The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce will receive £2 million as part of the latest round of £20 million government funding to help businesses in the region.
The University of Derby and Dalepak in Northamptonshire are the other two beneficiaries from the Regional Growth Fund in the East Midlands.
A total of 50 companies and programmes will receive £300 million in the latest round of the RGF across the country, a government project to create sustainable employment and rebalance the economy.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted with the news that Greater Lincolnshire will be receiving £2 million from the Regional Growth Fund.
“It was led by the Chamber and strongly supported by the Federation of Small Businesses, Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Lincolnshire County Council.
“The RGF bid will be used to support capital expenditure, giving Lincolnshire businesses the means to move into bigger premises or invest in new plan machinery and equipment.
“Since the recession we know that county firms have found it difficult to access finance for capital expenditure through conventional methods.
“So this news will be most welcome to companies that have high growth potential, but need financial support to make the next move.
Kate Storey from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP said: “Any extra funding for the LEP area is a huge boost, and £20m for the East Midlands will go a long way to securing future economic growth.
“We have always been happy to back RGF bids made by businesses. We gave our support to the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce bid, so we’re delighted to see this approved.”
Simon Beardsley added: “The really unique element to this work will be the role of a dedicated business advisor to support any applicant looking to enter the scheme.
“Where appropriate, business owners will be coached through the process and given advice on how to reap the most reward from their request.
“This will be most beneficial to SMEs who have growth potential, but may be put off in the past by the amount of paperwork needed to benefit from such a scheme.
“Through the RGF funds, our emphasis will be on helping Lincolnshire companies grow and develop; which in turn will create new jobs and support the local economy.
“And giving Lincolnshire businesses access to finance which will support their capital expenditure aspirations, will also put them on a level playing field with other regions of the UK that have benefitted from this support in the past.”
If you would like to know how your business could benefit from the new funding, contact the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce on 01522 523333 or email [email protected].
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: