1. Annual Christmas
Lunch Programme
Leicester City Football Club
King Power Stadium
2 December 2016
Kindly sponsored by
Entertainment
Comedian, Chris Turner
Charity Prize Draw
in aid of:

2. MenuPresidents Welcome
Starter
Goats Cheese, Roasted Beetroot & Thyme Tartlet (V)
Chicken and Chorizo Terrine, Sundried Tomato Compote
Mains
Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Parsnip Mash,
Baby Onions, Roasted Beetroot & Pan Gravy
Wild Mushroom, Red Chard & Brie Wellington,
Garlic & Chestnut Puree (V)
Dessert
Sticky Toffee Pudding, Salted Caramel Sauce
Welcome to the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Lunch, an
event long-considered a highlight of the Leicester festive
social calendar.
During the course of this afternoon I want you to think
about opportunity. This year has presented us more
opportunities than any other in recent history. And those
opportunities will increase into next year and beyond.
I don’t want to get all political but…
Think about Brexit. Whether you love it or loathe it, it
does present opportunities – for export growth, for
business growth, for you to be involved in shaping a
great future for Great Britain.
Think about the American Presidential election.
Outgoing President Obama came over here before the EU Referendum and told us we
should vote to remain part of the EU because otherwise we would be at the back of the
queue when it came to negotiating a trans-Atlantic trade deal. President-elect Trump
has offered us the opportunity to jump that queue and we should grab it.
Think about HS2. It will present opportunities in the East Midlands. Those opportunities
won’t suddenly materialise when the first train appears at Toton, they will open up as
the project develops and you, the creators of jobs and wealth in the East Midlands,
the drivers of the regional and national economy, must recognise and grasp those
opportunities as they arise. But those are longer-term opportunities.
For this afternoon, I want you to take the opportunity to relax and enjoy yourselves, to
laugh with sharp-witted comedian Chris Turner and to aid those less fortunate than all
of us by helping us to raise money for our chosen charity.
I also want you to take the opportunity of this event to seek out and introduce
yourselves to each other. This isn’t just a meal, a comedy show, a lunch… it’s also a
networking event so use your table plans to find businesses you want to trade with,
introduce yourselves, hand over business cards and make the most of the opportunity
this event offers.
Remember, your Chamber exists to enhance East Midlands businesses, your business.
Enjoy your afternoon, enjoy all the season’s festivities and, most importantly, have a
prosperous New Year.
Geoff Poyzer
President

3. EntertainmentProgramme
Comedian Chris Turner
Chris Turner is a sharp-witted performer of clever puns and deadpan
observations. His wordplay has made him a viral hit on YouTube, on the live circuit,
and at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Combining well-crafted, unexpected puns with improvisation,
Chris also frequently ends his routines with a freestyle rap
(set up with due self-deprecation from the middle-class
archaeology and anthropology graduate) based on
suggestions from the audience.
He smartly interweaves stories and thoughts
about the life and the world.
Noon Arrival Drinks Reception in the Keith Weller Lounge
12:40 Guests Seated
12:45 Welcome from East Midlands Chamber
13:15 Three course lunch served
15:15 Comedian Chris Turner
15:45 Charity Raffle
16:15 Event Close
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
Check out the Chamber’s 2017 events programme at
www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events or email events@emc-dnl.co.uk
or call 0333 320 0333

4. Charity Raffle
The fund was set up following the Annual Christmas Lunch held in 2015, as a result of
charitable donations by members at the event. The fund is administered by Chamber
member Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation, and provides a platform
for the Chamber to support charitable causes, in our case the charities in Chamber
membership, whilst also managing all the money safely and within charitable law,
claiming Gift Aid and so on.
During last year’s Christmas Lunch, £2,322 was raised, and the fund has continued
to receive funds from various staff/member fundraising activities, such as dress-down
days and networking events throughout the year.
The East Midlands Chamber Charitable Fund will support local charities each year from
the Chamber membership. The “charitable year” runs from November to November, to
coincide with the President’s term of office. The three charities that have benefited from
the East Midlands Chamber Charitable Fund this year are as follows:
• Ashgate Hospice
• RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch
• Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
The total amount raised by the fund will be split equally and presented to the charities
at the during today’s proceedings. The charities for 2017 have been selected by the
incoming President and will be announced during the speeches.
You can also donate direct to the East Midlands Chamber Charitable Fund by hitting
the “Donate” button on the Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation website
and selecting the East Midlands Chamber Fund on the drop down menu - http://www.
llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk/make-a-donation/
All money raised today will help enable the charities to continue their fantastic work.
And please do remember to tick the Gift Aid box on the Raffle envelope… as you can
make your donation worth so much more... as every pound you give to us, we can
claim back 25p from HMRC. It’s that simple. Thank you for your support.
There are some fantastic prizes to be won as part of the raffle, so make sure to listen
out for the announcements.
Charity Raffle in aid of
NO ROBOTS
REAL IT
PEOPLE
Wishing you all a great festive season.
And remember, IT is not just for Christmas
Contact
BRETT CRITCHLEY
brettc@pkfcooperparry.com
pkfcooperparry.com
Mukesh Patel
Managing Partner, Leicester
mukesh.patel@freeths.co.uk
0116 248 1138
www.freeths.co.uk
Freethinking Solicitors
Wishing everyone a
Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear
LEICESTER • DERBY • NOTTINGHAM • BIRMINGHAM • LEEDS • LONDON
MANCHESTER • MILTON KEYNES • OXFORD • SHEFFIELD • STOKE ON TRENT
Festive Ad A5.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2016 12:32 Page 1

5. Headline sponsor
Nominations open
Next year, Enterprising Women will celebrate its 20th
anniversary. To mark this milestone, the Chamber is proud to
recognise and acknowledge Enterprising Women across the
three counties with the Excellence Awards.
Entry is free of charge and you can nominate yourself, get someone to nominate you or nominate
someone you know as long as they are Chamber members.
Winners will be announced at the Enterprising Women Awards Gala Dinner Friday 3 March 2017.
It has never been easier to enter the awards, just email ew@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333
and ask for an application pack.
Closing date for Entries – Friday 6 January 2017.
Annual Dinner 2017
23 March 2017 – The Roundhouse Derby
The Chamber’s Annual Dinner is one of the most
prestigious black-tie events in the East Midlands business calendar. With over 500 guests from
businesses across the region expected to attend, the dinner provides a fantastic platform to raise
your profile and network with some of the most influential business leaders in the area.
We are also delighted to announce two prestigious keynote speakers for this year’s dinner,
Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller – Former Head of MI5
The Rt Hon Sir Patrick McLoughlin MP – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The Annual Dinner is a celebration and acknowledgement of the plethora of East Midlands
Business, so make sure to join us for the biggest Business Event in the region.
Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Book now or further information
by emailing events@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.
3 March 2017
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary
Enterprising
Women Awards
For a full list of the Chamber’s upcoming
Events, please visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events
Headline Sponsor