leicester business women christmas newsletter

Leicester Business Women’s Leicester Business Women’s Leicester Business Women’s Leicester Business Women’s Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter

Well, what can I say? On behalf of the Leicester Business Women project team, 2011 has been an extremely successful year for us all!!! And we would like to “Thank You” “Thank You” “Thank You” “Thank You” for helping us and supporting us with your thoughts,

ideas and inspiration, not to mention all the people that you have been referring to the programme.

It just wouldn’t be the same without you!!It just wouldn’t be the same without you!!It just wouldn’t be the same without you!!It just wouldn’t be the same without you!! We did initially think that we would be closing the project towards the end of year, but with a lot of help, we have managed to sustain this programme for another year, well into 2012. This is great for us as it means that we can focus on helping you for longer and meeting with and supporting many other women across Leicester. However, this year has not been without its struggles for us, we’ve worked extremely hard to get to where we are now and this has meant that we’ve had to know where we wanted to be in December 2011. I really hope that you will use the same concept for your business and ideas as to where you would like to be in December 2012. As the year draws to a close, use the time to consider: ♦ What would you like to have achieved by Christmas 2012? ♦ What personal goals have you set for yourself in 2012? ♦ How are you going to reach these goals? ♦ What are you doing everyday to ensure that you achieve these goals? To get you started, here are some of the Leicester Business Women’s goals for 2012: ♦ Deliver 9 more training programmes reaching even more women who wish to follow their dreams!! ♦ 4 more ambassadors meetings to ensure we are listening to you and to the programme the best it can be ♦ A programme of networking events for you to meet like minded women—sent out to you early in the New

Year ♦ A celebratory event for Leicester Business Women, members and partners ♦ Helping females in the county reach their goals for 2012

Please remember that Leicester Business Women are here to help and support you on your journey “You’re not alone” “You’re not alone” “You’re not alone” “You’re not alone” so if you are not sure where you’d like to be, make sure you book a one to one appointment

with one of our advisors as soon as possible so that you get the best possible start to 2012 that you can. For further information about the Leicester Business Women programme please contact Heena Mistry or Nicole Hocking on 0116 251 8730 or view our website www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk

BraunstoneBraunstoneBraunstoneBraunstone St Matthews St Matthews St Matthews St Matthews

Leicester Business Women’s programme of training workshops will be continuing in 2012. The series of workshops have been designed to help ladies from Leicester start up their own business from an idea they may have or to earn income from a hobby. Our support is second to none, and we pride ourselves on the number of women that have developed in confidence and their business through with our support. Our programme covers key elements to consider when setting up plus developing your confidence & overcoming obstacles. Leicester Business Women’s next programme of workshops beginning in January 2012.

Date Time Venue Workshop

24.01.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

St Matthews TBC

Now Is The Time

26.01.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

St Matthews TBC

Your Passion Plan

31.01.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

St Matthews TBC

Your Financial Planning

02.02.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

St Matthews TBC

Motivate Yourself

07.02.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

St Matthews TBC

Your Style, Your Selling, Your Brand

09.02.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

St Matthews TBC

Influence Your World

Date Time Venue Workshop

21.02.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Braunstone TBC

Now Is The Time

23.02.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Braunstone TBC

Your Passion Plan

28.02.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Braunstone TBC

Your Financial Planning

01.03.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Braunstone TBC

Motivate Yourself

06.03.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Braunstone TBC

Your Style, Your Selling, Your Brand

08.03.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Braunstone TBC

Influence Your World


Many of our members registered their business and successfully started trading after overcoming any motivation and confidence issues, battling through those barriers and facing their fears with the help of Leicester Business Women. Each and everyone having their own reason why they want to become a successful business women whether to have flexible working hours to have more time with family/children, to be their own boss or just simply to earn an income from doing something which they love. If you have been through Leicester Business Women’s training programme but need that final push and further support or if you have not yet attended our workshop training programme but would like the follow your dreams and start your very own business like the ladies mentioned opposite then contact Leicester Business Women today as this FREE opportunity is only available until June 2012.

