Business community gathers to connect and celebrate Charnwood
Published: Thu 6th March, 2025
The Celebrating & Connecting Business inCharnwood event took place at Charnwood Campus in Loughborough on 5 March
The Charnwood business community gathered to connect and celebrate the borough at a free event in Loughborough.
The Celebrating & Connecting Business inCharnwood event took place at Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation and Technology Park on Wednesday, 5 March.
Around 100 guests attended as local businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders came together to share insights, network and explore growth opportunities.
The event also celebrated the success of those who have received support through Charnwood Borough Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund-backed Loughborough University Emerging Startup Accelerator and Leicestershire Business Advice Service Scale Up programme.
Councillor Jenni Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “It was fantastic to see so many businesses and entrepreneurs come together to connect, share insights, and celebrate the thriving business community in Charnwood.
“Events like this not only highlight the incredible innovation and success happening locally but also provide valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration.
“We are committed to helping businesses grow and succeed. We look forward to continuing to support our local business community and driving economic prosperity in Charnwood."
Gosia Khrais, commercial and marketing director of the Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation and Technology Park, said: “It’s fantastic to host such an important event celebrating the collaborative business environment within Charnwood.
“Events like this really show the strength of our community and the impact that our activities have on the local economy.
“Please get in touch with us if you are looking for any assistance with your life sciences businesses or looking for a new home for your business.”
Hosted by Martin Traynor OBE, chair of Loughborough Town Deal, the event opened with a welcome from Cllr Tillotson, followed by an update from the Council’s economic and regeneration team.
There was then a panel discussion, ‘From Startup to Scale – Stories, Strategies and Success’ - chaired by Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE and featuring local business leaders Maz Patel (Scope Construction), George Oliver (1284 Communications Ltd), Tara Marshall (These Hands Academy Ltd), and Owen Jones (EngiComposting and The PassioN.etwork), who shared real-world experiences, solutions for overcoming challenges, and insights into funding and innovation.
Andy Leather, group operations manager at Loughborough-based company Adey Steel, gave a talk on investing in a skilled workforce through the Adey Academy, and there was an update on life sciences and innovation at Charnwood Campus from Dr Lucille Alexander.
Guests also received expert advice on business support, with speakers from the British Business Bank, Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, the University of Leicester’s GreenerFutures Leicestershire programme, and the Department for Business & Trade, covering finance, sustainability and exporting opportunities.
The event concluded with networking over lunch, providing a valuable opportunity for businesses to make connections, seek guidance, and explore potential collaborations.
The event was organised by inCharnwood, a brand developed by the Council’s regeneration and economic development team. The team works closely with other parts of the Council, businesses and with a wide range of partner organisations to help create a strong economy for the area.
It also recently launched Business Connect inCharnwood – a new partnership to help drive investment in the borough.
The aim is to bring together businesses and the Council to shape future policies, schemes and innovations to help companies thrive in the area.