The Government has announced a ban on a wide range of plastic items that will come into effect from 1 October 2023. It means that from that date, businesses across England will not be able to buy or sell certain single-use plastic items.

The ban includes all single use plastic cutlery, trays, plates, bowls, and balloon sticks, as well as certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers. From October, people won’t be able to buy these products from any business. The ban will apply to online and over the counter sales and includes the supply of items by businesses from new and existing stock and will cover all types of single-use plastic.

For more information on the ban, including exemptions, you can view the official guidance HERE.

See HERE for more information on Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park.

The Quarterly Economic Survey is now open. The survey is an opportunity to share what’s affecting your business and what your struggles and successes are to help influence the next wave of national policies.

Have your say today, fill in the survey HERE.

One month to go until the Threekingham Viking Festival, taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September. Over 300 Vikings will recreate the Battle of Stow from 870 AD. There will be an archaeological dig, as well as a programme of free lectures. There will also be plenty of food and drink stalls to choose from. Entrance is free so why not bring the family along for a weekend of fun.

The Threekingham Viking Festival has recieved £6,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This money has been distributed by North Kesteven District Council as part of its Events Programme through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which includes funding for new events in North Kesteven.

There is additional funding for first time events in North Kesteven, if you are interested in running an event, you can find more information HERE.

More businesses in North Kesteven have joined Zellar and received their live sustainability score, along with a sustainability plan suggesting improvements. To qualify for a free one-year Zellar license a business must be a micro-SME (up to 10 employees) or SME (under 250 employees) with a base in North Kesteven. The offer is available to the first 300 qualifying enterprises that apply before 31 March 2024. This Council-led programme is part-funded by SSE’s Sustainable Business Communities project with Zellar.

Claim your free access to Zellar HERE.

See below for a selection of responses from businesses that have recently joined Zellar, sharing their thoughts. For more information on our Zellar offer see here.

The RiverLight Festival is set to return to Sleaford on Saturday 21 October. The festival brings people together through a sense of local pride and belonging through creative experiences, cultural events and community projects.

Planning for the festival has commenced; however, there is still time for businesses to get involved. Whether you’re based along the high street in Sleaford or further afield, there’s something for everyone. Would you be interested in having a RiverLight display in your shop window? Or could you stay open late or run a promotion to draw the crowds to you? If you’re based further afield, could you be a RiverLight sponsor?

Email [email protected] to get involved or discuss ideas. The deadline for inclusion in the printed festival guide is Tue 15 August, so if you decide to run any sort of promotion or stay open late, it can be included in the guide.

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

NKDC will have a marquee showcasing ways everyone can Act On Climate, plus the latest news and info from across the Council, including Economic Development & investment into the District. For more details and to buy your tickets, visit www.Heckingtonshow.org.uk

Work by Smith Construction to build plots one and three – which together make up phase one – is going well. The units in these plots are on track for expected completion in the coming weeks, ready for handover to the first businesses which will call the enterprise park home.

In fact, all of the plot three units are under offer and going through legal preparations with the businesses hoping to take up residence in them. On plot one meanwhile, there is strong level of enquiries with a number of interested parties currently in lease discussions. You can read more HERE.

For more about the units available, visit www.bankslong.com or contact Harry Collins at [email protected] or 07479 611143. You can also see the updated brochure at dev.businessnk.co.uk

Over the next few weeks, a new 5-year plan for the visitor economy will be developed. If yoy run visitor economy businesses and lead teams in tourism, retail, leisure and hospitality, you’re invited be part of its creation.

The first session is taking place face-to-face at International Bomber Command Centre, on July 26th from 9.30-11.30am, where you will be invited to share your views on:

• Priorities, vision and aspirations for the future – what will work and what needs to happen?

• What are the visitor economy/destination strengths, challenges, and opportunities?

• In terms of current destination management, what works/what doesn’t?

• What do you think needs to happen in the future?

• How do you see yourselves involved in a) the process and b) the implementation?

You can book your space HERE.

Do you own a small business? You can shape the future of UK high streets by joining the Federation of Small Businesses survey from 13 to 27 July. Share what changes you would like to see, from rates and parking, to clean streets.  You’ll also be entered into a prize draw, where you could be rewarded with £250. You can take the survey HERE.