£2.95 JANUARY 2024 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 JANUARY 2024THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEPrinting|Copying|Graphic Design LOGOS | BRANDING | BUSINESS STATIONERY FLYERS & POSTERS | BROCHURES | NEWSLETTERS A0 COPYING & SCANNING | OS MAPPING CAD & PLAN PRINTING | PRINT FINISHING High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire N 01522 546118 E sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk OUR 45 TH YEAR IN BUSINESS Your Container... Your Way Delivery UK or Worldwide Call +44 1472 433101 ext 200 sales@hscinternational.co.uk www.hscinternational.co.uk www.flatpax.co.uk 20’ CONTAINERS IN STOCK NOW AT UK DEPOTS NEW & USED CONTAINERS FOR ANY INDUSTRY • Inspected & Tested • CSC Certified • Standard & Bespoke MULTI-PURPOSE STORAGE CONTAINER FOR ANY LOCATION • Flatpack tool-free assembly • Robust and moveable • Forktruck runners and jack rings • 10 year anti corrosionIt’s a new year but is it a new you? That’s the question that runs throughout this issue, as we look at all the different ways you can spice up 2024, be that changing the décor in your home, a new wardrobe, a new hairstyle, a fitness regime or even a whole new makeover. New Years always has been a time of change and the last few years have been rather stagnant, both on individuals and the economy, so 2024 may be a good time to look at changing things. There are proven psychological benefits to changes as well, as long as they’re not so great that they become stressful. If you’ve been feeling glum over the colder months, then warmer colours can offer an immediate dopamine rush. In fact, there was a recent study in a scientific journal that found correlations between mood and the colours used in your home which all but rips down the idea of neutral tones like beige and cream, saying that these can actively make you feel worse the moment you walk into a room! Play around with colour instead but be careful not to go too wild or have clashing colours because that can create a sense of discord, the same as if you were to see someone walking around in pink, green and yellow at the same time. If in doubt, consult colour theory online to find what colours complement one another. But don’t spend all of January in the home! Christmas may be over, but the new year is here, and there’s no better way to brighten up than to get out into Lincolnshire and enjoy yourself. Don’t stay cooped up when you could be out and about. Good reading and a happy new year to everyone! Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes (01472) 310301 Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299 FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCK.ADOBE.COM/PREYANUCH This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 10AFFINITY FOSTERING SERVICES Q&A Fostering a child is something many people may not have considered, but there has been a lot more focus on the idea lately. We speak with Affinity Fostering Services in Lincolnshire to find out more about the process involved, and to answer a few common questions. 22COME RAIN OR SHINE Embarking on the journey of planning an early-to- mid springtime wedding opens the door to a world where the essence of romance intertwines with the stunning tapestry of nature’s renewal. By considering our advice and being prepared for changeable weather, couples can have a beautiful and memorable wedding, regardless of the forecast. 28A NEW YEAR, A NEW LOOK A new year offers the perfect excuse to revive your wardrobe. 34POLISH OFF YOUR LOOK Accessories are the vital final step before you head out in a gorgeous new outfit. 36A FRESH START FOR YOUR FASHION As we jump into 2024, it’s a great time to pick up some new menswear. 38PROFHILO: THE NEW HYDRATING HERO FOR RADIANT SKIN TAKING THE BEAUTY WORLD BY STORM Profhilo has taken the industry by storm, winning awards and gaining recognition as a revolutionary injectable treatment that addresses skin hydration, elasticity, and overall radiance. 40A WELL-ROUNDED APPROACH TO HEALTH AND FITNESS IN 2024 As the calendar flips to 2024, experts predict the unwavering reign of plant-based foods. However, discerning palates may usher in an era of selective consumption. 42STARTING THE YEAR OFF RIGHT It’s a new year and we’re looking at some creative ways to start the year off, from using some of that leftover turkey to some fruity recipes. JANUARY A NEW YEAR OFFERS THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO REVIVE YOUR WARDROBE. contentsEMBARKING ON THE JOURNEY OF PLANNING AN EARLY-TO-MID SPRINGTIME WEDDING OPENS THE DOOR TO A WORLD WHERE THE ESSENCE OF ROMANCE INTERTWINES WITH THE STUNNING TAPESTRY OF NATURE’S RENEWAL. 46IT’S A HARD JOB The dream view of farming as an escape to the countryside and a peaceful life really doesn’t match up to the reality of hard work, harder conditions, and worsening mental health. 50BALANCING ACT Many of the challenges faced by family businesses are as universal and intricate as for any other organisation, whether you’re just starting out or have weathered the storms of the market for years. 54SAFEGUARDING FROM WINTER INTO SPRING As longer and brighter days draw near and the promise of springtime beckons, the responsibility of ensuring the health of our elderly loved ones takes centre stage. 