Friday 31 October 2014

SELECT MEMBER MEETING - NOVEMBER


The next Select Member meeting will be on Tuesday 18th November, 10.30am-12.30pm, Springfields Events Centre, Spalding.

This month's speakers are Ed Lamb from G-Step and Mark Barratt from Paperwork UK.

Ed will cover accessing data such as where most of your customers come from and how to utilise this information to support your business. He will also cover how to obtain funding to use this sort of data. Don't think its for you? You'd be surprised what sort of data you can access, so why not come a long and listen to Ed?

Mark will be covering Labelling software and with the impending change in the Allergen Law, he will also cover Allergen printing. If you missed our earlier Allergen Law workshop with Rachel Linstead, this may be a good event to attend.

Agenda
10.30 - Arrival with tea and coffee
10.45 - Brief update from Gillian
11.00 - Ed Lamb from G-Step
12.00 - Mark Barratt from Paperworks UK
12.30 - Networking opportunity/Close

Non members also welcome!

To book a place on the members forum, please email enquiries@lincs-chamber.co.uk or phone 01522 523333

EDUCATE2014

Image Credit: Flickr, TECH cocktail

educate2014, the Humber's Biggest FREE IT Security & Business Growth Event, will be taking place on 7th November 2014.

Including a number of topics including the delicacy's of using Sage, HR and PR advice and plenty of IT expertise.

Suitable for practically everyone, educate 2014 recommends this event to:

  • IT Specialist
  • Managing Director
  • Finance Director
  • Business Owner
  • Entrepreneur
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Marketing Director
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Sales Director

To find out what workshops are available and book your FREE tickets, please follow this link.

Thursday 30 October 2014

SELL YOUR PRODUCE IN ICELAND NOV 2014

You are invited to attend a food and drink market visit to Reykjavik.

The visit will take place on 25th-26th November 2014 and is targeted at UK based companies across the food and drink industry who are interested in finding new markets for their products.  There is a growing market waiting for you.


Recovering and growing new market opportunities exist to get your product into the Icelandic shops where locals really appreciate good food and where locals are prepared to pay for quality "local" produce.

Regularly ships already go between North East Lincolnshire to Reykjavik.

North East Lincolnshire have offered to either book you in to a place on this trip or take samples of your produce and introduce it to the  trade mission.  If you would like to expand your market please call David Robinson.


David Robinson | Economic Development for North East Lincolnshire | Cofely
( +44 (0)1472 324605 | +44 (0) 7827 231697 |
* Cofely, Origin 1, Europarc, Grimsby, United Kingdom, DN37 9TZ



If you wish to go the costs are £200.00+VAT. You will be responsible for the payment of your travel, accommodation and in-market expenses.

What are the benefits?


  • Gather market intelligence by visiting food stores and supermarkets.
  • Make contact with new buyers, distributors and wholesalers.
  • Get a chance to display your products for potential buyers
  • Chance for B2B meetings with importers and wholesalers
  • Receive in-market support from UKTI Iceland food and drink sector specialists during your visit
  • Inclusion of your company in information package to Icelandic buyers
  • Networking reception at the British Ambassador's Residence
Programme

Tuesday 25th November

13.00-13.20: Meeting and short briefing in hotel lobby

13.30-16.30: Supermarket visits. Guided tour around grocery retailers in the Greater Reykjavik area


Wednesday 26th November

09.00-12.00: Table top presentations at Grand Hotel with a chance for B2B meetings with buyers

12.00-12.30: Light Lunch

17.00-19.00: Networking reception at HMA's residence with UKTI's contacts in the Icelandic food and drink industry


DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS ASAP.

Friday 24 October 2014

BUILDING A BETTER BUSINESS - GOING FOR GROWTH


When: Thursday 6th November 2014
Where: The Showroom, Lincoln
Time: 9.15am-4,00pm

This event is free to attend for all Lincolnshire Businesses.

After years in the doldrums the UK economy is leading the recovery with growth outstripping the rest of Europe. But as the climate improves, are you confident that your business is ready to capitalise on the upturn?

Now is the time to evaluate your business, spot any missed opportunities and find new strategies you could implement to improve and grow your business.

