Where local life and business collide
The Lowdown
Welcome to The Lowdown — your go-to space for stories, insights, and inspiration from across South Lincs.
Here you’ll find a mix of local features, community highlights, and business stories that shine a light on the people and places that make our area special. Some pieces are written simply because they’re worth telling; others are part of our Business Focus features — paid partnerships with brilliant South Lincs businesses who want to share their story and reach more local customers.
You’ll also find Local, Actually — our occasional editorial pieces that take a step back from the headlines to look at what’s really going on in local business and town life. Not hot takes. Not blind positivity. Just honest, grounded perspective.
Either way, every story here celebrates what our local community does best — real people, real passion, and a whole lot of heart.
Real people. Real stories. Real South Lincs.
Your Story Deserves the Spotlight
Join the growing list of South Lincs businesses featured on The Lowdown.
Our Business Focus features are the perfect way to boost your visibility and connect with the local community.
Everyone’s Talking About AI. So Why Are So Many Local Businesses Still Stuck?
AI is everywhere, but many local businesses still feel stuck. A Local, Actually editorial on why AI feels intimidating, why generic results happen, and how human businesses fit into the future.
Why Running a Small Business Feels Like Buckaroo Right Now
Why running a small business feels harder than ever, as pressures stack up from all sides and one more thing can be enough to tip the balance.
When Your Customers Are Your Neighbours
What it’s really like running a small business in a small town or village, where your customers are also your neighbours and reputation is lived with every day.
Three Simple Ways to Get Your Business Seen in South Lincs This Year
Want more local visibility? Here are 3 simple ways to get your business seen in South Lincs this year, without overwhelm or constant posting.
Local, Actually: Why ‘There’s Nothing in Spalding’ Misses the Point
Spalding isn’t short of independent businesses. This Local, Actually piece looks at why the “nothing in town” narrative misses the point and who it really affects.
Why Most Small Business Marketing Fails in January (And What to Do Instead)
January marketing often fails for small businesses. Here’s why – and what to do instead if you want a calmer, more sustainable start to the year.
From Hobby to Hustle: Turning Passion into Profit Locally
Thinking of turning your hobby into a small business? Real talk on taking the leap from side project to local business in South Lincolnshire.
Katie Loveridge – The Agency UK: A personal approach to estate agency
Meet Katie Loveridge, a personal estate agent with The Agency UK who’s changing how South Lincs buys and sells homes.
An A to Z of Spalding and South Holland: A Nostalgia Trip for Anyone Who Grew Up Here
Take a fun nostalgia trip through Spalding and South Holland with this A to Z of local memories, legends and places we all grew up with. From old discos to iconic landmarks, see what made our area special and add your own favourites.
Fairview Florist: Passionate, Personal, and Full of Heart
Meet Fairview Florist and owner Bec Lloyd, a passionate, personal florist in Spalding creating bouquets, wreaths and arrangements for life’s most meaningful moments.
Holly Bakewell – Cakes Made With Heart (and a Little Bit of Magic)
Meet Holly Bakewell, Spalding’s talented home baker creating personalised celebration cakes for every occasion. From winning the Spalding Bake Off to growing a loyal following, discover her story and her cakes.
Find Your Happy Wellbeing: Laugh Your Way to a Brighter Day
Meet Tess Sanderson of Find Your Happy Wellbeing, bringing laughter, mindfulness and joy to Lincolnshire through yoga, workshops and positivity.
Spalding’s Cosy Café Scene: Five Spots Worth Stopping For
Discover Spalding’s best town centre cafés for great coffee, friendly service, and a cosy place to relax – from hidden gems to local favourites.
What Customers Really Want (and It’s Not a Discount)
Forget constant discounts. Discover what customers actually want from small businesses – connection, story, and real service that builds loyalty.
South Lincs Security: Professional, Dependable and Proudly Community-Driven
Discover how South Lincs Security grew from humble beginnings to become an award-winning Lincolnshire security firm built on professionalism, dependability, and genuine community spirit.
Micropet Spalding: Passionate About Pets and Proudly on the Move
Meet Tracy Goodliff from Micropet Spalding – providing mobile pet care services including microchipping, nail clipping, dog walking and Emmipet teeth cleaning. Passionate, local and proudly helping pets feel at home.
PS Painting & Decorating – Transforming Homes, One Brushstroke at a Time
From classic painting and wallpapering to modern kitchen spray transformations, PS Painting & Decorating combines craftsmanship, care, and over 25 years of experience to deliver stunning results.
600% Rise in Vacant Shops: What’s Really Happening in Spalding Town Centre?
Spalding’s empty shops have risen 600% since 2019. What’s behind it – and what can be done to bring life back to the town centre?
Stop Hiding Your Brilliance: Why Local Businesses Need to Shout Louder
Many South Lincs businesses stay quiet about their success. Here’s why visibility matters and how to promote your business without feeling cringey.
Festive Networking in Style: Sessions House Invites Local Businesses to Celebrate Together
Celebrate the festive season at The Sessions House in Spalding. Join local businesses for an exclusive Christmas party full of cheer, connection, and community spirit on 12 December 2025.
A Perfect Saturday in and Around Spalding
Plan the perfect Saturday in and around Spalding, Lincolnshire — from breakfast at Birchgrove Garden Centre’s Something Special Coffee Shop to festive fun at Springfields’ Winter Wonderland Walk, finishing with dinner at Amici Italian restaurant and a few local drinks in town.
Ashwood Homes – Building the Heart of Lincolnshire
Discover how Ashwood Homes has been building quality homes across Lincolnshire for over 25 years. From starter homes to executive properties, their developments in Donington, Holbeach, Surfleet, Crowland and Pinchbeck combine craftsmanship, community and great local living.
Christmas Comes to Birchgrove: Where Local Families Find Their Festive Magic
Step into Christmas at Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck — a festive wonderland of trees, decorations, and Santa’s Grotto magic for all the family.
The Heart of South Lincs — Why Local Still Matters
Discover why supporting local still matters. From keeping money in the community to celebrating creativity, here’s why South Lincs thrives when we shop small.
5 Small but Mighty Marketing Moves for Local Businesses
Discover five small but mighty marketing moves for local businesses. Simple, no-nonsense ways to boost visibility, build trust, and connect with more local customers.
The Growth Nexus: Helping South Lincs Businesses Grow with Purpose
Discover The Growth Nexus — a South Lincolnshire platform helping small businesses and entrepreneurs grow with clarity and purpose. Founded by marketing strategist Tracey Sweetland, The Growth Nexus blends marketing, mindset, and mentorship.
A New Look ikandoo Shines a Light on South Lincs Businesses
The new-look ikandoo is here – a fresh platform dedicated to shining a light on South Lincolnshire’s small businesses. Discover how we’re helping local makers, creatives and service providers get seen, supported and celebrated.
Chris’s Leaflet Distribution: Helping Local Businesses Reach Their Audience
Looking to boost your business in Peterborough and surrounding areas? Chris’s Local Leaflet Distribution offers professional, GPS-tracked leaflet delivery, ensuring your marketing materials reach the right audience. Get in touch today!
Discover Local & Loved
Because local isn’t just where we live — it’s who we are.
South Lincolnshire is packed with brilliant small businesses — and Local & Loved is our way of celebrating them.
Discover local legends, add your own business, or grab your badge and show your pride.
