Events, recipes & behind the scenes gossip from the Showground

Back to blog

Filter News

Mantle flourishes out of Grow with the Show 21 Feb

Mantle, which modifies shipping containers into customised, unique and versatile spaces, was the winner of the Show's annual Grow with the Show competition in 2016. Now co-owner Sophie Bulgin is encouraging other entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity and enter too.

Sophie, co-owner of Mantle with her partner Aaron Walker, said: "Grow with the Show made a huge difference to us. It saw us generate key business leads at the Lincolnshire Show which then led to developing lasting business relationships.

"It was a huge boost for us and ensured a strong start to the business. Having support to meet our key client base at no cost at an event the size of the Show was fantastic."

The competition, which is now open to entries for 2017, aims to help new Lincolnshire businesses by giving them the platform and tools needed to excel in the crucial early stages of setting up and establishing their businesses.

Each year, the winning business receives the opportunity to showcase their business in front of 60,000 people at the Show in June. They will also win a £250 cash prize, business mentoring from the Sparkhouse team at the University of Lincoln, a detailed website review worth £300 from Root Studio, and an invitation to the Lincolnshire Media Business Awards.

Sophie added: "The prize on offer was a massive draw for us. Winning meant we became well established with little cost. We went on to work with clients ranging from domestic garden offices, to event management companies, and local authorities.

"My advice to any entrepreneurs out there looking to apply would be to do their research and make sure they squeeze every ounce of passion into their applications."

The competition, hosted by the Lincolnshire Showground, is open to any person aged between 18 and 35, based in Lincolnshire, and who has started their own business within the past three years.

Jayne Southall, CEO of Lincolnshire Showground, said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming back Grow with the Show for the fourth year in a row. The competition is a fantastic chance for a small and talented business owner to get their business off the ground and significantly increase their profile.

"It is great to see how much it has helped Mantle and now we're really looking forward to inviting local businesses and supporting new start-ups. It's rewarding to have an impact in their business development and watch them grow."

The Lincolnshire Show returns for the 133rd year on 21 and 22 June. The closing date for Grow with the Show entries is 10 March 2017. The shortlisted nominees will be invited to meet with a panel of judges on 24 March with the winner being announced at the end of March.

The runner up will also receive £100 and two society guest badges providing free admission to the Lincolnshire Show over the two days and access to the exclusive member's area.

To find out more and to apply for Grow with the Show, click here or pick up an application form from the Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire Echo, The Princes Trust or Sparkhouse.

More from this category

Back to blog
Lincolnshire Farming Conference cancelled due to Covid-19
Lincolnshire Farming Conference cancelled due to Covid-19

A major event in the Lincolnshire agricultural calendar has been cancelled for a second year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

20 Jan
Year in review: 2021
Year in review: 2021

It’s been an interesting past year for the Lincolnshire Showground.

13 Dec
A Century of Iconic Tractors
A Century of Iconic Tractors

We are inviting people to help to put together a display of tractors from the last century or so for our Main Ring parade at the Lincolnshire Show on 22nd and 23rd June 2022.

04 Feb
Comedy Curry line up!
Comedy Curry line up!

We're excited to be hosting Comedy Curry for the second time this year! See who'll be providing the laughs at #ComedyCurry18

05 Sep
Lincolnshire Show Online - everything you need to know
Lincolnshire Show Online - everything you need to know

With days to go until the Lincolnshire Show Online, organisers are busy preparing behind the scenes for an exciting day of virtual entertainment, online networking, cookery demonstrations and much more, but what are the details?

23 Jun
More than 1000 people expected to join Lincolnshire's largest networking event
More than 1000 people expected to join Lincolnshire's largest networking event

Lincolnshire is to host its biggest ever networking event next week – alongside the Lincolnshire Show Online, and it is attracting huge interest and key speakers including The Black Farmer Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones.

18 Jun
Letter from the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society to His Majesty the King
Letter from the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society to His Majesty the King

Our flag is poised at half-mast, as we mourn the loss of our longest serving, and greatest monarch.

15 Sep

Get the latest from The Showground