58A YEAR OF MOTORS As 2023 comes to an end, we take a look at what’s coming in 2024. 62RACE Q&A Lincolnshire plays host to a surprising motorsports scene. We speak today with Ryan Connoly of RACE (Road and Competition Engineering) in Lincoln, to find out more about the competitive scene and how they help teams and individuals on and before it. 64WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 12A PEACEFUL FAMILY HOME This month’s featured property is an inviting abode perfect for families. 18THE POWER OF IMAGINATION Craig Davison’s art captures innocent moments of wonder and roleplay and is born of a background in the very industries his art portrays. 20THE POWER OF PLANTERS Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains how planters can transform your garden.Scouts in Wragby are getting bigger Trio of council leaders sign up to devolution deal for Lincolnshire All three lead councils across Greater Lincolnshire have now voted in favour of taking the next steps towards an historic devolution deal. A county-wide consultation involving all 1.1m residents has now been launched after the landmark proposal was approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, Lincolnshire County Council and North Lincolnshire Council. Residents are being urged to have their say on the proposal which would bring £720m in extra cash and a raft of new powers to Greater Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Martin Hill, said: “We have negotiated an ambitious deal with the Government that will bring benefits to our residents for years to come, making sure we don’t get left behind. I hope that residents will take the time to understand what’s on offer and give their views as part of the consultation. “This is our opportunity to take more decisions locally, boost our economy and have a direct line to government about what we need in our area.” Due to the increased interest in Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), the 1st Wragby have opened a new Scout Troop. Adult volunteer Tammy Dolling said: “Our Scout Troop was full and we had several children aged 10 who wanted to become Scouts. Opening our second Troop meant the Cubs could join and children on our waiting list could also join.” Since opening, some of the activities the Scouts have been involved with include camps, the do-it-yourself badge, climbing, and participation in the UK Parliament week. Activities planned for 2024 include a camp in May, stop motion animation, fencing, archery, and an Expedition Challenge. Kieran said: “Since I’ve been in Scouts, I’ve done lots of activities I have never done before such as climbing, kayaking, camping and preparing and cooking a meal with other Scouts. This has helped me build my self-confidence, team working and communication skills. I’ve also been able to achieve my chef, camper and time on the water badges.” A new primary school is set for Scartho after plans were approved, with conditions, by Councillors. The school, for children aged 4 to 11, will be built on land off Matthew Telford Park. The site in Scartho is owned by North East Lincolnshire Council and has been earmarked for education provision for some time. Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased that Councillors have approved the plans for a new primary school in Scartho after much careful consideration. In the coming years, school places will be much-needed. “It’s important that, as North East Lincolnshire grows, the number of good quality schools grows to meet the needs of our children and young people.” Work is expected to start on the Scartho site soon. latest news Scartho school plans given the go ahead Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire CouncilCouncil buys former House of Fraser building in Grimsby The former House of Fraser building on Grimsby’s Victoria Street West has been bought by North East Lincolnshire Council. Contracts have been exchanged and the sale, which has been advised by strategic partner Queensberry, also includes a leasehold on an adjacent car park. The five-storey building sits within the council owned Freshney Place and with a frontage on 9 to 29 Victoria Street West. It has been empty since House of Fraser closed four years ago. Continuing to see it unused was not an option, said Council Leader Cllr Philip Jackson, who has responsibilities for regeneration and the economy. This purchase, he explained, would provide yet more opportunity for the authority and its partners to look at the redevelopment and diverse use of Freshney Place as a whole. “We have a fantastic opportunity to re-invent Freshney Place and complement its retail offer with the new cinema, leisure attractions, and fresh new market. The House of Fraser building will now form an integral part of those plans. This is a good move for the town centre,” he added. In one of the largest land deals done in recent years, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed to release land to Associated British Ports (ABP). The land includes 28 acres of allocated development land at Stallingborough Interchange, and two small areas of land in NELC ownership. Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council, said: “The sale has realised the opportunity to see development accelerated at Pioneer Business Park at a pace which is likely to bring with it a variety of benefits, including additional investment, facilities and jobs locally. “I’d like to thank ABP for coming to the table with the proposals, and for creating what will be one of the biggest single developments in the area in recent times.” ABP has also been working with other landowners in the area to assemble a wider parcel of land. The overall deal will see ABP investing significantly to expand its port operations around Immingham after the purchase of the freehold of 227.5 acres at Stallingborough Interchange. Significant land deal helps port expansion Family law team does it again! Sills & Betteridge Family Lawyers are celebrating this week having won the prestigious and fiercely competitive Children Law Team of the Year national award at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards. Launched 12 years ago, the event celebrates excellence in family law work and recognises its vital contribution to society. The ceremony which was held in London and hosted by TV star John Culshaw saw the team shortlisted for 2 other categories – Financial Remedies Team of the Year and Region Family Law Firm of the Year in the Midlands & Wales. Head of Family Law at the firm Helen Derry said: “We have some extremely talented lawyers who work tirelessly to meet their clients’ needs, often influencing landmark changes in the law. I am delighted that their work has been recognised by such an esteemed panel of judges in a category of other highly respected family law practitioners.” The results come in hot on the heels of the team’s recent Legal 500 legal directory rankings where they maintained their Top Tier status – the highest accolade a legal team can reach. Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council20,000 children put through IBCC’s education programme 20,000 children have been put through the International Bomber Command Centre’s education programmes. The sessions, delivered by the IBCC’s dedicated learning officers and team of volunteers, teach the history of Bomber Command’s personnel through firsthand accounts, artefacts, and interactive displays. This allows children of all ages to engage with the history in an accessible but thought-provoking way. Janine Smithson, IBCC learning officer, said: “It is so important that children are aware of Britain’s past, and we hope that we can inspire and spark their curiosity to learn even more about WWII after they leave us. This period of history especially is important for children to learn about as those with the last living memory of this time period will unfortunately soon no longer be with us.” To further develop and improve its educational offering and engagement with schools, the IBCC has now expanded its learning officer team with a former primary school teacher, Leah Deen. Additionally, the IBCC is currently fundraising for a new dedicated learning space separate from the main building. latest newsLincoln special school to be improved thanks to £15m investment A Lincoln special school will offer pupils much-improved facilities thanks to a £15m investment. A new teaching block is being created at Lincoln St Christopher’s School to replace an old building that is no longer fit for purpose. The new space will include eight classrooms, a food technology and social skills room, a hall and kitchen, small group rooms and calming spaces. The new block will also provide a medical inspection room, hygiene facilities and staff and meeting rooms. Other parts of the existing school will also undergo some remodelling work to provide two further classrooms and therapy spaces, with a further two classrooms being refurbished and upgraded. Outside, there will be improved playing areas, a horticulture area and sensory garden, as well as improved car parking and access for minibuses. Janette Kennedy, executive headteacher – Lincoln Saints Federation, added: “With an ever-growing demand for special need places, St Christopher’s are very excited about the opportunities the new build offers our students and the wider community.” Image courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council Lincolnshire entrepreneur overcomes cancer setback to win national award Lincolnshire entrepreneur Kirsty Gale, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, has been crowned Businessperson of the Year at the SME National Business Awards 2023 at Wembley Stadium. Kirsty (43), founder & CEO of dress specialists Red Carpet Ready, was chosen from thousands of entries by a national panel of judges. After leaving school at 16 with only a handful of qualifications, Kirsty started Red Carpet Ready in 2013 without any outside financial support or investment. Despite difficult trading conditions, the company is on track to achieve a record turnover of £1.6m – an increase of 14% on last year. Winning Businessperson of the Year is the latest in a long list of accolades Kirsty has achieved and is even more remarkable given that she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in October. She recently underwent an emergency lumpectomy and is facing an intensive course of radiotherapy but said her diagnosis has been a catalyst to achieving even greater success. Oliver Roylance, Red Carpet Ready marketing manager, Kirsty Gale, Red Carpet Ready founder & CEO, and Tara Kemp, Managing Director, Astar Accountants Next >