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

Beauty industry stalwart Tajinder Banwait will describe the journey of her fragrance company from kitchen table to international audience during a special event celebrating local businesses.

Urban Apothecary started life in Leicester in 2012, going on to supply the likes of The Conran Shop, Selfridges, Fenwick and 30 international markets.

Tajinder, honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year in recognition of excellence in international trade, will describe how she did it during a keynote speech next month.

And she will tell fellow business owners how she worked with the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub during the development of Urban Apothecary.

You can register now to attend the free event, which will bring together businesses from across the city and county to acknowledge success among firms supported by the Growth Hub over the last four years.

The special event, which takes place at the Holiday Inn, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, from 9.30am to 2.00pm on June 23, will also guide business leaders towards support which is currently available.

Existing services will change from July 1, with the conclusion of four years of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support provided to the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub.

Since autumn 2019, more than 100 businesses have received a total of more than £1.8m in capital grants. Meanwhile, the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub has provided almost 5,000 hours of intensive business advice to 414 small and medium-sized businesses.

The existing service is run in partnership by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, the East Midlands Chamber and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Although the European funding will end on June 30, the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub will continue to signpost to local, regional and national support available to the Leicestershire business community.

Sonia Baigent, LLEP Board Member and Chair of the LLEP Business Board, said: “The landscape might be changing when it comes to European funding, but there is still a wealth of support on offer and the Growth Hub is well-placed to steer businesses to what they need to succeed.

“The Growth Hub team are extremely experienced in signposting local businesses towards advice, new markets, and investment – as we will hear at the event next month.”

Those attending the event will gain tips on business growth, and make connections with support providers during a mini-expo of service providers.

They will also be able to network with other business owners and entrepreneurs over a complimentary buffet lunch.

Places are limited and early booking is recommended.

• Reserve your free place at https://bit.ly/GrowthHubCelebration