- Recover from the pandemic shaping Lincolnshire into a world class visitor destination.
- Create more value; get visitors to stay longer, explore further, and spend more.
- Reduce any negative impact from tourism on the area.
Destination Lincolnshire launches business survey to support tourism and hospitality
Destination Lincolnshire has started an extensive research programme to accelerate recovery and growth across Greater Lincolnshire.
The organisation is urging businesses to support research to understand the best and most effective ways to support Lincolnshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses, and to grow and develop the regions visitor economy. It is vital that Destinations Lincolnshire’s work is informed by robust evidence, and the most important piece of this evidence base is feedback directly from businesses such as yours.
By completing the survey, you will help the organisation to understand the benefits, challenges, and opportunities tourism brings to your business, Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas and how we can work together to:
West Lindsey Council look to acquire RAF Scampton
The Council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee agreed to register the interest of the Council in acquiring RAF Scampton.
Councillors made the decision as the Ministry of Defence’s disposal strategy, allows all public sector bodies the opportunity to express an interest in acquiring the site, prior to assets being listed on the open market.
Cllr Anne Welburn, Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee said: “We see that the successful redevelopment of the site of RAF Scampton could contribute significantly to the ‘Levelling Up’ of economic and social outcomes across West Lindsey, Lincolnshire and beyond.
“The importance of this site both in terms of heritage and social history cannot be overstated. It is hoped that by registering our interest in the site we can take a leading role in ensuring a positive outcome and we look forward to working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Ministry of Defence as we go forwards.
“As a District Council we are seeking to provide a safeguard for the future of RAF Scampton. This expression of interest will enable us to do this. It does not commit the Council to anything apart from helping us to ‘explore all options’ available.”
The closure of RAF Scampton was announced by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 2018 as part of cost cutting measures. Since this time officers have worked closely with the community, MOD, the RAF and potential investors to understand opportunities for the future of the site.
As previously reported as part of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, RAF Scampton has been identified as an ‘opportunity area’. As such a new policy S74 was added to the draft Local Plan which requires the preparation of a masterplan in conjunction with, and for approval by, the district council prior to a planning application being submitted.
Process and packaging solutions business acquires Retford premises
A supplier of process and packaging solutions, Moody Direct, has purchased rented premises (located at West Carr Road, Retford) thanks to a £1m commercial mortgage from Barclays.
Originally part of the Moody Group, which was founded by Paul Moody in 1975, Moody Direct was formed in 1996. Based in Retford, Nottinghamshire, the business is a supplier of process and packaging solutions to the dairy, food, beverage, brewery, ice cream, chemical and pharmaceutical industries with a large customer base in the UK, Ireland and around the world.
In early 2016, Paul Moody handed over the reins to David Tomlinson and Ken Wild following a management buyout (MBO) of Moody Direct Ltd. With the support of Barclays, David and Ken have acquired their rented premises from the previous owner’s pension fund, following an option as part of the MBO.
Moody Direct employ over 80 staff with a turnover expected to reach £17 million this year.
David Tomlinson, director of Moody Direct, said: “We’ve banked with Barclays for over 20 years because of their focus on relationship management, their understanding of our business and their willingness to help us realise our full potential. The last five or six years have been incredibly exciting and rewarding, with the business almost doubling turnover since the MBO. The depth and range of knowledge and support our 80-strong team provide is unrivalled. Investment in our plate heat exchanger division has also allowed us to expand our offerings outside of our traditional hygienic sectors into industrial industries such as oil and power generation.”
He continued: “Whilst the last couple of years have inevitably been challenging, we’re proud to continue supporting the critical industries with essential products and services and acquiring the rented premises is another step forward to enable us to take this business to the next level. We look forward to tackling the challenges and opportunities over many years to come.”
Alastair West, Barclays relationship director, put together the funding package for the deal and said: “Over the decades, as the market has evolved, Moody’s business model has proved very successful and allowed for expansion into projects, service and the distribution of parts and components. With David and Ken at the helm of a team of long serving, committed, talented employees, the future looks bright for this ambitious business and Barclays look forward to supporting them along the way.”
