Hello from the Newark and Sherwood District Council Economic Growth team!

In our last newsletter, we launched our new exciting layout for 2023; therefore, we've got many exciting updates to tell you about.

First, some of you may have already seen the Neurodiversity Umbrella Project brightening Newark's town centre! The installation, launched by Newark Creates, is designed to represent the 1 in 4 of us with neurodevelopment conditions. The installation will run throughout the summer and is worth seeing if you haven't already.

Last month, we received confirmation that we successfully secured an additional £891k of funding through the Rural England Prosperity Fund! Since then, we've launched our Rural Business Investment Programme to help rural businesses grow and develop. Information on the Programme and how to apply can be found below.

Also, in this edition, you'll find updates on several projects, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Air and Space Institute, as well as training and adult education opportunities and available business support, including sustainability support and solutions.

If you would like to contribute your own story and be featured in the next newsletter, please contact us here: Economic.Growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

Rural Prosperity Funding opportunities

Are you a rural, small or micro business operating in the Newark and Sherwood area? Are you to looking to diversify your income streams, grow and develop?

You can now apply for a capital grant of up to £50,000 as part of our Rural Business Investment Programme to help support your business. 

Applications for this round close on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 5pm.

For more information, including full criteria and how to apply, visit the District Council website. 

Further funding opportunities will be shared within the next few months so keep an eye on our website.

For any queries in relation to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund or the Rural England Prosperity Fund, please contact us at UKSPF@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

Learn how to maximise your social media presence with bespoke online webinars

In partnership with NSDC, Nettl have been given an exciting opportunity to deliver four online webinars for all and up to three 1:1 support sessions for up to 27 businesses subject to qualifying through an eligibility criteria.

We will target the need for social media training within the business community in Newark and Sherwood, offering advice, tips and support on how to use social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok effectively to grow an online audience to support a business’s overall marketing plan. Each webinar will be focused on a different area of social media marketing and all of the different touchpoints that you can make use of and when you should make use of them, including the importance of video and maintaining a consistent brand message. We will also cover how to design a strategic social media marketing content plan with 1:1 support on making this specific to your business.

If you would like any more information or would like to sign up, email economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk 

Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF)

The Low Carbon Innovation Fund is investing over £100 million for SMEs in the East of England who are developing or introducing environmentally beneficial technologies. They invest in companies both in the early and late stages of their ventures.

If you are a business that helps reduce Greenhouse Gases, find out if LCIF can benefit your business through their website. 

Zero Carbon Business - Reduce energy costs and cut carbon

Zero Carbon Business is a platform for advice on net zero for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is a shared endeavour of the UK’s main business organisations.

Find ways for your business to save money and make the most out of getting to net zero on their website.

EV Charge Point Installation Scheme

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Point Installation Scheme aims to help businesses install EV charge points for staff and their operations. To access the grant, you must register your business and be installer approved by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

For more information on the scheme and how to apply visit the UK government's website.

Newark and Sherwood District Council and Business Sustainability

If you would like any more information on sustainability, the Newark and Sherwood District Council website has compiled a list of useful links and information on where to start if you are trying to make more sustainable decisions for you and your business.

Find out how we can support your business reach your sustainability goals by visiting our website.

Projects championing our local communities funded through UKSPF

Through UK Shared Prosperity Funding, we have been able to support our partners in delivering activities and projects that support and champion our local communities across the district.

Over recent months, the YMCA have delivered several workshops and community days as part of their adventure guides programme to enable volunteers of all ages to improve local green spaces in Bilsthorpe, Ollerton and Clipstone. The adventure guides programme encourages local people to come together to enhance the natural environment whilst learning new skills.

You can find out more about the YMCA’s adventure guides programme on our website.

In addition, volunteer students at Newark Orchard School have been working hard with Volunteer it Yourself to create a sensory garden at the school site in Balderton. The new garden will allow the school to combine learning with the outdoors as well as create a space that the students can enjoy.

The project has enabled the young volunteers to develop vital new skills and accreditations that can help them pursue a future career or interest.

You can find out more about the work the volunteer students have been doing on our website.

Further funding opportunities will be shared within the next few months so keep an eye on our website. Remember to have a look at the Invest Newark and Sherwood website and follow our social media to keep up to date with available business support!

The ASI partners with Sherwood Observatory

The Air and Space Institute (ASI) has partnered with the Sherwood Observatory to inspire the next generation with STEM education.

The Sherwood Observatory has secured £3.1 million from the Levelling Up Round 2 fund to build a new Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium. The aim is to provide young people access to cutting-edge STEM facilities, creating opportunities, and encouraging them to pursue engineering pathways.

The partnership between ASI and the Sherwood Observatory means that students at the ASI will have access to the observatory's state-of-the-art facilities, enriching their learning experience. The planetarium will offer an immersive learning experience, allowing students to explore the wonders of space and get them enthused about the aerospace sector.

A1 Flue Systems are celebrating their 50th anniversary!

First opened in 1973, A1 Flue Systems is celebrating its 50th year as the market leader in design, manufacture, delivery, installation, service and the maintenance of commercial chimney, flue and exhaust systems. 

Founder Colin Moir originally started trading as A1 Sheet Metal Co based in a very small unit located just off the A1 which served as inspiration for the change in name!

The A1 Flue Systems operate from their headquarters in Boughton, Nottinghamshire where all their manufacturing takes place. 

Congratulations on the remarkable anniversary!

Dunstall Barns, Self Catering Accommodation

Karen Walker and her daughter Kate together run Dunstall Barns, a self-catering accommodation on the outskirts of Sutton-on-Trent village.

The Business Resilience Programme enabled Karen to understand the importance of targeting a younger demographic, particularly taking into account a greener sustainable future.

The cottages are already heated via an air source heat pump and Karen saw the purchase of an electric car charger as a unique selling point for the business as the electric car industry grows. 

Kate, who runs Dunstall Barns alongside her mother Karen, said: “The programme has been very useful and informative. The digital meetings have given us a greater understanding of data which will be useful in targeting the correct audience- it also allows us to explore target markets we may be missing. Along with the grant funding, our guests’ numbers should increase due the attraction of having a charging point and becoming more sustainable be for the future”

Like Dunstall Barns you can find out about more opportunties for your business and keep up to date on our Invest Newark and Sherwood website or by following us on social media.