< PreviousTake a deep breath and enjoy all thescents and sounds that summer brings.While contemplating what kind of asummer we might have, birds are alreadysitting on eggs or even feeding chicks.Snowdrops have been and gone,daffodils are passing their peak and amyriad of beautiful wild flowers are stillwaiting their turn in the annual cycle ofbotanical life.Imagine yourself as a wild flower –when would you choose to reach for thesky, January or June? It was just an idlethought on my part but when weconsider such things in human terms,who would want to be a snowdrop or‘snow piercer’ as they are sometimesknown? No, I will take May or June,thank you.May is a really lovely time to take awalk in your favourite woodland. Eventhe woods seem to be inhaling that firstdeep breath as the ground warms up,the sunlight flickers through those freshnew leaves and colours spring upeverywhere. Everybody’s favourite must surely bethe bluebell, that carpet of blue underthe trees is irresistible to capture with ourcameras or to simply stop and stare andenjoy just for the love of it. I always feel abit guilty when negotiating my waythrough the bluebells but there’s usuallya convenient track to be found laid downby the creatures of the night such asbadgers, foxes and deer.Tracks, trails and signalsFollow these tracks to the badgers’ set.It is usually in a bank side and you will beamazed when you see the huge piles ofsoil that they have dug out, it mustweigh many tons. There’s no point insitting around waiting for them though,they are all deep underground fast asleepin their cosy beds of hay.It’s just nice to look at their hamletsand imagine what they look like downthere. I have left night cameras atbadgers’ sets and they get plenty ofother visitors, such as foxes, rabbits andCountry DiarySensational scentsand soundsOur countryside correspondent Colin Smale enjoysthe wonders of Lincolnshire woodlandsOur countryside correspondent Colin Smale enjoysthe wonders of Lincolnshire woodlandsCountry DiarySensational scentsand soundsWood AnenomeVipers bugloss080-081:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:03 Page 1even hares. All this is going on while we’re tucked up in our“dens”.As I turned a corner at the far end of the wood I cameacross a wonderful splash of colour lit up by a shaft ofsunlight. Red Campion is a common wild flower but itcertainly adds additional vibrancy to so many differentlandscapes. It towers over the bluebells, it jumps out fromunder the hedgerow and in June and July when I visitBempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, it carves a wonderful crimsonline all along the edge of the white cliffs contrastingbeautifully with the darker grass and the blue sea – a lovelysight.Where are our bluebell woods?According to the Woodland Trust, Tortoiseshell Wood andMeadows has carpets ofbluebell and dog’smercury in Spring. It isdescribed as traditionalmanaged woodland,and is situated nearStamford at gridreference SK962199.Dole Wood may well beour best and biggestbluebell wood, found inBourne, at gridreference TF092161,while Rigsby Wood nearAlford, grid referenceTF424764 is also worthvisiting.You’ll have heard ofthe Spanish bluebell, anintroduced species herein the UK and you may wonder what the difference isbetween the two. The Spanish plant grows erect and theblooms are usually on one side of the stem whereas ournative ‘coy’ bluebell submits to gravity with a delicate bendto the end of the stem allowing the bells to hang nicely.Of course, there are many more bluebell woods inLincolnshire, such as Bradley Woods, near Grimsby andthen we all have our ‘secret woods’ which we like to thinkof as our special quiet places, and why not, that’s how itshould be.It’s time I loaded up my camera gear and headed out,the only problem is where. So much to see, so many placesto go. I must make my annual pilgrimage to the bluebellwood but what about that sand martin quarry... and I thinkthose kingfishers are nesting?To purchase any of the photos in our wildlife articles, visit www.fotolincs.comBluebellsRed Campion080-081:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:04 Page 2extended Polestar production modelrange. Development of the car has beenongoing over the past years, picking upfrom the C30 and S60 Concept cars andthe Australian S60 Polestar. The result is a true driver’s car whichcan be enjoyed on everything from yourfavourite winding roads to taking thefamily for a long journey, no matterCOUNTY MOTORINGOur firm favourite has got to be thenew BMW X3 which utilises BMW’s newgeneration of TwinPower Turbo dieselengines. As such, it provides excellentperformance across the entire range -plus better fuel economy and CO2emissions. For instance, the BMW X3sDrive18d achieves a combined fuelconsumption figure of 60.1mpg whileoffering CO2 emissions of only 124g/km. And, if its performance you’re after,the new xDrive35d can reach 152mphand sprint to 62mph from rest in just 5.3seconds, while still achieving over47mpg.Naturally it’s not all aboutperformance, the new X3 has alsohad careful revisions to itsexpressive styling, like