“Because I wanted the freedom to work around “Because I wanted the freedom to work around “Because I wanted the freedom to work around “Because I wanted the freedom to work around my children, to make my own my children, to make my own my children, to make my own my children, to make my own

decisions and watch my ideas become reality” decisions and watch my ideas become reality” decisions and watch my ideas become reality” decisions and watch my ideas become reality” Leah Golde of Inside Out Holistic Health & Beauty

Leicester Business Women would like to say a HUGE congratulation to the following ladies who have followed their dreams, over come barriers, faced their fears and successfully started their own businesses this year: Manisha Jethwa of MVEEZ Leena Mistry of New Leaf Family Services Bhavna Champaneira of On Trend Cathy Harrell of Arrow Service Sofya Valieva of Fandomace Limited Sarah Johnson of Dance Fit Studios Hannah Ingram of Destiny Personal Training Hannah Myatt of Doe Demure Kathleen Jones of Kin Burley—Jones Leah Golde of Inside Out Holistic Health & Beauty Nadia Gani of Miracle Halal Mineralz Dawn Chivers of Liz Knight of Fatima Gordon Sue Thompson Justine Bates Deb King Tania Knight Juli Stevens of Snow Web Design Nikita Kevat of Nikki’s Hot Extensions Limited Minal Karia Mariana Rodrigues of The Cake Queen Emma Brown Gail Pringle Lisa Fox Farhana Shaikh of Dahlia Publishing Limited Rosemin Hassam of Cake Daze Laura Musgrave Lois McNab of Kinetic Law Services Divya Popat Elizabeth Suffolk of Arnford Book Keeping Limited Punum Patel of Top Table Occasions Bhanu Jadeja-Mahal of Inspire 2 Inspire Fatima Patel of Fatima’s Reflexology Barbara Read of BASKA Crystal Voyle of Aparna Nardekar of KiyA


Leicester Business Women have supported over 500 women since the project began in September 2009. Many of these women have gone onto start their own businesses, with some of them starting more than one business, clearly showing how effective the Leicester Business Women programme is in encouraging and empowering local women from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds to support themselves. This month, we’ve highlighted Leena Mistry and Lois McNab’s successes:

Leena Mistry previously worked in the social care industry and with her experience and knowledge wanted to provide an improved service which she felt the industry very much needed. Leena has now set up New Leaf Family Services offering a prevention and quality service allowing more families to come together by offering the skills to enable a positive assessment.

So, how did Leena do it? One of the things that all Leicester Business Women staff noticed about Leena was her enthusiasm and total commitment to this idea and her ability to not let a NO get her down! Although, Leena does talk about some of her barriers which include other people’s lack of confidence in her idea, the feeling of failure and the non launch of the business (however this was more due to finding premises than Leena). Leena goes onto say “I Think “I Think “I Think “I Think barriers will always present themselves in different ways its about being positive and seeing an solution every barriers will always present themselves in different ways its about being positive and seeing an solution every barriers will always present themselves in different ways its about being positive and seeing an solution every barriers will always present themselves in different ways its about being positive and seeing an solution every time even when you don’t want to.”time even when you don’t want to.”time even when you don’t want to.”time even when you don’t want to.”

After completing the Leicester Business Women training programme, Leena made sure that she made the most of the services that Leicester Business Women offer by meeting with her advisor – Jacqui Tillyard on a regular basis and ensuring that she completed her action points after each session. “Jacqui Tillyard supported me “Jacqui Tillyard supported me “Jacqui Tillyard supported me “Jacqui Tillyard supported me personally and helped me focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would recommend her as she personally and helped me focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would recommend her as she personally and helped me focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would recommend her as she personally and helped me focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would recommend her as she certainly has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.”certainly has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.”certainly has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.”certainly has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.” In addition, Leena also

attends the networking events on a regular basis as its fun and interesting as well as motivational for a new business. “I have gained two excellent friends from the networking and they have been a great support late “I have gained two excellent friends from the networking and they have been a great support late “I have gained two excellent friends from the networking and they have been a great support late “I have gained two excellent friends from the networking and they have been a great support late night calls coaching a telling off which keeps me on the straight and narrow. Its been really great and night calls coaching a telling off which keeps me on the straight and narrow. Its been really great and night calls coaching a telling off which keeps me on the straight and narrow. Its been really great and night calls coaching a telling off which keeps me on the straight and narrow. Its been really great and continues to be sharing our adventures with one another as we all feel similar. Running and setting up your continues to be sharing our adventures with one another as we all feel similar. Running and setting up your continues to be sharing our adventures with one another as we all feel similar. Running and setting up your continues to be sharing our adventures with one another as we all feel similar. Running and setting up your own business is can be scary its nice to share with others.” own business is can be scary its nice to share with others.” own business is can be scary its nice to share with others.” own business is can be scary its nice to share with others.”

