Our Story

GRIP CIC and the "2025 Group" supports the ambitious vision laid out by North East Lincolnshire Council for our town's forthcoming transformation and revitalisation of out town centre. 

The 2025 Group is a project created by GRIP CIC.and funded by the UKSPF. The UKSPF will support the UK government’s wider commitment to level up all parts of the UK by delivering on each of the levelling up objectives: 

With the anticipated completion of most regeneration projects by the end of 2025, this group is dedicated to being an active pillar of support and advocacy for the town centre's transformation and revitalisation. 

We aim not just to witness the change, but to champion and elevate every phase of the town's development journey.

This initiative gathers the local authority, local businesses and community groups who are deeply invested in the evolution and vibrancy of our town centre.

More than just a date on the calendar, "2025" symbolises our collective ambition for the town's regeneration. 

By rallying behind the "Be Part of the Positive" movement, we're determined to showcase the potential of our town across all platforms, influence its transformation positively, and instill a sense of community pride in every corner. 

Our aim isn't just to adapt to change, but to proactively shape it, ensuring that Grimsby's future is as bright as the community powering it.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a group for local businesses, retailers, and community stakeholders to be a part of.

Providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to flourish. We advocate for positive change, inclusivity, and innovation, striving to make our town centre vibrant, welcoming and a safe place to visit.

Jose Stewart

Town Centre Ambassador

"Jose Stewart, your Town Centre Ambassador, brings years of local business experience and a deep love for her hometown to her role."

Jose is a business owner and leverages her three decades in sales and marketing to guide businesses through her Growth and Accountability Academy, while also serving as the Town Centre Ambassador for the group."

Jose acts as a liaison between businesses and the community, sharing vital updates on the 2025 Group page and website, celebrates our town's achievements, and embraces our "Be Part of the Positive" spirit."

Want to be a part of revitalising the town centre?

Reach out to Jose to discuss joining GRIP CIC, the 2025 Group, or to support our 'Be Part of the Positive' campaign. 

Jose@2025group.com 

Ayolt Kloosterboer

2025 Group Champion

Ayolt was born in the Netherlands, and moved to the UK when he was 10 years old.

Ayolt has been very fortunate in that he has had a varied and dynamic career from farming in his formative years to blue chip Leisure and Hospitality in the last 20 years both Nationally and Internationally.

His family moved to Grimsby in 2018, his wife is a Grimbarian, and they took ownership of their first McDonald’s restaurant (franchised) in the town centre in 2019, He now runs three outlets.

He quickly became involved in town centre issues as a result and was asked to Chair GRIP (Grimsby Retailers in Partnership) to bring both retail and leisure together to work more closely with and our public bodies to address town centre challenges head on.

Mark Webb

2025 Group Champion

Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor Group Ltd, has a rich background in publishing and a passion for supporting local businesses.

After years at prestigious publications like Today Newspaper and The Guardian, he transitioned to entrepreneurship and founded his own weekly newspaper. 

Since establishing E-Factor Group in 2007, Mark has become a stalwart supporter of SMEs in Greater Lincolnshire, serving on multiple local boards and regularly judging the Small Business Britain Awards. With the belief that local businesses are the backbone of the community.

Mark also champions the GRIP 2025 Group's mission to make our Town Centre an outstanding place for business and residents alike.