< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY H aving a business with your nearest and dearest is a noble enterprise in many ways. It shows that you’re committed to supporting each other’s success in a shared venture, lifting each other up where some bigger companies would fall into selfish, manipulative ladder-climbing. But it’s not always easy to be around your family in a professional setting, especially when tensions erupt at home or relating to business. At the heart of each one lies a delicate balance between familial relationships and professional responsibilities. Striking this balance can be challenging, leading to interpersonal conflicts that, if left unaddressed, may leave all your hard-earned success floundering. Preventing conflicts like these starts with open communication. Regular family meetings provide a platform for discussing both personal and business matters, fostering understanding and collaboration. But meetings with all workers, as well as individual access to workplace counselling or HR, should be held at a high standard if you want to maintain fairness for all your workers. It might be that an argument or feud has followed you from home into work, or—even more difficult to manage—an external employee finding any number of issues with a family member. Laying straight the threads of an argument to find its core truths isn’t an attractive task for anyone, especially if you’re evaluating between people from inside and outside the family. Fortunately, there’s an ideal solution. Investing in professional family business consultants can provide an external perspective, helping to mediate conflicts and establish clear communication channels. While this is a solution requiring financial investment, the long- term benefits far outweigh the costs. These consultants not only facilitate Balancing 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. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 FAMILY BUSINESS © stock.adobe.com/Kzenon 45 Years in Business in Lincoln Lincoln Print & Copy Centre are going into their 45th year in business in 2024 – it’s been interesting and challenging, but ultimately great fun working with so many people in the local area. A new, refreshed website was put in place in late 2023, making it clearer for customers what can be done in printing for business; not for profit; public sector and individuals. We are still a family run business, based in Lincoln with connections to other businesses in the area – if we can’t do something – we can direct you to a business that can! Leaflets and posters are still the most requested items but we can supply brochures, booklets, pull up and vinyl banners, printed house plans and engineering drawings; and so much more. Other popular items are wire bound books and manuals: from A3 landscape pages to A5 or A6 pages, in short or long runs for many organisations. A6 booklets; portrait, landscape and square brochures and programmes are often ordered too. Menus are usually ordered in smaller quantities to reflect seasonal changes. Business cards remain a useful item for many businesses. Professional Graphic Design is an in-house service, designs are created to attract the right attention and get the most important information across, but we can use customers’ own artwork if it’s already done. Lincoln Print & Copy Centre work with their customers to ensure the printing fits their needs and budget and keeping their printed information up to date. Why not have a look at our new website, we might just be able do that job you need! conflict resolution but also contribute to the development of robust internal processes, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the business. Their expertise with strategic planning and organisational development supports and eases the tensions that can surround or lead to conflict, aiding in smoothing over issues early. One of the most critical issues faced by family businesses, especially those with a long legacy, is succession planning. Procrastination, in this matter perhaps more than any, can lead to uncertainty and power struggles. Start this planning early, and identify and nurture potential successors within the family. This doesn’t have to be a costly process, with mentorship programs and cross- functional training available to provide valuable experience to the next generation. Additionally, establishing a family council to oversee the succession process can ensure transparency and inclusivity, preventing rifts among family members and stakeholders. While family can play a necessary role in defining the criteria for a successor, other employees, especially if they’re younger and long- term, also have a spiritual share in the company’s future and, as such, should also be free to express their wishes and concerns. Established family businesses often grapple with the challenge of balancing tradition and innovation. While maintaining the core values that define the business is crucial, adapting to the ever-evolving market is equally important. Striking this balance is essential for staying relevant and competitive. The key solution here is to value, create and commit to principles of innovation within the business. Encouraging employees to propose new ideas and embrace new challenges will even save you money in the long-run, as you’ll rely on existing staff for continuous improvement over patching gaps with external services. Establishing cross-generational collaboration teams can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, leveraging the strengths of each generation for sustainable growth. Implementing an innovation incubator or a dedicated research and development department can serve as a proactive step toward staying ahead in the market while preserving the legacy that defines the family business. As you grow, leaning into a natural progression towards 52 Á52 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FAMILY BUSINESS professionalisation, creative teamwork will keep you competitive as you stay mindful of your own goals. However, growing success can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brings in structured processes and expertise; on the other, it may clash with the familial, informal culture that defined your business in its early days. Gradual steps are key—invest in training programs for family members and employees to acquire any necessary skills. There are enough free resources to give your learning a lift too, such as online courses and industry forums; all ways to enhance a professional’s edge in the game. Developing a well-defined organisational structure that respects the family’s values while incorporating professional standards can pave the way for a smooth transition into a more formalised business environment. From there, introducing performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) can provide a data-driven approach to decision-making, aligning the business with industry best practices and ensuring sustainable growth well into a promising future. To alleviate the financial challenges that can snowball alongside your accomplishments, make good use of budgeting tools or advisors. Consider putting together a finance committee of both family and non-family members too, talking developments through along the way with the benefit of diverse perspectives. With this much on everyone’s mind, the blurred lines between family and work life can lead to burnout and strained relationships. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for the wellbeing of both the business and the family. Implement flexible working hours and promote the value of downtime, encouraging employees to take breaks and vacations to recharge. Business retreats or activities are always worth considering as they support a sense of camaraderie, reinforcing the bonds that make your team unique. If team-building exercises aren’t your style, an array of physical and mental wellness programs offer a multitude of approaches to cultivating a healthier and more engaged workforce. Challenges are as inevitable in a family business as any other, but they’re never insurmountable. By acknowledging and proactively addressing these issues, family businesses can not only endure but also emerge stronger and more resilient. From open communication to strategic planning, the keys to success lie in a combination of paid professional solutions and thoughtful, cost-effective initiatives that foster a harmonious blend of family and business. In the end, it’s the commitment to adapt, grow, and learn that ensures the longevity and prosperity of family enterprises. © stock.adobe.com/bneninLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 BRIGG BEDS 01652 651828 Princess Street | Brigg | DN20 8HG www.briggbeds.co.uk Kingsize beds fit for Royality… DIRECT GASKETS LIMITED Contact us today on 01482 219655 or visit our website www.direct‐gaskets.co.uk For over 30 years we have been market leaders in the manufacture of Gaskets. Established in Hull, we play an important role in the city’s manufacturing sector. We have built up a strong reputation for supplying high quality products at very competitive prices and an unbeatable service. Oil Fired Boiler Engineer OFTEC Registered • Oil Tank Replacement Service • Installation • Commissioning • Repairs • 24 Hour Call Out • Servicing & General Plumbing Call Steve on 07840 531403 Woolliss & Son Butchers –– AWARD-WINNING LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERS –– LOOKING FOR A TOP QUALITY BUTCHERS IN LINCOLNSHIRE? 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T OCTOB£2.95 BER2023 BreastC Hair & B C Bt WithL In Love Month Awaren B th Heritage Lincolns hi WWWLINCWWW.LINC OLNSHIRETOOLNSHIRETO Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea?54 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 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. T he Great British climate, with all its twists and turns, adds an intricate layer of complexity to caregiving, especially for anyone entrusted with looking after vulnerable individuals. In this guide, we take a nuanced look into elderly care, seeking not only to address the physical aspects but also how to foster holistic wellbeing. This comprehensive approach aims to empower you to navigate the multifaceted challenges presented by the changing seasons, while still savouring worry-free moments alongside cherished elders. The transition from winter’s icy grasp to spring’s gentle warmth marks a pivotal moment in any caregiver’s calendar. When wrangling with our unpredictable British weather, meticulous planning is an unmatched cornerstone of effective elderly care. Keeping everyone comfortable, safe Safeguarding from winter into spring LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 CARING Funeral Services Our funeral homes provide the best facilities including private arrangement rooms and peaceful chapels of rest. We also provide a funeral dividend during this difficult time of bereavement. A service from caring professionals To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder and warm (but not too hot) is an absolute priority. Planning for any weather or possible changes is no less stressful for knowing how essential it is, especially when you’re responsible for vulnerable people. But making smart clothing choices with plenty of layers, carefully curated to cover both rain and shine, ensures the elderly are adequately attired for the ever-changing weather. Beyond just clothing, added sun protection measures are crucial as the sun becomes an ever more constant companion during the warmer months. We’ve seen lately how fierce the sun can get when cold subsides in the spring, so hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are becoming non-negotiable even earlier in the year. Indoor preparedness emerges as a crucial aspect of comprehensive care, anticipating potential temperature extremes. While you’re with your loved one in their own home, make sure both are comfortably warm wherever possible, and that they will stay that way for as long as needed between visits. The home should ideally be kept between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius in chilly outdoor temperatures, as these are both safe and energy saving parameters. Make sure the elderly have winter clothes, blankets and bedding in easy reach, and never underestimate the simple gesture of making hot drinks, or preparing nourishing meals ready to be heated or reheated later. Strategic organisation is critical at any time of year during outdoor excursions, especially when thinking about vulnerabilities to heat as well as cold. Having a personalised plan, making sure to start listing what you’ll need with plenty of time to spare, will rescue you from getting caught short by a sudden health emergency or need for warmth or shelter—even just a change in plans. With your list to hand, it’s then a simple matter to stay informed about weather 56 Á © stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint56 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING R. ARNOLD Funeral Directors Independent Family Funeral Directors Est 25 Years We take care of the smallest of details with compassion and dignity, we personalise every service for each family. Woodhall Spa 01526 341 707 Lincoln: 01522 542 701 Sutton-on-Sea: 01507 442 300 Mablethorpe: 01507 473 100 Alford: 01507 463 200 Louth: 01507 608 200 Email: rarnoldlincoln@gmail.com www.rarnoldfuneralservice.com conditions by signing up for alerts, or downloading a weather app on your smartphone if you have one. The upside is that, once you’re prepared, engaging with nature becomes ideal therapy for you and those you care for, particularly as the seasons turn and the world starts coming to life again. Encouraging outdoor activities and enjoying the