theoptional full LED headlampspecification and the new styling to thefront and rear bumpers. All models nowhave an increase in the amount ofstandard equipment too, and customerscan also choose a new xLine model tofurther personalise their X3.Meanwhile, it’s hats off to Volvo forearmarking the UK as one of the firstcountries to receive the sporty new VolvoS60 and V60 Polestar.Based on the latest generationVolvo S/V60 it marksthe start of anSummersensationsWith warmer weather approaching, and the signs ofeconomic recovery all around us, the motor industryseem to be going all out to woo buyers withgorgeous new models. Here’s our pick of the newarrivals that’ll be unveiled in showrooms around thecounty in a matter of weeks….82 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYMercedes082-083:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:57 Page 1summer or winter.Typical performance figures are 0-60mph in less than 4.9 seconds and a topspeed, electronically limited, to 155 mph!To ensure optimum handling,modifications have been made to increasethe rigidity of the chassis to cater for the80% stiffer springs, relative to thestandard S60 R-Design. These changescombined with the tailored highperformance Öhlins shockabsorbers and 20”COUNTY MOTORINGPolestar wheels result in a precise, yetcomfortable, driving experience.Also worth a look is the new C-Class.Prices for the new C-Class range startfrom £26,855 OTR but disappointingly,will only offer a choice of a 1991cc four-cylinder petrol engine or 2143cc four-cylinder diesel engine, initially. Later inthe year however, a further three enginevariants will be added to the range - theC 200 BlueTEC, C 250 BlueTEC and C300 BlueTEC HYBRID.Three model lines will make up thenew range - SE, Sport and the AMG Line.Among the equipment highlights, theSport model adds 17-inch alloy wheels(up from 16-inch on theSE), LED headlights, lowered comfortsuspension, chrome exterior trim andGarmin Map Pilot Navigation. The AMGLine adds 18-inch AMG wheels, AMGbodystyling and steering wheel, sportssuspension and an Artico finish to theupper dashboard.Practical technologies are also fitted asstandard - with a reversing camera, rainsensing wipers, Attention Assist,Speedtronic cruise control, heatedwindscreen wiper washers, a tyrepressure monitoring system and CollisionPrevention Assist Plus all appearing onthe new C-Class to name but a few. Some launches are still under dustsheets of course, but keep your eyespeeled on these pages and our onlineedition for news as it breaks!LINCOLNSHIRETODAY83BMWVolvo082-083:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:57 Page 2Soper of LincolnRoman Way, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9UH01522 688889 www.sopermini.co.ukOfficial Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Hatch Range: Urban 36.7-72.4 mpg (7.7-3.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 58.9-91.1 mpg (4.8-3.1 l/100km). Combined 48.7-83.1 mpg (5.8-3.4 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 136-89 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Finance example is for a MINI Select agreement for a new MINI One Hatch with optional Pepper Pack and MINI tlc, with a contract mileage of 40,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 3.06p per mile. Applies to vehicles ordered between 1 April and 30 June 2014 and registered by 30 June 2014, (subject to availability). Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year MINI Dealer Warranty, MINI Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. **Optional final payment and option to purchase fee not payable if you opt to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable). Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. ‘MINI Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by MINI Financial Services, a trading name of BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. We commonly introduce customers to MINI Financial Services, for which we may receive payment if you enter into an agreement with them. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. ^^MINI tlc provides scheduled service cover for 5 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) at MINI Service Authorised Workshop; maintenance items (e.g. tyres, brake pads and 2nd brake fluid change) not covered; not transferable to another vehicle. MINIstry of Finance is not connected to or endorsed by any government department. ^Test drive subject to status and availability.Contact us to find out more or to book a test drive.^THE ALL NEW THRILL-PACKED MINI HATCHFOR A RATHER HEADLINE-GRABBING DEAL.MINI One HatchRepresentative example including optional PEPPER Pack and MINI tlc^^ Term of agreement 48 months47 monthly payments £199.40On the road cash price* £14,939.00Total deposit £2,133.32Option to purchase fee** £10.00Optional final payment** £5,953.50Total amount payable £17,449.82Total amount of credit £12,805.68Rate of interest 6.78% FixedRepresentative 6.8% APRWE INTERRUPT THIS NEWSPAPER TO BRING YOU THE VERY LATEST FROM MINI.084-085:Layout 1 11/4/14 13:27 Page 1Local MINI dealership Soper of Lincoln invitedresidents of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire tocelebrate the launch of the all new MINI Hatchrecently, to coincide with the global launch.