24 November 2021

£400,000 jobs boost as businesses in North Lincolnshire lead the recovery

A raft of local businesses – including 28 start-ups – have shared a pot of £400,000 Government cash designed to help lead the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cash has been used to support almost 40 companies with their diversification and growth plans, creating jobs and securing many others. It is the latest Government cash adding to the £200m in support into North Lincolnshire since March 2020.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “North Lincolnshire’s economy is starting to power ahead as the economic effects of the pandemic fall. Unemployment figures have fallen and are now below the England average, which has not been to case for many years. Companies are recruiting at record levels, as we saw with the response to our recent jobs expo.

“We understand businesses still need support where they can set up in the first place, rebuild or diversify – the council and Government are playing their part in enabling this.

“People’s confidence in the local economy is demonstrated with more people starting a new business and I am pleased we have been able to help 28 of these start-ups. Grants have also been made to larger companies to help them diversify.”

Beauty by Morgan said: “The service I received was amazing and since receiving the grant, I have been able to purchase products for my new business that I never would have been able to afford before. If it wasn’t for the Business Team helping me get the grant, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to start my own business.”

House of Stoves added: “As a new business we applied for a new business grant to help with start up costs. The whole process was simple and thorough. We were awarded the grant and managed to purchase some stock, pay for our liability insurance and help with accountancy set up fees. We have also been very grateful for the help and advice for further grant options.”

Laura Meda Photographs said: “The process of applying for the business grant was quite simple and straightforward, yet very beneficial in helping me have a clearer vision for my business. I particularly appreciated the help and support given in writing my business plan, namely in the form of a simple business plan template as well as research notes that were specifically tailored to my photography business venture.

“From the funding received I have bought new lenses, a speed light, an extra camera battery, an external hard drive to store my photos as well as various other props all of which have propelled me to be able to take better photos for my clients, giving them a better photography experience. ”

Durdy & Co Limited added: “My initial enquiry for the grant through North Lincolnshire Council was through one of the local council business support ambassadors, who took some brief history of my business and put me in touch with a member of the Business Team. A telephone consultation was arranged where my business requirements were discussed in more detail and options assessed.

“As part of the application I was required to prepare a business plan where support was on hand at any point, to point me in the direction and advise along the way. After successfully completing the business plan, the grant money was soon on its way! The process from initial application to receiving the grant money was seamless and I felt I had the support and knowledge from the team throughout.”

Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for Scunthorpe added: “I am pleased that a number of businesses in Scunthorpe are taking up this funding to create jobs that local residents can access. This £400,000 investment into the economy is just the latest in a successful multi-million-pound package of support to keep our economy moving.”

This latest Government cash comes on top many millions to support investment in a number of strategic projects. Some £35m has been committed by Government for Scunthorpe through the Town Deal and Future High Streets Fund, plus £12m for the Burringham Bypass connectivity improvements on the M181 (A1077), £14m for flood defence work on the River Trent and £35m for the new pumping station at Keadby.