Building a Better Business 3 - Going for Growth is the perfect event for growing businesses: there will be useful seminars, networking opportunities over a complimentary lunch in the exhibition area and a chance to hear about some of the business support avenues available at our Business Support Surgeries.

Our popular event aims to help established businesses consider new ideas, techniques and knowledge to help realise and even exceed expectations. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!

Choose from a wide range of topics to grow and develop your business including:
  • Maximising Growth in your Business - Neil Gray: Streets Chartered Accountants
  • Exploiting Technology for Business Growth - Stuart McFarlane: onlincolnshire
  • Maximising your Most Important Asset: your staff - Gary Wheeler: Lincoln College
  • Developing your Brand - Andy Clayton: Ruddocks
  • Strategic Marketing - Charley Sowden: Shooting Star PR
  • Creating an Effective Board or Senior Team - Paula Finch: NB Marketing 
To register your place on this event and for more information please contact Charlotte Baxter on 01522 846923 or email charlotte.baxter@lincs-chamber.co.uk

SPACES AVAILABLE AT BOSTON WEST ACADEMY'S FARMERS' MARKET


When: Thursday 27th November
Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm (Arrive by 1.30pm to set up)

Calling all local food producers! There is a wonderful opportunity to have a stall at the indoor farmers market at Boston West Academy. There is also the opportunity to set up outside under your own cover if you prefer.

The children will also be making their own produce to sell.

Book a space for £5.00 by 7th November! Telephone: 01205 366013 or email emma.schofield@bwacademy.co.uk


NEW SELECT COLUMN IN TARGET SERIES FOCUSES ON BAKERS AND LOCAL WINDMILLS


This month, our regular column in the Target series focuses on some of our best Select bakers and the local windmills around Lincolnshire.

Written by our very own Charlotte Goy, the article focuses on the Lincolnshire tradition of producing high quality food and drink including milling and baking artisan bread.

Charlotte looks at our very own Steve Rowland from the Generous Baker. An avid campaigner of 'real food', Steve only uses the best Lincolnshire ingredients in his products.

The article also features Alford Five Sailed Windmill and the only eight sailed windmill in the UK, Heckington Windmill.

Do you have any suggestions as to what our next column should focus on? Who do you think deserves a mention? Do you want a mention?

Get in touch! Email Charlotte.Goy@lincs-chamber.co.uk and let us know!

Wednesday 22 October 2014

BEHIND THE SCENE - MARK BELCHER, HEAD CHEF AT THE HUMBER ROYAL HOTEL

In the first of our new series called Behind the Scene, we took a trip to Grimsby’s Humber Royal Hotel.

The award winning hotel is a stone’s throw away from Grimsby town centre, Grimsby Docks and Europarc. Its brasserie offers a casual dining experience, where you can sample an exciting seasonal menu created using the finest ingredients Lincolnshire has to offer.

We caught up with Head Chef Mark Belcher to ask where his passion and inspiration comes from.

Tell us about your background, how you came to Humber Royal Hotel?
Before becoming the Head Chef at Humber Royal Hotel in Grimsby I held three Head Chefs positions throughout North East Lincolnshire. I started my career from Commis Chef and worked my way up over the past 20-years. I believe its hard work and determination which helps you succeed. I’m always willing to learn and want to satisfy customers every time. Being versatile, yet well organised is essential. Everything needs cooking to perfection, be it a small sandwich or large banquet for 300 people!

What’s your favourite food fantasy/recipe and why?
There has been so many over the years…….but the one I’d choose because of found childhood memories and sheer greatness and simplicity is Lincolnshire Lamb Shank, with root vegetables, mint, caper and smoked bacon. It’s all braised for five hours till tender and served with Marries Piper Mash. Delicious!

Mark's Lincolnshire Lamb Shank
How have you channelled your food passion within your business and personally?
Every day at Humber Royal we talk Lincolnshire and think Lincolnshire. Our menus try to contain as much Lincolnshire ingredients as cost, availability and season can dictate. We consistently produce food that is simply cooked to perfection time and time again, and give all the produce the respect they deserve, but with a fine dining twist.

What does Lincolnshire mean to you?
I love the Lincolnshire Wolds, the open fields, the big farms, the local markets bursting with producers. Not to mention our sausages!

