Ringlink Scotland Handbook 2025

for services, support & solutions

R

Rely on Ringlink

L ING INK

WHY USE RINGLINK 01

OWNERSHIP: THE PREFERRED OPTION BUT… • Do I have enough acres to justify it?

• Do I have the staff to operate it?

• What about unexpected breakdowns?

• Can I finance it?

02

USE A CONTRACTOR OR NEIGHBOUR BUT… • When will they get finished with their own crops?

• Will they honestly tell me when they will arrive?

• What about unexpected breakdowns?

• Will I be charged a fair rate?

03

THE BEST OPTION: RELY ON RINGLINK… • A large choice of suppliers • A large choice of machines • A replacement if a breakdown occurs • Fair rates • Multiple machines available • New system evaluation • Third party arbitration • A chance to earn extra income yourself • Large organisation • Save ££s

HOW WE WORK 01

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd is a rural business co-operative, owned by its members and managed on behalf of them to provide a cost-effective platform for efficient member-to-member trading.

We operate the business with transparency and by embracing the core values of integrity; teamwork; providing a high quality service along with a “can do” spirit to our membership.

Subscription Annual subscription of Agri-Businesses: £175.00 plus VAT Labour Only (Self Employed): £50.00 plus VAT Share Purchase on Joining £50.00 made up of 50 x £1 shares

Commission rates SERVICE

DEMANDER LEVY

SUPPLIER LEVY

1/2% 1/2% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1%

1/2% 1/2% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 0%

Spraying inc. Chemical Oil Seed Rape Fuel Fertiliser Malting Barley Feed Barley/Wheat Lime Chemical Supply Land Rentals Stockfeed/Straw/Hay All Other Ring Services Fuel Cards Levy 3

CONTENTS 01

INTRODUCTION 2024 STATS AT A GLANCE INHERITANCE TAX CHANGES ON AGM AGENDA

6 10 12

02

SERVICES AND PRICE LISTS PLOUGHING/CULTIVATING /SEEDING SPRAYING/FERTILISING FORAGING/WRAPPING/BALING CEREAL HARVESTING/BALING ROOT CROP/VEGETABLE SERVICES ROOT CROP/VEGETABLE SERVICES TRACTORS /LOADERS /FORKLIFTS / ROAD HAULAGE MUCK/SLURRY SPREADING & LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS/MAINTENANCE COMMODITIES LABOUR & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MEMBERS PICK UP ON ADDED BENEFITS OF RINGLINK

15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39

03

BEING AN EMPLOYER - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NATIONAL LIVING WAGE EMPLOYING YOUNG PEOPLE LAND BASED PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PRE-APPRENTICESHIP CLASS OF 2024 RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER MEETS PRE-APPRENTICES MODERN SLAVERY ACT ILLEGAL WORKERS GANGMASTER & LABOUR ABUSE AUTHORITY (GLAA) WHAT DOES THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL MEAN FOR YOU?

41 46 49 50 54 58 60 62 64 66

04

TRAINING COURSES TRAINING CONTENTS FORESTRY & ARBORICULTURE UTILITY ARBORICULTURE PESTICIDES PLANT & MACHINERY ATVS & OFF-ROAD DRIVING FIRST AID DRIVER CPC HEALTH & SAFETY SPRAYER OPERATOR FORKLIFT

69 71 73 76 79 81 84 85 87 89 91 93

4

04

TRAINING COURSES CONTINUED BECOME A LANTRA INSTRUCTOR OR ASSESSOR ACCESS TRAINING FUNDS FOR FUTURE FORESTERS

05

REFERENCE 99 MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING 100 HEALTH & SAFETY – REDUCING THE RISK 102 NEAR MISS REPORTING 104 VEHICLES & DRIVING - AGE RESTRICTIONS 107 VEHICLES & DRIVING - HAULAGE 111 VEHICLES & DRIVING - IT’S THE LAW 112 CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS 113 SAVE MONEY ON BUSINESS UTILITIES 114 WATER 115 FERTILISER SAFETY & SECURITY 117

06

ABOUT RINGLINK METHOD OF OPERATION CASE IH REBATE SCHEME COMPANY MILESTONES MEET THE BOARD RINGLINK WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR MEET THE TEAM GDPR CONVERSION CHART CALENDAR ADVERTISERS LISTING

95 96

121 122 128 130 132 135 136 139 141 144 145

01 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2025 Ringlink members handbook.

appear content to wait for clearer indications regarding spring planting progress before making any major purchasing decisions.

I’m glad we find ourselves in a more stable situation weatherwise compared to this time last year. Winter crops are so far looking well but will need feeding before long with some nitrogen, have you got your order in.

Last year, electricity prices came back from a high of 80p a unit down to the mid-20s. and hopefully further reductions will be obtained this year which we are presently monitoring for the 25/26 contracts.

Since the turn of the year, feed barley markets have been firmer and we’ve seen a slight increase in farmer to farmer selling. At time of writing this in late January, the trade has been reporting exports to Ireland and enquiries from both Spain and Portugal look a promising development, for marketing the UK’s old crop surplus and will hopefully help new crop prices improve. Local demand will continue through to harvest with member-to-member trading, so please speak with your local office before committing to sell.

Looking forward, there are still some metaphorical clouds on the horizon, with new legislation placing extra responsibilities and expense on employers and changes in tax law causing huge concern in our industry.

The new workers’ rights bill put forward by our new Government that will come into effect in 2026 could have a major effect on our temporary workers status. The abolition of zero-hour contracts, enhanced sick pay and the entitlement to unfair dismissal claims could have serious implications.

The malting barley market remains lacklustre, with old crop trade largely stagnant. There is minimal farmer selling as consumer demand is once again almost non-existent. New crop markets are starting to develop, with contracting taking place as farmers prepare for the spring drilling season. However, cash markets are still quiet, and end users

Much of the legislation is to be finally agreed and we can only surmise at the minute. While we welcome action to combat unscrupulous employers, we have to concede that it can 6

The programme has offered hundreds of young people their first step into the industry. Some of those very first entrants now have 12 years of experience and there are some great examples of how they have grasped the opportunity. One is now a farm foreman, another has started her own business with many others giving us extremely positive feedback.

make managing a workforce and keeping up to speed with new regulations even more of a burden.

The other side of labour is of course finding the workforce in the first place. There are still not enough skilled workers and at peak periods we are really struggling for both skilled and unskilled labour.

Its aim is to help prepare young people for Before the double blows of Brexit and Covid, employment in agriculture and the wider rural Ringlink would have been arranging upwards of sector and this year, we’ve had our highest 550 workers a day and now that is sitting in the number of placements with 45 trainees out mid-400s. working on farms and businesses across the region.

But we should look to the glimmers of light.

Still showing strong growth in its 12th year and continuing success is our Land-based Precontinued on page 9 apprenticeship programme.

7

01

Rely on Ringlink for services, support & solutions

We offer a hassle-free service when switching your electricity contract t Local poin t of contac ngoing including o ement bill manag

Multiple sites consolida ted to one exp iry date

To discuss your electricity contract, call your local Ringlink office or Email: utilities@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

01 INTRODUCTION more businesses to step forward and offer the placements that are the lifeblood of this innovative scheme.

continued from page 7 We have reached the end of our latest tranche of funding, so the positive reaction from the Scottish Government to our proposal submitted in March last year has been welcome.

Funding is available for 25/26, however, the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is now out for procurement, as published on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website and we are currently submitting a tender to continue delivering the programme. Administering the programme is a lot of work and this investment will let it grow with higher numbers of young people being introduced into working in rural businesses.

Upskilling the workforce is also being addressed with 9,682 people attending Ringlink Services training during the year. By collaborating with other organisations - such as construction and those supporting former military personnel - we can continually expand and enhance our course offering to make sure we offer the courses that you need, with more on offer this coming year.

We’re looking forward to 2025, and being here to support you with your plans and make the most of your Ringlink membership.

This year, we divided the intakes into two with 35 starting their placements over the summer and 10 having started in January 2025. This does mean that we will be needing

Managing Director Graham Bruce

9

£93m

combined turnover from 3,000 members

RINGLINK AT A GLANCE 2024

300

£3.36

cost of membership weekly is less than a sandwich meal deal

145,965 total transactions

number of workers on average who are out every day across the year

£8.87m

labour turnover making us an Apprenticeship Levy Payer

90,536

tonnes of livestock feed sold

2,217

electricity contracts managed

350

types of training courses available

9,682

trainees through a range of courses

88,598

30 mins

Using just one Ringlink service saves 30 mins management time per month = pays your yearly subscription!

87,905

incoming calls received

£216,000 of fuel card savings for members

outgoing calls made

200 pre-apprentices graduated over 12 years

34m

litres of fuel sold

01 INTRODUCTION

INHERITANCE TAX CHANGES ON AGM AGENDA

At our 2024 AGM, we re-introduced a speaker to the usual proceedings and the chosen subject of inheritance tax changes clearly resonated with members.

CONSIDER AN INSURANCE POLICY Something to think about is taking out an insurance policy that on death pays out a sum sufficient to cover the tax bill. Of course, one drawback is that the older you are, the more expensive life insurance can be – if available at all.

More than 80 members attended virtually or in person to hear Hamish Lean, head of rural property at Shepherd and Wedderburn, explain more about Government plans to cut inheritance tax relief on agricultural assets from April 2026.

USE LIFETIME GIFTS No inheritance tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for seven years after giving them.

The situation is necessarily more complex than this but this is what is known as “the seven year rule”. Gifts given three to seven years before death are taxed on a sliding scale known as “taper relief”. However, a gift might trigger a liability for Capital Gains Tax. It might be possible to “hold over” the liability so that it is paid by the giftee when they dispose of the asset in the future.

With the disclaimer that nothing is yet written in stone – the legislation is still being drafted – Mr Lean offered some handy pointers on possible action members could consider REVIEW YOUR WILL The first point for anyone with assets over £1million was to look at their will. What might have been a perfectly serviceable document before the Chancellor’s announcement may now be outdated. While it might be rash to make dramatic changes right away, Mr Lean suggested this was a good place to start.

Mr Lean emphasised that it was definitely recommended to consult a professional adviser.

12

01 INTRODUCTION

The Chancellor announced in last year’s Autumn Budget that agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) will be reformed. From 6 April 2026, the full 100% relief from inheritance tax will be restricted to the first £1million of combined agricultural and business property. Above this amount, landowners will access 50% relief from inheritance tax and will pay inheritance tax at a reduced effective rate up to 20%, rather than the standard 40%.

More than 80 members attended our AGM to hear more about Government plans to cut inheritance tax relief on agricultural assets.

We’re all still grappling with the implications of the changes to inheritance tax and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

Hamish Lean, Head of rural property at Shepherd and Wedderburn

13

LAW FERTILISERS LTD, METHIL

SHIPPERS & MANUFACTURERS OF Quality tailored foliar and granular FERTILISERS fertilisers exclusive to Ringlink •

G ranular - Liquid-Foliar fertilisers tailored to requirements NEW: BULK DELIVERED AND SPREAD SERVICE

 •

N AEgronomy W: LAWS- Nutrient P Plus - tPlans he ne-wSoil mu& ltiplant solubsampling le bspreading udget phosphate

 •

NF W:range HIGHofQbiofertilisers UALITY CHAto LKimprove AVAILAB LE Eull crop Bresilience iocides for all crop protection requirements



  •

TInhouse race elelaboratory ment compdue ounto dsopen for afrom nimaApril l heal2025 th and improved seed quality • High grade chalk supplied and spread  Soil and crop sampling undertaken 

SamEXCLUSIVE e day order tDISTRIBUTOR o collection – RINGLINK

TEL: 01592 808366

CALL SALES OFFICE: 01592 808366 Email: sales@lawfertilisers.co.uk

SERVICES & PRICES 02

Please note the following pages are a guide price list for 2025 only and are based on average working conditions. Any change to these prices for any reason or for services that show POA (price on application) will be given when job is booked.

•

All rates include fuel except selfdrive hire.

•

Due to major fuel price fluctuations, suppliers may apply a fuel surcharge to cover day-to-day fuel increases.

•

All services are per acre and include operator unless otherwise stated.

•

Suppliers must ensure adequate insurance cover is in place before doing Ring work.

•

Travelling time may be charged extra to the rates shown, if there is less than four hours work or it is indicated at time of booking.

•

The supply of labour incurs a minimum charge of eight hours unless otherwise agreed.

•

Late cancellation may incur the minimum eight hour charge.

HIRED EQUIPMENT CONDITIONS •

Delivery may be charged on hired equipment.

Demanders must ensure adequate insurance is in place for all self drive equipment when attached or unattached, or any other hired equipment.

•

Self-drive equipment must be returned clean and free from foreign objects (and filled with fuel where applicable).

•

Demander should check the machine’s condition on uplift.

•

Supplier must check the machine’s condition on return.

•

•

Demander must carry out daily maintenance checks as per operating instructions.

•

Self-drive equipment remains on hire until returned to supplier unless otherwise agreed.

PLEASE NOTE: RINGLINK (SCOTLAND) LTD ACTS AS AN AGENT ONLY AND NOT AS A PRINCIPAL. 15

ADM Agriculture Ltd in Association with Ringlink Supplying CF 34.5% Nitram into your area now. Manufactured in the UK, this quality fertiliser remains the leading nitrogen product in the UK. ADM also supply phosphate and potash fertilisers and NPK(S) blends and compounds for your needs.

Ringlink can access finance through ADM for your fertiliser purchases with up to nine months delayed payment from delivery.

Speak to your local Ringlink office for your fertiliser requirements.

Standard payment and extended finance available on a wide range of N, P, K, NS and NPK(+S) fertilisers.

Coupar Angus 01828 640456 Cupar 01334 809999 Elgin 01343 550123 Laurencekirk 01561 377790 Oldmeldrum 01651 873602 ADM. Unlocking Nature. Enriching Life.

