Two popular fish and chips businesses from Lincolnshire are celebrating success after netting top national industry awards.

The 2015 National Fish & Chip Awards took place at the Lancaster London Hotel on January 20 and saw fish and chip shops from around the country gather for the 27th year to celebrate top performances.

Lincoln fish and chip shop and restaurant Burton Road Chippy scooped two awards at the ceremony.

The business was crowned Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year, as well as receiving an award for Staff Training and Development.

Des Anastasiou, co-owner of Burton Road Chippy, said: “We’ve worked so hard over the last 12 years to build a successful business. It’s just amazing to receive recognition and be rewarded for our efforts.

“Staff training is something we take very seriously, all our employees receive both external and in-house training as part of our programme. We believe the better the training, the better the business.

“To be declared the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK is definitely the peak of our careers. This is the next best thing for any business like ours to achieve.”

The award for Young Fish Fryer of the Year went to Rachel Tweedle, 25, who manages The Seaford Elite Fish and Chip Company restaurant and takeaway.

The business, which also has restaurants in Lincoln and Ruskington, put Rachel to the test against other young fryers at the National Federation of Fish Fryers (NFFF) Training School in Leeds.

She was reviewed for chip preparation and frying techniques, as well as a personal skills test.

Rachel said: “After reaching the final six of the nation’s top young friers it’s great to win the award and be named Young Fish Frier of the Year.

“I’m looking forward to promoting the competition to young people within our sector and encouraging more people to consider our industry as a career path. It’s been a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and expand my career.

“Thank you to all the customers and staff at The Elite Fish and Chip Company who showed their support throughout the competition.”

The businesses shortlisted for this year’s Select Lincolnshire Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2015 have been announced.

The award ceremony, which will be held on February 3 at the White Heather at Caenby Corner, will see the winners announced for 14 different categories including the Venue of the Year which has been sponsored by Lincolnshire Business magazine.

The People’s Choice Award segment has generated over 1,600 votes from shoppers and food lovers across the country – this is up 266% from last year.

The winning businesses will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at the ceremony.

Gillian Richardson, Business Development Manager for Select Lincolnshire for Food, said: “Every year we look to recognise and reward the people behind Lincolnshire’s billion pound food and farming sector.

“The judging panel found it really difficult to shortlist the entries for each award category, because every application had its own strengths.”

Get more business news from across the county in our free weekly digital Lincolnshire Business magazine. Subscribe to the email newsletter – next issue out Friday

The award categories and shortlisted businesses are:

People’s Choice Award

• Angels Desserts, Lincoln
• Mountains Boston Sausage, Boston
• Manor Farm Shop, Swineshead, Boston

Grower of the Year

• Ownsworths Rapeseed, Fulbeck, Grantham
• Strawberry Fields, Stickford, Boston
• Manor Farm Shop, Swineshead

Producer of the Year

• Ownsworths Rapeseed, Fulbeck, Grantham
• R J Hirst Butchers, Woodhall Spa
• Uncle Henrys, Grayingham, Gainsborough

Retailers of the Year

• Manor Farm Shop, Swineshead, Boston
• Pink Pig, Holme, Scunthrope
• R J Hirst Butchers, Woodhall Spa
• Uncle Henrys, Grayingham, Gainsborough

Wholesaler of the Year

• Pocklingtons Bakery, Withern, Alford
• Stokes Coffee, Lincoln
• Strawberry Fields, Stickford, Boston

Self-Catering of the Year

• Brackenborough Coach House, Louth
• Elms farm Cottages, Hubberts Bridge, Boston
• Manor House Stables, Martin, Lincoln

B&B of the Year

• Caxton House, Skegness
• The Grange East Barkwith, Market Rasen
• West View B&B Cottages, South Cockerington, Louth

Hotel of the Year

• Humber Royal Hotel, Grimsby
• Oaklands Hall Hotel, Laceby, Grimsby
• Supreme Inns, Swineshead, Boston
• Tower Hotel, Lincoln

Caterer of the Year

• The Farm Kitchen, Sleaford
• Bizziebees, Friskney, Boston
• Hog Roast, Barton upon Humber

Venue of the Year

• Hemswell Court, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough
• Oaklands Hall Hotel, Laceby, Grimsby
• Tower Hotel, Lincoln

Teaching Establishment of the Year

• Lincoln Minster School, Lincoln
• Manor House Stables, Martin, Lincoln
• Lincolnshire Montessori, Caistor

Pub of the Year

• Seacroft Holiday Estate- Bar, Mablethorpe
• The Sebastopol Inn, Minting, Horncastle
• Ye Olde Red Lion, Bicker, Boston

Restaurant of the Year

• Harrisons Restaurant, Barton Upon Humber
• Oaklands Hall Hotel, Laceby, Grimsby
• Pink Pig, Holme, Scunthorpe

Tea Room of the Year

• Pepperpot Tea Room at Hall Farm Park, South Kelsey, Market Rasen
• The Old Stables, Horncastle
• Uncle Henrys, Grayingham, Gainsborough

There are still tickets available for £50 + VAT each or £450 +VAT for a table of 10 including a full meal with wine. Call 01522 523333 to purchase.