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY85As part of the exclusive MINIexperience, guests were amongst the firstin the country to have the opportunityto get behind the wheel and testdrive the all new MINI Hatch. Thecar has been completely re-engineered and packed full withbrand new technology, butretains a dash of the original1959 model. This uniquecombination means the slick newfeatures contain all the spirit of thefirst Mini.The new MINI must be driven andseen in its metal but until you find thetime to do that here are just a few of thechanges...* New generation of engines with MINITwinPower Turbo Technology; includingthe MINI Cooper 3-cylinder engine (0-62mph 2.6 seconds faster than before, andan average fuel consumption 27% lower)* A new 8 speed auto gearbox* Extensive MINIMALISM technologydriving light, optional LED headlampsincluding daytime driving ring withintegrated indicator, adaptive lightdistribution, LED turning light andLED fog lamps* Luggage compartment bootfloor can be locked into place atvarying points* Vehicle length increased by98mm, width by 44mm, heightby 7mmMINI Brand Manager LukeSavage says, “My team all drove thenew MINI at Bedford Autodrome at thebeginning of March and have notstopped boasting about how great it is,so we we’re confident it would make ourcustomers smile from start to finish and itdid. 215 customers visited us for thelaunch and not one person left not likingthe new MINI!.”To test-drive the new MINI visit Soper ofLincoln, Roman Way, South Hykeham,Lincoln or call 01522 688889.A MINI experiencein LincolnLocal MINI dealership Soper of Lincoln invitedresidents of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire tocelebrate the launch of the all new MINI Hatchrecently, to coincide with the global launch.including automatic engine start/stop,optional GREEN mode* Hexagonal radiator grill, five newexterior paint finishes and roof incontrasting colour* Newly designed headlamps, daytime084-085:Layout 1 11/4/14 13:28 Page 2Outer Circle Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 4LD 01522 806200 charleswarner.co.uk CHARLES WARNER MITSUBISHIBook a test drive1. L200 Warrior rental shown is for a manual transmission. The Contract Hire Finance Plan shown is applicable to VAT Registered Business users only and is subject to status through Mitsubishi Contract Motoring (part of the official Mitsubishi Motors distribution in the UK), Watermoor, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 1LF. The rental is based on a repayment pattern of 12 rentals in advance, followed by 35 monthly in arrears, subject to VAT and based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles and is non-maintained. Excess mileage will be charged for and indemnities may be required. Rental valid between 1st April and 30th June 2014 and is subject to change without notice, other terms and mileages are available upon request, available at participating dealers in the UK (excludes Channel Islands & I.O.M). Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk for more details. 2.The Alternatives PCP finance plan shown is only available to customers aged 18 years and over, subject to status and only through Finance Mitsubishi, 116 Cockfosters Rd, Barnet, EN4 0DY. Indemnities may be required, Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds Bank Asset Finance. Monthly payment is based on a Mirage 3 manual with a £500 (Mitsubishi deposit allowance/ customer saving), customer deposit of £3,921 followed by 42 monthly payments of £99 and a final payment of £3,475 with 0% APR Representative finance. 3. Prices start from £14,999 for ASX 2 1.6 petrol to £23,899 for ASX 4 2.2 diesel 4WD auto. 4. 0% APR Representative finance rate is better than rates available from high street lenders and requires a 50% deposit, other offers are available - ask for details. 5. Prices shown include VAT (at 20%), exclude VED and First Registration Fee. 6. Prices correct at time of going to print. Vehicles shown are: L200 Barbarian, Mirage 3 manual, ASX 3, Outlander GX4, Shogun SG3 LWB. Offers are available at participating dealers between 1st April and 30th June 2014. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.Range fuel consumption (excluding Outlander PHEV) in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 28.0 - 61.4 (10.1 - 4.6), Extra Urban 37.7 - 78.5 (7.5 - 3.6), Combined 33.2 - 68.9 (8.5 - 4.1). CO2 emission figures range from 224-95 g/km.L200 WARRIOR £189 + VATPER MONTH1CONTRACT HIRE RATEMIRAGE FROM £99 PER MONTH2PLUS DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENTASX FROM£14,999 - £23,8993OUTLANDER AVAILABLE WITH 0% APR4 REPRESENTATIVE FINANCESHOGUN FROM £26,199 - £36,7995CHARLES WARNER MITSUBISHIYOUR NEW DEALER IN LINCOLNM34598RMdlChlWA4idd111/04/20141255086-087:Layout 1 14/4/14 10:31 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY87COUNTY MOTORINGMaking its entrance into showroomsthis