< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBUSINESS LINCSFirst announced earlier in the year,the Portas Pilots are schemes open toany town to bid for a share ofgovernment funds and the chance torevitalise the retail offering available.This not only gives towns a chance tospruce up dreary high streets, but alsoencourages new businesses to entertowns too. With many in the countyapplying for the funds, it remains tobe seen who will benefit, butapplicants as diverse as Lincoln,Market Rasen, Mablethorpe andSleaford.This comes hot on the heels of MaryPortas’s report from December, entitledThe Portas Review and commissionedby the Prime Minister and DeputyPrime Minister. In it, Mary Portaslooked at the state of the British highstreet, claiming that tying retail andshopping to the community was key.Among her recommendations wereplacing a ‘town team’ in charge,meaning towns would have avisionary, strategic and strongoperational management team solelyresponsible for the state of the highstreet. Also within her plans wereempowering business improvementdistricts further, giving them moreduties, in effect becoming ‘super-BIDs’as well as adding legislation to allowlandlords to become investors in theirown high streets by contributing tothe BIDs. One of the more novel andinventive ideas was to have a NationalMarket Day established, to encourageshopkeepers to try running their ownlow-cost retail operations. This wouldnot only increase awareness of shops,but would give an insight into other’sduties too. This ties in with another ofthe Portas recommendations, which isto allow more free trade on marketstalls, removing unnecessary rules andregulations to allow people to tradeeasily, unless there was a valid reasonwhy not.Different town centres have adopteddifferent approaches. The entriesrequire a YouTube video to beuploaded, explaining why the townneeds the help. Market Rasen, forexample, interviewed shopkeepers,highlighting their concerns and fearsas well as their optimism and love forthe town, whereas Lincoln’s bidfocuses on its already strong marketand the fact it needs to become adestination even more known for itsretail offering, building on the successof the Uphill area, centred aroundBailgate. Mablethorpe’s focused on thecommunity brightening up emptyshops together and the North EastLincolnshire bid brings together thediverse areas such as Freeman Street inCleethorpes and Immingham. Over inthe east of the county, Boston shoutsabout its market town heritage.It is possible all these areas couldbenefit, but with hundreds of bids putforward nationwide, competition isstrong, even if one town gets a shareof the support, this will be a successfor the county. As several groups havealready stated, the thinking behindthe pilot scheme is one of positivityand should spur towns on to improveregardless of whether they receivefunds at all. If it initiates communitiesto come together to improve theirsituations, then it will have been asuccess.Sorting out the streetsThe county seems to have caught Portas fever. With up to £100,000 availablefor successful towns, it’s a scheme that many are keen on.Lincoln has espoused its success uphill, but Portas Pilot moneycould reinvigorate the rest of its retail offering.Mary Portas’ scheme has proved popular sinceits unveiling in December80:Layout 1 13/4/12 12:31 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY81BUSINESS LINCSRented property –a sound investmentsays Jill Elkington, Head of ResidentialLettings at Hodgson Elkington LLPNow appears to be a good timeto invest in the private rentedsector. Recent market researchshows that Britain has paid a totalof £48 billion in rent to privateindividuals and institutions during2011, with growth for the nextfive years predicted at £70 billionwith rents rising.The research also indicates that more households will berenting for longer as the social and demographic profilechanges. Renting is increasingly becoming a way of lifeoffering flexible options to tenants. Supply remains challenging with the demand for morehousing requiring a sum in the region of £200 billion ofinvestment over the next five years. Increasing the supply ofproperty is critical to offering tenants more choice and willinevitably raise the standard of private rented accommodationalong with rental values. Research has also shown that 63% of current tenants expectrents to be higher in twelve months’ time further illustratingthe shortage of supply and the knock on effect creatingupwards rental pressure. The average gross income yield across the UK is 5.8%.Grossincome yields for smaller properties where occupationaldemand is heavily weighted to renting is much higher. In myopinion, the best type of property for the highest yield is atwo bedroomed property which seems to attract the widestpossibly market.The cost of purchasing property in Lincolnshire remainsrelatively low compared with the rest of the country.Lincolnshire has not suffered the peaks and troughs seenelsewhere making investment prospects in this area appearvery good in the long term.Hodgson Elkington Chartered Surveyors, are licensedmembers of ARLA and NALS carrying all the necessaryinsurance and client money protection. We specialise inoffering