News & views

9 October 2026

LBV has welcomed two new directors to further strengthen its board of local business professionals.

LBV’s board of 13 directors has been joined by John Kelly from Mattioli Woods and Sarah Harrison – former City Centre Director at Leicester City Council.

John has worked in the financial services industry since 1989 for some of the UK’s largest financial services and investment companies, including Aegon and Old Mutual, as well as national accountancy firm PKF, now part of BDO UK accountancy group. This has given him a considerable amount of practical knowledge, expertise and insight when it comes to advising clients.

With over 15 years as a Wealth Management Consultant at Mattioli Woods in Leicester, his focus lies in delivering tailored consultancy services in pensions and wealth management. John also mentors new consultants developing their own careers at Mattioli Woods.

When not advising clients you can find John running, travelling or playing his vast (his wife’s description, not his!) collection of guitars.

Commenting on his new role at LBV, John said: “Mattioli Woods has been a long-term member and supporter of LBV and through this relationship, I learned about the aims of the organisation. Given Mattioli Woods’ standing as a prominent employer in the city centre, we see LBV having a major say in helping to shape and influence the plans to improve Leicester as a key business location.

“By joining the board, I’m keen to play a part in supporting local businesses and making a real difference to the the city from a community perspective. In the short-term, this includes advancing the devolution agenda and finalising that to realise the opportunities for city and county businesses.”

Sarah served as City Centre Director for 17 years, representing businesses from a wide range of sectors across Leicester, ensuring that their voice was heard within local government and key decision-making forums.

Sarah has 25 years’ experience in shopping centre marketing including running her own London-based marketing consultancy, focusing on retail and leisure development and investment. She was instrumental in securing the first Business Improvement District (BID) in Leicester in 2017 and was a board member until 2026.

Sarah was previously responsible for Leicester tourism at Leicester City Council and has spent her career working internationally in South Africa, Spain, Dubai and the UK.

Sarah said: “I am a passionate advocate for business and economic growth across Leicester and Leicestershire.

“By joining LBV, I am reinforcing my commitment to helping shape the region’s economic future, securing opportunities for investment, funding and collaborative projects, and raising the profile of Leicester and Leicestershire as a leading economic powerhouse.

“I believe that my background in marketing and communications equips me to help LBV strengthen its influence, enhance stakeholder engagement and champion a clear, unified narrative for businesses across the city and county.”