Dynamic Growth course benefits local businesses and shows strength of University partnership
Destination Lincolnshire worked alongside the University of Lincoln to offer a free Dynamic Growth course for businesses operating in East Lindsey and Boston.
The programme was designed to boost the performance and resilience of businesses operating in the visitor economy. It was funded by East Lindsey District Council and Boston Borough Council through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
An international team of academics and practitioners from a range of subject areas, including tourism, hospitality, marketing and branding, and inclusive workplaces were involved in the design of the course which delivered tailored materials.
The successful programme started in October and the final session was held on December 10, 2024.
The sessions consisted of both face-to-face workshops in the local community and eight two-hour online sessions, as well as one-to-one mentoring and coaching, and peer networking. The businesses who hosted the in-person sessions included Drakes at Crowtree Lodge, The Petwood Hotel, Bainland, and Oxcombe Pottery.
Participants were supported through the programme by several organisations including Destination Lincolnshire, University of Lincoln and Belbin Ltd. A representative from Destination Lincolnshire and the University of Lincoln were present at each session to support businesses through the course.
Destination Lincolnshire’s Senior Relationship Executive Holly Christian: “Dynamic Growth has been an incredible project to be part of, being both informative and practical.
“Having tutors who run their own businesses, as well as lecture at the University of Lincoln, meant we benefitted from both their academic teachings and real-life experience.
“In this inaugural project, we have combined our expertise of tourism at Destination Lincolnshire with the University’s academic understanding to form the perfect partnership.
“The fantastic feedback we’ve received has shown the strength of working alongside the University to deliver this set of sessions which ultimately help local business to grow and boost the local visitor economy.”
Dr Georgiana Els, Associate Professor at Lincoln International Business School, said: “Leading on the design of a tailored programme for the visitor economy has been an excellent opportunity to engage with businesses in Lincolnshire and support achieving their vision.
“A smooth enjoyable collaboration with Destination Lincolnshire throughout the project with excellent feedback from participants, the funder and all my colleagues who supported in the delivery.”
Oliver Hutchison, who owns Delfino Caffe in Boston, was among the business owners who benefitted from attending and said “if you are a business in Lincolnshire looking to improve then this is the one course you need to do”.
Oliver added: “I have found the course incredibly useful and it has made me think about areas where I can improve my business.
“It will enable me to develop a clear understanding of my business’ strengths and weaknesses to enable me to move forward.
“The support offered by the course tutors has been incredible and they have been full of useful ideas for everybody’s businesses.
“Having the face-to-face meetings at different Lincolnshire businesses was a great idea as well. It was a really great opportunity to network and get support from other local businesses.”
Clare Briers, Operations Manager at Oxcombe Pottery in Horncastle, said: “Being local to Lincolnshire and including face-to-face sessions was brilliant. The face-to-face sessions were fantastic with ideas bouncing from other businesses.
“The group chat and activities helped relate it to our own business and the style of the sessions were adapted to assist small businesses through practical work.
“It was an excellent foundation to what marketing for your business means with extremely knowledgeable tutors.”
There will be a celebration held at the University of Lincoln in January 2025 to recognise the achievements of everyone who completed the course.