51Âþ»­

Apprentice finalist Neil Clough is heading to 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) as part of the inaugural Leicester Business Festival.

The festival, which got under way today, is two weeks of business-led events from technology masterclasses, economics debates and start-up advice to practical help and support.

It aims to offer opportunities of new ways of working, attract investment and enhance Leicester's reputation as an excellent place to work and do business.

Neil, who was famously told by Lord Sugar he was "the right man with the wrong plan" has established his own successful business and continues to use the motivational speaking skills he demonstrated on the series.

He will be sharing tips with 51Âþ»­ students, businesses and entrepreneurs at the special event at 51Âþ»­ Innovation Centre on Thursday at 5.30pm.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The Leicester Business Festival provides a real chance to promote the potential of both our city and our county, by sending out a message to the rest of the country and, indeed, to the rest of the world, that Leicester is open for business."

Imagine living in a city which has one giant network connecting infrastructure such as roads, buildings, cars, electricity, water and services with the people who live there.

So-called 'Smart Cities' are being developed around the world and Leicester could be one. Several schemes are already happening: Leicester City Council and 51Âþ»­ have trialled a traffic management system that predicts queues before they have happened. 51Âþ»­ researchers are testing electric cars to extend their driving range and software is being developed to stop costly water leaks.

This event aims to bring Government, businesses, universities and enterprise experts together to discuss what Leicester could look like in 2030.

• 51Âþ»­ Careers Fair, Tuesday and Wednesday

Some of the city's biggest businesses are hoping to attract some of Leicester's brightest talent at this careers fair in TheVenue@51Âþ»­.

The event is the biggest the university has ever held and will feature some 70 businesses including Hewlett Packard, Boots, Barratt Developments, BUPA and Next.

The free event is aimed at students and graduates looking to take advantage of some incredible work opportunities.

• Start-up Exchange with Neil Clough, from TV's The Apprentice, 29 October, Innovation Centre

Neil will be sharing tips for starting a successful business, techniques for growing sales, motivation tips and how to make your business stand out.

• SME 'Question Time' on 4 November in Hugh Aston Building

If you run an SME business - or are thinking of starting one - then this event is for you. 51Âþ»­ has brought together a distinguished panel of experts to answer your questions. So whether you want to find out more about investment, choose the right business idea or know which mistakes to avoid then ask away!

The panel are: 51Âþ»­ alumnus Richard Jackson, who advises start-ups in Google City, London; businessman Gau Naik, who is a trustee for the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity; Julie Holland, an expert in enterprise and innovation management from Loughborough University and 51Âþ»­'s award-winning Professor of Design Peter Ford.