Winners of the Niche Business Awards revealed

One company won three awards in total.

Businesses 'joined the carnival' at the Niche Business Awards on Friday night for the 2023 ceremony celebrating the winning Leicestershire companies and individuals.

Bhumika Parmar, director of BP Legal, headline sponsor of the Niche Business Awards, said: “I’ve never been to a business event like it! It was full of life and gave businesses a rare opportunity to get to know each other better in an environment that leaves work behind and springs relationships forward.

Headline Sponsor Bhumika Parmar of BP Legal

The event is well-known for its quirky themes and breaking down business formalities, bringing local professionals together to celebrate one another's success, rather than compete.

With an explosive carnival theme, business people united through vibrant music and movement with a spectacular showcase of upbeat carnival anthems. Drummers, dancers, interactive games and dazzling pyrotechnics encouraged over 450 guests to let go of work stresses and come together as one.

Formed nine years ago, the awards promote Leicestershire as a great place to live, work and visit, showcasing the organisations and individuals that make a positive impact on the local economy.

Now one of the most popular dates on the Leicestershire business calendar, the awards have seen more than 3,000 nominations over the years and awarded some of the most deserving local businesses and charities.

This year, the Cultural Quarter erupted with carnival colour as the Niche Business Awards celebrated Leicestershire businesses at Athena on Friday, September 8.

Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions, which organises the Niche Business Awards, said: “We’ve received more nominations than ever before, which tells us that Leicestershire businesses are more determined this year to celebrate their success.

"The cost-of-living crisis has caused businesses to become savvier and more proactive with their marketing and I think they’re making the effort to get involved with ceremonies like the Niche Business Awards because they see that award recognition can ultimately build trust and attract new clients and customers.

Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions

"Leicestershire has a thriving business community, one that acts as a benchmark for other cities to aspire to. The ceremony has been a great success and it was a fantastic theme to celebrate Leicester’s culture and bring the community together.”

Bhumika added: "We’ve loved working with Cross Productions on the Niche Business Awards 2023.

"We got behind the ethos of the awards many years ago and have sponsored the Businessman of the Year category in previous years.

"This year, our business has experienced another growth spurt making it the perfect time for us to take on headline sponsorship. I’m incredibly pleased with the judge’s results and was an honour to enjoy such a dazzling event with such wonderful business people.”

Among this year’s winners are large businesses that operate across the UK as well as family-run SMEs in industries ranging from leisure to logistics and from education to environmental. Nominate for the Niche Business Awards 2024 from this December at nichemagazine.co.uk/awards.

NICHE BUSINESS AWARDS 2023 WINNERS:

All winners of the Niche Business Awards 2023

Best Family Business Sponsored By Kazzoo Premier Logistics Eco Excellence Sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear EkoJoe Best Small Business Sponsored by Trident Pattersons Commercial Law Employer of the Year Sponsored by KSAB Law Everards of Leicestershire Customer Service Sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group Bistro Live Businessman of the Year Sponsored by BP Legal Atul Lakhani – Sanjay Foods Hospitality Sponsored by PPL PRS Bistro Live Professional Services Sponsored By Jerroms Miller Specialist Tax Springfields Advisory Best Large Business Sponsored by Cymer Marketing Premier Logistics Charity of the Year Sponsored by HIT Technology Charity Link Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by CRS Matrix Pete Frost - Unity Rising Star Sponsored by Barratt Smith Brown Macauley Christopher – Premier Logistics Businesswoman of the Year Sponsored by Furnley House Sarah Higgins – Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching Best New Business Sponsored by Hollingsworths On Poynt Creative Community Champion Sponsored by The Bridge Sean Baker – Spectrum Sensory Sports CIC Creative Hickman & Smith Architects Business Growth Sponsored by Aims Teamwork Partnership