When not on an adventurous holiday, enjoying water sports or walking in the Lake District, Tom Robinson has a mission to enjoy each challenge that comes along and help Simons Group to reach their targets of sustainable construction.

This feature interview was first published in issue 12 of the Lincolnshire Business weekly magazine, now available to read at www.lincsbusiness.co. Subscribe to the email newsletter to receive the latest edition in your inbox this Friday.

The family business Simons Group appointed their first non-family member as the new Chief Executive in July 2014. With Tom’s strong family background and understanding of the construction industry, he was a shoe-in for the role. As both he and his wife of 20 years, Ali, are keen on the outdoors, the environment is close to their hearts.

The design, development and construction business sees projects through from start to finish. Starting with finding the right location and land which can then be developed and built on to create what customers need.

“A recent example of this would be the North Lincolnshire Shopping Park where we did everything from finding the land to doing the feasibility studies and getting the planning permission to designing it and getting the tenants on board, the likes of Marks & Spencer’s, Debenhams, Boots and doing some of the fit out work there as well.”

Tom’s new role is to ensure that everything is done to the highest standard possible. “Ultimately I am responsible for proposing strategy to the board and delivering that strategy through the rest of the team and the business.

“That will be around a selection of markets and customer opportunities and then making sure that the team is structured, capable, committed and motivated to deliver on that. It’s about looking for where there is sustainable growth and markets that are going to keep us busy doing things that we enjoy and that we are passionate about, as well as making sure that we have the right people to deliver what the customers in those markets need.”

Getting ahead of the game

When Tom left boarding school in Somerset he was given an Oxford Dictionary by the Head Master with a simple message inside – “Aim high.” That is exactly what he has done and is proud of how far he has come a relatively short time.

It was very important for Simons Group that the person who took on the chief executive role, understood where the family business came from. They needed someone who could understand the language but who would also keep their family values intact. Being calm and level-headed is something that Tom is very good at and with two teenage sons, he knows what is required to make a family work. To get the best results in a working environment, he believes that people have to enjoy their jobs and work together.

“I have always wanted to be responsible for my own team and being a Chief Exec means that I have the ultimate team. I enjoy seeing other people enjoying themselves and being fulfilled in what they do. I like a happy and collaborative working environment and I am quite a good facilitator amongst other things. That doesn’t mean to say that it’s always pink, fluffy and a nice, easy road for everyone, as there are some big challenges that we have to face, just like in any business.”

But no job comes without its challenges and taking on a team as large as this one means that there will need to be some changes. “The challenge for me and the rest of the team is to not accept ‘good enough’ as good enough. For me, improvement and being the best is something that we need to really strive for.”

Continue reading the full interview in Issue 8 of the Lincolnshire Business magazine.

Work to build 15 high spec student apartments and a ground floor commercial unit has started on Water Lane in Lincoln, and developers say the modern design will tidy up the area.

Jackson & Jackson Developments’ Water House project will contain nine kitchens, 13 bathrooms and 15 bedrooms. A commercial laundry area will be located on the ground floor and each kitchen and living area will contain a 50 inch wall-mounted TV.

The ground floor will also contain a glass-fronted commercial unit suited to office or shop use.

The unit has kitchen and toilet facilities fitted and offers 850 sq ft of space. Jackson and Jackson say bespoke layout designs are also available to early applicants.

Construction has begun with hoardings in place at the site behind the Primark store on Lincoln High Street.

Dominik Jackson of J&J said: “Water House is being built on an old car park which had fallen into pretty bad condition prior to us acquiring it and obtaining planning permission.

“The building is a very clean looking modern design and should help tidy up the street scene.

“We are using the same interior fit out firm that are working on our larger Gateway development which means the specification will be very high. Almost every room is en-suite and we’ve fitted as many kitchens as possible to create a relaxed living environment.

“The site team, headed by Andy Nattrass, are working hard to cause minimal disruption to the area, taking larger deliveries at the weekend/outside of business hours where possible.

“We’re working with local architects Stem on the design, local engineers Ward Cole on the structural details and local M&E consultants EBS on the mechanical and electrical specification.”

