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04/03/2022

Business NK Newsletter

RiverLight 2022 - A festival celebrating the culture and heritage of Sleaford

RiverLight

There's now less than two weeks until Sleaford is brought to life through a celebration of culture and creativity with RiverLight fringe events starting on Sunday 13 March 2022. 

RiverLight promises to be a spectacular festival, celebrating and welcoming people back to the high street, showcasing our wonderful local community, and helping Sleaford to re-build stronger after the pandemic.

Making use of the funding awarded to North Kesteven District Council through the Government's Welcome Back Fund, RiverLight will promote the safe and enjoyable return into our town centre following Covid restrictions. 

A number of acts and performances have already been announced, make sure to follow @riverlightfestival and keep your eye on the RiverLight webpage for more details.

A number of retailers are planning to offer a discount on Saturday 19 March for RiverLight, if your business would like to get involved please email any special offers to katherine@hub-sleaford.org.uk


Cyber security for small businesses

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published new advice for businesses on creating trustworthy customer messages following a rise in text and call-based scams. The guidance sets out how businesses can contact customers in a way that is more secure and distinguishable from fraudsters impersonating well known and trusted brands. Further information is available here.

Additionally, NCSC has provided small businesses with affordable, practical advice on ways to improve their cyber security. The resources are available here


UKCA marking – call for case studies

From 1 January 2023 most products placed on the GB market must be marked with the new UKCA product marking. To ensure UK suppliers are ready for this deadline, BEIS is looking for businesses who have already made the switch from the current CA marking who would be willing to share their insights and encourage other businesses through the process.

If your company has adopted UKCA marking and you would be willing to be featured as a case study please complete this short survey.


Is your business on social media?

If so, join our Business NK group here or follow us on twitter. We share information, support and advice on each platform.

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


Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

Applications for the OHLG are now closed, if after reading the guidance, you believe you are eligible and missed the closing deadline please email grants@n-kesteven.gov.uk with your business name, sector type, address and business rates number.

Please note all applications must be validated, approved and paid by Thursday 31 March 2022.


List your business on our shop local directory

Our shop local directory is a one stop shop for those looking to buy products locally, listing high street shops and retailers. It’s free to be listed – if you are a trader, complete the online application form here to be added to the directory.

Each listing contains space for a shopfront or similar image, a Google map showing the pinned business location, opening hours, website and phone number, for purchases or enquiries online and over the phone.


Webinars for the week ahead

08/03/2022 8:30-17:30 Low Carbon Agriculture

08/03/2022 14:00-15:00 Take your Website to the World: Search Engines – How they work, and what they look for on your website

08/03/2022 10:00-12:00 Angel Finance: Fuelling Local Growth

09/03/2022 07:30-09:30 Productivity through Innovation (PTI)

09/03/2022 - 30/03/2022  How to Improve your Content with AR (Augmented Reality)

10/03/2022 09:00-13:00 Experience Lincolnshire! Developing Visitor Experience Days