beauty of each season have been proven to contribute significantly to mental health. Activities that allow the elderly to connect with nature, provided they are adequately prepared for any weather, ensure you all get that all-important natural dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine, essential for everyone to thrive in their physical and mental health. If anything, it’s even more important to catch those rays as you can while the overall weather still tends towards gloom. With the seasons still clinging to the chill of winter for a while longer, the unique challenges faced by the elderly in the early part of the year can’t be forgotten just yet. Rising heating costs and health vulnerabilities necessitate careful planning and consideration of available care options. Families should feel no shame having open discussions about the merits of care homes versus supporting loved ones in their own homes. For those opting for the latter, ensuring warmth, companionship, and regular visits are perhaps the most important plans to put in place, providing not only physical comfort but emotional reassurance when days still on the darker side can make for low moods. Strains on resources, both financial and emotional, become particularly apparent during winter or even in the snows we’ve been seeing as late as March and April. External support from organisations such as Age UK provides information and assistance whenever you feel at a loss, or in need of someone to listen. Caring for the elderly is an ever- evolving process that demands continuous monitoring and adjustment, but there are people who have made it their vocation to support you. Regular health check-ins, both for physical and emotional needs, become vital to catch early signs of illness or distress—here’s where carer support and respite teams come in to cover for our busy lives. Remember that it’s always best to ask for help, and you’re only ever a call away from people who understand the challenges and day-to-day hardships of caring. The changing seasons bring not only variations in weather but potential shifts in health and wellbeing. Staying attuned LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 CARING New year new you – divorce toolkit for 2024 Splitting up and starting a divorce can be a daunting experience. Where do you start? 1. Time – give yourself time and space as it is not going to be easy. 2. Think of your children first - what will be their arrangements and how are you going to tell them? 3. Get your assets valued – including property, all savings and bank accounts. 4. Pension, Pension, Pension – most couples forget about their pensions. A pension could be the most valuable asset especially if you are a member of the Armed Forces, Police, NHS, Teachers Pension or you are a Firefighter. Request a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value from your pension provider. Also go on the www.gov.uk website and get a state pension forecast. 5. Know what your debt is – mortgages, car and any personal or other loans, credit cards. 6. Think about the needs of your family – can one of you remain in the family home? Can one of you take over the mortgage and buy the other out? How much do you need to live on and pay the bills? 7. Discuss with your other half – it is your life and your money, and you are in the best position to try and sort out a divorce settlement. 8. Get early legal advice – from a solicitor to give you a steer and see what, realistically, your options are. Such advice could save you a great deal of money, time and stress in the long run. Need our help, contact the Ringrose Law Family Team in Lincoln, Boston, Grantham, Sleaford or Newark or visit www.ringroselaw.co.uk Nick Aspley to the needs of elderly loved ones and proactively adjusting care plans as necessary ensures a more responsive and effective caregiving approach. Encouraging independence while ensuring safety requires thought to adapting living spaces to accommodate the unique needs of the elderly. But for older folks who can care for themselves at least some of the time, assistive devices, grab bars, and non-slip flooring contribute to a safe living environment. This allows older people to navigate their surroundings on their own, in between their mood being boosted by your visits as often as needed. The journey of elderly care through changing seasons demands a blend of foresight, adaptability, and genuine care. Emotional support can be especially tough during challenging times when the season’s harshness can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. Regular visits, warm environments, and companionship emerge as essential elements of caregiving. Encouraging a network of friends and family to share caregiving responsibilities is the key to preventing burnout for primary caregivers, creating a support structure that extends beyond the immediate family. This way it’s better for everyone, and easier to embrace each season with confidence, knowing that you are equipped to provide comprehensive care that goes beyond the physical, enriching the lives of those you cherish. © stock.adobe.com/Lucas58 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING A year of Mercedes-Benz CLE CoupéLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 COUNTY MOTORING Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé The latest in a long line of elegant class-defining coupés from Mercedes-Benz, the new CLE Coupé unites conceptual and technical attributes of both the C-Class and E-Class with its athletic, expressive design, dynamic driving experience and cutting-edge comfort, convenience and safety technologies. Initially the new CLE Coupé is available in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications. The range of powertrains includes four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel - all with mild-hybrid technology. A plug-in hybrid will follow at a later date. The new CLE Coupé is the second vehicle to utilise the third generation MBUX platform - after the new E- Class - which introduces new functions, services and interaction options including a new Android compatibility layer to allow the installation of selected third-party applications, and an enhanced implementation of the “Hey Mercedes” intelligent voice assistant. Skoda Superb The fourth generation of the Skoda Superb builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering an even more sophisticated design, more space and comfort and state- of-the-art technology. A new range structure with seven Design Selections offers many sustainable solutions, such as textiles made of 100 percent sustainable materials. Innovative Skoda Smart Dials and a new interior concept featuring a free-standing 13-inch infotainment screen make for even greater ease of use and deliver a clean and spacious interior. 60 Á As 2023 comes to an end, we take a look at what’s coming in 2024. Next >