INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP SCHEME

Leicestershire branch of the UK's largest organisation for business leaders supports major Maximum Impact scheme

The Leicestershire branch of the Institute of Directors has signed-up as a marketing partner for the Maximum Impact corporate citizenship scheme. The Institute of Directors is the premier national business membership organisation and the Leicestershire branch is supporting this major campaign to confirm its commitment to those activities that are helping to raise the profile of the Leicester and Leicestershire on a national level.

Aimed at those already with a vested interest in the area, Maximum Impact is the scheme through which Leicester Shire Promotions calls on leading companies and institutions to make a significant commitment and actively back work being carried out in driving the image of the city and county forwards. Major organisations already signed up to support the scheme include Alliance & Leicester, Andrew Granger & Co, Clegg Group, Cooper Parry, De Montfort University, East Midlands Airport, Next, Samworth Brothers and Sturgess Motor Group.

As part of their commitment as a marketing partner for Maximum Impact, the Institute of Directors
will be promoting the Big It Up ambassadorial campaign to its members. In addition, the organisation will help to identify future potential inward investment and opportunities to raise the profile the City and County through its networks and communication channels.  

Rachel Hargrave, Chair of the Institute of Directors in Leicestershire commented: "The commercial growth and image of Leicester and Leicestershire are two things that are extremely important to our members. The rapidly changing face of the city and the newly revived county are showing tremendous potential; something about which I know IoD members are pleased".

"It's fantastic to be part of a scheme that really celebrates and promotes the growth of the area and I look forward to working with Leicester Shire Promotions to raise the profile of this vibrant, diverse part of the Midlands," continued Rachel Hargarve.        

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, commented: "Leicester is currently undergoing one of the biggest physical, commercial and cultural transformations that the destination has witnessed in decades. This regeneration work is being strategically complemented with a host of activities throughout the city and county to deliver a positive and lasting shift in the image of the destination. We are delighted that the Institute of Directors has shown dedication and confidence in our efforts and look forward to continue to work with the organisation to firmly establish Leicester and Leicestershire as a destination of choice in the minds of their members and key audiences."  

For more details on the Maximum Impact scheme or to register your interest, please visit
www.l-p-l.com/maximumimpact or contact Martin Peters at Leicester Shire Promotions on 0116 225 4073 or via email at martin.peters@l-p-l.com

Notes to Editors:

About the IoD:

• The IoD (Institute of Directors) was founded in 1903 and obtained a Royal Charter in 1906. The IoD is a non-party political organisation with upwards of 52,000 members in the United Kingdom and some 2200 in the East Midlands. Membership includes directors from right across the business spectrum - from media to manufacturing, e-business to the public and voluntary sectors. Members include CEOs of large corporations as well as entrepreneurial directors of start-up companies.
• In addition, the IoD provides an effective voice in the East Midlands through the East Midlands Business Forum, to represent the interests of its members to government and key opinion-formers at the highest levels. These include ministers, constituency MPs, Select Committee members and senior civil servants. IoD policies and views are actively promoted to the national, regional and trade media.
• For further information, visit the website: www.iod.com

About Leicester Shire Promotions:
Leicester Shire Promotions is a private, not-for-profit company formed in July 2003 as a partnership between Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership. The company is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) responsible for promoting Leicester and Leicestershire to visitors and investors, based on a coordinated place marketing strategy that focuses on destination leadership and coordination, attracting investors and visitors, services for investors and visitors, and services for the tourism industry. For more information, please visit www.goleicestershire.com

For further media information, please contact:
Simon Gribbon
Leicester Shire Promotions
T: 0116 224 4001
simon.gribbon@l-p-l.com