Monday 24 March 2014

REQUESTING FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS

From 30th June 2014 all Employees will be able to ask their Employer for a change in their working hours, as long as that they have 26 weeks or more continuous employment.

Currently only staff who are Carers for immediate members of their family are able to make such requests. From July, Employees who want to reduce or change their hours to accommodate other aspects of their lives will be able to make the same request.

It is envisaged that the most common requests are likely to come from:
  1. Older workers who may wish to reduce their work.
  2. Workers with disabilities who want to keep working but accommodate health problems.
Employers are not obliged to accept the request, but must give it serious consideration, fully investigated it and inform the Employee of the outcome within three months of the request being made.

This would include inviting the Employee to a meeting to discuss their request, writing to them to inform them of the outcome, and giving them an opportunity to appeal if they wish to do so.

If the Employer wishes to turn the request down, they can do so, but the decision must be based on one or more of the following:
  1. Unacceptable costs to the business.
  2. Inability to share the Employees work among other staff.
  3. Inability to recruit other staff to fill the hours the Employee doesn’t want to work.
  4. Detrimental effects upon the quality of the Employers work.
  5. Detrimental effects upon customer service.
  6. Detrimental effects upon performance.
  7. Insufficient work for the employee to do during the hours they want to work.
The Employer should also consider potential discrimination if they want to turn down the Employee’s request, such as Employees who want to reduce hours due to health problems, or change hours to accommodate religious commitments.

Profile
Christopher Moses is Managing Director of Personnel Advice & Solutions Ltd and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.  If you have any questions regarding these issues please feel free to contact him on (01529) 305056 or email p.d.solutions@zen.co.uk

While every care has been taken in compiling these notes, Personnel Advice and Solutions Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are intended to provide general information. Guidance for specific legal problems should be sought separately.

Thursday 20 March 2014

NEW BUSINESS ECHO LAUNCHES

The Lincolnshire Echo is completely re-launching its monthly business supplement.

Business Echo will look significantly different, with a radical re-design and a raft of new features.

The first edition of the new supplement will be in the Echo at the end of March, with copies also running in the Target Series in Boston, Sleaford and across East Lindsey.

Echo Editor Steven Fletcher said the redesign would transform the supplement. “We want Business Echo to be a must-read for business people every month,” he said.

“The front page is going to be much more dramatic than it previously was. We will give less room to rounding up the previous month’s news that is already out there, and concentrate more on breaking new stories and writing compelling features.

“We’re not getting rid of the old favourites, like the business lunch spread. That has been a great addition to Business Echo and prominent people have enjoyed being featured in it.

“I’m confident that the business community will enjoy the new supplement, and want their companies and their staff to be included in it.”

Richard Duxbury, Managing Director of Lincolnshire Media, is sure the new supplement will be well-received. “The early designs look really good. It will look smarter and fresher and to improve visibility it will be found outside of the Property and Motors supplements within the Echo and Target Series,” he said.

“We want as much feedback as possible, as we will keep refining the supplement as the months go on.”

If you have a story for Business Echo, contact Hannah Gilbey on 01522 820000 or Hannah.gilbey@lincolnshireecho.co.uk

To advertise, please contact Vicki Campbell on 01522 804272 or vicki.campbell@lincolnshiremedia.co.uk

As an extra incentive Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce members [including those in Select Lincolnshire for Food] can benefit from a 25% discount on all advertising booked.

Wednesday 19 March 2014

BAG A SHARE OF £15,000 COMMUNITY GIVEAWAY!

Community groups and organisations with a ‘Big Idea’ to make their area better are being encouraged to apply for a £15,000 giveaway, supported by 16 local businesses.

The Big Idea competition is offering three not-for-profit groups prizes of FREE professional support which could be anything from drawing up plans for a new village hall, revamping a charity’s marketing package from its website to leaflets, offering a community organisation legal advice on purchase of a new premises or giving a school accountancy support.

Three finalists will be chosen from all the groups who apply. The overall winner will receive up to £10,000 worth of help, the two runners up will receive up to £2,500 of support each.

The initiative is being organised by firms who work together as part of Lincolnshire ProHelp (see Notes to Editors for list). Now in its 12th year, Lincolnshire ProHelp has helped hundreds of organisations over the years with free professional support, help and advice. It is supported by charity Business in the Community.