month, it’s been an eagerly-awaitedrelease, not least as this is the greenestSUV yet! The most practical car thatqualifies for the Government’s £5,000Plug-in Car Grant with five seats, four-wheel drive capacity and a very largeboot, the PHEV is also kind to the planet,emitting just 44g/km, which means thereis no Vehicle Excise Duty payable.There’s no price premium either, thoseexpecting to be hit in the pocket will bepleased to find that the diesel Outlanderand PHEV are actually the same price.Indeed the entry-level GX3hOutlanderPHEV is just £28,249 after the grant, thesame price as an Outlander diesel GX3auto.There’s two tempting variants tochoose from too, with the GX4h comingin at a cool £32,899 and the GX4s still areasonable £34,999, there’s actually nocharge for the PHEV equipment, butcome in around a grand more simply dueto increased specs over the dieselequivalents.Outlander PHEV’s extremely lowemissions mean that the car is perfect forcompany car drivers. Attracting a benefitin kind rate of 5%, a 40% tax payer willpay just £665 in this tax year, less thansome of the smallest cars in the market.On fuel savings, the Outlander PHEVoffers environmentally friendly, all –electric operation for everyday use andengine power for longer journeys. Thevehicle’s unique combination of electricmotors and a 2.0 petrol engine give itamazing flexibility in optimising fuelefficiency and environmentalperformance whilst providing a cruisingrange of an impressive 512 miles.On electric power only, the OutlanderPHEV can travel up to 32.5 miles,enabling it to function entirely as anelectric vehicle in most everydaysituations – it more than covers the UK’saverage daily commute of 25 miles.The official fuel consumption figure forPHEV is 148mpg, based on industrystandards set by European law. Unlikenon-hybrid vehicles, it is hard to predictwhat MPG the vehicle will return in reallife. A lot depends on journey length andspeed – for instance, for the average dailycommute of 25 miles most people willachieve much higher than 148mpg. Forlonger journeys at higher speeds it mayachieve less than 148mpg, it all dependson driver behaviour.On why this is such a fantastic car,Lance Bradley, Managing Director ofMitsubishi Motors in the UK, says, “Thisvehicle is extraordinary and very differentto other hybrids in the market and weare delighted that the range starts from£28,249 but the vehicle has also met thehigh levels of criteria required to qualifyfor the Government Plug-in Car Grant.With such low CO2 from 44g/km theOutlander PHEV also benefits from £0VED Vehicle Excise Duty.“If you’re a company car driver, the BIKis just 5%, which is a virtual pay-rise ofhundreds of pounds per year. Therefore,it will appeal to a wide cross section ofprivate individual and business users, withits exciting combination of innovation,style and technology. It truly is a carwithout compromise.” Overall, it’s the Outlander PHEV’scomforting sense of quiet, protection andsafety to its occupants that makes it a carof substance. It’s more economical,dynamic, safe and has outstandingenvironmental credentials. We can’t waitto drive one.To arrange a test drive or to find outmore, call Charles Warner Lincoln on 01522806200 or visit www.charleswarner.co.ukGame changerThe Mitsubishi Outlander is already a car with an impressive pedigree, but the releaseof the new Outlander PHEV is set to offer a revolutionary concept, a true hybrid.Game changer086-087:Layout 1 14/4/14 10:31 Page 288 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBUSINESS LINCS.Installers of Renewable Energy Solutions for both Domestic and Commercial marketsContact us for a free consultation:01636 642 790 jlphillips.co.uk info@jlphillips.co.ukThroughout our pages we see many examples of the creativitythat exists across Lincolnshire. That spans the independentbusinesses that produce and sell many delightful and uniqueitems, or the whizz-kids at our universities and colleges who arecreating new apps and cutting edge software. There’s certainly noshortage of energy and enthusiasm.However there can sometimes be a shortage when it comes tofunding such enterprises, and for many of the smallest businesses,the major challenge is how to turn amazing ideas into reality. Ofcourse, you could cross your fingers when you buy your lotteryticket, or put your ideas up for very public scrutiny and take a tripto the Dragons’ Den, but across Lincolnshire there are rather moreeffective ways to support fledgling companies.For example, a range of community-owned enterprises arebenefitting from the £1.2 million Community Assets Fund, a newinitiative from West Lindsey District Council. The programmesupports groups or individuals across the district to developcommunity enterprises for the benefit of their communities tostimulate enterprising activity and create long term sustainability –with a combination of loan and grant finance, and one-to-oneadviser support.The Tealby Multi-Use Centre for example, is one of eightcommunity groups that have been successful in applying forsupport. A community business adviser has been allocated to helpthem