< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEQUINEWith the Olympics coming to theUK, 2012 takes on increasedimportance for the county’s top ridersand breeders – providing what’s sureto be a once in a lifetime opportunityto win a Gold medal on home soil.Team GB has a proud record inOlympic equestrianism and many ofthe medals that are bound to be wonthis summer will have a Lincolnshireconnection.Most obviously, the University ofLincoln has been designated as a 2012Olympic training camp for equestriansports. The region’s elite UK athletesare being put through their paces atthe outstanding facilities at theUniversity’s Equestrian Centre at itsRiseholme campus. As well as thelatest high-tech sports facilities, thecamp includes performance analysissystems, biomechanics technology andhighly trained coaches, psychologistsand nutritionists – ensuring that ourathletes will go into the games, it’shoped, as well-prepared as any of theirrivals.To celebrate its involvement inGames, the University has beenawarded an Olympic flag. TheUniversity’s Director of Sport RobinWright says, “There is no greaterhonour than to be associated with2012. As a designated Olympictraining camp, Riseholme has a superbhuman performance centre that isgeared to support elite athletes. It isLincolnshiretakes on the world2012 willundoubtedly be animportant sportingyear – andLincolnshire willbe at the forefrontThe Land RoverBurghley HorseTrials have beennamed the topinternational eventfor the sixth timePHOTO COURTESY LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS/KIT HOUGHTONWilliam Fox-Pitt won a record-breaking sixth title at Burghley in2011 – one of his favourite eventsPHOTO COURTESY LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS/KIT HOUGHTONLincolnshiretakes on the world70-71:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71EQUINEthe only one like it in the county andit will also help us to attract reallygood students.”As well as helping to train TeamGB’s competitors, the University willalso be welcoming visitors fromoverseas in the build-up to thesummer’s activities. The EgyptianParalympic Committee have selectedLincolnshire as the base for their pre-Games training camp and, this August,a team of fifty will arrive at theUniversity to spend a week using thetop-class facilities, as well as othersaround the county. The Universityhope that this becomes the start of along relationship with Egypt, not justin sport but also in education andresearch in the future as well.Burghley is a world beater!Of course, Lincolnshire’s sportingprowess has been well known formany years, when the LondonOlympics was simply a gleam inSebastian Coe’s eye. That’s especiallythe case in equestrianism where theBurghley Horse Trials have long beenestablished as one of the sport’s topevents – it is to matters equine whatthe Cup Final is to football or theOpen is to golf, a world-renownedoccasion.This has been confirmed once againas the Land Rover-sponsored event hasbeen named the best internationalevent for the sixth time in one of themost prestigious awards schemes inthe sport, voted for by the ridersthemselves.The honour comes from much-respected international equestrianyearbook L’Année Hippique. Everyyear since 1987 they have asked ridersin the Olympic disciplines to selecttheir favourite shows based onconsiderations such as stabling,ground condition and coursepreparation, hospitality and prizemoney. Burghley won the inauguralaward and was subsequently votedBest Event in 1992, 1998, 2002, 2008 –and now 2011.According to the riders it is the ‘cando’ and helpful attitude together withcourse preparation that they rate sohighly at Burghley. Event DirectorElizabeth Inman says, “Winning thisaward is the icing on the cake of ouranniversary year and recognises theattention to detail and hard workundertaken by my administrationteam and indeed our manyvolunteers.”British rider William Fox-Pittcertainly has fond memories ofBurghley, winning for a sixth time in2011. He says, “Burghley is one eventthat my team and I always lookforward to. The course and going arealways fantastic and the improvementin the facilities for riders, grooms andowners, over the years has beensecond to none. The atmospheregenerated by the administration teamand workforce is always friendly –everyone is made to feel welcome.Winning the prize again this year,especially as it was the fiftiethanniversary, is well deserved.”There’ll be the chance to see this foryourself when the 51st Land RoverBurghley Horse Trials take place on30th August to 2nd September. We’llhave more information on what toexpect as the event draws nearer inLincolnshire Today.Emma excels again!Lincolnshire para-equestrian rider Emma Sheardown has been honoured again!The Barkston-based rider, whose successful career we’ve regularly followed inLincolnshire Today, received a Medal of Honour from the British EquestrianFederation at the London International Horse Show at Olympia just beforeChristmas.2011 was another successful year for Emma as she won team gold andindividual and freestyle silver at the European Championships. This is inaddition to the individual freestyle gold she won at the World Equestrian Gamesand an individual bronze in the para-equestrian dressage grade Ia competition in2010, and her gold medal as part of the para-equestrian squad at the EuropeanChampionships