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.”
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.”
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.
A dramatic video shows a car engulfed in flames in the car park at Lincoln County Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
An on-call crew from Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue attended the scene on Greetwell Road shortly before 5pm on Tuesday, April 13.
The crew used one hose reel to extinguish the fire and fortunately no casualties were reported.
The car is probably a write-off. | Photo: The Lincolnite
Dramatic pictures from the scene show the severe damage that was caused to the front of the car.
Fall in county infections but a Boston spike
There have been 50 new coronavirus cases and three COVID-related deaths in Greater Lincolnshire on Tuesday — compared to 58 cases and no deaths this time last week.
The government’s COVID-19 dashboard recorded 26 new cases in Lincolnshire, 19 in North Lincolnshire and five in North East Lincolnshire.
On Tuesday, three deaths were registered in Lincolnshire, none in North East Lincolnshire and -1 in North Lincolnshire. Fluctuations in data are usually due to some deaths in those areas being reallocated to other regions across the UK or a miscount. These figures include deaths both in and out of hospitals, as well as residents in hospitals outside the county.
NHS England has reported two new local hospital deaths at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust hospitals.
On Tuesday, national cases increased by 2,472 to 4,375,814, while deaths rose by 23 to 127,123.
In local news, people aged over 45 can now book their COVID vaccinations on the NHS website after the government reached its target of offering a first dose to the nine most vulnerable groups.
There were recently some technical difficulties for people accessing the NHS website, but vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said the issues have been fixed – book a vaccine online here and find out if you are eligible.
Over the weekend, Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rate has fallen, with a spike in Boston only.
Similarly, the England average has also seen a drop in infections, but still remains nearly half Greater Lincolnshire’s rates.
Lincoln has dropped by more than half over the weekend and now has one of the smallest rates in the UK, with just 9.1 per 100,000 of the population infected with COVID-19.
Here’s Greater Lincolnshire’s COVID-19 infection rates up to April 12:
Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rates from Apr 5 to Apr 12. | Data: Gov UK / Table: James Mayer for The Lincolnite
In national news, Boris Johnson has warned that the reduction in coronavirus infections, hospitalisations and deaths “has not been achieved” by the rollout of COVID vaccines.
The prime minister, speaking the day after the latest easing of lockdown restrictions, instead said it was the national shutdown that had been “overwhelmingly important” in driving down COVID rates.
England is giving out its first doses of the Moderna jab, the third COVID-19 vaccine in the nation’s rollout.
It will be available at 21 sites, included the Madejski Stadium in Reading and the Sheffield Arena.
Along with the Pfizer jab, it offers an alternative to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for under-30s, after concerns about a possible link to very rare blood clots.
Greater Lincolnshire includes Lincolnshire and the unitary authorities of North and North East (Northern) Lincolnshire.
58,772 cases (up 50)
2,184 deaths (up three)
of which 1,302 hospital deaths (up two)
4,375,814 UK cases, 127,123 deaths
There will be another Kill The Bill protest in Lincoln next week, rallying against a new government bill that diminishes protesting rights.
Protests have been rife across the country since the government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was first discussed, with scenes turning violent in Bristol.
Over two hundred people peacefully took part in the city’s first march at Speakers’ Corner on April 3, including Extinction Rebellion activists and Socialist and Labour supporters.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Now, after a post started doing the rounds on social media, another protest has apparently been scheduled for 2pm on Monday, April 17 at the same location on Lincoln High Street, as part of a national day of action.
A poster promoting a second event has been shared across social media platforms.
Protests are lawful once again after the government eased lockdown restrictions on March 29, but organisers are required to submit a risk assessment prior to any event.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Organisers of the last protest were in close communication with police to make the event safe, and The Lincolnite has asked Lincolnshire Police if they have been made aware of another protest, but are yet to receive a reply.
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