Making the most of city life

Lincoln is regarded as one of England’s most vibrant and historic cities. Glynis Fox finds it brimming with life and continuously adapting to an ever changing economic and social landscape.
But the face of the city centre is changing at a rate of knots as regeneration and renovation projects aimed at improving the visitor experience and increasing high street footfall progress.

Economic growth developments from the University of Lincoln, City of Lincoln Council and other private investments such as the St Marks redevelopment are keeping Lincoln moving forward and are helping to firmly stamp Lincoln’s mark on the map as a tourist and investment hotspot.

A number of exciting projects have taken place in Lincoln that support the redevelopment and growth of the city.

Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter has undergone a stunning £70 million programme of regeneration including a revamp of the iconic Corn Exchange. It is now home to a number of tenants including The Cosy Club, which has just marked its first anniversary of trading in there.

The refurbished Victorian shopfronts in Sincil Street – which are now home to clothing shop Seasalt, coffee specialist 200 Degrees and cookware retailer Lakeland, which relocated from the St Mark’s Retail Park – feature timber frames handmade by Lindum Joinery.

Developer Lincolnshire Co-op, its agent chartered accountant Banks Long & Co and Lindum Construction are delighted with the progress being made.

Lincolnshire Co-op is also working on its new outlet in Lincoln’s Sincil Street which is planned to open in late summer and is the Society’s first ‘food-to-go’ concept store.

It replaces the City Square Centre Food Store which will close on Saturday 29th June 2019.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s pharmacy and post office, which will incorporate the members’ helpdesk, will continue to trade from the centre and there are still plans to move these services to alternative city centre premises – but these ideas are still being developed so any moves won’t take place before early 2020.

Sales at Lincolnshire Co-op have grown by £5m to £165m this half year, with a strong performance by the Society’s food stores leading the way.

Total sales in the six months to 3rd March 2019 went up by 3.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Food stores saw sales rise by 6.5 per cent, with customer visits up by 5.7 per cent to 12.6 million in the half year. This included a successful festive trading period with a record-breaking Christmas Eve. Demand for goods from the Society’s local bakers Gadsby’s went up 4.3 per cent.

Sales growth has enabled Lincolnshire Co-op to invest in valued services and new developments across its trading estate.

Lincolnshire Co-op uses green power from wind farms and hydro-electric plants and is also focused on reducing energy use. It has invested in energy-saving technologies like LED lighting and building management systems in food stores. Fridge doors have also been fitted in more than 30 outlets – cutting energy use by around 20 per cent.

It means that energy use across the food business has dropped 1.8 per cent, despite new outlets opening during the half year and more refrigeration being introduced in existing branches.

Co-op chief executive, Ursula Lidbetter said: “We’re pleased to welcome more than 12,000 new members to the Society and attract more customers, particularly considering challenging trading conditions.

“Our sales performance shows the quality of our offer across a range of diverse businesses. This gives us the confidence to invest in our valued services and keep on using our ideas, energy and resources to work together in our communities on projects that make a difference – from the Cornhill Quarter to reducing energy use in our business.”

The Lincoln Business Improvement Group (Lincoln BIG) provides a wide range of services and support for its levy-paying businesses based in an area stretching from the former Ritz Cinema in the city’s High Street to Newport Arch and aims to put Lincoln on the map as a retail and tourist destination and improve the experience of the city centre for those who visit, live and work in the city.

One of its recent initiatives is a special shopping app, which offers rewards to shoppers who support the ‘Buy Local’ concept, and which has proved highly popular.

It was launched less than four months ago as part of Lincoln BIG’s pledge to run initiatives and projects designed to boost city footfall and business takings.

Up to the end of May, there were at least 1,080 people in Lincoln enjoying using the LoyalFreeApp to claim a wide range of discounts and treats being offered by city businesses.

There was also a surge in the number of profile views of local businesses helping to get them much better known. Fifty businesses had 65 live offers on the app and there were 2,646 redemptions of offers or loyalty schemes.

Other statistics showed that 30 events had been promoted using the app – clicked 149 times. Eighty-one offers had been shared and the local guide had been clicked 174 times.

Lincoln BIG chief executive, Sarah Loftus said: “We are actively encouraging more of our levy payers to tap into the power of the LoyalFreeApp – which offers them an easy way to promote their business.

