Challenging conditions: Lincolnshire’s economy has been described as in a “steady state” in the past quarter, though county businesses are optimistic about prospects in 2013.
Lincolnshire’s economy has been described as in a “steady state” in the past quarter, though county businesses are optimistic their profitability, turnover and market share will rise in 2013.
The latest results from the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, Lincolnshire Research Observatory and University of Lincoln, indicate current trading conditions remain challenging.
The percentage of respondents reporting improved sales in UK markets rose slightly, but for most sales and order volumes have remained the same as last quarter.
Fewer respondents reported improved exports compared to last quarter, particularly from the manufacturing sector, though there was an increase year-on-year.
Professor David Rae, from the Lincoln Business School, said: “It is a picture of relatively steady state.
“I would say that these [QES] figures are generally showing Lincolnshire to be at least as healthy as the recent national reports for the UK economy and in some respects more so, such as the relative strength in orders and business.”
Lincolnshire out-performing UK economy
Simon Beardsley from the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about business prospects in 2013.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s still a challenging economy, but the QES figures show a marked increase in businesses confidence with more businesses reporting they expect growth in their profitability, turnover and market share over the next 12 months.
“And local businesses have a right to be optimistic. The figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the Lincolnshire economy has been out-performing the national economy by a notable margin.
“Gross Value Added, which measure economic productivity, rose in 2010 and 2011 by 4.5% and 3.5% respectively. This is 1% higher than the UK average. And business demography figures show that the number of active and new businesses in Lincolnshire is up, and the number of businesses ceasing trading is down. The survival rate of businesses in the county is also higher than the regional and national average.
“We work on the QES survey with The Lincolnshire Research Observatory, which believes that the comparative strength of the local economy may be in part due to the type of businesses in the county. There is a higher percentage of established firms in Lincolnshire, which indicates an experienced and resilient local economy that may be coping better with the difficult economic condition.”
Barriers to business
Phil Scrafton, one of three directors at Globe Consultants Limited, planning and economic development specialists based in Lincoln, said: “All businesses are affected by late payments from customers, which can seriously affect cash flow.
“Whilst the banks appear to appreciate this, they do not act accordingly by providing more flexibility to support local businesses. This seems to be a common problem shared between businesses of all sizes, and results in sound and good quality businesses going under. On the odd occasion that we have had cash flow a challenge, our bank has given us short shrift and I would have to say that has challenged our long-term relationship with our banks.”
The Quarterly Economic Survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in Lincolnshire. The survey measures domestic and overseas sales and orders, employment prospects, investments, recruitment, cash flow confidence and price pressures. Lincolnshire businesses can take part in the survey for 2013 by filling out this online survey.
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Police have released CCTV images of men they’re searching for in connection with the persistent and violent robbery of a 13-year-old boy in Long Sutton.
An iPhone and £20 was stolen from the boy, who was viciously attacked by a large group on Bull Lane on September 30 at around 8pm.
He was beaten by several young men and was punched and kicked while on the floor, before he managed to flee to a nearby takeaway on the High Street.
The group chased after him and attacked him inside the shop.
A passer-by managed to get the victim’s iPhone back for him, but it was snapped in half.
One of the men involved has been described as white, of small build and pale complexion.
He had short brown wavy hair with shaved sides and was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.
Another man, also white, also of small build with pale complexion, is thought to be involved.
He has short to medium ginger hair, slicked back, and no facial hair.
He was wearing a grey two-toned long sleeve jumper with black Nike branding on the front. He was wearing blue jeans.
Lincolnshire Police said they believe those pictured can help with their investigation.
Anyone who thinks they can help is being asked to contact the force:
By calling 101 quoting incident 352 of 30th September
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 352 of 30th September in the subject line
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online
A shop in Spalding with a long history of licensing problems is again incurring the wrath of Lincolnshire Police next week.
The force’s licensing team have submitted evidence to South Holland District Council either objecting to applications, or calling for a review of businesses at 34 Westlode Street – formerly Delicja, but now operating as A2Z Food Express – a total of 15 times since 2018.
On Tuesday, they will again argue that Saglar Ahmat’s application to Vary a Premises Licence by taking off two conditions limiting the number and strength of beers, lagers and ciders sold, should not be approved.
The force said the conditions “assist the operator in limiting their impact on an existing problem area” which is covered by a Public Space Protection Order for street drinking, littering, spitting, urination and defecation.
There are currently two licenses associated with the premises, one which has been revoked and has been taken to appeal and a new licence. Both are currently under Mr Ahmat’s name.
Licensing Officer Gina McConville, in a 30 page report to councillors, outlined the history of the premises’ licence holders and its connections to smuggled goods and laundering – including alcohol and cigarettes.
She said a recent check continued to find failures to comply with licensing conditions – including failure to price mark single cans of foreign beer, which she said was “an indicator of smuggled goods”.
“In total for this one premises Lincolnshire Police have submitted 15 separate pieces of work since 2018 in an effort to stop individuals with proven links to criminality obtaining the licence or remaining in a position of control on the licence.
“There is still great concern remaining as to who’s behind the premises and… little confidence that issues with licence compliance and objectives will ever be taken seriously and resolved.”
The premises previously operated as Delicja. Photo: Google Maps
She told councillors the applicant needed to “understand their place and impact in the community” and “put licensing objectives before profit”.
“The applicant has offered no other conditions that would assist in limiting his premises effect.
“Without these conditions the premises will be adding to the issues which created the need for the PSPO in the first place and that need remains as the PSPO has been reviewed and remains in place.
“Lincolnshire Police has concerns in the applicant’s ability due to the previous failure to price mark and non‐compliance with conditions on a revoked premise licence. These very conditions will assist him all the more.”
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