All not-for-profit groups have to do to apply for The Big Idea is fill out a simple application form by Friday, May 2nd. The finalists will be invited to present details of their projects to Lincolnshire ProHelp on Thursday, June 5th and the overall winner and runners up will be chosen.

Chairman of Lincolnshire ProHelp, Simon Shaw from Optima Graphic Design Consultants, said: “We want more community groups and not-for-profit organisations to come forward and take advantage of the free support we can offer because we’ve got the capacity to do more. We’re also keen to see more local businesses come forward to offer their expertise as it’s good to be able to provide a wider range of services.

“We’re hoping that the Big Idea giveaway will give some deserving groups the support they need to make their ideas a reality while raising awareness of Lincolnshire ProHelp.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what different applications come in – with a top prize of up to £10,000 worth of professional support, I’m sure there’ll be some projects in the mix which can involve several professionals and will really make a difference in their community.”

In 2013, Lincolnshire ProHelp supported 43 organisations and typically, gives around 250 hours of support each year.

Groups helped have included Lea Village Hall, which had architectural plans drawn up by Simons, Horncastle Youth Centre, which had help negotiating a lease from JH Walter and the Nomad Trust, which had a new logo designed by Optima.

Lincolnshire Co-op is a member of ProHelp and has given support such as updating marketing materials for LincUp, the Lincolnshire Credit Union, and the development of a new logo and brand identity for the Riverside Access and Training Centre in Gainsborough.

“Being involved in ProHelp is one of the ways we make sure we’re doing our bit in the local community,” said Retail Marketing Manager Sam Turner. “For businesses, it’s a simple and effective way of giving back.”

To apply for community support from The Big Idea, go to www.biglincolnshireidea.com and download a simple application form.

GOOD TASTE MAGAZINE – CATCH UP ONLINE



Spring/Summer 2014

Welcome to the Spring/ Summer edition of Good Taste celebrating Lincolnshire’s local food and drink.

We’re delighted to tell you that, for the first time, you can catch up with Good Taste Magazine online. Just scroll through the pages on your computer, tablet or mobile.

In this Spring Summer issue we are both getting to know our barbecues and our onions. Rachel’s Potato and Onion Pie is delicious enough to turn you vegetarian and I can also vouch for the Raspberry Frangipan as Equally moreish.

Sightings of red kite on the Swinstead walk are spectacular and the Wainfleet walk has all the advantages of starting and finishing at Batemans Brewery!


We go low tech on firewood and with the aid of digital technology cook remotely. We have 12 months to go before Lincoln Castle is revealed in its new clothes on 1st April, 2015. There are so many different dimensions to the project that it never fails to fascinate and on page 23 we share some of our Castle sounds.

In times of stress I find a good old fashioned list calms the nerves, so our example on page 38 dating from 1630 shows good project management skills!

Finally, many congratulations to our Select Award winners who all take sourcing great Lincolnshire produce as top priority. Well done one and all!


Read Good Taste Magazine online here.

Mary Powell

Editor of Good Taste Magazine

WEATHERING THE STORM: WORKSHOPS TO PREPARE FOR THE WORST


2013/14 was the wettest winter since records began.

The tidal surge which hit Lincolnshire in December was the most serious for 60 years.

Further back, Foot and Mouth Disease saw limited access to large parts of the countryside. These all had an impact on businesses.

You might not be able to prevent these extreme events, but it is possible to prepare your business for its impact so that you have the can remain operating or have the best chance of recovery.

And it isn’t always extreme events that can undermine your business – things as simple as loss of broadband or IT can be just as damaging as a major incident if you aren’t prepared.

Lincolnshire County Council is coordinating 3 free business advice sessions across Lincolnshire, funded by VisitEngland, with expert speakers to help you prepare a practical plan for responding to any future incidents, minimising the impact on your business and helping you to survive.

The sessions will take place at 9.30am at each venue:
For more details, contact Ruth Hyde on 07970 040319 or at ruth@lomaxhyde.co.uk. Visit the Visit Lincolnshire website to book.

