Greater Lincoln Partnership

Key Competitive Attractions

The Greater Lincoln area encompasses the thriving urban centre of Lincoln, as well as a number of growing regional towns, such as Gainsborough and Sleaford, making it one of the most vibrant places in the UK to live and work.

Within this broad geographical area, a diverse range of businesses are supported by a highly-skilled workforce with good road, rail, sea and air links, making it a highly attractive location for investment.

In recent years, the growing influence of the University of Lincoln has helped to attract increasing numbers of businesses to the City and surrounding area. In addition, while the Greater Lincoln region has always been highly regarded for its technically-skilled and flexible workforce, the presence of the University is helping to further enhance the region`s human resources.

Creating opportunities for new enterprises to grow and flourish is a priority for the Greater Lincoln Partnership. Investment at all levels, from state-of-the-art business parks to managed workspace and incubator units, is helping to encourage entrepreneurship, boosting the local economy and diversifying the business offer of the area as a whole.

In summary the Greater Lincoln area provides:

• A technically-skilled workforce
• Diverse investment opportunities
• Proactive support for new businesses
• Easy access by road, rail and air
• An expanding economy

Assistance and Support For New Business Investors

The Greater Lincoln Partnership is committed to maximising investment opportunities in the Greater Lincoln area. The Partnership offers strategic advice and assistance to promote:

• Inward investment
• Economic development
• Regeneration
• Tourism and leisure

Services include:

• Site specific investment information
• Assistance with business relocation
• In-depth briefings on investment opportunities to property professionals

The team aims to give assistance on most aspects of business. In addition to on-line information resources, such as the property search link, the GLP will deal with your needs on an individual basis offering advice and referral, and a liaison service on other aspects of business development, including planning, environmental issues and funding opportunities.

Existing Business Base

Greater Lincoln has a long tradition of farming and food production, and this remains the case today. Thanks to new practices and technological developments, these sectors are moving up the value chain. Companies such as Moy Park, Cherry Valley, Sealord and Walkers Crisps all have business bases in Greater Lincoln.

The food manufacturing and processing industry - including everything from haulage and hospitality, to packaging and vital support services - also boasts a comprehensive supply chain in the region, employing more than 10% of people and contributing nearly 13% of the country's GVA. That's more than £1 billion a year.

Greater Lincoln is also renowned for its strengths in manufacturing and engineering. From small beginnings in Lincoln city, Ruston and Shuttleworth have grown into major players on the world stage, and the county continues to attract big international names, like Dynex Semiconductors, Minebea and Siemens. Part of the attraction for companies like these is Greater Lincoln`s highly skilled workforce which is supported by a strong engineering focus in the region's colleges and universities.

Greater Lincoln's final key sector is public sector, education and healthcare. All are major employers in the county - 35% of Lincolnshire's population works in these or other service-related sectors.

What all of these sectors have in common, and what makes them competitive both nationally and internationally, is a firm focus on innovation.