“It also affords them the opportunity to publicise any special events they may be running.”

Another significant regeneration project is the £30 million Lincoln Transport Hub scheme which has helped transform the city centre providing a state-of-the-art bus station, 1,000 space multi-storey car park, retail space and a new pedestrian plaza.

Led by City of Lincoln Council, the scheme has also seen improvements to Lincoln Central railway station and the creation of a more accessible and attractive gateway to the city.

The scheme has received £11 million funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), along with a further £2 million from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP).

The contractor behind the Lincoln Transport Hub, Willmott Dixon, has achieved Britain’s most prestigious title for a third time, winning a 2019 Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

It’s the second time the company has won this accolade for Sustainable Development, the first being in 2014, and comes a year after it picked up a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Promoting Opportunity through social mobility for its work improving opportunities for people in local communities.

Willmott Dixon set the benchmark for use of natural energy last year by ensuring all offices and sites are powered by 100% energy from renewable sources.

The company’s track-record for low-energy buildings was also a factor as was its use of The Wildlife Trusts, where project teams can access their ecology services with the money paid to the Trusts reinvested in local biodiversity enhancements.

The awards, which have been going since 1966, are awarded to businesses for outstanding achievements.

Changes have been going on left, right and centre in Lincoln and though a number of shops and businesses have closed or announced their closure, there have been an equal number of new ones either opening up, expanding or relocating.

The new Boots Lincoln store, which opened in April, is one of the bigger names to move premises and is now located in the former BHS store in High Street. On one floor to offer easier accessibility, it offers a number of new beauty brands including Chanel, IT Cosmetics, Liz Earle, Stila, This Works and Tom Ford.

It is the first of 24 stores to be part of Boots UK’s ‘Beauty Reinvention’ transformation programme, which will see Boots become the first premium high street retailer to remove traditional beauty counters and replace them with trending zones, discovery areas, and live demonstration areas.

Customers will be able to browse and play with all the latest products (and cult classics).

To complement its existing brand experts, Boots in Lincoln has also introduced new Boots Beauty Specialists, in response to beauty shoppers wanting to find unique beauty solutions across many brands, rather than one-brand solutions.

A huge choice of health services is also available in the store. This includes two new consultation rooms, an in-house optician, a Hearingcare centre and a pharmacy offering services including hair retention, flu jabs and travel vaccinations.

Store manager of Boots Lincoln, Greg Robertson said: “The new store has created 15 new jobs, so not only are we looking after the health of the local community, we are also having a positive impact on the local economy.”

A Greener Lincolnshire, A Decade On
Invest in Renewable Energy and save for your future…

UK Alternative Energy, one of the first to be MCS accredited in Lincolnshire, are celebrating a decade helping Lincolnshire homes and businesses becoming greener with renewable energy. During the last ten years there has been a noticeable increase in people embracing renewable technologies, which has led to unprecedented growth. This May saw a third expansion into new larger offices based at the heart of the county in Lincoln.

“As the longest serving MCS accredited Renewable Energy Specialists in Lincolnshire, we design, install and commission Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV and Solar PV Battery Storage systems. We have successfully installed over 1,600 projects across Lincolnshire and further afield since the company was set up in 2009. During the last decade we have helped many local businesses and institutions become greener; including doctor’s surgeries, schools, colleges and even the University of Lincoln.

“Whatever the size of your home or business we can advise you on the right solution for your needs. One of the most popular areas of renewable energy is Battery Storage and it is imperative you get the correct solution. Here at UK Alternative Energy we have a range of options, as well as being Lincoln’s only Tesla Powerwall 2 accredited installer.”

Fine food and fine wines
Paul Vidic, chef patron of The Bell at Coleby, has established a well deserved reputation for serving the finest food and wines, sourcing the best seasonal produce and bringing international names to share their expertise with guests.

“Our regular customers are great supporters of our monthly À La Carte menus, Sunday lunch and Early Bird Dining on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays,” said Paul. “We show our appreciation by giving them advance notice of our exclusive dining events. On 4th July we have a Fish and White Wine Dinner – a real treat for seafood lovers. Later in
August we will be welcoming Gerard Bertrand, the internationally recognised wine maker from the South of France. Wines from his estate were served at the Nobel Prize winners’ dinner and on the list of the Best 300 in the world. Gerard has chosen a wine for each course we will serve at this dining event and give a commentary on his choices – a real gourmet’s delight.”