“The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and always positive and “The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and always positive and “The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and always positive and “The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and always positive and flexible in my requirements. I would say I have been quite a challenging applicant yet the team have always flexible in my requirements. I would say I have been quite a challenging applicant yet the team have always flexible in my requirements. I would say I have been quite a challenging applicant yet the team have always flexible in my requirements. I would say I have been quite a challenging applicant yet the team have always been able to support with not just the business but with myself as an individual and have (and continue to) been able to support with not just the business but with myself as an individual and have (and continue to) been able to support with not just the business but with myself as an individual and have (and continue to) been able to support with not just the business but with myself as an individual and have (and continue to) support and educate me in making the current decisions to assist with taking my business forward.” support and educate me in making the current decisions to assist with taking my business forward.” support and educate me in making the current decisions to assist with taking my business forward.” support and educate me in making the current decisions to assist with taking my business forward.”

And we’re also very proud to say that Leena has won the Shell Live Wire awards this month too! Well done!!!

For those of you looking to start a business, here are Leena’s top tips for setting up:

1. Planning with plenty of time whether that is a business plan or target market or funding options,

2. Believe in yourself and the dream and

3. Be open to learning and developing as this will always help you grow.

And finally, Leena’s overall view of Leicester Business Women? “I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I’m going off “I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I’m going off “I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I’m going off “I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I’m going off to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. Its great like a comfort to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. Its great like a comfort to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. Its great like a comfort to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. Its great like a comfort blanket as a child.” blanket as a child.” blanket as a child.” blanket as a child.”

Leena Mistry - New Leaf Family Services


Lois McNab joined Leicester Business Women in May 2010 when she heard about the programme through the Leicester Link magazine. Since then, Lois with her partner Gina went onto set up their business – Kinetic Law Services in August 2010 after attending the Leicester Business Women training programme. The business has been set up as a co operative enterprise as the structure suits their values. She goes onto mention, “We “We “We “We have attended training and networking events which we found helpful in developing have attended training and networking events which we found helpful in developing have attended training and networking events which we found helpful in developing have attended training and networking events which we found helpful in developing contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and organisations we know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and organisations we know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and organisations we know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and organisations we know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and word of mouth recommendations from other contacts.”word of mouth recommendations from other contacts.”word of mouth recommendations from other contacts.”word of mouth recommendations from other contacts.” Lois and Gina noticed a gap in the legal market by providing a holistic approach where the client is guided to find their own solutions. This is an innovative way of providing a legal service which caters for the well being of their clients as they had found through their 32 years of combined experience of the legal world, when the client presents a problem in one area of their life, it can and does impact on other areas of their life. Lois goes onto talk about how ““““setting up and developing your own business allows you the freedom to be setting up and developing your own business allows you the freedom to be setting up and developing your own business allows you the freedom to be setting up and developing your own business allows you the freedom to be creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend it..” creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend it..” creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend it..” creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend it..” They found that the main challenges in

starting a business were not becoming overwhelmed with the idea of starting a business and ensuring that you have quality time at home – including time for yourself and your family. Lois’s advice to others wanting to set up a business is to allow yourself at least a year from conception, ““““everything has a growth process everything has a growth process everything has a growth process everything has a growth process and developing a business is no different.”and developing a business is no different.”and developing a business is no different.”and developing a business is no different.” Her advice for other women setting up in business is:

• Develop your self belief – the potential is within you!

• Draw on your experience, knowledge and skills from friends, colleagues and family around you.

• Decide on an idea that stirs your spirit and a way WILL be found! See some of the comments from Kinetic Law Services below: “I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind.“I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind.“I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind.“I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind. I found you approachable; both I found you approachable; both I found you approachable; both I found you approachable; both sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and easy to understand and your sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and easy to understand and your sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and easy to understand and your sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and easy to understand and your approach to my problem was exactly what was required.approach to my problem was exactly what was required.approach to my problem was exactly what was required.approach to my problem was exactly what was required. When I was feeling completely overwhelmed you When I was feeling completely overwhelmed you When I was feeling completely overwhelmed you When I was feeling completely overwhelmed you efficiently dealt with all issues without being patronising or uncaring.efficiently dealt with all issues without being patronising or uncaring.efficiently dealt with all issues without being patronising or uncaring.efficiently dealt with all issues without being patronising or uncaring. I was more than impressed.“ I was more than impressed.“ I was more than impressed.“ I was more than impressed.“ S.Parry, WolverhamptonS.Parry, WolverhamptonS.Parry, WolverhamptonS.Parry, Wolverhampton “The Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a special thank “The Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a special thank “The Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a special thank “The Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a special thank you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.”you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.”you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.”you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.” Please see www.kineticlawservices.co.uk for further details about services Lois McNab - Kinetic Law Services


