are already world-leaders in safety tech. DCMS research reveals...

Existing Bounce Back Loans can be topped up to £50,000

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum loan...

Leicester Smart City Challenge will award £5,000 kickstart funding

With its vibrant population, creative industries, world-class universities and a growing space sector, Leicester has the capacity and capability to become a smart city. A smart city combines its built, natural and social environments with information technology to support...

Furlough scheme extended further to March 2021

Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021, the Chancellor announced today, 5 November. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now run until the end...

Tender opportunity to develop events for fashion and textiles sector

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is seeking to recruit experienced consultant/s to lead the development and delivery of a suite of engaging and impactful seminars and/or strategic action-planning workshops covering a range of fashion and textile manufacturing-related themes....

Apply for apprenticeship levy transfer from ASDA

Leicester City Council is working in partnership with ASDA to support businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire, by transfering £100,000 of their apprenticeship levy to create new opportunities, however applications need to be submitted by 18 November 2020. Your business...

Increased support for self-employed

To reflect the recent changes to the furlough scheme, the UK-wide Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be made more generous – with self-employed individuals receiving 80% of their average trading profits for November. And to ensure those who...

Leicester’s carbon neutral bus station plans revealed

Leicester City Council is planning to completely rebuild the existing St Margaret’s Bus Station and revamp surrounding streets as part of a major scheme to regenerate this part of the city centre. The proposed £13.5million scheme has been awarded...

Grants on offer to help local business cut carbon and save cash

HUNDREDS of small businesses in Leicester could benefit from a share of a £2million council-run grant scheme to help them cut their energy bills. Leicester City Council has successfully secured over £1.9million from the European Region Development Fund (ERDF)...

Job Retention Scheme extended to December

The Government has announced it will extend the Job Retention scheme known as furlough to December as it brings in a new national lockdown from Thursday. Employees will receive 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up...

The way you hire from the EU is changing

The transition period is ending on 31 December and there will be no extension. The current rules for hiring workers from the EU will change. Time is running out and businesses need to act now to prepare for our...

The way you hire from the EU is changing

The transition period is ending on 31 December and there will be no extension. The current rules for hiring workers from the EU will change. Time is running out and businesses need to act now to prepare for our...

SHIRE Environment grant for groups or organisations

Community groups and organisations are being invited to apply for the latest round of SHIRE Environment Grants of up to £3,000. The scheme, run by Leicestershire County Council, aims to help projects that minimise household waste, reduce carbon emissions...

£32 Million Bid to Transform Loughborough

An ambitious £32 million bid to transform Loughborough has been submitted to Government. The Loughborough Town Deal is an exciting, once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring significant social and economic improvements for residents, communities and local businesses. A Town Investment Plan...

Leicester Business Festivals starts on Monday!

The annual Leicester Business Festival (LBF) kicks off another exciting fortnight of business starting on Monday 2 November. Headline partnered by De Montfort University, the LBF is now in its sixth year. Originally established by the Leicester & Leicestershire...

DIT offers free digital trade 1 to 1 sessions

Covid 19 and EU Transition have brought challenge, change and opportunity for businesses wanting to increase their online sales and potential in international markets. To help your business overcome and maximise some of these changes, the Department for International...

Growth Hub launches Peer Networks Programme

A new peer-to-peer networking programme, launched today, will enable local business leaders to collaborate with like-minded individuals to discuss current challenges and grow their organisations for future success. There will be 14 Peer Networks in the Leicester and Leicestershire...

Chancellor increases financial support for businesses

In recognition of the challenging times ahead, the Chancellor said he would be increasing support through the existing Job Support and self-employed schemes, and expanding business grants to support companies in high-alert level areas. This builds on agreements reached...

Entreprenuers from ethnic minority backgrounds experience substantially worse business outcomes than white entrepreneurs

Black business owners and those from Asian and Other Ethnic Minority backgrounds face persistent disparities in business outcomes, with systemic disadvantage playing a key role. This is revealed in a new report Alone together: Entrepreneurship and Diversity in the UK, published...

What financial support is available in the new three tier system?

The Government’s new three-tiered system of local COVID alert levels in England ranges from Medium to Very High. Local COVID alert levels set out information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage...

Enterprising Women Awards 2021 opens for entries

Female entrepreneurs, directors, employees and apprentices in the East Midlands will once again have a platform to showcase their success stories as the Enterprising Women Awards returns for 2021. Applications are now open for the awards, which provides recognition...

