High demand for places as more new businesses inducted at Loughborough start-up incubator

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High demand for places as more new businesses inducted at Loughborough start-up incubator

Twenty-four new businesses have been accepted onto the autumn cohort for Leicestershire start-up incubator LUinc.

A total of 81 founders expressed interest in applying for one of 20 available places. The cohort was extended to 24 members.

Since 2011, the incubator has worked with Loughborough University graduates and researchers on developing new businesses.

Last year, its services were extended to founders from outside of the campus as part of a partnership with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Charnwood Borough Council.

The project aims to develop a new generation of local businesses which are ‘fit for the future’ in their agility, focus on emerging markets, and commitment to scale-up and growth.

LUinc. provides a six-month programme aiming to increase productivity and job creation by incubating innovative new businesses.

Of the 24, fifteen local entrepreneurs were accepted for the project’s third cohort after applying from outside of the university ecosystem. The remaining nine are graduate start-ups and research spinouts.

Members benefit from free weekly meetings, one-to-one coaching, structured training, and roundtable discussions delivered by a range of experienced experts and entrepreneurs.

The first two cohorts helped launch 12 new businesses, supported 304 individuals through events or 1-2-1s, and steered 24 businesses to enterprise or start-up support.

Sirius Transformation joined LUinc. in the Spring of 2022 after making an initial inquiry through the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre.

Founded in late 2021 by former 3M employees James Whyley and Steven Sleath, Sirius is a manufacturing process improvement consultancy based on its founders’ extensive regulated industry experience. It now operates UK-wide.

James, from Loughborough, said: “We’ve gained a lot from the camaraderie with fellow entrepreneurs and also having that natural rhythm to our working days that we had when working within a corporate environment but might have lost had we decided to start up from home.”

Steven, from Syston, said: “We have gone from an idea to a fully functioning business while part of LUinc.”

Pete Hitchings, incubator manager, said: “Bringing together businesses from the University and the local area has grown a diverse community of business owners who are really invested in helping one another to succeed.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chair of the LLEP Innovation Board, said: “It’s essential for any economy to have productive and innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Programmes such as those at LUinc. are retaining and developing bright new business ideas, which is so important in the wake of the pandemic.”

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It is great to see so many start-up companies seeking support from LUinc. and we look forward to seeing them grow and develop in the future.

“As a Council, we’re committed to creating a thriving economy; small businesses are often central to that and that’s why we are keen to support them.”

The ongoing project was part-funded with £314,000 from a Covid-19 Recovery Fund, created using Enterprise Zone Business Rates.

LUinc. is now accepting expressions of interest for its Spring 2023 cohort.

New Business Gateway report reveals needs of Leicester’s Black Business Community