Working with all the ladies of Leicester Business Women the past year has been a privilege. Seeing you through the journey that you take, especially from the very first application interview where they tell us of your business idea or their hobby which you wish to turn into a business.

And then to go on through our programme, overcoming your barriers, face your fears and gain the confidence and motivation is truly inspirational. I enjoy the fact that each of your dreams are different

and unique in many ways. I look forward to working with all of you ladies again plus many others who wish to follow their dreams and become a successful business women in Leicester Business Women’s final 6 months. I wish you all and your families a very Merry Christmas and I hope 2012 will bring each and everyone of you hope, success and joy!! Best wishes, Nicole x

Each time, I speak with any of our Leicester Business Women members, it truly motivates me to make this project better and more accessible to women out there and I realise how important it is to develop your networks and keep your motivation and focus going! Delivering this project over the past few years has been, and continues to be a journey of development as much for me as it is for you - all our members. I have to admit that it is because of you, your ideas, commitment and journey that my role has been so varied and interesting. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you throughout this year and I hope that we will be seeing many more women create their own successful businesses over the next few years through projects like Leicester Business Women! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year! Best Wishes, Heena x

Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us” wisdom that experience can instill in us” wisdom that experience can instill in us” wisdom that experience can instill in us”

Hal Borland

The highlight for me was that the Leicester Business Women Project was shortlisted for the Ernst & Young sponsored Start Up Britain Best Enterprise Support Award. To be selected to be one of 5 nationwide, was a great accolade and allowed the project to be looked at by some very influential Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders. On the awards night over 600 people attended the dinner which again provided fantastic exposure for the project and the excellent work it has done to encourage and develop female entrepreneurship in Leicester. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a happy New Year! Best wishes, David

Leicester Business Women delegates 2011 have been a consistent source of inspiration for me during the year. Witnessing the challenges each and every one of you face and your courage in

facing your fears, taking action and 'going for it' towards creating the business and life of your dreams is absolutely my pleasure. It reminds me how lucky I am to be doing what I love for a living and to be a small part of your 'SUCCESS' makes me incredibly proud. For those of you who have lost your way and need help, please ask for that help from us and remember (in the words of the mad trainer Lou) "you don't wear your underwear over your clothes, you are NOT wonder woman, ask for help!" I look forward to hearing all about what's happening with your business in 2012. Wishing you all an incredibly Happy Christmas and balanced and prosperous New Year! My best, Lou x


On behalf of all the staff and directors at Vision we would like to wish all the Leicester Business Women a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year! Congratulations to all of you that kept finding the strength, courage and commitment to you and your business through the tough times.

When you earn your living with a sense of joy and purpose it truly does fulfil your sense of achievement. Best Wishes, Sharon x

Looking back over 2011 at Leicester Business Women is particularly encouraging. So many Leicester women have gone through the programme and gained such confidence. Combine that with

a growing network of supportive and motivational friends, and you have the ingredients for success. I have really enjoyed the Networking events, especially seeing the enthusiasm and the friendship of those

attending. In June, we had 25 talented and enthusiastic ladies attending the Financial Planning Masterclass networking event. May I wish everyone connected with Leicester Business Women a very happy Christmas; I hope that 2012 brings you all that you seek, and more, as your successful journey continues.

Best wishes, Jim

Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..Leicester Business Women’s thoughts of 2011…..

