The Conservative administration at Lincolnshire County Council has approved a bold initiative to drive economic growth and create new opportunities across the county. With a £20 million investment over the next five years, our Economic Investment Programme is set to unlock Lincolnshire’s potential and bring transformative change to our communities.

A Strong Commitment to Local Growth

This flagship programme will address the critical shortage of serviced business sites, helping unlock opportunities for growth across Lincolnshire. By 2030, the initiative aims to deliver 3,000 high-quality jobs, bolster local industries, and strengthen the county’s economic resilience. Here’s how we’re achieving this:

  • Focus on strategic industries: Defence, advanced manufacturing, and food manufacturing are the key sectors for investment. Together, these industries contribute significantly to the local economy and offer vast potential for future growth.
  • Meeting demand: Around 1 in 3 businesses in the defence sector, for instance, need new premises within the next three years. Our investments will directly support this demand, creating jobs and stimulating local supply chains.
  • Delivering value: Each pound spent will generate a higher return on investment through rental income, capital receipts, and indirect economic benefits.

Why This Matters

Lincolnshire is already a hub for key industries. The county boasts:

  • Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism underpinned a £15 billion annual economy.
  • 21 million visitors annually, contributing to a robust hospitality and leisure sector.
  • An advanced food manufacturing industry that processes 70% of the UK’s fish alongside a strong agri-tech sector.

However, we face challenges. A shortage of industrial and commercial sites has stifled growth and deterred investment. This programme is designed to reverse that trend, providing the infrastructure businesses need to thrive.

Delivering Results for Lincolnshire

This investment programme will achieve:

  • £20 million in direct council investment, supporting sites across all districts, with targeted development in areas of high demand.
  • Three thousand new jobs, many in highly skilled roles, ensuring young people have the career opportunities they deserve without leaving the county.
  • Significant boosts to small and medium-sized businesses often cite a lack of suitable space as a barrier to growth.

A Clear Strategy for the Future

This initiative aligns perfectly with the government’s National Industrial Strategy and the forthcoming Local Growth Plan, which positions Lincolnshire as a leader in industrial innovation. By focusing on strategic sectors, we’re not just preparing for the future but leading the way. This includes:

  • The £1.5 million investment in infrastructure at the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park ensures businesses can access state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Expand Lincolnshire’s portfolio of business parks, generate income for the council, and reinvest in essential services.

Building on Success

This programme builds on the strong financial management of the Conservative administration, which has achieved remarkable results:

  • £604 million in services delivered annually while keeping council tax among the lowest in the UK.
  • A £93 million highways maintenance budget in 2023/24, ensuring safer and smoother roads.
  • Over £12 million was reinvested into flood prevention, protecting homes and businesses from severe weather events.

What This Means for You

This is a game-changer for residents, businesses, and communities. It’s about creating a Lincolnshire where people can find high-quality jobs, companies can grow, and the next generation can aspire to build their futures here.

Your Role in Lincolnshire’s Bright Future

The Economic Investment Programme represents the next step in our Conservative vision for Lincolnshire: low taxes, sustainable growth, and stronger communities. Together, let’s continue to make Lincolnshire a beacon of opportunity.

Stay tuned for updates and share your ideas on how we can keep building a better, brighter future for our county.