in 2009.Emma was one of a handful of individuals honoured for their outstandingachievement and contribution to the international equestrian world, alongsidethe likes of top showjumper Robert Smith and fellow para-equestrian riderNatasha Baker. Emma and the other winners were presented with their prizes byBEF Chairman Keith Taylor in front of a packed crowd at the popular Olympiashow. Congratulations to Emma!EmmaSheardown,second fromright, received aMedal ofHonour from theBritishEquestrianFederation atthe LondonInternationalHorse Show atOlympiaPHOTO COURTESY KIT HOUGHTON70-71:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:39 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENELincoln partygoers on showThe Showroom in Lincoln hosted a weekend of dinner anddance evenings for local businesses just before Christmas.Guests enjoyed a four course festive meal, DJ and bar untilthe early hours. Organiser Josh Woodcock was pleased with feedback fromguests. He says, “This is our first event of this kind andeveryone has been highly complementary on the quality ofThe DPS groupThe team from Anglian WaterCarol Woodcock, Roger Keel, Dawn andColin Garthorpe, Jo and Wayne DaleIan Mallison andJeanette CoxDave and Jane WoodsRebecca andOliver SamkinYMCA teamthe food and service. It achieved everything we hoped itwould and will stand us in good stead for more events ofthis kind in the future. It’s great news as all incomegenerated is used to fund youth projects within TheShowroom.’The Showroom is run by Lincolnshire YMCA and wasbuilt with funding from Myplace.PHOTOS BY ANGIE COOPER72:Layout 1 20/1/12 14:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY73COUNTY MOTORING2012 Range Rover SportThe exceptional 3.0-litre SDV6 dieselengines in the Range Rover Sport nowoffer even greater efficiencies, withreduced CO2 and an increase in powerfor 2012. These enhancements are partly dueto the introduction of a new 8-speedautomatic gearbox, combining smoothshifting and improved fuel economy.In conjunction with the new gearbox,the Range Rover Sport SDV6 comesequipped with a ‘Drive Select’ rotarygear shift and steering wheel-mountedpaddle shift.Design and equipment levels havemoved up a level too, with freshexterior colours and a new poweredtailgate. Also, for the first time on theRange Rover Sport, a 7-inch touch-screen is available with optional dualview technology, allowing you to seethe navigation display whilst the frontseat passenger watches TV or a DVD.The rear seat entertainment packagehas also been enhanced with theavailability of wireless technology.The 2012 Model year Range RoverSport is on sale now and is availablefrom £48,795 on the road.New Porsche PanameraDiesel With a highly appealing drivingrange of more than 745 miles, the newPorsche Panamera Diesel is capable oftaking four passengers in sportingcomfort from Lands End to Loch Ness74 Arrive in styleDreading the dailycommute? You’re not alone- most of us spend upwardsof thirty minutes in the careach morning and eveningand, with the growingnumber of roadworkprojects, things are unlikelyto improve anytime soon.Surely then, it makes senseto invest in somethingcomfortable and efficient,and that properly reflectsyour image. Here’s four carswhich should make sureyou arrive in style…Range Rover Sport73-75:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:41 Page 174 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGwithout refuelling. It emits just 172 g/km and delivers a combined fueleconomy of 43.5mpg. Coping effortlessly with short bursts of speed and cross country touring,this long distance sporting performance is delivered by a smooth-running3.0-litre V6 engine. It is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive anduses a highly efficient eight-speed tiptronic S as standard. The six-cylinderturbo diesel engine powers the new Gran Turismo from 0 to 62 mph in6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph.The Panamera has a high level of standard specification that includes aleather interior, suspension management, bi-xenon headlights, front andrear park assist, tyre pressure monitoring, touch-screen satellitenavigation, cruise control and a three year warranty. The Panamera Diesel costs £62,134 and is on sale now. 2012 Jaguar XFJaguar’s 2012 XF comes complete with innovative styling, advancednew technologies and an entry-level power train that promises to make itthe most efficient Jaguar yet produced.Key to the changes is the new look - most notable is the use of LEDlighting technology front and rear. Also, a lower bonnet line completewith a pronounced, wider power bulge running down the centre nowlends the XF a more purposeful stance. The cabin of the XF has been given a subtle overhaul too. Redesignedseats offer greater support while up-to-the-minute trim finishes ensure theXF’s interior still sets the benchmark in its class.In addition, significant changes take place under the skin with a fourcylinder engine available for the first time. The 2.2-litre common raildiesel engine is linked to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox and a Stop-Start system – another first for Jaguar. The result is a combined economyin excess of 50 mpg and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km.Jaguar XFPorsche Panamera Diesel73-75:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:41 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75COUNTY MOTORINGAcross the new XF range advances have been made in refinement withnew sound deadening material featuring on the car as well as redesignedwing mirrors to reduce wind noise. The result is a motor that sets newbenchmarks in the suppression of road noise. The latest XF is on sale nowwith prices starting at £30,950.New Audi A6 Avant Priced from £32,100 on the road, this sleek and technologically-advanced German legend delivers major efficiency improvements. Theseare helped by state-of-the art construction processes which reduce weightby up to 70kg.The all-new Audi Audi A6 Avant also offers an impressive and increasedcarrying capacity of 565 litres, which can be increased to 1680 litres byfolding down the rear seat backs. What’s more, the luggage compartmentcan be opened automatically simply by ‘gesturing’ with a foot to twosensors beneath the rear bumper.A choice of four engines featuring direct fuel injection is available forthe new A6 Avant: one petrol engine and three TDI units. The line-upincludes the efficient 177PS 2.0-litre oil-burner, which with its 56.5mpgpotential and low 132g/km CO2 output offers an outstandingcombination of strong performance and comparatively low running costs.Transmission options, based on the engine choice, include a manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic for front-wheel-drive models, and a newseven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for Quattros. Two specification levels - SE and S line – are offered, each includingalloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls,satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation and light and rainsensors. S line models add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlampswith LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded leatherupholstery and an exclusive S line styling treatment. Audi A6 Avant73-75:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:41 Page 376 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFAMILY MATTERSWe all like to think that our family will be together foreverand happily in the majority of the cases that remains thecase. However it’s a sad fact of life that occasionallyrelationships will, despite everyone’s best intentions, breakdown, and this can often lead to bewildering and long-running discussions and arguments.As Diane Genders, a specialist divorce solicitor based inLincoln points out, “We have to be realistic – relationships dobreak down and somebody has to look after your interests.Everybody has the right to seek a divorce, with or withoutthe agreement of their spouse.“A contested divorce, where one side doesn’t want it tohappen, or one where financial or children issues have to bedealt with, obviously takes longer to settle. Agreement alwayssaves time, heartache and money but all too often agreementis a hard fought battle. Sorting out finances and issues withchildren tend to be the most complex and acrimonious partof unravelling a marriage. Unfortunately, there’s no right orwrong answer to the big question, what am I entitled to?”The recent Family Justice Review has attempted to make thesituation at least a little less unpleasant for all concerned –especially the children involved. One of the main factors wasto cut down on the interminable length of time it can oftentake in the family courts to make decisions on childcare.The Review, which was headed by David Norgrave, hasbeen coolly received by some due to the non-appearance ofany recommendations regarding a potential legalrequirement for shared parenting – that is, there is no specificrequirement that parenting roles have to be shared outcompletely equally between both parents. In the report,David Norgrave says, “Shared parenting should beencouraged where this is in the child’s interests. In our viewthe best way to achieve this is through parental educationand information combined with clear, quick processes forresolution where there are disputes.”Some campaigners believe that without any legalrequirements, one parent may not get the level of access totheir children they desire and have little in the way of supportif they’re unhappy with this. However the review comes fromthe perspective that the best interests of the child must comefirst, and it’s felt there is the potential for lengthy disputesabout exactly what these “equal rights” would consist of tobecome hugely protracted and unpleasant.A further issue addressed by the report is that of the rightsof grandparents to access their grandchildren after separation.The report acknowledges the role grandparents play in achild’s development, arguing that they are often extremelyimportant figures in their grandchildren’s lives and thatIf the worst happens...Sometimes relationships break down, and the latest government-backed reviewis aiming to ensure the process is as painless as possible76-77:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:43 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY77FAMILY MATTERSA quick guide tochildren and divorceby Diane Genders, Specialist DivorceSolicitorWe still talk about our rights concerning our children whena relationship breaks down but these no longer exist. Now wemust focus on the children’s rights and our duties to ourchildren as parents. We have responsibilities for our childrenbut they