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Free Parking in Sleaford every Saturday throughout December

People can enjoy free parking in Sleaford every Saturday in December, in any North Kesteven District Council-owned car park.

Free parking was available in these car parks in support of Small Business Saturday on Saturday 2 December, and will also be available on the following four Saturdays (December 9, 16, 23 and 30 December 2023) with no need to display a ticket.

This goodwill gesture from North Kesteven District Council aims to ensure more residents and visitors can enjoy shopping in Sleaford for Christmas and support local businesses while they do.

The free car parking will apply only to North Kesteven District Council owned car parks, which are: 

• Eastbanks (next to Sleaford Leisure Centre)
• Money’s Yard, off Carre Street
• Cogglesford Watermill (off Eastgate Road)
• Station Road 
• Grantham Road 
• Westgate (Playhouse Yard)
• Market Place 
• Church Lane 

While these free Saturdays in 2023 don’t apply to Eastgate car park, which is owned by Sleaford Town Council, shoppers can still enjoy its usual low rates – free for the first hour; £1.50 for three hours and £3.50 for over three hours.

Drivers are still required to park considerately and within the bays and to display a Blue Badge if using a marked disabled space.

Celebrating Small Business Saturday in NK

To support and celebrate small businesses, North Kesteven District Council held a Shop Small Market on Saturday 2 December in Heckington.

This event was in support of Small Business Saturday, and despite the bitterly cold weather, it was fantastic to see the local community shopping locally.

The Artisans made their way around the market, and drew, in their own unique style, caricatures of all who attended, whilst dressed as Parisian mime artists.

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

The Artisans at the Shop Small Market in Heckington on Small Business Saturday

Could your business be eligible for the grant below?

Are you a restaurant, café, hotel or accommodation business? Or are you in the manufacturing sector and supply chains, or the food and drink sector and supply chains? If so, you could be eligible for the Rural Business Grant.

The minimum grant available is £5,000, and to demonstrate value for money applicants will be required to offer match funding.

Applications are currently open, the fund will support capital investments only. If you’d like to discuss an idea before submission please do not hesitate to contact the team by emailing levellingup@n-kesteven.gov.uk.

All projects must be completed by March 2025. Please click the button below to apply for the grant.

This 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.

Unmissable North Kesteven

A new tourism programme is being delivered to support businesses across North Kesteven to develop new bookable visitor experiences for domestic and international markets.

The Unmissable North Kesteven Workshops are now in full swing, and Chris from Unmissable England has been teaching tourism businesses in North Kesteven how to develop experiences and the importance of storytelling.

Workshops have been scheduled to take place at some amazing venues across the District, in upcoming weeks and months. View all current bookable events by visiting Destination Lincolnshire’s Eventbrite page.

The next workshop will support businesses with promoting their experiences and will take place on Wednesday 13 December, from 1pm till 4pm, at the Finch Hatton Arms, Sleaford. Book your free place for this workshop today.

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

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@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Is your business on social media?

If so, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or join our Business NK Facebook Group.

We share information, support and advice on each platform.

Do you have an event planned for next year?

If so, you can have it listed for free on Visit Lincolnshire's event page.

Fill in the form using the link below and ensure word gets out far and wide to promote your event. 

List your event on Visit Lincolnshire's event page.

Entries are now open for the Small Awards

The Small Awards target the whole small business sector, focusing on businesses often overlooked by other awards. 

View the full list of categories and apply by visiting The Small Awards Website.

Your Business Boost

Your Business Boost is a cohort-based programme, meaning that you’ll be working with your peers. However there is also the chance for some 1-2-few and 1-2-1 support.

As well as group sessions, you will be able to access specialty masterclasses, and will also be assigned a 'Your Business Boost' adviser, ensuring you access the right support for your business.

Find our more information and register your interest.

Webinars for the week ahead

14/12/23 12:00-13:00

Global Trade Masterclass - Digital and Technology

For updates on any of the support available visit our Business NK website or the GLLEP website www.businesslincolnshire.com.

Updates will also be available on our twitter @BusinessNK