The agent representing the student rooms is Unity Lettings. A handful of rooms remain for an August 2015 move in and people can call 01522 220700 or email info@unitylettings.com for more information.

Businesses interested in more information regarding the Water House commercial unit can also email info@jjdl.co.uk.

Lincolnshire Co-op has invested £2 million in a new funeral home on Tritton Road in Lincoln, and The Lincolnite went on a first look tour of the facility.

The funeral home, located on the site formerly used as a filling station close to the Skellingthorpe Road crossroads, will replace the existing Co-op funeral home on Portland Street.

The facility officially opens on February 5 and people are invited to open day tours on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8 from 10am until 3pm.

The building, which was designed by Lincoln-based architect Dereck Morris and constructed by local builders Maher Millard, has been in planning since 2003 but was built within 11 months after gaining planning permission.

More than 35 local contractors were involved in the build, which features a 1.5m ornate clock designed for the society by Exterior Clock Ltd, as well as intricate bee skep and wheat sheaf carvings representing massages of strength and unity.

The home also includes private chapels of rest, interview lounges and a coffin and memorial display room, in addition to modern mortuary facilities.

A service chapel with 60 inch television, sound system and catering lounge for up to 50 people mean funeral ceremonies can be held on site.

The service had been finalised as suitable for all cultures and religions.

Parking is available on site for up to 30 cars. Two hearses two limousines, two private ambulances and three support vehicles will be based at the new home.

Some 30 Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues will relocate from the Portland Street premises to the new location and two new Funeral Home Steward positions have been created.

Lincolnshire Co-op has 18 funeral homes and provided services from the Portland Street facility since 1930.

David Dernley, Head of Funeral Services at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “The fact that we have provided the service of many years and have a programme of investment means we can do this and we don’t have to put the price of our funerals up.

“We are 14% below national average prices for funerals. The average funeral cost is around £3,500 and we are just a little over £3,000 and that’s with all the dispersal charges.

“There is financial assistance available from the state for people on benefits and we’ll also talk to people about how they can keep the price of the funeral down.”

Tritton Road Funeral Home Manager Andrew Turnbull added: “As a funeral director, it’s rewarding to guide a family at a difficult time of their life and go that bit further to make everything perfect for them. Out new modern funeral home will help my colleagues and I provide an even better service.”

Hull-based construction firm Hobson & Porter has invested around £250,000 in its first Lincoln office.

The firm is currently undertaking a series of multi-million pound projects across Lincolnshire, including the new £13m Riseholme College in Lincoln and a £3.4m development for Dong Energy Power in Grimsby.

Hobson & Porter has now moved to further commit to its clients in Lincolnshire by securing state-of-the-art offices at Burton Waters.

The expansion has created two new job positions and the firm say more opportunities will be available in the future.

Managing Director Graham Beal said: “We have had a presence across Lincolnshire for a long time now without having a permanent base there, which is something we have always wanted to address.

“With our portfolio continuing to grow in the region, it was a perfect time to move to secure offices here. The acquisition will allow us to assign a full-time team in the heart of the region and provide our clients and supply chain with an easily accessible contact in the company.

“This expansion into Lincolnshire also serves to reaffirm our commitment to undertaking projects, and growing our presence, across the whole of the Humber region. It will also help us to develop new links with potential contractors and supply chain partners.”

Set up in 1971, Hobson & Porter has enjoyed one of its most successful years to date in 2014 having completed a series of high-profile builds, including Bishop Burton College’s Agri Crop Technology Centre, with turnover expected to top £45m this year, compared to £30m in 2013.

Mr Beal is hoping the company’s commitment to Lincolnshire will maintain its progress and help secure new projects in the region.

He added: “I am extremely confident that we can continue to grow and develop as a business at a rate we have done over the past 12 months and that can only be supported with this new office.

“We do not want to rest on our laurels, we want to do all we can to become the region’s leading construction firm, all the while ensuring we are giving something back to the communities in which we carry out our works.”

Staff and customers at Lincolnshire Co-op have smashed their previous record, raising £143,362.98 for the society’s Charity of the Year, Alzheimer’s Society.

From ice-bucket challenges and dress-up days to bake sales and raffles, colleagues from every part of the society have boosted the total by an average of £2,757 every week in 2014.

At City Square Post Office in Lincoln, colleagues held an Easter treasure trail and wore homemade Easter bonnets, raising £130.

Later in the year, City Square Food Store Manager Phil Goddard raised £1,170 after walking a mile in an old-fashioned deep-sea diving suit.

Colleagues Andrew Turner and Roger Brown from Head Office in Lincoln spent 12 days cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats, a distance of around 1,000 miles. They raised nearly £7,000 as part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s Miles for Memories challenge.