have real and urgent rights.The terminology has changed. For example there is nolonger “custody” but residence, no “access rights” but contactarrangements. These days the Courts will not interfere withyour arrangements for your children unless you ask them tosettle a disagreement. Any dispute will not be decided as acontest as to who is the better parent but wholly on what isbest for the child, even if that is unfair to one or otherparent.It is vital for the future emotional wellbeing of yourchildren that neither parent uses them as a tool or bargainingchip in any battle against the other parent. Children cancope with divorce. What they cannot handle is conflictbetween their parents. Remember that they love both of youand cannot be expected to take sides.All mothers, irrespective of marital status, have automaticParental Responsibility for their children from birth as domarried fathers. At the moment, however, only non-marriedfathers who are named on the birth certificate since 2003have Parental Responsibility. A mother can grant it to thefather by signing an Agreement. If she refuses then theCourts can, and usually will, grant Parental Responsibility tothe father.For a more in-depth explanation, contact me on01522 516500 or email diane@dianegenders.co.uk.Highly Experienced Team of Family LawyersDivorce and Separation Wills & ProbatePower of AttorneyAdministration of Estates Court of ProtectionCall for more information on01522 516500www.dianegenders.co.ukOffices also in Nottinghamcontinues to be the case even after parental separation. Manyhave campaigned for grandparents to get additional rights,particularly in the case of bereavement and divorce, to gainaccess to grandchildren, such as Dorothy Fagge of Saxby AllSaints who was cited by Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy ashis inspiration when he introduced a ten-minute bill in theCommons recently to draw attention to the issue.Perhaps disappointingly, the Family Justice Review, thoughacknowledging their importance, didn’t make any furtherrecommendations over and above the existing requirements,and suggests that the need for grandparents to seek leave ofthe court before making an application is “not overlyburdensome”. Those campaigning for grandparents’ rights arelikely to continue to put across their views for a change tothe law in this regard.Despite some high profile cases, divorce rates actuallypeaked back in the eighties and have been declining eversince. The number of divorces in 2009 was actually the lowestsince 1974. In addition, the average duration of a marriage hasgrown as well, from a record low of 8.9 years in 1985 to 11.4years in 2010. Of course, the decrease in the divorce rates hasto be read alongside the equivalent decrease in the marriagerates – and the 2010 rates showed a slight increase in thefigures for the first time in many years. Of course, this alsodoesn’t include the number of couples who have separated.The new family justice review has made some welcomerecommendations to make the issue slightly more tolerablefor all concerned, though it’s clearly still a situation whichcan be very fraught and harrowing. Happily, in Lincolnshire,there are many legal experts and solicitors who can provideclear and valuable information in these cases and helpsupport you through these difficult times.76-77:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:43 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBUSINESS TODAYCashin handAccess to finance remains a vitalissue for Lincolnshire’s smallbusinessesFor many, the start of the year is the time to look at newhorizons – and for some this could mean starting out inbusiness on your own. Yet before anyone can set up on theirown two feet, the important aspect is where the cash is goingto come from.In our region we’re fortunate enough to benefit from manyorganisations that specialise in supporting businesses in theirearly stages. In North East Lincolnshire, for example, e-factorcan provide business advice and funding for a range of newideas. In Lincoln, meanwhile, the University of Lincoln’sSparkhouse Studios have helped many students set up theirown businesses which can then spin off and take on a life oftheir own.In addition, the county’s accountants and financial adviserscan provide valuable information on the funding that isavailable – they can point you in the direction of the variousgrant and loan schemes that are being operated. Those in theNorth of the county, for example, can use Finance Yorkshireto access seedcorn, loan and equity investments from upwardsof £15,000 – a figure that can often make all the difference forsmall of businesses.These funding schemes are certainly valuable – but whatabout the banks? As part of the Project Merlin agreementstwelve months ago, the five main banks pledged to increaselending to SMEs by £10 billion in 2011. But have these pledgesbeen matched by action? A survey of over eight hundred SMEsby the new bank Shawbrook suggested that many companiesstill find it hard to access funding from banks.Peter Blair, partner at Begbies Traynor in Lincoln says, “Thebanks are in business to lend and that is what they are doing.However, they are being more careful. As a result, it’s nowcritically important that if you want to start a business orapply for further funding, a carefully prepared business planwith forecasts is presented to the bank. While this may put offmany would-be entrepreneurs, it shouldn’t, as businessplanning is the key to financial success.”The launch of the government’s Regional Growth Fundshould, it’s hoped, help improve access to finance. Thegovernment has invested £95 million in the scheme whichshould create at least four thousand jobs and unlock around£500 million of new investment by SMEs. RBS, NatWest andHSBC are facilitating the distribution of the cash and it’s beenmade clear they won’t profit financially.Business Minister Mark Prisk says, “These schemes willdirectly help SMEs that want to invest and create new jobs.They will deliver a shot in the arm to local communities andhelp small businesses drive local growth. 