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New Business Gateway report reveals needs of Leicester’s Black Business Community
A new report commissioned by the LLEP Business Gateway provides a blueprint for future support for the Black Business Community in the city and identifies some key challenges. The main issues include finding and securing funding; a lack of networks for support, and awareness of the business support already available. The report was produced by University of Leicester intern, Lara Anubi, following a number of interviews with leading figures in the Black Business Community locally.   A new research report has highlighted the challenges faced by Leicester’s Black Business Community in starting and sustaining businesses across the city. It was commissioned by the Business Gateway to ensure that all local businesses are made aware of the support available to them regardless of ethnic origin or any other characteristic. Sue Tilley, Chief Executive of the LLEP and acting Business Gateway manager, explained: “We know that we support a lot of SMEs classified as white British and also a lot of Asian businesses, particularly in the textiles sector, but we felt that the black community were not using our services as much. We wanted to find out if this was because we needed to communicate differently or because we need to adapt our offer.” The contributors included Annie Otum of Black Owned Leicester, Mark Esho MBE of Easy Internet, Pamela Sharpe of Mela & Sharpe, Dorothy Francis MBE of CASE, Byron Dixon OBE CEO of Micro-Fresh, Chintu Lamba of Initiated Nation, and Abdikayf Farah representing the Somali business community. Lara Anubi who undertook the interviews commented: “It was fascinating for me as a young black woman to talk to these inspiring people and identify the common issues that need to be addressed if more black businesses are going to thrive in Leicester.” The key findings in the report include:
  • The black community is Leicester’s fastest growing ethnic community.
  • The main communication issue appears to be that large parts of the community are not aware of the support that is already available from the Business Gateway and others.
  • There is a lack of active business networks for the Black Business Community in Leicester.
  • Funding is a very big issue for this community. There is a lack of generational wealth (i.e. help from parents) and a lack of ‘financial education’ about where to find the right type of funding.
  • Black enterprises typically only survive for 3 years as opposed to the 7 years for Leicester’s average businesses.
  • Black female businesspeople are under-represented in this community.
  • The local Somali business landscape is far more varied than the black business community in Leicester in general in terms of its variety.
The Business Gateway is now proposing a number of actions to provide support to this community and these include:
  • Increasingly engagement where gaps exist. For example, the Business Gateway have agreed to provide a workshop for Somali founders to support the existing business network.
  • Speaking to banks or other finance providers about finance pathways. This includes local grant providers which would help address the issues around taking on debt.
  • Ensuring business support information is cascaded via wider networks, including those highlighted in the report.
  • Engaging more frequently with business leaders in the community around strategy and inclusivity.
  • Ensuring BAME businesses are reached by forthcoming new LLEP and Business Gateway business support programmes.
Consideration is also being given to commissioned work to:
  • Reignite networking and peer support for local black owned businesses.
  • A report on finance options specifically aimed at the black community.
  • Workshops in a highlighted area, for example financial literacy.
Sue Tilley commented: “Several of the contributors to the report very kindly offered to help us with networking events and other activities and we would strongly encourage anyone from this community to make sure they get involved; building your network is one of the best things you can do at the start of your journey to launching your own business. “We are also going to make sure that all the information points used by ethnic communities get regular information from the Business Gateway so that they can refer their clients to our free impartial support.” The full report is at: https://bit.ly/3MIbepI

Nottingham healthtech company raises £3.4m to transform mental health diagnoses

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Nottingham healthtech company raises £3.4m to transform mental health diagnoses
Early stage Healthtech company, BlueSkeye AI Ltd, has secured £3.4m in funding to pursue its mission to improve people’s quality of life through the use of its proprietary face and voice analysis technology. The round was led by XTX Ventures, which invested alongside Foresight Group (through The Midlands Engine Investment Fund), Praetura Ventures (through Praetura’s GMC Life Sciences Fund), the University of Nottingham and a consortium of high-net-worth individuals. As leaders in Artificial Technology (AI), which understands mood and mental wellbeing, the Nottingham-based company’s solutions are uniquely placed to serve the rapidly growing needs of the Digital Health & Wellbeing and Automotive sectors. In the UK alone, one in four people suffer from mental health issues at some stage of their lives, at an estimated cost of £117.9 billion to the economy and from 2024 all new cars sold in the EU must have camera-based driver safety monitoring systems installed. BlueSkeye AI’s trademark blending of advanced research into expressive human behaviour with specialist expertise in computer vision, machine learning and AI has many important use cases. In Digital Health and Wellbeing, BlueSkeye AI is poised to transform the diagnosis of mental health conditions and improve care, whilst in the Automotive industry it will significantly enhance safety and wellbeing for the drivers and passengers of vehicles. One key technology created by BlueSkeye is the B-Social Software Development Kit (SDK) that can be used to give social robots, virtual assistants, and any other interactive interface the ability to read a person’s facial expressions, head actions, and social gaze. The funding will further accelerate BlueSkeye AI’s expansion across both clinical and non-clinical health and wellbeing markets to transform patient pathways at scale. This will support service providers to address the global worldwide need for early diagnosis of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and the development of new products to support accurate digital diagnosis in the health and wellbeing sector. As part of this investment, BlueSkeye AI will expand its activities with a physical presence in the North-West of England. Founded in 2019, BlueSkeye AI is a spin-out from The University of Nottingham’s School of Computer Science. It was established by professor Michel Valstar (CEO) and Dr Anthony Brown (CTO), and chief machine learning and software engineer Dr Timur Almaev. Professor Michel Valstar, co-founder and CEO at BlueSkeye AI, said: “The demand for alternative pathways to access mental healthcare is enormous, and continues to grow by the day. “We’re committed to disrupting traditional approaches to healthcare to help improve the quality of people’s lives, and we’re particularly focused on the perinatal mental health sector. “With the support of XTX Ventures, Foresight Group and Praetura Ventures, we’ll strengthen the rollout of new clinical trials and product development, and champion the benefits of technology for reinforcing healthcare provision on a national, regional and global basis.”

