Reflections: Working hard to bring business confidence back
This is an exciting time to look forward and to prepare our county for business growth and success while being mindful of business concerns, writes the Chamber of Commerce CEO.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce
There has been a more optimistic feeling around this year, compared to the last, and looking ahead to 2015, we must work hard to bring even more confidence back into the economy.
At a national level, the UK GDP growth forecast for 2014 has slipped in the year from 3.2% to 3.0% in 2014, but this figure still represents the fastest growth experienced by the British economy since 2007.
However, downgrades to the growth is a warning sign that we still face hurdles to securing a balanced and sustainable recovery. A number of headwinds from the global economy are also having a real impact on British businesses.
At the end of 2014 the eurozone remains weak, with a real risk of deflation, growth in emerging markets has slowed and political uncertainty in Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East and elsewhere is affecting business and consumer confidence.
Despite this, the outlook on business in Lincolnshire has continued to be positive with figures from our Quarterly Economic Survey, which takes a health check on local business every three months, showing steady positive performance across areas such as sales, profitability and turnover throughout 2014.
We are encouraged by the government’s continued efforts to curb business rate increases and the announcement of a review into the future structure of Britain’s business rates system. This iniquitous tax is the highest in Europe and been for to long a drag anchor on investment and growth.
One of our stand out highlights of this year was winning the bid, with partners Federation of Small Business, Lincolnshire County Council and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, for the Greater Lincolnshire Capital Growth Fund. Since the recession we know that county firms have found it difficult to access finance for capital expenditure through conventional methods. So with these funds, we are able to help Lincolnshire companies grow and develop; which in turn will create new jobs and support the local economy.
A significant milestone for us was the news that more than 50 000 homes and businesses have taken up superfast broadband, especially in a number of more rural locations around the county as well as Lincoln City. Our members have long raised the issue of poor connectivity holding back their growth potential, and this progress underlines the commitment of all involved parties in addressing this problem.
Another positive outcome of 2014 was the announcement of the InterCity East Coast rail franchise being awarded to Stagecoach and Virgin Group. We believe that Lincoln, and its business community, has a great deal to offer customers in the south of the country.
The announcement is an exciting step towards making our city, with its world-class visitor economy worth £150 million, internationally renowned universities, manufacturers and award-winning food producers, more accessible. However, we will continue to lobby for the timescale of direct trains to London to be brought forward ahead of schedule.
While we reflect on 2014 and its challenges, we remain optimistic as we look to 2015. Investment by business in the county is at a high with a 9% increase in investment plans across both manufacturers and service businesses. More than four in five private sector employers expect to invest in the business in the next two years.
This is an exciting time to look forward and to prepare our county for business growth and success while being mindful of business concerns. We will continue to make every effort at a local, regional and national level to support local businesses and give them the tools and support to ensure that our local economy continues to succeed and prosper.
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Simon Beardsley is Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Chamber; one of the largest business networks in the county providing first-class business support to companies of all shapes and sizes in a range of industries and sectors.
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The body of a missing man from Grimsby was found after an incident on Wednesday, but his death is not being treated as suspicious, police said.
Humberside Police issued a missing person’s appeal for 51-year-old Robert Allison earlier this week, who was last seen on Torrington Street at around 5.25pm on Tuesday, March 2.
The force said on Thursday, March 4: “Thank you to those who shared our missing persons appeal in relation to Robert Allison.
“Sadly, following an incident yesterday (Wednesday), a man was found deceased and identified as 51-year-old Grimsby man Robert Allison.
“We can confirm his death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.”
A 65-year-old man will appear in court in connection with alleged racial abuse of the Horncastle Town manager during a football game.
Peter Chapman, 65, of Chapel Lane, Spalding, is accused of racially abusing Horncastle manager Allan Ross during Pinchbeck United’s match with Lutterworth Town on October 31.
Allan had gone to watch his former club Pinchbeck as a supporter, when Chapman is believed to have looked chairman Gary Coomes in the eyes and allegedly said: “I see you’ve let a wog in the stadium.”
He will be in court for the offence of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
Lincolnshire FA launched an investigation into the incident, and have been working closely with Lincolnshire Police and Kick It Out throughout the case.
The Lincolnshire FA charged Pinchbeck United with failure to control spectators. This went to a Lincolnshire FA panel and was found proven.
Pinchbeck United were issued with a £50 fine and given a warning about future conduct in terms of controlling spectators.
Racially abused watching a football match today. Reported to the police who are unable to do anything. 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/FxU6ofAnAm
Allan Ross had previously told The Lincolnite that the support he has been given from the public has helped him cope.
He said: “I had a message from the (Pinchbeck) chairman apologising that more wasn’t done at the time. I have a lot of respect for Gary as a football man, chairman and person and I’m glad action was taken.
“I feel better in myself after the huge support I’ve had from the general public across the country.
“It has been phenomenal and now I know others also feel it shouldn’t be accepted and I’m going to fight for people to stand up and speak out.”
Over 17 bags and larger items, including discarded children’s toys, have been cleaned up from the streets of the Sincil Bank area of Lincoln.
Around 14 stalwart volunteers from the Sincil Bank RiverCare and Litterpick Group attended the clean up event on Saturday, February 27. They worked in individuals or pairs due to the current coronavirus restrictions
The rubbish was then taken away by Biffa, which the group had previously arranged with the city council.
Volunteers Sarah Firth and Barbie Gooding helping to make Sincil Bank a clean area of the city. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
Stephen Lait is one of the volunteers for the Sincil Bank RiverCare and Litterpick Group. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
The group’s next clean up event is due to take place later this month, with an exact date to be finalised in due course.
Volunteers at the latest clean up included Nick Rawsthorne, who helps to publicise the events and take photos to illustrate the team’s work.
Volunteer Amy Firth picking up litter in the Sincil Bank area of Lincoln. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
He said: “We would ask that locals help support us by taking their litter home and disposing of it in an appropriate way.
“Many thanks for the hard work of all the volunteers who gave up their own time for no reward.”
Corrine Dore helping to keep Lincoln tidy. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
The Sincil Bank RiverCare and Litterpick Group help to keep the drains clear and protect local wildlife, as well as making the local community a cleaner place to live.