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The annual business showcase, which is sponsored by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Leicester (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥) will showcase the innovation and resilience of the region during the past 12 months.

Applications opened this week to host an event in the festival, either online or in-person, and businesses are being urged to get involved.



Helen Donnellan, Director of Business Engagement at headline partner Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, said “I think after ‘year one’ of Covid-19, we’re now entering a period where we are looking at the opportunities for innovation, for change and for collaboration as a business community to benefit and grow the economy.

“The Leicester Business Festival has changed too, putting more focus on business growth, resilient Innovation, connectivity, perception and people that come together with the very best ideas, enabling us to showcase the fantastic work happening in the city and county.

“I’d encourage everyone to look at how they can share their experiences during LBF and look forward to another incredible festival.” 
    
Last year saw a whopping 118 events across the two weeks and more 3,000 attendees, despite the pandemic. As part of the Local Economic Recovery Plan, LBF is working to help the business community to showcase the innovation and resilience of the region.

There are a few changes to the structure for this year’s Festival. One development is the introduction of five new themes which represent the key areas within Leicester and Leicestershire that have been impacted or thrived over the last year or those that can offer the business community support to help them bounce back.

The new themes are:
•    Resilient Innovation – covering new products or services, life in a post-Covid 19 world and strategies for the future.
•    Connectivity – this includes digital connectivity and communications and also the movement of people and goods.
•    Perception – this is all about getting local businesses, products and services to stand out in the crowd.
•    People – all things people from diversity, HR and training to well-being of employees and sustainability in the workplace.
•    Growth – everything associated with organisational growth including help, advice, networking and lead generation.

It is vital that events fit the criteria as well, with each application being assessed and scored on how well it meets the standards, which can be found on

Chief Executive, Scott Knowles of East Midlands Chamber, a Festival partner, said: “As the UK starts to come out lockdown business support services are going to be in high demand for those who have been impacted by COVID-19 – particularly in cities like Leicester, which has been under the toughest restrictions for the longest period.

“Leicester Business Festival will be a great opportunity to reach a large number of businesses and engage them about the type of support on offer, while also demonstrating the strength of our region’s economy.”

Help and guidance for event applications is available from the LBF Team, please email hello@leicesterbusinessfestival.com or call 0116 464 5995.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday 10 September.