News
The Business Gateway growth hub connects businesses to many different providers of business support services. Below is a selection of case studies for business that we have supported with our business support partners.
News
Understanding Menopause: Embracing Menopause Awareness Day and Supporting Women in the Workplace
15 October 2024Menopause is a natural biological process that impacts half of the global population, yet it is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. In the UK alone, there are 3.5 million working women aged 50 and older, meaning it’s likely...
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide for Businesses on World Mental Health Day
3 October 2024Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day brings attention to the importance of mental health awareness and support. In today’s fast-paced work environment, the mental wellbeing of employees is more crucial than ever. Businesses that prioritise mental...
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month: Protect Your Business with Essential Tips
1 October 2024As we mark Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, it’s the perfect time to evaluate and strengthen your business’s online defences. Cyber threats continue to grow, and for small businesses, the risk of a data breach or attack can...
Office for Life Sciences R+I Workforce Survey
20 September 2024The Office for Life Sciences (OLS), a collaborative unit between the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is sharing its latest bulletin through our networks. Our contacts at the...
Forging connections between businesses and young people
17 September 2024As businesses evolve and new career opportunities emerge, it’s more important than ever to forge connections between businesses and the young people who will shape the future workforce. There are many ways for you or your employees to get...
Regional Skills Bootcamps Employer consultation now open
16 September 2024Do you have skills or recruitment gaps? The Skills Bootcamps programme is a crucial way to support Leicester and Leicestershire’s employers, economy, and labour market, offering flexible, free, or low-cost short, flexible courses in the skills employers need, giving people...
East Midlands Create Growth now open to businesses for Cohort 5
11 September 2024Applications are now open for the fifth and final cohort of the £1.2 million support programme for creative businesses in the East Midlands, set to begin on October 16th. Companies are invited to apply for the Create Growth programme,...
Free Strategic Business Advice for Farmers & Land Managers
6 September 2024Farmers and land managers in need of strategic business guidance can now benefit from a new initiative funded by the Defra Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF). DJM Consulting (DJMC) are offering up to two days of free, one-on-one strategic...
Investment Ready Workshop: Raising Funding for High-Growth SMEs
19 August 2024When and Where Date: 15 October 2024 Start & End Time: 9am – 1pm Location: Barclays Eagle Labs Address: The Innovation Centre, 49 Oxford Street, Leicester, LE1 5XY Register your interest here. Are you a startup or small business...
Business Networks Survey on behalf of the Local Resilience Forum
19 August 2024Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) are multi-agency partnerships made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, the Environment Agency and others. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic...
British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme
9 August 2024The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme announced it has passed a major milestone of £150 million worth of loans delivered in the Midlands region. Over 6,000 loans to entrepreneurs within the East Midlands have been provided. A...
Unlocking the Future: How the UK Government’s AI Upskilling Fund is Empowering the Workforce
8 August 2024In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping the job market, the UK government is taking decisive steps to ensure its workforce is prepared for challenges and opportunities ahead. One significant initiative in this...
43 new businesses created in first phase of Charnwood Incubator Programme
6 August 2024Hundreds of people have sought help from a Loughborough-based start up incubator – with more than 43 new businesses created as a result. The latest cohort of local entrepreneurs have now completed the fifth cycle of the programme, which...
High Street Businesses Provide Report Feedback
6 August 2024A new report has been released about what high streets need to survive and see continued growth, development and success. Linking into the future proofing of these assets to remain a vital part of communities and places. Aiding SMEs...
Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 Your Input Wanted
25 July 2024Following 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
24 July 2024September 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!
23 July 2024Why 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
22 July 2024Leicester 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
22 July 2024Employers 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
12 July 2024Leicester, 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
11 July 2024The 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?
10 July 2024Could 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
8 July 2024In 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
18 June 2024Leicester 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
18 June 2024The 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
13 June 2024Data 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
13 June 2024Securing 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
12 June 2024The 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
11 June 2024The 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
20 May 2024The 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
14 May 2024Businesses 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
10 May 2024Navigating 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
10 May 2024Businesses 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
10 May 2024The 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
21 March 2024The 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
20 March 2024The 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
15 March 2024Following 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”
13 March 2024An 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
11 March 2024We 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
7 March 2024Business 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
7 March 2024Leicestershire 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
5 March 2024Small 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
4 March 2024In 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
4 March 2024Starting 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%
1 March 2024Crime 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
29 February 2024The 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
27 February 2024The 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
22 February 2024The 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
22 February 2024Leicestershire 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
19 February 2024TBAT 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
16 February 2024Dozens 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
14 February 2024The 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
12 February 2024Made 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
8 February 2024Up 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’
7 February 2024De 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’
7 February 2024RBC 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
7 February 2024A 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
6 February 2024Millions 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’
6 February 2024Cross 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’
6 February 2024Loughborough 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
6 February 2024Leicestershire 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
1 February 2024From 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
1 February 2024All 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
31 January 2024Businesses 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’
30 January 2024Innovation 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
29 January 2024The 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’
26 January 2024LIF24 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
24 January 2024The 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
23 January 2024Making 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
23 January 2024Businesses 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
22 January 2024As 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
22 January 2024Participating 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’
22 January 2024LIF24 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
19 January 2024‘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
11 January 2024Last 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
10 January 2024Leicestershire 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
9 January 2024The 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
4 January 2024Update: 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
20 December 2023The 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
19 December 2023Sajjad 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
18 December 2023British 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
18 December 2023Medilink 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
14 December 2023Season’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’
12 December 2023Participating 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
12 December 2023The 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
5 December 2023Following 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
4 December 2023Major 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
4 December 2023Businesses 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
27 November 2023Made 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
24 November 2023Upskilling 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
23 November 2023The 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
20 November 2023JIG 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
16 November 2023Update 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
16 November 2023Employers 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
15 November 2023A 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
14 November 2023The 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
9 November 2023Update 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
9 November 2023We’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
8 November 2023Applications 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
7 November 2023The 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
3 November 2023The 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
3 November 2023We’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
30 October 2023Rural 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
30 October 2023A 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
20 October 2023New 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
19 October 2023More 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
18 October 2023Key4Life, 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?
16 October 2023Active 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
16 October 2023The 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
13 October 2023Businesses 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
12 October 2023The 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
10 October 2023Phoenix 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
6 October 2023Events 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
6 October 2023Melton 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
5 October 2023Round 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
4 October 2023UK 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!
3 October 2023The 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
2 October 2023Sponsors 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
20 September 2023The 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
15 September 2023The 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
15 September 2023Renowned 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
12 September 2023The 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
11 September 2023A 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
7 September 2023Moti 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
4 September 2023A 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
25 August 2023Due 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
21 August 2023The 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
17 August 2023Based 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!
16 August 2023Phil 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
14 August 2023British 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?
14 August 2023The 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
10 August 2023The 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
10 August 2023The 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
9 August 2023The 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
8 August 2023Enterprise 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
4 August 2023Leicester 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
3 August 2023The 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
2 August 2023Melton 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
1 August 2023The 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
1 August 2023The 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
26 July 2023Leicester 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
25 July 2023The 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
25 July 2023A 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
24 July 2023Leicester 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
20 July 2023Business 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
18 July 2023Oadby 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
18 July 2023The 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
17 July 2023Chatime 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
17 July 2023The 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
12 July 2023A 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
7 July 2023Size 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
6 July 2023The 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
6 July 2023Last 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
29 June 2023It 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
28 June 2023Andrea 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?
27 June 2023Over 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
27 June 2023Baroness 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
22 June 2023The 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
21 June 2023Updated 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
19 June 2023All 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
13 June 2023The 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
13 June 2023Creating 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
9 June 2023A 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?
9 June 2023If 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
7 June 2023Businesses 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
6 June 2023Ocean 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
22 May 2023Beauty 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
15 May 2023Chartered 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
4 May 2023A 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
4 May 2023The 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
27 April 202313 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
24 April 2023The 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
24 April 2023Leicestershire-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
20 April 2023Energy 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
12 April 2023Expert 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
12 April 2023The 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
11 April 2023A 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
4 April 2023The 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
31 March 2023Support 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
27 March 2023Following 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
23 March 2023The 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
21 March 2023Sandstar 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
20 March 2023The 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
16 March 2023The 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
16 March 2023Leicestershire 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
15 March 2023Finding 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
14 March 2023Businesses 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
9 March 2023Leicestershire 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
27 February 2023Thousands 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
17 February 2023Innovate 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
15 February 2023More 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
13 February 2023The 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
10 February 2023East 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
8 February 2023We 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
6 February 2023 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
1 February 2023George 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
1 February 2023More 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
26 January 2023The 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
24 January 2023Creative 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
18 January 2023The 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
12 January 2023Leicestershire 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
10 January 2023Start 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?
4 January 2023Will 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
4 January 2023More 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
22 December 2022Businesses 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
19 December 2022How 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
13 December 2022A 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
12 December 2022Gail 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
8 December 2022Today 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
2 December 2022As 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
29 November 2022Business 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
28 November 2022Pratik 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
24 November 2022Leicester 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
23 November 2022Nominations 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
22 November 2022Creative 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
21 November 2022Pratik 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
16 November 2022Here 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
16 November 2022If 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
15 November 2022Some 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
15 November 2022The 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
14 November 2022As 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
11 November 2022We 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
10 November 2022Business 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
10 November 2022Organisations 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
4 November 2022Creative 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
1 November 2022The 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
31 October 2022Loughborough-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
31 October 2022Twelve 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
31 October 2022The 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
24 October 2022While 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
20 October 2022Lucy 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
19 October 2022A 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
18 October 2022Manufacturers 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
14 October 2022Are 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
10 October 2022Now 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
10 October 2022Ashby 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
6 October 2022Here’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
5 October 2022Many 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
30 September 2022The 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…
30 September 20223 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
30 September 2022Insights 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
28 September 2022Zerocarbonbusiness.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
28 September 2022NBV 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
28 September 2022There 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
28 September 2022The 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
28 September 2022Updated 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
28 September 2022Chancellor 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
21 September 2022Western 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
12 September 2022Loughborough-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
8 September 2022Commenting 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
6 September 2022Businesses 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
5 September 2022A 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
2 September 2022On 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
31 August 2022Here’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
26 August 2022Continuing 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
22 August 2022Award-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
19 August 2022A 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
18 August 2022Ambition 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
18 August 2022Ashby-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
18 August 2022Innovate 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
16 August 2022Today, 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
10 August 2022Here 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
9 August 2022Innovate 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
4 August 2022A 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
4 August 2022Enterprise 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
4 August 2022On 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
3 August 2022Today, 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
1 August 2022The 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)
1 August 2022There 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
29 July 2022The 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
26 July 2022The 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.
25 July 2022The 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
20 July 2022There’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
19 July 2022Aerospace 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
18 July 2022Some 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
18 July 2022July 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
15 July 2022Having 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
15 July 2022Leicester 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
12 July 2022From 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
11 July 2022How 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
8 July 2022City 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
7 July 2022Leicestershire’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
6 July 2022Ambitious 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
6 July 2022A 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
4 July 2022Business 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
28 June 2022The 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
24 June 2022The 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
15 June 2022With 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
7 June 2022UPDATE: 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
1 June 2022SME 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
30 May 2022Rustic 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
25 May 2022Three 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
16 May 2022What 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
9 May 2022There’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
6 May 2022The 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
29 April 2022Leicester’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?
27 April 2022If 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
25 April 2022Laura 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
21 April 2022The 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
11 April 2022After 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
8 April 2022Businesses 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
7 April 2022Businesses 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
6 April 2022Leicester 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?
5 April 2022Benefits 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
4 April 2022In 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
4 April 2022Whilst 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
1 April 2022The 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!
28 March 2022Inspiration 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
18 March 2022The 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.
17 March 2022The 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
16 March 2022Ismay 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
15 March 2022The 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
11 March 2022Small 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
10 March 2022Peer 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.
10 March 2022Dr 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
7 March 2022Zinthiya 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
2 March 2022East 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
28 February 2022We 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