a comprehensive and quality service to ourclients. To find out more about becoming a landlordand the importance of using a licensed agent, call me on01522 698899 or email letting@hodelk.co.ukHighly 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 NottinghamA brief guide to divorceand separationby specialist divorce solicitor Diane GendersWe have to be realistic – relationships do break down andsomebody has to look after your interests. The most sensiblecourse of action is to seek specialist legal advice from aspecialist solicitor. The law is too complicated and the skillsrequired too specialised to trust your future to anyone else.Everybody has the right to seek a divorce, with or without theagreement of their spouse. At its simplest, with a “quickie”divorce, you file a petition in court. The court posts copies toyour spouse who is asked to sign an “acknowledgement ofservice” and return it to the court. You’ll need to satisfy thecourt you have grounds for divorce. The three most commontypes of petition are unreasonable behaviour, adultery andliving apart for two years with both sides consenting to divorce.Once the judge has confirmed you are entitled to divorce, itwill be “pronounced” in open court. A decree nisi is sent toeach spouse, which after a minimum of six weeks is madeabsolute and the divorce is final. You are free to marry again –even each other.A contested divorce, where one side doesn’t want it tohappen, or one where financial or children issues have to bedealt with, takes longer. Agreement always saves time,heartache and money but all too often agreement is a hardfought battle. Sorting out finances and issues with childrentend to be the most complex and acrimonious part ofunravelling a marriage. Unfortunately, there’s no right orwrong answer to the big question, what am I entitled to?If you’re planning divorce or have had it thrust upon you, myteam of specialist lawyers are always ready to offer an initialconsultation to discuss your circumstances. We can’t help bothsides, so act early and ensure you get the best service possible.Call Diane Genders Solicitors on Lincoln 01522516500, email diane@dianegenders.co.uk or visitwww.dianegenders.co.uk81:Layout 1 13/4/12 12:32 Page 1Grosvenor Care HomeThe next generation of superior residential care for people with various long andshort term care needs – Residential and Nursing, Gold Standard Palliative,Rehabilitation, Holiday and Respite, Dementia and Physical Disabilities.You will benefit from many features, including Luxury Hydrotherapy Spa, a specialexperience promoting all round wellbeing. Five star dining offers a wide choice of greattasting nutritional food enjoyed in inspiring surroundings, while superior newbedrooms offer en suite facilities and wetroom showers, French doors and largewindows and electrically adjustable beds. There are beautiful lounges, with south facingbifold French doors overlooking Thunock Hills, and a fabulous tea bar with a range of refreshments for your enjoyment at anytime.One of only a few nursing homes in the UK to be fully accredited with the highly acclaimed Gold Standard for special care. Theenvironment and facilities are rated as excellent and 5 Star by CSCI, WLDC, LCC.East Stockwith, Gainsborough DN21 3DL Tel. 01427 616950 www.grosvenorcare.co.uk82 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARE FOR THE ELDERLYThe World Health Organisation has recently issued amissive calling for action so that elderly people canenjoy their years of retirement in the best of health.Nobody wants to spend their well-earned years of restbattling ill health and worsening living conditions.With a population that will stand in five years as havingmore people aged sixty or over than are aged five yearsold and in just four decades, it is said that 80% of olderpeople across the world will live on middle or lowerband incomes. By 2050, it is said that the number ofelderly people in the UK could climb to eight million,whereas it currently stands at three million, this is a realconcern for not only local authorities and care charities,but the general population as a whole.Even though it can be expensive, the peace of mindthat comes with the use of private care is second tonone and our county is well-placed to take care ofanyone in need if they are willing, or have the means,to pay. New homes are being developed all the time,with facilities that mean those with ailing health ormobility issues are guaranteed to be taken care of. Yet even for those who cannot afford such luxury, thepicture is not as bleak as it may first appear. Withheadlines of public care homes closing and fundingbeing cut, there is an army of volunteers who make ittheir aim to make people comfortable. The British RedCross, for example, has social support that really makesa difference to people’s lives in a positive way. This cantake many forms, from being there to pick people upfrom home to make hospital appointments, to goingshopping and collecting prescriptions or other medicalsupplies. It can even be something as simple as poppingin to elderly people’s homes for a cup of tea and afriendly chat.Tell them all about itThe Care Quality Commission has recently begun the‘Tell us about your care’ pilot project, working alongsidethe Relatives and Residents Association and the PatientsAssociation. The aim of these pilots is to assess howTakingCAREThe need to face the future of an olderpopulation is a very real one, but whatsteps are being taken to prepare for this?82-83:Layout 1 13/4/12 12:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY83CARE FOR THE ELDERLYfeedback received from people who use services, their familiesand carers, via these organisations can inform thecommission’s regulatory work. The CQC will then report backto the organisations on action taken as a result of people’sfeedback.The CQC has also provided training to R&RA and PA staffto support them to recognise concerns raised by callers totheir helplines which relate to the government standardsregulated against.Learning from the pilots, which will run for six months,will be used to help the commission continue to improve theway information is gathered and used from people who useservices, their families and carers about their experiences ofcare. A good idea would be to visit www.cqc.org.uk to getinvolved. If work is done on this level that involves the usersthemselves, this will surely mean the commission is in amuch better position to act on concerns.Caring for someone elseIt is estimated that around six million people in the UK areunpaid carers, looking after family, partners or individualswho may need care due to age or illness, but who is lookingout for these people? Care is often squeezed in among busylives, full or part time work, studying and other activities. Itcan be easy to let your own health slip when looking aftersomeone else and it is important not to burn out. That is whyrespite care exists and should be taken advantage of wheneverpossible. Taking breaks can mean a renewed vigour when returningto caring, so it is important these breaks are taken, after all, ifsomeone is relying on you, what use is that if your health issuffering as a result too? Exhaustion, stress and not eatingproperly can all come out of caring for someone even part ofthe time, as well as a lack of quality sleep or time for yourself.Socialising or exercising can help no end.NHS Carers Direct exists to help in these situations, if youlook after someone for any period of time, you are eligible fora carer’s assessment, which is a chance to discuss yoursituation and any needs you might have. A care plan can thenbe actioned and plans made for the future, which offers peaceof mind in droves.Online forums can also help Caring With Confidence is anonline programme that can be completed at your own pace atwww.caringwithconfidenceonline.co.uk which can improveyour time management, helping to make things easier.The important thing to remember is to not overdo it, thereare enough support networks out there to deal with anythingyou might face day to day.Cliff Bradley & SonsFuneral Directors LtdFor a prompt, sympatheticservice from a recognisedfamily businessPrivate Chapel of RestDay and Night ServicePre-paid funeral plans41 Heaton Street,Gainsborough, DN21 2EA(01427) 81061982-83:Layout 1 13/4/12 12:35 Page 284 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYSudokucompetitionClosing date for entries is: 20th MAY2012To enter just email the numbers thatappear in the yellow squares to:competitions@blmgroup.co.ukWin a £20 voucher tospend with any of ouradvertisers in this issue.Astrology by Linda Lancashirewww.lindalancashire.co.ukbroomsticks@lindalancashire.co.ukSTARSLincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead...Last month’s solutionSagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21Love and romance beckons. You willmeet someone fabulous soon who willtick all your boxes making you an offeryou simply can’t refuse. Last minutetravel plans to somewhere exotic will setyour pulse racing with excitement.Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20A stale love affair may suddenly begiven a new lease of life. It’s time youand your partner started communicatingon all levels instead of thinking thingsand never saying them. Don’t wait untilit’s too late.Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19A newcomer will catch your eye.Although you will be strangely attractedto them, your common sense will tellyou getting involved with such acolourful character spells trouble.Chemistry is a strange thing. We havelittle control over it.Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20Recent anxieties or an unhealthylifestyle may start to have an effect onyour physical wellbeing. None of us aregetting any younger so question yourfluid intake and how many hours ofsleep you manage to get in a night.A1P1RLeo Jul 24 - Aug 23The coming months have lots of pleasantand positive surprises in store. Changesbeyond your control are happening atalarming speed, but it’s important thatyou don’t lose concentration and knuckledown to some hard work.Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23Money that you were not expecting iscoming your way putting you in a verypositive and optimistic frame of mind.Refuse to listen to gossip from someonewho has a poisonous tongue. Take controland show them exactly who is in charge.Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23decisions regarding your current careerwill give you sleepless nights. You needfinancial security, but maybe feel fearfulof taking that much needed leap of faith.Something wonderful is about to open adoor in your favour.Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22It’s taken you years to reach this point butthe good news is you are finally realisingwhat your needs are in order to be happyand fulfilled. You would rather spend timealone doing your own thing than with agroup of people who bore you rigid.Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20Watch out! Someone is point scoring andtrying very hard to convince others thatthey are being treated unfairly. You knowthe truth and have every intention ofexposing this person as a fraud.Taurus Apr 21 - May 21Because you are so desperate anddetermined to make a relationship goyour way, you will use any meanspossible to realise your ambitions. Noteveryone will agree with your strategies,but now is a useful time to discover whoyour true friends are. Gemini May 22 - June 21Time is whizzing by at an alarming pace,but in some areas of your life nothingmuch has changed. However, you are infor a few welcome surprises, especially ifyou are looking for a career change.Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23At last you have managed to engineer adifficult situation to work in your favour.The much needed space and time foryourself is finally here, but that’sbecause you have taken control of yourown life and made some excellentdecisions. A1P1RYour 16487953237215489685936214721849765343562178979658342162794531894371826558123697465892417329157386437416895282345679176981243541539762853678124998724531614263958784:Layout 1 13/4/12 12:32 Page 1ClassifiedLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY85A versatile bandspecialising insongs from the 50sto the present; Elvisto Robbie, Beatles toBryan Adams,Stereophonics toQueen, Clapton toSnow Patrolandmuch, much more.If you are after a great,tight band that can playall types of music for yourwedding or party then OffLimits are the band foryou. We can even providefill in music between setswhich’ll save you moneyon a disco!Tel: 01427 615177www.offlimitsband.co.ukOUR REPUTATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE…Lincolnshire’sPremier Party BandOFF LIMITSEntertainment NewsagentsBritish ClassicsHeritage MotorsParts 1948 to dateRetail Trade ExportSpecial ProjectsRestorationsManufacturingCountry Workshops Risegate,Nr Spalding, Lincs, England PE11 4EZTel/Fax-01775 750 223-www.british4x4centre.co.ukClassic LandroversMotorsButchersDining OutThe Paper Shop- Newspapers - Tobacco - Confectionery - Greeting Cards We run a Rural & Local Newspaper delivery serviceavailable to Caistor and all surrounding villages10 Market Place, Caistor, LN7 6TW T: 01472 851333High Street, Burgh le MarshTel: 01754 810318The Bell Hotel is located in the attractive village of Burgh leMarsh, eight miles from Skegness and ten miles from the tranquil Lincolnshire Wolds.This delightful hotel offers guests nine en-suite bedrooms andthree self-catering cottages located in the hotel grounds. Inaddition, an attractive bar is enjoyed by both locals and visitors. There is also a separate function room for those special occasions.BELLHOTELR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDOur meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer serviceOur meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer service16 High Street White Lion Farmhouse, HorncastleWragbyLN9 5BLLN8 5QU01507 527371 01673 858968Traditional ButchersBusiness Link Magazine Groupare currently seeking focused driven and enthusiastic individuals to join our team of Media Sales ExecutivesYou’ll be responsible for generating new business. Specifically, this will involve outbound, cold calling and fieldbased sales developing relationships with them to ensure the highest possible level of leads and new businessis generated. You will also create business opportunities directly by contacting existing and new clients to sellthe company's portfolio of services. Part of your role will involve selling to clients face to face; therefore a consultative approach will be required. Duties will include: Acquiring and developing a portfolio of local key accounts Growing business from existing customersReporting on sales activity Developing a high level of knowledge of your territory To be considered for this position you must have a proven track record of face to face sales within a B2B environment with experience of a consultative sales approach and self-generation of leads. Ideally you will come from a new business development background with a proven track record of gaining new business.As a sales account executive you should also have the ability to work under pressure, good IT skills and provennegotiating skills. You will also need to demonstrate professional and clear communication skills coupled withthe ability to network at a high level and build strong business relationships.In return for your commitment we offer a competitive salaryPlease contact Teri Fisher on 01472 310310Carpet BindingGive your Carpet the EdgeTransform your off cuts into something usefulWe expertly bind the