Businesses in Boston looking to thrive, grow, and achieve more in 2024 can access support from a unique programme that provides free advice, information, training and funding.

The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics is an innovative programme that brings businesses together with University of Lincoln experts who provide support and guidance that is bespoke to the needs of the business.

The programme, which is a Boston Town Deal project funded by the Towns Fund, is currently working with 65 businesses in the town providing a range of services such as technical and scientific support, business planning, workforce development, and training delivered by Boston College.

Masterclasses on subjects as diverse as sustainability and managing late payments, and networking events are also offered through the programme.

To date 19 businesses have also been able to access capital grants towards purchases of equipment as the programme offers grants of up to £10,000, with 50% of match funding required.

Neil Kempster, Chair of Boston Town Deal, explained: “The food sector is a key part of the local economy in Boston and the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce and Logistics is fulfilling an important role in supporting businesses in this field to thrive.

“It is fantastic that such a large number of businesses are already engaging with the programme and benefitting from support that is targeted to what their business needs.

“The programme is helping businesses to increase their productivity and profits and anyone who would like to find out more about the difference it can make for their business should get in touch with the team.”

Programme Manager David Thorpe from the University of Lincoln said: “Now that the programme has entered the final year of delivery it is important that Boston Town businesses contact us to check on eligibility in terms of location and industrial sector. We are keen to ensure that businesses do not miss out on this opportunity to enhance profits and develop the workforce – all at no cost to the business."

Anyone interested in finding out how the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics can help their business can get in touch with Programme Manager David Thorpe. Frequently asked questions about the programme can be found here.