develop their ideas, expand existing activities and to giveassistance with their overall project vision. Centre Manager SarahTyson tells us, “We are thrilled to be a recipient of this grant andwe look forward to a new future for the Centre.”There are other opportunities, too – such as The Prince’s Trustwho run a series of Explore Enterprise programmes around thecounty to help young people start their own businesses. Theprogramme offers business mentoring and an opportunity to applyfor financial loans or grants, thanks to financial backing from theEuropean Regional Development Fund. Trudy Roberts of ThePrince’s Trust says, “We aim to make a lasting positive impact onreducing youth unemployment in the area and providing themwith the tools to launch a successful business. Now we are seeingmany are going on to expand and develop.”In recent years the Trust has helped people such as LeanneMaginnis from Sutton-On-Sea, who was able to develop herBright sparksAcross Lincolnshire, small businesses are accessing thefunding and expertise to help support their enterprisingideasSenior technicians from the University of Lincolnoffer expert advice and training to new businessesat the city’s onlincolnshire Technology Hub088-089:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:05 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY89BUSINESS LINCS.digital engineeringStuart J. Green27 Market Place, Market Rasen, LN8 3HLsupport@sjgdigital.comCall us now - find out howAre your computer systems workingas well as they should?Are they up-to-date or about to die?We can help you work smarter andyour IT work harder.PC/Windows and Apple support.01673 898001IT Support from Qualified Professionals“Doctor, Doctor - my laptopthinks it’s a tortoise...”by Stuart J Green Digital EngineeringDiagnosing the cause of a ‘slow’ computer is not uncommon, andyou’re probably thinking the customer in question was about to be toldthat her ageing laptop was really past its best. But hang on – this was ayear-old Acer running Windows 8...We ran some diagnostic tests that revealed four defined viruses and astaggering 1154 pieces of ‘malware’! Our customer was astounded – butthis is the very real risk you run when you connect any device to theInternet.Computer viruses and malware are pieces of computer code floatingaround the internet just waiting for a ‘host’ to visit an infected website,open a rogue email by mistake, or connect to another infected wirelessnetwork. The most sinister virus we found was a ‘keylogger’ whichmonitors and records what you type into your keyboard before quietlysending the information back to its originator.Now before you think “I have a secure wireless router and the latestantivirus software” – so did our customer. But it also turned out thelaptop is used at their place of work and they regularly use a USB pendrive to swap files between devices. We then had to assume that just asthey could have appeared from anywhere, the infections could also havebeen innocently passed on the office network and to other devices.Just like the real thing, viruses and malware can spread withastonishing speed unless they are detected and dealt with. Prevention isbetter than cure and now we’ve treated our ‘patient’, we’re going tohelp her make sure that it doesn’t happen again.If you want to know how, call us now.business specialising in running and organising children’s birthdayparties with ponies, and is now in her second year of trading.In smaller businesses, where margins can be very small, beingmade aware of potential savings and benefits can have a hugeimpact. For example, Lincoln BIG is encouraging all smaller citycentre businesses to apply for retail rates relief of up to £1000,which is available for properties with a rateable value of up to£50,000 which are solely or mainly used as shops or eating anddrinking establishments.Chief Executive Matt Corrigan says, “The Government is givingthe money to local councils so that they can provide traders withdiscounts. This relief is in support of businesses in both 2014-15 and2015-16. The Government is also encouraging the take-up of emptyshop premises by giving local authorities money to allow them toprovide a 50% discount for eighteen months to businesses whichmove into commercial premises which have been empty for a yearor more. Businesses need to move into these empty propertiesbetween 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2016, in order to qualify.”Other schemes such as the Technology Hubs run byonlincolnshire are also having an impact, allowing companies toaccess the latest technology and providing the opportunity to tryout new equipment before making a purchase. Experts are alsoon hand to help guide businesses through using the equipment.Developments such as this still rely on the originality andimagination of people from Lincolnshire to come up with theideas in the first place – but the support is there to ensure theycan flourish.The Enterprise Zone atBoston College is home toone of onlincolnshire’sTechnology Hubs088-089:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:06 Page 2Next >