Participant case studies

Every business has a unique growth journey. Read how three local businesses benefited from participating in the 2025-26 Oadby & Wigston Growth and Innovation Programme, through a collection of case studies. These testimonials showcase participants' experiences, achievements and the practical impact the programme has had on their organisations.

Testimonials

Case study: Birring & Bagri Limited

“The programme provided the structure, clarity and strategic discipline required to transition the business from reactive delivery to focused, sustainable growth.”

Birring & Bagri is a professional services consultancy based in Oadby, specialising in regulatory, governance and commercial advisory work.  Founded in 2025 by Director Rajbinder Kaur, the firm supports SMEs, public sector organisations and private clients across domestic and international markets, with expertise spanning compliance, procurement strategy and organisational development. 

Upon joining the Oadby and Wigston Growth and Innovation Programme in October 2025, the business had strong technical capability and early traction, but growth was largely reactive and relationship‑led. A broad service offer made it difficult to articulate a clear value proposition, prioritise opportunities or operate at scale, while increasing capacity pressures limited time for strategic development.

The programme provided structured learning, practical tools and peer challenge, allowing Rajbinder to step back from day‑to‑day delivery and critically assess the business and leadership approach. This space for reflection proved pivotal.

Following the programme, Birring & Bagri refined its market positioning, clearly defining core service lines and target clients. Decision‑making frameworks and improved time management were introduced, embedding strategic planning and business development into everyday operations.

As a result, the business now has greater clarity, improved operational efficiency and stronger client engagement. Leadership has shifted towards a more intentional, strategic focus, strengthening confidence and consistency. With firmer foundations in place, Birring & Bagri is well positioned for sustainable growth and the pursuit of more complex, higher‑value work.

“The combination of structured learning, practical tools and peer to peer insight was both challenging and constructive.”

"Before the programme, I felt very isolated and the business lacked clear structure and strategic focus.  It helped me slow down, focus, and build something that feels sustainable.  One of the biggest benefits was realising just how much support is available"

Yoga with Leo Leicester, led by yoga teacher and wellbeing consultant Leomi Potter, is based in Wigston.

Established in 2022, Leomi delivers inclusive yoga classes and wellbeing support, particularly for people who can struggle to access these services, including adults with learning disabilities, children with SEND, and their families. She works with charities, such as Voluntary Action LeicesterShire and Memphys, alongside offering community classes, wellbeing retreats and providing nervous system regulation support.

When she joined the Oadby & Wigston Growth and Innovation Programme, Leomi had been self-employed for around six months after leaving secondary school teaching. The business was ‘all over the place’, with lots of ideas but no clear structure or direction. Despite it being a real passion, trying to do everything at once felt overwhelming and difficult to sustain.

The programme gave Leomi the space to step back and think more clearly about what she wanted the business to become. The range of practical masterclasses and opportunity to learn alongside local business owners, helped her realise she didn’t need to rush. Instead, her focus shifted towards building stronger foundations and growing in a more manageable way.

The Finance for Growth Masterclass stood out in particular, helping Leomi develop her confidence with numbers and gain a greater financial overview of the business. Ongoing support from Oadby & Wigston Borough Council’s dedicated Business Advisor also played an important role, helping her prioritise and sense-check ideas, and recognise which plans should be longer-term rather than immediate actions.

Since completing the programme, the business feels more focused and under control. Leomi now works to a clearer strategy, breaking it down into micro strategy steps across different areas of the business. She has introduced a more efficient way of working, setting dedicated time blocks including a ‘CEO block’ where she reviews priorities. This has not only improved how the business operates but has also had a positive impact on her wellbeing. By creating more structure and letting go of the pressure to try everything at once, the business now feels more sustainable day to day.

Looking ahead, Leomie aspires to scaling the business and expanding into Sri Lankan retreats, but for now the focus is on continuing to deliver high-quality classes for the communities she currently serves, while applying for funding for new programmes and growing in a way that feels realistic.

“It made me realise I don’t have to rush – doing things properly and sustainably is what really matters.”

“The programme has had a positive impact on my approach as a leader. One of the biggest changes has been in mindset. I now look at the business from different angles and consider alternative ways of approaching challenges, rather than accepting things as they are.”

Oadby-based Arina Limited operates petrol stations with convenience retail outlets in Loughborough and near Stafford. Established over 30 years ago, the business employs six people and provides essential services to local communities through a hands-on, owner-led approach.

When Asit Badiani joined the Programme, the business was performing steadily, but much of his focus was on day-to-day operations. Like many small business owners, he was concentrating on immediate priorities rather than taking time to step back and plan strategically for future growth. While he recognised opportunities to improve areas such as financial planning, marketing and business development, he lacked the tools and frameworks needed to approach them in a structured way.

The wider economic environment was creating challenges, with rising costs, increasing overheads and broader uncertainty across the retail sector. Asit knew the business needed to adapt but was looking for practical guidance and support to help navigate change.

Having heard about the programme through the Oadby & Wigston Business Group, a local business network, Asit was attracted by its practical focus and the opportunity to learn alongside other business owners facing similar challenges. He hoped to gain new knowledge, useful tools and a better understanding of the support available to help businesses develop and grow.

The programme delivered exactly that. The structured sessions helped Asit explore areas including financial planning, business strategy and growth, while the interactive format provided valuable opportunities to share experiences and learn from fellow participants. The Finance for Growth session was really beneficial, introducing logical, practical approaches that could be applied directly within the business.

Since completing the programme, Arina Limited has introduced cash flow forecasting, giving greater visibility and control over finances while supporting more informed decision-making. The business has also adopted a more structured approach to reviewing future strategy and identifying opportunities. Rather than simply maintaining existing operations, Asit and his team are actively exploring ways to improve efficiencies and develop additional services.

Another significant change has been greater employee involvement. Recognising staff are the face of the business and that they have valuable insight into daily operations, Asit actively seeks feedback on processes and improvements. This has helped create a more inclusive working environment and ensured that positive changes are embedded across the business.

Looking ahead, Asit is exploring opportunities to potentially expand the services offered. He feels better equipped to respond to change, make informed decisions and target future growth with greater confidence and clarity.

“I would strongly recommend the programme to other business leaders. The programme provides valuable knowledge, practical tools and access to a supportive network of peers. It helps you step back from daily operations and think about your business in a more structured and strategic way.”

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