Government launches Export Growth Plan to help businesses build back better

A package of measures to help businesses in England build back better following the pandemic has been announced by the Government today. The Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Export Growth Plan provides additional financial support and expertise, some of...

Leicester’s Design Season back for third year

As Leicester’s Design Season enters its 3rd year, it once again celebrates the range and vitality of the city’s design community through a specially developed programme of talks, exhibitions, and events – both online and offline – led by...

Lifeline helps businesses to ‘build back better’

A UK health business is offering a free support package to Leicestershire SMEs to help them protect their teams as they return to work from furlough and get Britain’s economy back on track. The package includes access to doctors...

New measures and support for self-isolation

From the end of September, anyone who had a positive Covid-19 test or is told to self-isolate by the NHS Test & Trace Service is required to do so by law, with fines starting at £1,000 and increasing to...

New three tier Covid restrictions system announced

Boris Johnson has officially confirmed a new system of Covid Local Alert Levels will cover every village, town, city and region of England. By tonight, every area in the country is expected to be assigned Tier 1 (medium risk),...

BLOG: Worried About Brexit Trading Unknowns?

Here’s How Addressing the Known Knowns Can Really Help Dr Nik Kotecha, MD of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, looks at the known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns of the current Brexit impasse and gives advice to businesses about how to...

Round Corner Brewing, the business that ‘can’

Melton Mowbray based Round Corner Brewing is set to double its output this year thanks to a grant from the Business Gateway Growth Hub and its ability to adapt the production of its world-class craft beers during the Covid-19...

New guidance on £9 billion Job Retention Bonus

Further information has been published on how businesses can claim the government’s Job Retention Bonus, with millions set to benefit from the £9 billion package. The scheme is designed to continue to support jobs through the UK’s economic recovery...

Less than a month until start of Leicester Business Festival

The 2020 Leicester Business Festival (LBF) contains a packed programme of events and looks set to be one of the largest digital festivals in the UK, with thousands of people expected to get involved over the fortnight. Running from...

The Leicester Gift Card: a new way to support local businesses

BID Leicester has launched The Leicester Gift Card to give a boost to the city’s high street retail and hospitality businesses. The gift card, which can be purchased at values between £5 and £500, can be spent in more...

Check, Change, Go – Prepare your business for the end of the transition period

The UK has left the EU and is leaving the EU single market and customs union. The end of the transition period means businesses should take action now to prepare for guaranteed changes and new rules from January 2021....

70% of PPE demand will be met by UK manufacturers

Health and social care workers treating COVID-19 patients have access to an uninterrupted supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the Government has confirmed today. Four-month stockpiles of items such as face masks, visors and gowns will be in place...

Winter Economy Plan – summary

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined additional government support to provide certainty to businesses and workers impacted by coronavirus across the UK. Job support scheme A new Job Support Scheme will be introduced from 1 November to protect viable jobs in...

New Job Support Scheme revealed

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed details of a Job Support Scheme, that will replace furlough when it closes on 31 October. The furlough scheme in its current form will not continue but will be replaced with this more targeted...

NHS COVID-19 app launches today – is your business ready?

People across England and Wales are being urged to download the NHS COVID-19 app to help control the spread of coronavirus and protect themselves and their loved ones as case numbers rise. The app launches today, and after positive...

Funding boost for innovative transport tech businesses

Innovative transport start-ups with a focus on decarbonisation or COVID-19 recovery can now bid for a share of over £1 million (£1,010,000) in Department for Transport funding. Transport-Technology Research and Innovation Grants (T-TRIG), which is now in its 11th...

Businesses urged to prepare for NHS COVID-19 app

Businesses across England and Wales like pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas are being urged to ensure they have NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers who have downloaded the new NHS COVID-19 app can use their smartphones...

Bounce back plans for consumer and retail industries

The government has announced a series of new measures to support businesses in the consumer and retail industry to export overseas as part of efforts to help the sector recover from Coronavirus. The new measures will offer immediate support...

Useful videos if you are new to customs

HMRC have created a series of short videos aimed at helping those businesses brand new to customs: What is Customs? What you need to know to bring goods into the UK? What you need to do to send goods...

Small businesses take the lead supporting each other

Cast your mind back to the early 80’s and a new Saturday morning TV programme grabbed the nation’s imagination through a really simple concept: A child needed something and would offer up a much-loved toy in exchange. With lots...

Venues required by law to record contact details

Premises and venues across England like pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas must have a system in place by law to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff in the latest move to break the chains of transmission...

