Our local economy is rising to the challenges of Covid
North Lincolnshire businesses are adapting to life with Covid and meeting the challenges of the current situation head on. The council has already handed out more than £40m worth of grants and funding to local businesses, with more to come.
We have also worked closely with the business community, focusing on saving jobs and growing our local economy.
Over the past few months, North Lincolnshire welcomed the news that SeAH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding – a statement of serious intent - with Able UK to use the Able Marine Energy Park at South Killingholme, bringing 400 jobs.
The South Korean company manufacture monopiles – large, hollow steel cylinders used in wind turbines. This will be the first such production line in the UK and will play a huge part in our post Covid-19 economy.
Normanby Enterprise Park has seen a new development on Sawcliffe Industrial Park, with a series of purpose built business units, a collaboration between the council and Evergreen Group.
There was huge interest in the development, with the units being rented out even before they were finished, reflecting the appetite for growth and expansion in the region.
Nexon, which specialises in the distribution of cleaning, hygiene and janitorial products to professional users across the UK are leasing five of the units, and the final one has gone to Chris Johnson & Partnership, of Johnson Body Repair.
Sean Tucker, Managing Director of Evergreen Group, said: “Since we started working with North Lincs Council, their team has very much become ‘our team’ and we have had constant support which has allowed us to progress Sawcliffe at pace even in unprecedented times.
“I would strongly advise anyone wanting to start out in business or relocate an existing business to call the team and see for themselves what a proactive and genuinely helpful council should be doing to help support business growth.”
Evergreen Group are now keen to capitalise on their success and after building a unit for his own business, managing director Sean Tucker plans to purchase another acre of land to construct more commercial units.
His plans include fully developing the site to include a nature reserve and tree planting.
Recent major developments include the start of the £4.5m motorway infrastructure scheme for the new M181 roundabout.
This will unlock 60 acres of land for commercial development and also be the first major change to our local motorway network 1978.
It will allow for a new east to west link road between the M181 and Scotter Road, which will in turn have a positive impact on local congestion.
At the heart of Scunthorpe, the future of the town centre has been revealed with a radical development plan for the former market, including space for businesses and student accommodation.
Following North Lincolnshire Council’s bid to the Future High Streets Fund, the Government has granted £10.7m to make the plan a reality.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
"It has been a tough year and there's still a way to go, even with the Covid-19 vaccine being rolled out. We've been dealing with unprecedented challenges, however our residents have remained strong and we are determined to bounce back.
"The Government cash, in grants for businesses, furlough payments to thousands of people and direct support for the most vulnerable people - including children and young people - is now worth more than £100m in our area.
"That cash has been to support jobs and businesses, this latest funding is about regrowing the economy through 2021 and beyond.”
North Lincolnshire Council has a committed and highly skilled team helping businesses achieve their full potential on everything from inward investment, expansion, improving skills and employability and accessing funding streams.
You can contact the Economic Growth team for more advice or information on 01724 297330 or businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.