Who is your food champion?
My main influence is Marco Pierre White, because if his dedication and passion. And the way he talks about food is inspiring. It’s the art of consistent perfection he believes in.

Tell us about your team
My team at the Humber Royal is relatively small but very dedicated to serving four star food using the best Lincolnshire has to offer - time and time again. They have a passion to satisfy even when it is very busy, consistently. My Sous Chef Adam Harris brings his passion and experience to us that keeps me excited every day.

Tell us which local producers do you use and why
I am passionate about using local wherever possible. My suppliers include Enderbys Smoked Salmon, which has excellent Smoked Salmon and Haddock. Poacher Cheese and Butter, because it’s the nicest cheese I have ever tasted.  I also use Patterson’s Pickles and Chutneys, which is traditional and consistent. Windy Ridge Farm, for our fresh green vegetables and cauliflower……say no more! I also use The Pastry Room Elsham, for its ready-made French style pastry. And another favourite is Duffies Chocolate, which produces artisan chocolate in Cleethorpes.

What would you say to other Select Lincolnshire members? Use as many companies and products from Lincolnshire as you can, and fresh is always best. We can be proud of the diversity of the different products this county has to offer. And give all the products the respect they deserve.

How do you work with community groups or local education providers and charities?
We try to work with local collages and charities as much as we can. We encourage our chefs to get NVQ qualifications through the company with on job training.

On an international platform where does Lincolnshire sit?
With its diversity of products, foods and companies, I’d have to say that Lincolnshire must be up there as one of the best counties in the country and now worldwide.

More information visit the Humber Royal website. 

Monday 20 October 2014

THE FOOD BUSINESS BREAKFAST


When: Thursday 27th November 2014
Where: Kingsgate Conference Centre, Staplee Way, Peterborough, PE1 4YT
Time: 7.30am-9.15am

Recent estimates put the value of the food business in the immediate Peterborough area in excess of £7bn!

The networking event for the food business

Whether you are a producer, supplier or advisor join us for the inaugural Food Business Breakfast. It's all about contacts and bringing the sector together:

  • Make new contacts
  • Find new customers
  • Speak to like-minded people in a sector so important to the region

Hear Andy Fawkes, Managing Director of local success story Masteroast Coffee Co. explain about the rapid growth in the coffee sector and how it's not all about the high street chains.

The Food Business Breakfast takes place on Thursday 27th November at the Kingsgate Conference Centre, Staplee Way, Peterborough, PE1 4YT

Register by 20th November to secure your place. Register online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/thefoodbreakfast 


'THE LINCOLNSHIRE CHEF' ENTERS GUILD OF MASTER CRAFTSMEN

Image Credit: Vicki Head Photography
Steven Bennett of the Comfy Duck restaurant at The Oaklands Hall Hotel in Laceby, has been invited into The Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Steven is the operations director at The Oaklands Hall Hotel and recently brought a new fine dining option to the area with the Comfy Duck restaurant on site, all whilst running his own catering business.

Previously Perfect Palate Solutions, the newly re branded 'The Lincolnshire Chef' with the timing ideal as this prestigious stamp of approval is received.


Steven commented: "I feel that it is a great accolade. I must admit it is not a guild I heard of, but it is the oldest in the country! It makes you think about a lot more you can do, and it is great for the area as well." [Quote taken from the Grimsby Telegraph website]

Congratulations Steven! Find the full story on the Grimsby Telegraph website, here.

Do you have any awards or accolades? Let us know and we will publish them on our awards page! Send your stories to Loryn.Good@lincs-chamber.co.uk

THE PINK PIG HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS


The Pink Pig Halloween celebrations are ready to take place! Find out all about what spooky goings on will be occurring!

The pumpkin festival will be running from the 25th-31st October, with pumpkin themed food, including pumpkin & sage sausages and pumpkin cheeses. Or why not pick and carve your own pumpkin! Sessions daily at 12 & 2pm for £1.50.

The decorations are also starting to creep out as preparations to spook the little ones at the Halloween party in the Playbarn on 30th October begin. This will include a themed Piggy Bag meal, spooky games, eerie farm trail and prizes for fancy dress. This starts from 3.30pm and will be £8.99 a child with adults FREE. Discounts available for Annual Pass and Loyalty Card holders.

