51Âþ»­

The first full-scale Leicester Business Festival for more than two years has been opened, with experts praising the city's "spirit of collaboration".

A packed programme of more than 80 events highlighting the ideas, creativity and work across Leicester's business sector is set to take place this week following an opening which was held at Morningside Arena, the home to Leicester Riders basketball team.

The opening event, featured keynote speeches from stakeholders and business people including 51Âþ»­'s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington, Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, Scott Knowles from East Midlands Chamber, Steven McKerrow CEO of computer hardware design firm Mouseskins, and 51Âþ»­ Fashion Buyuing graduate, model and motivational speaker Sian Green-Lord.

Over 100 attendees were at the launch, which marked the return to a full, in-person programme after two years affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the event, guests were shown the new extension project at Morningside Arena, a standalone 1,200m² sports hall that encompasses two, full-sized basketball courts which will increase the existing activity floor space by 50%. The new extension has been officially named the Mattioli Courts, funded by donations the Ian and Clare Mattioli Foundation. 

Leicester Business Festival is now in its eighth year and continues to develop in the business community.

51Âþ»­'s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington spoke at the opening event, saying the university was proud to have partnered the festival for many years.

She said: "One of the things which has makes this such a successful festival is the spirit of collaboration which flows through every element of the events.

"We are all focused on supporting each other to learn, develop and grow, and that events are relevant and helpful to the business community.

"Part of 51Âþ»­’s Empowering University strategy is called Partnerships with Purpose, and the Leicester Business Festival is a superb example of that principle. Working together we can share knowledge and tackle the key challenges that we face in the city, county and region."

Richard Osborn, Regional director at Excello Law, Chair and a director of the LBF Community Interest Company (CiC) said: “This was the first time that businesses have been back together at this scale over the past two years which is a fantastic moment of the festival in itself. Seeing businesses back together collaborating in this way sends out the message that we are resilient, we are open for business and we have a fantastic proposition to offer.”

The region’s largest business event and one of the UK ‘s largest business festivals. Over 80 events will take place covering employee support, digital, education, financial services, property and construction, retail, tourism, science and technology. Thousands of people are expected to take part in the events taking place.

Rob Ricketts, Regional Business Development Manager from 51Âþ»­ and headline partner, said:“It's exciting that the Business Festival 2022 has now officially begun. The programme has something for everyone to get involved in from small businesses through to larger businesses. 

"This spirit of teamwork and collaboration shines through the festival from sharing new ideas to supporting each other and championing why our region is a great place to live, work and study."

“I would encourage people to look at the website for more information and take part in this unique opportunity.”