The UK Food Valley is hosting a webinar and live event to inform Greater Lincolnshire agriculture, food and drink businesses and academics on the opportunities for Eastern England Launchpad funding.

These free events will provide information about the Launchpad opportunity and signpost to relevant support agencies. You’ll receive insights for developing your application and guidance on the Innovate UK process.

The first event is a webinar, taking place on April 18, from 10:00 – 11:30. Register for the online event.

A more in depth live event will be held at the Riseholme Conference Centre on May 3, from 09:00 – 13:00, which will also include a networking opportunity. Book on to the live event.

To register your interest email [email protected].

The Government’s Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief scheme is being extended for the tax year 2024/25, providing eligible properties with a 75% relief. View more information on the business rates relief.

Occupiers of larger commercial properties however will see an increase in business rates from this month, as the large property multiplier is increasing by 6.7% to £0.546. Read more about the business rate multiplier. These changes have taken effect from 1 April

Furthermore, as of 1 April 2024 business premises must be re-occupied for 13 weeks rather than six to qualify for a further period of empty rates relief. Find out more about the changes to the empty property rate relief reset.

For information on the Council’s Business Rates, visit the Council’s website.

Nominations for the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are officially open!

If your business exemplifies innovation, resilience and outstanding performance, now’s the time to be celebrated. Categories include SME of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and many more. Nominate your business before Friday 24 May. Good luck!

The Rural Business Grant supports businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy.

A local business is already seeing business growth, after purchasing new equipment which has improved their efficiency and sustainability. Gemma Clarke, at Seeds & Grain shares the result of her successful application:

“The Rural Business Grant has enabled our business to purchase a state-of-the-art grain testing machine. This allows us to conduct all grain testing in house rather than sending samples on to 3rd party laboratories. This helps reduce the time getting results back to farmers, as well as reduce our carbon footprint.”

This grant supports capital investments only and prioritises sustainable investments. If this is something that your business could benefit from, find more information at: https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ruralbusinessgrant

QES Quarter 1 is now open and is asking for your thoughts as a Lincolnshire business. Your responses will feed into data that will impact on Government policies and the economic recovery. Share your thoughts and take the survey today.

The next Unmissable North Kesteven workshop will help you identify and reach new target markets, improving the delivery of your experience or activity. This session will take place at the New Life Conference Centre in Sleaford on 28th Feb, from 1pm-4pm. You can reserve your free spot on Destination Lincolnshire’s Eventbrite page.

Unmissable North Kesteven is a tourism programme being delivered to support businesses across North Kesteven, to develop new bookable visitor experiences. This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by Unmissable England in partnership with Destination Lincolnshire and the Council.

Give your business a boost, with expert support in Marketing, HR and Sales. Your Business Boost is an eight week programme, designed to help those in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure, achieve their business ambitions.

The next two cohorts are now open and expressions of interest are encouraged. More information can be found by visiting Business Lincolnshire’s website.

This year, Discover Lincolnshire Weekend will be taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March. Make the most of the weekend, designed to showcase all that Lincolnshire has to offer.

All Lincolnshire attractions, retailers or food and drink establishments are encouraged to either offer free entry for the weekend or produce a special offer or discount.

Get involved and you’ll benefit from increased footfall, a stronger online presence and you could benefit from media coverage too. Email Visit Lincoln with details of what you have planned, or view the Discover Lincolnshire Weekend 2024 Flyer for more information on how to get involved.

A toolkit has also been made available, allowing businesses to access graphics and images in order to promote their offering; view the toolkit here.