IMA Architects’ Sofia Coviello has been named as an Apprentice of the Year finalist in the East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards. This award recognises the rising stars who will become the business leaders of tomorrow and is open to all current or past apprentices who can demonstrate how they have made an exceptional contribution to their workplace or have taken on responsibility to shine within their organisation. Sofia joined Leicestershire-based IMA Architects in March 2021 and has since experienced substantial personal and professional growth. Shortly after joining the IMA team, Sofia commenced the Level 7 Architectural Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham. Balancing full-time professional responsibilities with the demands of academic study has been one of her most significant yet rewarding challenges and have been instrumental in shaping her into a more well-rounded practitioner. Ben Hall, managing director at IMA, said: “Since joining IMA as our first ever apprentice, Sofia has made a remarkable impact on both project delivery and team culture. Alongside her Architect Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Nottingham, she has taken on client-facing responsibilities, introduced new ways of working, and championed sustainability across the practice. “Her creativity, professionalism and commitment embody the best of what apprenticeships bring to our industry. Being shortlisted for this award is well-deserved recognition of her contribution to IMA and the wider architectural community.” As an apprentice at IMA, Sofia has progressed from supportive roles to leading design packages and managing client relationships. She has also taken a proactive role in supporting professional development across the practice through lunch-and-learn sessions and developing how-to-guides to help colleagues navigate evolving architectural tools and methodologies. Alongside her academic development, Sofia’s professional experience at IMA has included contributing to the design and delivery of large-scale distribution centres, including multiple Lidl RDCs and a new cold-store facility for a leading UK-based frozen meal company. IMA Architects have also been involved in the delivery of data centres in the UK, for which Sofia has taken a key role, working directly with contractors in a sector that is rapidly expanding due to the demands of digital infrastructure. Talking about her apprenticeship and reflecting on the shortlisting, Sofia said: “The apprenticeship route at IMA has provided me with invaluable opportunities that would not have been available through a traditional educational pathway. “It has enabled me to become qualified whilst gaining extensive practical experience, and to develop a robust network of industry professionals. Moreover, it has given me the confidence to assume leadership responsibilities and advocate for progress – whether through sustainable practice, digital transformation, or promoting inclusivity in the construction industry. “Each of these achievements has contributed to my development as a competent and forward-thinking aspiring architect. I’m very happy to have been named as a finalist for the East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards. I’m excited for the future and am immensely grateful for the apprenticeship journey that has prepared me for the next stage in my professional career.” The East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26 for Leicestershire will be held at Leicester City Football Club on Thursday 26 February 2026.

The economic impact of the tourism sector in Leicester and Leicestershire is worth £2.558bn, according to new figures for 2024, despite a challenging environment. This is up by 6.75% on 2023 (£2.391bn). Over 32.04m people visited the city and county in 2024, maintaining an increase of 2.4% on the previous year’s figure of 31.28m, which was 2.4% up on 2022. Of these numbers, the county welcomed 21.71m visitors whilst 10.33m visited the city. The number of visitor days rose to 39.51m, up 2.54% on the 2023 figure of 38.52m – with 25.4m visitor days in the county and 14.11m in the city during 2024. The number of tourism-related jobs has also risen, with more than 23,133 people employed in the visitor economy sector across the city and the county – an increase of 201 on 2023. The tourism figures for Leicester and Leicestershire are taken from the 2024 Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) survey. Councillor Kevin Crook, Leicestershire County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for tourism, said: “This is great news and shows that the county and city are on the up. Leicestershire has such a rich history, heritage and range of attractions, which is why 21 million people visited the county last year. “This rich offering sees people spending money in our hotels, restaurants and local shops, helping our businesses to grow, creating jobs and boosting our local economy. Leicestershire is an excellent place to live, invest and visit and I’m pleased that more people are enjoying what we have to offer right on our doorstep.” Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture at Leicester City Council, said: “Tourism makes a huge contribution to our local economy, which is why it’s essential we continue to invest in our city centre, promote our heritage and support our tourism and hospitality sector. “With the recent openings of the revamped Jewry Wall Museum and Leicester Cathedral’s new visitor and heritage centre I am confident that we will be welcoming many more visitors to the city over the coming year.”

North East Lincolnshire Council has announced a new employment programme designed to help young people leaving care gain skills and secure work.

The Family Enterprise scheme aims to address the challenges faced by care leavers in entering the workforce, including low employment rates and limited access to training. Around 41% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 across the UK are not in education, employment, or training, with local figures even higher.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said the initiative marks a crucial investment in the region’s young people. “This programme is a vital step forward in helping care leavers access meaningful employment opportunities. By working closely with local businesses and partners, we are creating pathways that support young people into work, training or further education.”

Developed with input from care-experienced young people, the programme follows a successful pilot run earlier this year. Participants will take part in an 8 to 12-week course delivered by Grimsby-based training provider CPO, covering accredited learning, skills assessments, and wellbeing support. The initiative also connects participants with local employers offering placements, voluntary roles, or apprenticeships.

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said the scheme reflects a community-wide effort to back young people transitioning from care. “Our care leavers have so much potential, and this programme is about giving them the chance to thrive. It has been shaped with their voices at the heart, and I hope our community will come together to support them. When young people feel seen, heard and supported, the outcomes can be life changing.”

The scheme builds on an existing network of over 150 Foster Friendly businesses across North East Lincolnshire. The council is encouraging more local employers to engage with the initiative, which will launch its first full cohort in January 2026.