Complete the 2020 Scaleup Survey

The Scaleup Survey, run by the Scaleup Institute, is now in its seventh year. Its influence and importance has grown rapidly, providing crucial data and insights which are informing how both the public and private sectors better support and...

Full applications open for Small Business Recovery 100% Grant

THIS GRANT SCHEME IS NOW CLOSED. Businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire are being given a boost in their fightback from the effects of the coronavirus as the Business Gateway Growth Hub launches the Small Business Recovery Grant. The 100%...

Campaign launched in Charnwood to highlight safe local high streets

Shop Safe, Shop Local – that’s the message from Charnwood Borough Council as it launches a campaign to support local high streets. The Council, and partners, are calling on people to support their local high streets and reassure them...

BLOG: Restarting your marketing post-COVID

Lockdown gave most of us a little extra time to reflect. Even if it was just the time that you used to take to commute that you suddenly had freed up, those few gained moments allowed many of us...

Kickstart Scheme opens for employer applications

Applications have opened for employers to become part of the government’s £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. The 6-month placements are open to those aged...

Last call to apply for financial help for city businesses affected by COVID-19

Businesses in Leicester have until August 28 to take advantage of financial help which has been made available to for firms affected by COVID-19. Leicester City Council is responsible for distributing two sources of business support funding aimed at...

Businesses invited to bid to run new Outwoods cafe

Charnwood Borough Council are looking for an operator to manage the operation of a new café facility to be constructed in the coming months by renovating and extending the existing cottage on site. Charnwood Borough Council are seeking to...

Salons and nail bars to reopen in Leicester

Nail bars, beauty salons, tanning booths and salons, spas and beauty salons, massage parlours, tattoo parlours, body and skin piercing services, and outdoor pools can lawfully reopen from today. This will bring Leicester in line with the national easements...

Self-isolating after returning to the UK: Employers’ Guide

A person’s employment rights will depend on their employment status and specific circumstances. Please check the Guidance on returning to the UK. In summary: Where possible people should work from home during their self-isolation period. Employees should talk to their employer...

Second coronavirus grant opens for self-employed

If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) you may be eligible to apply for a grant. This second and final taxable grant is worth 70% of your average monthly...

New business grant for Leicester Lockdown

Small and micro-businesses across Leicester which were forced to close during the city’s extended lockdown can apply for financial help under a new grant scheme. Leicester City Council has received £2.6million from the government to pay grants to businesses which...

Sign up to offer green homes improvements

Tradespeople across England are being urged to step forward and sign up to offer services through the government’s new Green Homes Grants scheme. The £2 billion Green Homes Grant Scheme will see the government fund up to two-thirds of...

Calling all young innovators!

Young people can apply for an award to make their business idea a reality. The Award includes a £5,000 grant, business support and a living allowance. Aged between 18 and 30 years old and looking for business support? Innovate UK is...

Financial incentives for apprenticeships

As England adjusts to the new normal, the government is introducing financial support to help employers hire new apprentices. Through apprenticeships, you can build competitive skills to encourage growth in your organisation. When you hire new apprentices between 1...

Shop Local Week launched

Shoppers across the UK have been urged to do their bit and take part in Shop Local Week (10-16 August) to help local businesses rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic. Shop Local Week is part of the government’s Enjoy Summer...

Leaders raise awareness of finance options

Business leaders from across Leicester and Leicestershire are encouraging firms to access the finance options available to help manage and recover from the coronavirus. The awareness drive is supported by the British Business Bank, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise...

Grants if business completes customs declarations

If your business completes customs declarations you might be able to apply to get funding for recruitment, training and IT improvements. You can apply for 3 grants to help your business complete customs declarations. You can apply to get...

Funded redundancy support and online courses

If you are facing an organisational restructure or the prospect of making hard decisions about staff redundancy Learning Curve, the national training provider, is offering a fully-funded redundancy support service. The package ensures employees get access to bespoke training...

One month left to submit Business Festival events

Businesses wishing to run an event as part of the Leicester Business Festival (LBF) have just one more month to submit their applications before the website portal closes on Friday 4 September. The LBF is taking place from 2...

New leadership schemes for small business recovery

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis spurs British businesses to adopt new ways of working, the government is investing £20 million to improve small businesses’ management, productivity and problem-solving skills through 2 training programmes, at this crucial time in the...