New business development manager joins Bridge Help
East Midlands-based bespoke commercial bridging loan provider, Bridge Help, has marked its continued growth in 2022 with the appointment of a new business development manager.
Tina Panayi from Macclesfield brings 25 years of business development experience in the finance sector to her new role at the short-term finance firm.
As well as being an experienced relationship manager, Tina is also a qualified broker. She said: “Being a qualified broker I fully understand clients’ requirements and where Bridge Help can add value to the loan process. It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to use all my skills.”
She joins the company’s team of business development managers at Bridge Help where she will be responsible for managing and growing relationships with brokers throughout England and Wales.
Tina’s career history includes roles with a number of high street lenders, including Bank of Scotland, B M Solutions, Aldermore Bank and, most recently, specialist lender Together Money.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of my new role at Bridge Help. As a salesperson I’m very passionate about what I do and love adding value to the client’s business which I am able to do at Bridge Help, it being a bespoke lender where humans make the lending decisions rather than a computer.”
Tina’s appointment follows significant growth for Bridge Help during 2021 in which the short-term lender exceeded its own projections, lending more than £23 million and is on track to lend £40 million in 2022.
Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help, added: “Tina shares the company’s passion for getting deals over the line and providing a bespoke approach to bridging finance. We’re excited to have her on board, helping us to continue developing valuable, long-lasting relationships with our growing broker network.”
While Tina is a new face to Bridge Help, she may be more familiar to fans of the Channel 4 programme Come Dine with Me. In 2009 she appeared on the show with her Greek-inspired menu.
Get ready to make new connections at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo will take place next week on Wednesday 27 April 2022, providing a prime opportunity for networking and business generation.
The free expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will take place at The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, and is a well targeted event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets.
Exhibitors include Aspbury Planning Ltd, Belvoir, Business Lincolnshire, BSP Consulting, Delta Simons, the Federation of Small Businesses, J Tomlinson, NatWest, Willmott Dixon, and YMD Boon, to name a few. See the full list of who is exhibiting here.
Opening at 9am, the expo will also host a workshop from Team Lincolnshire and Business Lincolnshire. Running from 10:15 – 11:45, it will demystify the procurement process and explore the potential which public sector contracts could bring to your business.
Team Lincolnshire ambassador Neal Wheatley, director and general manager of RG Carter Lincoln Limited, and Barry Taylor, regional director at Parker Technical Service, will be sharing insightful first-hand experiences on winning a major Lincolnshire County Council contract for the construction of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and how supporting the local economy is a core value within the RG Carter Supply Chain Commitment.
Sign up to the free workshop here.
As the exhibition closes, it will roll directly into an informal, open buffet style network lunch – tickets for the lunch are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online. Spaces for the lunch are limited, so order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tina King, of Business Shows Group, said: “It’s been a long time in the making thanks to the pandemic, but we are finally nearly there, The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo is gearing up to be one of the best to date!”
To attend the event, register for free here.
Purchase tickets to the networking lunch here.
Meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
Nottingham-based children’s residential care home provider receives £150k funding package
Maven’s East Midlands investment team has backed Prime Nurture Services Limited (PNSL) via MEIF Maven Debt Finance, part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund.
The £150,000 funding package will support the opening of PNSL’s first two children’s residential care homes, as part of an ambitious plan to establish ten high quality homes over the next three years.
PNSL’s first home, based in Mapperley, Nottingham, was opened in January and has already generated 5 new jobs. The company will be actively recruiting for future home openings over the coming months and as it expands into Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The business, which was founded by technology entrepreneurs Glyn Heath and Anthony Davy, provides care, accommodation and support for children aged eight to 18 with their personal development, health, wellbeing, education, and cultural needs.
Staff work with each individual to design a tailored personal development plan, and PNSL has invested in a technology platform to monitor these plans, outcomes, and the medical and emotional needs of each resident, working with community groups, leisure organisations, faith groups, businesses, and local authorities.
Glyn Heath, co-founder of Prime Nurture Services Limited, said: “PNSL came into existence to help alleviate the chronic shortage of high-quality residential children’s care currently experienced across the UK. By working with Maven, we can deliver on this mission from a solid financial footing. Creating the availability of new, genuinely therapeutic places will mean we will be able to offer a safe and supportive environment to as many vulnerable children as possible.”
