business sectors

Harnessing innovation to build on traditional strengths

Greater Lincoln, and the wider county, has a long tradition of farming and food production, and this remains the case today. Around 30% of Lincolnshire’s workforce is employed in agriculture, fishing and food, and thanks to new practices and technological developments these sectors are moving up the value chain.

Companies such as Moy Park, Cherry Valley, Sealord and Walkers Crisps all have business bases on the county. The food manufacturing and processing industry - including everything from haulage and hospitality, to packaging and vital support services - also boasts a comprehensive supply chain in the region, employing more than 1 in 10 people and contributing nearly 13% of the country's GVA. That's more than £1 billion a year. 

The region is also renowned for its strengths in manufacturing and engineering. From small beginnings in Lincoln city, Ruston and Shuttleworth have grown into major players on the world stage, and the county continues to attract big international names like Dynex Semiconductors, Minebea and of course, Siemens. Part of the attraction for companies like these is Lincolnshire's highly skilled workforce (40,000 people are employed in the sector) which is supported by a strong engineering focus in the region's colleges and universities.

Greater Lincoln's final key sector, as with many other regions, is the public sector, education and healthcare. All are major employers in the county - 35% of Lincolnshire's population works in these or other service-related sectors. 

What all of these sectors have in common, and what makes them competitive both nationally and internationally, is a firm focus on innovation. This is aided by the commitment of Greater Lincoln local authorities to create the right environment for businesses to invest in innovation. Innovation initiatives such as Lincoln's Think Tank, Gainsborough's Mercury House and The Hub in Sleaford are all championing cutting-edge thinking as vital for the region's continuing economic success. Meanwhile the Greater Lincoln Partnership has also invested in incubation space to nurture innovative businesses and help them grow.