edges with quality wool threadsCan cut and bind carpets for: Cars - Domestic Use - Yachts - Boats - Motorhomes - Campervans - CaravansThe Grimsby Business Centre, King Edward Street, DN31 3JHMobile: 07508591646 Tel: 01472 362551J.D Carpet Binding85:Layout 1 13/4/12 12:34 Page 1Have you got a passion for living?Have you got a passion for living?Visit www.lincolnshiretoday.netVisit www.lincolnshiretoday.net86 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ONLINEThat may be it for this month’s Lincolnshire Today, but don’tforget that before the June issue, there’s plenty going ononline. Log onto www.lincolnshiretoday.net for the latest incounty news and much more besides! If you haven’t beenonline in a while, here are some of the fantastic stories we’vecovered in recent weeks…New arrivals at Newark Air MuseumAn unusual mixedload was recentlydelivered to NewarkAir Museum, raisingthe question, ‘Howmany times has asignificant Britishhomebuilt aircrafttravelled on the samelorry as a Yellow Sunnuclear bomb casing?’The first item to be loaded was the prototype TaylorMonoplane G-APRT, which has been donated to the museum.This aircraft was designed and built by the John Taylor in thelate 1950s, and is noted as having flown for the first time on 4thJuly 1959 at White Waltham. The Taylor Monoplane is the first English post-World War IIhomebuilt designed aircraft, which was designed for building insmall spaces and by people with average fabrication skills. Intotal, more than 100 examples were built and flown. TaylorMonoplane G-ARPT was offloaded and moved into DisplayHangar 1 at the museum. The Yellow Sun nuclear weapon casing was the second itemto be collected and this item has been placed on loan by theRAF Museum Reserve Collection at RAF Stafford. Yellow Sunwas the first British operational high-yield strategic nuclearweapon.Club MSV launches a Track and RaceAcademy Great news came in this month for motorsport fanatics, asClub MSV has launched a Track and Race Academy inassociation with reigning MCE Insurance British Superbikechampion Tommy Hill,with Cadwell Parkbeing one of thevenues.The Academy,which will operate atCadwell Park, BrandsHatch, Oulton Parkand the newSnetterton 300 circuit, has been designed for riders of allabilities looking to improve their confidence and extract moreperformance from their bike, whether a first time trackday rideror aspiring club racer. The Track and Race Academyprogramme was developed in conjunction with Hill, and he willbe attending many of the events to offer his unrivalled expertiseand advice to everyone taking part. Tommy Hill says, “Being part of the Club MSV Track andRace Academy is a great way for me to pass over some of mycircuit knowledge that I have collected over the years. Whetherit’s helping the riders to simply improve their cornering skills orhow to approach each of the MSV circuits, I’ll be on hand tooffer advice on the day of selected events and look forward tomeeting and riding with customers on track!” For more information, check www.clubmsv.co.ukLincolnshireToday online...Next month inLincolnshireTodayThe Lincolnshire Show is on its wayand to celebrate, next month’sLincolnshire Today is our biggestissue of the year! We’ll have yourcomplete guide to the show with lotsof information on what’s happening –plus news of our plans for the show. In addition we’ve got aneven bigger helping of all your favourite regular features. It’sgoing to be a very special issue and you won’t want to missout! It hits shelves in newsagents and supermarkets acrossthe county in late May – and on www.lincolnshiretoday.net!What’s been happening this month on the county’s top lifestyle website?86:Layout 1 13/4/12 13:23 Page 1Sue Kitchen | Managing Partner23 Algitha Road, Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 2AGTel: 01754 766 991 |Fax: 01754 769 318skegness@hwca.com |www.hwca.com/skegnessBeing part of Haines Watts places us in a unique position - allowing us to offer our national range of services without losing the local personal attention to detail. Being in Skegness we are always close by to pop in and have a chat and help and advise you.We'll provide you with all the services your business needs to grow. That's not just standard accounting, audit, tax, payroll, and VAT services, but a wide range of business services too, from start up to exit.Whatever your business challenge, we can help!Corporate Finance Taxation VAT I.T & Accountancy software support Expenses Asset FinanceHW, Chartered AccountantsSkegnessWe provide high quality financial andbusiness advice to local businessesand individuals in and around Skegness and Lincolnshire.We specialise in Accountancy, Book Keeping, Tax Planning, VAT and Financial Services...HW suits us down to the ground! They understand our business and appreciate the problems we encounter. Their flexible, and above all, commercial approach to providing advice and support has been key in our development over 8 years to a national company employing +700 staff. Advice is relevant to our development and HW staff to partner level are approachable and always contactable. HW offer a prompt reliable service.ʻʻ87:Layout 1 13/4/12 11:54 Page 188:Layout 1 13/4/12 11:53 Page 1Next >