University of Leicester unveils £150m student village

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University of Leicester unveils £150m student village
The University of Leicester will officially unveil the city’s newest multi-million pound neighbourhood next week. A special event to mark the opening of the University’s £150m Freemen’s development, located in Welford Road, will take place on Monday 24 October. The landmark regeneration project has seen derelict halls of residence and an open air car park transformed into a high-tech centre for teaching, working and living. At its heart is the four-storey Sir Bob Burgess Building, named after the University’s former late Vice-Chancellor, which comprises two large lecture theatres, flexible teaching spaces and a state of the art space for staff to work, meet and relax. The building is a fitting tribute to Sir Bob, who presided over one of the University’s most successful periods between 1999 and 2014. The site also includes accommodation for 1,200 students, a social hub including a food outlet and bar and a 555-space multi-storey car park. The project has also seen the sensitive refurbishment and extension of the Grade II-listed Freemen’s Cottages as the centrepiece of the scheme. The new buildings are set within an impressive landscaping scheme of tree-lined walking routes, wildflower planting and gardens, with two generous public spaces providing a focal point. Kerry Law, deputy vice-chancellor (Professional Services), said: “Freemen’s is the realisation of years of careful planning to deliver the very highest quality environment for our students to live and learn in. “We have been delighted with the positive reaction of both students and staff as they settle in to their new home, which extends our vibrant city campus. “Freemen’s doesn’t only deliver first-class facilities for students and colleagues, but also provides benefits for the public, including pleasant open spaces and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists. “The regeneration of a tired site into a landmark new neighbourhood is something the University and city can be very proud of, as the University embarks on its second century.” Freemen’s is powered by sustainable technologies, with the expectation more than 80,000 kWh of solar power will be generated each year. Freemen’s was delivered by the University, equity partner and constructor EQUANS and funding partner Equitix. The development was carried out in tandem with Leicester City Council’s work to create a much-needed link road connecting the east and west of the city, which includes sustainable transport improvements to junctions, crossings and infrastructure for walking and cycling. Contractor EQUANS was responsible for the highways upgrades around the Freemen’s Common site, in Welford Road and Putney Road.

Growing Derbyshire company acquires popular local pub

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Growing Derbyshire company acquires popular local pub
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has completed on the freehold sale of The Blue Stoops in Dronfield, to growing Derbyshire-based pub company, Chilled Pubs. Sold on behalf of the True North Brew Co, the busy village pub and restaurant which underwent a refurbishment in 2017 is set in the heart of Dronfield and comprises a large internal bar, restaurant and function space, and a generous 140-cover beer garden. The business boasts a healthy average annual turnover of £929,250 and features additional upstairs space with potential for accommodation or additional trading areas, which was a great appeal to prospective buyers. Previous owner, Kane Yeardley of True North Brew Co says: “I will miss The Blue Stoops greatly, having invested lots of time and money into the property over many years. However, the time was right for me to reduce the True North portfolio, using Christie & Co’s experienced assistance and industry relationships in order to successfully sell. I wish Chilled Pubs all the best with their purchase.” Matt Hill, business agent – pubs & restaurants at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “I’m thrilled to have completed on The Blue Stoops after running a fully open marketing process, where we had very strong interest from national and regional pub companies, off the £975,000 asking price. The pub is ideally positioned along Dronfield’s High Street, where trade will remain strong and was a rare opportunity to acquire a highly profitable village pub-restaurant. The successful sale is also a good sign in the market that interest remains high for quality freehold premises.” Chilled Pubs will now operate a total of six pubs across the region. The Blue Stoops is one of 14 pubs in the True North Brew Co estate, which has been established for 30 years. The group is currently working with Christie & Co to reduce their portfolio to a total of 10 sites and will then look to re-invest in a new larger site. Other sites currently on the market with Christie & Co include The Milton Arms, The York and The Old House.

