Funding helps future-proof businesses

Lincolnshire companies have been benefitting from a range of grants and funding the council has provided during the covid recovery.

The council's Digital Voucher Fund was aimed at helping small businesses embrace new technology and digital commerce, whilst the Rural Grant Fund has provided funding to projects in more remote areas of the county, to support them and their local economy.

These two grants schemes together have provided more than £xm to help local businesses as they recover from the most difficult of economic conditions.

Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economic development at the county council, said: "As well as providing support for the here and now, the grants have encouraged businesses in Lincolnshire to look to the future, be innovative and build back stronger.

"It's so important we support our economy to grow and thrive, so I'm pleased to see how the money we made available has made a difference to more small businesses with big horizons!"

Making a more sustainable future

Jon and Judy Homer run Burgh Tree and Garden Services and wanted to purchase a charcoal retort to diversify their business.

The council's rural grant scheme offered Lincolnshire companies the opportunity to claim 75 per cent of the cost of a project or equipment which would help them to adapt their business or develop new income streams.

"It was something we had looked into before, but the cost of a new charcoal retort put the possibility out of our reach," explained John.

"Then we became aware of Lincolnshire County Council's rural business grant scheme, which offered us a lifeline for our business.

"Around 95 per cent of all charcoal in the UK is imported and there is no control on how it is treated or produced in its country of origin.

 "The grant provided us with 75 per of the cost of a new charcoal retort and sees us become the only producers in Lincolnshire to use this method – which produces charcoal to a much higher quality compared to the kiln method.

"The machine essentially only releases water vapour, making it at least 75 per cent cleaner on the environment that other methods of producing charcoal."

The purchase of the new equipment has helped the couple at a time when some of their client base had been lost due to the Covid pandemic, and was a strong application also meeting the aims of the grant scheme to improve sustainability and support rural tourism.

They now have their new charcoal product on sale at a number of outlets around Lincolnshire and are confident that this number will grow further to become even more widely available.

Rural stats

• 113 – businesses received rural grants
• £1.5m – total awarded to date
• £13,125 – average grant value

Let's get digital

The council's Digital Voucher scheme provided small businesses with the opportunity to invest in new digital infrastructure, hardware, software or e-commerce solutions. Businesses used the funding for a range of projects, such as developing new websites, implementing remote working or introducing online payments.

Lincoln business Fizzco  has been installing Christmas decorations for shopping centres, commercial buildings, and town centres across the UK for the last 35 years.

And thanks to a successful bid to the county council's digital fund, Fizzco can now utilise the latest technology to ensure they have a competitive edge.

The scheme enabled them to purchase a new 360 degree camera, new software and IT equipment, along with training for staff on how to operate them. 

Fizzco now offer customers a 3D visualisation of their Christmas displays, cementing their place in a competitive market.

Wendy Clarkson, Company Director, said: "The pandemic has taught us you need to be focused on exploring new ideas and be willing to try new, creative ways to do business successfully.

"The assistance from Lincolnshire County Council has been invaluable in making this happen."

Digital stats

• 441 - businesses applications approved
• £1.6m – total awarded to date
• £4090 – average grant value