24 February 2022Business 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
23 February 2022In 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
22 February 2022Research 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
21 February 2022Pall-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
16 February 2022No 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
15 February 2022The 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
14 February 2022There 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
9 February 2022Leicestershire’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.
7 February 2022Leicestershire’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
28 January 2022UK 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
24 January 2022Leadership 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
14 January 2022Businesses 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
12 January 2022Leicestershire 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
10 January 2022TBAT 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
10 January 2022Following 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
6 January 2022A 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
5 January 2022If 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
22 December 2021NatWest 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
21 December 2021Additional 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
20 December 2021Our 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
17 December 2021Leicester’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?
16 December 2021Digital 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
15 December 2021On 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
13 December 2021The 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?
10 December 2021All 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
10 December 2021Every 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
8 December 2021Some 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
7 December 2021The 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?
3 December 2021Switching 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
30 November 2021A 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
25 November 2021Following 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
19 November 2021Farmers 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
16 November 2021Changing 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
15 November 2021The 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
15 November 2021Are 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?
12 November 2021Andy 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
11 November 2021At 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?
8 November 2021Challenges 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.
4 November 2021This 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
2 November 2021The 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!
29 October 2021East 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
28 October 2021The 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
28 October 2021In 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
28 October 2021The 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
28 October 2021The 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
26 October 2021Leicester 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
22 October 2021The 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
18 October 2021The 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
18 October 2021A 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
13 October 2021Leicester 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
11 October 2021If 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
1 October 2021A 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
29 September 2021Local 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
29 September 2021Being 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
27 September 2021Breaking 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
22 September 2021When 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
20 September 2021The 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
16 September 2021Making 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
16 September 2021Yesterday 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
14 September 2021As 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
13 September 2021Significant 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
9 September 2021When 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
8 September 2021First 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
8 September 2021The 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
7 September 2021A 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
6 September 2021“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
6 September 2021Leicester 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
6 September 2021Where – 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
2 September 2021A 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
31 August 2021John 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
27 August 2021David 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
24 August 2021Pete 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
24 August 2021Whatever 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
19 August 2021The 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
17 August 2021Many 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
11 August 2021Sue 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.
9 August 2021The 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.
9 August 2021We 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
6 August 2021Are 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
3 August 2021Leicester 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
29 July 2021The 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
28 July 2021In 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
28 July 2021Join 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
27 July 2021We 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
26 July 2021REBUILD 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
23 July 2021Loughborough 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.
21 July 2021The 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
21 July 2021A 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
21 July 2021Innovate 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
20 July 2021Future 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
19 July 2021LOCAL 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
19 July 2021Today, 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
16 July 2021Distribution 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
16 July 2021A 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
15 July 2021The 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
14 July 2021The 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.
9 July 2021CHRIS 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
8 July 2021Melton 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
8 July 2021New 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
5 July 2021Leicester 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
29 June 2021The 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
28 June 2021Leicester 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
28 June 2021Penny 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
25 June 2021Leicestershire 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
22 June 2021If 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
21 June 2021Leicestershire 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
15 June 2021Regional 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
14 June 2021This 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
11 June 2021Social 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
10 June 2021Cast 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
9 June 2021The 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
9 June 2021BUSINESSES 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
9 June 2021(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
9 June 2021(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
18 May 2021The 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
18 May 2021Food 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
14 May 2021The 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?
14 May 2021As 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
13 May 2021Green 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
13 May 2021In 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
13 May 2021We’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
11 May 2021If 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
10 May 2021Innovate 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
5 May 2021“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
30 April 2021We 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
27 April 2021Four 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
26 April 2021Business 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
23 April 2021Here 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
22 April 2021In 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
20 April 2021CAFES 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
20 April 2021INNOVATIVE 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
16 April 2021Life 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
15 April 2021In 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
14 April 2021Invest 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
14 April 2021The 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
12 April 2021The 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
9 April 2021Andrea 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
6 April 2021We 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
6 April 2021The 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
1 April 2021We 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
30 March 2021Midlands 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.
29 March 2021The 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
25 March 2021The 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
22 March 2021Food 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
22 March 2021For 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
19 March 2021If 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
17 March 2021The 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
12 March 2021A 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
11 March 2021A 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
10 March 2021OVER 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
10 March 2021Like 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
8 March 2021Learn 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.
4 March 2021Many 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
4 March 2021Innovate 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
4 March 2021Leicester 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?
2 March 2021As 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
1 March 2021Helen 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?
26 February 2021Leaving 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’
25 February 2021‘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
23 February 2021The 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
19 February 2021Small 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
18 February 2021At 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
16 February 2021Adopting 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
12 February 2021The 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
12 February 2021An 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
10 February 2021East 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
9 February 2021Businesses 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
3 February 2021Many 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
1 February 2021The 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
29 January 2021If 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
29 January 2021PUBS 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
29 January 2021British 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
28 January 2021The 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
27 January 2021Employers 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
26 January 2021Sometimes 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
21 January 2021The 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
20 January 2021Local 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
19 January 2021New 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
14 January 2021Following 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
14 January 2021An 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
14 January 2021A 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
14 January 2021In 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
14 January 2021Leicester 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
12 January 2021What 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
11 January 2021Rapid, 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
7 January 2021The 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
7 January 2021The 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
6 January 2021Businesses 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
5 January 2021Rishi 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
5 January 2021The 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
4 January 2021After 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
30 December 2020Health 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!
23 December 2020A 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
22 December 2020Due 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
22 December 2020The 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
18 December 2020New 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
17 December 2020SMEs 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
17 December 2020Chancellor 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
17 December 2020Government 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
15 December 2020Background 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
11 December 2020Business 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!
4 December 2020The 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
4 December 2020EU 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’
4 December 2020Prime 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
1 December 2020In 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
27 November 2020Updated 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
27 November 2020Companies 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
27 November 2020BID 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
27 November 2020A 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
26 November 2020New 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
26 November 2020Chancellor 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
24 November 2020The 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
23 November 2020New 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
23 November 2020Evidence 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
18 November 2020Universities 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
13 November 2020The 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
12 November 2020Communities 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
11 November 2020The 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
11 November 2020East 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
9 November 2020Across 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
9 November 2020The 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
6 November 2020With 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
5 November 2020Workers 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
5 November 2020East 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
4 November 2020Leicester 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
3 November 2020To 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
2 November 2020Leicester 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
2 November 2020HUNDREDS 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
2 November 2020The 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
30 October 2020The 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
30 October 2020The 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
27 October 2020Community 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
27 October 2020An 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!
26 October 2020The 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
23 October 2020Covid 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
23 October 2020A 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
22 October 2020In 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
21 October 2020Black 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?
16 October 2020The 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
16 October 2020Female 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
16 October 2020A 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
15 October 2020As 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’
14 October 2020A 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
13 October 2020From 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
12 October 2020Boris 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?
6 October 2020Here’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’
5 October 2020Melton 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
5 October 2020Further 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
5 October 2020The 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
2 October 2020BID 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
29 September 2020The 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
28 September 2020Health 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
25 September 2020Chancellor 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
24 September 2020Chancellor 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?
24 September 2020People 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
21 September 2020Innovative 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
17 September 2020Businesses 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
17 September 2020The 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
15 September 2020HMRC 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
14 September 2020Cast 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
11 September 2020Premises 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
10 September 2020The 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
9 September 2020THIS 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
9 September 2020Shop 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
4 September 2020Lockdown 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
2 September 2020Applications 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
24 August 2020Businesses 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
21 August 2020Charnwood 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
19 August 2020Nail 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
18 August 2020A 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
17 August 2020If 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
17 August 2020Small 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
14 August 2020Tradespeople 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!
13 August 2020Young 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
12 August 2020As 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
10 August 2020Shoppers 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
10 August 2020Business 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
7 August 2020If 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
6 August 2020If 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
6 August 2020Businesses 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
4 August 2020As 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
3 August 2020The 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
31 July 2020A 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
31 July 2020Late 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
30 July 2020Thousands 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
30 July 2020The 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
29 July 2020Leicester 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
29 July 2020New 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
28 July 2020UK 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
23 July 2020The 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
21 July 2020Aerospace 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
20 July 2020A 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
20 July 2020Business 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
20 July 2020As 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
16 July 2020Updated 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’
16 July 2020The 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
15 July 2020Health 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
14 July 2020Growth 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
13 July 2020BID 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
13 July 2020Registrations 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
13 July 2020£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
10 July 2020A 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
10 July 2020Public bodies, organisations and charities have produced additional resources that may be useful to employers and employees. This information has been compiled to make accessing it as straightforward as possible. This detailed resource, circulated via government, is there to...
