Businesses from across the region gathered at Leicester’s Grand Hotel on 5th December to say ‘Cheers to the Year’ at East Midlands Chamber’s annual Christmas Lunch.
Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s been so good to get the East Midlands business community together at the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch, reflect on the year gone by and look to next. With the strengths we have as a region and our landmark document – the Framework for Growth – recently launched, setting out key policy asks for political leaders to enable the region to thrive, this is a good time to look ahead.
“It’s been a tough year for business with high costs and strong headwinds to navigate but the shared insight you get at high profile Chamber events where members can network, build connections and reflect on all aspects of the year, celebrate resilience and innovation, is a good starting point as we head toward 2026. I’d like to wish all those in the East Midlands a fantastic, healthy and prosperous Christmas and new year.”
Jenny Colver, partner in employment law at Knights, the drinks sponsor for the event, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the Chamber. We think it will be a valuable relationship for us and for the Chamber and are looking forward to continuing and developing that relationship next year.”
John McCay works in business development for Veridis, a mechanical and electrical engineers and net zero specialist. He said: “As predicted, the last year has been one in which there has been no fat for many businesses. The key challenge has been to make sure we continue to keep raising the quality of our services and their value and to have enough projects to see us growing. We are confident that with the Chamber’s help we can position ourselves as an enabler of top level solutions for businesses. We see our relationship with the Chamber as a three, four or five year plan, the impact of which will be creating jobs and new projects.”
Scott Charlish, wealth manager RBC Brewin Dolphin said: “With the new Government in place I had hoped there would be a clear runway of policy designed for growth at both local and national level. This seems to be out of reach for the time being and I would hope 2026 provides focus on the positive and essential upticks we all need. There are so many good people with so many good ideas but the head winds they face are colossal. “
Gareth Henfrey from Ace Cleaning Company, said: “ 2025 has been a rocky year with plenty of ups and downs but I think 2026 is going to be a busy year with lots of opportunities for the East Midlands.”