Plus, there are some gruesome additions to the restaurant menu! Scary eyeballs and worms, Sausage mummy finger dippers, Tiny Toads in Muddy Ponds and Eye Scream Sweets... Do you dare try?

For more information, contact 01724 844466.

FOCUS ON FUND-RAISING FOR CHILDREN AND A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT


Lincolnshire Producer of the Year, Redhill Farm Free Range Pork, will be sponsoring the Children’s Cookery Marquee again this year at the 12th Lincolnshire Sausage Festival on Saturday 25 October 10am to 4pm encouraging primary school aged children to get hands-on and cook their own sausage recipes. 

“We want to help place the focus of the Sausage Festival on the Rotary’s amazing efforts each year to raise funds to take children out for the day and at the same time introduce young children to the fun of cooking and some new ingredients combined with fun activities such as balloon modelling, “ comments Redhill Farm MD Jane Tomlinson.

The Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia raised £2000 last year for their Kids Out campaign which paid for 32 children from Lincoln St Christopher’s school aged 12-17  to visit Twin Lakes in Leicestershire and they hope to raise even more this year.

During the day there will be cooking demonstrations, food stalls, the Redhill Farm Free Range Pork Children's Marquee and live music. Lincoln Castle and Castle Square itself will be filled with stalls selling all types of produce with an abundance of Lincolnshire Sausages on offer for people to buy and eat on the day or to take away and enjoy at home. Last year over 11,000 visited the Sausage Festival, buying more than 25,000 Lincolnshire sausages.

Join the conversation on Twitter! We will be tweeting during the event and leading up to it so you have all the information you need! Follow us @LoveLincsFood

Friday 17 October 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BOOKMARKS


What: Handmade Chocolate Evening
When: Thursday 30th October
Time: 7.15pm
Cost: £3.50 to include a glass of wine or juice. 

In support of Macmillan Cancer Care we will be holding an evening with Alan Dixon 'The Choc Doc', from Special Edition Chocolate, a small artisan company in the foothills of the Lincolnshire Wolds. They create award winning handmade chocolate for everyone to enjoy, including those on special diets such as diabetics, coeliacs, vegetarians, vegans and some allergy sufferers like nuts and dairy. Their award winning chocolate 'The Source' is made with fairtrade beans from Ghana. Alan will be here to talk about the process of making their beautiful chocolate and to give us a chance to taste test the results!



What: Singing Santa
When: Sunday 16th November
Time: 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm
Cost: £1 per child, to include a mince pie and a drink. Booking essential.

Singing Santa will be here to entertain us with stories and singing from his new CD 'The Tinsel Song'. Children will love singing along with Santa to some fantastic Christmas songs. Book your place now for one of our sessions.


Bookmarks is located at 20 The Cresent, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 1AF. To book onto these events, call 01775 769231 or email enquiries@bookmark-spalding.co.uk


LEP SEEKS RECRUITS FOR NEW EUROPEAN COMMITTEE


The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is looking for partners to join a new committee responsible for delivering a vital European funding strategy.

The European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Committee will be responsible for the development and delivery of the £123m Greater Lincolnshire European Structural and Investment Fund Strategy.

One of the challenges for the committee will be to oversee and develop a good pipeline of project proposals that meet these requirements, agree the investments and monitor performance against contracted targets.

Committee members are expected be drawn from a number of bodies, including the LEP, local authorities, business, the voluntary sector, environment, trades unions, education, rural affairs and others.

“This vitally important committee will be responsible for the strategic development and delivery of the Greater Lincolnshire’s ESIF strategy and programme,” said LEP Manager Ruth Carver.

“The committee will ensure that local strategic aims are considered alongside national strategic and operational objectives and that our activity is compliant with EU funding regulations.

“This is a unique opportunity to support Greater Lincolnshire’s future growth. The role of the committee member will be vital to the future success of the LEP, the EU programme and the area as a whole.”

It is anticipated that the first meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire ESIF Committee will be in late November 2014.

If you are interested in being a representative on the committee please send your CV and a covering letter highlighting your relevant experience.

Committee members will be supported by officers, specialist sub-groups and the Managing Authority representatives regarding local sector-specific issues and European regulations.