Rising costs and falling revenues causing worst small business pessimism outside lockdowns, new figures reveal

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Rising costs and falling revenues causing worst small business pessimism outside lockdowns, new figures reveal
Cost pressures, falling revenues and a growing reliance on debt to prop up cashflows are among the gloomy findings of the latest Small Business Index (SBI) from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The quarterly temperature-taking survey reveals the greatest level of pessimism among small business owners outside of lockdowns, with a net confidence score of -35.9 in Q3 2022, down 11.2 points compared to the previous quarter. Almost half (43%) reported falling revenues over the three months to October, compared to less than a third (32%) reporting an increase. Over the coming three months, four in ten (41%) expect revenues to decrease. Rising costs continued to affect the vast majority of small firms (89%), with nearly two in five (38%) seeing costs increase by more than 10%. The primary cost factors are utilities (60% of respondents), fuel (57%), inputs (48%), and labour (43%). More than two thirds (68%) of small business employers have increased wages over the last year, with the average wage increase 4.5%. For the third consecutive quarter there has been a rise in the number applying for finance (13% in Q3, compared to 9% in Q1). Of those, nearly half (46%) have turned to finance to help manage cashflow, up from 35% in Q2. Only a quarter (25%) applied for finance to expand their business, down from 29% the previous quarter. One in five (20%) finance applicants failed to find an offer with an interest rate below 11%, while the majority of successful applicants (57%) were offered rates between five and 10%. FSB development manager, Natalie Gasson-McKinley, said: “Small business entrepreneurs are, by their nature, an optimistic, dynamic and innovative bunch, which is why it is all the more stark to see this plunge in confidence. They want to be driving growth and economic recovery, but the headwinds against them right now are gale-force. “Recent political and economic turmoil hasn’t helped, which is why it is vital the Government focuses on stability, including delivering on its promises to help with energy bills for small firms and to reverse the hike in National Insurance. That money must be in the pockets of small firms by next month, no ifs, no buts, followed by clarity on what will happen after the initial six-month period. “While the new Chancellor has focused in his first days on reassuring markets to bring economic stability, he will need to turn again later to pro-growth measures, including revisiting issues such as IR35 changes and the decision to raise the equivalent of National Insurance for hard-working entrepreneurs who are paid via dividends. Raising taxes now will not generate growth, and we risk seeing high taxes with low or no growth for the foreseeable future. “Taking more small firms out of business rates, which they’re clobbered with before they’ve earned a penny, would be a positive, pro-growth step. In time, there should also be a review of the level at which the higher rate of Corporation Tax kicks in, reducing a barrier for ambitious smaller companies. “The Government’s own new annual figures show that two years of Covid has left the small business population smaller by half a million small firms and the self-employed. This gap of missing entrepreneurs, alongside those that have left the jobs market, should be the focus of medium-term growth measures, to help small businesses start up, grow, and recruit, after getting through the toughest of winters.” FSB is also urging ministers to tackle a systemic problem in the economy on late payments, which would not require expenditure at a time of focus on public finances. More than half (54%) of small businesses had their cashflow woes in Q3 compounded by the late payment of invoices, often by bigger business customers. More than a quarter (27%) said late payments are becoming an increasing problem, up from 22% in Q2. Business-to-business (B2B) firms were the biggest victims, with the worst affected including those in the manufacturing sector (67%); professional, scientific and technical activities (65%); and construction (64%). Natalie McKinley added: “The anti-growth late payment culture is a block on investment and economic recovery. If the UK Government is serious about going for growth, addressing this pernicious problem should be high on the urgent to-do list. “Audit committees of big corporates must be made accountable for payment practices. Meanwhile, ministers must double-down on blacklisting big businesses which treat their smaller suppliers and contractors badly from landing lucrative taxpayer-funded contracts. This is a way of promoting growth without a price tag for the Exchequer. “Giving more public sector contracts to smaller businesses should also be prioritised, at a time when there is an acute need to get value-for-money for taxpayers. Widening competition in public procurement by making more contracts suitable for small firms would save taxpayers’ money while driving up standards. It’s a no-brainer.”

Local businesses raise over £8,000 for Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir

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Local businesses raise over £8,000 for Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir

Members of the East Midlands business community came together at the annual CAPs (construction and property) charity golf day at Springwater Golf Club in Calverton, raising £8,500 for Our Dementia Choir.

88 players from local businesses were in attendance, across 22 teams, who played the course as well as testing their abilities in additional activities including a putting competition and a beat the pro game.

Monies were raised for the charity through ticket sales, hospitality around the course and a raffle.

Our Dementia Choir was formed by actress Vicky McClure in 2019, as part of a BBC documentary, as she set out on a journey to discover the true extent of music’s power of combatting dementia – following the death of her grandmother in 2015, who suffered with the condition.

Vicky formed the choir, which is made up of those living with dementia, in her hometown of Nottingham and supports them through singing and musical activities to provide a calm, engaging and friendly space for the community.

Businesses from across the construction and property sector were in attendance, with Blueprint Interiors, Jennie Holland PR, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, 200 Degrees Coffee, Pygott and Crone, Morgan Sindall, Hexa Consulting and GT3 Architects, who sponsored the event.

Coastal Distillery, a Lincolnshire-based business that makes a range of artisan spirits, donated drinks for the halfway house and 200 Degrees supplied coffee and cakes on the course.

At the end of the tournament, Our Dementia Choir was introduced to the players by Vicky McClure and charity manager, Karen Bonser and they performed four songs.

Prizes were given to the winners of both the individual and team competitions, which included rounds of golf at Springwater Golf club, gift vouchers for the onsite golf shop, champagne and PING golfing attire.

CAPs, which was founded in 2017 by John Tansur, client services director at Knights, and David Ford, director at Gleeds, has so far raised a total of £35,000 through a number of fundraising events, with further plans to host a black-tie dinner “with a twist,” a school sports style event and a racing Ladies Day in 2023.

David Ford said: “We’re really pleased so many from the construction and property sector came along to play golf, network, and have fun raising funds for such an incredible charity. John and I are very grateful for everyone’s generosity in raising such a huge amount of money for Our Dementia Choir and to the sponsors of the event. The performance from the choir was definitely the highlight so a big well done to all that sang for us on the day.”

Karen Bonser said: “We are thrilled the CAPs event raised £8,500 for Our Dementia Choir. These funds will enable the choir to reach out to many people living with dementia, of all ages, and support their families. We were honoured to bring awareness of dementia to the event and show the players and supporters how music can really make a huge difference.”