01427 421200 | adm.agriculture.fertiliser@adm.com | www.adm-agri.co.uk

02 SERVICES & PRICES

PLOUGHING/CULTIVATING/SEEDING SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /ACRE

£/HOUR

Autumn Ploughing 27.00 - 35.00 Ploughing Plus Press 30.00 - 37.00 Winter Ploughing 30.00 - 34.00 Subsoiling 91.75 Shakerator/Flatliner 200-300hp 38.25 91.75 Discing (Black Ground) 18.50 Discing (Stubble) c/w press 17.75 Multi Harrowing 14.25 RotaSpike / Power Harrowing 25.35 Rotavating (Winter Ley) 45.00 Sowing OSR (Seed Only) 12.00 Sowing OSR (Seed & Fert) 14.00 Sowing Grass Seed 15.00 Sowing Grain Only 15.00 Sowing Grain & Fert (up to 3cwt) 18.50 Sowing Grain & Fert (over 3cwt) plus 0.85 Direct Drill (Moore Unidrill) 35.00 One Pass OSR (Seed Only) 25.00 - 28.25 One Pass OSR (Seed & Fert) 27.00 - 31.00 One Pass Sowing Grain Only 27.00 - 31.00 One Pass Grain & Fert (up to 3 cwt) 29.00 - 33.25 One Pass Grain & Fert (over 3 cwt) plus 0.85 Vaderstad Drill Grain & Fert 28.00 No Till Drill (Grain & Fert) 33.25 Min Till Drill (Grain & Fert) 43.25 Turnip Sowing (28” Drill with applicator) >10 acres 28.50 Turnip Sowing (28” Flat with applicator) >10 acres 32.00 Turnip Sowing (19” Flat with applicator) >10 acres 33.50 Turnip Sowing (On beds with applicator) >10 acres 34.75 Cambridge Rolling 6.00 52.25 Cambridge Rolling with Paddles 8.50 61.25 Roller Hire 3.00 83.25 Min Charge

Paddle Roller Hire 6.00 113.00 Min Charge

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

17

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02 SERVICES & PRICES

SPRAYING & FERTILISING SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /ACRE £/OTHER

Fertiliser Spreading Spinner (up to 2cwt) 5.50 LGP Fertiliser Spreading High Clearance Spreading Liquid Nitrogen & Urea Liquid Nitrogen with added Sulphur Inject Compound Fert to potatoes Slug Pellet Application LGP Bike 3.75 Lime Delivered & Spread Lime Spreading (1.5 tonnes or over/Acre) 6.00/tonne Lime Spreading (less than 1.5 tonnes/Acre) 7.25/tonne Lime Spreading with GPS (30 Acres Min) 9.25 Slag Spreading 24.00/tonne Spraying (up to 20 galls 1 - 40 hectares) 12.25/HA All other Spraying Operations Crop Walking, Inspection

Irrigating @ 1” Water

Irrigation Complete Hire (pump, reel, pipes)

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

19

Your Independent Timber Cooperative in the North East of Scotland OWNED BY MEMBERS, FOR MEMBERS

YOU RETAIN YOUR PROFITS • YOU HAVE COMPLETE VISIBILIT Y OF COSTS AND INCOME • WE ORGANISE FELLING PERMISSION • WE ORGANISE REPLANTING

D E E S I D E AC T I V I T Y PA R K , A B OY N E AB34 5DB 013 3 9 8 8 5 3 3 5 harryjwilson@rtsforestry.co.uk

02 SERVICES & PRICES

FORAGING, BALING, WRAPPING SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /ACRE £/OTHER

Mowing Conditioner 14.75 Mowing Condition with Spreader 16.00 Mowing Peas 19.00 Tedding (6 metre wide +) 7.25 60.50/Hour Raking (6 metre wide +) 7.25 60.50/Hour Baling 4 x 4 Silage / Hay 4.00/Bale Baling 4 x 4.5 Silage / Hay 4.60/Bale Baling with chopper 5.00/Bale Baling Hay Small Square 0.75/Bale Bale Wrapping Silage Tubeline 4 x 4 Bale Wrapping Silage Tubeline 4 x 4.5 Bale Wrapping Silage Individual 4 x 4 4.00/Bale Bale Wrapping Silage Individual 4 x 4.5 4.75/Bale Baling & Wrapping Tubeline 4 x 4 Baling & Wrapping Tubeline 4 x 4.5 Baling & Wrapping Tubeline Chopped 4 x 4 Baling & Wrapping Individual 4 x 4 8.00/Bale Baling & Wrapping Individual 4 x 4.5 9.25/Bale Baling & Wrapping Individual chopped 9.50/Bale Baling & Wrapping Square (Quad) Baling & Wrapping 5.5 X 4 X 3 * The above prices are based on 4 layers of wrap & subject to change due to fluctuations in plastics prices

Precision Chop Foraging 27.75 - 35.00 Self Propelled Foraging 27.75 - 35.00 Direct Cut Whole Crop Cereals 55.00 Tractor & Trailer up to 12t 37.00/Hour Tractor & Trailer over 14t 47.00/Hour Silage Trailer (10 – 16t Self Drive) 80.00/Day Tractor & Buckrake 49.00/Hour Push off Buckrake (Self Drive) 60.00/Day Topping Grass Rotary (Min charge of 4 hours) 11.75 43.25/Hour Topping Grass Flail/Mulch “ 14.50 50.25/Hour Straw Chopping “ 50.75/Hour OSR Chopping “ 46.25/Hour Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

21

D.M. CARNEGIE

Steelstrath, Laurencekirk, AB30 1RN Tel: 01674840288

SERVICES: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Soil sampling and mapping. Limestone delivered and VRT Spread.

Field drainage work undertaken.

Mobile seed dressing with chemicals applied. Seed supplied.

Grass seed sown & rolled with special drill on Cambridge rollers.

Grain & fertiliser sown with one pass lemken systems.

Self propelled forage harvester for grass and cereal whole crops.

16-18 ft swathing.

Combining with 30 ft machines.

Grain and fertiliser merchants.

Round and square baling of silage, hay and straw.

All crop chemicals sold and 24, 28 and 36 metre spraying service provided.

General haulage, flat, curtainside and bulk tippers.

All other contract work.

Dried woodchip available.

Sprayer MOT testing. Book your NSTS test. Part of the voluntary initiative.

Agrochemical Specialists and Crop Consultants

CARNEGIE CROP SERVICES Cookston, Brechin, DD9 7QS Tel: 01356622066

02 SERVICES & PRICES

CEREAL HARVESTING, BALING SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /ACRE

£/OTHER

Swathing OSR up to 25 acres 20.00 - 23.00 Swathing OSR over 25 acres Swathing Peas Combining Cereals 39.25 - 53.50 OSR with Draper Header 41.75 - 55.75 OSR Direct with Side Knife 41.75 - 55.75 With Chopper (additional charge) 4.75 Mobile Grain Drying On Farm Drying (Tray, Continuous Flow) Mobile Grain Cleaning / Seed Dressing Straw Tub Grinding (mobile Service) Mobile Mill ‘n’ Mix Service Propcorning & Rolling Turning/Rowing straw Baling Straw 4 x 4 3.00/Bale Baling Straw 4 x 4.5 3.25/Bale Baling Straw 4 x 5 3.75/Bale Baling Straw 4 x 6 5.10/Bale Baling Big Square D1010 8’ X 32” X 36” 4.00/Bale MF/BB960 8’ X 48” X 36” 6.50/Bale Quadrant 8’ X 48” X 27” 5.50/Bale Hesston 8’ X 48” X 51” 8.50/Bale Small Square Baling with sledge 0.95/Bale Bale Wrapping Straw Tubeline 4 X 4 Bale & Bale Wrapping Tubeline 4 X 4 Bale Wrapping Straw Tubeline 4 X 5 Bale & Bale Wrapping Tubeline 4 X 5 Ritchie 8 Bale Trailer & Tractor 55.00/Hour Ritchie 8 Bale Trailer Self Drive 115.50/Day

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

23

We do more than you know Rely on Ringlink for services support & solutions

MALTING BARLEY

ANIMAL FEEDS

FERTILISER

FOR SALE

INSURANCE

SPECIAL OFFERS

STRAW/HAY BALES

FUEL

TRAINING

GRAIN

BUILDING & FENCING SUPPLIES

LAND RENTAL

LABOUR

TYRES

STORAGE

HAULAGE

MACHINERY/PLANT

VEHICLES

FORESTRY SERVICES

ELECTRICITY/ UTILITIES

02 SERVICES & PRICES

ROOT CROP, VEGETABLE SERVICES SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /ACRE

£/HOUR

Deep Cultivating 31.00 70.00 Power Harrow/Rotaspike 40.00 120.00 Deep Ridging 31.00 - 35.00 Shallow Ridging 22.00 46.25 Bed Tiller with plough 75.00 3 Row Bed Tiller with ploughs 188.00 Stone Separating Potatoes 36mm 125.00 Stone Separating Potatoes 32mm 130.00 Stone Separating Carrots 32mm 145.00 - 150.00 Bedforming Separated Beds 52.50 Precision Drilling Veg On Beds Bedforming Precision Drilling One Pass Planting Potatoes Without Fert 55.00 Planting Potatoes With Fert 61.00 Potato Harvesting Unmanned 180.00 Dahlman Roller unmanned 197.00 175.00 Self Propelled Harvester on Tracks Tractor & Trailer 40.00 - 55.00 Front Topper 20.00 Windrowing Bulb Farnwood Ware Separator Potato Dressing/Grading Potato Storage Potato Haulm Pulverising 3 Bed (Less than 25 acres) Potato Haulm Pulverising 3 Bed (more than 25 acres) Green Haulm Desiccation (Plus gas) Bulb Haulm Pulverising 45.00 Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

25

your land, your rights...

“The strategic advice and support we received was invaluable and the result well beyond our expectations”

Your local Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor and renowned expert in the field with regards to compensation claims, renewable energy, infrastructure projects and utilities crossing private land.

Cameron are ready to advise and guide you through this complex process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.  25+ years experience  specialist advice and solutions  roads, cables, pipelines  fees often all paid by authority  farming clients across the North

Call Neil for a chat today 07889 965018

CAMERON R U R A L P R O P E R T Y C O N S U LT A N T S

www.cameronproperty.co.uk

02 SERVICES & PRICES

ROOT CROP, VEGETABLE SERVICES-CONTINUED TURNIP HARVESTING - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /ACRE

£/HOUR

EQUIPMENT - HIRE ONLY

£/ACRE

£/DAY

SERVICES PRICE/DAY

£/DAY

Turnip Harvesting Single Row 48.50/Hour Turnip Harvesting From Beds 155.00/Acre Fodder Beet Harvesting Carrot Harvesting From Beds Brush Weeding 47.25/Acre 65.50/Hour Steerage Hoe 47.25/Acre 65.50/Hour Cabbage Planter 9 Row Scarifier Deep Ridgers Hire Bed Tiller with Ploughs Bed Former Hire Brush Weeder Hire Potato Box Hire Potato Box Tippler Hire 60.00 Potato Box Trailer Hire Eight Box 75.00 Potato Box Trailer Hire Ten Box 80.00 Potato Box Trailer Hire Twelve Box 90.00 Trailer Hire Over 10t 80.00 Trailer Hire 20’ - 40’ Flats 75.00 Low Loader Trailer Hire 95.00 Stock Trailer 75.00 Silage Trailer over 10t 90.00 Heavy Duty Dump Trailer 95.00 Ritchie 8 Bale Straw Cart 125.00 Post Driver Hire 50.00 Strainer Borer Hire Log Splitter Hire Road Brush Hire 60.00 Road Brush & Bucket Hire 65.00 Cement Mixer Hire Various Types Compressor Hire Dumper Truck Hire Plastic Laying Machine Water Bowser Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

27

Fuelling Scottish farms, together With depots nationwide, we’re proud to provide Ringlink members with reliable, competitive fuel supply and management solutions to power your machinery and keep your farm moving, season after season, come rain or shine.

Red diesel

FAME-free fuels

Heating oils

Lubricants and additives

AdBlue

Tanks and telemetry

getintouch@certasenergy.co.uk certasenergy.co.uk P052 - A5 Ringlink Handbook Advert 2022 v2.indd 1

01/02/2022 14:33:39

02 SERVICES & PRICES

TRACTORS, LOADERS, FORKLIFTS & ROAD HAULAGE SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /HOUR

£/WEEKLY

4wd Tractor 101hp - 150hp 33.25 - 39.50 4wd Tractor 151hp - 200hp 35.50 - 45.00 4wd Tractor 201hp - 250hp 60.00 - 63.25 4wd Tractor 251hp - 300hp 71.25 - 76.00 4wd Tractor over 301hp 90.00 - 95.75 Self Drive Tractor Hire Fastrac 150hp - 250hp 36.50 - 70.50 Tracked Tractor 63.75 - 69.75 Tractor & Loader 101hp+ 40.00 - 47.25 Rough Terrain Forklift 36.50 Telescopic Forklift 37.75 - 40.50 JCB Type Digger 34.50 - 40.50 Skid - Steer Loader (Bobcat) 36.50 Tracked Excavator 37.75 - 50.75 480.00 Artic Steer (Industrial) 55.00 Telescopic Forklift 90.00 £/Day 335.00 JCB Type Digger 115.00 £/Day 350.00 Skid - Steer Loader (Bobcat) 95.00 £/Day 300.00 Industrial Forklift 3.0t 50.00 £/Day 150.00 Bulk Haulage Flat Haulage Curtain Sider Road Tankers Vegetable Bulkers Timber Haulage Low Loader(Machinery Trans. Etc.) Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

29

02 SERVICES & PRICES

MUCK, SLURRY SPREADING & LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£ /HOUR

EQUIPMENT - HIRE ONLY

£/DAY

£SELF/DRIVE

Rota – Spreading 40.00 57.75 Rear Spread Muck Spreading -> 10t 51.00 138.50 Rear Spread Muck Spreading -> 12t 53.00 155.75 Rear Spread Muck Spreading -> 14t 55.00 161.00 Side Impeller / Dual Spreader 45.00 80.75 Slurry Spreading 2000gallons 45.00 75.00 Vacuum Tanker 2500gallons 50.00 85.00 Vacuum tanker 3000gallons 60.00 100.00 Slurry Injection LGP Self Propelled Slurry Tanker Umbilical Spreading

Four Ewe Lamb Adopter Sheep Turning Crate Sheep Race & Gates Lamb Weigher Sheep Foot Bath Mobile Sheep Dipper Calf Dehorning Crate Cattle Crush Cattle Weigh Crate Mobile Cattle Race (Inc. Gates) Cattle Foot Bath Livestock Trailer Hire

50.00 50.00 40.00 75.00 45.00 45.00 60.00 100.00 50.00

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

31

The No.1

Independent Agricultural and Rural Insurance Specialist in Scotland Call us for a review of your insurance requirements or a quote on 01786 449966 or email enquiries@denisobrown.co.uk www.denisobrown.co.uk

02 SERVICES & PRICES

MISCELLANOUS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£/HOUR

Tree Planting Chain Saw & Operator (with Certificate) Tree Felling & Thinning Forestry Road Construction Hedge Cutting 45.00 Drainage Complete Service Drain Jetting Supply Drainage Materials Industrial Hoover Hire Hoovering & Cleaning of Sheds Power Washing of Sheds Power Washer Hire Shot Blasting Small Tool Hire Shed Construction Demolition Work Supply & Erection of Storage Systems Feed System Installation Concrete Laying / Building Stone Crushing Vibrating Roller Hard & Soft Landscaping Hydramulch & Water Jet Seeding Garden Maintenance 24 Hour Glass Replacement Service Pest Control Services(Rats/Mice/Moles/Rabbits) Skip Hire / Waste Removal Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

33

We’ll take care of business To find out more contact: Stephen Buchan Regional Head of Agriculture Scotland stephen.buchan@cybg.com 07824 473262 Virgin Money is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC (which also trades as Yorkshire Bank).

VM37272

It’s really important to us to have a specialist team who understand the challenges within agriculture. We have a long history of supporting our farming customers as they look to adapt their businesses to deal with the challenges ahead. Our team of Agricultural Managers are based throughout the UK and are always on hand to provide advice and support to help our customers thrive.

02 SERVICES & PRICES

COMMODITIES DAILY QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING: Fuel Gas Oil (Red Diesel) Derv (White Diesel) Kero (Domestic Heating Oil) Oils Complete Range of OiIs Film For Silage or Carrots Net Wrap Various Types Baler Twine Various Types Animal Feeds Barley, Wheat, Molasses, Draff, Pot Ale etc.

Hay & Straw Any Shape or Size (When Available) Alternative Bedding Wood Pellets, Shavings, Sawdust & Peat Silage Bales or Pit Silage (When Available) Stockfeed Veg Brock Potatoes (When Available) Brock Carrots Brock Turnips Hardcore Graded & Delivered Fire Extinguishers Supply & Service Arable Inputs Lime Magnesium, White & Granular Lime Complete Supply & Spread Service Seed Fertiliser & Chemicals Rock Salt White, Brown, Grit Mix Farm Signs Complete Range Available Tanks Fuel, Oil, Water, Mollasses etc.

Coal Delivered Choice of Grades Estate Maintenance Tree, Hedge Planting & Supplies Fencing Materials Posts, Wire, Strainers etc etc

35

Are you keeping up with all the Ringlink news?

Sign up to our newsletter now at: laurencekirk@ ringlinkscotland. co.uk

R

L ING INK

It’s your Ringlink

Providing Training Solutions for you and your business. > Fully Accredited Training > Training Delivered on Site and Countrywide > Quality Assurance Approved > Lantra Training > City & Guilds NPTC Centre > NPORS Accredited

www.ringlinkservices.co.uk Call: 01561 376000 Email: training@ringlinkservices.

02 SERVICES & PRICES

LABOUR & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

£/HOUR

Pre-Apprentice 9.55 Labour Unskilled 17.15 Semi Skilled Labour 18.65 Overtime Rate 24.80 HGV Driver 19.30 Relief Pig Person 19.30 Multi Skilled Labour Fencer Relief Dairy Person Cattle Feet Trimming (Inc. Mobile Crate) Sheep Shearing Mechanic On Site Blacksmith Electrician Potato Box Repair (On Farm Service) Builder Roughcaster Slater Joiner Shotblaster Pest Eradication (Rats/Mice/Rabbits/Moles) Agronomy Services Water Divining Agricultural Consultants Estate & Land Management Agricultural Valuations Advisory Services Secretarial Services GPS Services Wood Cutting Labour rates apply from 1st April 2025 Unless agreed otherwise, the supply of labour incurs a minimum charge of eight hours.

