Boston Borough Council

Businesses in Boston are signing up to access free business support and training that can help them to thrive in the food and fresh produce sector.

The agri-food sector underpins the economy of Boston, accounting for 29 per cent of local jobs compared to 4 per cent nationally, meaning there is strong growth potential for this sector within Boston.

This potential has led to the establishment of the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics. The centre has been funded through Boston Town Deal and offers free business support, training, networking opportunities, and access to capital grants for businesses within Boston town that are keen to develop and grow.

Set up by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) with Boston College, the centre’s services are open to any business involved in the food chain in any way – which could include food manufacturing, food retailers, restaurants and cafes, food supplies, engineering, and professional services, amongst many other sectors.

Since the centre’s launch earlier this summer, 12 local businesses have already enrolled or are in the process of doing so and will be able to benefit from the range of services the centre offers. These services include support that can help businesses to increase productivity and profitability, and create jobs.

The businesses will also have access to a team of experts through a dedicated consultancy service. Businesses can also take part in training programmes and networking events and they could also apply for capital grants of up to £5k towards the purchase of equipment that they may need.

David Thorpe is the Programme Manager who is leading the centre’s work. He said: “We are here to support businesses in Boston to maximise their potential by providing advice, guidance, expert knowledge, and training.

“Our role is to work with businesses in the food chain – and the scope of the businesses that can access our services is not limited to those that are delivering food services. It is fantastic to see Boston businesses already signing up, which underlines the ambition that exists in our town. We’re looking forward to working with these businesses and supporting them to thrive.

“If any business is interested in finding out more about how we can help you, please do get in touch.”

Neil Kempster, Chair of the Boston Town Deal Board said: “It is fantastic to see that the centre is already making an impact with local businesses. The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics is an important Town Deal project as it will play a role in increasing skills and knowledge, creating employment, and supporting the economy of our town.”

One way that local businesses can access support is by signing up for a free online ‘Finance for Non-Financial Managers in Business’ masterclass that will be held 10.30am to 11.30am on Thursday, July 28.

The session, which will cover what owners and managers of businesses need to know about finance, is open to all businesses and their teams based in Boston.

Anyone wishing to book their place can visit https://FinanceforNon-FinancialManagersinBusiness.eventbrite.co.uk or email [email protected] to find out more.

The beach is making a return to Boston Central Park this summer, offering a host of activities for all ages – most of which are free.

The popular beach area is to be installed in the park on Tuesday, July 19 in time for the school holidays. It will stay for the duration of the school break until September 5 and can be used by anyone during the park’s opening hours.

The beach has proved popular with families in recent years and offers a great opportunity for friends to get together while the children play.

To celebrate the return of the beach, a programme of events – most of which are completely free – has been organised for people of all ages to enjoy this summer facility.

The events include:

• Thursday, July 21 – Teddy Bears Picnic. A free session for pre-school children only from 12noon to 2pm Bring your picnic and enjoy fun games, story time and play on the beach.

• Tuesday, July 26 – Sing-a-long around the beach. A free session for over 50s and those living with dementia from 2pm–4pm. Come along and enjoy singing with Boston’s Singing for Fun Group. There will be games on the beach or just come and listen and watch. All welcome.

• Thursday, July 28 – Fun in the Sun. A free session for those living with additional support needs from 1pm–3pm. Come along and have fun on the beach, play games, build sandcastles and listen or dance to the music.

• Wednesday, August 10 – Fairy Door Hunt, 10am-3pm, (last entry for hunt 2pm). The fairies will return to Central Park, Boston but we need your help to find all their doors. Cost is £2 per hunt – tickets can be bought here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fairy-door-hunt-tickets-325449607537 or email [email protected]

• Thursday, August 18 and Friday, August 19. Free Family Fun Days on the beach, open to everyone from 10am-3pm. Bring your lunch and stay all day. There will be donkey rides, giant tortoises, bouncy castles, fun sports, face painting, arts and crafts, a magician plus much more. All activities are free.

• Saturday, August 20 – Free Skate Jam on the skate park from 12noon-4pm. Come and roller skate, skate board or BMX on the amazing skate park with Team Rubicon Action Sports School. There will be free riding sessions plus competitions with prizes throughout the event so come along and show your skills. Professional riders will also be demonstrating their skills. Don’t worry if you are new to these sports you will be given a chance to learn new skills.

• Wednesday, August 24 – Pirate Treasure Hunt from 10am-3pm (last entry for hunt 2pm). Some pirates have lost their treasure in Central Park – can you help them find it? Cost is £2 per hunt – tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pirate-treasure-hunt-tickets-367448868457?aff=ebdsoporgprofile or email [email protected]

• Tuesday, August 30 – Free event from RPM Bike Displays from 12noon-4pm. Come along and watch the skills from some of the UK’s most experienced demonstration riders with over 20 years of experience.

Cllr Tracey Abbott, portfolio holder for Town Centre at Boston Borough Council, said: “The beach is a wonderful asset to bring to Boston and I am delighted it is making a return to Central Park. The beach has proved very popular in recent years with families, offering a free day out for many, right on their doorstep.

“I hope many families visit the park and make the most of the events, many of which are completely free. From a Teddy Bears Picnic to fun days, there is something for all ages at Central Park this summer. I look forward to seeing the beach well used and being enjoyed by all who visit this summer.”