< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBUSINESS LINCS“The banks are lending” is the constantmessage we are getting, and while this istrue, they do not always come at the ratesthat businesses find comfortable. ‘New’ options have come into thelimelight in recent years – crowdfunding orpeer-to-peer funding, as well as using angelinvestors.Business owners who have been lookingfor finance lately will no doubt have heardof peer-to-peer funding platforms, such asFunding Circle, who has so far facilitatedinvestments of over £400 million in smalland medium businesses in the UK. Theplatform has been so successful, in fact,that the British Government has pledged toinvest £40 million into it to provide furtherloans.Crowdfunding works like a bank loan,except that the investment comes fromindividuals who are looking to lend their ownmoney and help businesses in the process.Incredibly low interest rates at banks forsavings is encouraging investors to seekplatforms like this to get a higher return. Investments or donations are usuallymade through online platforms, which thencoordinate and administer fundraising.Debt crowdfunding might be the mostwell known form of finance but there is alsoequity crowdfunding – which is wheredonors invest in a business opportunity,project or venture in exchange for equity. Byoffering money in exchange for a share inthe business, the investor is rewarded whenthe value of the company increases althoughthey are well aware that, like all shares, thisis not always the case so there is always anelement of risk. Yet another form is donationcrowdfunding where donors invest in acause they believe in and the reward fordoing so is less tangible – first and foremostthere’s the feelgood factor although addedto that there may be publicacknowledgement, VIP tickets to a particularevent, or the chance to be connected with aparticular artist that they’ve backed. For the businesses borrowing, they mighthave to face rates comparable to the banks– but the money can be accessed muchearlier, often within a week. What’s morethere is usually no early repayment fee,should the expansion be successful, allowingcompanies to clear off their debt withouthaving to incur additional charges. In essence it’s simply easier, and manybusinesses are willing to pay a little extra tohave that benefit. That’s not to say that anyone can gainaccess to this investment, however, acompany must provide proof that they havebeen operating for at least two years – andthey must be currently profitable as well. Inaddition, proposals are banded togetherbased on a risk assessment undertaken bythe platform, and the interest rates youmight be charged change based upon thatrisk. Of course there are various platforms forcrowd-funding so it’s wise to see whichmight be best suited to your business. It’salso important to ensure that your proposalis put together in such a way that it presentsa lower risk – because that can save youthousands in interest. Crowdfunding might be a little bit moredifficult for entrepreneurs who want to startup their own business. While start-upspecific crowd funding sites, like Kickstarter,do exist, it can often be a lottery as towhether your idea gains the attention ornot. For these situations there is another newoption that has been popping up aroundthe country. That is, winning investmentfrom angel investors. These companies orindividuals seek to invest in new start-ups asa way to not only earn more interest ontheir money than is available at the banks –but also to support their local area andbuild good business connections with thosewho might be future movers and shakers inthe business world. One recent example of this kind ofinvestment could be seen in last month’sissue at the ‘Taming the Dragon’ event,where individuals competed in trueDragon’s Den-style, for funding from anumber of angel investors in the region. Not only does a person gain valuablecapital from these kind of investors, but alsoaccess to their expertise. This kind ofinformation is often worth as much as theinvestment itself! CROWD FUNDINGthe newest bank in the marketStart-ups and businesses are increasingly looking to new forms of finance. We take a look at the latestcraze for entrepreneurs – crowd funding. ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MINDSCANNER70_Layout 1 12/12/2014 15:44 Page 1Up yours toCancerThe Ethan Maull “Up Yours to Cancer” foundation held its Black & WhiteBall in December. The aim was to raise much needed funds to help build ahouse where parents can stay while visiting children with cancer. The nightincluded a raffle and auction, and in total a whopping £17,281 was raised forthe charity!LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71SOCIAL SCENEPHOTOS: TONI MCMILLAN PHUNKY PHOTOGRAPHY 71_Layout 1 11/12/2014 13:48 Page 172 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENEAn annual marker in the run-up to the festive season is Lincolnshire YFC’s annual County Ball,which was held, once again, at the Lincolnshire Showground’s EPIC Centre. The event is thecentrepiece of the year’s social calendar and allows members to get together and party into thesmall hours, with music provided this year from Propella.An epic evening forLincolnshire YFCPHOTOS BY ANGIE COOPER72_Layout 1 11/12/2014 15:23 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY73COUNTY MOTORINGJaguar XFFew cars feel as exceptional as theJaguar XF. In a market conquered by greatGerman makes such as the BMW 5 Seriesand Mercedes E-Class, the Jaguar XF is aseriously different competitor that standsout thanks to its smooth styling andmagnificently distinctive interior. Jaguarmoved away from the conventionalstyling of the S-Type and has insteadgone with a sharp yet graceful look,giving the Jaguar XF plenty of personality,helped by that big cavernous grille at thefront.Audi A6Compared with the former A6, Audireally moved the game on with the latestmodel, with better finesse, sharper looksand a more improved interior. It comeswith tough engines including the cost-effective 2.0 TDI, while at the top of therange there's the terrific 3.0 BiTDI withmore than 300PS.BMW 5 SeriesThe 5 Series still sets the standard forhandling in the executive motoringmarket and it's proving as well-liked asever. There's a wide range of engines,including a hybrid variety, but the 520d isin all probability the finest, especially withits notable economy figures.Jaguar XFAudi A6BMW 5 SeriesCan you be tempted?There are some very tempting luxury cars on the market this season. Buildquality, comfort and standard equipment are all now better than ever. So, if youspend hours behind the wheel you'll be grateful for the refinement the majorityof these business-oriented saloons offer.Here’s our pick of ten of the most popular luxury cars.74 Á73-75_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:27 Page 174 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGAudi A5 SportbackCreating a larger version of the A5 Coupe mayhave seemed a little out of the ordinary when Audiunveiled the Sportback, but the bigger five-doorhatchback has proved exceptionally popular thanksto its extra practicality. It may not have the rearlegroom of the A6 but the handsome A5 Sportbackcomes with the same amazing engines.Mercedes-Benz E-ClassThe three-pointed star still carries a lot ofinfluence among buyers despite Mercedes-Benzlosing its way in the 1990s with general buildquality. Thankfully, the German automaker remediedthis some time ago and the latest E-Class is utterlysuperb. It feels as solid and dependable as anyMercedes-Benz of old.Lexus GSWith an improved hybrid system and animmeasurably better cabin, the innovative Lexus GSis a big move forward compared with its forerunner.There's still no oil-burner and while the entry levelGS250 doesn't have much pull, the hybrid GS450hoffers stirring performance with low emissions andfrugal fuel consumption.Infiniti Q70Infiniti is a relatively fresh brand in the UK but it'saiming to raise its profile in a comparable way tofellow Japanese car maker Lexus. There has alreadybeen an alliance with the Red Bull F1 team, but it'sthe quality of its cars that will eventually make orAudi A5 SportbackMercedes-Benz E-ClassLexus GSInfiniti Q7073-75_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:27 Page 2Range Rover Sport SVRMitsubishi Outlander PHEVVolvo S80LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75COUNTY MOTORINGbreak the motor firm. The Q70 is unquestionablya first-rate car and unlike Lexus there's a dieselvariant alongside a hybrid.Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVThis sporty little number provides an idealbalance between business car and useful familyvehicle. Perfect for the individual who might havesome equipment to transport, the Outlander PHEVis fuelled by electricity with a petrol reserve, andcan run for an impressive 500 miles. And with£5000 subsidy from a Government grant, it’s alsoa real steal.Volvo S80The Volvo S80 is starting to show its advancingyears now - hardly unexpected, bearing in mind ithas been on sale since 2006. On the other hand,it still has sizeable appeal for those after acomfortable and realistically priced executiveexpress. The looks aren't much to write homeabout, but the cabin is top notch with a bona fideScandinavian feel to the design.Range Rover Sport SVRAnother SUV in the list is the Range Rover SVR,a car with stunning power and rugged ability.With a lavish interior and a self-assured exterior,the SVR would not look out of place in anyexecutive’s car park, and certainly won’t let youdown. With the ability to seat seven comfortably,it’s going to be a firm favourite with the familytoo. 73-75_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:27 Page 3Duckworth Land Rover, Boston101 London Road, Kirton, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 1JH 01205 722110 www.duckworth.boston.landrover.co.ukDuckworth Land Rover, Market RasenRacecourse Garage, Willingham Road, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3RE 01673 842101 www.duckworthlandrover.co.ukOfficial Fuel Consumption Figures for the New Discovery Sport range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 38.2 (7.4) – 40.4 (7.0), Extra Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 50.4 (5.6), Combined 44.8 (6.3) – 46.3 (6.1). CO2 emissions 166 – 162 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes onlyIntroducing the most versatile Land Rover. Meet the New Discovery Sport. With 5+2 Slide and Recline seating, you can create more luggage space when you need it. Or take another two people with you. And there’s enough loadspace for a day out or a week away. So it can handle everything your family throws at it (or in it).The flexible New Discovery Sport has the off-road capability you’d expect from a Land Rover. So whatever adventures your family are going on, this is the vehicle to take you there.Available from early 2015. Call us today for more information.NEW DISCOVERY SPORTFAMILY ADVENTURESNOW WITHIN YOUR REACH76-77_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:35 Page 1Bringingthe latestLand Roverto lifeLINCOLNSHIRETODAY77Visitors to the Boston and MarketRasen dealerships will initially see is a 4ftlong white box long covered in anintricate pattern of black lines – but usingaugmented reality technology, and bydonning a special pair of goggles, thebox transforms into a 3D interactiveimage of the new 4x4. Using the gogglespeople will be able to see a full 360degree view of the car, open the doorsand even see inside the vehicle just bywalking around the box.The new seven-seat Discovery Sportwas launched in Lincolnshire earlier thisyear when it made its first appearance atLand Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Testdrive models will start touring the UKvery soon – with Duckworth’s showroomsin Market Rasen and Boston among thefirst to receive them.Until then, interested buyers will beseeing the car in virtual reality, usingDurovis Dive software specially developedfor Land Rover. The new Discovery Sport,which ranges from £32,395 to £42,995,has already been the subject of a hugeamount of interest.Duckworth’s has received a largenumber of pre-orders for the vehicle,which will be available from February2015. Ben Duckworth, ManagingDirector of Duckworth Land Rover says,“The virtual reality tour really is anincredible experience. To watch a blackand white box transform into a 3Dinteractive Land Rover in front of youreyes is pretty amazing. Our customershave loved it. From teenagers to retiredfarmers they have all had a go and beentransfixed. The buzz around the newDiscovery Sport has been great and weare already seeing an awful lot of interestand pre-orders.”Three actual Discovery Sports will beavailable to view and test drive at theBoston dealership in London Road,Kirton on 19th and 20th December, andat the Market Rasen dealership inWillingham Road on 21st and 22ndDecember.To make an appointment and be oneof the first to see and drive the newDiscovery Sport call the Market Rasendealership on 01673 842101 or theBoston dealership on 01205 722110. Formore information, go towww.duckworthlandrover.co.ukA motor dealer from Lincolnshire is using 21st century technology to bring the latest Land Roverto life. Duckworth Land Rover is one of the few dealers in the UK to use 3D virtual reality to allowcustomers to see a preview of the brand new Discovery Sport.Bringingthe latestLand Roverto life76-77_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:35 Page 2Outer Circle Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 4LD 01522 806200 charleswarner.co.uk CHARLES WARNER MITSUBISHIPre-order todayMITSUBISHIOUTLANDERPLUG-IN HYBRIDVehicle shown is an Outlander PHEV GX4h.Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: infinite, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km.ULTRA-LOWCOMPANY CAR TAX4WD148 MPGCOMBINED32 MILE EV RANGEFROM £28,249INCLUDING £5,000 GOVERNMENT PLUG-IN CAR GRANTThe revolutionary new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid has arrived in the UK. It’s a full-size, 5 seat SUV, yet it produces just 44 g/km CO2, meaning that you don’t pay any road tax. With an efficient 2.0 litre petrol engine and twin electric motors, the Outlander PHEV can cover 514 miles on one tank and charge. This game changing vehicle comes packed with state of the art technology and by downloading an app, you can control the charging of the car via your smart phone. We call this Intelligent Motion.78-79_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:26 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79COUNTY MOTORING‘PHEV’ stands for Plug-in HybridElectric Vehicle, and as the name implies,it means the Mitsubishi can be fuelled byelectricity from a domestic socket topower electric motors that are assisted bya petrol engine. That’s in addition, ofcourse, to the vehicle’s ability totransform braking power to energy torecharge the batteries while on the go. Twin electric motors each drive thefront and rear axle separately, making thisthe only four-wheel-drive SUV plug-inhybrid obtainable and affording'electricity-only' driving at up to 75mph.Beyond that speed, or should thebattery pack deplete to less than 30% ofits charge, a 2.0-litre non-turbo petrolengine instinctively kicks in. This acts as agenerator to help the Outlander PHEVachieve a total driving range of around500 miles! Interestingly, the PHEV is also the mostfuel efficient four-wheel drive. That’sastonishing for an SUV that seats five incomfort.As a world first, the Outlander PHEValso has no direct rival. The closest is theLexus RX450h, though it can’t berecharged via a powerpoint and can’t runon electricity alone.As a recent test drive, courtesy ofCharles Warner in Lincoln, revealed, thePHEV is easily as well kitted out as therest of the premier range - 18-inch alloywheels, dusk-sensing auto headlamps,seven-inch touch-screen with sat-nav,reversing camera, dual-zone climatecontrol, rear parking sensors and sevenairbags and cruise control, just forstarters. In terms of driveability, it’s a cinch -just push the little joystick over to theright into ‘D’ and drive off in relativesilence. Even sharp stabs of theaccelerator produce the same amount ofhush in the tranquil cabin.The PHEV terrific pulling power makesup for it once you get rolling. Initialacceleration suffers simply because of the200kg mix of battery and electric motorsthat the usual Outlander doesn’t have.Mile munching at high speed isunforced under electric drive, althoughunrelenting travel in this way can use upthe battery quicker than the maximumrange. When you need to recharge onthe move, all you need to do is hit the‘Charge’ switch behind the joystick,which fires up the four-cylinder engine toreplenish the battery. While there’s no shortfall of luggagespace – at 463 litres – you do miss out onthe third row of seats that you'd get witha traditional outlander. This is due to themodification of the PHEV’s platform tohouse the hybrid wizardry, but is a smallprice to pay in our books.Behind the wheel, body control isnoteworthy - the Outlander and thePHEV model profits from Mitsubishi’sSuper All-Wheel Control, a systempioneered on the Lancer Evolution Xensuring maximum vehicle stability whencornering.Of course, the really good news is that,whether you opt for the PHEVor dieselversion, they'll work out the same price -partly because the PHEV qualifies for theGovernment’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant,making it only £28,249 on the road.Now that’s another world first for thishumble journo...Test car courtesy of Charles WarnerMitsubishi, Outer Circle Road, Lincoln World first The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV may appear like a normalOutlander, but behind the mask is the most technologicallyadvanced Sport Utility Vehicle on the market.78-79_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:26 Page 2Next >