£1,000 Job Retention Bonus to keep furloughed workers

The government is introducing a new Job Retention Bonus to provide additional support to employers who keep on their furloughed employees in meaningful employment, after the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends on 31 October 2020. The Job Retention...

Round two of discretionary grants for Leicester City

A FURTHER group of businesses and charities will be able to apply for funding aimed at helping those whose finances have been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Leicester City Council received £3.5million from the Government’s Discretionary Business Grants...

Restrictions lifted for some businesses in Leicester city

Late yesterday evening Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced new rules on social gatherings in some areas of Northern England. It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their...

£20 million in new grants to boost recovery of small businesses

Thousands of smaller businesses in England are set to benefit from £20 million of new government funding to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government has today (30...

Extra cash for businesses in Leicester lockdown

The government has announced today that £3million will be provided to support struggling businesses inside the Leicester lockdown zone. Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the extra money in a letter to Neil O’Brien – the Conservative MP for Harborough,...

Street cafe furnishings grant launched by Leicester City Council

Leicester City Council have launched a street cafe furnishings grant as part of the citywide recovery plan. This will allow eligible independent restaurants and cafes to apply for grants of up to £4,000, to purchase appropriate furniture and outdoor...

New guidance on reporting Covid-19 cases for business

New guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus has been published. COVID-19 early outbreak management information has been created to make sure that people who run businesses or organisations: know how...

£350million to cut emissions and drive recovery

UK industry will receive around £350 million to cut down carbon emissions under new plans to step up efforts to tackle climate change, the government has announced. The multimillion-pound investment package will build on the Prime Minister’s work throughout...

Updated guidance for business events and meetings

The Government has released updated guidance on how to work safely within the visitor economy, which now includes guidance on business events and meetings. The guidance has been created to help employers, employees and the self-employed in England understand...

£400 million to benefit greener aerospace industry

Aerospace jobs and supply chains across the UK will benefit from cutting-edge research and development projects announced by the government and aerospace industry leaders. Government grants totalling £200 million, delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme, will be...

BLOG: The What, Why and How of purchasing a domain name

A guide for small businesses. Having a meaningful domain not only represents your brand online but allows potential customers to find you. Digital Growth Programme consultants Ian Lockwood and Rob Gregory explain it all here, using simple terminology they...

Business events and conferences given go ahead

Business events, conferences and events centres will be given the go-ahead to reopen on 1 October adhering to social distancing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week. Provided levels of infection remain at current rates, this will see the...

Revised Leicester Lockdown boundary from 18 July

As we know a local outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in Leicester. The government and local authority are acting together to control the spread of the virus in Leicester and affected surrounding areas. If you live or work...

New £750k Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund

Updated 18 Dec 2020: The Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund has received an overwhelming number of applications and is now CLOSED to new applications. If you have already submitted an application or have any queries, please email economicgrowth@leics.gov.uk for further assistance. =...

VisitEngland speaks on ‘Restoring Consumer Confidence in the Visitor Economy’

The Business Gateway Growth Hub recently hosted another webinar in a series of seminars on ‘Implementing COVID19 measures in the workplace’. This webinar, aimed at the tourism and hospitality sector, featured VisitEngland’s Head of Business Transformation Project, Janet Uttley, talking...

Mandatory use of face masks will protect retailers

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock announced in Parliament yesterday that face coverings would be mandatory in shops from next Friday. He said the death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75% higher among men and 60% higher among women...

Growth Hub manager speaks to BBC Radio Leicester

Growth Hub Manager Jon Egley could be heard on BBC Radio Leicester this morning, discussing with presenter Jimmy Carpenter exactly who the Growth Hub are, and how they can help. Jon Egley said: “If you’re unsure about what support...

Free table service and data app for city’s businesses

BID Leicester has partnered with tech-company Yoello to help the city’s businesses reopen safely. The evening and night-time economy is facing specific challenges when it comes to planning reopening, with businesses having to remodel their operations to meet new...

Register for ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme

Registrations for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme start today. Restaurants and other establishments serving food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging...

£24m grant funding approved for Leicester and Leicestershire

£24.43m of grant funding is to be awarded from the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Rates Pool fund. The fund is managed by the LLEP on behalf of local authorities and grants are allocated for priority economic projects that drive...

Check which attractions can get reduced VAT rate

A new temporary reduced rate of VAT of 5% was announced on 8 July 2020 for admission to certain attractions. This temporary rate will apply from 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021. Who this applies to This applies...

Coronavirus support for businesses outside government