Jonathan Lowe, investment director at Maven, said: “Anthony and Glyn have shown huge commitment to establishing PNSL in this sector, where compliance and regulations are rightly a high priority. More importantly, their team are equally committed to improving the lives of the young people and we at Maven are delighted to support them with the finance to grow.”
Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive Officer at D2N2 LEP, said: “As co-investors in the fund, I’m pleased to see the Midlands Engine Investment Fund supporting ambitious businesses like PNSL to thrive, creating jobs in the area while giving vulnerable young people a safe and stable environment.”
South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership to receive £9.3m Government funding to level up
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership are to receive £9.3 million from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help level up the community by building pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.
Following Brexit, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) invests in local communities by helping to regenerate communities, tackle economic decline, and reverse geographical inequalities – with areas in greater need receiving more support.
It is designed to match previous long-term European Union structural funding while handing decision-making powers on how the money is spent to councils instead of regional agencies. The new funding covers the next three years. This aligns with Levelling Up White Paper missions, one being “By 2030, pride in place, such as people’s satisfaction with the place they live and engagement in local culture and community, will have risen in every area of the UK, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing.”
Council leaders have welcomed the news that as part of the overall £2.6 billion levelling up, funding has been awarded to their areas. Boston Borough Council is to receive £2.2m, East Lindsey District Council £4.4m and South Holland District Council £2.7m.
Councillor Paul Skinner, Leader of Boston Borough Council, Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council and Councillor Gary Porter, Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have been awarded this funding and be given the opportunity to work innovatively at a local level with other public and voluntary organisations, businesses, wider stakeholder partners and local people to ensure this is spent in ways to boost our local economies for the benefit of all our communities.
“The three key areas for us are communities and place, supporting local businesses and people and skills. Our aims for the funds is to allow us to help boost productivity and therefore pay, jobs and living standards by helping to grow the private sector, spread opportunities and improve public services, restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, and empower local leaders and communities.”
The partnership awaits further guidance to be issued in Summer 2022.
Family IT company doubles in size
A company that offers outsourced IT support to businesses has doubled in size with the appointment of two new directors and additional engineers.
NewGen IT Services of Irchester, Northamptonshire now boasts a team of eight people and is currently recruiting for an administrator to join the team.
Stephen Souch started the business in 2013 after working in IT and technology roles for nine years, working his way up from an apprentice to service operations manager. After a period of growth, Suraj Dholakia came on board as Stephen’s business partner and Managing Director in 2017.
Shortly afterwards Steve’s wife Leila Souch joined the business as an administrator and worked her way up to marketing manager.
Last year, Suraj’s wife and qualified accountant Jessica Dholakia joined the business as finance director.
Now, both Leila and Jessica have been appointed as directors in the company, which today boasts a £1 million turnover and clients all over the world.
The company has also recently taken on Chris Edwards, a new service engineer, and field engineer Steve Lawson who will work alongside existing team members business development manager Jake Hill and service desk engineer Ethan Malvern.
Service manager and company founder, Stephen Souch, said: “NewGen IT Services was founded out of a passion to help people with their IT challenges. I wanted to change the way that IT support was provided and really get to know our clients, what they wanted out of their IT and see how we could help them get there.
“As the business and our client base have grown, we have continuously developed and evolved, reinvesting in the business to help our customers have a better and faster service, whilst ensuring that the quality and personal touch is still there.
“Our list of services has also grown over the years. When we started out, our main service was IT support for businesses. Over the years we have evolved to also offer VoIP, Hardware Procurement, Cybersecurity, Cloud and AV/Data cabling services too. We’ve also launched two sister companies – Home-Tech Computers, which provides IT support for home users, and Bella Marketing Solutions, which means we can offer digital marketing, website and social media services to clients too.
“With a larger team of engineers, we can continue to deliver that speedy, knowledgeable IT support service. And, with a larger team of directors, each with their own business specialty, we can also develop the business further and continue to evolve to make NewGen IT Services better than ever.”
M-EC bolsters geomatics division to meet demand
Due to continued client demand, M-EC has strengthened its geomatics department by adding two new staff members and investing in industry-leading surveying equipment.
