Grants available for businesses that have been required to close

Applications are open for the Local Restriction Grant Scheme (LRGS). The grant will only be available to businesses that have been required to close from 5 November 2020 and were registered with business rates on or before 00.01 on the 5 November 2020. A list of all the business types required to close can be found on the government website here. Applications will close on Friday 4 December 2020.

Further information on the eligibility criteria, a breakdown of the grant awards and a list of all documents required to support applications can be found here.

If you think your business is eligible please apply here.

Further support to businesses

The Additional Restriction Grant (business required to close) is open for applications.

The Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) will be available to businesses that have been required to close from 5 November 2020 which have fixed property costs or work from home but which were not required to be registered with business rates.

For further information on the eligibility criteria and a list of all documents required to support applications can be found on the NKDC ARG Required to close Policy. If you think your business is eligible please apply here.

Applications will close on Friday 4 December 2020 and Grant payments will be made from Thursday 26 November 2020.

Please note this grant is only for those required to close, not severely impacted, we are working on the grants for businesses that have been severely impacted, and this will be available early December.

Greater Lincolnshire Online Jobs and Careers Fairs

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership will be hosting the next live online jobs fair on Wednesday 16 December, 10am-1pm. Exhibitors and visitors are welcome to attend for free.

The first event on 11 November welcomed over 400 visitors in three hours, and helped 60 exhibitors to promote their job vacancies, training and education opportunities, and support services to the fair.

It is not possible to host physical jobs and careers fairs at the moment. Yet it is so important to support local organisations to recruit the people they need, and support local people to find work. The custom built platform allows businesses and people to come together in a virtual setting. Visitors will be able to send instant messages and request video calls with exhibitors. All of the content will stay on the site in between live fairs, so members of the public can continue to browse the exhibition stands and view the content for free.

If you would like to find out more about the next event, please take a look at the LEP website here.

To register for free as an exhibitor, go to www.greaterlincsjobsfair.co.uk/register

Get involved with Small Business Saturday

It’s more important than ever to support local businesses. This year we’re encouraging people to shop locally by participating in this year’s Small Business Saturday (5th December). If you are interested in getting involved there is still time to join The Tour 2020, the Small Business Saturday virtual tour of the UK.

Some businesses will be taking part and offering a promotional discount on the day. If you are participating or would like more information please contact a member of the team. Make sure you tag us in any activities on social media, we would love to help promote your business.

North Kesteven to move into Tier 3

Yesterday, it was announced that North Kesteven will move into the Tier 3 – Very High Covid alert level. To view the full list of restrictions please see here, these will be in place from 00.01 on Wednesday 2 December.

We are currently awaiting guidance on the Local Restriction Support Grant for Tier 3. This grant will not be available until after the 2 December, it is also paid on a 14 day period. We will share all information on our website www.businessNK.co.uk as soon as we have it, please bear with us.

PM sets out Covid Winter Plan

The UK Government’s COVID-19 Winter Plan presents a programme for suppressing the virus, protecting the NHS and the vulnerable, keeping education and the economy going and providing a route back to normality. The plan sets out the Government’s approach to ending the national restrictions on 2 December.

To view the full Covid-19 Winter Plan please see here.

Free support for North Kesteven businesses

NKDC 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

Discovery Court

Work is progressing well on Discovery Court. The coronavirus pandemic delayed the original timescales, but it's hoped that the units will be on track for a spring 2021 completion.

The design and build contract between the Council and Lindum Group will provide 21,000 square feet of start-up and grow-on space in North Hykeham. A total of 15 units will be delivered on Discovery Park, off Whisby Road ranging in size from 750 sq ft to 2,750 sq ft.

For more information please contact Banks Long & Co on 01522 544515 or enquiries@bankslong.com

Webinars for the weeks ahead

01/12/2020 10:00 - 11:00 ChamberCustoms: Countdown to Change – 30 Days

02/12/2020 08:30-11:00 Supply Chain Improvement Workshop

02/12/2020-10/12/2020 09:30-15:30 NBV | Starting in Business | 3 Day Online Course

08/12/2020 14:00-15:00 Navigating Customs formalities and ensuring HMRC compliance

09/12/2020 10:00-11:00 Own the Internet - Mastering digital marketing in 2021