Customers have also raised thousands of pounds buying Alzheimer’s Society forget-me-not pin badges in Lincolnshire Co-op’s outlets.

Staff members society-wide have contributed nearly £1,500 by donating the odd pence of their wages to the Charity of the Year, while Salvation Army clothing banks in food store car parks have added £15,000 to the pot.

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Co-op’s Miles for Memories challenge which took place during Co-operatives Fortnight last June saw colleagues raise over £10,000.

The money raised will fund life-changing dementia support through Dementia Support Workers for hundreds of families in local communities.

Member Recruitment Manager Richard Whittaker said: “It’s fantastic that the hard work and dedication of our colleagues has paid off, allowing us to raise the highest ever total for our Charity of the Year.”

As well as providing services including day care and home care for people with dementia and supporting partners and carers, Alzheimer’s Society is keen to create a more dementia-friendly community by training one million Dementia Friends.

“It’s not just about raising money for us, we’ve also trained more than 300 colleagues to become Dementia Friends.”

Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager for Lincolnshire, Nasim Minhas, added: “We want to say a great big thank you to staff and customers of Lincolnshire Co-op whose amazing generosity has funded Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Workers for the area.

“There are more than 11,000 people living with dementia in the local area so this kind of support is vital to help people live well with the condition.”

Chis Illsley, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Lincoln-based Running Imp, will become an Honorary Freeman of the City of Lincoln.

Honorary Freeman are usually persons deemed to have brought credit to the city or have performed beneficial services to the Freemen.

The company, which was founded in 1988, has established itself a leading running event supplier serving events from the London Marathon to Race For Life.

The firm has been involved in fundraising projects for years, including the Running Imp Charity of the Year which sees 1p of every sports medal sold, generating over £60,000 since 2009.

Running Imp has also been involved with the Lincoln Santa Fun Run & Walk, helping raise over £350,000 since 2006 for local charities.

As a former marathon runner, Illsley also takes part in personal charity projects such as his Walk 2013 Miles for 2013 campaign, which raised £5,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

He will be inaugurated into the Freeman’s Association at a ceremony at the Lincoln Guildhall on Saturday, April 11.

Freemen have been invested into Lincoln since 1835, and the honour was often awarded to people born to a Freeman or through servitude to a Freeman.

An additional £14.8 million has been secured by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in the latest round of government Growth Deals.

The funding, announced on Thursday, January 29, is in addition to the £111.2 million of funding committed on July 7, 2014, bringing the total allocated to Greater Lincolnshire under Growth Deals so far to £126.1 million.

The Growth Deal is part of a long term plan to devolve at least £12 million from central government funding to local economies.

Last year’s Growth Deal for Greater Lincolnshire is already bringing £48.3 million of investment in the first year (2015/16) and a further £62.9m from 2016/17 onwards.

It is supporting 12 major developments across Greater Lincolnshire, from the Grantham Southern Relief Road in the south of the county to the Boole Technology Centre in Lincoln.

The new funds will be distributed to the following key projects:

• Investment to unlock employment land on the South Humber and improve access between the Ports of Grimsby and Immingham, supporting up to 1000 jobs.
• Road infrastructure and highway improvements to support the development of Scunthorpe Town Centre, creating 200 jobs and unlock employment land at Holbeach, supporting up to 100 jobs and 300 homes.
• The first phase of the development of the Lincolnshire Lakes scheme, creating a lake, sustainable drainage system and green infrastructure to unlock housing development, supporting up to 150 jobs and 1450 homes.
• A new Agrifood centre of excellence in Holbeach to help Food Manufacturing businesses access research, innovation and higher level skills, supporting up to 120 jobs.
• Peppermint Interchange (highway improvement) in Holbeach.

The LEP estimates that up to 4000 new jobs in total could be created as well as 4000 new homes built. It also says the funding has the potential to generate £110 million public and private investment.

Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “Once again Greater Lincolnshire has done very well in this latest round of funding from central government which supports growth and job creation in the regions by providing money for major infrastructure projects.”

“The five projects which made up our bid for the second round of Growth Deals focus on improving vital transport infrastructure at the ports, building on our excellence in the agri-food sector at Holbeach, unlocking land for much-needed housing and transforming Scunthorpe town centre.

“The latest Growth Deal will bring almost £15m of additional Government funding into Greater Lincolnshire to kickstart these projects, giving our economy a further boost and creating jobs.”