The hires start with Gareth Smithies, who has joined M-EC as assistant land surveyor. Gareth has recently completed training to become M-EC’s dedicated drone pilot, as part of his role will be to carry out aerial land surveying across M-EC’s geomatics projects.
The second hire is the addition of a survey manager who is due to join the M-EC team in June 2022. This role will enhance the delivery and accuracy of client projects, overseeing all surveys carried out by M-EC’s geomatics team and supporting the department’s growth.
M-EC has also become one of the first in the UK to take delivery of two state of the art pieces of surveying equipment – the GeoMax Zenith 60 units and a GeoMax Zoom95 R 5’’ total station.
The Geomax equipment has been supplied by Survey Hire UK and will be used by M-EC’s geomatics division on a range of projects, including those for some of the UK’s largest housebuilders and large scale infrastructure projects, such as Anglian Water’s current 500km long stretch of pipeline that runs along the east of England.
The calibration-free tilt GNSS offered by the GeoMax Zenith 60 smart antenna delivers full tilt compensation for hard to reach detail points in site surveys and assessments. The GNSS receiver’s tilt capability lets engineers measure inaccessible points and speed up the survey process as time spent levelling the pole is no longer needed. Also, it is resistant to electromagnetic fields, so provides accurate and reliable data.
Alex Bennett, director at M-EC, says: “We have seen continued growth in demand for our geomatics expertise so have taken the decision to invest in the department with staff and equipment to ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards for our expanding client base.
“The new technology in the hands of our experts will be instrumental in helping to deliver accurate reports efficiently, speeding up the process for our clients. What used to take several minutes can now be done in a few seconds, and this will make a real difference to our nationwide geomatics and site survey capabilities.”
Expansion plans for Loughborough chartered quantity surveyor and project management firm
Loughborough-based chartered quantity surveyor and project management firm, Addison Hunt, has set its sights on further expansion following a successful six years of trading – achieving a 200% increase in turnover in the last three years alone.
The company works across all levels of the construction industry on projects throughout the UK, providing cost advice and end to end project management services – ensuring projects meet the required quality standards, risk is minimised, and value for money is achieved.
Led by company directors Chris Hunt and Simon Collin, the business was set up by Chris in 2016 and in six years has grown to a team of eight professionals delivering multi-million pound projects, working with sub-contractors, contractors and developers.
Currently in the first quarter of a new financial year, Addison Hunt has secured a strong pipeline of work for 2022 – amounting to 50% of 2020/21.
This sustained growth is enabling the firm to recruit and as part of the team’s ambitious growth strategy, they hope to increase turnover by 30% in 2022. Currently, there is opportunity for two intermediate quantity surveyors to join the team who will work across the developer and contractor client base.
Director Chris said: “I am extremely proud of what the business has achieved to date, despite challenging times during the pandemic, Addison Hunt continues to grow – recruiting and training team members, and delivering a varied and diverse list of projects.
“We wanted to create a firm that would be seen by our clients as a trusted partner rather than a necessary consultant to deliver a project, and I feel that our success within the last three years has been real testament to this.
“As business owners, we want Addison Hunt to be known for quality of service and our returning clients showcase our commitment to this aim. Our ambition is to grow the team to 15 in the next few years, working out of our head office in Loughborough – the perfect base to serve the Midlands and UK wide.”
Notable projects completed by Addison Hunt include the Abbey Meadows residential development in Leicester – which forms part of Leicester’s waterside regeneration – comprising of 98 homes and saw the transformation of a redundant manufacturing site.
Simon, who has 40 years’ experience in the sector, comments on current market conditions and his ambition for the future: “The level of activity in the construction industry remains strong which is positive for all involved and we plan to harness this as part of our growth strategy. We have experienced considerable, organic growth which we are very proud of and as a team we are looking forward to what the future holds for Addison Hunt.
“Myself and Chris are big advocates of the industry and passionate about quantity surveying as a career – we are keen to invest in our workforce. We pride ourselves on being supportive and flexible employers, always available to support and provide guidance.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to our team and to our clients who put their trust in us and return to us for their next projects.”
