New Mayoral Business Guild Launched by Dame Andrea Jenkyns

Dame Andrea Jenkyns has announced a new series of Mayoral Business Guilds across Greater Lincolnshire, giving local businesses a direct voice and putting the opportunities and challenges facing the county’s economy firmly in the spotlight.  

The Guild will visit towns and rural communities across the region, bringing together small and medium-sized enterprises, family businesses, manufacturers, farmers and start-ups for open discussion, collaboration and networking.  

Each event will feature cover keynote speakers and businesses, and an address from Dame Andrea Jenkyns, alongside contributions from local business leaders and an open Q&A session, giving businesses the chance to share first-hand what they need to grow, invest and create jobs locally.  

Speaking ahead of the official launch, Dame Andrea Jenkyns said: “Greater Lincolnshire has an incredible mix of talent, innovation and hard-working businesses. These roadshows are about listening directly to business owners, understanding the barriers they face, and making sure their voices are heard loud and clear. Strong local businesses mean stronger communities and more opportunities for local people.”  

Topics expected to be discussed include:  

• Growth and investment  

• Skills and workforce challenges  

• Infrastructure and connectivity  

• Supporting rural and coastal economies  

The first events will take place on  

• 28th April 2026 in Gainsborough   

• 9th July 2026 in Grimsby  

• 21st October 2026 – The Great Exhibition, Lincolnshire Showground  

•  7th December 2026  - Boston   

Further locations to be announced for next including Grantham, Scunthorpe, Spalding, Skegness and Sleaford.  

This is a ticketed event, and tickets can be obtained via Greater Lincolnshire Mayor's Business Guild Tickets, Tuesday, Apr 28 from 10 am to 12 pm | Eventbrite 

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to attend. Registration details and full dates are available online - www.greaterlincolnshire-cca.gov.uk  

ENDS  

Notes:   

The insights gathered through the Mayoral Business Guild will directly inform the priorities and decision-making of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. Feedback from businesses will help shape future investment plans, skills and employment programmes, infrastructure priorities, and support for key sectors across the area. The Guilds will ensure that policy and funding decisions are grounded in the real experiences of local employers and entrepreneurs.  

Businesses will be kept updated on outcomes and next steps through updates, including follow-up briefings and online communications, ensuring participants can see how their input is influencing policy and shaping the area’s economic strategy.  

Each Guild event will be structured to maximise both discussion and networking opportunities. The sessions will include a keynote address from Dame Andrea Jenkyns, a panel discussion with local business leaders, an open Q&A session for attendees to raise issues directly, and informal networking to encourage collaboration between businesses across the area.