For an informal discussion contact Emma Mumby on 01522 550178, or download the candidate briefing pack.

Applications should be sent by 27th October 2014 to Emma Mumby either by post to: Greater Lincolnshire LEP, City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln LN1 1DD or by email to emma.mumby@lincolnshire.gov.uk

RJ HIRST FAMILY BUTCHER FEATURED IN NATIONAL MAGAZINE

Steve Adams receiving his Select Lincolnshire Hamper from Sadie Hirst.

Steve Adams, Feature Editor for Camping & Caravanning magazine, recently visited Lincolnshire to discover what our wonderful county had to offer.

Steve was staying at Woodhall Spa, so we insisted he must visit RJ Hirst Family Butchers so he could get a real taste of Lincolnshire food. She gave him a Select Lincolnshire food hamper with an array of goodies, all from members.

Steve was overjoyed with Sadie's produce, saying, "Her odd shaped pork and red onion marmalade pie, which looks a bit like a castle turret, is hands down the best pork pie I've ever tasted. Sadie explained that the meat is flavoured with black pepper and onion then baked with her home-made onion marmalade instead of the traditional jelly like substance that usually puts me off." [Quotes taken from Camping and Caravanning magazine, November 2014]


Steve also visited another Select Lincolnshire for Food member, Petwood Hotel to see the famous Squadron Bar. Steve commented that he was not disappointed with his meal there and was treated to "...an excellent menu that mixed traditional and modern, my main course of anchovy and garlic encrusted cannon of lamb augmented by a fabulous range of unique home-made desserts."



Would you like to take part in Press Visits? Get in touch with Charlotte Goy and she will be able to arrange this with you. Email Charlotte.Goy@lincs-chamber.co.uk


Thursday 16 October 2014

WEST WOLDS DELICATESSEN UNVEILED

Maria Pemberton of West Wold Delicatessen.
Market Rasen's well-loved greengrocer has relaunched as West Wolds Delicatessen.

The Select Member, previously known as Greens of Lincolnshire, began as a community shop as part of the town's Portas Pilot project, but passed into private ownership in June 2013.

Maria Pemberton, the owner of West Wolds Deli, said "It's always been my dream to have a delicatessen business on the high street serving fresh, healthy and delicious Lincolnshire food."

"West Wolds is the brand I've used from the outset for my sauces, chutneys, preserves, sweets, quiches and breads. Now I'm expanding the range to include affordable, high-quality home-cooked style meals from the chiller. These are fabulous foods many using Lincolnshire produce as the key ingredient. You simply can't buy these in the supermarket." [Quotes taken from the Market Rasen Mail website]

A number of Lincolnshire products were launched such as Yellow Belly sausage and egg pie, Lincolnshire sausage plait and Lincolnshire apple pie. These will join the ranks with other dishes made from proud Lincolnshire produce including a two fellow Select members; Cote Hill Cheese Blue and Goatwood Kingsthorpe cheese.

The relaunch of the store coincided with Lincolnshire Day on 1st October, making it a true representation of Lincolnshire foodie goodness.

Find the whole story on the Market Rasen Mail website here!

FARMA AWARD SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

Image Credit: Jerzy Kociatkiewicz (Flickr)

Applications from farm shops and markets have come in from all across the UK, with each application highlighting to the judges the belief and passion that FARMA members have about quality local food with maximum provenance.

The FARMA Awards are to showcase the best farm retail businesses across the UK. The Awards have been run over 10 years. Each winner has to show that in their field they have real food integrity, a sustainable business, excellent customer care, and a real commitment to quality. The winner of the awards will be announced on the 24th February.

We are pleased to report that Doddington Hall Restaurant & Cafe for the FARMA Farm Restaurant of the Year.

We wish them luck in the awards and look forward to seeing the results!

Do you have any awards or accolades? Let us know and we will publish them on our awards page! Send your stories to Loryn.Good@lincs-chamber.co.uk

Tuesday 14 October 2014

LINCOLNSHIRE SAUSAGE FESTIVAL 25th OCTOBER 2014


Celebrate the Great British Banger in tasty style! Foodie fans are in for a sizzling treat at the end of October when Lincoln celebrates the county's most iconic export - the Lincolnshire sausage. 

