Celebrating a decade of the Leicester Business Festival

By Alister de Ternant, Managing Director of AE (Associate Events)

With more than 20 years in the B2B events sector, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration among diverse minds and talent can fuel business growth and make a real change. 

This ethos is at the heart of the Leicester Business Festival (LBF), which proudly showcases the power of partnership. Leicester Business Festival 2024 will be held from November 4 to 15, and we’re celebrating a significant milestone — our 10th anniversary. 

Over the past decade, the LBF has hosted 938 events, attracted 43,000 attendees and reached an audience of over 443 million people through our marketing efforts.

Since its inception, LBF has enjoyed the unwavering support from 1000s of businesses and a number of key partners, including East Midlands Chamber, De Montfort University and the University of Leicester. Their contributions have been instrumental in making the festival a success and a vital part of the local business ecosystem. 

The festival began as a bold idea and has become the most significant series of B2B events for Leicester and Leicestershire businesses. 

I could not be prouder of what we have all achieved together.

Business excellence is central

Situated in the heart of the Midlands, Leicester and Leicestershire’s central location provides easy access to major global cities, making it an ideal place for business excellence. The city's business growth has consistently outpaced the national average, and with a skilled workforce of 2.8 million within an hour’s drive and over 22 million consumers within three hours, the potential for market reach is immense.

1. Everyone can have a seat at the table

   LBF enables everyone in business to have a seat at the table. We’ve intentionally designed the festival so that events are free to attend, eliminating financial barriers and ensuring that all business professionals—regardless of their company size, sector, or status—can participate. This inclusive approach means that all voices are valued equally, whether you’re a senior executive or an aspiring entrepreneur.

2. The glastonbury for business 

As we often say, the Leicester Business Festival is like the Glastonbury for business—an event where creativity, collaboration and community come together to showcase what makes our region special. 

Over the last decade, LBF has not only showcased cutting-edge innovations—from driverless pods to flying taxis—but has also been central to countless collaborations that have positively impacted the regional economy. 

The festival is a testament to Leicester’s business people and resilience - even during lockdown.

3. The Boss Breakout event

   One of the most recent highlights of the festival is the Boss Breakout event, which last year raised an impressive £15,000 for Leicester Hospitals Charity within just four hours. Many people working in business are extremely passionate about supporting Leicester’s Hospitals; it is one of the biggest hospital trusts in the UK and plays a vital role in all of our lives, whether we have received care ourselves or supported loved ones during their treatment.

   
   

I am particularly proud  to be participating in the Boss Breakout event this year - I’ll be locked up with the other bosses and I will be calling on my contacts to donate so I can break free and collectively raise money for the hospital's charity.

Having this event as part of LBF will have a long-lasting and life-changing impact, it is truly incredible. 

4. Looking ahead

The upcoming 2024 festival will feature over 70 diverse events hosted by businesses for other businesses to attend at a range of venues including the King Power Stadium, De Montfort University and The Gresham Aparthotel. The full line-up is online at www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com 

With just one week to go and nearly 2,000 attendees already signed up, the excitement is building for LBF 2024. The impressive lineup is set to offer two weeks filled with invaluable networking, insights, expertise and celebration. 

Here’s to another decade of LBF, where you leave with more than just a business card. 

Notes

AE (Associate Events) are deeply involved in the festival’s success, overseeing the planning and logistics. Their role goes beyond just management;  they carefully select the final line-up of events that reflects the rich diversity of the local business community. As well as deploying strategic marketing efforts to raise awareness and draw a wide audience each year.