Our first formal meeting was held in April 2008, and over the months since then our hard work has paid off with a number of achievements to our name:

1.	Peter Soulsby hosted our first open meeting with Leicester City Council officials and other stakeholders in the Cultural Quarter which attracted a massive turnout and really gave us the chance to put our case forward as a collective of voices concerned with business interests in the area. This was the real highlight of our first year as an association.
2.	Our first AGM was held in October 2008 and we now have an elected management committee consisting of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
3.	Due to increased pressure in the right places, we achieved a reduction in business rates for businesses in the Cultural Quarter affected by the regeneration works
4.	Working closely with the Chamber of Commerce, we have fed into and encouraged plans that have led to additional CCTV coverage of the Cultural Quarter, free business training for members and funding for shop front improvements.
5.	We have worked closely with Leicester City Council and Leicester Shire Promotions to champion events taking place in the Cultural Quarter to increase footfall - such as the advent calendar, Orton Square naming celebrations and the Ice Rink.
6.	We have developed good relations with the City Centre policing unit and now have more visible and regular community policing in the Cultural Quarter
7.	We have achieved considerable PR coverage through our close links with the Leicester Mercury and members are advertised through the directory on our website
8.	Our Christmas Social and monthly meetings allow members to network and exchange information
9.	Members have enjoyed discounts and free offers offered by other members in the Cultural Quarter
10.	Our identity, website and blog has been created
11.	Links have been developed with Leicestershire Business Voice which has allowed our members to access their events and enjoy wider networking opportunities in the city

We look forward to building on these achievements throughout 2009! Support us by becoming a member, sharing your knowledge, and championing the Cultural Quarter.