Applications have opened for companies to host events in this year’s Leicester Business Festival.
The now annual event – which was held online during the lockdown restrictions last autumn – runs again from November 8 to 18, with physical events very much back on the agenda.
Last year, 118 events took place across the two weeks and attracted more than 3,000 people. Because of their success in 2020, online events will still be an important part of the festival.
Organisers say there will be other changes to the structure for this year’s festival, including five new themes representing the key areas within Leicester and Leicestershire that have either been impacted or have done well during lockdown.
The new themes are:
Resilient Innovation – covering new products or services, life in a post-Covid 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.
This year it will be important that events fit the criteria, with each application assessed and scored on how well it meets the standards – which can be found at www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com
Helen Donnellan, Director of Business Engagement at headline partner De Montfort University 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.”
Scott Knowles, chief executive of festival partner East Midlands Chamber, said “As the Ƶ 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.”
The deadline to submit applications is Friday September 10.
