THE CENTRE FOR FOOD AND FRESH PRODUCE LOGISTICS
Fully funded support for Boston Town businesses
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Business)
Supporting innovation, training and growth for Boston Town businesses in most sectors for creating enhanced productivity and increased profits.
Please contact dthorpe@lincoln.ac.uk with any queries.
Q: Where does the business need to be based to qualify?
A: As the programme is a Boston Town Deal project, the business does need to be based in Boston Town, which is within or near PE21. There is a boundary graphic at:
Boston-Town-Investment-Plan-October-2020.pdf (bostontowndeal.co.uk)
Q: What if the business is based elsewhere but has an operational branch site in Boston?
A: There may be opportunities for branch operating sites to join and gain the benefits. The programme manager will be pleased to check eligibility.
Q: What industrial sector does the business need to be in to be eligible?
A: Most sectors could be eligible due to Boston’s close involvement with the food and drink and logistics industries and supply chains. So it is always worth checking.
Q: Which sectors are good examples for eligibility?
A: Engineering, Manufacturing, Agri-Food Technologies, Logistics, Technical Services, Packaging, Food Service including retailers and restaurants, Relevant Supply Chain businesses.
Q: What are the main aims of the programme?
A: The aim is to work with Boston businesses to enhance productivity and increase profits. Workforce Development and Job Creation are also key themes.
Q: Is there a set list of benefits?
A: No. The support provided is tailored to match the needs of the business for growth and to strengthen Boston’s place in the UK Food Valley. Business diagnostics are carried out to establish which priority solutions to bring in that align with business strategy.
Q: Is it necessary for owners and managers to fully understand the benefits before joining?
A: No. The programme is very complex, and the solutions for each business will be very different depending on established needs. As long as the business wants to make more profits and is based in Town you should check eligibility.
Q: It is a tough time for businesses with difficult trading conditions and rising costs so many are reluctant to take on support whilst the focus is on survival?
A: Enhancing productivity and profitability is even more important now than ever. Business sustainability can often be about maintaining levels of performance. A major challenge at the moment is recruitment of employees so upskilling the existing workforce is an essential element for any business.
Q: Who is providing the programme delivery?
A: The University of Lincoln and Boston College. The main support headings are:
- Business Support, information advice and guidance for increasing profitability. Masterclass and networking events will also feature alongside equipment demonstrations.
- Technical and Scientific projects for enhancing productivity through research, innovation and adopting emerging technologies such as robotics and digitalisation. Any requirements for new or improved capital equipment could qualify for a Capital Grant of up to £10,000 (50:50 match)
- Workforce Development – training needs to match the growth needs of the business are agreed through structured Training Need Analysis and Training Plans written to ensure the workforce has the skills and knowledge to match the future needs of the business. The training is delivered by Boston College and paid for by the programme.
Q: Is the Grant of £10,000 towards Capital Equipment easy to apply for?
A: Yes, the Grant Application form is quick and easy to complete, and assistance is available. As the specification of equipment to be purchased is agreed by the University Technical Team there is no need for the business to spend time obtaining lots of competitive quotations. Applications for Grants are dealt with very quickly with the Approval Panel able to meet at short notice.
Q: When is the best time for a business to join the programme?
A: To ensure that the business takes full advantage of this opportunity, the best time to join is now!
Q: What is the best way to find out more?
A: Just contact the programme manager at: dthorpe@lincoln.ac.uk