100% of the RGFfunding will be provided as grants to small businesses with thebanks employing their regional networks to administer theschemes for free.”Whether companies are looking for a few thousand poundsOrganisations such as Finance Yorkshirecontinue to provide funding for a host oflocal businesses. Among the most recentbeneficiaries are Veracitix who aredeveloping a new online platformtechnology to help businesses from a varietyof sectors turn their ideas into a reality78-79:Layout 1 20/1/12 14:37 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79BUSINESS TODAYDon’t riskunderinsurancewarns Jill Elkington of HodgsonElkingtonDon’t underestimate the dangersof underinsurance. This occurswhen a landlord providesinaccurate rebuild costs to theirinsurance company and doesn’tread the small print or fullyunderstand the terms of the policy.It’s becoming an increasing problem within the rental industrywith many landlords getting caught out. Instances such asthese threaten the settlement of any potential claim and theability of the landlord to fully reinstate the building.Examples are landlords not reviewing their cover and takingprofessional advice with regard to rebuild costs. I recommendthis is looked at every three years to avoid the possibility ofleaving the property grossly underinsured. The need to readrenewal policy documents for changes, however small theymay seem, is so important. Overlooking this attention todetail can leave a landlord at risk of invalidating cover, forexample, if the property is vacant between tenancies and thepolicy stipulates vacant property checks and heating theproperty adequately in line with the terms of the policy.A landlord or any home owner can avoid leaving themselvesopen to underinsurance by having a professional buildingvaluation survey carried out. This will guarantee an accuraterebuild cost and, in the event of a claim, enables the insurer toconcentrate on settling the claim rather than having toinvestigate underinsurance issues which would causeinevitable delays. Increasingly, mortgage lenders are requesting a minimuminsured amount and in severe underinsurance cases, failure tomeet this obligation could lead to foreclosure on a loansecured against the property in question.If you think that you may be at risk, we would be pleased toquote to carry out a professional insurance valuation – thiscost could by far outweigh your loss should your ‘guestimate’not be as accurate as you thought!For further information contact Jill at HodgsonElkington LLP, 1 Oakwood Road, Lincoln, LN6 3LH,call 01522 698899 or email letting@hodelk.co.ukor a few million, it’s clear that access to finance can be thecrucial difference between success and failure. With thegovernment placing the responsibility for business growthfirmly in the hands of the private sector, it’s vital that ourlocal businesses have the funding required to thrive. Acrossthe region, however, accountants and advisors can provideaccess to valuable sources of cash.Business Minister Mark Prisk,pictured here delivering thekeynote speech at the LeedsSummit, says the new RegionalGrowth Fund will deliver a shotin the arm to local communitiesand help small businesses drivelocal growthControlling costs inyour businessCost control can often be the quickest way to increase yourmargins, but be careful, done badly it can seriously damagequality and staff morale. HW Expense Control, offered byHaines Watts of Skegness, can guide you through the costreduction minefield and help you reduce expenses withoutdiminishing your business.Often there are money-saving opportunities right underyour nose, such as long standing utility or phone contractsthat could be renegotiated or replaced. Organisations such asHW Expense Control can take care of it all, assessing yourcurrent arrangements, making recommendations andnegotiating deals. Every business is different but cost savingsof 20-60% can be achieved in these and other areas.In virtually every case, this service is free, with moneymade from supplier partners All that’s required are a fewdetails on your current suppliers. A cost audit will be carriedout to analyse the service you’re getting and report on thesavings you could make. It’s not just about cost reduction –quality and value for money will be considered too.HW Expense Control only work with suppliers who delivergreat quality and service – and because of the businessvolumes they offer they can negotiate great deals. It givesyou access to prices normally reserved for much largercompanies. Contact Haines Watts on 01754 766991 for moreinformation.78-79:Layout 1 20/1/12 14:37 Page 2Next >