Beauty salons set to reopen for some services next week
9 July 2020Beauty salons, nail bars, tattoo and massage studios, physical therapy businesses and spas across England will be able to reopen safely from Monday 13 July under new government plans, announced today (9 July). Updated COVID-19 secure guidance sets out the measures...
Grant provides £19k boost for KJN Automation
9 July 2020Precision engineering business KJN Automation, based in Peckleton, Leicestershire is the first company to secure a Business Growth Grant from the Business Gateway Growth Hub. This investment will enable it to become the UK’s first sole distributor of a...
Rishi’s Plan for Jobs will help Britain bounce back
8 July 2020The Chancellor Rishi Sunak today set out a ‘Plan for Jobs’ that will spur the UK’s recovery from the Coronavirus outbreak. Delivering his Summer Economic Update in Parliament, the Chancellor announced a package of measures to support jobs in...
Ventilator Challenge hailed a success
7 July 2020Scientific modelling at the start of the coronavirus crisis predicted that the NHS was going to run out of ventilators, so the Government launched the Ventilator Challenge with a call to arms to manufacturers and medical device companies to...
Flexible furlough scheme has started
2 July 2020Businesses will have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work part-time now as part of the government’s plan to re-open the UK and kick-start our economy. The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has so far helped...
Leicester lockdown areas and postcode checker
1 July 2020On 29 June, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock set out the local action being taken in Leicester following a surge in coronavirus cases in the area. The local councils set out the following areas...
£6.5m boost for recovery of SME manufacturers
30 June 2020Small to Medium-sized (SME) manufacturers across England have been given a £6.5m funding boost to help them recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and address key barriers to growth. The Manufacturing Growth Programme, which is funded by ERDF and delivered...
Local action to tackle coronavirus in Leicester
30 June 2020Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave a statement in Parliament yesterday evening outlining the need for Leicester and some of its surrounding areas to reinforce lockdown measures for the next few weeks. Although not the first time the government has...
Leicester back in lockdown for 2 weeks
29 June 2020Leicester is the first area to be locally locked down and to have coronavirus restrictions reimposed following a surge in cases, with schools and non-essential shops to close from Tuesday 30 June. The health secretary, Matt Hancock announced in...
Businesses lead the way on Covid-19 workplace measures
29 June 2020Some of Leicestershire’s best-known businesses are speaking at webinars run by the Business Gateway Growth Hub, to share their experiences of adapting to and implementing the Coronavirus (Covid-19) measures in the workplace. Recently, smaller businesses have gained insights and...
Tutoring business guided by Business Gateway
29 June 2020Established by ex-science teacher and award winner Mital Thanki in 2009, Spark Academy has come a long way over the last few months since lockdown began. With the help and support of a Business Gateway Growth Hub adviser, Spark...
£200m fund for innovative companies to bounce back
29 June 2020Innovative ideas and projects led by companies recovering from the impact of coronavirus will not be lost, thanks to a new £200 million fund launched at the weekend. The government’s Sustainable Innovation Fund will be open to companies across...
Regulatory Toolkit for businesses reopening
25 June 2020The Better Business for All (BBfA) partnership has created a very thorough toolkit to help guide you through the process of reopening your business. They have worked with a wide range of organisations, so it contains a great snap-shot...
Online support sessions available for reopening your business
25 June 2020We are hosting small group clinics which will offer coaching and hands-on operational support to help your business plan effectively for resuming operations as COVID-19 restrictions start to lift. They are being hosted by industry expert Meryl Levington, Activ...
Working safely guide for restaurants extended
24 June 2020The government have added information to their working safely with Covid-19 guidelines for pubs, restaurants and takeaways. Guidance has been expanded from takeaways to venues providing service at the venue ahead of planned opening. There are 11 guides that...
Government announces changes to lockdown for more businesses
23 June 2020The UK government has announced a relaxation in the 2-metre social distancing rules, to allow more non-essential businesses to open. From 4th July, the 2-metre rule will be dropped in favour of a “1-metre-plus” approach. This will allow pubs,...
Government provides further halt to evictions
22 June 2020The UK government has extended measures to prevent struggling companies from eviction over the summer. The extension, until the end of September, comes alongside further support to help local businesses plan for economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. A...
Covid-19 new working safely tool released
19 June 2020To help employers reopen their businesses safely, Government have launched a new tool to identify the most relevant guidance for your business. The guidance highlighted will help you carry out a risk assessment and make sensible adjustments to the...
Changes to the Job Retention Scheme
17 June 2020The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will close on 31 October 2020 and the government have issued updated guidance as below. From 1 July, employers can bring furloughed employees back to work for any amount of time and any shift...
Sharma leads economic recovery roundtables
16 June 2020Business Secretary Alok Sharma chaired a series of economic recovery roundtables over the last week (10-13 June), bringing together businesses, business representative organisations, regulators and leading academics. Discussions focused on the measures necessary to support economic recovery and ensure we have...
Carry on KuKu Passes Sixty Business Daily Updates
15 June 2020KuKu Connect, a business membership service which connects businesses and entrepreneurs from across the East Midlands, has posted its sixtieth business-focussed daily update video bulletin whilst simultaneously helping thousands of businesses from across the East Midlands stay in touch...
New fund to support dairy farmers opens on 18 June
12 June 2020A new dairy response fund will open for applications on 18 June. With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk due to the coronavirus outbreak, the new fund will provide up to £10,000 each to help those...
£63m for local authorities to assist those struggling
11 June 2020An additional £63 million has been confirmed by government today (Thursday 11 June) to be distributed to local authorities in England to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to coronavirus. Local authorities are...
Non-essential retailers to reopen from 15 June
10 June 2020It has been confirmed that shops in England selling non-essential goods will be able to reopen from Monday 15 June. High street retailers and department stores, including book shops, electronics retailers, tailors, auction houses, photography studios, indoor markets, and...
