51Âþ»­

Work to improve the safety of knives and supporting dozens of SMEs to upskill their leadership and management has reached the finals of this year’s .

51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) was shortlisted in the Excellence in Collaboration category in recognition of Forensic Science Associate Professor Leisa Nichols-Drew’s work to test the safety of round-tip kitchen knives, working with manufacturer Viners.

Leisa Nichols-Drew, Associate Professor in Forensic Science

The collaborative research team representing three universities (51Âþ»­, University of Leicester and Northumbria University) carried out more than 300 stab tests, using knives with different blade tips. They found four knives with sharp tips pierced through clothing but the round-tipped knife, part of Viners’ Assure range, did not. 

And 51Âþ»­’s Small Business Leadership Programme, delivered by Leicester Castle Business School, was shortlisted for the Education and Business Partnership award.

The team was able to support 84 companies to develop their leadership and management skills, take a fresh look at their business strategy and inspire them to take action during what has been an extremely tough time for everyone in the pandemic - not least in Leicester, which has been in lockdown for longer than anywhere else in the UK. 

The knives used for the experiment were the 'Assure' range by Viners

Leisa Nichols-Drew said: “Our research showed that round-tip knives are a safer alternative to conventional blade designs, which could reduce stabbing related violent crime as well as accidental knife injuries within the home.

“It is an absolute honour for our research to be recognised with this nomination. Congratulations to all the other nominees too.”

Dr Dyneshia Johnson is Programme Director for the Small Business Leadership Programme (SBLP), which has now been superseded by the Government’s Help to Grow Management scheme. Leicester Castle Business School will again be delivering courses for senior leaders starting in September.

51Âþ»­'s Leicester Castle Business School

She said: “Our local SMEs have been champions, relentless in their pursuit of new knowledge to evolve to sustain their businesses in uncertain times.

“Leading the SBLP with the unwavering support of a superlative programme delivery team has been extremely rewarding and some of the best work we’ve done all year.”

About 165 organisations from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have been recognised in the 2021 edition of the annual contest, which is once again run in partnership with principal sponsor Mazars.

Winners are chosen during a virtual judging day by a panel including sponsors, a Chamber board member and a representative from the Chamber’s senior leadership team. An overall Business of the Year is also selected for each county from all the finalists by main sponsors Mazars.

After the awards ceremonies were held virtually last year due to lockdown restrictions, the Chamber plans for a return to physical events in late 2021, pending Government guidance.

The will take place on Friday 12 November, on Friday 19 November and on Friday 3 December.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Last year, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of more than 120 organisations during what was a difficult period for many, so it’s absolutely fantastic to see even more businesses, social enterprises and charities recognised this year.

“There were so many examples of incredible innovation, growth and resilience among our members in the entries, giving us a chance to shout about all the great things our region has to offer.

“We can’t wait to hold another set of memorable awards ceremonies, hopefully this time in person, with the brilliant support of our sponsors.”

The are split into three events for each county and feature 13 categories, with a new award this year for Collaboration Project of the Year to celebrate pioneering partnerships within Chamber membership.