NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - THE STRATEGIC BUSINESS LOCATION

Ever heard of North Lincolnshire?

North Lincolnshire is a key part of the Yorkshire and Humber region - an area which forms a natural focus for business with unparalleled road, air, rail and sea links to a European market of over 370 million potential customers.

Based on the outstanding location, the local economy is vibrant , with many companies choosing to relocate to North Lincolnshire in recent years.

The local economy was originally established on traditional industries such as steel manufacturing and agriculture, however, over the last twenty years the economy has diversified and new expanding sectors such as food, chemicals and telecommunications have emerged.

So what can a location in North Lincolnshire offer?

Availability of skilled work force
Unemployment in North Lincolnshire is with 3.2% (April 2002) one among the lowest in the Humber sub-region. The local work force of 64,000 has an excellent track record for industrial relations, productivity and a reputation for flexible working.

Training and education opportunities go hand in hand with the availability of a flexible work force. North Lincolnshire boasts two colleges which have both gained beacon status and between them enrol more than 8,500 students annually. Within a one-hour drive there are seven universities offering extensive research and development facilities and excellent graduate recruitment opportunities.

Transport and access
Transport infrastructure will always be a key consideration. Major investment in the South Humber road network has dramatically improved the accessibility of an area historically perceived as remote.

This has left the region with an excellent motorway network , allowing fast access to a potential market of 40 million UK customers and suppliers within a four-hour drive. The free flowing M180 and M18 motorways connect North Lincolnshire to the M62 trans-Pennine east/west route and the A1 and M1 north-south routes.

North Lincolnshire - Transport Infrastructure

Proximity to the UK's largest ports complex - the Humber Ports - provides unrivalled access to Mid and Northern European markets. The complex handles nearly 70 million tonnes of cargo a year, servicing 53 countries. Deep-sea facilities allow the landing of cargoes 24 hours a day. Fast overnight crossings mean hauliers can drive 9 hours into mainland Europe within their time allowance.

North Lincolnshire - Export Routes

The local rail-freight terminal for the Channel Tunnel is only 20 miles away, allowing excellent rail access to mainland Europe. Various industrial sites such as Normanby Enterprise Park in Scunthorpe and part of the Humber Bridge Industrial Estate offer the opportunity to have direct rail connections.

Humberside International Airport with only 30 minute check-in time - has flights to Scotland and to Amsterdam for transfer to the rest of the world. It is jointly owned by Manchester Airport and North Lincolnshire Council. Carrying 450,000 passengers per year, the airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports in the UK and is looking for further expansion.

Regional and local government support
Within certain parts of North Lincolnshire companies may be eligible for Central Government's grant assistance in form of the Enterprise Grant (EG) or Regional Selective Assistance (RSA).

A variety of 'top-up' loan finance is available to enable businesses to facilitate projects as is equity finance through UK Steel Enterprise and other providers including 3i and Yorkshire Enterprise.

The Learning and Skills Council will be able to provide formal but customised training packages whereas special recruitment packages are available through the local Employment Service. These packages , which save considerable costs, include assistance with selection and even work place trials.

Economic development and regeneration
The Economic Development Team of North Lincolnshire Council is involved in a variety of regeneration schemes such as the reclamation of Normanby Enterprise Park, the area's most prestigious business location, offering companies fully serviced sites.

Working in partnership the council has recently opened the Information Technology Centre on Normanby Enterprise Park which offers fledgling IT companies managed workspace.

North Lincolnshire - Normanby Enterprise Park

Experienced, professional Economic Development staff will work with a network of partners to solve specific recruitment requirements and to put together tailor-made recruitment and training packages - all within a one stop service.

The support offered by the Economic Development Team will save inward investors to North Lincolnshire significant expense and valuable management time.

Availability of commercial property
The Economic Development Team of North Lincolnshire Council manages a wide and varied portfolio of land and property in public and in private ownership.

A selection of greenfield and brownfield land is available with plot sizes ranging from less than 1 acre (0.405 hectares) to up to 150 acres (60.71 hectares). All land in council ownership has the advantage of being fully serviced.

Premises as well as land are available at highly competitive cost compared with other regions in the UK.

Telecommunications and e-business support
All national, terrestrial and mobile telephone companies operate within North Lincolnshire, providing a full telecommunication network. ISDN is available and the region is currently supplied with cable facilities.

For further information please contact 
Ulrike Dearden
Principal Regeneration Officer
North Lincolnshire Council
Church Square House
P O Box 42
Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire
DN15 6XQ

Tel ++44 (0)1724 297383
Fax ++44 (0)1724 297500
e-mail ulrike.dearden@northlincs.gov.uk or
visit our website www.northlincs.gov.uk