Covid-19 employment and benefits support from DWP
10 June 2020The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new campaign around Universal Credit and COVID-19. A new website has been launched to provide information on employment and benefits support with advice on housing, furlough, sick pay and self-employment,...
2020 Leicester Business Festival applications open
10 June 2020Businesses have the chance to take part in the 2020 Leicester Business Festival (LBF) as the application process to host an event has now opened. The LBF fortnight – now in its sixth year – will be taking place...
Working groups to help unleash Britain’s growth potential
8 June 2020Five new business-focused groups are to be created to unleash Britain’s growth potential and create jobs, as part of the government’s plans to help the economy bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. Announced today (8 June) by Business Secretary,...
Employee expense & benefit support during covid-19
4 June 2020The government has released information about how to treat certain expenses and benefits that could be applicable to certain employees during covid-19. You’ll be able to find out about taxable expenses and benefits, when they are paid to employees,...
£750 million for voluntary groups & social enterprises
4 June 2020The government has pledged £750 million to ensure voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSE) can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with...
Discretionary Grant Fund Launches
2 June 2020The Discretionary Grant Fund, which is being managed by local authorities is now live and has been set up to support small and micro businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes. The grant fund is limited and...
Self-Employment help extended & change to CJRS
1 June 2020The government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be extended, giving more security to individuals whose livelihoods are adversely affected by coronavirus in the coming months, the Chancellor announced on Friday (29 May). Those eligible under the Self-Employment Income Support...
29 May: Changes to furlough scheme
29 May 2020Chancellor of the Exchequor Rishi Sunak today announced changes to the furlough scheme. Currently, the scheme involves the payment of 80% of workers’ wages by the government. From August, the scheme will be adjusted so that employers must pay...
Reopening High Streets Safely – Fund Guidance
28 May 2020On 24 May the government launched its £50m Reopening High Streets Safely Fund. Councils across England are to share £50m of additional funding through the ERDF National Reserve Fund to support the safe reopening of high streets and other...
NHS test and trace: workplace guidance
28 May 2020The NHS test and trace service will help to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging as restrictions on everyday life are eased, as far as it is deemed safe to do so. It is vital that employers play...
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme open
27 May 2020Small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, can now apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Employers will be able to make claims to the...
Shops allowed to open in 3 weeks
25 May 2020At today’s government briefing, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced that all non-essential retailers will be able to reopen in England from 15 June, as part of plans to further ease the lockdown. However, retailers will have to...
Employers share experience of implementing Covid-19 workplace measures
22 May 2020The Business Gateway Growth Hub has led a webinar featuring local employers speaking about how big business ideas can apply to small businesses when it comes to restarting and beginning to trade again. Over 90 delegates registered for the...
£40m boost for cutting-edge start-ups
20 May 2020Innovative businesses and start-ups are set to benefit from a £40 million government investment to drive forward new technological advances. The competition aims to fast-track the development of innovations borne out of the coronavirus crisis while supporting the UK’s...
Future Fund is open for applications
20 May 2020The Future Fund, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 20 April, is now open for applications. The fund was set up in order to provide loans to innovative UK companies with good potential, that typically rely on...
Discretionary Grants available from Local Authorities
19 May 2020Local Authorities have been awarded further funding and can now disburse grants to the value of £25,000, £10,000 or any amount under £10,000. The value of the payment to be made to a business is at the discretion of...
Share of up to £30m Air Transportation Funding Available
18 May 2020Businesses can apply for a share of up to £30 million to develop ways to support safe operations of novel modes of air transportation, whilst minimising the environmental footprint and improving connectivity. Flying taxis and drones delivering medical supplies...
70 million face masks for NHS through industry deal
15 May 2020More than 70 million face masks will be manufactured in the UK and delivered to frontline health and care workers following an agreement with a global technology company, the UK government has today announced. FFP2 and FFP3 masks will...
Latest news: 14 May 2020
14 May 2020The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, has announced upgrades and improvements to the nation’s road and rail networks in response to the coronavirus crisis, and measures taken to speed up the economic recovery. Transport has a...
The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme is open
14 May 2020Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus can now apply for a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant, worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500),...
Government announces roadmap taskforces
13 May 2020New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely. Five new ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to develop plans for how and when closed sectors can reopen safely, following publication of the...
Furlough Scheme extended to October
12 May 2020The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced today. In a boost to millions of jobs and businesses, Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme would be extended by a further...
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
12 May 2020The government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible. This guidance is to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. These 8...
Festival to re-energise our business community
11 May 2020The Leicester Business Festival (LBF) will be taking place from 2 to 13 November 2020 and this year will be the most important in its six-year history. With the rapidly changing global situation relating to the Coronavirus Covid-19, the...
Businesses call for clear Coronavirus guidance on returning to work
10 May 2020Boris Johnson has unveiled a “conditional plan” to reopen society, but business groups have called for clarity on what will need to change in the workplace. In a television address, the prime minister said those who could not work...
Millions more items of PPE delivered thanks to business
9 May 2020NHS and social care staff in the UK are set to receive millions of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) over the coming months thanks to new, innovative collaborations with a number of organisations, the government has announced. Companies...
Business rates revaluation postponed
7 May 2020A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 to help reduce uncertainty for firms affected by the impacts of coronavirus. Legislation had been introduced to bring the next revaluation forward by one year from 2022...
New funding to support dairy farmers through coronavirus
7 May 2020Leicestershire’s dairy farmers will be able to access up to £10,000 each to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The new funding will help support dairy farmers across England – who together continue to produce over...
Self-employed invited to get ready to claim by HMRC
5 May 2020HMRC are beginning to contact customers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Those who are eligible will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits up to...
Sky launches advertising support scheme for SMEs
5 May 2020Sky has launched a £1 million support scheme to provide SMEs across the UK with free TV advertising campaigns to support them during the current crisis. The AdSmart SME support scheme has been called the ‘SME100’ and the £1...
Top-up to local business grant funds scheme
4 May 2020A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. The Business Secretary Alok Sharma and Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Simon Clarke spoke to...
New Bounce Back Loans launch today
4 May 2020Thousands of small firms and sole traders – including high street staples like hairdressers, coffee shops and florists – will be eligible for 100% government-backed Bounce Back Loans to help them make it through the coronavirus outbreak. From 9am...
£6.1 million to boost to help high streets and city centres
1 May 2020Hundreds of local business partnerships across England will share £6.1m of funding to spend on projects that will help their local economies through the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP confirmed today (1...
Free online learning to boost workplace skills
30 April 2020A new online learning platform to help boost the nation’s skills while people are staying at home, has been launched by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. Free courses are available through The Skills Toolkit. The new platform gives people access...
