Event ideas wanted for annual business festival

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

Large or small and open to all sectors - any business can now submit their idea to run an event at the festival. Although any business can apply, the event itself will need to meet a set criteria and ultimately add value or benefit to the people who attend.

Applications to run an event will open on Monday 9 May. The form is simple to complete and will be available online at: www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com. Entries will close on 9 September 2022. The number of events is limited so it is important that businesses interested submit their interest as soon as possible.

An average of 7000 people and over 1000 businesses take part in the two-week festival which celebrates and amplifies business strength and innovation rooted in the region. The festival is publicised far and wide across the region as well as championed through the media and business networks.

Past events that have been on offer at the festival include insights into new innovation, supply chains, winning PR tactics, attracting new staff and implementing successful HR policies.

Richard Osborn, Regional director at Excello Law, Chair and a director of the LBF Community Interest Company (CiC) said: “Year after year, LBF showcases exactly why doing business in our region is something to be part of and be proud of. We are a city and a county with powerful examples of resilience and responsiveness. Your business - whatever the size or speciality - can get involved. LBF provides an opportunity to reflect, look forwards and collectively create a better future for everyone living and working in Leicester and Leicestershire."

Helen Donnellan, Pro Vice Chancellor Regional Business and Innovation from De Montfort University and LBF headline partner, said: “Leicester was recently named the top performing city to live and work in the East Midlands according to the Good Growth for Cities Index listing. So we believe that 2022 will be a special year for the festival. As businesses clearly have a lot of success to share as well as new things for others to take forward and feel inspired by. Businesses who take part in the festival should be proud of their involvement. By getting involved you will have an impact on the economy and the prosperity of the region."

Rik Pancholi, Director of Pattersons Commercial Law, and LBF partner, said: “Since 2018 we have sponsored the Leicester Business Festival and we're delighted to be continuing this in 2022. Each year, the festival showcases that when local businesses join together they are greater than the sum of its parts. People who take part in the festival achieve so much from learning opportunities, best practice examples through to helpful introductions and new contacts. The festival is an absolute asset for businesses in our region.”

Thanks to the support of partners, sponsors and supporters, the festival has gone from strength to strength. The festival operates as a Community Interest Company and is run by business for business, and relies on the local business community to support it. So far the businesses sponsoring the 2022 festival include De Montfort University, East Midlands Chamber Brewin Dolphin and Pattersons Commercial Law, British Business Bank, EMBARK CSR, Everards Brewery, Highcross, Mem Saab, and Voluntary Action Leicester (VAL).

If any business is interested in partnering, sponsoring or running an event visit the website at www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com or email hello@leicesterbusinessfestival.com for more information and guidance.