Listen now: Leicester North West Interview on BBC Radio Leicester 16 Aug 2006. Hear who we are and what we do as a charity organisation for Leicester North West

The Local Alchemy Steering Group in Leicester North West became an incorporated company in August 2005 and has subsequently obtained charitable status as Leicester North West Alchemy. It is now a fully-fledged charitable company which aims to work extensively and collaboratively with existing service providers and stakeholders in the statutory, private, community and voluntary sectors in order to revitalize the local economy of Leicester North West through the creation of:

• Employment opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged people including people with disabilities
  
  
• Environmental programmes to minimize damage to the environment, reduce waste and encourage recycling
  
  
• Community leadership programmes
  
  
• Training and skills development programmes for young people and adults
  
  
• Educational initiatives such as working with local schools and employers to develop programmes to assist young people in accessing work-related placement opportunities; establishing business incubation centres in local schools to provide opportunities for the nurturing and development of young people’s innovative and entrepreneurial ideas into tangible businesses.
  
• A local goods and services directory (BUYLocal) to encourage and improve spending and buying habits which will improve the circulation of money-flows in Leicester North West
  
  
• A business information, advice and guidance service for existing and potential entrepreneurs as well as small and medium-sized businesses.