Councillor Colin Davie, LEP Board Member and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Environment, Planning and Tourism said: “I am delighted that this allocation shows Government’s commitment to the Greater Lincolnshire LEP – and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s commitment to growing major sectors within our economy like agri-food.  The county council recognises that new transportation schemes have a real benefit on the local economy.”

Almost 200 of Lincolnshire’s young entrepreneurs are gearing up to host an educational trade event at Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln.

The annual Young Enterprise Trade Fair will take place on Saturday, January 31 from 9am to 5.30pm on the Waterside level of the centre.

Sixth formers will man their stands, displaying a unique range of products including: Cupcake Socks, homemade scented candles, designed and printed t-shirts and a range of Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day gifts.

Chantelle Henderson, Marketing Coordinator at Waterside Shopping, said: “Young Enterprise is a great charity, and we couldn’t be happier to support them and our county’s young business people.

“We hope that our shoppers will take note of the one-of-a-kind products Lincolnshire’s young people have to offer – hopefully boosting their confidence so that they continue on the path of creating new products and growing their own businesses.”

As part of the day, awards will be given Best Trade Stand, Best Trade Stand Runner Up and Best Product.

Members of the local business community, including Waterside’s operations manager, will judge and select the winners.

Local schools set to attend include Lincoln Minster School; Lincoln’s The Priory Academy LSST; Branston Community Academy; Queen Elizabeth’s High School from Gainsborough; Boston High School; and Grantham College, plus others.

Also among the schools confirmed to take part is William Farr C of E Comprehensive School in Welton, Lincoln.

Marcus Matthews, a Year 11 student from the school and Managing Director of Young Enterprise company, Sixth Sense, said: “We all really enjoy working as a team. We’ve all gained confidence and have developed our business skills through our involvement in the Young Enterprise Company Programme.”

Fellow student and entrepreneur, George Benton, MD of YE company, Little Box of.., added: “Participating in Young Enterprise has taught me the importance of organisation and also business skills you do not learn in the classroom, and we’re all really looking forward to setting up in the Waterside for a day of real-life trading!”

Property specialist Banks Long & Co has composed an impression of how The Mall Shopping Centre on Lincoln High Street could look after redevelopment.

As previously reported, the firm acquired the shopping centre earlier this month, with proposals to turn it into a new restaurant or entertainment venue.

The artist impression highlights how the venue could be redeveloped as Mall Bar One.

The company, which is also responsible for delivering Wagamama to the Brayford in 2012, has worked closely with Investors in Lincoln to bring forward plans for a second “floating” platform restaurant.

James Butcher, Director of Banks Long & Co, said: “The thriving University of Lincoln and wide residential catchment means that Lincoln is now well established on the target list for growing national restaurant and bar chains.

“When promoting proposals such as the platform, The Mall at the top of the High Street and other City Centre schemes, we have therefore been able to pick and choose from a handful of new brands.”

If you want to know what Jenny Smith’s jams, pickles and sauces taste like, simply meeting this energetic, fun-loving lady could give you a clue before you even lift the lid on her produce.

This feature interview was first published in issue 12 of the Lincolnshire Business weekly magazine, now available to read at www.lincsbusiness.co. Subscribe to the email newsletter to receive the latest edition in your inbox this Friday.

In the space of five years, Jenny, who is a member of the Select Lincolnshire for Food group, has turned her talents to creating a mouthwatering selection of fresh fruit-packed jams, golden marmalades with a special twist, tasty chutneys and more recently, lively sauces with an extra kick.

At one point Jenny thought jam-making would make a nice little hobby business, but a combination of the fact that everything she has made has been given the big thumbs-up – along with a change in home circumstances – changed all of that.

Today, Jenny’s jars are sought after at farmers’ markets, stocked by Lincolnshire farm shops, spotted on the shelves of Lincolnshire Co-operative stores and sold through Lincoln’s Visitor Information Centre to tourists wanting to take home a true taste of the county.

It seems there’s no stopping Jenny because she simply can’t resist a good challenge. That’s why last year she found herself whipping-up some tongue-tingling sauces for one of Lincoln’s newer restaurants, Ribs ‘n’ Bibs.

Jenny, who has enjoyed competition success in the past, also travelled to Scotland to be a judge in the intriguingly-named Jampionships. She had a great time, admits it gave her the perfect excuse to take a break with a difference, and is hoping to get involved in this year’s event too.

As we went to visit, Jenny was once more juggling her commitments, by busily preparing pots of her Pink Grapefruit & Cranberry and Thick Cut Orange, ready to wow judges in The World’s Original Marmalade Awards, which take place at Dalemain Mansion and Gardens in Cumbria from February 28 to March 1.

It’s just as well she’s not fazed by the odd sticky moment. The deadline for entries is February 15 and Jenny also has a mountain of orders to deliver to her regular customers before then.