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its

first chapter is New Year's Dayfirst chapter is New Year's Dayfirst chapter is New Year's Dayfirst chapter is New Year's Day” Edith Lovejoy Pierce

We have now made our Business Lounge available for Leicester Business Women members to give you the chance to work on your business whilst in a social environment. Our Training Room has full internet access and laptops which you can use. This would also be a great time to meet up with like minded women whilst you work. Our Business Lounge is available at the following times: Monday 10.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday 10.00am – 3.00pm Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm Thursday 1.00pm – 3.00pm Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm Saturday and Sunday closed

Address: Skills for Enterprise, 4th Floor,2-4 Colton Street, Leicester, LE1 1QA

However booking in advance is essential! If this is something that you feel you, your business idea or your business would benefit from and would like to make the most of this FREE space in a business environment then please contact Nicole either via email [email protected] or call me on 0116 251 8730

“The course and workshops have motivated and inspired “The course and workshops have motivated and inspired “The course and workshops have motivated and inspired “The course and workshops have motivated and inspired me so much. I have a true belief in myself and know I me so much. I have a true belief in myself and know I me so much. I have a true belief in myself and know I me so much. I have a true belief in myself and know I

can accomplish what ever my heart requires” can accomplish what ever my heart requires” can accomplish what ever my heart requires” can accomplish what ever my heart requires” Roshni Meisura


VIRTUAL OFFICE PACKAGE FOR YOU

Why not start 2012 with a professional look for your business???

Skills for Enterprise has always been dedicated to helping new start up businesses succeed, by providing tools to help grow your business what ever stage you’re in, including our Virtual Office service. Do you need you an extra pair of hands to help you get on with more important tasks and to help grow your business, Skills for Enterprise can help. We also have complimentary services available such as Word Processing and photocopying at an additional cost. Skills for Enterprise always encourage people to follow their dreams and turn their business ideas into reality with packages such as: • ‘City Centre Business Address’ service

only £12.99 + VAT per month. This package is ideal for people working from home and want a professional city centre address represent their business. • ‘Basic’ Virtual Office package at only £49

per month, to help those on a tight budget. • ‘Standard Package’ now reduced to only

£99 per month. For more information or to find out about tailored

packages, check out www.skillsforenterprise.co.uk and visit our Virtual Office page. Alternatively, please contact Baljit

Nagra on 0116 275 5535.

Loud & Clear Voice Coaching, Priscilla Morris

Priscilla Morris has developed huge expertise in voice coaching following a career of achievement in the Voice Management industry. Priscilla is one of the UK’s leading spoken voice experts since 1972, she has hosted workshops on Voice and Performance for ITV Central (Television Workshop) See below Loud & Clear Voice Coaching training programme for 2012: ‘Dynamic Speaking’ 3rd February 2012, Premier Inn, Leicester Fosse Park, 9.00am to 5.00pm Full day Presentation Skills Training. Includes DVD of filmed presentations. £210.00 including lunch ‘Voice Matters in Business’28th February 2012, Premier Inn, Leicester Fosse Park, 9.30am to 12.30pm A practical workshop to develop your voice skills. £40.00 ‘Being Vocal in a Man’s World’ 7th March 2012, Premier Inn, Leicester Fosse Park, 9.30am to 12.30pm Understanding the key differences between male & female communication. £40.00 For further information please call free 0800 083 4082 or visit www.loudandclearuk.com

Finding your formula for success

From Nottingham to Beverly Hills: “Finding your Formula for success” This is a highly motivational and hugely entertaining workshop with winning strategies combined with the lessons I have learnt from interviewing and working alongside some of the most successful Entrepreneurs around the world. Formula for Success is about understanding and developing your own personal formula in business, which will help you become more successful in the future. You will also gain an awareness that for every positive habit, negative ones also exist which has a tendency of sabotaging all of your best efforts. “Come along and learn how to switch off the voice in your head that steals all your confidence and

courage” The benefits that you will gain from attending the workshop are: ♦ Increased confidence and self esteem in your products and services, by learning to sell and promote

yourself with passion and enthusiasm. ♦ You will feel motivated to learn from the experience and knowledge of others. ♦ Identifying how your business can fail in order to be more successful in the future. ♦ Understanding how to provide a personal touch to future clients, being in business is about your reputation and making a profit. ♦ Develop the courage to conquer personal self-doubts and fears ♦ Developing personal survival strategies for the future. ♦ Understanding and forming good habits that will help you stay focused and make better decisions. By the time you leave you will have a toolbox of techniques, skills and new ways of thinking that will mean that you are ready to face your life with renewed energy and SELF-CONFIDENCE in you and your business My Experience: With over 15 years of business success my credentials include speaking at NO 10 Downing Street, The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, various events in Antigua, The Goodenough College London with John Bird the founder of The Big Issue and I’ve delivered inspirational women in business talks alongside Agony Aunt Claire Rayner. Where: Vision Development Consultants Head Office, 2nd Floor 63B Mansfield Road Nottingham NG1 3FN 0115 9418242

www.visionconsulttraining.com Delivery Date: 23rd February 2012 Time: 10.am -4.30.pm Cost: £95. Per Person – There will be a 25% Discount for those women who are registered with The Skill’s for Enterprise Leicester Business Women.



