East Midlands businesses and charities join to champion diversity
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 4 April 2025
UPDATED: 8 April 2025
500 East Midlands business and charity representatives gathered to hear inspirational talks and live performances ranging from Britain’s Got Talent soprano Faryl Smith to Bollywood act Karan Pangali and KSPARK at East Midlands Chamber’s Celebration of Culture and Communities 2025.
Classical music, grime and hip-hop acts played side by side in the packed entertainment programme, aimed at spotlighting the region’s rich cultural makeup.
Now in its fifth year, the event took place at Athena Leicester on 4th April, delivered in conjunction with events and marketing company Sanjib8, and supported by headline partners RandalSun Capital, emh Group and De Montfort University, with associate partners Sanjay Foods, PPL PRS and Nelsons Law.
Alongside soprano Faryl Smith, discovered on Britain’s Got Talent, were performances from hip hop artists Sly and Estar, Leicestershire singer-songwriter Jake Thompson, Bollywood act Karan Pangali and KSPARK. Stand-up comedian Tej Dhutia hosted the event with Indian cuisine provided by Sanjay Foods.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said:
“The value the East Midlands places on diversity is applauded the world over and is a shining light on what the country can achieve by embracing cultural richness. Research carried out by the Chamber and emh Group has shown an increase to 7 out of 10 businesses in the East Midlands now having a policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and that’s something the region can be proud of and build on.
“Through fantastic stage performances, international cuisine and businesses coming together with charities in recognition of the region’s achievements, the Celebration of Culture and Communities has once again underlined the East Midlands as a brilliant place to work and live and I extend my thanks to the partners that helped make this such a standout event.”
emh Group CEO, Chan Kataria OBE said:
“Diversity is one of the key competitive advantages of the East Midlands. In order to address the productivity gap we need to celebrate and take advantage of our key characteristics. At emh Group, we focus a lot on trying to make our colleagues feel psychologically safe, regardless of their religious backgrounds and where they come from. It's important that we celebrate those characteristics so that they can bring their entire selves to work, so they're fully engaged and motivated and then able to deliver more for the organisation and for the region.
“By doing the survey with the Chamber on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the East Midlands, we have year on year comparisons on how we in these businesses in the region have changed, and the good news is that more and more organisations are adopting EDI policies.
“In the partnership we have with the Chamber, we're able to share good practice, promote all the good stuff that organisations do. The more businesses share, the better we're able to promote good practice.”
RandalSun Capital Founder & Chairman Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL said:
“Another great evening spent in the company of friends and colleagues from right across the East Midlands, celebrating all that’s great about our culturally diverse region. We are proud to headline sponsor this important event - having supported it right from the outset.
“I believe that investing time in our business relationships, our teams and giving ourselves time to celebrate with friends and colleagues are simply some of the best investments we can make.
“When we celebrate together, we deepen our understanding of, and respect for one another. Our businesses, our communities and our region can all thrive when we share that understanding and move forward, together. “
De Montfort University Vice Chancellor Professor Katie Normington said:“At DMU, diversity isn’t just something we talk about—it’s who we are. As a university in one of the UK’s most diverse cities, our students tell us that we create a truly inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
"The Celebration of Culture and Communities is a superb event that champions unity, understanding and the richness of different perspectives. We are proud to be a part of it."
PPL PRS Managing Director Greg Aiello said:
“PPL PRS is extremely proud to be supporting this year’s Celebration of Culture and Communities. As a Leicester-based business we recognise the wonderfully diverse community that is the heartbeat of the city, we strive to reflect this through our diversity and inclusion policies and our connection to the communities.
“The Celebration of Culture and Communities offers a great chance to bring everyone together and connect across those communities at this fantastic event, along with some incredible live music.”
Nelsons Solicitors Partner Laura Kearsley said:
“The Celebration of Culture and Communities is such a great event to highlight how diversity and inclusion really benefits both the business and the wider community in the East Midlands. As Diversity partner for this event, Nelsons is proud to support the Chamber’s efforts to champion diversity and inclusion.”
Sanjib 8 Managing Director Sanjib Sahota said:
“What a fantastic evening it has been. Wonderful to see 500 people inside Athena celebrating culture, communities & diversity and I'm so pleased that the event continues to go from strength to strength. Sanjib 8 is delighted to have partnered with the Chamber to deliver this special event - a brilliant occasion bringing people and community together. The entertainment, food and vibe in the room was just brilliant.”