“I’ve got a good feeling this could be my best-year yet,” she said – cheerfully admitting that running your own enterprise often involves a steep learning curve and trying to develop a business, whilst cooking up hundreds of jars of jams and chutneys, creates its own challenges.

Read the full cover interview in issue 13 of the Lincolnshire Business magazine here. Also, look out for the next issue on Friday.

TV technology guru Jason Bradbury will be meeting the winners of the first Lincolnshire Digital Awards, organised by Lincolnshire Business magazine, on March 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Lincoln.

The awards will recognise businesses at the forefront of digital technology within the Greater Lincolnshire area.

Eight awards will be up for grabs and nominations will be open from February 2 until February 15 at the Lincolnshire Digital Awards website.

The Lincolnshire Digital Awards categories are:

• Digital Business of the Year
• Best Digital Campaign
• Best Use of New Technology
• Innovation in Web Design
• Best Use of Mobile Technology
• Best Use of Digital Photography
• Best Use of Multimedia
• Best Digital Startup

Jason, who went to school in Lincolnshire, will also be sharing his passion for science and technology with delegates at the Lincolnshire Digital Conference at The Showroom earlier in the day, organised by Onlincolnshire and Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.

At the conference, delegates will have the chance to network with digital and creative businesses who will be exhibiting at the event and attend several workshops covering topics such as digital marketing and 3D printing.

Dean Graham, Associate Publisher of Lincolnshire Business magazine, said: “Digital industries in Lincolnshire have been bubbling away in the background seemingly as a poor relation to other sectors such as agri-food and traditional manufacturing; but with so much innovation and investment being made locally into the fastest growing sector in the UK, we felt it was time to celebrate and recognise creative industries in Lincolnshire.

“The Lincolnshire Digital Awards (#LDA15) will help to showcase the very best creatives from across the county and highlight that Lincolnshire is home to some of the best talent in the UK. Already the reception to the awards from local businesses has been phenomenal, I think this is something that the industry has been waiting for.”

There are limited opportunities to sponsor an award and book a table at the evening event. For a sponsor pack, businesses can email dean@lincsbusiness.co or call 01522 837261.

Lincoln defence company Inzpire Limited has been named as the region’s Most Innovative Small Business in the Great Faces of British Business competition, in association with BT.

The company, based off Kingsley Road in Lincoln, supplies aviation training and cutting-edge mission systems to the defence aviation sector worldwide.

Inzpire is a partner of the UK Ministry of Defence and are a joint-services operation across Navy, Army and Air Force with 800 years of combined military experience.

The firm makes GECO family of mission systems for both airborne and land applications. They also train the British Army to fly Apache helicopters, instruct RAF pilots in cockpit skills and support UK Typhoon operations.

This regional feat means it is now in the running to win £30,000 of government support if it is named as the overall national winner of the title.

The Business is Great Britain campaign launched the competition in 2014 to find the most innovative and exciting UK businesses.

The winners will be decided by a combination of judging and public vote, each making up 50% of the final decision.

There were 520 entries to the Business is Great Campaign, and the applications were assessed by a judging panel consisting of UKTI representatives, BT Business Representatives and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Inzpire Limited is a brilliant example of a successful small firm run by enterprising and hardworking people. We are backing them all the way and, with the advice and support on offer, there has never been a better time to start and grow a business in the UK.”

Votes can be made by visiting the Great Business website and will close on February 23 for the winner to be announced March 3.

This story was first published in issue 14 of the Lincolnshire Business magazine.

People in the market for property in Lincoln can add ‘landmark Colosseum development’ to their list of options, with four-storey properties ranging from £450,000 to £940,000.

The Colosseum, which is hidden just off Newport, shares its uphill address with the historic Lincoln Castle and Cathedral and is close to Bishop Grosseteste University.

The Tennyson Homes development is made up of 14 Georgian-style homes offering between 2,575 sq ft and 5,200 sq ft floor space.

The properties are set down a long driveway and share a courtyard. Each house is also named after famous writers, with Shakespeare Place marking up the largest investment (seven bedrooms).

There are three seven-bedroom properties available four with six bedrooms, six with five bedrooms and one with four.

Five-bedroom properties include kitchen/diners, dressing rooms, master suites and some five and six bedroom properties also include cinema rooms and games rooms.

Buyers can now register for their private meeting and discuss bespoke choices.

Properties are being managed by Robert Bell & Company.

Anglian Water is cutting bills by 7%, around £29 per year for an average household.

The average annual bill will reduce to £402 per year, or £1.10 per day. Those with a water meter will pay even less, with the average bill dropping to £371.

