The district of South Holland in the south of the county is one of Lincolnshire's investment hot spots.

Not surprising when you consider that this thriving district is at the very heart of the UK's agri-food sector. Located in south east of Lincolnshire, South Holland has resilient food manufacturing and agricultural sectors, and strong ties with the Netherlands also mean there is a robust horticulture presence.

In total, over 50 percent of jobs in South Holland are directly linked to the Agri-Food value chain. Manufacturing accounts for nearly twice the number of jobs in South Holland than any other sector. All this is underpinned by a strong and adaptable supply chain of local and national companies.

South Holland has a dynamic and internationally significant food sector, with up and down stream capacities around logistics and research. The National Centre for Food Manufacturing at the University of Lincoln Holbeach Campus, the upcoming Food Enterprise Zone, and plans for additional road infrastructure are positioning the district to maintain its international standing in the sector.

It is no surprise then that one of Lincolnshire's most exciting and prestigious developments, the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, is based in South Holland. Developing at pace, it will strengthen Greater Lincolnshire's position as a key player in the agri-tech sector, and positioning our region as national leader within this field.

The South Lincolnshire FEZ will be the beating heart of the UK Food Valley. Close to the National Centre for Food Manufacturing, it will focus on the high value food chain, creating innovative new collaborative spaces for businesses in the food industry as part of the Peppermint Park project.

The development of the Food Enterprise Zone will unleash the creativity of food entrepreneurs, bringing together researchers, farmers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers so they can improve productivity, supporting both existing agri-food businesses as well as those looking to invest and relocate.

However this is just one of a plethora of investment opportunities South Holland offers, as Nigel Burch, Economic Development and Inward Investment Manager, explains:

"South Holland’s position as the centre of the UK’s agrifood/horticulture and logistics sector has never been stronger, the events of the last 18 months have shown both the importance and resilience of our businesses, many of whom are now poised to grow and expand as we move into the post pandemic world.

"The number of South Holland based companies wishing to expand their businesses and the upsurge in inward investment enquiries from the UK and abroad is testament to both the way that South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership work closely with partners such as the University of Lincoln, Boston College, the DIT and others to support the sector, but also the immense amount of interest that the emerging Food Enterprise Zone has created both in the UK and globally.

"With the development of the Food Valley project, the expansion of the University of Lincoln’s presence on the FEZ, and the ‘open for business’ approach taken by SHDC, the district is indeed flourishing!"

South Holland offers an enviable way of life, a thriving economy, good communications, road and rail infrastructure, easy access to major airports and seaports, good schools, affordable housing and unparalleled landscapes are just some of the reasons to start, grow, or move your business to South Holland.

The area has very low unemployment levels, reasonable skills levels and a very high stock of full time jobs. Wages levels are highly competitive and it provides excellent access to major sub-regional markets and facilities in Peterborough, Kings Lynn and Boston.

South Holland District Council provides a wealth of support for businesses looking to relocate; Including business rates, recruitment, relocation, property and sites advice, planning, grants and utilities.

For more information please contact: economicdevelopment@sholland.gov.uk