Plans to regenerate Sleaford marketplace

Plans are being drawn up to reinvigorate Sleaford’s Market Place as an enhanced public space where people can spend longer enjoying the town centre and all it offers.

Looking to fulfil long-held aspirations to make better use of the central space, for public events, an improved market and as a welcoming place for people to meet and relax, North Kesteven District Council has presented a vision for this through a planning application. See HERE for more information on the plans.

If successful, the scheme will be funded by more than £1m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, for economic renewal. Work would take place over the second half of 2024 into spring 2025.

The plan is now open for comments, visit Planning Online HERE, the planning reference is 23/0803/FUL and the deadline for comments as per the site notice is 20 August 2023.

Applications are now open for the Rural Business Grant

The Rural Business Grant (RBG) will support rural businesses to invest in sustainable growth across the District.

The minimum grant available through the RBG is £5,000, and depending on the project and investment needed applicants may be required to provide match funding. This fund will run until the fund is exhausted and all projects must be deliverable before 31 March 2025. The first window for applications closes in March 2024. The fund will support capital investments only.

You can apply for the Rural Business Grant HERE

The grant is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council for DEFRA under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. This allocation is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Why not come and see us at this year's Heckington Show?

The show is marking its 155th year, and takes place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July.

North Kesteven District Council will have a marquee across both days showcasing ways everyone can act on climate, as well as the latest news and information from across the Council and its services including economic development and investment into the District.

Heckington Show is a quintessentially British summer experience, and is proudly the largest village show in England. You can find out more and buy your tickets HERE.

Expert social media tools and training for businesses delivered by Maybe*

Digital skills training and social media tools worth over £400 are being offered free to businesses in North Kesteven so they can best utilise social media to increase sales. 

You can access it now, by signing up HERE.

The training and tools provided by Maybe* include hundreds of on-demand training videos, as well as daily live training drop-ins. Easy-to-use social media management tools allow you to schedule and monitor content, from various social media platforms, all in one place.

This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Destination Management Plan workshops

Over the next few weeks, a new strategic plan for tourism and the visitor economy will be written.

Businesses can now register to join 1 of 6 workshops taking place across Greater Lincolnshire, with one being held at the International Bomber Command Centre on July 26. Book your space HERE.

Free support for North Kesteven businesses

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

If you are in business and feel you could benefit from free business advice, please do go ahead and contact him.

You can either call Phil on 07920 472671 or email
phil_means@nkesteven.gov.uk

Is your business on social media?

If so, follow us on Twitter or join our Business NK Facebook group HERE.

We share information, support and advice on each platform.

Made in Lincolnshire brohure

Business Lincolnshire's Made in Lincolnshire brochure, features more home-grown manufacturing businesses than ever, the brochure includes businesses of all sizes and specialisms.

Would you like to be included? Fill out the Expression of Interest HERE.

Federation of Small Business Survey

Join the Federation of Small Business' survey (13-27 July), to influence policy makers to breathe new life into high streets.

You can complete the survey HERE.

Looking to start your own business?

Business Lincolnshire's Starting in Business Prorgramme can help you transform your idea into a business.

The two-day workshops are led by an experienced business trainer who will guide you through the nuts and bolts of starting and running a successful business. The dates of the online workshops are:

Group 1 – 26th & 27th July  09:30 – 15:30

Group 2 - 24th & 25th August 09:30 – 15:30

Group 3 – 21st & 22nd September 09:30 – 15:30

You can find out more info on Business Lincolnshire's event page HERE.