The price cut is the biggest percentage saving for people, outstripping all other water and sewerage companies in the UK.

The lower bills are possible thanks to money saved through efficiencies being returned to customers, Anglian Water said.

The company pledged £5 billion to be spent on maintaining and improving essential services and a £60 million war on leakage.

In Lincolnshire, around £3.5million will be put into flood partnership projects and £3.5m invested in first time sewerage systems, connecting people to mains sewers

There are also flood alleviation schemes in Lincoln, North Hykeham, Huttoft, Barrow upon Humber, Immingham, Spalding and Skegness.

Martyn Oakley, Anglian Water’s Director of Customer Service, said: “We know household budgets remain under pressure. So we believe this price cut is timely and coming at a time when customers tell us they need it most.”

To help attract more visitors to Lincoln, events and festival organisers are urged to put their bid in for a share of £75,000 funding.

In an aim to attract new audiences from a wider catchment area and raise Lincoln’s profile as a great cultural destination, Lincoln Big and Visit Lincoln were successful in securing this money in January 2014. The Cultural Destinations Development Fund has been made available as a key strand of the Arts Council England-funded Cultural Destinations Project in Lincoln.

Applicants will be awarded up to £10,000 for their event, but that amount must not exceed 20% of the total budget for their individual event. The money will be allocated between now and June 2016.

An additional fund has also been made available to support new events and festivals.

Emma Tatlow, Visit Lincoln Partnership Manager, said: “Events and festivals form a really important part of the city’s offer. Local residents and day visitors benefit and this fund offers an opportunity to further enhance our existing events programme.”

“We need to look at ways to boost Lincoln’s offer, raise the profile of the city and attract new visitors to further grow our visitor economy that already contributes so much to the city, including financial and employment benefits for local people and businesses.

Matt Corrigan, Lincoln BIG Chief Executive, said: “Lincoln already has a strong events and festivals programme, with over 300 event days every year – from farmers’, crafts’ and artists’ markets to The Beach in the summer and our Ice Skating Rink in the winter.

“But, this Cultural Destinations Development Fund money will help to further grow some of Lincoln’s events, so that we have a wider impact and make the city an even better place for people living and working here, or simply visiting.”

To apply for funding help, please contact Charlotte@visitlincoln.com to discuss ideas and request an application form.

The new £23 million Riseholme College project, the first new agricultural college to be built in 50 years, has received planning permission for the second phase of its Lincoln development.

The 10-acre campus, based at the Lincolnshire Showground, was given permission by West Lindsey District Council for the next part of the construction – including four new buildings.

As previously reported, Bishop Burton College made a deal with the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society to build a brand new college adjacent to the Showground, as its present lease at Riseholme Park expires in 2020.

Phase one is expected to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2015.

CAD Associates, the architectural consultants working on the project, will now move ahead with phase two which includes:

• Food & Agri Food Science Centre
• Health & Nutrition Centre
• Sports & Health Science Centre
• Animal Behaviour Centre

These will be enhanced by an all-weather surface for Multi Sport Performance Testing.

Ken Allen, Managing Director of CAD Associates said: “Between phases one and two we are looking at a £23 million project which will provide excellent facilities for students in this area, along with construction work for the next year, with phase two to commence in May for completion in the spring of 2016.

“It is important for the College to expand and offer new subjects within their curriculum and we hope these buildings will benefit students for many years to come.”

Jeanette Dawson OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Bishop Burton College, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have obtained funding for Phase 2 of our new Lincolnshire campus. The development reaffirms our commitment to supporting the land based industry in the county and beyond.

“We believe this is the first land-based college to be built in 50 or so years, which pays testament to our commitment and determination to support the industry in Lincolnshire and beyond. Both campuses will work in partnership with one another to safeguard the future of first-class land-based further education provision in the region.”

The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Lincoln dropped by more than 30% in December 2014 compared to the previous year, latest figures from the Office of National Statistic (ONS) show.

In December 2014 there were 1,811 jobseekers aged between 16 and 64 in Lincoln compared with the 2,655 claimants in December 2013.

Lincoln’s December 2014 claimants accounted for 21.2% of the total 8,554 jobseekers in Lincolnshire. Overall, the county’s figure is down by 3,625 from one year ago, however there was a small rise of 35 from November.

Broken down by local authority, Lincoln had the second highest number of unemployed people in the county. The area with the most people claiming Jobseekers Allowance was East Lindsey with 2,165.

The are with the smallest number of jobseekers was North Kesteven with 666.

The data, published by the Lincolnshire Research Observatory, also highlights the level of youth unemployment in the area.