Enjoy the ultimate spa experience in the heart of Lincoln
Steep Hill has a wide range of independent businesses which offer exclusive products and something different from the ‘high street’ experience. Le Sanctuaire Beauty Spa at numbers 13/14 is waiting to pamper you with indulgent spa packages.

Clarins Gold Salon
Le Sanctuaire has joined an exclusive group to achieve this exacting standard and owner, Karen Cook explained what it means for their clients: “It has taken myself and my team four years to achieve this accolade. The specific training means we can offer treatments similar to those in Clarins Spa Centres and in addition the ‘Clarins for Me’ rewards scheme, which is exclusive to Clarins Gold Salons offer our clients to benefit from free products direct from Clarins.” Also Le Sanctuaire has its own reward scheme to thank its clients for their loyalty.

Treatments and facilities
Le Sanctuaire specialise in offering bespoke and exclusive spa experiences for their clients – once you reserve your appointment, use of the facility is yours alone. This includes individual facilities such as the sauna, spa terrace or cedar wood hot tub. “This building dates from the 14th century and is pretty quirky,” said Karen, “and I like to think that our style is that individual too. We like to work with our clients to discover what would be the ideal experience for them and so they can choose from our own designed packages or we can tailor to their requirements. The spa can be booked for one person, enjoying a ‘Time for Me’ package, up to a private group of 8 to 12 people indulging in the four-hour ‘Ultimate Spa’ package. They can relax with a glass of fizz on our terrace with views across the city and have our exclusive attention. All packages include a Clarins or Guinot treatment.”

Guinot at Le Sanctuaire
A year ago Guinot approached Le Sanctuaire. Karen said: “We are very pleased to welcome Guinot and are now offering the latest Guinot Hydradermie facial treatments and the new Guinot TechniSpa body treatments. They are specific treatments and are just fabulous.
“We will be hosting a special launch event at the spa on Thursday 11th July from 6pm onwards where clients will be able to enjoy a cocktail followed by an evening with Guinot. Tickets are £15, of which £10 is redeemable on Guinot retail on the evening. Anyone who attends the event will be able to book a complimentary Guinot Hydradermie Youth facial treatment. T&Cs apply

Join the party
Doddington Hall’s fabulous Doddington Christmas Party Nights offer private parties for friends, groups, colleagues and businesses – the chance for your party to join their party.

You can join any Doddington Christmas party on a Friday or Saturday evening between 29th November and 21st December inclusive. You can also book the venue exclusively for your organisation (subject to availability).

Their Coach House party venue is beautifully dressed for Christmas and stands under the gaze of their Elizabethan House. Guests will be welcomed on arrival with prosecco, followed by a delicious festive three-course meal and a variety of dishes to suit all tastes. You will then be able to party the night away with dancing until late.

Support for people with Learning Disabilities in Lincoln
The support available for people with learning disabilities in Lincoln has grown dramatically over the last five years, thanks to the expansion of the learning disability charity, Linkage Community Trust.

Established in 1976, the Lincolnshire-based charity provides a range of services that enable individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities to develop the skills and behaviours to live independent lives and achieve their aspirations.

In 2012, Linkage started its expansion into Lincoln with the building of community support housing in the Boultham Park area. In association with Platform Housing (previously the Waterloo Housing Group), adults with learning disabilities aged 18+ are supported to live independently with their own tenancy. The package of care offered ranges from 10 hours per week, to 24/7 support for those who need it. In addition, Linkage Care Services provides support for clients living in their own homes around the city.

In 2014, Linkage Adult Skills opened in Lincoln, offering an exciting and flexible day service, and in 2017, Linkage’s partnership with the City of Lincoln Council came to fruition with the opening of the Boultham Park Education Centre and the launch of Lincoln’s first specialist Further Education College for people with learning disabilities.

Lincolnshire Family Business growing from humble beginnings
The Witham Group is one of those rare Lincolnshire companies that has been trading for nearly 100 years and yet is still run by the same family. It started off with humble beginnings as the Witham Oil and Candle Company making bicycle oils and candles by the Brayford Pool in Lincoln and using the River Witham to transport raw materials.

