Associate Partners
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Associate Partners
With a strong foundation of associate partners made up of great leaders from across the East Midlands many of which operate on a National and International basis, you’ll find the right mix of professional and commercial contacts from a variety of sectors.
All partners are listed below.
Jenny Cross
CEO, Cross Productions
Rik Pancholi
Partner, Nelsons
Rob Day
Chairman & Founder, Blueprint Interiors
Adam Burrage
Managing Partner, We Are Trident
Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan
Founder of She Inspires
Phil Houlder
Director, Glenfield Electrical
David Pearson
Director of Partnerships, East Midlands Chamber
Imran Sattar
Chartered Accountant at AIMS Accountants for Business
Samantha Deakin
Head of Enterprise at University of Derby
Michelle Williams
Co-Founder & CEO, Meesh Consulting
Dr. Ameera Laher
Founder, Amedics Clinic
Situl Raithatha
Founder, Springfields Advisory
Ian Cooper
Senior Investment Manager & Head of Wealth, Brewin Dolphin
Tim Grainger
Director & Co-Founder, Weatherwise Services
Chris Goodman
Design & Print Professional , Soar Valley Press
Adam Smith
Director, Hickman & Smith Architects
Lee Paxman-Clarke
Lead Consultant, De Montfort University's Crucible Project
Paul Monk
Independent Financial Advisor, Furnley House
Nora Albaldawi
Principal Dentist, Beautiful Smiles
Rachael Briggs
Director, Landsmiths Solicitors
Bhumika Parmar
Director, BP Legal
Jenny has worked in Sales and Marketing with both local and global brands for over 20 years. Striving for excellence by seeking opportunities for businesses through dynamic marketing, Jenny partners with clients delivering her experience and expertise to ensure they achieve their most ambitious marketing goals. Having seen many of the challenges businesses face, Jenny has developed what her company offers to clients, creating a holistic approach which includes consultancy services as well as coordinating and implementing strategic marketing plans for businesses across multiple platforms. Jenny thrives on engaging with like-minded people working towards a common goal and has won numerous awards within the Leicestershire business community for leadership and commitment to her clients.
Rik was formerly the owner and director at Pattersons Commercial Law which became part of Nelsons on 31 October 2023. Rik heads the Corporate team at Nelsons’ Leicester office and specialises in corporate law, advising on acquisitions, disposals and mergers, company formations and reorganisations. Rik’s experience as a business owner makes him well-placed to advise clients on the legal and commercial challenges faced by them and their businesses. Rik prides himself on delivering a high level of client care by identifying clients’ commercial objectives and providing sensible advice to help them achieve their goals. Rik adopts a proactive approach and a high level of professionalism to pre-empt issues likely to be raised so the correct solutions can be considered.
Nicki Robson is the founder and Managing Director of Breedon Consulting Ltd, providers of integrated human resources, learning and development and recruitment services. An enthusiastic and influential leader, Nicki is focused on assisting clients to achieve operational excellence through their people and has built a team who are recognised as leaders in their field, providing SMEs with access to world-class people support and the breadth of services usually reserved for corporates. Nicki has now franchised the business to provide other HR professionals with the opportunity to run their own business using Breedon’s tried and tested methodology, and has developed a number of strategic partnerships, therefore creating further growth for Breedon. Nicki is also a shareholding director of several associated businesses and was named as Businesswoman of the Year at the 2021 Niche Business Awards.
At the heart of every business is it’s people. Blueprint Interiors creates offices where people thrive, in an environment that motivates, inspires and connects them to their colleagues. Our spaces harness culture and bring values to life, equipping businesses with the resources they need to fulfil their true potential. Through our proven consultative approach, we first gain an in depth understanding of the physical, emotive and cultural drivers behind how a business functions. Our expertise in project management, design, fit out, furniture and office technology then enables us to bring it to life, from concept to completion. Creative Director, Chloe Sproston works closely with clients in the early stages, learning all about their business objectives and company ethos, with the aim of developing a workplace strategy that can help their people to make those happen. She will then work closely with design and contracts team to shape an effective solution – including design, budget and timescales objectives – resulting in a project masterplan.
Adam joined Trident in 2006. With the family business being established in 1988, the core services were mainly in printing and graphic design. In the years since, the business has evolved over time to become full-service, offering a full range of digital marketing services. One thing that has not changed since 1988 is Trident aiming to get the best results for their customers. Adam took over the day to day running of Trident in 2020 and sees the growth of the business coming from web design and SEO and digital marketing where Trident can help businesses of all sizes grow.
Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan is the founder of Zinthiya Trust, a charity that aims to end poverty and abuse. She is also the founder of Bear Earth CIC, an organisation that is working to end period poverty in the UK as well as in other deprived communities. She also runs and She inspire (Global) Ltd, which is an organisation that supports grassroots women leaders.
Phil has more than 25 years of experience in the electrical industry. Starting with a domestic audience, he has built Glenfield Electrical to be a full service, electrical contract business. In 2018, Phil was a judge on the BBC series ‘The Best House in Town – Leicester’ and in 2019, he was named one of the 10 finalists for the Screwfix Top Tradesman UK award. Glenfield Electrical is a full scope NICEIC electrical contractors. The firm has a reputation in the Midlands for helping businesses with a wide range of electrical services, stating ‘there’s no job too large or small’. The highly professional team excel in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of electrical works in commercial premises. Providing solutions for warehouses, interiors and fit outs, offices, factories, retail outlets, and facilities management companies. Glenfield Electricals’ services cover sites such as food production, retail outlets and factories across the UK.
A qualified banker (ACIB) and a Certified International Trade Adviser, David’s background is in commercial banking where he held several roles but always focused on working with SMEs to improve their performance. He has led a variety of teams throughout his career and spent a number of years specialising in International Development. He has accompanied clients on overseas market visits and trade exhibitions and has been responsible for creating some of the key networks in the region. In 2015, David joined East Midlands Chamber and has an extensive portfolio which includes responsibility for the Chamber’s Membership Team and award-winning International Team. David also has responsibility for developing partnerships across the region, and through the Chamber’s worldwide network. He lives near Newark with his wife, dog, cat and several chickens, and is a life-long Sheffield United supporter.
As Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Imran trained in practice covering the full spectrum of compliance from record keeping to accounts preparation, tax and audit. He now focuses on helping business owners do what they do best; develop and run their organisations. His personable approach and accessibility ensures clients benefit from his wide-ranging experience. This in turn instils trust in his clients. Regardless of the industry his clients are in, he has the skillset to maximise a business’s potential. Put simply, his goal is to save tax by planning well, improve digital set-up by leaning processes, and cultivate growth by focusing on forward financials.
Building the enterprise and entrepreneurship provision at the University of Derby, and creating an environment where students, graduates and staff can have ideas and make them happen. My remit includes the oversight of Banks Mill Studios, our five-floor arts incubation and studio space in Derby, curricular and extracurricular enterprise and entrepreneurship activities on campus; and engagement with the wider startup ecosystem across the region through externally funded projects and collaborations.
Michelle Williams is the Co-Founder and CEO of Meesh Consulting, established in 2022. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in Data, Finance and IT in the Financial Services, Banking, and Travel sectors. Her multi-disciplinary approach encompasses people, processes, data, and technology to provide solutions for businesses to support growth and make data-driven decisions. She is an ambitious entrepreneur with a proven track record in delivering success with FTSE 100 company; Lloyds Banking Group. Michelle is focused on assisting clients to achieve operational excellence through accessing innovative technology creating business intelligence solutions and automating business processes.
Dr Ameera Laher has over 10 years combined experience training and working in Medicine and Aesthetics, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and a BSC in Anatomy of the Face and Body. She worked as a qualified Medical Doctor and has experience in acute medical, surgical, psychiatry and emergency medicine specialties. With a passion and skill for aesthetics, Dr Ameera made the decision to change direction and has used her medical expertise to improve the wellbeing of her clients to now become a global talent in the facial aesthetics’ space, founding Amedics Clinic in 2018. She brings a unique perspective to this highly nuanced and competitive field. She now specialises in Advanced Facial Aesthetics where her attention to detail, focus on collagen regeneration and gentle approach helps to restore the youthful definition of the face using only the best non-invasive and evidence-based treatments. She is passionate about Aesthetic Medicine and ensuring it is a regulated industry. Dr Ameera has an eye for detail and combines her knowledge of medicine with her artistic skill, to achieve uniquely beautiful results for her patients. She offers bespoke treatments to accentuate natural features and uses a multi-approach to treatment to slow the ageing process.
Situl Raithatha founded Springfields Advisory in 2001, specialising in Business Restructuring and Insolvency. Situl is a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant and Licensed Insolvency Practitioner providing expert advice to businesses facing financial difficulties. With over 30 years of experience in this niche area, he has a proven track record of helping businesses and their key stakeholders navigate complex financial situations. In addition to working with business owners, Situl regularly advises lenders, creditors, and other stakeholders on turnaround and insolvency strategies. His approach is always pragmatic and proactive, with a focus on delivering cost-effective solutions to achieve the best possible outcome.