Photo: Bob Embleton

Tuesday 18 March 2014

THE GENEROUS BAKER LAUNCHES IN MARKET RASEN

Steve Rowland, ex IT boffin and now a happy floury baker in a mid-life career change, chose Market Rasen’s market to launch his new business to the town’s visitors and foodies…


Steve Rowland, The Generous Baker

The Generous Baker was launched on the first Saturday of March 2014, and was so named as the ingredients are generous, whether in terms of quality or quantity or both! As much as possible, ingredients are sourced locally with the flour coming direct from the Maud Foster Mill in Boston. All eggs are free- range, as well. It’s the right philosophy, I think, and certainly how I do my own shopping!


 Several markets were visited over the course of a number of months before the decision was taken to debut at the ‘Mr BIG’ March event in Market Rasen.

Market Rasen has a great feel to it and has had a market place for over 800 years. The town was the smallest of the Mary Portas ‘Portas Pilot Towns’ chosen in 2011; it received assistance in rejuvenating its high street and was featured on tv. The initiative has certainly helped, with visitors being offered a variety of goods in the high street shops (and neighbouring streets), the architecture of which features pretty Georgian and Victorian buildings. The antique shop was a favourite of ours, plus we liked the deli, Greens of Lincolnshire in particular. The market is an integral part of the shopping experience and has already won two awards, the latest being The Best Social Enterprise Market 2014.


The ‘Mr BIG’ market is held in the market square on the first Saturday of every month; the stalls are conveniently and attractively arranged in two large circles. I was amazed by the variety and quality of goods on sale including free- range pork, free- range eggs, honey, jams, cheese, artisan wood-fired bread, cakes, vegetables, pies, oils, plants, bird houses, haberdashery, jewellery, vintage collectables and there was even a hog roast and refreshments available for the hungry market goer. An accordion player added a rather jaunty air, and I hope he is there next time!

A great day was had by traders and members of the public – everyone seemed to be smiling! - and I've already confirmed my attendance for the next one on Saturday April 5th (9am - 3pm) so please do say hello if you're visiting. If you’re not from Market Rasen, it is worth a morning’s trip out and of course, as the town is delighted in reminding you as you drive in, parking is free!

Follow the Generous Baker on Facebook.

Thursday 13 March 2014

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - ELEGANT ROSE CAKES

Elegant Rose Cakes designs and create unique wedding cakes and celebration cakes for all occasions, specialising in sugarcraft flowers.



Roses, sunflowers, freesias, daffodils, roses, passionflowers … just ask for your favourite flower.

Elegant Rose Cakes prides themselves on the quality and flavour of their cakes, as well as their stunning, elegant simplicity.

Based in Tetney, Lincolnshire they cover the Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire areas and further afield upon request.

Website - www.elegantrosecakes.com
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Read their blog - www.cakeovertheworld.com

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – FIRECRACKER

Firecracker can help businesses create a positive workplace culture and motivate staff through engagement and wellbeing - using fun food and nutrition.


Firecracker offers distinct, complimentary services that will add real value to the way that you work. It is done through nutrition/recipe/menu analysis for food manufacturing and hospitality businesses, and sector specific business support.

If you are a food or hospitality business looking for help with nutrition – Firecracker can help you. Not only will you receive expert nutrition advice but we will make sure it’s also business savvy too.

Website - www.firecracker-uk.co.uk




MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - BOOKMARK

An award winning bookshop situated in the historic market town of Spalding, come and relax and enjoy homemade food in its coffee house.


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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - CROWDERS

The combination of quintessential garden surroundings, exceptional food, great wine, and great service will ensure that The Redwood restaurant at Crowders Garden Centre becomes a popular destination. So, why not pop in one afternoon or evening for a bite to eat and a glass of wine?

Its award winning 100 seat Botts Coffee Shop, which overlooks the garden centre, is an ideal place to sit back and relax while you make those important gardening decisions.

With seven days a week opening we can offer everything from a quick cup of coffee to a hot meal in lovely surroundings. You can also sit and enjoy the gallery of paintings and photographs by local artists, many of which are for sale. –

Read more about the restaurant and coffee shop on the Crowders website.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS - STENNETS FARM

Welcome to Stennets Farm, offering Self Catering Cottages in Spalding. 
 Situated in the heart of the South Lincolnshire Fens just a few miles out of Spalding, is Stennetts Farm Cottages.