As the demand for machinery and industrialisation grew and transport evolved from horse and cart to vans, tractors and cars, so the business expanded. Its product range changed with the times to make lubricants and greases for engines and a wide variety of the new machinery and equipment being installed in a whole range of local industries.

Today, the Witham Group produces over 5 million litres of oil and distributes over 400,000 litres of paint each year to customers all over the UK. Run from its head office in Lincoln, the company has a vast and varied product range of lubricants and paints which it supplies to the agriculture, automotive, haulage and motorsport industries.

The company holds a coveted Royal Warrant to supply oil and paint to HM The Queen. Royal Warrant holders must demonstrate the highest standards of excellence and only around 850 exist today across the world so it’s something this local company is very proud of.

The Witham Group as it is now known, has continued to grow from strength to strength, with a thriving new Motorsport division which supplies racing products to the motorsport industry as well as paint to Silverstone Racetrack. With lubricants for classic cars and the latest industrial machinery, the company also supplies paint for pipework, floors, industrial and domestic markets.

Although oil and paint production traditionally operates within an environmentally challenging industry, where the use of chemicals and energy is essential to the manufacturing process, the team at Witham are working hard to reduce their environmental impact and create more sustainable products. From rain water harvesting to solar panels, biodegradable product range and a unique blending process using sonics, the business works hard to ensure the environment of its staff and customers is always considered.

As one of the few fourth generations of Lincolnshire businesses, still prospering, the Witham Group is a big supporter of local causes and events and continues to trade both online and from three depots across East Anglia. Lets hope it does for many more generations to come.

Award-winning, inviting and delicious
The White Hart has a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike in Lincoln. The iconic and historic venue is at the centre of the Cathedral Quarter on Bailgate, a picture perfect location for weddings, receptions and special occasions but it is also a favourite venue as a stylish rendezvous for cocktails, relaxing lunches and evening fine dining.

Head chef, Myles Mumby and his kitchen cohort offer award-winning seasonal menus in The Lincoln Grille, using the best of the county’s ingredients. Diners will find comprehensive information on local sourcing as well as dietary preferences as they make their choices. Holders of an AA Rosette Award and Gold Citations in the Taste of Excellence Awards, The Lincoln Grille is a stylish and sophisticated venue for any time of the day and evening.

If you are planning your wedding and are looking for a city centre location, why not visit The White Hart. Several rooms and suites in the hotel offer stunning views across to Lincoln Cathedral. Whether you are welcoming 10 or 200 guests, the hotel has a selection of rooms to cater for intimate or lively celebrations. With a choice of two rooms licensed for civil ceremonies, The White Hart can accommodate your special day all under one roof with delicious menus and first class accommodation with your day individually tailored in a truly unique location. The White Hart is the perfect place to say ‘I do’.

Get the perfect night’s sleep with the help of forty winks
Forty Winks have been established for fourteen years. They are a local Lincolnshire family business. From working in the shop, to doing the accounts and even delivering your local purchases, everyone who works at Forty Winks is a family member.

It is their customer service that sets them apart from the rest. They do this by offering a complete start to finish, first class service. They offer an excellent choice of high quality products in their warm and friendly showroom where they encourage you to try out the mattresses, and to take your time in choosing the perfect bed or product for you. Their complete customer service to you continues through their quality delivery service where their delivery personnel are so good they even take their shoes off! Their delivery team will take your items to the room of your choice, and assemble if required. They also offer an old bed disposal service.

Garage doors and shutter systems fitted to the highest standard
From advice to installation the team at Proglide Lincoln are trained in all aspects of electric garage door and shutter systems.

Based in Washingborough, Mark prides himself on living and working locally, making all doors to a bespoke fit. “I want to supply what is right for the customer,” Mark explained. “I look after each client from their first enquiry, during manufacture, through to the installation and as a member of the Guild of Mastercraftsmen, I make sure there is great after care service too.”

Prices start at just £775 with free fitting and their six step process is aimed to work around each individual client. There are a wide range of styles and colours to suit every home. As a Lincoln based company they not only serve the city and further afield, but also manufacture all their products, meaning you will have a unrivalled service.

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