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

37

It’s your Ringlink

Making the most of your membership?

From fuel cards to fencing supplies, forklift training to phone contracts, there are loads of ways you can get more from your membership.

There are loads of ideas in your handbook, or get in touch with us directly. Our contact details are on the back cover.

02 SERVICES & PRICES

MEMBERS PICK UP ON ADDED BENEFITS OF RINGLINK We always say you can rely on Ringlink and there are two reasons to use us – saving time and saving money.

We now have over 2,500 member cards in circulation purchasing over 3.5million litres last year, which provides an average saving to these members of around 6p per litre – a massive £216,000 in total!

Sometimes we can even help you save both. Freeing up your time from trying to find something can be a godsend when it comes to getting things done.

SAVING TIME Other ways for use to help power your business is managing your electricity contract: we’re now managing 2,217 contracts on behalf of members.

Although we were set up in 1988 as a machinery ring and we’re known as a cost-effective and efficient way to source machinery and labour, our services now stretch from fences to forestry, land rental to first aid training and hundreds more.

This increase provides us with more bargaining power when renewals are due, all while freeing up your valuable time to do what you enjoy doing (rather than speaking to a call centre, that is if you can get through).

COST-SAVING

We work directly with the npower team, so from renewing contracts to resolving billing queries, you can rely on Ringlink to work on your behalf.

One example is the hugely successful fuel card service we set up eight years ago which is saving members money every single day.

When it comes to saving time and money, we do more than you know at Ringlink.

Filling up two vehicles, twice a week can save you money - enough to cover your Ringlink subscription payment.

39

02 SERVICES & PRICES

RINGLINK: THE VALUE OF RELATIONSHIPS Andrew Moir, a member for 35 years, reflects on what he’s found valuable in relying on Ringlink.

“Being a Ringlink member made a real difference to my farming life, especially when I was farming solo.

It’s all about relationships, and Ringlink understands that.

Even with all the technology we have today, you can still pick up the phone and talk to a real person. Unlike dealing with large companies, when you call Ringlink, you feel like someone’s actually on your side.

They are invaluable as a sounding board. I could discuss possible capital purchases and come to my own conclusions, knowing I had their support.

The best part is that as a member of a cooperative, we own Ringlink.

Ringlink also takes the friction out of business.

Whether you’re selling straw to a neighbour or dealing with a disagreement, they can step in, keep things professional, and help maintain the friendships that are so important in rural life.

It’s tempting to chase the cheapest price, but that often means dealing with large national companies focused on their shareholders.

With Ringlink, it’s ours – mine, and the other 3,200 members. The people working there are working for us and our best interests.

On a practical level, selling straw became worry-free. I’d tell them how much I had, we’d agree on a price, and they’d handle the sale - and crucially, the payment. I always knew I could trust them.

It really is your Ringlink.”

40

BEING AN EMPLOYER 03

BEING AN EMPLOYER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR MEMBER BUSINESSES?

EMPLOYMENT STATUS When engaging staff, a worker’s employment status - employed or self-employed - is not a matter of choice. Companies such as Uber, Deliveroo & City Sprint have hit the headlines over recent years following tribunals to determine the employment status of their workers.

Well, you need to be clear about the employment status of anyone working for you or risk being hit with a hefty PAYE and National Insurance bill as well as a raft of employment liabilities.

Ultimately it is up to HMRC to decide if a job is suitable to be carried out by an “employee”, or one that can be carried out by someone “self-employed”. However, businesses must make the distinction and apply the correct tax regime to the job.

In all cases tribunals have found that the “self employed” businesses were in fact employees and entitled to a greater range of entitlements such as sick pay & holiday pay.

To assist members there is a comprehensive check list tool for CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) on Gov.uk where Demander members can go in and answer questions from both an employer’s and worker’s perspective, and check if the worker falls within the scope of employee.

Check employment status for tax - gov.uk (www.gov.uk) Please be aware that there is the potential that HMRC may seek to recover any unpaid tax and NI contributions from a Demander member should it be found that a worker is engaged in a job on a self-employed basis but it is found to be that it they should have been engaged as an employee. continued on page 43 41

WE COVER SMALL FARMS, LARGE FARMS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN The UK’s leading rural insurer At NFU Mutual we offer tailored insurance and a local service.

We cover all farms from poultry and sheep to arable and horticulture.

Contact your local Agent today and find out more: Call Andy Mackle on 01561 378 117 or email laurencekirk@nfumutual.co.uk Brae Cottage, Station Road, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, AB30 1BE

Andrew J Mackle is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER “Workers supplied through agency labour providers are subject to the standard terms and conditions of the supplying company (available on request) in place at the time of any staff placements. These terms are required to be signed before any staff can be supplied.”

continued from page 41 It should be noted that a demanding business is still required to offer the same health & safety protections when self-employed workers or contractors are used on site.

Failure to do so may result in penalties which can include unlimited fines or a custodial sentence.

AGENCY WORKERS REGULATIONS (2010) These regulations mean all agency workers must have the same access to certain basic facilities - including canteen, toilets, vending machine - amenities and information from the first day of an assignment as provided to fulltime workers.

AGENCY LABOUR WORKERS Using Employment Businesses to support your business workforce used to be seen as a cheaper option rather than employing them directly. This is no longer the case, since Agency Workers now enjoy many of the rights that permanent members of an employer’s own workforce do.

As a labour user you are required to ensure that any agency workers who are supplied to you by agency providers will receive the benefit of such amenities and facilities.

With an ever-diminishing pool of workers available, some are now ‘choosing’ which employer members that they will provide their services to. Most members treat their temp staff workforce well and this shows in the standard of the service they can receive from their workers

Additionally, following the completion of the 12 week qualifying period, agency workers are entitled to the same “basic working and employment conditions” that they would have been entitled to had they been recruited directly by the hirer, including pay rates, holidays, bonuses etc.

Please be aware that our 8 hour standard minimum charge rate is there to assist in retaining a workforce suitable to meet your requirements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL RINGLINK OFFICE

AGENCY LABOUR PROVIDERS

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

There are several Employment Business members supplying labour through the machinery ring. This method of supply provides the opportunity for members to engage workers without PAYE obligations as the agency assumes responsibility for payment of the worker’s remuneration and the deduction and payment of National Insurance Contributions and PAYE.

Employers’ responsibilities to workers regarding the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) changed on 6 April 2022.

As far as personal protective equipment is concerned, the regulations and accompanying impact assessment extended employer and employee duties to all workers engaged at your place of business (including agency or casual staff).

43

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

BEING AN EMPLOYER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW with the training and instruction provided, and ensure PPE is returned to the accommodation provided by the employer.

The regulations and accompanying impact assessment extend employers and employees duties in respect of personal protective equipment to all workers engaged on your place of business (including agency or casual staff).

INDUCTIONS Do you already carry out an induction for any new workers?

What is PPE?

If the answer is no, then you need to think again. As a user of labour, demanders have a responsibility to give new workers safety induction for working on their site with the relevant equipment. The induction should cover at least the following points:

PPE is defined in the regulations as “all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects the person against one or more risks to that person’s health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective”.

•

named person whom the worker reports to

•

worker’s duties and responsibilities

What does this mean for employers?

•

company’s health & safety policy

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 place a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to “employees” who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work. The PPER 2022 extended this duty to workers and came into force in April last year.

•

emergency exits and procedures where applicable

•

working hours, frequency and length of rest breaks

•

location of toilet facilities and amenities

•

What does this mean for workers?

If a risk assessment indicates a worker requires PPE to carry out their work activities, the employer must carry out a PPE suitability assessment and provide the PPE free of charge as they do for employees.

“The flexibility of sourcing staff & utilising the machinery pool from Ringlink has allowed the business to go from strength to strength. Ringlink offer a great service, with the team often going beyond the call of duty to help when you need it most.

The employer will be responsible for the maintenance, storage and replacement of any PPE they provide, and as a worker, you will be required to report loss and defects in the PPE which is provided, use the PPE in accordance

Steve Briggs, Angus Horticulture

44

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

9,68EE2S

TRAIN URSES D CO N ATTE DET YEAR LAS

With over 350 types of training course available, with bespoke options and e-learning on offer.

45

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE & WORKPLACE PENSIONS From the 1st April 2024, the National Living Wage is increasing to £12.21 per hour and the Scottish Agricultural Wage Board rates for 2025/2026 will be the same.

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE Currently anyone aged 25 years or over is entitled to be paid at least the National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour. The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) rates mirror this for all workers aged 16 & over. If the worker is within their first six months of service this is payable up to 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Overtime at 1.5 times the minimum hourly rate is payable for any hours worked out with these parameters.

Ringlink Services Ltd team have been very helpful and react quickly to my requests for temporary labour . During our busy periods this ensures we have the required staff levels to meet our business needs.

After six months of service the worker is entitled to be paid the National Living Wage for up to 8 hours per day & 39 hours per week with overtime payable thereafter.

Bayne Farming

IT PAYS TO LEARN GET UP TO £200 TOWARDS THE COST OF A TRAINING COURSE WITH AN SDS INDIVIDUAL TRAINING ACCOUNT (ITA) You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer.

And because it’s not a loan you don’t have to pay it back. Sounds good? Start searching for an ITA approved course and apply online.

Applications open now - limited funding available so do not delay, see website below:

You could receive up to £200 towards a single course or training episode per year. ITA funding could be right for you if you’re: • aged 16 or over • not in education or involved in any other SDS-funded Programme • unemployed and looking to get back into work • employed and earning less than £22,000 per year • resident in Scotland

www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/ sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

46

WORKPLACE PENSIONS An estimated seven million people in the UK aren’t saving enough for retirement. So having the right workplace pension is more important than ever. Automatic enrolment is the government’s initiative to address this.

All employers with one or more employees have to meet the legal requirements and help employees save of their retirement. All eligible employees automatically become members of a qualifying pension scheme with a high enough level of contribution. Whilst all eligible employees must be enrolled into a qualifying pension scheme they can choose to opt out if they wish.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE EMPLOYER: • • • •

workforce assessment provision and automatic enrolment into a qualifying scheme facilitating opting out and refund record keeping

3%

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS

EMPLOYEES QUALIFY FOR AUTO ENROLMENT IF THEY ARE: • • •

aged between 22 years and state pension age earning more than £10,000 per annum working in the UK

5%

EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS

47

SC

H

O LA

S RS 1 & H IP S5 SA VA

IL

LATHALLAN SCHOOL NURSERY | JUNIOR | SENIOR

The only all-through school in Scotland to achieve Gold Learning Outside the Classroom standard.

Book a tour: 01561 362220 | admissions@lathallan.org.uk Brotherton Castle, Johnshaven, Angus DD10 OHN www.lathallan.org.uk

AB LE

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

EMPLOYING YOUNG PEOPLE Young people over school age and under 18 are known as Young Workers.

There are special laws in place to protect the employment rights of these young workers, in relation to health and safety, what jobs they can do, when and how long they can work. These laws are extremely strict and as an employer, it is vital that they are adhered to or there are tough penalties for breaking them.

HEALTH & SAFETY

HOURS OF WORK & REST BREAKS

If you have a worker who is under the age of 18, you must complete a health & safety risk assessment before they can start working, paying particular attention to their age, experience, and other factors present that could be of risk.

If your worker is of school leaving age but under 18, the law states that they cannot work more than 8 hours each day or more than 40 hours each week. They must be allowed 12 hours rest between working days, and 2 rest days each working week. They are also entitled to a 30 minute rest break when they work for a consecutive 4 and a half hours.

If they are under school leaving age, you must also tell one of their parents about the risk assessment findings. This must include any risks that are identified, and measures that will be put in place to protect them.

In addition to this, your worker would not be allowed to work between the hours of midnight and 4am, except in the most exceptional circumstances, and that they are supervised by an adult.

WHAT WORK CAN BE DONE?

Any persons under school leaving age cannot work during school hours, for more than 2hours on any school day or for more than 12 hours in any week, for more than 2 hours on a Sunday or for more than 8 hours on any day which is not a school day or a Sunday. They also cannot work before 7am or after 7pm.

If the worker is over school leaving age and under 18, there are special restrictions on the type of work they can do. These include work which they are not physically or mentally capable of, which brings them into contact with chemical agents, toxic materials or radiation, and work involving health risks due to extreme cold, heat or vibration.

HOLIDAYS

No person under school leaving age can be employed in work other than light work, and they are not allowed to be employed in work which is likely to be harmful to their safety, health, development or that will affect their attendance at school.

If your worker is 16 or over they are legally entitled to paid holidays, just the same as workers over 18. For those working a 5 day week they are entitled to 30 days paid holidays under the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order (No69).

49

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

land-based pre-apprenticeship

The Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is an ideal pathway for progression within the wider rural sector. Accredited by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC), the programme is currently funded by Scottish Government and administered by Skills Development Scotland, on an extended pilot basis.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

UPFRONT INDUCTION

•

To identify suitable candidates who have a desire to work within the rural industry

•

To provide practical experience, training and knowledge allowing youngsters to make informed decisions as to how they would like their career to progress

Working in collaboration with SRUC, the successful applicants undertake an upfront residential induction on a college campus; involving a range of activities and certificated training as follows:

•

To provide on-going mentoring and support to maximise the potential of the young person

•

The ultimate aim is to help prepare young people for employment in agriculture and the wider rural sector

• Preparation for Employment award (SCQF level 4) •

Health & Safety Risk Assessment

•

Emergency First Aid

•

Manual Handling Awareness

• Tractor Driving (3 days) + on the road Tractor Driving •

Rough Terrain Telescopic Forklift (3 days)

•

Crop Production/Livestock Production continued on page 53

WHY WORK IN LAND-BASED? Nearly 65,000 people work in Scotland’s agriculture industry and 80% of Scotland’s landmass is used for agriculture. Food and drink is one of the most important and fastest growing sectors in Scotland.

This is a vital industry that is important to the food security of every nation and region. It is also a significant sector of the economy that includes many small businesses.

THE LAND-BASED SECTOR OFFERS: •

A diverse and rewarding lifestyle 50

•

Develop a wide range of valuable and transferable skills

•

Connect with the landscape and nature

•

Good job security and high rates of pay for experienced skilled workers

“

way It’s a good job. a to to get in all is g Trainin ere’s th d funded an re to e th someone need u o y explain if them to.

“

“

LOW D R E Wen tic e 20 23

Pr e- Ap pr

I quite en joy washing the tractors - it is quite sati sfying to do.”

Pr e- Ap pr

“

H A R R IS

ON DEA

en tic e 20

“

The Pre-apprentice ship is the best thing I’ve done. I’ve really enjoyed work ing with the animals.

“

N

There’s been lots of new training as well as the experience of learning new things from the team here.

“

JAM IE ORR

Pre-A ppren tice 2023

I’ve done loads of thi ngs.

It’s good fun and it’s good experience.

“

3

“

Pre- App rent ice 202

“

AM BE R TH OM SO

MA RC US JA MIE SO Pre- App rent ice 202

3

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23

S

It’s your Ringlink

Mentoring Matters... can you help? > Can you offer 6-months employment for a young person? > Are you willing to share your knowledge with others? > Do you want to build a skilled workforce for the future?

Interested in becoming a Mentor?

All enquiries to gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

continued from page 50

PROGRAMME PARTNERS

WORK PLACEMENT

SRUC: Provides the facilities for a residential induction. SRUC also delivers the Preparation for Employment award together with additional training units.

Following the upfront induction, successful Pre-apprentices commence their individual placements with an approved mentor business for 26 weeks. The work placement is fully paid, based on 40 hours per week. Payment for time worked is in accordance with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB).

TRAINING Up to £1,500 of training will be offered to each candidate with an element of certified training tailored to individual needs.

Ringlink Scotland: Provides the day-to-day management of the programme, recruits and supports candidates along with the mentor businesses, and provides certified training for the trainees.

For full details of the programme or if you are interested in becoming a Mentor see: www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk/ preapprenticeship

CERTIFICATION All candidates who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion awarded from Ringlink Scotland along with relevant certification from the SRUC induction.

