We’re thrilled to share the news that Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park has been shortlisted for Building or development of the year – Commercial.

Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park, off Pride Parkway, is designed to provide a low-carbon home for growing businesses of various sizes, and includes planet-friendly features such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

All the units so far completed achieved energy efficiency ratings of A or higher following a fabric-first approach. The site even takes wildlife into consideration, providing extensive trees and planting to benefit biodiversity.

Phase one of the scheme was completed in late 2023. Already eight of the 15 units in phase one are fully let and occupied by businesses. Three of the remaining units are under offer and undergoing all the final legal preparations before businesses can move in, and the remaining four units are either the subject of ongoing discussions or are continuing to generate enquiries.

Fingers crossed for Wednesday 26 June!

As North Kesteven District Council seeks to ensure that best use is made of all resources and that as much waste is recycled as possible, it is considering ways to support businesses in making sure their waste is managed to best advantage.

One option under consideration is the re-introduction of a paid-for Council-run trade waste collection service. As we explore the potential for this, we’re asking businesses to tell us through a quick survey, about how they currently manage their waste.

At this stage, this is a survey for a potential service which may or may not be brought in at a later date. Until then, please continue managing waste and recycling as best you can in the ways that you currently do in order to contribute positively to climate action for your business and the wider District.

Are you ready to showcase your excellence? Enter the King’s Enterprise Awards and get the recognition your business deserves!

These prestigious awards celebrate outstanding achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Winning can boost your brand, open doors to new opportunities, and elevate your business to new heights.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to highlight your hard work and success. Apply now and let your business shine!

Applications are open until 1pm on 12 September 2024. Apply Here.

We’re thrilled to announce that our Economic Development Team will be exhibiting at the FSB Boot Camp this October!

Join us to discover the latest business support available across North Kesteven. Network with industry leaders, share insights, and gain valuable knowledge that can take your business to the next level.

Taking place on Tuesday 1 October, this bootcamp will provide you with the latest news, trends, and tools that can empower your entrepreneurial journey!

The event will be taking place at The Olde Barn Hotel, Grantham, and will include breakfast and lunch networking and a range of locally focused exhibitors. Spaces to attend will be limited and we want to see as many North Kesteven businesses there as possible. Reserve your free place today.

By attending you’ll benefit from the best lead generation and sales advice targeted for your business. You’ll leave with ideas and new motivation to tackle what you’ve maybe been avoiding.

Stay tuned for more details. We hope to see you there!

Your Business Boost is a fully funded business support programme designed to help those in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure achieve their business ambitions.

Join this cohort-based programme for the chance to work with your peers, 1-2-few and 1-2-1 support will also be available. Topics covered include Marketing, HR, Sales as well as bespoke support with subject experts.

Each participant is assigned a ‘Your Business Boost’ advisor who will work with them throughout the programme to ensure that they access the support that is right for them.

The programme takes 8-weeks to complete – each week has approximately 3 hours of learning opportunities for participants to access. Cohort four starts on Wednesday 5th June 2024, with further cohorts planned for September 2024 & January 2025.

For more information and to register your interest, visit Business Lincolnshire’s website.

Last week we held a Greening your Business webinar, led by Chris Brant from Unmissable England and Amy Ross from Zellar.

The session had local businesses think about what sustainable practices they currently have in place and what else they can implement in efforts to become greener. Businesses were then introduced to Zellar’s fully subsidised sustainability tools, aimed at helping businesses to calculate and reduce their carbon emissions.

If you missed the webinar but would like to receive the recording, please email [email protected] with the subject line ‘Greening your Business webinar recording’.

This support was funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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!