In summary
Welcome to our new look, small business bulletin page for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Here you will find local business news, events and updates on what’s been happening.
FSB is 50 years old this year and we are grateful to all our members who have supported us throughout that time. And of course, if you know anyone that isn’t a member who you think could benefit from joining FSB, please invite them to get in touch.
Featured news and events
£100k Grant project launched for Leicestershire and Rutland business owners
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has launched their 2024 round of business grants of up to £5,000 to support businesses within Leicestershire and Rutland. This year the charity has doubled its grants budget to £100,000, giving more businesses than ever before the chance to benefit. The STWLC is well known for distributing interest free business loans across Leics and Rutland, however these grants require no repayment by recipients, offering a much-needed boost. Applicants must fit the Charity’s criteria, including being local, aged between 18 and 45, and not having received one of these grants before.
The application deadline is Friday 16 August 2024. Find out more here.
Based at Friar’s Mill in the heart of Leicester city centre, STWLC provides unique interest-free loans to the value of £20,000 to new and existing businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland to aid start-up or development, with no interest to pay on loans over a nine-year period and a three-year break before repayments commence.
Ethnic Minority led business networking
Join us on the last Thursday bi-monthly to network, share, learn and discuss the successes and experiences of being an ethnic minority business owner.
The next event is on Thursday 25 July, 11am -12pm (with optional exta half hour of networking).
The event will be hosted by Jason Roberts, Founder and CEO of Kaleida International.
During the bi-monthly events, you will get a chance to:
- Hear from a variety of speakers during the ‘In Conversation With’ discussions
- Network and engage with fellow business owners during breakout room sessions.
- Explore how we can support our community moving forward and drive FSB’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion agenda.
It doesn’t end there! After the hour you are invited to join us for an optional extra half an hour for our popular and more relaxed 'water cooler' session to give you more of a chance for some extra networking and to get any extra help and support you may need for your business. This session is entirely optional.
This free FSB virtual event is open to all businesses, and non-members are welcome to attend, bring a friend, colleague or business associate to accompany you, so they too can benefit.
In other news
FSB Chairman Hits the Track
FSB's National Chairman, Martin McTague, met with FSB members at Silverstone Circuit last week to discuss key business issues, with a special focus on innovation.
Martin began his visit by touring several member businesses located at the Silverstone Circuit, including Competition Supplies Ltd, JPR Competition Ltd Shop, Danecca Ltd, Silverstone Factors, and Delta Cosworth.
Following these visits, Martin joined a group of 25 FSB members and local innovation policymakers for a roundtable meeting at the Digital Manufacturing Centre, also located at Silverstone circuit. The discussion, led by the FSB's Innovation Policy Manager from Westminster Iliana Pearce, and local FSB volunteer and newly appointed Innovation committee chair, Clare Elsby, centered on innovation. The meeting also featured a qualitative research session conducted by consultants working on an Innovation Ecosystem Map for Northamptonshire, on behalf of the University of Northampton.
Members from various business sectors, including marketing, print, finance, retail, IT, cyber, PR, manufacturing, and B-Corp, shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses in Northamptonshire in keeping up with technological advancements and accessing business support, advice and finance.
New FSB Membership Adviser appointed for Leicestershire and Rutland
We’re excited to announce that Martin Hageman, a well-known figure in the Leicestershire and Rutland business community, is the new local Membership Adviser supporting business owners and the self-employed in these counties to join FSB and maximize the benefits of our services.
Martin joins Glenn Cameron, who covers Northamptonshire, as your local Adviser team. Both are self-employed FSB members who understand the local business landscape and networks and what it's like to run a business.
Martin will be out and about over the coming months, eager to meet as many members and potential members as possible. Please join us in welcoming him and reach out to say hello!
Still in the news
Northamptonshire Business Bitesize: catch up on demand
Northamptonshire FSB members met on 19 June to discuss our local economy and opportunities.
Focussing on local updates and insights on SME priorities for the next government, Northants as a tourism destination, and digital tech and innovation, the presentations can be watched back here. The passcode is y8z#S&FJ
New chair appointed to Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board
Andy Reed OBE has been appointed to chair a new Business Board, which is a key part of the new Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership led by Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council. Its purpose is to boost skills and growth by building the local business voice into delivery of economic strategy.
The Leader of the County Council and the City Mayor have appointed Mr Reed, the former Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), as the Business Board’s first Chair.
Mr Reed said: “It’s so important that the voice of business is available to local authority leaders as they form growth policy in our city and county.
“The Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board will provide input from businesses of all sizes during decision-making, working with our elected leaders to inform broad economic strategy.”
Work is now underway to recruit Board members.
Jennifer Thomas, FSBs area manager said “The FSB looks forward to working with Mr Reed in his new role, ensuring that a diverse range of business and in particular SMEs, who form 99% of the private firms in the county, are strongly represented on the board.”
Find the announcement here.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Leicsestershire, Northhamptonshire & Rutland is Jen Thomas. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSB_L_N_R
- follow us on Facebook: FSB.LeicsNorthantsRutland
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Jennifer Thomas