Jobseekers Allowance claimants aged 16 to 24 make up 28% of the total unemployed in the county – compared with the average national level of 22%.

In terms of the length of unemployment, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits for over six months decreased between November 2014 and December 2014 by 130 people.

Job club success

Just over a year on since the launch of Lincoln’s first dedicated free job club, 40 people have completed the eight-week Christians Against Poverty led course.

Lincoln CAP Club Manager Michael Darbandi said: “We have successfully run five courses, with 40 people completing the programme.

“Some 96% of the people we have seen are classed as being long-term unemployed (more than 6 months).

“23% of completers moved into full-time employment as a result of the course and a massive 60% of people on the coursed achieved one of our positive outcome goals (further training, volunteering or a work placement).

“The feedback from the course has been brilliant, as have the results. Maria joined the Job Club in 2014 and had been out of work for 14 years due to personal reasons.

“She is now Head of Housekeeping at Woodhall Spa Golf Club. We caught up with Maria a few weeks ago and are thrilled to hear she is still loving her job and very much enjoying being full-time employed again.

“The course is aimed at those needing some support in progressing towards their goal of finding employment. We cover a broad reach of topics including: careers guidance, confidence building, interview techniques, cv writing, the value of volunteering, employer research and general support and guidance.

“The course is completely free and includes a free lunch. Teaching material and support is provided by Christians Against Poverty, a national charity.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the next course, which launches on Thursday, February 12, can contact Michael on michaeldarbandi@capjobclubs.org, or visit the CAP Job Club website.

The annual Select Lincolnshire Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards celebrated some of the county’s most outstanding businesses on February 3.

Over 200 people attended the event at the White Heather in Caenby Corner, which saw 14 awards handed out, including the People’s Choice Award.

The People’s Choice category attracted more than 1,600 votes from members of the public – over 1000 more than last year.

Awards also included the Venue of the Year, which was sponsored by Lincolnshire Business Magazine.

Guest speakers at the event included Lincolnshire chef Rachel Green, who opened the awards with a story of Lincolnshire’s feasting history, and Lincolnshire County Council Tourism Development Manager Mary Powell.

Mary spoke about how the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta has brought Lincolnshire businesses together as well as the £22 million restoration of Lincoln Castle before announcing the winners whilst Councillor Colin Davie presented the awards.

Gillian Richardson, Business Development Manager at Select Lincolnshire for Food, said: “The awards are here to help the businesses celebrate what they do for the county. If there wasn’t awards, all of the work that they do would just be done and no one would know about it.

“Some of the businesses have been run for decades by families and they are carrying on their traditions. I think it inspires other people too.

“Young businesses are coming through with new products, just in local little villages. They pop up and you just think ‘Wow, they have put something into this.’”

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “We’ve had some fantastic winners this year, proving yet again that Lincolnshire’s food and drink is some of the best in the world. My congratulations go to the winners, and Select Lincolnshire will continue to do all it can to spread the word about all the county has to offer.”

The winners

• Grower of the Year - Strawberry Fields, Stickford, Boston
• Producer of the Year – Uncle Henrys, Grayingham, Gainsborough
• Retailers of the Year – Manor Farm Shop, Swineshead, Boston
• Wholesaler of the Year - Pocklingtons Bakery, Withern, Alford
• Self-Catering of the Year – Elms Farm Cottages, Hubberts Bridge, Boston
• B&B of the Year - Caxton House, Skegness
• Hotel of the Year – Oaklands Hall Hotel, Laceby, Grimsby
• Caterer of the Year – The Farm Kitchen, Sleaford
• Venue of the Year – Hemswell Court, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough
• Teaching Establishment of the Year – Lincoln Minster School, Lincoln
• Pub of the Year – Seacroft Holiday Estate- Bar, Mablethorpe
• Restaurant of the Year – Harrison’s Restaurant, Barton Upon Humber
• Tea Room of the Year - The Old Stables, Horncastle
• People’s Choice Award – Mountain’s Boston Sausage, Boston

Scott Palmer and Daniel Mountain, Directors of Mountain Boston Sausages were named as the winners of the People’s Choice award.

Daniel said: “It is the consistency, the quality of service and the level of product that we provide. People know what they are going to get when they come into the shop, how the sausage is going to taste and that it tastes the same every time.”

Shaun Lees, Managing Director of Hemswell Court and winner of the Venue of the Year award said: “We pride ourselves on quality, providing good quality service and having a five star venue. We always tailor to our customer’s needs which I think is a key ingredient to any successful business and we were very honoured to win it for the second year running.”

Subscribe to our Lincolnshire Business magazine newsletter for more photos from the event coming out in the new issue this Friday.