Published: Mon 27th November, 2023

A sold-out entrepreneurial event took place in Charnwood on November 15 as part of the Leicester Business Festival.

The Inspiring Entrepreneurs event organised by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Loughborough University offered an insight into both successes and challenges of developing a business.

The event included a number of entrepreneur and start-up speakers as well as interactive sessions.

Talks also included advice on how to bring in a team into a business and how to access funding and investment.

The event was held at the University’s business incubator, LUinc. at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres said: “I am so pleased to see so many entrepreneurs in the borough attend this event and gain vital information and advice.”

Rajinder Bhuhi, Incubation and Acceleration Associate at Loughborough University, worked with Charnwood Borough Council to organise the event. She said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to welcome new start-ups keen to grow their businesses.

“With bases at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park and the Career and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre, we’re committed to providing entrepreneurs with the training, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed.

“We work with all kinds of businesses and there’s a supportive community here which members also want to tap into. It was great to work with Charnwood Borough Council to make the event happen, and we look forward to future events.”

The event featured were talks from business owners, directors and creative directors, Tobias Gould, Kate Allan and Ben Bradshaw, who shared their business journey and reflected on their challenges and successes. The event was hosted by LUinc Incubator Manager, Pete Hitchings.

This event is part of the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project which is being supported by Loughborough Town Deal which has secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund.

Loughborough Town Deal is backing 11 projects which are boosting skills, helping regenerate the town and supporting the visitor economy. The projects are worth over £40 million of total investment into Loughborough.