October 27, 2016 8.28 am
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Nic Dakin: Celebrating the fantastic small businesses in Scunthorpe
The then Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP worked with small businesses and small business organisations to bring Small Business Saturday to the UK in 2013. In the United States Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday; the major shopping days in the US after the American holiday of Thanksgiving. It is…
The then Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP worked with small businesses and small business organisations to bring Small Business Saturday to the UK in 2013.
In the United States Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday; the major shopping days in the US after the American holiday of Thanksgiving. It is primarily a celebration of retail and shopping!
I have been pleased to celebrate the fantastic small businesses of all shapes and sizes – not just retail – that make such a huge contribution to our area’s local economy.
As such I’ve always taken the opportunity of Small Business Saturday at the start of December to celebrate local businesses by giving them a shout out on my website, Facebook and Twitter. Such is the modern way!
Small businesses contribute a huge amount to our local community. I always enjoy visiting small businesses and learning more about the range of things that are going on.
Last month I was privileged to join Gail Spavin Financial for a celebration of 25 years in business locally at San Pietro – itself another successful local business.
Other small businesses I’ve visited in the last month include Little Tots Nursery and Fluent Coaching, further illustration of how diverse and rich the small business sector is!
And everywhere I go I’m hugely impressed by people’s enthusiasm, passion and energy. Too often we see the downside of things. In the richness of our small businesses we should celebrate the upside.
That’s why this year I’m calling on local people to join in with this celebration of small business talent.
People can nominate local businesses for one of two awards: the Champion Small Business award and Great Customer Service award by going on my website.
To be eligible the business needs to be located in the Scunthorpe county constituency which is Scunthorpe, Bottesford and the towns and villages to the south including Messingham, Scawby, Kirton-in-Lindsey and Hibaldstow.
Any nominated small business from outside the area will get a shout out from me for being valued by local people.
Nominations for the awards opened on October 19 and they will close on November 9.
Shortlisted small businesses will then be identified and a poll opened to select the winner on November 14th in plenty of time for Small Business Saturday on December 4.
I suppose my message is: let’s celebrate the fantastic people who work in our small businesses.
Even if you don’t nominate a business for my award why not say well done to a local small business?
A pat on the back is uplifting and costs us very little to give.
Let’s shout out for the brilliant people that work in the small businesses across our area. After all they give us so much!
Nic Dakin is the Labour Member of Parliament for Scunthorpe
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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: