Less than two weeks left to apply for the Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is still open for applications. This support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here. The closing date is Wednesday 30 June 2021.

Please note, due to website maintenance the application form for the Restart Grant will be down for 24 hours from 22 -23 June.

Armed Forces Day 2021

On Monday, June 21, there will be a flag raising ceremony in Sleaford to mark Armed Forces Day. Ordinarily there is more activity in the week, co-ordinated by North Kesteven District Council and in partnership with Sleaford Town Council, local RAF bases and veterans’ organisations, but given the ongoing Covid-19 situation this is being scaled back at this time to ensure public safety.

Relocated to Sleaford Market Place to maximise on opportunity for social distancing, the flag raising is a public event and attendees are requested to abide by all ongoing requirements and regulations.

In the presence of military representatives and civic guests, the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised within a short ceremony at 10.30am, close to the entrance to St Denys Church, where Vicar of Sleaford and Armed Forces Chaplain within the RAF, the Rev Philip Johnson will give a blessing.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution made by the Armed Forces to our community both organisationally and as individuals, past, present and future.

During the week businesses throughout Sleaford and across the District are encouraged to decorate their windows in keeping with the Armed Forces Day theme and to consider extending any offers or discounts to veterans or serving personnel.

New plan to drive rapid recovery of tourism sector

A new rail pass and vouchers for popular tourist attractions are at the heart of a plan to return domestic tourism to pre-pandemic levels by 2022, and international tourism by 2023.

The Tourism Recovery Plan aims to help the sector build back better from the pandemic, the new initiatives to boost tourism include the £10 million National Lottery Days Out scheme to support attractions and a new rail pass to encourage domestic breaks. Further information can be found here.

There's still another week to attract new customers with Fiver Fest

Totally Locally's Fiver Fest  started on Saturday and is running until Saturday 26 June 2021. The national promotion is an opportunity for independent businesses to work together and encourage people to shop locally.

Here are a few of the independent retailers taking part in Sleaford and their unique £5 offers:

• Blanchards coffee shop - £5 meal deal (offer varies so check on Facebook or in store)
• Glitz & Glamour Boutique - £5 summer dresses
• Alexandras Boutique £5 summer scarves
• The Wooley Elephant - £5 Soft toys and books
• Bellissimo Boutique – Spend £25 in any one transaction and receive a £5 discount
• Lorraine's Children's Wear - £5 summer pyjamas sets
• Market Square Café & Restaurant - £5 meal (beef burger, small chips and a can of soft drink)

Please note offers may vary for the second week of the campaign, we advise that you check in store or on the retailers social media accounts.

There is still time to get involved, if you are interested in participating, please email a member of the team with your business name and address and we can produce some promotional assets for your business.

Free support for North Kesteven businesses

The Council offers the service of a Business Support Adviser, Phil Means. Phil can assist businesses and provide bespoke advice and support.

If you are in business and feel you could benefit from free business advice please contact him. Either call Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Update on restrictions

Step 4 changes have now been delayed for four weeks until 19 July. England remains under the Government's Step 3 for the easing of lockdown, which came into effect on 17 May.

This is except for weddings, which from Monday 21 June can go ahead with more than 30 guests if social distancing is in place; the same applies to wakes. Further details can be found on the Government website here.

EU Settlement Scheme – Deadline end of June

The Home Office is advising businesses that the deadline of 30 June 2021 for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is nearing. Visit here for more information.

Lincoln mobile vaccination service for first COVID-19 vaccinations

NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group will be giving COVID-19 vaccinations in the carpark of Bridge Central, on the corner of Portland Street and Charles Street, on Saturday 19 June, from 12pm-3pm.

Anyone who wishes to receive their vaccination, who has not already had their first dose, and is eligible will be able to have their vaccination, it is free and there is no booking required.

The availability of a mobile bus service is to ensure that access to the COVID-19 vaccination is made available within local communities, especially for those who may find it difficult to access at present through the current vaccination sites.

Webinars for the week ahead

22/06/2021 10:00-11:00 Low Carbon Champions: Driving forward a Green Revolution

22/06/2021 09:30-10:30 Allergen Legislation Update for Hospitality/Food Retailers (Business Owners & Managers)

23/06/2021 - 24/06/2021 09:30-16:30 Raise Equity Funding within 6 Months

24/06/2021 -22/07/2021 10:30- 12:00 Eliminate Self Doubt and Switch on Your Success Mindset

29/06/2021 - 06/07/2021 09:30-16:30 NBV | Starting in Business | 3 Day Online Course