Organisers of the seventh annual Leicester Business Festival say it has shown how the local business scene is battling on after a gruelling 18 months.
Some 1,880 people attended the two weeks of events, with more than a fifth coming from outside the Leicester and Leicestershire region, including a handful from overseas.
The 90 registered events were a mix of live and virtual gatherings, and showcased everything from disability awareness to using Instagram to promote business, workforce wellbeing, and creating good PR.
Helen Donnellan, director of business engagement at festival headline sponsor De Montfort University, said 鈥淭his year, the Leicester Business Festival (LBF) really felt like a central point for the business community to get back together, whether that was online or in-person.
鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to see what鈥檚 in store for 2022.鈥
Richard Osborn, chair of the community interest company which runs the festival, said: 鈥淭hank you to everyone who has supported the LBF, without the support from the local community, the festival would not be where it is.
鈥淲e are delighted to welcome new members to the board over the coming weeks, it鈥檚 really going to help bring fresh ideas for the future of the LBF.鈥
Mike Dalzell, director of tourism, culture and investment at Leicester City Council said 鈥淭he 2021 LBF has been a true representation of the resilience and dedication of the local business community. It has been fantastic to see everyone utilise the free events to build knowledge and skills.
鈥淎 hybrid festival has really enhanced the accessibility of the events, allowing people from outside the county, even the country, to join in with the activity鈥
The organisers said the festival will return in 2022, with the dates announced in the coming weeks and with new members on the board.