Throw in free entry and the picturesque setting of cobbled medieval streets and a dramatic castle, it's no surprise that the Lincolnshire Sausage Festival has become one of the region's biggest foodie events. Stalls of the best Lincolnshire produce including lots of Select members such as Fen Farm Venison, Goatwood Dairy, Oslinc, Sweet Heat Chilli, Chapman's Seafoods, Nibble Nose Cheese Co, Rectory Reserve, Mr Huda, Cote Hill Cheese, Lymn Bank Farm Cheese, Hog Roast Lincolnshire, Jenny's Jams, Ribs 'N' Bibs, Man Made Foods, Saints & Sinners, Croft Apiaries, Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese, Angels Desserts, Mountain's Boston Sausage and Red Hill Farm Free Range Pork.  

With children's entertainment and cookery demonstrations from Rachel Green and Debbie Kenyon, it's sure to create a great family event. So don't miss out! Come to Lincoln Castle on 25th October!

Join the conversation on Twitter! We will be tweeting during the event and leading up to it so you have all the information you need! Follow us @LoveLincsFood

Friday 10 October 2014

SELECT LINCOLNSHIRE MEMBER MEETING - NOVEMBER


The next Select Member Meeting will be on:

Tuesday 18th November - 10.30am-12.30pm - Springfields Events Centre

Are you passionate about food and drink in Lincolnshire?
If the answer is yes, join fellow Select Lincolnshire for Food members and local businesses to network and hear updates from a topical speaker.

This month’s speaker slot welcomes Ed Lamb, G-STEP
G-STEP is a funded European Regional Development project which enables businesses to access, analyse, manipulate and interpret Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science data obtained from ground based, aerial and satellite sources to develop innovative solutions to enhance competitiveness.

Could you sponsor a member meeting?
We're always looking for event sponsors and key note speakers. So if it's of interest to you please contact enquiries@lincs-chamber.co.uk

Join us for food and farming updates
We are keen to engage with members and local businesses to hear your views on what’s important to your business and local area. To find out more about upcoming events email the Business Development Manager for Select Lincolnshire for Food Gillian Richardson.

Wednesday 8 October 2014

OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE CATERING SERVICES TO LINCOLN CASTLE

Image Credit: Flickr Karen Roe
The Castle is looking for a Supplier who understands their business, is passionate about food and customer service and is up to date with the current catering trends e.g. locally sourced food, healthy eating and menu options that will appeal to its visitors and the local population.

This opportunity is for the provision of catering service to Lincoln Castle on a concessionary basis. The council will not be funding or making any payment to the provider for this service and the provider will be expected to secure revenue by exploiting the commercial opportunity.

Where quality standards are set out, they are the minimum acceptable levels to be achieved on a consistent basis. The specification is not exhaustive and is to be taken as indicative of the general standards which are to be achieved. As a standard The Castle expects the Supplier to provide at all times a high level of professional service in all aspects of the catering operation and whilst the offer and services required below is indicative of what The Castle expects as a minimum.

It is expected that the Supplier will co-operate with The Castle during the term of the agreement to provide such services as are required and to develop and improve the services to meet any changing needs or demand.

The Contract will be let for an initial period of 3 years/36 months which is intended to commence on April 1st 2015 with the option to extend for up to 2 further periods of 12 months up to a maximum contract period of 60 months. The starting date of the contract will be subject to the building being completed by April 2015.

To apply, click on this link and then follow the instructions on screen.

TEA TASTING AT STOKES



When: Friday 17th October 2014
Where: Stokes High Bridge Cafe
Time: 6.00pm
Cost: £6

If you ever wished to know more about the nation's favourite beverage, come along to Stokes tea tasting evening at the beautiful High Bridge Cafe. Learn about the history of tea, its journey from seeding to cup, and blind taste several varieties from a selection of fine teas.

Tickets cost £6, and are available from the High Bridge shop on 01522 523548 or by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk

Please note that this event is by reservation only.

COULD YOU HELP A WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT?

Image Credit: visitlincoln.com

Calling all Tourism businesses! Could you help a 16-19 year old student gain some valuable work experience?