After 12 successful years of delivering the programme, from 2013-2023 the following outcomes have been achieved: •

79% completion over 12 years

•

50% of trainees offered jobs on completing with mentor businesses

•

55% of participants are from a non-agricultural background & new entrants to the sector

•

33% of candidates have progressed on to further education (MAs, college, university)

•

17% of candidates secured other employment

53

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP CLASS OF 2024 There was a record 45 individuals going through Ringlink’s Land-based Pre-apprenticeship programme this academic year. Twenty-eight young trainees completed a four-day block induction at the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) at Craibstone in June before starting their 26-week individual placements with an approved mentor business. over the past five years. Some 55% of trainees had no previous farming background, and 80% of them are still working in the industry.

Typically, at least 50% of trainees progress on to the Modern Apprenticeship on completion, either with the same mentor business or another land-based employer

This year’s intake was spilt into two, including an intake of forestry pre-apprentices - the second cohort to go through this programme and a winter intake of 12 trainees who started in January.

The forestry induction offered a range of activities and training for the pre-apprentices: Preparation for Employment award (SCQF 4), Emergency First Aid + F, Health & Safety Awareness, Manual Handling Awareness, Introduction to Forestry Machinery, Introduction to Forestry Process, Brush Cutter and Introduction to Saws.

Mentor businesses play a vitally important role in the pre-apprenticeship and we are immensely appreciative for their involvement.

Ringlink submitted a proposal to Scottish Government more than two years ago for a mentor incentive to give some financial support in developing these young entrants and while we’ve not yet been successful, we remain committed to achieving some level of assistance for mentors.

Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland currently fund and administer the scheme, but 2024/2025 was the last year of guaranteed funding as part of a three-year pilot for Ringlink Scotland, Borders Machinery Ring and Tarff Services.

Applications are now open until the end of March for the 2025 summer intake and we welcome any enquiries from mentor businesses who can offer six months of fulltime employment from July to December.

The three participating machinery rings, working in partnership with SRUC and Borders College have now trained 345 pre-apprentices

54

In the 12 years it’s been operating, this programme has offered hundreds of young people their first step into the industry. Some of those very first entrants now have 12 years of experience and there are some great examples of how they have grasped the opportunity. One is now farm foreman, another has started her own business with many others giving us extremely positive feedback Ringlink managing director Graham Bruce

Interested in Mentoring?... please contact Gail Robertson, Programme manager as we can’t offer this Programme without Mentors.

Enquiries to: gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk or 01561 376022 55

TR E E S A N D TI M B E R

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER MEETS PRE-APPRENTICES Last summer, Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon visited Laurencekirk for an update on our Land-based Pre-apprenticeship programme.

The ultimate aim of the Land-based Preapprenticeship is to help prepare young people for employment in agriculture and the wider rural sector.

Three people with first-hand experience were there to speak to the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands which is in its 12th year and coming to the end of its funding period.

The programme provides practical experience, training and knowledge allowing the candidates to make informed decisions as to how they would like their career to progress.

Ringlink Scotland provides the day-to-day management of the programme, recruits and supports candidates along with the mentor businesses, and provides certified training for the trainees.

Ms Gougeon met current pre-apprentice Danielle Wrigley as well as graduates Logan Smith and Maddie Cairnie from the 2019 and 2020 programmes respectively.

Each shared their experience of coming from a non-agricultural background and how the pre-apprenticeship gave them that important first step into the industry.

Supporting new entrants, particularly young people, into agriculture is absolutely vital to protect the future of the sector.

Mairi Gougeon, Rural Affairs Minister

58

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

Ms Gougeon said, “It was great to meet the pre-apprentices and hear how the programme has helped build their confidence and develop their skills.

There are so many exciting opportunities available right across the agricultural sector and that was really emphasised by the young people I spoke to who had been through the scheme.”

Ringlink managing director Graham Bruce said: “We thank Mairi for her support in coming to see us and we felt it was really important she heard from the very people who are benefitting from the preapprenticeship.

“We have reached the end of our latest tranche of funding, so the positive reaction from the Scottish Government to our proposal submitted in March this year has been welcome.”

“In the 12 years it’s been operating, the programme has offered hundreds of young people their first step into the industry. Some of those very first entrants now have 12 years of experience and there are some great examples of how they have grasped the opportunity.

One is now farm foreman, another has started her own business with many others giving us extremely positive feedback.”

“Administering the programme is a lot of work and this investment will let it grow with higher numbers of young people being introduced into working in rural businesses.”

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03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

THE MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2015 & EXPLOITED WORKERS Modern slavery & worker exploitation is a very real concern in the UK agricultural industry. Further to this we would urge all our demanders to be aware of this as a potential problem and to be able to identify any signs of worker exploitation and what to do if there is evidence of it.

Below is a list of some potential indicators but there are no set number of indicators that would point to a person being a victim of labour abuse.

For more information see: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

or call the helpline on 08000 121 700

The list of potential signs are grouped under the following headings on the GLAA website: • Restricted Freedom • Behaviours • Working Conditions • Accommodation • Finances • Appearance For further advice on the above, please check out the Gangmaster & Labour Abuse Authority’s website which explains in more detail: www.gla.gov.uk/who-we-are/modern-slavery Should you be aware of or have ANY concerns about worker exploitation or labour abuse of any workers, then it is your duty to report your concerns to the relevant authority.

Labour exploitation is still the most common type of modern slavery reported to the Modern Slavery helpline in Scotland (33% down from 46% LY). In the most recent period reported (Q1 2024), the highest recorded potential victim nationalities were from China, Syria and Vietnam, as shown in the statistical report on the following page.

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Scotland 21 Calls relating to cases in Scotland 16 Webforms

0 App submissions

6 Cases of modern slavery

12 Cases of labour abuse

17 Potential victims of

46 Potential victims of

top modern slavery potential victim nationalites

type of exploitation

modern slavery

China

1

Syria

1

Vietnam

1

labour abuse

Various, 2, 33%

Labour, 2, 33%

Criminal, 1, 17%

Sexual, 1, 17%

modern slavery potential victim demographics 14

12

12

10 8 6

4

4

2 0

0 Male

0 Female Unknown Adult

0 Male

0

0

Female Unknown Minor

5 Referrals to police, government entities 0 Referrals to local authorities

1

0 Male

Female Unknown Unknown

on modern slavery cases

Unseen • Re gistere d char ity number 1127 620 • Re gistere d compan y number 06 754171

61

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

ILLEGAL WORKERS It is a criminal offence to employ workers who do NOT have the right to work in the UK. You can be sent to jail for 5 years and pay an unlimited fine if you’re found guilty of employing someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ didn’t have the right to work in the UK.

Under the 2006 Immigration, Asylum & Nationalities act, preventing illegal working is now a responsibility of all employers. The act covers permanent, full-time, part-time, fixed term & casual employees. In order to prevent illegal workers gaining employment, employers are required to check that ALL workers employed have recognised documented proof of their right to work in the UK before they commence employment.

If your potential employee is a Non-UK citizen then the following routes are available to check their ‘right to work in the UK’ If the potential employee is an EU citizen and has ‘Settled or Pre-Settled Status’ then they should give you a ‘Share Code’. This along with their name & date of birth should be used to verify their right to work in the UK. This will give you a document you can print with their photograph and immigration status.

RECOGNISED DOCUMENTS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:-

This can be completed at the following: View a job applicant’s right to work details - gov.uk (www.gov.uk)

There are now multiple routes to verify someone’s right to work in the UK. If your potential worker is a UK citizen then you must see the originals of the following documents, take copies and sign & date them.

•

If your potential employee has applied for ‘Status’ but has not yet been granted, they should have an application confirmation from the Home office.

Their immigration status can be checked using the Employer Checking Service. Use this service to ask the Home Office to check an employee’s or potential employee’s immigration status if they cannot show their documents or online immigration status.

UK passport (can be out of date but the photograph should represent a good likeness of the applicant)

OR A COMBINATION OF 2 OF THE FOLLOWING: • •

A UK Birth Certificate A Government issued document stating name & NI number ie P45 or P60 • A benefits office JSA card or letter • A previous employers payslip • A government issued letter proclaiming the employees residency and employability status

THIS COULD BE, FOR EXAMPLE, BECAUSE THEY: • •

62

have an outstanding appeal, review or application with the Home Office arrived in the UK before 1989 and do not have documents to prove their immigration status or right to work

There are example documents in the following guide from the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

The Government and the UK’s Border Agency have come down very hard in recent years concerning the employment of illegal workers.

The penalty for knowingly employing an illegal worker has trebled and is now up to £60,000 per worker. It also carries a two-year prison sentence.

YOU MUST ALSO ASK THE HOME OFFICE TO CHECK THEIR STATUS IF THEY HAVE: • •

a digital or non-digital Certificate of Application that says you need to ask the Home Office to check their right to work an Application Registration Card

All other potential employees should have a valid visa to work in the UK.

The above information is a brief overview of the law and how it stands with employment of illegal workers. The following websites can take you through things step by step.

www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work.

After the 1st July 2021, all Non-UK or Eire nationals will be treated the same when it comes to work & residency status no matter which country they come from.

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk www.gov.uk/legal-right-to-work-in-the-uk

For potential workers to access employment from the 1st July 2021 they should have a valid work Visa in place, prior to employment.

These can be obtained through sponsorship via the PBS (Points Based System) for which you would need a Sponsor Licence or through a valid worker scheme such as the Seasonal Worker Pilot.

WHILST ALL CARE IS TAKEN TO ENSURE ACCURACY THROUGHOUT THIS HANDBOOK, NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE TAKEN FOR THOSE ACTING ON OR REFRAINING TO ACT ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN. The information above is subject to legislative change.

CHECK THAT: •

The documents aren’t expired (except UK passports, which can be expired)

•

Photos in the documents are a good resemblance to the employee.

•

The date of birth on the document seems consistent with the employee’s appearance.

•

The visa covers the type of work they’ll be doing (including any limit on the number of hours they can work).

•

If two documents have different names stated, make sure there’s a good reason, eg. marriage or divorce.

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03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

GANGMASTERS & LABOUR ABUSE AUTHORITY (GLAA) The Immigration Act 2016 is designed to address labour exploitation & abuse across the UK. Specialist GLAA officers have been appointed & trained to investigate cases of severe exploitation across the entire UK labour market. The Licensing scheme remains for labour suppliers & users in the Food Processing & Packaging, Agriculture & Shellfish gathering industries.

• Ensure that you provide a safe working environment.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS UNDERTAKE WORK WHICH IS COVERED BY THE LICENSING SCHEME?

• Co-operating with them to ensure the site of work complies with health and safety legislation.

The GLAA regulates those who supply labour or use workers to provide services in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, shellfish gathering, food processing and packaging.

The GLAA are responsible for ensuring that licensing standards are adhered to, and the businesses using labour providers are aware that they must only use licensed providers.

• Ensure all workers have adequate and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Ensure adequate arrangements have been made to provide welfare facilities including toilets, washing facilities and drinking water both on site and in the fields where it is required.

• Having your agreement with your provider in writing.

LABOUR USERS The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 includes a number of criminal offences that apply to both labour providers and labour users.

If you are supplied with labour and your business operates in the licensable sectors, you must only use GLAA licensed labour providers.

Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to £5000, imprisonment or both.

GLAA ACTIVE SERVICE The best way to keep up to date with your labour provider’s licence status is to register for the “active check” alerts service. This sends direct updates to keep you informed of any changes to your labour provider’s licence, such as a compliance inspection, additional licence conditions or a revocation.

The following list outlines the minimum requirements: • Check the GLAA register to see if your labour provider is licensed on www.gla.gov.uk • Co-operate with the labour provider to help ensure that they comply with the GLAA conditions.

64

•

It’s very simple to sign up, you can make a check by calling the GLAA helpline on 0345 602 5020 or you can check online: www.gla.gov.uk and follow these steps:

• Remember, it is your supplier licence that is at risk for failure to comply.

• Register with the GLAA to get your own business checking account within their within their active check portal •

Search for your labour provider using their unique reference number (URN)

•

Confirm the details and check the person is named on the licence

FURTHER INFORMATION It is advisable and good practice to regularly visit the GLAA website www.gla.gov.uk or use the link from Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd web page www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk to keep abreast of the regulations.

You can use your Government Gateway details from other Government services to enrol for the active check service.

Within the GLAA website, there are many useful links to other websites to give advice to both the labour provider and the labour supplier. Advice is also given in several languages to ensure the facts are fully understood. If you have any questions about the GLAA and how it might affect you or your business please contact:

LABOUR SUPPLIER OBLIGATIONS •

Register with the GLAA and obtain a licence, failure to do so is an offence which can lead to a £10,000 fine and imprisonment or both under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.

•

Ensure that you comply with the licensing regulations at all times.

•

Ensure that safe working practices are in operation on all sites where you supply workers.

Co-operate with the labour user to help ensure that they comply with the conditions that are set out by the GLAA.

communications@gla.gsi.gov.uk.

WHILST ALL POSSIBLE CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN COMPILING THIS HANDBOOK, NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OCCASIONED

BY ACTING ON OR REFRAINING TO ACT ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS HANDBOOK CAN BE ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLISHERS OR THEIR AGENTS.

• Ensure all workers have adequate and appropriate PPE.

65

03 BEING AN EMPLOYER

WHAT DOES THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL MEAN FOR YOU? In October 2024 the Government introduced ‘The Employment Rights’ Bill

This is a comprehensive bill which, once implemented, will represent the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation.

It will raise the minimum floor of employment rights, giving the British public the prosperity, security and dignity that everyone in Britain needs and deserves at work.

SUPPORT FAMILY FRIENDLY RIGHTS BY IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY AND SECURITY: • Make existing entitlements to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental leave available from ‘Day 1’ of employment

WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?

• Enabling parents to take their Paternity Leave and pay after their Shared Parental Leave and pay

Address one-sided flexibility ensuring that jobs provide a baseline of security for workers; below are just some of the points that are currently out for consu1ltation with the view that they will be introduced in Law in 2026.

• Introduce a new right to unpaid Bereavement Leave, allowing employees to take leave from work to grieve the loss of a loved one • Introduce new protections from dismissal for a woman who is pregnant and for six months after her return to work

The list includes but is not limited to the following:

• Strengthen the existing ‘Day 1’ right to request flexible working, by requiring employers to explain the grounds on which they’ve denied a request

• Ban exploitative zero hours contracts by introducing rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation for short-notice cancellation of shifts

• Strengthen employers’ duty to prevent sexual harassment of their employees by requiring them to take all reasonable preventative steps

• End unscrupulous ‘fire and rehire’ and ‘fire and replace’ practices by considering any dismissals for failing to agree to a change in contract as automatically unfair, except where businesses genuinely have no alternative

ENSURE WORKERS GET FAIR PAY FOR A FAIR DAY’S WORK:

• Provide a ‘Day 1’ right to protection from unfair dismissal (while allowing statutory probation periods in which a lighter-touch dismissal process applies)

• Improve access to Statutory Sick Pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit and removing the waiting period

66

MODERNISE TRADE UNION LEGISLATION GIVING TRADE UNIONS GREATER FREEDOM TO ORGANISE, REPRESENT AND NEGOTIATE ON BEHALF OF THEIR WORKERS:

• Statutory Sick Pay

• Repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023

• The Fair Work Agency will also incorporate a wider range of employment rights, such as holiday pay.

•

Repeal the Trade Union Act 2016

•

Strengthen trade unions’ right of access

•

Simplify trade union recognition process

• The licensing regime for businesses operating as ‘gangmasters’ in certain sectors

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT? The bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 10 October 2024. As is typical for employment legislation, further detail on many policies in the bill will be provided through regulations after Royal Assent. They expect consultation to begin on the majority of these reforms this year, seeking significant input from all stakeholders. For some areas, they will be consulting before the end of the year, including on applying the zero hours measures to agency workers; modernising trade union legislation; and Statutory Sick Pay.

• Introduce new rights and protections for trade unions representatives • Introduce a duty for employers to inform workers of their right to join a trade union • Introduce additional protections from blacklisting IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS: Establish the Fair Work Agency to bring together existing state enforcement functions including:

They will ensure business have time to prepare for the implementation of these reforms and expect that most reforms in the bill will take effect no earlier than 2026. Where more time is needed for businesses to prepare for change, this will be taken into consideration. Guidance will be published where this is appropriate.

