News :Normanby

North Lincolnshire’s manufacturers were given a crucial boost this week as business leaders gathered for a specialist summit designed to help firms prepare for the coming year.

The event – opened by Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council – brought together HR leaders, finance directors and managing directors from some of the area’s most significant employers.

British Steel, Singleton Birch, Collingwood Engineering, Rocal Group, Bulten, Weldtite, Billington Foods, Bradbury Group, Techrete, Artifex Interior Systems, Hitek, CorrBoard, Lebus, LAS Metals, New Holland Extraction and AKP all attended.

Cllr Waltham said: “Businesses across North Lincolnshire are facing real pressures in the national economic climate, and we know that uncertainty makes planning even harder. Today was about giving manufacturers the clarity and confidence they need to prepare for what’s coming – delivering what matters so they can protect jobs, invest in skills and continue driving our local economy.”

He added: “Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy here in North Lincolnshire. By working with organisations like Make UK, we’re making sure local employers have the expert insight they need to stay ahead of upcoming legal changes and remain competitive.”

The tailored session – held at Normanby Gateway in Scunthorpe – focused on the employment law reforms expected in 2026, including new rules around redundancy, dismissal processes and union engagement. Businesses were offered advice on how the changes could impact their operations and what steps they can take now to prepare.

Cllr Waltham added: “This is a practical example of the council stepping in to support local firms at a time when every decision matters. Giving businesses access to high-quality guidance helps them navigate national changes with confidence and keeps North Lincolnshire open for growth.”

Manufacturers of all sizes attended the session, which also provided opportunities to network, share concerns and compare approaches to workforce planning.

The council is continuing to work with Make UK and other partners to ensure local businesses have the tools and information they need to respond to the shifting employment landscape and wider economic challenges.

For more information or to access business support, contact: businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

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The fostering team at North Lincolnshire Council are launching their heartfelt Christmas campaign, Give the Gift of Home, celebrating the power of family, care and belonging. 

The campaign shines a light on what truly matters during the festive season: the presence of a safe and loving home, encouraging local people to consider whether they could make a difference. 

To launch the campaign, the fostering team hosted a special Fostering Film Showcase with fostering friendly members, social workers, foster carers and members of the Children & Families workforce at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber.  

The showcase unveiled a powerful short film created in collaboration with Know Film, one of North Lincolnshire’s fostering friendly members, and is a project that was brought together by professionals, carers and young people.  

The film is a result of months of creative collaboration that captures real stories and emotions, showing experiences of local foster carers and young people sharing their voices and perspectives throughout the process. A heartfelt glimpse into the lives of children in care and the transformative impact of fostering; a film that celebrates resilience, love and community spirit.  

A big thank you to all involved, particularly fostering friendly members, DN Colleges and Aeroschool for helping create a beautiful backdrop for our film and allowing our young people to feel a part of something special.  

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “The showcase was a heart-warming celebration of everything fostering represents, love, compassion and community. The film is a reminder of how vital our foster carers are and how every single one of them helps to change lives. It’s wonderful to see our partners, carers and young people working together on something so special. 

 “As we head into the festive season, Give the Gift of Home is a beautiful message. It reminds us that the greatest gift any of us can offer is time, care and a safe place to belong; not just for Christmas, but all year round. 

“By involving foster carers and young people in shaping the film, North Lincolnshire Council aimed to ensure authenticity at every stage. Their stories and insights helped to guide the creative vision, ensuring that the final piece reflects the reality and rewards of fostering in North Lincolnshire.” 

Pete, co-owner of Know Film, had this to say about what being involved in the film has meant to him: “I know first-hand the impact foster carers can make to the young people they look after, especially as 25 years ago I spent some time in foster care myself.  

“Creating this film wasn’t a run of the mill project for us, we put our heart and soul into this project, and we hope it shows.” 

As part of the Give the Gift of Home campaign, the fostering team will be out and about in the community, spreading festive cheer and raising awareness. There will also be festive giveaways and activities for families to enjoy. 

You can find the team at a variety of events, including: 

• Friday 5 December, Christmas Pantomime at Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, please note that this is a ticketed event, you can book through the Baths Hall website, 5pm to 7pm 

• Saturday 6 December, Normanby Christmas Market, Normanby Hall Country Park, 10am to 4pm 

• 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 December, Christmas Tree Festival with Rotary Club, Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road Scunthorpe, Friday – 10am to 12.30pm, Saturday – 10.30am to 5pm, Sunday – 12noon to 4pm

• Friday 12 December, John Leggott College Christmas Fair, John Leggott College, West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, 5pm to 7pm

Could you Give the Gift of Home this Christmas? 

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit the fostering webpage, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024. 

The post Could you give the gift of home in 2026 for a local child in North Lincolnshire? appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Every great business starts somewhere – from Dyson’s first prototype in a garden shed, Gymshark’s first embroidered t-shirt or Amazon’s first book sold from Jeff Bezos’s garage.

Now, North Lincolnshire Council is helping local people turn their ideas into reality, with free advice, one-to-one support and grants of up to £500 available for new start-ups.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are committed to creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive – this cash not only helps new businesses get off the ground but also ensures long-term resilience in our communities.”

The start-up grants can be used to support residents setting up their own business or becoming self-employed within their first 12 months of trading – with the available to help cover essential costs such as:

• Marketing and advertising
• Equipment such as desktop computers
• Training, permits or accreditations.

The Barrel Shop in Barton-upon-Humber – a zero-waste store selling a wide range of groceries, cleaning products and cosmetics – recently received a grant.

They invested in a commercial electronic weighing scale and a computerised stock control system – helping the business streamline its operations by improving stock accuracy and enabling more efficient day-to-day management.

Cllr Waltham added: “This funding is about giving local people the tools they need to succeed and supporting the kind of ambition that keeps our towns and villages strong – by backing local talent, we’re investing in the future of North Lincolnshire and delivering real opportunities that matter to our residents.

“The Barrel Shop is a fantastic example of innovation that is creating jobs and supporting the town to thrive.”

The team at the Barrel Shop also worked with the council’s one-to-one support to produce a clear business plan and cashflow forecast, and completed the online start-up workshop to build their knowledge and confidence as a new business owner.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners are invited to attend a series of informal drop-in sessions taking place across North Lincolnshire over the coming months.

These events offer the opportunity to speak one-to-one with a business advisor and discover the range of support and funding available, including how to access the start-up grants.

All sessions run from 9am to 11.30am on the following dates:

Waters’ Edge, Barton – Wednesday 3 December 2025

Ashby Hub – Wednesday 7 January 2026

Normanby Gateway, Scunthorpe – Wednesday 14 January 2026

The Angel, Brigg – Wednesday 28 January 2026

Crowle Hub – Wednesday 11 February 2026

No appointment is necessary – simply drop in at a convenient time. However, if preferred, appointments can be pre-booked via an online form.

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also schedule a 45-minute online appointment with a start-up advisor at your convenience.

The programme directly supports Priority Three of the North Lincolnshire Economic Growth Plan 2023–2028: to increase business start-ups and sustain high survival rates. It also aligns with the UKSPF’s wider mission to promote inclusive, local economic growth.

For more information about the grant and how to apply, go to the Invest in North Lincolnshire website or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

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