Ian joined the Nottingham office of Brewin Dolphin in 2012 and is a Senior Investment Manager and Head of the office’s Wealth team. He advises and manages portfolios for a range of clients, predominately business owners and entrepreneurs, from early stage to exit, but also high-net-worth individuals and families. He works closely with the financial planners in the office to ensure his clients get a holistic service, including getting advice on issues such as pensions and estate planning. He also networks with professional services firms and advisers such as accountants and private equity advisers to help add value to client relationships. Ian began his financial services career in 2005 as a Fund/Equity Analyst at Duncan Lawrie Investment Management. He moved to Quilter as a Fund Research Analyst in 2009 and then to Brewin Dolphin as an Investment Companies Analyst. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst and has the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Diploma.
Having lived in the Soar Valley since the age of 9 and Tim’s life has been spent in and around Leicestershire (apart from a few years enjoying the sun in Southern Spain). Winter maintenance has been an integral part of Tim’s life for the last twelve years following a career in Sales & Recruitment. As a business, Weatherwise Services are growing year on year whilst maintaining an ethical and customer-focused service. They are always evolving and working with customers as a ‘partner’ allowing them to focus on client safety. Environmental issues are close to Tim’s heart and the circular economy is a way forward for all. He believes that we are all responsible for our environment both locally and nationally. Outside of work Tim enjoys watching sport of all types but is passionate about Cricket. Tim also enjoy meeting new people and developing relationships and is generally not shy!
Soar Valley Press is an award-winning professional print and graphic design service based in Billesdon, Leicestershire. Chris is a skilled design & print professional with 25 years of experience in this industry. He is highly knowledgeable and able to design very effective solutions for communications requirements. Sourcing high-quality design and print can be a difficult process. Soar Valley Press understands this and reassures clients with clear proposals and demonstrates a willingness to meet tight deadlines with no added stress so their client can grow their business and exceed their marketing goals.
Director at Hickman & Smith Architects Ltd. Hickman & Smith Architects is an accredited RIBA chartered practice with a passion for creating beautiful spaces. They work on the premise that good design requires the careful consideration of context, selection of materials and maximum use of natural light to create harmonious living and working spaces. Spaces only come to life when people can enjoy them, which is why they are committed to delivering projects which respond to the wishes of clients, look great and work well.
Lee is the lead consultant for De Montfort University’s Crucible Project. He uses his expertise in professional design and from his own ongoing start-up experiences to support DMU graduates on their new venture into entrepreneurship. Based at the Innovation Centre at DMU, the Crucible project provides another branch of start-up support within the city, tailor made specifically for our graduates. Lee helps to guide and signpost participants throughout the programme in order for them to have the best support available and reach their potential. This could be through physically prototyping their concepts or hosting masterclasses ran by external speakers.
Independent Financial Advisor at Furnley House. Furnley House is a firm of Independent Financial Advisers and Mortgage Brokers founded in 2013 to solve the issue of a lack of good quality, accessible advice available in the marketplace. Furnley House has quickly grown into an established, successful IFA, helping thousands of happy clients work towards their financial goals. Speak to their advisers about: wealth management & inheritance tax planning, investment & retirement planning, mortgages, employee benefits, workplace pensions, school & education fees planning, life assurance & family protection, income protection, life & critical illness cover, long-term care fee planning, post-retirement planning and more.
Bhumika is the founder and Director of BP Legal Solicitors, establishing the firm in 2009. Through her hard work and determination, Bhumika has earned herself a remarkable reputation as a leading, forward-thinking solicitor in Leicester. Bhumika has a number of achievements that have helped to build her reputation. She has over 24 years of experience in conveyancing and commercial property matters, deals with Matrimonial matters and has led high profile cases regarding immigration matters with worldwide media coverage, and sets an example for trainee solicitors as one of her Litigated cases brought to the High Court is now a leading precedent used by training establishments. In 2022, Bhumika continued to go from strength to strength by acquiring Solicitors4Landlords and in November 2023 was inaugurated as the President of Leicestershire Law Society.
Rachael is an owner and Director at Landsmiths Solicitors and, together with Vik Moothia, manages the practice. Rachael has 18 years’ of real estate experience and has acted for a range of clients from private individuals and SMEs to major national retailers and corporates. She deals with all aspects of landlord and tenant work and has a vast amount of experience in dealing with property portfolios for occupiers and landlords across a broad spectrum of sectors. In addition, Rachael deals with freehold sales, purchases and refinances for a range of clients from developers to investors. Landsmiths Solicitors is a boutique property legal practice offering a personal service for commercial and residential clients, the team are experts in their field and trusted advisers to their clients, adding value not just completing transactions.