• Regulations for employment agencies and employment businesses • The unpaid employment tribunal award penalty scheme • Enforcement of the National Minimum Wage

67

TRAINING COURSES

04

Ringlink Services is your expert training provider, supplying relevant and practical skills to workforces across the UK. Whichever it is, you can rely on Ringlink.

We have hundreds of fully accredited specialist courses to choose from, as well as the ability to build bespoke training to your needs.

Browse our courses in the following pages but don’t hesitate to get in touch for our expert advice on picking the perfect training.

We deliver a range of courses in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, construction, haulage and much more.

Maybe you’re looking to upskill or retrain to develop your own career?

Or maybe you’re an employer looking for flexible, professional training and assessments, delivered on your own premises, online or on-site at our purpose-designed training centre.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 69

LIQUID STORAGE TANKS PLASTIC OR STEEL - NEW OR USED

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Octopost is a Swedish manufactured product, octagonal shaped to differentiate its unique properties, starting with very slow grown Swedish pine, kiln dried, square pointed and pressure heat treated with creosote. This provides a life expectancy often in excess of 40 years with a manufacturers guarantee of 25 years.

The posts undergo the same high quality process as the companies main core production of telegraph poles.

TEL 01888 511203 enquiries@jfsupplies.co.uk

04 TRAINING - CONTENTS

Forestry & Arboriculture

73 Forestry Training

Utility Arboriculture

76 Utility Arboriculture

Pesticides 79 Pesticides

Plant & Machinery 81 Plant

ATVs and Off-Road Driving

84 ATV

First Aid 85 First Aid

Driver CPC 87 Driver CPC

Health & Safety 89

H&S Health & Safety

Sprayer Operator 91 Fork Lifts 93 Forklift

We welcomed

9,682

trainees last year

71

Easy steering and strong traction for stable rides.

#NeverStopRising on any field.

Redpath Tyres

Sales and Technical line 01361 882266 Email enquiries@redpathtyres.net www.redpath-tyres.co.uk Agricultural

|

Industrial & Construction

|

Earth Mover

|

Forestry

04 TRAINING Forestry Training

FORESTRY & ARBORICULTURE From felling trees to aerial pruning, chainsaw maintenance to tree survey and inspection, our range of courses provides the skills needed to work in forestry.

PROFESSIONAL TREE INSPECTION

ASSISTED TREE FELLING

An advanced course, you’ll need to be an experienced and qualified inspector with an in-depth knowledge of plant and arboricultural science. You’ll learn how to clearly and competently inspect potentially hazardous trees.

Assisted felling is an essential skill for many people working in the forestry and arboricultural sectors. Our course helps you build on the skills and experience you already possess.

BASIC TREE INSPECTION

FELLING AND PROCESSING TREES UP TO 380MM

Identifying hazardous trees is a vital part of a number of jobs, from park rangers to estate workers. Our training is designed to help you recognise and then report issues to an appropriate expert.

The danger involved in felling trees is common knowledge; how to carry out the work safely and effectively is not as well known. Our course gives you the confidence and expertise to tackle this hazardous job from start to finish

CHAINSAW MAINTENANCE AND CROSS-CUTTING

FELLING AND PROCESSING TREES OVER 380MM

This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety guidance.

Ideal if you’re working on farms, in woodland, on building sites or in conservation, you’ll gain the expertise needed to use and maintain a chainsaw.

Tree-felling takes a skilled and confident practitioner to carry it out both safely and efficiently. That’s what you’ll become at the end of our intensive three-day training course. continued on page 75

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 73

04 TRAINING Forestry Training

continued from page 73 SEVER UPROOTED OR WIND-BLOWN TREES USING A CHAINSAW (INDIVIDUAL)

AERIAL CUTTING OF TREES WITH A CHAINSAW USING FREE FALL TECHNIQUES

This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety guidance as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

This course provides the knowledge and skills required for learners to be assessed for the regulated qualification, Level 3 award in aerial cutting of trees with a chainsaw using free fall techniques AERIAL TREE PRUNING

SEVER UPROOTED OR WIND-BLOWN TREES USING A CHAINSAW (MULTIPLE)

Our course provides you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to carry out aerial pruning of a tree. It’s designed for anyone over the age of 16 who already has experience of climbing trees using work-positioning systems.

Chainsaws are powerful and dangerous tools. And using them to sever wind-blown trees is potentially hazardous work. It is vital to maintain and develop your expertise and knowledge to stay skilled and safe. Our course helps you do just that.

AERIAL TREE RIGGING This advanced aerial technique allows the safe and controlled removal of sections of tree, and can be specially useful in the urban environment due to the high likelihood of buildings and other infrastructure being in the drop zone.

TREE CLIMBING & AERIAL RESCUE This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety guidance, as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

WOODCHIPPER Our course will teach you how to operate a woodchipper safely and with confidence. popular pieces of equipment used in industries from arboriculture to woodland preservation, they’re powerful tools that have the potential to cause injury if used incorrectly.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 75

04 TRAINING Utility Arboriculture

UTILITY ARBORICULTURE Our utility arboriculture courses are designed specifically for those working around utility services. From recognising species of tree to arboricultural surveys, pruning to felling, our range of courses provides you with the skills needed to manage trees and woodlands.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Aerial Pruning (0038-33)

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Basic Electrical Knowledge (0038-30)

This course covers hazards, risk, controls, emergency procedures, industry guides and potential environmental damage, site zoning, tree condition assessment, working at height assessment, tree factors and characteristics and aerial tree pruning.

This course covers hazards, risks, controls, emergency planning, legislation, equipment and resources, tree types and condition, safety documentation, ground clearance and safety zones, tree electrical categories, overhead line components, industry good practice, roles and responsibilities.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Assisted Tree Felling (0038-34)

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Tree Species Recognition, Growth Characteristics and Associated Hazards (0038-31)

This course covers hazards, risks, controls, emergency procedures, records and assisted felling practices, procedures and techniques.

This course covers tree species identification, growth characteristics and associated hazards.

LEVEL 4 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Surveyor (0038-40) This course covers legislation, regulation and sector guidance requirements, process, and procedures for carrying out a utility survey.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Ground-based Pruning (0038-32) This course covers hazards, risks, controls, emergency procedures, site specifics and tree categories, as well as electrical methods of work ground-based pruning.

76

04 TRAINING Utility Arboriculture

based pre-survey, tree inspection equipment, survey information, fungal decay organisms, notifiable pests and diseases, factors for hardwood woodlands and softwood forestry plantations, risk rating, machinery for tree management and tree inspection.

LEVEL 4 Certificate of Competence in ETR 132 Resilience Arboricultural Surveyor (0038-41)

It’s your Ringlink

This course covers hazards, risks and controls, reasons behind undertaking an Electrical Technical Report (ETR) 132 survey, office-

Forestry Pre-apprenticeship “The Forestry sector supports approx. 25,000 jobs in Scotland. Woodland creation and management are seen as ways of halting the loss of biodiversity, which needs more skilled experienced staff to help reach the challenging targets set by government.

The pre-apprenticeship programme is a great route to attract new entrants in the growing forestry industry.” Helen McKay, Chief Forester for Scotland.

Interested in Mentoring? Contact your local office or gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

77

MEMBER DISCOUNTS AVAILBLE ON SELECTED FORD VEHICLES INCLUDING: THE FORD RANGER Contact your local Ringlink office for full details. T & C’s apply Minimum of 12 months membership qualifying period.

04 TRAINING Pesticides

PESTICIDES Pesticides are widely used across many land-based industries and it’s essential they are handled, applied and stored correctly.

Our range of courses teach you how to do just that.

SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES

BOOM SPRAYER

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture and horticulture. But they can be potentially harmful substances, so a thorough appreciation of safe working practices is vital. Our course is tailor-made for people responsible for the storage, handling and application of pesticides.

Our course is designed for anyone who uses vehicle-mounted or trailer boom spraying equipment (hydraulic nozzle) as part of their work.

HAND-HELD APPLICATOR Our course is designed for anyone who uses hand-held applicators with a hydraulic nozzle as part of their work.

ALUMINIUM PHOSPHIDE Aluminium phosphide is a dangerous compound. Our course gives you a full working knowledge of the relevant commercial products and application equipment. It’s ideal for anyone using aluminium phosphide in a commercial environment, such as pest control operatives, farmers, gamekeepers and greenkeepers.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 79

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To discuss call your local Ringlink office or Email: laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

04 TRAINING Plant

PLANT & MACHINERY From excavators to lift trucks, tractors to dumpers, our range of plant & machinery courses helps you develop your skills. They include specific training for particular vehicle types for you to develop the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely.

RIDE-ON MOWERS

TRACTOR DRIVING: 13-15 YEAR OLDS

A wide range of mowers are used across horticultural and landscape businesses. Our course makes sure you can operate a ride-on mower safely and efficiently.

Rural industry has a long and proud tradition of giving young workers the opportunity to learn on the job. Our course lets younger workers develop or expand on the skills and knowledge required to operate a tractor safely and competently.

PEDESTRIAN MOWERS With proper training, most mowers little risk to either the user or anyone near to the machine.

Our course will give you that training, ensuring you can operate a pedestrian mower safely and efficiently. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll receive a certificate of competence.

TRACTOR DRIVING: INITIAL

ABRASIVE WHEELS

TRACTOR DRIVING: EXPERIENCED OPERATOR

This course gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence to operate an abrasive wheel machine safely for cutting and/or grinding operations, protecting both you and those around you.

The tractor is an essential piece of machinery for so many businesses and operating it safely and efficiently is absolutely vital.

The tractor is an essential piece of machinery for so many businesses and operating it safely and efficiently is absolutely vital. Our instructors will steer you through the entire tractor-driving process.

continued on page 82 81

04 TRAINING Plant

continued from page 81 ARM-MOUNTED CUTTING EQUIPMENT Attachments such as the arm-mounted cutter give tractors an unrivalled versatility when it comes to rural work. Our course teaches you how to operate this useful tool safely and competently.

SKID STEER LOADER This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a skid steer loader safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers two certificate options: operating either a tracked or wheeled machine, depending on your needs.

LOADING SHOVEL This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a loading shovel safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers two certificate options: operating either a tracked or wheeled machine, depending on your needs.

RIDE-ON ROLLER This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a ride-on roller safely, protecting both you and those around you.

DUMP TRUCK This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a dump truck safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: articulated chassis up to 15 tonnes, articulated chassis above 15 tonnes, rigid chassis up to 15 tonnes tracked, rigid chassis up to 50 tonnes tracked, rigid chassis up to 15 tonnes wheeled, or rigid chassis up to 50 tonnes wheeled.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 82

04 TRAINING Plant

FORWARD TIPPING DUMPER

360° TRACKED EXCAVATOR

Forward tipping dumpers are considered to have one of the highest rates of accidents, causing serious injuries and even fatalities.

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you.

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: below ten tonnes, above ten tonnes, or excavators used as cranes.

360° WHEELED EXCAVATOR

180° EXCAVATOR

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you.

It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: below ten tonnes, above ten tonnes, or excavators used as cranes.

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: below five tonnes, above five tonnes, or excavators used as cranes.

83

04 TRAINING ATV

ATVS AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING Anyone driving an off-road vehicle will benefit from our targeted courses. You may be looking to update your skills or get on board with the latest health and safety regulations.

Whatever your needs, our courses will get your off-road driving skills up to speed.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SIT-IN SKID STEER

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SIT-ASTRIDE

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs, also known as quad bikes or quadbikes) are incredibly versatile and can master many off-road conditions. Our course boosts your driving skills, enabling you to use a tracked ATV safely and with confidence. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of loading, as well as key health and safety issues.

The flexibility of sit-astride all-terrain vehicles (ATV), also known as quad bikes and all-terrain cycles means they can work with a range of attachments, including trailers, sprayers and spreaders. Whatever your needs, our courses get your driving skills up to speed.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SIT-IN CONVENTIONAL STEER

Anyone driving an off-road vehicle will benefit from our targeted courses. You may be looking to update your skills or get on board with the latest health and safety regulations.

Perhaps you want to practise driving across challenging terrain or mastering your vehicle in difficult weather conditions. Whatever your needs, our courses will get your off-road driving skills up to speed.

4×4 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

Sit-in conventional steer all-terrain vehicles are incredibly versatile machines, making them popular tools of the trade for agricultural businesses. But their flexibility means that even the most experienced rider can find themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

Whatever your needs, our courses get your driving skills up to speed.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 84

04 TRAINING First Aid

FIRST AID This course covers a range of practical skills, including how to spot the signs of mental illness and have the confidence to approach someone who may be in need of professional help.

EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK (1 DAY)

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AWARENESS (1 DAY)

Upon completion of the course, candidates will understand the role of the first aider, the importance of preventing cross-infection, the need for recording incidents and actions and how to use available equipment.

This course covers a range of practical skills, including how to spot the signs of mental illness and have the confidence to approach someone who may be in need of professional help.

FIRST AID AT WORK REFRESHER (2 DAYS)

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID SUPERVISOR (2 DAYS)

The content of this course is designed to update an existing first aider’s knowledge and skills, as well as introducing new techniques and procedures.

This course provides a deeper understanding to the above course of mental health factors that can affect people’s wellbeing.

FIRST AID AT WORK (3 DAYS) This course teaches candidates how to deal with resuscitation, bleeding, care of the unconscious casualty, shock, hypoxia, diabetic and epileptic emergencies, burns, fractures, poisoning, infection control and simple record keeping.

+FORESTRY (F) FIRST AID (1 – 3 DAYS) In addition to the First aid at work and Emergency first aid courses, the + Forestry content teaches candidates about the additional dangers associated with working as part of a team in a forestry or outdoor setting.

We offer first aid training for organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. From providing emergency first aid to mental health support, our courses help you keep your teams safe and healthy in the workplace.

85

04 TRAINING Driver CPC

DRIVER CPC DRIVER CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (CPC) IS NEEDED TO DRIVE A LORRY, BUS OR COACH. You must do 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC. Our classroom-based course covers safe and fuel-efficient driving, legal requirements and health & safety, as well as service and logistics.

DRIVER CPC This is a classroom-based course which covers elements of safe and fuel-efficient driving, legal requirements and health & safety, service and logistics.

Ringlink provides a very professional service … their instructors are very practical and down to earth and make the training accessible to all.

Centre Operations Manager ANM Group, Thainstone

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 87

H&S

04 TRAINING

Health & Safety

HEALTH & SAFETY Health and safety training develops a positive health and safety culture, where safe and healthy working becomes second nature to everyone. It also means you know how to work safely and without risks to health and meets the legal duty to protect the health and safety of employees.

HEALTH AND SAFETY – WORKING AT HEIGHTS

IOSH WORKING SAFELY The course gives an outline of occupational safety & health, defining hazards and risks, identifying the most common hazards and how to improve safety performance. Working safely is for people at any level, in any sector worldwide, who need a grounding in the essentials of safety and health. It gives everyone at work an understanding of why they must “work safely” – and does it in an enjoyable way.

This course teaches the specific needs relating to health and safety when working at height and looks at a variety of scenarios you may encounter in your workplace. It promotes consistent, good health and safety practice.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS – CONSTRUCTION This course develops your knowledge and confidence, so that you can work on a construction site safely. This course is for you if you are looking to join, are employed in or wishing to progress in, the construction and fencing industries.

IOSH MANAGING SAFELY This course covers assessing and controlling risks, understanding responsibilities and hazards, investigating incidents and measuring performance. Managing safely is designed for managers and supervisors in any sector, and any organisation.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS – FENCING This course develops your knowledge and confidence, so that you can work as a fencing installer safely with regard to the regulation and law which applies to health and safety in the construction workplace.

Approved training provider 89

Bogenraith provides an extensive range of services in both construction and agricultural environments covering all of Aberdeenshire.