Boost for small business with 100% backed loans
27 April 2020Small firms are to get access to 100% taxpayer-backed loans after raising concerns about slow access to existing coronavirus rescue schemes. The new Bounce Back Loans scheme, announced by the Chancellor today, will allow businesses to borrow between £2,000...
Coronavirus support package for key transport routes
24 April 2020Vital routes for supplies and people have been protected through a coronavirus support package to keep the flow of goods and services running smoothly in and out of the UK, and around the country, throughout the pandemic. The Secretary...
Coronavirus testing made available for key workers
24 April 2020Up to 10 million people qualify for a free coronavirus test after the criteria was expanded to include all essential workers and their families. The list of essential workers is the same as the one used to allow the...
Protection for high street tenants announced
23 April 2020High street shops and other companies under strain will be protected from aggressive rent collection and asked to pay what they can during the coronavirus pandemic, the Business Secretary has set out today. The majority of landlords and tenants...
New COVID-19 Redundancy and Recruitment Service
21 April 2020A new service has been launched to support people in Leicester and Leicestershire who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Leicester City...
New coronavirus business support finder launched
21 April 2020A new ‘support finder’ tool will help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic. The finder tool on GOV.UK will ask business owners...
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live!
20 April 2020The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now open for applications. Employers can now go online to claim cash grants worth up to 80% of wages, capped at £2,500 a month per worker. Businesses should note: To receive payment by...
£1.25 billion package for innovation-led firms
20 April 2020UK businesses driving innovation and development will be helped through the coronavirus outbreak with a £1.25 billion government support package, the Chancellor announced today. Rishi Sunak said the targeted and tailored help would ensure firms in some of the...
£1.6bn of additional funding for councils
18 April 2020In the government’s latest update on the coronavirus pandemic, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that government were giving local councils an additional cash injection of £1.6bn, taking the overall total to more than £3.2bn. He thanked all local councils...
Job Retention Scheme extended to end of June
17 April 2020The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today announced the extension of the government’s Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, by one month to the end of June. Businesses facing cashflow issues due to the coronavirus crisis can...
Loan Scheme expanded for large businesses
17 April 2020A government-backed loan scheme for large businesses affected by coronavirus has been expanded to cover all viable firms, the Chancellor has announced. Outlining further details of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CLBILS) ahead of its launch on...
Furlough scheme cut-off date extended to 19 March
16 April 2020Thousands more employees will able to receive support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) after the eligibility date was extended to 19 March 2020, the government yesterday. Under the scheme announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month, employers...
New R&D online portal launched
15 April 2020Accountancy firm, Smith Cooper have joined forces with TBAT, the independent consultancy with over 17 years’ experience in working with organisations conducting research and development activities. The collaboration will see a new R&D online portal launched, allowing ambitious owner-managed businesses...
Chancellor provides over £14 billion for vital services
14 April 2020More than £14 billion from the Coronavirus emergency response fund will go towards public services, including the NHS and local authorities involved in the fight against Coronavirus, HM Treasury confirmed yesterday. The funding has included more than £6 billion...
Can your business help the new government PPE Plan?
10 April 2020Health Secretary Matt Hancock has launched a three-step PPE plan to ensure front-line heroes have access to the protection they need. The new plan ensures people are clear about who needs protection, it gets to the right place at...
Latest news: 9th April 2020
9 April 2020Lockdown measures to remain in place across the Easter weekend. The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has stated that the lockdown will not be reviewed until the end of next week, when more evidence as to its effectiveness is available....
Government publishes new guidance for exporters
9 April 2020Central government has released further information for businesses that export goods. They are aware that it is important for businesses to maintain operations across the supply chain, including the requirement to ensure export licence approvals are in place. With...
Call on industry to build COVID-19 testing capacity
9 April 2020Lord Bethell, the health minister leading the government’s testing strategy, is calling on businesses to help develop an antibody test for COVID-19. In a statement released today he says we did not start this crisis with a large diagnostics...
£750m extra funding for frontline charities
8 April 2020The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced £750m of extra funding for frontline charities in order to support the essential work they do. There are 170 thousand charities operating in the UK. Although this is a considerable amount of funding,...
Good mental health while working in Covid-19 crisis
7 April 2020The Mental Health Foundation have issued useful guidance for those working from home, business owners and leaders looking after teams when it comes to mental health whilst dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. IT and technology For many of us...
Businesses asked to donate spare PPE to the NHS
5 April 2020A new campaign has launched, calling on businesses in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) to support NHS staff dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The #ppe4nhs campaign is seeking donations of unused PPE...
£20 million to boost UK resilience to outbreaks
3 April 2020Businesses could help boost the UK’s resilience to the long-term impact of the coronavirus outbreak and similar situations in the future, as a result of £20 million government funding announced today (Friday 3 April). Grants of up to £50,000...
Coronavirus emergency loans schemes revamped
3 April 2020The emergency loans scheme for businesses struggling to survive amid the coronavirus pandemic has been revamped following strong criticism. The Treasury said it had received more than 130,000 loan enquires from firms but fewer than 1,000 had been approved....
£85million Business Support
2 April 2020Businesses in Leicester which are struggling due to loss of trade caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access a package of financial help totalling £85million. The Government formally announced the Small Business Grant funding, and Retail,...
Sport England sets out Covid-19 Financial Support
2 April 2020Sport England has confirmed this week that it is making up to £195 million of funding available to help the community sport and physical activity sector through the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. The package is additional to any funding support...
Business grant funding sent to local authorities to relieve SMEs
1 April 2020The Business Secretary Alok Sharma has this evening confirmed that funds have been disseminated to local authorities, with a view to allocating them to SMEs and retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in the form of grants. Mr. Sharma also...
Covid-19 grant instructions for Charnwood businesses
1 April 2020From today, 1 April 2020, Charnwood Borough Council is commencing the processing of payments of the recently announced Government grants for businesses. Businesses which are eligible for financial support as a result of the COVID-19 related measures introduced by...
New life-saving breathing aid approved
31 March 2020The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a newly adapted breathing aid developed by University College London and Mercedes Formula One that will help keep coronavirus (COVID-19) patients out of intensive care. The team of engineers...
Remote assistance offer for SMEs from DMU
31 March 2020Do you have technology or business needs that De Montfort University students could provide free, remote help with during the pandemic? Someone to help you use social media or meetings tools? Website development? Hands-on help running your business remotely?...
Covid-19 support for business led by Growth Hub
31 March 2020In response to the coronavirus crisis, the Business Gateway Growth Hub is co-ordinating support for businesses. The growth hub is the first port of call for businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire seeking advice and information in these unprecedented times....
Plans announced to rescue stranded UK citizens
30 March 2020The government has announced a £75m initiative to rescue tens of thousands of British citizens stranded abroad because of the coronavirus crisis. The foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, announced a mixture of charter flights to priority countries, and subsidies for...
