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New Summer VAT Relief Scheme to Boost Visitor Economy

The Government has announced a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on selected family-focused activities as part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative. Running from 25 June to 1 September 2026, the scheme covers children’s meals, family tickets for entertainment, and admission to attractions.

For businesses in hospitality, leisure and tourism, this presents a key opportunity to drive summer footfall and increase visitor spend. However, firms must ensure systems, pricing and marketing are updated to apply the reduced rate correctly.

The measure is designed to support domestic tourism while helping businesses maximise peak trading during the summer season.

Visit Gov.uk to find out more.

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Apply to be Nation’s Favourite Businesses

Could your business be one of the nation’s favourites?

Small Business Saturday UK has rebranded its #SmallBiz100 campaign for 2026 as ‘Nation’s Favourite Businesses’ – a nationwide spotlight celebrating the stories behind standout businesses.

This is your chance to boost your profile, build credibility, and gain valuable exposure by sharing what makes your business unique and where you’re heading next.

Applications close 30 June. Don’t miss the opportunity to be recognised on a national stage.

Apply now

#SmallBusinessSaturdayUK #NationsFavourite #NorthKesteven #SMEs

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Invitation to AI-Confident Leadership event

Businesses are invited to attend the AI‑Confident Leadership event on 19 June. This session will help you build your AI skills, taking you from basic awareness through to confident use and leadership.

Hosted by Boston College, the event runs from 8:00am to 1:45pm.

Tickets are £20 per person, which includes a light breakfast and buffet lunch.

Find more information on this leaflet.

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Have your say on small business support

FSB is undertaking a nationwide project to understand what support small businesses across the country need and how this can be achieved.

To support the project, FSB is seeking your views on what businesses need and how existing support could be improved. This is a valuable opportunity for small businesses to help shape future support and influence positive, practical change.

The survey should take around five minutes, click here to have your say.

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Is your venue ready for the weddings market? 

Weddings represent a growing opportunity for venues and hospitality businesses across Lincolnshire, but getting it right means understanding licensing, marketing and what couples really expect.

A new half‑day workshop is launching to help venues that are planning to become, or are already, licensed as wedding venues.

It’s taking place on Wednesday 13 May at the Natural World Centre, Whisby.

Find out more and register your place.

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Save the date for the next tourism networking breakfast

The North Kesteven Tourism and Hospitality Networking Breakfast returns this month. Come along to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with peers in the tourism and hospitality sector.

It’s taking place at The New Chapel, in Greylees on Thursday, April 23, 10am until 11.30am.

Book your free place at the event.

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Unlock Funding for Farm Innovation with the Full ADOPT Grant Round 6

Farmers, growers and foresters in England can apply for up to £100,000 to trial new ideas that boost productivity, resilience and sustainability. The Full ADOPT Grant Round 6 supports collaborative on‑farm projects that test real solutions and share learning across the sector.
Applications are open now.
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Business grant enables significant carbon reduction for Sleaford business

Family-run since 1964, Sleafordian Coaches has invested in new solar panels and on-site battery storage with support from a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Grant delivered through North Kesteven District Council.
This investment is already helping the business reduce its energy bills and lower its environmental impact, strengthening both resilience and sustainability for the long term.
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Supporting our Armed Forces community

NKDC was proud to receive the silver award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in November 2025. With strong links to RAF Cranwell, Digby, and Waddington, more than 10% of our District are military service leavers, meaning many local businesses are likely to employ Veterans or partners of serving military.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, businesses and charities can show their support and commit to treating those who serve, or have served, and their families fairly. Find out more at: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/

Signing the Covenant is also the first step towards achieving an award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

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Businesses are invited to share views on Local Government Reorganisation for Greater Lincolnshire

A final opportunity to comment on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Greater Lincolnshire is now open, with the launch of the Government’s statutory consultation on the various proposals.

Responses are welcomed from residents, businesses, parish and town councils, and wider stakeholders – as well as statutory consultees – in response to questions on the suitability of each of the proposals put forward by existing councils within the area.

View all of the proposals, or for a quick overview of the joint North and South Kesteven district council’s approach, visit the BEST4GreaterLincolnshire page.

The consultation is open until March 26.