DELIVERING A FIRST CLASS SERVICE Construction:

Agricultural :

• • • • • • • • •

•

• •

Earthworks Groundwork Excavations Siteworks Drainage Treatment plants Septic tanks Soak aways Installation of utilities and services Concrete works Snow ploughing and gritting

Plus all other related digger work

• • • • • • •

Crop Spraying (Self propelled 24m & 36m) Stone Raking (ELHO) Sowing (Grain & Fert) Weigh cell muck & digestate fibre spreading Cultivations/ Tillage Square / Round Baling Combining (Lexion) Grass Work

Plus all other related agricultural work

To find out how we can assist you contact Agricultural - Liam Dreelan liam@bogenraith.com T: 07741240151 Construction - Chris Warden Chris@bogenraith.com T: 07921 817268 All Enquiries - Ciaran Dreelan Ciaran@bogenraith.com T: 07764 379031 Bogenraith, Denside of Durris, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6DS

04 TRAINING

SPRAYER OPERATOR New sprayer operator course looks at storage and logistics Book your place now on our latest sprayer operator half-day course focusing on storage and logistics.

At a glance this half-day course will cover: • What you currently have on farm, through to designing a new chemical store from scratch

We’re running courses at locations throughout Scotland in May and June, all backed up by the National Register of Sprayer Operator 2024-25 handbook.

• On-farm transportation and all the current legal requirements

This year’s professional update marks the start of a yearly rotation of in-depth topics.

The course is packed with packed with reference material for effective, safe and environmentally responsible crop protection, and includes best practice videos.

•

Agronomy update

•

Protection of water

•

Legislation updates

The course qualifies for 10 NROSO points or 8 BASIS points.

Upcoming Course dates:

MAY Musselburgh Keith Inverurie Ellon

JUNE Coupar Angus Kelso Cupar Falkirk Laurencekirk On-Line

26-May 28-May 29-May 30-May

02-Jun 03-Jun 04-Jun 05-Jun 06-Jun 06-Jun

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk 91

04 TRAINING Forklift

FORKLIFT TRAINING A forklift is a large, powerful industrial truck that moves and stores materials safely and efficiently. That is why it is important for employers to provide their employees with the appropriate forklift operator training.

SIDELOADER

COUNTERBALANCE FORKLIFT

This course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers three certificate options depending on your needs.

This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating a counterbalance lift truck. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you.

This course offers three certificate options depending on your needs.

ROUGH TERRAIN MASTED This training course has been developed to help you understand how to operate a rough terrain masted lift truck safely. The amount of instruction you will require will depend largely upon your previous experience and sessions will be adapted to meet your needs.

ROUGH TERRAIN TELESCOPIC This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating a rough terrain telescopic lift truck. It gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers three certificate options depending on your needs: without stabilisers – articulated, or with stabilisers.

INDUSTRIAL TELESCOPIC This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating an industrial telescopic lift truck. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. This course offers two certificate options depending on your needs

REACH TRUCK This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating a reach lift truck.

It gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers two certificate options depending on your needs: up to and including 8m, or over 8m.

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04 TRAINING

E-LEARNING We have a selection of courses that can be completed online, offering a more flexible and convenient method of learning.

Learn from the comfort of your own office or home at a time that suits you.

With no need to travel and few printed materials, this is definitely a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to learn.

Get in touch for more information or to discuss the full range of courses.

BECOME AN ASSESSOR Whether you’re an expert in chainsaws or skilled in plant and machinery, a specialist in pest control or know your way around a tractor, why not become a Lantra instructor?

Find out more by getting in touch with Lantra at www.lantra.co.uk

T: 02476 696996 E: instructornetwork@lantra.co.uk

94

04 TRAINING

BECOME A LANTRA INSTRUCTOR OR ASSESSOR Whether you are an expert in chainsaws or skilled in plant and machinery, why not explore the areas where you could put your talents to use?

THE BENEFITS There is a host of benefits and ongoing support, including: • Work the areas you want, when you want

As a Lantra instructor, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself in the great outdoors, as well as playing a crucial role in delivering essential skills, training and qualifications to a diverse group of learners.

Can you inspire, motivate and lead others to new heights? Then think about becoming a freelance Lantra instructor.

• Develop your career by adding new skills to your portfolio • Regular training and CPD (continuing professional development) sessions • A dedicated team providing full and ongoing support To get started, you just need to provide a few details about your skills and experience and explain the main area of interest you’d like to develop as an instructor or assessor.

Whether you specialise in managing landscapes and habitats, working with livestock, or operating machinery and equipment, your talents can inspire others.

Find out more at: https://www.lantra.co.uk /about/work-with-us/ become-an-instructor

95

04 TRAINING

ACCESS TRAINING FUNDS FOR FUTURE FORESTERS They are happy to consider individual modules or units from full-time courses if they relate to forestry, on a case-by-case basis. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland or elsewhere will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training.

The Future Forester Training Fund has been established by Scottish Forestry to support those relatively new to the sector, providing them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in forestry beyond their current role.

The fund is open to anyone resident in Scotland who:

FUNDING 100% funding is available for training up to the value of £500 per course.

• Entered the forestry sector less than five years ago, or who is studying forestry, fulltime or part-time, or who is keen to start (they must be over 16)

In exceptional circumstances where you can fully explain the value of the training to you and your business, applications for courses costing more than £500 may be considered.

• A newcomer wishing to pursue a career within the forestry sector or who is already working in forestry and wants to progress their career

Please note: If you are a woman working in forestry and you started on your forestry career path over five years ago, you may be eligible for WHAT KIND OF COURSES CAN I APPLY FOR? funding through the Women in Forestry Training Courses eligible for funding are badged as such Fund instead. If so, select your course and apply through the Women in Forestry Training in Skills Hub Scotland Fund. https://www.skillshub.scot

96

R

L ING INK

It’s your Ringlink

Providing Training Solutions for you and your business. > Fully Accredited Training > Training Delivered on Site and Countrywide > Quality Assurance Approved > Lantra Training > City & Guilds NPTC Centre > NPORS Accredited

www.ringlinkservices.co.uk Call: 01561 376000 Email: training@ringlinkservices.

Montbletton Banff AB45 3QJ

01261 839190 01261 839190 www.ccpowell.co.uk

.

.. .

Sales Service Parts Contracting Machinery Hire Country Store

REFERENCE

05

Ringlink Scotland is the UK’s largest business ring with a membership of more than 3,000.

As part of the Ringlink community, this section provides some helpful reference material for you to use in running your business, keeping your workplace safe, efficient and compliant.

If there is other information you’d like to see in future handbooks, let us know next time you’re talking to us, or get in touch: our contact details are on the back cover.

Save money on your business’s utility bills HSE: staying safe and healthy in the workplace Vehicles and driving: what you need to know

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05 REFERENCE

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

1in3

Mental illness is one of the major public health challenges in Scotland with 1 in every 3 people estimated to be affected in any one year.

88%

89%

89% of young farmers believe that by talking about mental health – this will help to remove any stigma attached to it.

Current research within the agricultural community conducted by the Farm Safety Foundation revealed that 88% of famers under the age 40 now believe that mental health illness is the biggest danger facing the industry.

REACH OUT… If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health difficulties – please, please reach out for support. This could be by chatting to a friend or family member or your doctor or one of the many mental health charities who have dedicated volunteers.

RSABI www.rsabi.org.uk Tel: 0808 1234 555 (freephone, open 24 hours) email: helpline@rsabi.org.uk

SAMH www.samh.org.uk Tel: 0344 800 0550 (available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm) email: info@samh.org.uk

Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Tel: 116 123 (freephone, open 24 hours 365 days) Email: jo@samaritans.org

Want to learn more…find out how you may be able to help SCQF Level 5 Award: Award in First Aid for Mental Health (1 day) This course is designed to help the learner identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone is suffering with poor mental health. It will also give them the skill and confidence to start a conversation and signpost the person towards help.

SCQF Level 6 Award: Award in Leading First Aid for Mental Health (2 days) This course considers a wide range of mental health conditions and goes into details on the range of therapy and professional support available. This course is suitable for all persons within a workplace and is perhaps aimed more at supervisory/managerial level and those who have a responsibility for implementing a positive mental health culture.

100

WELLBEING WORKSHOP PILOT FOCUSES ON RESILIENCE

Ringlink recently hosted an innovative day-long event dedicated to building resilience and positive mental health.

“We introduced this workshop this year as an experiment and it was a positive and constructive day that helped them identify their own strengths and weaknesses.

More than 20 of this year’s pre-apprentices came together at our headquarters in Laurencekirk for a teambuilding and wellbeing workshop.

“We’re really keen to help the pre-apprentices build their own resilience as well, because that is what will help them go forward into the workplace and succeed, as well as more widely in life.”

The focus of the full-day event was to help the young people improve their team-working, communication and problem-solving skills.

Split into two parts, the morning was spent looking at mental health characteristics, its impact, and identifying strategies to maintain mental fitness.

The workshop was delivered by Arbroathbased IED Training Solutions and supported

by Hannah Scorgie and Paul Duguid from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The afternoon activities were more hands-on with the cohort divided into teams for tasks that included a “shepherd” herding blindfolded “sheep”, specially designed ball games and the intriguingly titled “island hopping”.

The day finished with the teams coming together to compete in the final “Tyre Stack” session.

POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE

• Ringlink Services offers courses in mental health awareness: find out more at https://ringlinkservices. co.uk/project_category/ first-aid/ - or see also QR code • Find out more about the Land-based Preapprenticeship programme in section 3 of this handbook or on our Ringlink Scotland website

Team One was crowned overall winners from the afternoon but Ringlink’s operations manager Gail Robertson emphasised that it was not all about the winning.

“Learning to work together as a team and to listen and support each other was a key component of the day and you could see that coming together,” she said.

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05 REFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY: REDUCING THE RISK GET YOUR TEAM - OR YOURSELF UP TO SPEED WITH OUR SPECIALIST HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING Avoid a non-compliance result and reduce the risk of paying the HSE £157 per hour.

Ringlink offers expert advice and support on health & safety and risk management.

Give us a call to discuss how we can help on 01561 376 000 The Health & Safety Executive also has an online publication relevant for everyone working on farms called Farmwise: your essential guide to health and safety in agriculture Download a copy at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture In addition, health and safety training from Ringlink Services develops a positive health and safety culture, where safe and healthy working becomes second nature to everyone.

It also means you know how to work safely and without risks to health and meets the legal duty to protect the health and safety of employees.

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05 REFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY All businesses have a legal duty to provide information, training and supervision to employees to enable them to carry out their work safely. This costs money and time - both of which may be in short supply.

Figures published in the Health and Safety Executive’s report ‘Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2022/23’ show 27 people were killed as a result of farming and other agriculture-related activities during the year.

But agriculture has the worst rate of worker fatal injury (per 100,000) of all the main industry sectors, with the annual average rate over the last five years around 21 times as high as the all-industry rate.

Investing in safety training will allow your employees to identify hazards and adopt safe and healthy working practices, and help avoid the pain, anguish and financial costs that accidents and ill health can cause.

Being injured by an animal (cattle) caused most deaths (eight) followed by falls from height (four), struck by an object (four), struck by a moving vehicle (three) and contact with machinery (three) – all regular features in previous year’s statistics.

Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment should be a key priority for everyone at work, it requires real competence and not just good intentions.

Older workers (45+) account for 80% of all work-related fatalities in agriculture over the last 5 years.

A new guide called “What a good farm looks like” is free to download from the HSE website and signposts danger areas to Farmers and where they can find further information.

“What a good farm looks like” is free to download at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/ resources/good-farm.htm

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05 REFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY NEAR MISS REPORTING Some models suggest that for every accident there are approximately 90 near misses. If there is a good reporting system in place, the hazard could be dealt with before someone is injured. You can use the near miss form on the facing page to help you.

A simple, and potentially anonymous, system for reporting near-miss incidents is a very important way of identifying problem areas.

This will help you highlight some of the less obvious hazards in a workplace, or identify areas where a problem is developing.

It can be difficult to get staff to report near-misses or minor slip accidents, as they are often seen as funny or embarrassing occurrences (until someone is hurt).

It is important to create a culture which encourages reporting of these accidents.

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05 REFERENCE NEAR-MISS INCIDENT REPORT OR H&S IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTION This form may be used by any member of staff, visitor or member of the public to bring to the attention any matter or suggestion which is believed might influence the health and safety of the working environment. The form must not be used for reporting accidents where either people or buildings were injured or damaged. An Accident Incident report form should be used in such cases.

Date of incident

Time of incident

Location: (Please be as accurate as possible)

Name of person reporting : (Leave blank if you prefer but adding contact details will give us the opportunity to feed back where possible).

Title

Forename(s)

Surname

Current residential address

Post Code

Description of incident: Please use this space to record the near-miss or incident, or to make a comment or suggestions for improvement.

Why do you consider the near-miss or incident dangerous?

What immediate action have you taken following the near-miss or incident to prevent a similar occurrence?

Please forward this completed form to the Senior Manager on site / appointed H&S representative.

Form received by:

Date:

Action taken:

105

HIRE

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FIND OUT MORE

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Call us on 01463 717999 for more information macgregorsupplies.co.uk

sales@macgregorsupplies.co.uk

05 REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - AGE RESTRICTIONS CATEGORY

DESCRIPTION

MINIMUM AGE

A

Motor bicycles

17-21*

AM

Moped, with a maximum designed speed over 25km/h but no more than 45km/h

16

B

Goods vehicles not over 3.5t and passenger vehicle with no more than nine seats (including the driver’s seat).

17

B+E

Combination of a vehicle in category B and a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg max authorised mass. The load & weight limit for each vehicle can be found on the manufacturer’s plate or in the handbook. Please refer to this for permitted gross train weight of the vehicle

17

B1

Sub-category of B. Motor vehicles having three or four wheels and an unladen weight not over 550kg.

17

C

Goods vehicles over 3.5t. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

C+E

Combination of a vehicle in category C and a trailer over 750kg. This covers both articulated and drawbar combinations.

18-21*

C1

Goods vehicles over 3.5t but not over 7.5t.

A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

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FUELS & LUBRICANTS FOR FARMERS · HVO · GAS OIL · DERV · IHO · LUBRICANTS · ADBLUE · TANKS

Get in touch

T: 03302 320 104 E: info@oilfast.co.uk

05 REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - AGE RESTRICTIONS CATEGORY

DESCRIPTION

MINIMUM AGE

C1 +E

Combination of a vehicle in category C1 and a trailer over 750 kg but not more than the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. The total combination may not exceed 12 tonne.

18-21*

D

Passenger vehicle with more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

D+E

Combination of a category D vehicle with a trailer over 750kg.

18-21*

D1

Sub-category of D. Passenger vehicle with more than eight seats but no more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

D1+E

Combination of a vehicle in category D1 and a trailer with a MAM over 750kg but not more than the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. The total combination MAM may not exceed 12 tonne.

18-21*

F

Agricultural Tractor. You can apply for a provisional tractor entitlement then take a test to drive tractors less than 2.45m wide and towing trailer less than 2.45m wide with 2 wheels or 4 close-coupled wheels.

16

Agricultural Tractor - any size

17

The above table is for guidance only, full details can be found on: www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories *age restrictions may apply 109

05 REFERENCE

FARMVEHICLES VEHICLES ON FARM ONTHE THEROAD ROAD Vehicle

Licence Age Category

Restrictions

F

Up to 2.45m wide, trailer also up to 2.45m wide with 16 2 wheels or 4 close-coupled wheels (no more than 840mm apart)

F

31,000kgs maximum tractor 17 and trailer weight

B1

Up to 400kgs or 550kgs 17 unladen if designed to carry loads

B

17

Above 550kgs

B

17

Up to 3.5t

B

18

Between 3.5t and 7.5t

B

21

Above 7.5t

B

21

Speed restrictions vary depending on width.

B

17

Up to 3.5t

B

18

Between 3.5t and 7.5t

B

21

Above 7.5t

17

Up to 3.5t

H

21

No restrictions.

110

OFF-ROAD OFF-ROAD Age

13

Requirements Certificate of competence required. Very limited in what PTO driven equipment can be used. Fertiliser spreaders, rakes or hay bobs

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Adequate training required

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Certificate of competence required

05 REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - HAULAGE FTA. It is also essential to have adequate GiT insurance cover when transporting your own goods.

GOODS IN TRANSIT It is important to be aware that goods being transported come under a separate insurance policy known as Goods in Transit (GiT) and not the motor vehicle cover.