Could your business provide vital support?
29 March 2020Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick has confirmed that millions of urgently needed items of protective equipment and clothing are now being delivered to the NHS. However, the Government is still asking businesses to...
Business Secretary announces changes to insolvency rules
28 March 2020UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma has announced changes to insolvency laws to help businesses “emerge intact the other side of the Covid-19 pandemic.” The new rules will allow companies undergoing restructuring to continue to get access to supplies and...
Frontline health workers to be tested for coronavirus
27 March 2020Michael Gove has announced increased testing capacity for frontline workers at the 5.00pm press conference this evening (27 March). Testing will commence this weekend to see if health workers on the frontline have coronavirus. Tests will be rolled out...
Chancellor unveils support for self-employed
26 March 2020The Chancellor has announced that up to 95% of self-employed workers will be eligible for a taxable grant of 80% of their average earnings (up to £2,500 a month), to help them cope with the financial impact of coronavirus....
Call for rapid sanitising technology for ambulances
26 March 2020Do you have an innovative or novel approach to get ambulances cleaner quicker to help combat Coronavirus? The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is looking for rapid sanitising technology to speed up the time it takes to clean ambulances...
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
25 March 2020Under the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis....
Free R&D Tax Claim for ideas to combat COVID-19
25 March 2020Independent consultancy, TBAT Innovation are now offering free R&D Tax claim for anyone doing novel R&D to combat COVID-19. Over the past weeks the TBAT team has seen several companies releasing inspiring and heartening announcements that they are making...
Updated list of businesses that should close
24 March 2020The list of non-essential businesses that should close their doors due to the ongoing Coronavirus/Covid-19 crisis has been updated by the government. Restaurants, bars, shops, libraries and hotels are classed as non-essential by the government, and are asked to...
New technology challenge to support isolated
24 March 2020£500,000 of funding is available for technology companies who come up with digital support solutions for people who need to stay at home because of coronavirus. The funding will be available to innovators who can find digital ways to...
PM tells us all to stay at home
23 March 2020In an announcement given at 8.30pm on 23 March, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has told the country to “Stay at Home”. People must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities as little as possible, exercise outside...
Covid-19 Business Finance Schemes open today
23 March 2020The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) will provide government-backed loans of up to £5 million to small and medium businesses. The Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) will provide a quick and cost-effective way to raise...
Launching tomorrow – free business network
18 March 2020East Midlands business network service, KuKu Connect is launching a whole free service to aid and support thousands of businesses to ‘carry on going, carry on smiling & carry on connecting’. KuKu Connect already works with thousands of businesses...
Ventilator manufacturers required
18 March 2020The coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation. It calls for dramatic action, at home and abroad, of the kind not normally seen in peacetime. The Government is working to contain the spread of the...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Support for your Business
16 March 2020The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to escalate as a global issue. While the main priority is clearly the well-being of individuals affected by the virus, there is nevertheless a growing impact on business. Some of the ways businesses are being...
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
16 March 2020At Budget 2020, the Chancellor announced that a ‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme’ (CBILS) will temporarily replace the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG), becoming available over the coming weeks. It will operate in a similar way to EFG and be...
Breaking the barriers to growth
10 March 2020Business owners looking to take their companies to the next level of growth will have access to a new programme of funded events through the Business Gateway. Ready to Grow has been created for business leaders who want to...
Grants and loans available from Invest to Grow
3 March 2020The Invest to Grow programme is a re-circulating finance scheme providing loans and grants to support private sector businesses across the East Midlands to innovate, grow and create jobs. The programme aims to generate economic activity by investing in...
Campaign to make finding business support easier
2 March 2020The Government wants to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business – a place where you can build on your ideas and find success. As part of a new campaign, Government is bringing all of the various support schemes together in one place on...
Funding for student internships
2 March 2020The Leicester Talent Internships Programme offers a great opportunity for local businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire to recruit students graduating in June-July 2020 by providing partially funded internships. The programme will run from mid-June for a duration of 4-8...
Blog: Continuous Improvement
25 February 2020As part of Innovation Week, LLEP Board Member and Chief Executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, looks at how putting Continuous Improvement at the heart of a business’ Innovation Strategy can deliver positive business benefits. “Getting...
Could you be a STAR Manager?
21 February 2020The second launch of the Government-funded online training programme to support business growth, STAR® Manager has taken place. STAR® Manager is an award-winning, online training programme developed to improve managers’ competence by enabling them to incorporate coaching-related behaviours into...
QES will establish direction of travel for businesses
19 February 20202019 was another year of political and economic uncertainty for businesses across the East Midlands and the UK, characterised largely by the ongoing negotiations to leave the EU – only resolved in the final month of the year –...
WebinArt looking for participants and mentors
13 February 2020WebinArt is Creative Leicestershire’s flagship one-year Professional Development Programme for early-career creatives and artists in Leicestershire. They collaborate with experienced professionals online and in-person to help creative start-ups navigate their way to confidence and success. As the current WebinArt...
New PROSPER support programme launched
10 February 2020Following on from the success of the SING programme The iNet has announced a new package of support for businesses seeking to develop new products, services and processes. PROmoting SME Product Enhancement and Research (PROSPER) will also help small...
Blog: Should your business claim R&D Tax Relief?
10 February 2020Only 2.15% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the East Midlands claimed R&D Tax Credits in Financial Years 2016/17 and 2017/18. There should be 1000s more making a claim. SMEs from our area made up just 6.6% of...
Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award
5 February 2020A new funding opportunity – Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award has been launched, with £140 million over 3 years, to fund and accelerate the testing and evaluation of the most promising AI technologies, that align to the...
Funding for rural growth programme
4 February 2020Updated post: Deadline for Expression of Interest: 16 February 2020 Planning a project that will grow your business, create jobs or bring more money into the rural economy? You might be able to apply for a grant to help...
£40 million unlocked for Midlands’ businesses
31 January 2020The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) has appointed a new fund manager and made £40 million available to invest in the region’s small businesses. Appointed to address regional demand for alternative debt finance options, The FSE Group will manage...
TBAT support for Innovate UK’s Smart Grants
28 January 2020Innovate UK fund cutting-edge projects via their Smart Grant Competitions. With multiple deadlines a year, these competitions give businesses from all industry sectors the opportunity to submit their innovative project ideas, to be awarded up to £2 million in...
Woman Who Achieves Awards 2020 are open for entry!
28 January 2020The Woman Who Achieves Awards inspire and celebrate the achievements of Women in Business and Rising Stars of the future. Woman Who encourages women to recognise their achievements, celebrate their successes, motivate others, gain confidence through the Awards process and to grow through the experience. The 2020 Awards are now open for entries and...
