Participants on Leicester’s unique Food Enterprise Workshop were offered a further unique experience this week, as television entrepreneur and creator of the famous Reggae Reggae Sauce, Levi Roots, arrived in the city to deliver business advice.

Based in Leicester Market, the Food Enterprise Workshop is a free two-day programme launched earlier this year, which allows budding food entrepreneurs the chance to learn the skills required to develop a business plan and marketing strategies, in addition to preparing and testing their products with shoppers at the city’s famous market.

A former contestant on BBC’s ‘Dragons’ Den’, Levi Roots became a national sensation soon after, with his Reggae Reggae Sauce becoming hugely successful, developing into a wider food range since. Prior to his appearance on national television, Levi started his business by selling his product on a market stall at Notting Hill Carnival and was impressed by what the scheme was offering likeminded budding entrepreneurs.

Levi Roots said:

“People will always have their own personal ‘dragons’. You have to be yourself; be who you are, because people are investing in people – it’s not just about the product. The second thing is to have a really good business plan, because it starts there. Nothing can start without that.

“If you have your business plan and the ability to have a good mentor, anyone can be an entrepreneur. Business is open to everybody – but you have to add ‘you’ at your very best.”

Joe Harkin, Leicester Market Development Manager added:

“We’re proud to be the first city to establish the Food Enterprise Workshop. The kitchen, workshop and trading facility is a first for the UK. It’s a great asset to the market, a great facility and it really helps people looking to start up their own business – and we’re very proud to have welcomed such a high-profile visitor in Levi Roots.”

Adam Piotrowski, Food Enterprise Workshop coach, also commented:

“Levi is quite a larger-than-life character and his messages today emphasised the importance of spending time writing your business plan, establishing a five-year plan and even beyond that, and believing in yourself and your personality as that is part of your product. I think that advice will live long in the memory with the participants taking part.”

The Food Enterprise Workshop is run every week from two specially converted units in Leicester Market’s indoor market.

Demand for places on the Workshop has been high – and with initial funding coming to an end in June 2013, people wishing to sign-up are urged to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

For more information, visit www.thefoodworkshop.co.uk or call Adam Piotrowski on 07837 532 291.