IT’S THE LAW The legislation covering agricultural vehicles is complex and subject to change, due to the wide variety of vehicles used and their application. The information below is provided as a general guide to assist your business to operate safely and within the law.

In most cases hauliers have adequate cover and there is never an issue but if high value goods are being hauled it is important to make sure the haulier has adequate cover and under what conditions they adhere to ie. RHA,

SPEED LIMITS Less than 2.55m wide with 2 Sprung Axles 40mph Up to 3.5m wide 25mph AGRICULTURAL TRAILERS - WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS 18,290 kg is the maximum (gross or fully laden) weight of an agricultural trailer.

31,000 kg is the maximum (gross or fully laden) weight of an agricultural combination (tractor plus trailer).

The maximum length of an agricultural trailer is normally 12m.

In the case of a “composite trailer” (semi-trailer and converter dolly) the maximum length is 14.04m.

In the case of an agricultural trailed appliance (with gross weight less than double the unladen weight) the maximum length is 15m.

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05 REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - IT’S THE LAW The legislation covering agricultural vehicles is complex and subject to change, due to the wide variety of vehicles used and their application. The information below is provided as a general guide to assist your business to operate safely and within the law.

NUMBER PLATES

ROAD TAX

Trailer number plates must match a vehicle from the same firm.

The following vehicles are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty -

LIGHTS & MIRRORS

Tractors - used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry

• • • •

Trailers: Rear Light Clusters & Front White Side Lights Tractors: No rear facing White Lights switched on Mirrors Un-obscured rearward vision beyond the vehicle Mount Implements Projecting > 2in Extra Rear Light Clusters

Off-road tractors - one designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads, and incapable by reason of its construction of exceeding a speed of 25 mph on the level, under its own power.

Light agricultural vehicles - a vehicle which has a weight not exceeding 1,000 kilograms, is designed and constructed so as to seat only the driver, is designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads, and is used solely for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry.

AMBER BEACONS Always use flashing amber lights when driving on dual carriageways. If the trailer is higher than the beacon on your tractor, an additional beacon should be placed on the rear of the trailer to ensure you are clearly visible to other road users.

Other vehicles used between different parts of land. A vehicle is an exempt vehicle if: (a) it is used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry

FUEL Rebated fuel (red diesel) may only be used for agricultural vehicles whilst engaged in agricultural activities. Derv must be used for all other vehicles / activities, except where an exemption exists.

(b) it is used on public roads only in passing between different areas of land occupied by the same person, and (c) the distance it travels on public roads in passing between any two such areas does not exceed 1.5 kilometres.

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05 REFERENCE

CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS Loads of up to 10t are exempt from the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations for distances under 12km between agricultural land.

This refers to agricultural or forestry tractors that do not travel at a speed exceeding 40km/h when transporting dangerous goods; or any trailer being towed by such a vehicle.

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05 REFERENCE

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR UTILITY BILLS Be like our other contracted members and let Ringlink take the stress of dealing with your electricity contract, with a competitive price to match.

Smart meters support the transition to a low-carbon energy system by unlocking new approaches to managing demand.

Advanced Meter Readings/data loggers (AMR) are for commercial use and create a one-way communication channel between a business and its energy supplier.

ELECTRICITY: ARE YOU READY TO SWITCH? Now working directly with npower we aim to provide you with a further enhanced service, resolving any billing queries and contract renewals in a timely manner.

For more information on the electricity supply service we provide, please contact us and we will be happy to go over any queries you may have.

We have had our electricity contracts with Ringlink for many years. I find the supply prices very reasonable. The staff are very informative and look after our sites respectively and answer any questions I have swiftly when asked. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ringlink has already assisted over

41%

of our members to review their electricity contracts

75%

of those members are now using AMR metering and avoiding estimated billing.

Peter Robertson, Ednie Farms

We switched our electricity contract to sit with yourselves and if I’m honest I was dreading the amount of additional work it would cause to get things switched over and sorted.

However, your team have been super-efficient and really taken what I thought was going to be a stressful experience and made it so simple. We are more than halving our pence per unit cost, which will be a significant saving for us. So many thanks to the team for all their help.

Anna Delday 114

05 REFERENCE

WATER Ringlink continues to supply water contracts through Castle Water, offering significant savings, easy management and local point of contact. To discuss your water contract, contact your local Ringlink office.

Ringlink has been looking after our water contracts – of which we have several - for the last few months.

The move to Ringlink was relatively smooth and has certainly freed up admin time at our end as we now just get the one invoice from Ringlink every month rather than the several we received from our previous supplier. We still have one supply left with our old supplier and as soon as this is out of contract, we plan to move this also to Ringlink.

Clova Farms, Carnoustie

115

Rely on Ringlink for services, support & solutions

Land wanted for growing carrots, potatoes & other root crops.

Must be suitable for stone separation and have convenient water source for irrigation purposes.

Call your local Ringlink office or Email: laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

Agricultural Industries Confederation Supporting the agrisupply industry

FIAS - Providing fertiliser security, traceability and safety of fertilisers to your farm What is FIAS? FIAS is the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme for the fertiliser supply chain. It provides an assurance framework for the manufacturers, merchants, hauliers and storekeepers to meet security, traceability and safety requirements. It was developed in response to a request from UK government, Other stakeholder include the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), the NFU and Red Tractor Farm Assurance who still take an active role in monitoring its progress.

Who is in FIAS? There are approximately 450 companies in FIAS that range from fertiliser manufacturers, merchants, hauliers and storekeepers.

These companies are in FIAS and meet strict criteria to ensure the safe delivery of your fertiliser. These companies cover the vast majority of the fertiliser supply chain in GB.

What are the benefits of FIAS?  Fertiliser supply chain businesses are more security conscious and aware of possible terrorist threats—this leads to public safety as fertiliser is prevented of getting into the “wrong” hands  Assistance in meeting legal requirements within the areas of security, traceability and safety  Provides a due diligence defence in the event of an incident  Meets the requirement of providing an assured chain

www.agindustries.org.uk 117

How do I find out if my fertiliser supplier is in FIAS? The Red Tractor schemes are encouraging the use of FIAS certified suppliers. To find out if yours is certified, visit the AIC Register Checker at www.agindustries.org.uk for the up to date list.

How are companies assessed against FIAS? Companies are audited annually against the FIAS Standards by an independent audit team that are specialists in this area. FIAS is certified by PAI and the FIAS standards are available on the AIC website at www.agindustries.org.uk

Where can I find out more information?

More information can be found out at www.agindustries org.uk by clicking on the FIAS tab.

Fertiliser Security on Farm Fertiliser should also be stored securely on farm and more information can be found www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk

working in partnership with FIAS

Agricultural Industries Confederation

Product Authentication International Ltd

Phone: 01733 385230 Fax: 01733 385370 Email: simon.williams@agindustries.org.uk

Phone: 01423 878878 Fax: 01423 878870 Email: lorraine.chambers@thepaigroup.com

Confederation House East of England Showground Peterborough PE2 6XE

The Inspire Hornbeam Park Harrogate HG2 8PA

118

119

THINK SAFE, BE SAFE when handling and storing

fertilisers

Many fertilisers are classified as oxidising agents or hazardous. If a fire breaks out, these fertilisers can accelerate the combustion process. Take extra care when handling and storing fertilisers to keep people safe and prevent an emergency situation.

HANDLE FERTILISER SAFELY • Take care when moving or lifting fertiliser. Use the correct equipment and secure loads if transporting • Do not exceed the safe working load of your machinery when lifting or transporting bags

1 TONNE

1 TONNE

1 TONNE

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

MAX LOAD: 1.5 TONNES

MAX LOAD: 1.5 TONNES

• Ensure that forklift tines have rounded edges or secured metal sleeves

Ripped

• Make sure that the lifting loops on the bag are correctly placed centrally on the tines

Holed

Taped

Torn loop

NITRAM NITRAM

• Do not lift any damaged bags • Drive slowly and smoothly, especially on uneven ground

STORE FERTILISER SAFELY • Always check packaging for hazardous or oxidising symbols and store accordingly • We recommend that all fertiliser is stored inside a secure fire-proof building

Oxidizing agent

• Store separately from all combustible and incompatible materials • Ensure there are no naked flames or smoking near stored fertiliser NITRAM

NITRAM

Hazardous material

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

• For stability, interlock the bags and only stack to a maximum of three bags high. Keep a 1m gap between stacks and the walls and roof of the building

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

NITRAM

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY • For emergency safety advice call your supplier • Always dial 999 immediately in case of fire

• Take care that damaged bags cannot topple over

CALL

999

Remember Think Safe, Be Safe

agindustries.org.uk

Agricultural Industries Confederation Limited Tel: 01733 385230

Email: enquiries@agindustries.org.uk

120

ABOUT RINGLINK

06

Ringlink Scotland is the UK’s largest business ring with a membership of more than 3,000.

As a co-operative, the business is owned by its members, and therefore, revolves around the supply and demand of goods and services between its members.

Established in 1988, the company has seen significant growth progressing from entirely focusing on agriculture into a diverse range of business sectors including haulage, construction and

forestry along with a variety of other business activities.

It’s not just a case of “what we can do for you”, it’s “what can we do for each other”.

Find out a bit more about Ringlink and the people behind it.

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06 ABOUT RINGLINK

METHOD OF OPERATION 1. MEMBERSHIP

2.4 The Ring will charge a levy to both the Demander and the Supplier on the price of goods supplied or contracted work carried out by members for members. Levy charges vary on goods supplied or contracted work carried out; all levy charges are detailed in the annual handbook and are decided annually by the Board of Directors.

1.1 Each individual, farming partnership or company which is a member of Ringlink (Scotland) Limited (“the Ring”) shall pay an annual subscription to the Ring which shall be decided annually by the board of directors of the Society (“the Board of Directors”).

1.2 Each member must give at least three (3) months advance notice, in writing, of their intention to retire from the Ring.

3. INDEMNITY The Ring participates as an Originator in the Direct Debiting Scheme operated by certain members of the Association for Payment Clearing Services and the Northern Ireland Bankers Association. The Chairman and Secretary of the Ring are authorised to execute a Form of Indemnity worded in the standard form as required by those members.

2. FINANCIAL 2.1 In order that information is made available to members quickly and clearly, a list of goods and services and including standard guide costs for equipment, plant and machinery will be circulated annually or more often if the need arises.

4. SUPPLY OF GOODS, SERVICES OR THE USE OF EQUIPMENT, PLANT AND MACHINERY

2.2 Members obtaining the use of any equipment, plant or machinery through the Ring shall, subject to the terms of paragraph 4.2 hereof, pay such standard costs, as specified in the price list, for the contracted work as shall be decided annually by the Board of Directors.

4.1 When a member wishes to purchase goods or contracted work (a “Demander”) they should contact a representative of the Ring (a “Representative”) as soon as possible.

Once the Representative has received a request from a Demander, it is the responsibility of the Representative to match up a member (“a Supplier”) to the requirements of the Demander and to notify the Supplier of his commitment. No member shall have any right or remedy against the Ring or the Ring Representative in the event that the Representative is unable to match a Supplier to supply the goods or contracted work requested by the Demander.

2.3 A price for the supply of goods will be provided to members on application. A Demander will be notified by the Ring of the current price for the requested goods, subject to the terms of paragraph 4.2.

122

4.2 Any communications between a Ring Representative and the Supplier or a Ring Representative and the Demander shall under no circumstances be deemed to constitute advice from the Ring or the Representative.

For the avoidance of doubt the Demander shall have sole responsibility to determine and satisfy itself as to the appropriateness of any equipment to be supplied and to determine if the equipment and/or goods and/or services suggested is what the Supplier requires under the specific circumstances.

4.3 The Ring is acting as agent for the Supplier and Demander only and under no circumstances shall the Ring or the Representative be deemed to be the principal in any arrangements with the Supplier or the Demander.

4.4 Contracted work is undertaken at the standard rates detailed in the price list in force at the time. Alterations in price due to availability, operating conditions, quantity of contracted work or any other circumstances may be negotiated between the Demander and the Supplier in which case such alterations in price should be agreed with a Ring Representative before the agreed work is started or the goods are supplied.

4.5 The supply of goods is undertaken at the rates detailed to the Demander on application to the Ring and such prices may vary accordingly and in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed between Supplier and Demander.

4.6 The Ring is acting in the capacity as agents for Supplier and Demander. As such, neither the Ring nor the Board of Directors shall be liable for any delay in performance, or failure of performance, including failure by the Demander to pay, with respect to any of the obligations of Supplier or Demander contemplated by this document.

4.7 The Ring is acting in the capacity as agents for Supplier and Demander only. As such, the Ring shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for the goods supplied or contracted works provided not being of satisfactory quality, not being performed with reasonable skill and care, not conforming to any agreed specification, not being fit for purpose or not being free from material defects in design, material or workmanship. For the avoidance of doubt, any and all obligations and liabilities relating to the quality of the goods and/or services provided shall be the obligations and liabilities of the Supplier.

4.8 The Board of Directors may, at their discretion, restrict the type of the goods supplied through the Ring.

06 ABOUT RINGLINK

METHOD OF OPERATION - CONTINUED The Ring will bear no risk for neither any damage or destruction suffered by any goods to be supplied nor destruction or damage to any equipment, plant or machinery with respect to any obligations between Supplier and Demander contemplated by this document.

5. INSURANCE AND RISK 5.1 All Suppliers shall at all times whilst carrying on any contracted work maintains in force the following insurance policies with reputable insurance companies: 5.2 Public liability insurance for not less than FIVE MILLION POUNDS (£5,000,000) per claim;

6. PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT BY SUPPLIER 6.1 It is the responsibility of the Supplier to ensure that any equipment used by the Supplier in performing the contracted work for the Demander is mechanically sound and fit for its purpose and that it is fully compliant with all Health and Safety legislation, rules or regulations in force at that time.

5.3 Suppliers shall notify their insurers they are performing contract work for third parties for reward by third parties.

5.4 Demanders must ensure adequate insurance is in place for all self-drive equipment when attached or unattached, or any other hired equipment.

6.2 For the purposes of contracted work, a Ring Representative must be notified immediately of any breakdown of equipment, plant or machinery belonging to the Supplier on the Demander’s premises. The Supplier will be given a reasonable length of time (seven hours) to have a machine operational again.

If for any reason the repair is going to take longer, then the Ring may appoint another member to complete the contracted work.

Each Supplier will be paid by the Demander for that part of the contracted work which that Supplier completed according to clause 8 below.

5.5 The Demander must have full Public and Employers’ Liability insurance with a reputable insurance company for not less than FIVE MILLION POUNDS (£5,000,000) when the contracted work is being performed on the Demander’s behalf by the Supplier and the Demander shall notify their insurer accordingly.

5.6 As agents for Supplier and Demander, the Ring is at no time in possession of the goods or any Supplier’s equipment, plant or machinery.

124

06

returns the schedule to the Ring office.

6.3 The Demander will be responsible for any damage to the Supplier’s machinery if such damage is caused by the neglect of the Demander or its employees or agents.

In no circumstances shall the Ring be deemed liable for any damage contemplated by this clause.

8.3 Members must have a current account at a bank together with authorisation for the Ring to use this account as regards payment for contracted work done or goods supplied among the members, by variable Direct Debit and Credit. Any Direct Debit returned unpaid to the Ring will incur a £25.00 charge to cover administration and Bank Charges. Interest at eight percent (8%) or four percent (4%) above Virgin Money base rate, whichever is the greater, will be charged on all overdue accounts.

7. COMPLAINTS 7.1 Complaints by members regarding the provision of services or the use of equipment, plant or machinery, may be made to the Managing Director for mediation. If no satisfactory settlement can be arranged it is the member’s right to present, in writing, his complaint at the next meeting of the Board of Directors, whose decision will be final.

8.4 Provided the Demander’s bank pays the sum to the Ring in terms of the Direct Debit being presented, the Supplier will be paid twenty-eight (28) days from the tax point date of the invoice.

7.2 All members’ complaints as to the general management of the Ring business can be raised with either the Chairman or Vice Chairman. If no verbal settlement is adequate, a written statement is to be sent to the Chairman with all the relevant information for discussion at the next Board Meeting. The decision of the Board of Directors will be final.