LLEP Welcomes three new board members
24 January 2020The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Ltd. (LLEP) is delighted to announce the names of three new members to its Board of Directors. Rani Mahal, Anne-Marie Hunt and Sonia Baigent have been officially appointed as non-executive directors, after a...
Made in the Midlands Awards- Nominate Now!
22 January 2020Made in the Midlands is now firmly established as the region’s premier celebration of engineering and manufacturing, having attracted entries from some 50 different companies last year. So why should you enter? Firstly it’s free and relatively easy: there’s...
Blog: Where in the world do you want your business to be?
14 January 2020Laura Howard shares her blog on Brexit In our blog this month, Laura Howard, Head of International Trade at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), discusses the effect Brexit will have on international trade, and how businesses can prepare....
Attend North America’s largest construction expo
10 January 2020Midlands Engine in partnership with Innovate UK is taking a business delegation to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, North America’s largest construction exhibition. This event brings contractors, dealers, distributors, service providers, engineers and producers together. Featuring everything related to construction, the show...
Funding boost for the great British pub
9 January 2020Regulars across the country will be raising a toast to the Great British Pub with over £1 million of new government money for community pubs, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced last month. The funding will help an estimated 100...
Tender opportunity for graphic design and print
6 January 2020To support the marketing communications activities and ensure the successful delivery of both the ERDF-funded Digital Growth Programme and Digital Upscaler projects, East Midlands Chamber is seeking to invite proposals from suitably qualified and experienced agencies. This will be...
Grants on offer to help local business vehicles go green
23 December 2019BUSINESSES in Leicester can benefit from a generous grant scheme that aims to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles and help further improve air quality. Leicester City Council is making grants of up to £15,000 available to...
New Growth Hub Manager for the Business Gateway
10 December 2019The Business Gateway Growth Hub has appointed a new manager to lead the expanded service that offers all businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire a single place to access information, funding and advice to support performance and growth. Jon Egley...
Find the right finance option for your business
10 December 2019The British Business Bank Finance Hub is designed to help businesses understand the financial landscape and ultimately access the right finance for their growth potential. It’s an independent, impartial digital hub designed to raise awareness of the different types...
What does the Sporting Capital Fund offer?
10 December 2019The £3m Sporting Capital Fund offers loan funding of up to £150,000 to eligible organisations. The investment is a simple, repayable, unsecured loan. It has been formed through a pioneering partnership between Sporting Assets and the Access Foundation and...
Blog: What does success look like?
9 December 2019In our blog this month, business author and editor of ‘The Small Business Growth Magazine’ Marc Ford provides his straight-talking advice for business owners that want to move their businesses forward. Warning: this blog is not for the faint-hearted. We...
Remember your auto-enrolment responsibilities
9 December 2019If you’re thinking of taking on seasonal or temporary staff to help you through the festive period, or have staff whose pay and hours fluctuate, be aware that you’ll have automatic enrolment responsibilities. You must assess seasonal or temporary...
Council flexible workspace boost for Fenwick revamp
3 December 2019PLANS for a major revamp of Leicester’s historic former Fenwick building are set to get a boost with £450,000 of council investment for a new flexible workspace. Leicester City Council has announced plans to create almost 12,000sqft of...
Give and Take Leicester looking for ‘rewards’ from local businesses
3 December 2019Give & Take Leicester is a new community initiative, designed to provide opportunities for volunteers to earn rewards by volunteering. The initiative, hosted by Vista, the local sight-loss charity, will be able to match a volunteer’s skills, talents and...
22 years of pension savings gone in 24 hours
21 November 2019Victims of pensions scams could lose 22 years’ worth of savings within 24 hours, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR). New analysis as part of the regulators’ joint ScamSmart campaign reveals that it...
Improving productivity through technology grants
20 November 2019Companies looking to grow in the next six months can still take advantage of the Digital Growth Programme’s Technology Grant with grants from £2,000 to £25,000 available – subject to conditions. The grant supports firms with the introduction of...
Leicester Start-Up Week offers new opportunities for young businesses
18 November 2019This week – November 18th to the 24th – the University of Leicester and De Montfort University along with businesses and organisations across the city will unite for the second annual Leicester Start-Up Week. The programme of events, led...
Chamber’s Quarterly Survey gives you a say
12 November 2019The 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...
Boost to business support for Leicestershire
8 November 2019Business owners across Leicester and Leicestershire, looking to expand and grow their enterprises, now have access to an enhanced service through the Business Gateway Growth Hub, including the addition of a £1.4 million pot of grant funding. The Business...
Funding opens for rural growth programme
4 November 2019Updated post: Deadline for Expression of Interest: 16 February 2020 Planning a project that will grow your business, create jobs or bring more money into the rural economy? You might be able to apply for a grant to help...
Support for micro businesses announced
4 November 2019Universities have been awarded funding to support 50 micro-businesses to engage with technology to boost their productivity. Leicester Castle Business School at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) and the University of Leicester School of Business are part of a...
The Customer is always right
22 October 2019The Customer is Always Right, is a BBC series which celebrates small businesses, entrepreneurs, and people that are proud and passionate about their products – and producers are on the hunt for people to take part.
Leicestershire’s Largest Careers Speed Networking Event Returns
21 October 2019More than 300 students from 20 schools and colleges are set to take part in the region’s largest careers speed networking event.
New electric bikes could be your Wheels2Work
14 October 2019EIGHT new electric bikes are part of a fleet of cycles and scooters available to hire from the city council for people who need help getting to work, training or education. The Wheels2Work scheme offers low-cost loans for electric...
APC Technology Developer Accelerator Programme for automotive industry
19 September 2019The APC Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) supports micro, small and medium-sized companies that are developing technology, products and services which are relevant to the automotive industry. The programme targets Technology Developers (TDs) with early-stage (TRL 1-4) low emission...
New Online Magazine examining Britain’s Regional Performance
13 September 2019If you are interested in how your region is performing statistically versus other UK regions that you can browse www.thestateofbritain.co.uk/stats to find out. The State of Britain is a subscription free monthly online magazine that critically explores how the major economic issues...
Over 300 local firms benefited from Collaborate support
9 September 2019Leicester City Mayor, Peter Soulsby welcomed over 120 business people to the King Power Stadium last week as Collaborate for Growth, the Leicestershire business support project, celebrated supporting hundreds of local businesses. The event provided inspiration and information to...
Brewery crafts out new products with support
9 September 2019Langton Brewery is a small local brewery historically producing traditional beers. When the brewery first started in 1999 it operated from the back of the Bell Inn, East Langton and only intended to produce enough beer to supply the...