Mentoring and Support

Business Support Programme

Launched for Lincolnshire Towns

Manufacturing, engineering and logistics businesses in and around Boston, Grimsby and
Scunthorpe can benefit from a package of business support and funding worth over
£300,000, thanks to a new University of Lincoln growth accelerator programme funded by
the ERDF.

Following on from the success of a previous pilot scheme, the University has launched a new
Productivity HUBs programme aimed at micro, small and medium-sized businesses that are
looking to grow in the three towns. This new programme, which is part of a wider Productivity
Programme aimed at SMEs across Greater Lincolnshire will run until June 2023 and has two
options: 12 hours free business support for any SME in and around the towns of Boston,
Grimsby and Scunthorpe; and an Accelerator programme aimed at logistics and transport
businesses in Boston and Grimsby, and advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses
in Scunthorpe.

Successful participants in the Accelerator programme will receive support and advice from
some the county’s best known business leaders and experts who will deliver workshops on
everything from strategy to business planning and marketing.

The first eight-week, part-time programme will start in Scunthorpe in June with a further nine
programmes planned in the three towns from September 2021 onwards. Each programme will
be run from one of three HUBs: the North Lincolnshire University campus in Scunthorpe; E-
Factor at The Enterprise Village in Grimsby and a location in Boston yet to be confirmed.

Businesses taking part in the programme will have access to the Universiy of Lincoln’s world-
leading research, innovations and network of contacts. They will also be able to apply for a seed
fund grant of up to £10,000 to help grow the business.

Rebecca Webster, the programme lead, said: “Part of the university’s remit is to drive
productivity and growth in Greater Lincolnshire, and we believe that there are real growth
opportunities in these three towns, in particular in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The
Business Accelerator programme is there to support ambitious entrepreneurs in these sectors
that are looking to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

“Our Business Development programme on the other hand is designed to help any SME in any
sector in Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, including start-ups, that are looking to grow and to
increase productivity and profitability.

During the Accelerator programme in particular, the participants can expect to:

  • Learn strategies to drive success and avoid failure
  • Receive mentoring and advice from industry experts
  • Develop a valuable network of business connections
  • Learn the art of presenting and articulating their business
  • Pitch to a panel of industry experts – with the best receiving cash awards and support to
  • fuel business growth.

This year’s mentors will include experts in business growth and new business development,
exporting, marketing, PR, trademarks and patents, and presentation skills.

Interested businesses are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later as spaces are limited.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.productivityhubs.co.uk

To keep up to date with this and future programmes, follow Productivity HUBs on LinkedIn.