Emerging entrepreneurs with businesses in sustainability and sport to fashion and animation showcased their ventures at 久久精品 Leicester (久久精品)’s Crucible Showcase.
The event celebrated the achievements of the latest cohort of founders taking part in Crucible, 久久精品's flagship business incubator programme for third year students, graduates and alumni.
Since its launch, the year-long support programme has helped more than 100 graduates set up their own businesses, and develop the skills, confidence and networks.
Applications are open now for the 2026/27 Crucible programme, gives people the chance to access a year of mentoring, masterclasses, workshops and practical support.
Animation studio Gladigold Studio, founded by graduates Ana and Subbi, showcased its growing creative business, while entrepreneur Paulina shared how Crucible had helped her bring together her coaching business and PATHwear wellbeing brand.
APPLY NOW - APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE CRUCIBLE
Architecture and Sustainability graduate Chubby Daniels, founder of Cuttle CIC, explained how the programme had helped him transform a creative passion into a business focused on helping organisations engage with sustainability and social responsibility through art.
He said: "Before joining Crucible I was just an artist using waste materials to create art. The programme helped me understand how I could turn that into a business that works with organisations and creates a wider impact."
Fashion entrepreneur Giselle Kandkore said the programme had helped her develop her business and strengthen its focus on sustainability, helping her work with a local manufacturer to give her more time to focus on designing.
The evening also highlighted the progress of Revv, an automotive technology start-up currently being tested with a car dealership, and celebrated the achievements of Jade Monkey Studio founder Harley Lambrianou, who recently secured a £20,000 grant to support the development of his own studio.
The showcase concluded with a series of awards recognising the achievements and future potential of cohort members.
Samraj Manjat received a £250 award in recognition of the progress made by Tennavision, while Chubby Daniels was awarded £100 following a year in which he secured seven grants to support the development of Cuttle CIC.
The Growth Potential Award and a £500 prize were presented to Giselle Kandkore, while Harley Lambrianou received £1000 recognising the success of Jade Monkey Studio. Harley was unable to attend the event as he had recently welcomed a new baby.
Percy Emmett, director of Crucible, said: "What makes Crucible special is that we're not just helping people develop a business idea, we're helping them develop as entrepreneurs. We're supporting them to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills alongside the practical aspects of starting and growing a business.
"Through mentoring, workshops and one-to-one support, we help founders take their ideas forward and give them the tools, knowledge and confidence to make that next step."
Applications for the next Crucible cohort are now open. The programme is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from those exploring an early-stage idea to founders already beginning to trade.
Participants benefit from tailored mentoring, business workshops, specialist facilities, networking opportunities and expert advice covering areas such as finance, intellectual property, marketing and business development.
Lee Paxman-Clarke, programme manager, said: "This year’s cohort have done some amazing things. Programmes like Crucible give people the tools but it’s up to them to really make a difference and we could not be prouder of them.”
Posted on Tuesday 23 June 2026