Christmas is a time of celebration and the last thing on most people’s mind is staying fit and healthy never mind attending a regular exercise class. Does this sound familiar? ♦ I’m too busy with Christmas preparations to fit any exercise into my day ♦ I’ve been invited to so many Christmas dinners and parties, it’s really hard to keep on track with Healthy eating and exercise. ♦ I love Christmas and I always tend to over do the eating and drinking ♦ I will start my New Year’s Resolution fitness regime in January If any of the above sound familiar then here’s a few tips from the Dancefit Studio to help you enjoy your Christmas celebrations without going overboard. ♦ A little exercise is better than nothing – talk a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, especially between

courses on Christmas Day ♦ If you can’t make it to an exercise class over the holidays ask for an exercise DVD for Christmas – Zumba for the Wii is excellent – bring the exercise class to your home and get the whole family to join in ♦ Cut the calories – stay away from high calorie alcohol drinks such as mulled wine – (which contains a massive 253 calories per small glass!!) Opt for low calorie drinks such as dry white wine (much lower at 83 calories per small glass). Don’t laden your Christmas Pudding with cream and tell people you are continuing your healthy eating over the holidays and ask them not to buy you loads of chocolates!!! If the temptation is not there then you won’t reach for it. ♦ Have some wind down time for yourself too. Christmas is fun but can be “all go” as well. Try some relaxation exercises like yoga, meditation, or go for a swim as these can be great ways to have a bit of ‘me’ time. ♦ Last but not least plan your fitness regime for the New Year – it’s advisable to book your exercise classes in advance, especially for January because everyone will be thinking the same thing – ‘My New Year’s resolution is to get fit’. Classes will be busy and you may be turned away if you haven’t booked in advance!! The Dancefit Studio is offering FREE Taster Session between Christmas and New Year if you fancy starting your regime early. Thursday 29th December – 5.30pm – 8pm – sessions are on going during that time so feel free to just turn up and try our great new classes such as Bokwa, Ab-solutely Fab Abs, Jazzfit, Disco Divas and much more.

Sarah Johnson of Dance Fit Studios

Sarah’s thoughts on Sarah’s thoughts on Sarah’s thoughts on Sarah’s thoughts on Keeping fit over the Christmas and New Year BreakKeeping fit over the Christmas and New Year BreakKeeping fit over the Christmas and New Year BreakKeeping fit over the Christmas and New Year Break


Funding Applications Information and Advice by Sue Grogan of Joined-Up Working Leicestershire

1 Decide WHAT you want to do e.g.: Design, produce and sell products Creative writing or artistic activity Self help / Well being activity Community support Provide services to others etc

2 Identify WHICH funding stream(s) you can apply to: Use the internet to search for funding streams Search using key words from your idea as well as funding e.g.: ♦ What you want to do (food, children, sport etc) ♦ What area you want to work in (design, hospitality, care, legal etc) ♦ Geographic area (if you want to work in a specific area)

Websites to look at include: Leics Funding Toolkit http://www.fundingtoolkit.org/ Big Lottery http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ Comic Relief http://www.comicrelief.com/ Arts Council http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/ Sports Council http://www.sportengland.org/ Prince’s Trust http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/ Grant finder http://www.grantfinder.co.uk/ Funding Finder http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/fundingfinder_england/ Government funding http://www.governmentfunding.org.uk/

3 CHECK the criteria for each funding stream Check your eligibility – e.g.: do you need to register as a charity, business? Is there an age range? What timescales are there? etc Make sure your idea fits what they will fund – if it doesn’t, look at another one or think again.

4 READ the application forms Look at each question carefully. What are they asking? Draft out a short answer for each question.

5 CONTACT Sue Grogan for more help! Visit: www.joinedupwork.co.uk Email: [email protected]: 07754 150 559

Business Box, Oswin Road Leicester LE3 1HR Tel: 07754 150 559

E: [email protected] www.joinedupwork.co.uk

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