As part of their Level 2/3 Tourism & Hospitality courses, the students are looking to gain 2 weeks work experience next year between 30 March and 10 April.

They are looking specifically for tourism roles if possible, but this could include a whole range of different services or functions.

If you are interested, contact Matt Hall on HallM@grimsby.ac.uk.

LJ FAIRBURN CRACKS KILIMANJARO AND RAISES OVER £35,000 FOR FARM AFRICA



A nine-strong team put together by the major UK egg supplier LJ Fairburn arrived in triumph at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this morning after a grueling seven day trek to the top of Africa’s highest mountain.

The team have scaled Kilimanjaro to raise money for Food for Good, a major fundraising campaign set up by the UK food industry to support Farm Africa, the charity that is working to end hunger in eastern Africa by helping smallholder farmers there to grow more food for their families.

Before reaching the summit, the team had already exceeded its hugely ambitious fundraising target of £35,000, with more donations still to come in.

The team - made up of employees and suppliers to the Lincolnshire-based company that supplies 10 million eggs a week across the UK - arrived at Uhuru Peak at 9.30am local time (7.30 am British Summer Time) today.

Uhuru Peak towers at 5,895 metres above sea level. Getting to the top is not easy and is the equivalent of scaling Big Ben 61 times.

So scaling the mountain was no easy task for the team which set out late last night from their camp at Barafu Hut for the final push to the summit. Already exhausted due to the difficulty in sleeping at altitude and in such cold conditions, the team had to push themselves forward into a howling, icy wind for eight and a half hours. Before they reached Uhuru Peak they had to scramble over loose scree and up paths that were practically vertical at times.

Each climber felt the effects of altitude and everyone went through a dark patch at some point during the final stages. So it was an incredible achievement when the whole team emerged onto the summit to gaze out from the roof of Africa and be greeted by a beautiful sunrise.

Before the team set off for the summit last night they were thrilled to discover surprise messages of support from family and friends that had been carried up the mountain. It all made for an emotional departure from Barafu Hut and helped spur the climbers on.

LJ Fairburn’s Managing Director, Daniel Fairburn, summed up the whole team’s feelings on their triumph as he stood at Uhuru Peak:

"It was a life changing experience. I've never gone through so many emotions in one day and am just thrilled that all the team made it together. We feel great, but we now have another 5 hour walk back down to Mweka camp. There’s going to be lots of sore feet tonight!”

And responding in London to news of the team’s arrival at Kilimanjaro’s summit, Farm Africa’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Pam Williams-Jones, said:

“This is fantastic news and the culmination of a huge amount of hard work and effort. The team really deserves this success and I’m thrilled that their triumph has been acknowledged with so much sponsorship to help us extend our work to end hunger in eastern Africa. On behalf of all the farmers and communities we work with, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the climbers and their supporters for all the money they have raised through this climb.”

Much more on the climb, including updates and images from the trip are available via the team’s online blog, “Cracking Kilimanjaro”: http://www.farmafrica.org/lj-fairburn-kilimanjaro-climb/cracking-kilimanjaro

You can reward the team for all their hard work by making a donation via the team’s online fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/fairburnkilimanjaroclimb

HERITAGE OPEN DAY SUCCESS AT COGGLESFORD WATERMILL

Cogglesford Watermill Organic Flour

Last month attractions across the UK opened their doors for free in a bid to celebrate England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.


Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford, among many other participating venues across North Kesteven took part and was astonished at the number of visitors that passed through their doors.

The Mill saw over 420 visitors on Sunday, a high achievement for this quaint hidden gem in Sleaford. Visitors enjoyed their stay as they witnessed the restored working watermill in operation producing its very own organic wholemeal flour.

As the mill is already free admission, free bags of the mill’s flour were on offer to the public for anyone quoting ‘heritage open days’. Other venues including Navigation House off Carre Street and Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre in North Rauceby saw their visitor numbers double if not triple which is great news for our venues across the district.

Milling Days at Cogglesford Watermill

Cogglesford Watermill is in operation every second Sunday of the month with the next milling day on Sunday 12 October from 11am to 4pm. See the mill in operation as the huge water wheel rumbles into action. Visitors can see the huge cogs and wheels use the power of the water wheel to turn the mill stones, producing organic, wholemeal flour. Whilst you’re there you can learn about the history of the mill and its millers, try your hand at grinding grain and explore the mill. Why not take home a reminder of your day with a bag of Cogglesford Watermill’s very own flour, on sale in the shop.

