1284 is working with the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub to promote local business growth success stories ahead of a celebration event next month.

The Growth Hub is staging a free event in Leicester on June 23 to bring together businesses from across the city and county to recognise success among firms which it has supported over recent years.

Those attending the event will gain tips on business growth, and make connections with support providers during a mini-expo of service providers. They will also be able to network with other business owners and entrepreneurs.

It comes as existing Growth Hub services change from July 1, with the conclusion of four years of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support.

Since autumn 2019, more than 100 businesses have received a total of more than £1.8m in capital grants. Meanwhile, the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub has provided almost 5,000 hours of intensive business advice to 414 small and medium-sized businesses.

Although the European funding will end on June 30, the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub will continue to signpost to local, regional and national support available to the Leicestershire business community.

The event will include a keynote speech from beauty industry entrepreneur Tajinder Banwait. 

She will describe the journey of her fragrance company Urban Apothecary from a Leicester kitchen table to 30 international markets and supplying to the likes of The Conran Shop, Selfridges, and Fenwick.

Tajinder, pictured above, who received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year in recognition of excellence in international trade, will describe how Urban Apothecary did it during a keynote speech next month.

And she will tell fellow business owners how she worked with the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub during the development of the brand.

Places for June’s event are limited and early booking is recommended. You can reserve your free place here.

George Oliver, Director of 1284, said: “Over coming weeks, the Growth Hub will be telling some really inspiring stories of local businesses which have worked with advisers and grown rapidly.

“We've already been speaking with some of them and there are some truly fantastic stories of how entrepreneurs in Leicester and Leicestershire have overcome challenges and seized opportunities to expand - not just in UK markets but around the world.”

1284 itself benefited from Growth Hub support last year, accessing business advice and a small match-funded grant to launch its 1284START project.

1284START is designed to make quality public relations available to local startups, social entrepreneurs and charities.

Successful outcomes so far include a strategic plan for one local charity, an award for a social entrepreneur, and £30,000 of grant support won for a Community Interest Company.