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

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

The festival is run by businesses for businesses. The 2023 festival is proud to be supported by De Montfort University (partner), Pattersons Commercial Law (partner), University of Leicester, Everards of Leicestershire, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Leicester Hospitals Charity and TheMusicLicence, by PPL PRS Ltd (music partner).

De Montfort University is a key partner of the festival and has been integral to the success of the festival for the last seven years. Professor Mike Kagioglou joined De Montfort University in July 2023 as Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Business Innovation.

Professor Mike Kagioglou was part of the speaker line-up at the LBF 2023 opening event and said: “This is the first time I will be taking part in Leicester Business Festival (LBF), but I know that the annual festival is something DMU are incredibly proud to be a part of. For us all at DMU we look forward to engaging directly with businesses, creating new partnership opportunities, and putting forward our research and expertise to help businesses and people move forward.

“One of the appeals for me to join DMU Leicester was because of the successes of the city and DMU to date as well as the opportunities to unlock further. The creative sector in Leicester for instance is the biggest in the UK outside of London and this is beneficial economically and socially for us all. We need to collectively shout loud about this and continue to work with the government to maintain these successes and attract even more talent to the area and retain the talent we have.

“One of DMU’s key themes is sustainability. We are the only UK university to be a United Nations SDG hub. We want to work with the business community to help us all on the journey to net zero, improve the region's carbon footprint and develop better practices. This could include within sustainable fashion, buildings, AI and across the digital footprint.

“Leicester Business Festival 2023 is a catalyst in showcasing how attractive the region is for inward investment, pioneering research and delivering real impact in partnership.”

In 2023, DMU events will be covering topics at their events on aspects such as equipping businesses with tools and tactics to help with pressing issues such as sustainability, productivity, and wellbeing.

The DMU events include:

• Your guide to funding a start-up business in Leicester and Leicestershire

• Addressing the UK Digital Strategy through the Digital Skills Partnership

• Sustainability ROX: Get the fast track to Green Growth

• You are Good Enough

• Brewing Innovative Ideas Roadshow: Blaby District (Drop-in Session)

• Green Goals - Creating a local sustainability sporting network

• Introduction to Sustainable Business Practices: Key Tips, Insights and Practical Guidance

• Working with the civic universities partnership

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. Thanks to the support of partners, sponsors and supporters, the festival has gone from strength to strength.

Richard Osborn, Regional director at Excello Law, Chair and a director of the LBF Community Interest Company (CiC) said: “Over the last nine years Leicester Business Festival has shown exactly why doing business in our region is something to be a part of. We are resilient, productive and innovative.

“Thousands of people have taken part in the festival and many successes have emerged across businesses thanks to the connections made.

“The festival is a chance for business to join forces, learn, share and find out ways to overcome challenges as well as create new opportunities. I am looking forward to attending events and encourage people working in the area to book their places and help boost doing business in our region.”

Over 1000 people have already booked their place at events and although some events have already ‘sold out’, tickets that are still available can be booked through the official website.

With over 70 free-to-attend online and in-person events in the LBF covering a broad range of topics including marketing, growth, law and finance, there is sure to be something for businesses in all sectors. Tickets can be secured online at: www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com

*Commissioned by Space Park Leicester partner, CGI, the Conference Of Parties (COP) Globe, created by the celebrated artist Luke Jerram, known worldwide for his large-scale public engagement artworks.

PHOTO FROM L-R: Professor Mike Kagioglou Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Business Innovation, William Wells Deputy Director Research, Innovation & Impact at Space Park Leicester, Rupinder Drew LBF Community Interest Company (CiC) board member, Jevean Barryclough National Entrepreneur of the Year Winner Peter Jones Foundation and Richard Osborn, Regional director at Excello Law, Chair and a director of the LBF Community Interest Company (CiC).