Funds doubled to £200k to help support Ukrainian refugees in Nottinghamshire

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Funds doubled to £200k to help support Ukrainian refugees in Nottinghamshire
A Nottinghamshire County Council-led funding pot to support community groups which are tirelessly helping Ukrainian people settle into the county has been doubled to £200k.This support, which launched earlier this summer, is being funded by the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.With an estimated 1,200 Ukrainian people due to arrive in the county under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, eligible groups are able to apply for funds of up to £5,000 to continue to help provide advice and support. This includes hosting special community events, providing access to translation services and language classes and promoting health and well-being.The first batch of projects have now been awarded funds, including three projects run by Nottingham’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre which has warmly welcomed the funding.This Nottingham Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain is also the Council chairman’s, Cllr Roger Jackson, community cause this year, so he has been busy championing the work they do. At the recent ‘Defenders of the Flag’ commemorations, Cllr Jackson presented the Centre with a cheque, having raised £5,000 in donations so far.
Cllr John Cottee, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “We recognise the huge contribution that voluntary groups are already making to the lives of those who have fled Ukraine and endured unimaginable suffering, with people arriving in the county every week of course.“We’ve had a great response to these funds which is why we decided to double this funding to help as many of these groups as possible. The response from local communities has been incredible, particularly those who have opened up their homes to guests, with new hosts coming forward all the time.“As a county council we have been working closely with partners to help the Home for Ukraine scheme run as smoothly as possible. We are helping with access to benefits, healthcare, employment, language and other support.”Nottingham’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre is providing support for guests across the county with three separate projects receiving funding:*The Centre’s popular Chai Club receives £5,000 towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs. The Chai Club provides access to health, financial information and support as well as providing volunteering and befriending opportunities for Ukrainian guests in a safe space which promotes Ukrainian culture. *£4,480 will go towards volunteer expenses, tutor fees, costs towards equipment and venue hire to support creative artist programmes aimed at encouraging young people to focus on the links between Ukrainian cultural heritage and living in Nottinghamshire. This is supported by architects and aims to equip young Ukrainians with ideas, knowledge, and skills to help rebuild their homeland in the future.*£4,760 toward tutor fees and volunteer expenses to provide five sessions of ESOL at different levels of ability weekly over a period of 33 weeks, delivered by qualified tutors.
Council chairman, Cllr Jackson said: “I’m delighted that Nottingham’s Ukrainian Centre has had this level of support from both the donations raised and via the council’s Local Community Fund.
“This centre has done so much to help to welcome guests arriving into Nottinghamshire and acted as first point of contact for many of the hosts. It is very much at the heart of the community providing information, guidance, practical advice and help to those Ukrainians who have been displaced.”
Lina Maksymuk from the Ukrainian Cultural Centre thanked Nottinghamshire County Council for the funding. She said: “We are confident that these grants will not only help different groups of new arrivals but will also help all our volunteers who have been working tirelessly all these months and will make functioning of the Ukrainian centre as a facility and as a hub more sustainable.”The other projects to receive funding from the first round are: 1st/2nd West Bridgford Scout Group – £2,000 will help fund towards volunteer expenses, community events and refreshments. The Group provides Ukrainian guests and their families with a safe space to meet with the wider community to access support and information. This includes access to English language classes, and a range of social activities.The Homes for Ukraine Bassetlaw Support Group – £3,700 will go towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs to support a local group specifically set up to support Ukrainian guests. The Group deliver a full range of support services such as ESOL, employment support and social events.Newark & Sherwood Community & Voluntary Service will receive £4,975 to help fund additional staff who will encourage Ukrainian guests to access opportunities to improve their language skills and help them access support, advice and guidance and increase chances of future employment.Nottingham-based Refugee Roots will receive £5,000 which will contribute towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs. Building on existing expertise to support refugees and asylum seekers, this group provide a safe space in the community for Ukraine guests across Notts to access English languages classes, requalification, employment support, volunteering opportunities, gardening and health and wellbeing activities. St Johns Church, Worksop – £5,000 will contribute towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs. The Church provides a safe space for guests to enable them to make friends and access local employment opportunities, health care and professional trauma support if needed. Beeston-based Transform Training will receive £4,980 to help fund additional staffing capacity, volunteer expenses and room hire to provide specialist employability support for Homes for Ukraine guests, providing translation services for CVs, supporting job search and interview preparation.The LCF scheme is supporting eligible local community projects and activities to welcome and integrate refugees arriving in Nottinghamshire. This will include:• Costs associated with supporting English language classes• Costs associated with running job clubs• Advice and support on financial matters• Tackling loneliness and isolation through for example befriending schemes and support networks• Promoting health and well-being• Organising community events• Supporting and encouraging volunteering.
The scheme will work in the similar way as the Local Community Fund,• A rolling programme of applications throughout the year• A maximum of £5,000 can be applied for per project/activity• A simple application and assessment process• A member-led approach with the approval of grants made by the Cabinet Member for Communities  Eligible groups can apply here: The Local Communities Fund (LCF) | Nottinghamshire County Council