The cottages overlook the farmhouse gardens, grounds and paddocks. They offer an ideal base, whether you are on business, touring the area, visiting family or friends or just wanting to get away from it all.

Local Lincolnshire produce can be made available for all staying guests.

Website - www.stennettsfarmcottages.co.uk

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – HOG AND ROOSTER

Hog and Rooster is a family run Hog Roast specialist, priding itself on its professionalism and first rate customer service which only a family run business can provide.


Hog and Rooster can provide a service to you, your family, friends or work colleagues, so that together you can enjoy a special day or event.

So whether you are arranging a fete, a garden party, music event, wedding, birthday, anniversary, christening, business lunch, seminar, conference or a corporate event – remember that Hog and Rooster can cater for all your needs.

Website - www.hogandrooster.co.uk
Follow on twitter - @hogandrooster
Follow on Facebook

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – FENBAKE

Fenbake is a small bakery business nestled in the heart of the Lincolnshire Fenlands, it was launched in 2006.
 Its main focus is making Fen Oaties. These are individually wrapped or multipacks, wholesome, tasty oat snacks made with locally sourced ingredients. They are sold in a variety of places, and you can find them not only in Lincoln Cathedral Café, but also the cafes at Ely and Peterborough Cathedral too, plus local farm shops.

Fenbake’s Oaties are healthy, tasty and made with no artificial colors or flavours

As well as producing their own products, Fenbake also runs fun teaching classes too. Youbake is a brand new arm to Fenbake, which is run in a new kitchen.

The idea for Youbake came during a party in the middle of July. And now, it is organising ‘after school’ baking groups for children aged 5 to 11 years.

For more information visit: www.fenbake.com
Follow Fenbake on Facebook
Follow Fenbake on Twitter

Wednesday 12 March 2014

FREE TRADE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS

Select Lincolnshire for Food members have been invited to attend two consumer events, where you can set up stalls and sell to the public.


  1. Springfields in Spalding Daffodil Spring Flower Show - Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April
  2. Springfields Festival & Tulipmania - Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May
As both events are being run for charity there will be no foxed stall cost, but a small voluntary contribution will be asked for. Sadly, no hot food concessions allowed.

Register your interest
Email Gillian.Richardson@Lincs-Chamber.co.uk to be sent a registration form.

BOOK NOW – THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW

Stalls are still available at the Lincolnshire Show 2014, within the Select Lincolnshire Food Court.

If you wish to book a hot food stall information packs and deadline details will be sent out separately by the showground. 

For more information, and to book your stand, contact Sally Mundy on SMundy@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk or call 01522 585503.

MYSTERY SHOPPER REPORT – COMING SOON

Each Select Lincolnshire member will be receiving their Mystery Shopper report via email in the next couple of days.

 If you do not receive it, or if you have a question, please email Gillian.Richardson@Lincs-Chamber.co.uk or call 01522 846931.




THE RESULTS - WHAT DO MEMBERS WANT FROM SELECT LINCOLNSHIRE FOR FOOD?

Last year we asked members to have their say in the future of Select Lincolnshire for Food.

Asking for member feedback has given us an insight into the targeted support needed, and all comments will help to develop the future of the scheme.


Hear the results 
We'd like to invite Select Lincolnshire for Food members to Commerce House, HQ of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, to hear the results of the member survey.

The results of the survey will be presented by students from the University of Lincoln Business School.

To register your attendance please email Gillian.Richardson@Lincs-Chamber.co.uk or call 01522 846931.

NEED TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE?





*FREE training available now

Need to improve business performance?

This course will focus on:
  • CIEH Health & Safety in the Workplace
  • Marketing for Managers
  • Understanding Costs & Budgets
Dates
Three Days, from 9.00am – 4.00pm

Mon 17th March, Mon 24th March & Mon 31st March ‘14  or Wed 23rd April, Wed 30th April & Wed 7th May ‘14.

Funded training also available in:
  • First Aid
  • Health & Safety 
  • Leadership and Management
*Who is eligible?
  • SMEs with less than 250 employees
  • Candidates must be aged 19 or over with a contract of employment
  • Candidates must be a resident in the UK for 3 years or more
Book Now
To find out more, please contact Sarah Franklin on 01724 294040 or email kcinfo@northlindsey.ac.uk