This newsletter is part of a regular update I send out to businesses in Scunthorpe. If you have not received this email directly from me please subscribe here.
See my previous Business Update (25/01/22) on End Of 'Plan B' Restrictions, Launch of Help To Grow Digital and Cycling Grants here.
Good morning,
I hope you are well. I am writing to highlight a number of local schemes that have been put in place recently to boost businesses in Scunthorpe through investment and growth opportunities.
Please see below updates on the following:
- 900 more commercial properties able to access Gigabit Broadband thanks to Government cash
- Grants worth up to £5,000 available for local businesses to invest in new technology
- North Lincolnshire Council acquires 18 new electric mopeds for residents to rent for commuting
- Entries now open for North Lincolnshire Business Awards 2022
- Opportunity to promote business via careers event for 8-12 year olds
- Consultations on private parking code of conduct, transport labour market strategies, an Independent Customs Regime and more.
PLEASE NOTE that some of the financial support schemes I have mentioned in my previous Business Updates are still open, including:
- Government-funded grants for cycling infrastructure (deadline 21st February)
- the Business Start-Up Grant
- North Lincolnshire Council's Discretionary Grant (deadline 28th February 2022)
- Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (deadline 28th February 2022)
Please do check your eligibility and see what support you could get.
900 more commercial properties able to access Gigabit Broadband thanks to Government cash
Around 900 more commercial properties in Scunthorpe are now able to access gigabit broadband thanks to £150,000 of Government cash. The cash is part of the Government’s £27m Town Deal for our area, and the fund will provide eligible business premises with gigabit broadband speeds.
Any business within 200 metres of this spine can now order full fibre broadband with speeds from 100mb to gigabit. The map below shows who is within this category.
If you think your business is within 200 metres of a new gigabit fibre cable, an event is being held online on Thursday 10 February between 8am and 9am for you to find out more. Businesses that are interested can register here.
Grants worth up to £5,000 available for any local business to invest in new technology
A Government-funded £150,000 pot is now available to businesses in North Lincolnshire for investment in new technology. The Business Digitalisation Grant will provide minimum awards of £1,000, with a maximum grant of £5,000 available. This funding can be spent on:
- Hardware – excluding standard laptops/PCs
- Superfast Connection – cover the cost of installing any connection equipment, infrastructure and the first year’s rental costs associated with becoming connected.
- Software
- E-commerce equipment
- Digital Marketing
Learn more about the eligibility criteria and apply here. Any queries about the application process should be emailed to businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.
North Lincolnshire Council acquires 18 new electric mopeds for residents to rent for commuting
NLC has added 18 new electric mopeds to its current fleet, meaning there are now 28 electric (and 5 petrol) mopeds available for residents to hire to commute to and from work as part of the Wheels 2 Work Scheme.
The scooters can be rented for as little as £60 a month for those in training or apprenticeships, or a minimum of £80 a month for others (along with a deposit). These payments includes everything needed to get people on the road, including a fully taxed and serviced petrol or electric moped, compulsory CBT training, comprehensive insurance, breakdown support, servicing and maintenance, a security lock and a helmet, gloves and a high-vis vest.
There are also a small fleet of E-Bicycles available for £35 per month each.
You can apply to rent these vehicles here. Please do pass this information onto employees who could benefit.
Entries now open for North Lincolnshire Business Awards 2022
The North Lincolnshire Business Awards, held by the Hull and Humber Chamber for Commerce, will be held on Friday 13th May. You can enter here and book tickets here. The Awards will be judged on 15th March and nominees announced.
Opportunity to promote business via careers event for 8-12 year olds
North Lincolnshire Council will be holding a careers event called Discover! for 8-12 year old on Saturday 19th March 2022 at the Engineering UTC, from 11am-4pm. Not only is this a good opportunity to increase recogition among the future workforce, but NLC will also be promoting businesses involved through social media and our newsletter. Apply here.
Ongoing Consultations
The Government is currently asking for businesses' views on the following:
- Further technical consultation on private parking charges, discount rates, debt collection fees and appeals charter
- Call for evidence on An Independent Customs Regime
- Consultation on Transport Labour Market and Skills
- Consultation on reforming aviation consumer policy to protect air passenger rights
- Call for Input on Trade with Israel
It would be great if businesses in our area had their say so our views are represented.
As ever, get in touch with me directly if you need anything else- holly.mumbycroft.mp@parliament.uk.
Take care,
Holly