Businesses from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire gathered for one of the biggest events in the calendar – East Midlands Chamber’s Christmas Lunch, which took place at Athena, Leicester on 6th December.
Comedian Ted Robbins, known for unforgettable performances in Phoenix Nights, Benidorm and Little Britain headed up a programme of live entertainment, which followed a three-course gourmet meal. Content marketing consultancy LikeMind Media sponsored the overall event and Barclays Eagle Labs were the welcome drinks sponsor.
East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins, reaching the end of a two-year term in post opened the event. He said: “This lunch has long signalled the start of the festive season. The Chamber supports thousands of organisations and individuals each year and I want to thank the Chamber team for the work they have done in 2024.”
Incoming East Midlands Chamber President Dawn Whitemore said: “I’m really looking forward to the new year as Chamber President and to playing a part in making a difference for the region.”
LikeMind Media sponsored the event. CEO Paul Ince said: “We’re a big part of the East Midlands business community and this event is a great, positive celebration at Christmas with a party atmosphere. That’s a great opportunity to have conversations with businesses. The relationships people can build at networking events like the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch tend to be on strong foundations. When you’re in a relaxed atmosphere, you get to know people in business better, and that’s when those stronger relationships are built.
“We’re hoping to make 2025 the year we grow. We’re working with the Department for Business and Trade to try and export our signature service JourneyWeb to other territories; probably the US being the most likely. Building on the success we’ve had in the East Midlands and the UK more broadly, we’re looking to see if we can take that outside the UK and be an exporter.”
TV Comedian Ted Robbins said: “It’s wonderful to be invited at Christmas to such a beautiful venue. I’ve been in the business a long time. My dad was in showbusiness. He said you need two things – be yourself and have warmth. There’s always room for funny and people always want to have a good time. If you can give someone a bit of a smile with a daft joke or two, then all the better.
“As for 2025, I’d just say if you’ve got health, that’s everything. I’ve had some heart problems and I’m hopeful to continue getting well and for work coming in. I’ve been talking to Peter Kay and a few others and I don’t yet know what the future holds. My message to people here in the East Midlands this Christmas would be to treat every person well who works with you, no matter what they do.”