For more information about the Milling Day or other places to visit and things to do, visit www.heartoflincs.com or contact North Kesteven District Council on 01529 308102. Don’t forget the mill is also open 7 days a week up until 31 October from 12 to 4pm (Mon to Fri) and 11am to 4.30pm (Sat to Sun).

Thursday 2 October 2014

NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK

Image Credit: Matt Buck - Flickr

Next week, 6th - 10th October, is National Customer Service Week!

National Customer Service Week is a week long opportunity to raise awareness of customer service and the vital role it plays in successful business practice and the growth of the UK economy.

East Midlands Trains at Lincoln Railway Station are taking part and are looking for local businesses who want to have a presence at the station on any of the days that week to promote their business.

If you would like to be involved get in touch with Georgina Yates on Georgina.Yates@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

WORLD CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS TRAINING AVAILABLE

Image Credit: Visit Lincoln

Don't miss a valuable opportunity for your business! This can apply to B&B's, pubs, restaurants and cafe's too! 

Lincolnshire's Visitor Economy is worth over £1 billion to the county, and supports more than 17,000 jobs. To support further growth in the sector, key stakeholders are working together with businesses to roll out the most ambitious programme of customer service that the tourism industry in the county has ever seen.

Over 1,000 staff will take part in the nationally-recognised WorldHost Customer Service qualification. The full day training course will refresh staff in excellence in customer care. It will also provide an opportunity for delegates to learn about the local area.

Destination Management Organisations - Visit Lincoln and Visit East Lincolnshire - will work with businesses to roll out the training programme.

At the 'Countdown to Lincoln Castle Revealed' conference on 23rd September, Visit Lincoln formally announced its commitment to Lincoln Cathedral Quarter being awarded 'Destination Status'.

Emma Tatlow, Visit Lincoln Partnership manager said 'Excellent customer service is an important element of the overall visitor experience. We want to support businesses and their staff to ensure that - as a city - the visitor welcome and knowledge of staff meets and exceeds visitors expectations.'

The WorldHost Customer Service qualifications address one of the key priority areas, as identified by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The training will be delivered over one day by either Boston College, Lincoln College, First College, North Lindsey College, Steadfast Training or Lagat. It is accredited by City & Guilds.

This training is available thanks to the European Social Fund and Skills Funding Agency co-funded Skills for the Workforce project. Boston College is the contract holder for the project which is worth £2.5 million to Greater Lincolnshire

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "This is excellent news for Greater Lincolnshire. 2015 will be a big year for the county as the new and improved Lincoln Castle re-opens and we celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. This will draw thousands of new visitors to the area and by giving them a world-class welcome, we can keep them coming back for more. Make sure your business doesn't miss out."

To register your interest in this programme, please contact Emma Tatlow on Emma.Tatlow@lincs-chamber.co.uk

USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR RESOURCE EFFICIENT PROMOTION OF YOUR BUSINESS



Venue - National Centre for Food Manufacturing

University of Lincoln, Park Road, Holbeach PE12 7PT

20 October 2014 at 9:00 am – 12:00 pm



AGENDA

09:00 Arrival, Registration and refreshments

09:25 Welcome and Introductions

09:30 Update on funding, labelling etc

Richard Turner, Linda McWatt, National Centre for Food Manufacturing

09:40 Importance of Social Media and its benefits to business

Joe Degand, Account Manager, lava

10:00 Use of Social Media by small artisan businesses – a case study

Derek Foster, Lecturer, School of Computer Science

10:20 Top Tips for your Social Media

Toni Skidmore, On-line Media Intern, University of Lincoln

10:35 Coffee, networking and product tasting

11:00 Practical Session

There will be an opportunity for you to bring a selection of your finished products to the meeting. We can arrange for them to be photographed during the morning session and then we can use the digital images to upload on social media accounts.

11:45 Summary and Close

12:00 Opportunity to use nutricalc


For more information or to book your free place please contact

Sue Long at NCFM on 01406 493000 or email ncfm@lincoln.ac.uk