News & views

4 September 2025

Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the premier business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has appointed Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE as its new Board Director.

Leanne joins ten other Directors on the LBV Board alongside Chair, Sue Tilley. Leanne will help the board to support its growing membership base of businesses in the city and county by shaping and influencing future business growth in the region.

Leanne is the founder of LBC Mentoring Ltd, where she helps SMEs as a trusted advisor who provides fresh perspectives on governance, commercial strategy, digital transformation and leadership effectiveness. Leanne is also a director at The People Reader, Founder and Director at Shine Together CIC and a NED/Vice Chair at Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

With over 35 years of experience in business and technology, Leanne brings deep expertise in digital innovation, commercial strategy, and leadership development. As the founder and former CEO of two pioneering UK tech businesses, she successfully led high-growth startups and secured over £5 million in investment from angel investors and venture capitalists.

Commenting on her new role at LBV, Leanne Bonner-Cooke said: “I’ve always been in Leicester since I started work and am passionate about local business.

“I’m focused on ensuring parity of investment in the regions, improving business through more effective management of people, processes and technology, providing opportunities for SME businesses to expand, and broadly encouraging growth and investors.

“I’m keen to understand what LBV members want to help us to signpost, influence and shape policy going forward. LBV is all about working with local businesses, stakeholders, universities and colleges to ensure collaboration and success.”

Sue Tilley, Chair of LBV, added: “We are delighted to welcome Leanne to the LBV board. She brings an exceptional mix of experience, energy and vision, with a proven record of scaling businesses, driving innovation and supporting others to succeed. Her passion for Leicester and Leicestershire will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen LBV’s role as the collective voice of business across the city and county.”

For more information about joining Leicestershire Business Voice as a new member, visit www.lbv.co.uk/membership/