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.

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.

Local employers have a unique chance to provide evidence on our area’s skills, training and workforce issues right now. Make sure you have your say.

Leaders of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Greater Lincolnshire are currently gathering views and experiences on skills provision and development from the county’s employers.  This Skills England initiative, delivered in partnership by the Federation of Small Businesses and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, is designed to put local employers at the heart of local provision. Together, they are refreshing understanding of local skills challenges and opportunities that employers like you are facing and overseeing new solutions to the problems.

As well as a series of focus groups and workshops on offer, an online survey is now live to capture feedback and evidence solely from those who matter – Lincolnshire’s employers.

This online survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete – and don’t worry, it’s totally anonymous unless you wish to identify yourself at the end for any reason. Please click the link below now to take part, or any time before 5pm on 8^th February 2026.

https://habit5research.questionpro.eu/LSIP-Greater-Lincolnshire-Employers-Survey-2026

You can find out more about the LSIP and other ways to get involved over the coming weeks here. Don’t miss this chance to have your say and shape what happens next.

North Kesteven businesses continue to shine, with the District achieving the highest percentage of combined ‘three’, ‘four’ and ‘five’ star rated (99,78%) food businesses in Greater Lincolnshire.

Of the District’s 957 food businesses, 835 hold a five‑star rating, with a further 67 receiving four or three stars. These consistently high standards reflect the commitment of local businesses to excellent food hygiene and customer safety.

The Council’s Public Protection Team supports this success through regular, risk‑based inspections and ongoing guidance for businesses, helping establishments maintain high standards while giving residents and visitors confidence in the local food offer.

Read this news story for more information.

Enter awards is a fantastic way to celebrate your achievements, raise your profile, and attract new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to highlight innovation, customer service or community impact, they’re great platforms to shine.

Lincolnshire Business Awards – celebrating excellence across the county. Enter by January 19 or explore sponsorship to align your brand with business success.

Sleaford Town Awards – recognising individuals, groups, or organisations making a difference in Sleaford. Nominations close January 31.

Small Business Growth Awards – showcase your growth nationally and inspire others. Applications close February 9.

The Small Awards – celebrating small businesses nationwide. Applications close February 28.

FSB is developing the 2026–2029 Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) to ensure training and workforce development meet employer needs.

The input from businesses is vital to create a skills system that supports growth across all sectors. Engagement begins with sector-specific focus groups in January and February, covering advanced manufacturing, energy, visitor economy, health and social care, defence, agri-tech, construction, professional services, logistics, and digital technologies.

Employer insights drive changes that strengthen recruitment pipelines and boost regional competitiveness.

Get involved: Book your place at an upcoming focus group.

Enjoy Free Saturday parking in Sleaford in all North Kesteven District Council-owned car parks throughout December, starting with Small Business Saturday on December 7 and continuing on December 13, 20 and 27 – no ticket needed. This does not include Eastgate car park, which is owned and operated by Sleaford Town Council, where the usual free one hour will remain in place.

This initiative aims to give a boost local to businesses by encouraging residents and visitors to shop and spend in the town centre during the festive season.

Visit the Council’s website for more information.

The STEP Fusion protype powerplant at West Burton will be delivered by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) and offers a substantial, wide and varied range of opportunities for local companies.

To make these opportunities accessible, UKIFS has launched a new procurement portal designed to reduce barriers for SMEs. This platform ensures a transparent, streamlined process and attracts a diverse pool of partners to support their mission.

Find out more and access the procurement portal here.

North Kesteven District Council has been allocated nearly £4.2 million through two rounds of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), supporting initiatives up to March 2026.

Watch this video to see just a few of the highlights.

Of this, just under £1 million is dedicated to the current financial year, 2025/26. This funding is enabling continued investment in our communities and places, supporting local businesses, and helping people to develop valuable skills.

Read the full story of the mid-year progress for 2025/26.