200 Degrees turns ten

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200 Degrees turns ten

200 Degrees Coffee gathered at its Nottingham Roast House last week, with colleagues and friends, to celebrate ten years in business.

The coffee roaster has been on quite a journey since the company began in 2012, having opened 17 coffee shops – with its latest in Derby opening next month – six barista schools, launching a home subscription and ecommerce service, significantly investing in its Roast House, reaching 200 team members and recently welcoming four new roles to its central operations team.

Held at the company’s Roast House on Meadow Lane, the event marked and celebrated the 10-year milestone and thanked the 200 Degrees team – some of which have been with the company since its inception – its suppliers, partners, loyal customers and others that have played a part in the coffee roaster’s success.

The jam-packed evening was filled with 200 Degrees’ signature coffee blends, Espresso Martinis and street food from local vendors. Guests also had the chance to try their hand at latte art and win a Sage coffee machine, as well as guided tours of its newly refurbished Roast House and a roasting experience with head roaster, Mike Steele.

To top off the evening, the company shared an exclusive preview of its new coffee packaging ahead of its launch to market in November.

Co-founders Rob Darby and Tom Vincent set up 200 Degrees from the corner of a garage before it moved on to its roastery on Meadow Lane – opposite the Notts County Football Stadium – and since its inception the company has expanded its footprint across the Midlands, North and Wales.

CEO Rob said: “200 Degrees was born out of wanting to solve a problem. Tom and I wanted to find better coffee, service and training, and after struggling to find it, we decided to become the solution.

“Ten years later and we are operating with a team of just over 200 people, which is what I am most proud of. There’s huge pride in running a business with a team of this scale – from accountants and sales managers to roasters and packers in the warehouse.

“We knew we wanted to open a number of coffee shops, but it has grown beyond that and we’re getting ready to open our 18th shop. There will be more to come, and we will continue to do what we’re doing but better and more sustainably, to evolve the brand and create experiences for everyone to remember.

“We’d like to thank everyone that joined us to celebrate ten incredible years and we look forward to what the next ten brings for 200 Degrees!”

Anthony James restructures management team as Boorman becomes CEO

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Anthony James restructures management team as Boorman becomes CEO

Loughborough-based insurance broker, Anthony James, has announced strategic changes within the structure of its senior management team.

The restructure sees current Managing Director Steve Boorman become CEO, with sales director Jacob Duckworth moving into the MD role.

The news is the latest move as the firm consolidates it position in the market following the acquisition of Nottingham counterpart Bale Insurance Brokers back in the spring.

Speaking about the changes, Steve Boorman said: “We have ambitious plans for sustainable growth in terms of the team, our business and our associated businesses. A big part of that wider picture is working with, developing and promoting incredible talent and Jacob is a perfect illustration of that.

“In a market known for consolidation, we are fiercely independent. Maintaining that independence requires the creation and development of a thriving culture within the organisation. Jacob, Leonie Rainbow (operations director) and Liudmila Matvievskaia (finance director) are leading that charge and I’m proud to have worked with them as they have built their careers in the industry together here at Anthony James.”

Jacob Duckworth added: “I am immensely proud to be moving into a role that Steve has created, thrived in and developed over these past years. We are ‘reliably different’ as a company and certainly as an insurance brokerage and that is down to the values that Steve has helped to instil right across the team and into our entire philosophy as a company.

“Fortunately for me, I will be working very closely with Steve, Leonie and Liudmila to continue in this spirit of innovation, customer-centric thinking and frankly, just doing things differently, to develop our client offering and experience further still.”

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