Council partners with Make UK to help local businesses navigate headwinds

North Lincolnshire’s manufacturers were given a crucial boost this week as business leaders gathered for a specialist summit designed to help firms prepare for the coming year.

The event – opened by Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council – brought together HR leaders, finance directors and managing directors from some of the area’s most significant employers.

British Steel, Singleton Birch, Collingwood Engineering, Rocal Group, Bulten, Weldtite, Billington Foods, Bradbury Group, Techrete, Artifex Interior Systems, Hitek, CorrBoard, Lebus, LAS Metals, New Holland Extraction and AKP all attended.

Cllr Waltham said: “Businesses across North Lincolnshire are facing real pressures in the national economic climate, and we know that uncertainty makes planning even harder. Today was about giving manufacturers the clarity and confidence they need to prepare for what’s coming – delivering what matters so they can protect jobs, invest in skills and continue driving our local economy.”

He added: “Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy here in North Lincolnshire. By working with organisations like Make UK, we’re making sure local employers have the expert insight they need to stay ahead of upcoming legal changes and remain competitive.”

The tailored session – held at Normanby Gateway in Scunthorpe – focused on the employment law reforms expected in 2026, including new rules around redundancy, dismissal processes and union engagement. Businesses were offered advice on how the changes could impact their operations and what steps they can take now to prepare.

Cllr Waltham added: “This is a practical example of the council stepping in to support local firms at a time when every decision matters. Giving businesses access to high-quality guidance helps them navigate national changes with confidence and keeps North Lincolnshire open for growth.”

Manufacturers of all sizes attended the session, which also provided opportunities to network, share concerns and compare approaches to workforce planning.

The council is continuing to work with Make UK and other partners to ensure local businesses have the tools and information they need to respond to the shifting employment landscape and wider economic challenges.

For more information or to access business support, contact: businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.