8.5 All contracted work between members, whether arranged through the Ring or not will be billed and paid for through the Ring.

8.6 In accordance with clause 8.5 above, any invoice raised and issued by the Supplier shall be in the name of the Ring. Notwithstanding that the Ring accepts receipt of such invoice from the Supplier in the name of the Ring, the Ring is acting in its capacity as agent of the Demander only and accepts receipt of any invoice in the name of the Ring as a matter of administrative convenience for both the Demander and the Supplier.

8. SELF BILL INVOICING AND PAYMENT 8.1 Under no circumstances shall the Ring have any responsibility or liability in regards to the creditworthiness of the Demander and the matching of a Supplier and Demander shall under no circumstances imply any term as to the creditworthiness of a Demander.

Any liability to pay an invoice issued by a Supplier shall remain exclusively with the Demander and under no circumstances (subject to clause 8.8 below) shall the Ring be liable (in full or in part) for any invoice raised in the name of the Ring.

The Supplier shall have sole responsibility in determining the creditworthiness of the Demander and the Ring shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever if the Demander fails to adhere to any agreed payment terms.

8.7 The Ring shall at its discretion, pay a Supplier on behalf of a Demander. In that event, the status of the Ring as agent shall not be affected and the Ring shall be entitled to recover that debt from the Demander.

8.2 When a job is completed to the satisfaction of the Demander, a schedule of the work undertaken will be prepared and signed by the Demander and the Supplier. The Supplier 125

06 ABOUT RINGLINK

METHOD OF OPERATION - CONTINUED their VAT registration number is cancelled, or if they are issued with a new VAT number.

8.8 The Ring, in its capacity as agent for the Demander, may issue invoices on behalf of the Demander under self-billing arrangements between the Supplier and Demander for VAT invoicing. Any invoice issued by the Ring on behalf of the Demander pursuant to the aforementioned self-billing arrangements shall be done by the Ring in its capacity as agent for the Demander only. Under no circumstances shall the Ring be deemed to be the principal under any arrangements between the Demander and the Supplier and under no circumstances shall the Ring assume or be deemed to have assumed any liability under the arrangement between the Supplier and the Demander.

9. SPARE CAPACITY 9.1 Members are obliged to offer their spare machine capacity to the Ring in the first instance where the Ring is offering a commercially competitive rate and to cover their own additional demand for machines from the Ring where such demand can be satisfied by the Ring at a commercially competitive rate.

9.2 If an arrangement through the Ring is not possible at a commercially competitive rate the member is free to offer and seek machine capacities out with the Ring, after first informing the Manager.

8.9 Where a member is both a Demander and a Supplier (as the case may be) and the Ring is acting in its capacity as agent for the member in both circumstances, the member agrees that any monies the Ring receives, pursuant to an invoice raised and issued by the Ring in its capacity as agent for the member, may be offset, at the absolute discretion of the Ring, against any other debt due and payable by the member, whether to the Ring or another member of the Ring.

10. SUBCONTRACTING 10.1 Members can use the Ring as a source of sub-contracting for work outside Ring customers. The Demander will collect their bill through their normal invoicing routine. The Supplier will be paid through the Ring system.

10.2 All transactions and negotiations in connection with the Ring must be made through a Ring Representative or the Managing Director who is solely responsible to the Board of Directors. Any failure to comply with the clauses of this Method of Operation document may result in your membership being reviewed.

8.9.5 Remaining a member of the Ring constitutes agreement that members agree to Self-Billing arrangements continuing on an ongoing basis.

Under our Self-Billing agreement with H M CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, Ringlink must maintain an up-to-date list showing the names, addresses and VAT registration numbers for all supplies covered by the self-billing system.

Suppliers must notify Ringlink immediately if

Any failure to comply with the clauses of this Method of Operation document may result in your membership being reviewed.

126

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO CHECK OUT THE RANGE OF NEW & USED MACHINES. WWW.MARKGARRICKLTD.CO.UK

SALES & HIRE SERVICE & REPAIRS ENGINEERING, WELDING & REFURBISHMENT AGRI TRAILER INSPECTIONS HYDRAULIC HOSE REPAIR DYNO TESTING AIR CON LOLA TESTING ON-SITE PARTS STORE

TEL: 01343 860 556

Case IH Rebate Scheme

CLAIM YOUR REBATE NOW Case IH UK has agreed to continue the largely successful Rebate scheme on offer to Scottish Machinery Ring members.

As a Ringlink member, you would be entitled to a financial rebate on your CASE IH purchase from any of the models as detailed in the list shown below. In addition, you will also be entitled to a share of the competitive trade-in bonus.

The process is simple, visit your local CASE IH dealer to select your new CASE IH tractor, baler or combine, tell them that you are a member of Ringlink, provide us with a copy of your invoice and we will take care of the rest.

Vestrum Maxxum Farmlift (Telehandler) Puma150 - 175 Puma 185 - 240 Optum

Magnum Magnum RowTrac Quadtrac Round Baler Square Baler Combine

Ringlink are completely committed to providing services and solutions to its members, for the benefit of its members. So as part of SMRA, we are able to offer this Rebate Scheme as another benefit of your membership. Contact your local

COUPAR ANGUS 01828 640456 CUPAR 01334 809999 ELGIN 01343 550123 LAURENCEKIRK 01561 377790 OLDMELDRUM 01651 873602

Contact your local Ringlink office to find out more.

COMPANY MILESTONES

2800 Members In 2016

1988 - Mearns & Angus MR formed.

1992 - 2nd office opens in two porta

£1

cabins.

Million

1995 - Mearns & Angus Services

Group Turnover In 1991

formed.

1998 - Ringlink Scotland formed

following merger with NorthEast MR.

38

Elgin office opens.

840

1

Members of Staff In 2017

Members In 1998

Member of Staff In 1988

BRIEF HISTORY OF RINGLINK 1988 - 1998

1999 - 2009

2000

10

Members In 2005

Members of Staff In 1999

1999 - 1000 Members.

2000 - Ardler office opens.

2004 - Merged with Gordon & Buchan MR. Head office opens at Cargill Centre, Laurencekirk.

£10

2009 - Oldmeldrum office

Million

opens.

Group Turnover In 2003

130

£40

Million

Group Turnover In 2016

2024 3000 Members. £93 million Group Turnover.

9,682 Trainees for the year.

42 Members of Staff.

2011 - Ringlink Services formed from Mearns & Angus services.

2013 - Ringlink Internship

Programme launched.

2014 - Coupar Angus office opens.

ELGIN

OLDMELDRUM

2010 - 2016

2017-2023

2024

LAURENCEKIRK

£50

Million

Group Turnover In 2018

COUPAR ANGUS

2017 - Pre-apprenticeship

launches, formerly the Internship programme.

CUPAR

2019 - Pre-apprenticeship

gains Scottish Government funding.

2020 - Cupar office opens.

2021 - Laurencekirk extension completed.

2022 - Training Centre opens.

30th

Anniversary Celebrated in 2018

06 ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE BOARD

JAMES PORTER CHAIRMAN

James Porter farms East and West Scryne at Carnoustie with his father, where they grow potatoes, barley, wheat, and soft fruit. James and his family are no strangers to the lifestyle; they have been farming for at least five generations and growing strawberries since the 1960s.

James is a grower member of Angus Soft Fruits and Angus Growers, and an ambassador of the Royal Highland Education Trust. James has been a Director of Ringlink since 2008 and was appointed Chairman of the board in 2019.

GRAHAM BRUCE

JOHN GRAY

MANAGING DIRECTOR

VICE CHAIRMAN

Graham started his career on a 700 acre mixed arable farm at Arbroath and in 1979 took up the position of working farm manager with a progressive farming enterprise in South Angus, a position held for nine years before being appointed manager of Mearns & Angus Machinery Ring Ltd in 1988, becoming Managing Director in 1995.

Graham was a Council member of SAOS for 6 years and continues to represent SAOS on the NFUS Legal & Technical committee engaging in a wide range of industry related issues. This led to a further appointment representing NFUS on the board of the Gangmaster Licensing Authority, a position held for eight years until the reorganisation of the GLA Board in 2015.

Graham sits on the SAWB as an employers representative as appointed by NFUS and is an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS).

132

John has had a diverse career, growing on the family farm at Auchrennie in Angus, where he was involved in cereals, potatoes, soft fruit & brassica enterprises. After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1998 he moved to Poland and was part of the management team of a large-scale potato growing & packing operation. In 2003 he moved back to Scotland, joining Angus Soft Fruits where he is now Managing Director.

Angus Soft Fruits breed, grow, pack and deliver soft fruit to retailers in the UK, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. The business has a management team of 85 operating in Spain, Morocco and Chile in addition to the UK. John also grows strawberries in partnership in England, and is a member of Angus Growers.

John has been a Director of Ringlink since 2022 and recently appointed Vice Chairman in 2024.

06

ted Kingdom’s largest business ring withRINGLINK a membership ABOUT - in MEET THE BOARD

rom a company focusing entirely on agriculture into a JAMES ORR w includes haulage, construction, and forestry together with DIRECTOR activities.

ANDREW STIRLING DIRECTOR

ess is owned by its members, and therefore, revolves around s of goods and services between its members. As a Andrew Stirling is Managing Director of James farms around acres at Milton case of “what weOrr can do for you”,1500 it’s “what can we do for Stirling Potatoes Ltd & Upper Dysart Larder, of Blebo Farm near Cupar, Fife; growing a family business which he runs with his wife potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and cereals.

Anita and four children. Located at Lunan Bay, With a team of four full-time staff, including Angus, they have a new innovative vending a Modern Apprentice, he typically employs farm shop. around 40 seasonal workers in the peak Board of Directors harvest months.

With over five decades of farming experience, this business has evolved to meet the demands James is also involved with farmers’ of retailers & ready meal producers and now cooperative East of Scotland Growers which producing their own branded fresh, long life has a membership responsible for producing mash. As growers, processors and packers of between 20 – 25% of the UK’s broccoli potatoes & vegetables, on the 430 acre farm requirement. He is also involved in a potato full-time employment for 60 people. packing business in North Lincolnshire Graham Bruce James Porter John Farquharson packing for retail, foodservice and export.

Managing Director man Director Director Andrew has been a Director with Ringlink since 2011 and recently a Director of Montrose FC. CLIVE PHILLIPS

caulay

DIRECTOR

PETER CHAPMAN DIRECTOR

Clive is an accredited specialist agricultural

Clive Phillips Chapman lawyer and headsPeter the Rural BusinessAndrew team Stirling Director Director Director

at Brodies LLP. He also farms in his own right, having built up his farm business from grass lets as a youngster to approx 450 acres which he owns and runs with his wife Liz, and children Calum and Pippa. He is very much hands-on with his arable and sheep enterprises and runs 650 north-country Cheviot ewes supplying a Tesco COP contract through McIntosh Donald. He also represents the Scottish producers in that contract with Tesco and the processors.

Peter farms 420 hectares at South Redbog, Strichen with his wife Grace and three daughters Trudy, Louise and Katie. Arable production forms the main part of the business with 340 hectares managed on a winter barley, WOSR, winter wheat and spring barley rotation. He also has 50 suckler cows with all progeny finished on farm. Peter and his family own and operate 4 800kW wind turbines with all generation exported to the grid. Peter currently sits on the board of Scottish Agronomy and represents Ringlink on the SAOS council. Peter has been a Director of Ringlink since 2012 and Vice Chairman for 4 years until stepping down in 2023.

Clive has been a Director with Ringlink since 2014 and also sits on various legal and technical committees for QMS, NSA, NFU and Scottish Land & Estates.

133

06 ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE BOARD

MATTHEW STEEL DIRECTOR M atthew Steel is a Director of the family farm at Craignathro, Forfar. Here the family grow potatoes, cereals and produce free range eggs. Alongside the traditional farming, there is an interest in renewable energy with a wind turbine, solar, biomass boiler and ground source heat pump. The farm is mixed with the potatoes and eggs taking up the bulk of the time. Four full time and two part time staff are employed on the farm who work alongside Matthew and his parents.

O ut with the main farming commitments, Matthew also sits on the main board of NFUS in his capacity as the Next Gen Chair. He also holds representation on the Pigs and Poultry working groups at NFUS. Furthermore, he sits on the potato committee at SSCR based at the James Hutton Institute.

JENNIFER MARSHALL DIRECTOR J ennifer works in partnership with her husband, Rowan, farming 1,300 acres in Perthshire. The farm produces potatoes, oats, wheat and barley as well as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackcurrants and redcurrants. They also run a small farm shop. Jennifer is a Director of Angus Growers PO and typically employs around 150 fruit pickers between May and November.

PETER OOSTERHOF DIRECTOR P eter farms at Savoch Farm, at Lonmay near Fraserburgh where he took over running the family farm in his own right in 2017. Peter has since focused on expanding and streamlining the business on crop production and cattle finishing.

I n 2019 he was named Young Producer in the Marks & Spencer (M&S) Awards at the Royal Highland Show and in 2022 received their Farming with Nature Award.

Peter has been involved in a three-year sustainability project with M&S, creating corn bunting habitat trails with the RSPB and hosts a Hutton institute greenhouse gas emissions measuring station on peatland on his farm. He is married to Jane and they have three young children. Peter joined the Ringlink board of directors in December 2023.

134

06 ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE BOARD

RINGLINK WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR When asked why he accepted the invitation to join the board, he said: “I’m always drawn to companies who can make a difference in agriculture especially those who have boards of interesting and able people - and this is a key time for the industry in Scotland.”

“As the largest co-operative in the UK, Ringlink has the scale to make a material difference and it can facilitate change through leadership and member support.”

Alongside fellow board member James Orr, Matthew is developing the peer-to-peer learning initiative mentioned at the recent AGM, and on which more news will follow.

Matthew Currie DIRECTOR

This year, we welcome Savills director Matthew Currie onto Ringlink’s board of directors.

I’m looking forward to meeting members, using the skills and experience I’ve gained across a range of agricultural sectors to progress Ringlink’s success story, as well as working with and learning from our managing director, chairman and the wider board.

He joins as Jane Craigie steps down from the board having served her current three-year term.

As well as farming at home, Matthew leads Savills Food & Farming consultancy team in south-west Scotland.

He is a trustee of Farmstrong Scotland, a director of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society & Pedigree Cattle Services Ltd, and a director of a leading Scottish health information provider.

I know that Ringlink can continue to make a positive contribution to members’ businesses.

An eighth-generation farmer, he has a 40-cow pedigree Aberdeen Angus stud selling 12-15 bulls a year at Stirling, Carlisle & at home.

Matthew is also a past director of The Royal Highland Agricultural Society for Scotland and a Nuffield Farming Scholar.

135

Graham Bruce Graham Anderson Vicky Bruce Managing Director Labour Manager Electricity Administrator

Tom Easson Jennifer Pearson Regional Manager Electricity Contracts Bruce Anderson Graham Bruce Tom Easson Graham Anderson Vicky Bruce Graham BruceVickyGraham Co-ordinator Managing Director LabourManaging Electricity Regional Manager Manager Director Electricity Labour Manager Administrator Administrator

06

ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE TEAM

GRAHAM BRUCE MANAGING DIRECTOR

ANDREW TINDAL IT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

O TSingerA NLouiseDavid David John Stewart ThowStewartAndrew TindalThow Louise L Animal Feed Area ManagerArea Manager Animal Feed Regional AreaManager Manage & Straw Trader & Straw Trader

Admin GRAHAM ANDERSON

MARK JONES SENIOR AREA MANAGER

D

Andrew Tindal Regional Manager John Singer Area Manager

RI Louise Thow Area Manager

K

David Stewart Animal Feed & Straw Trader

SC

John Singer Area Manager

Graham Graham Anderson Vick IN NGLBruce Managing Director Labour Manager Elec Adm

LABOUR MANAGER

JOHN SINGER AREA MANAGER

FRASER SCOTT CONTRACTS COORDINATOR

Admin

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd Evelyn Coates

Admin Manager

GAIL ROBERTSON GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER

Laurencekirk Keira Coates

Ann Bruce Secretary

SCOTT WALKER UTILITIES MANAGER

Accounts Assistant NATALIE SMART UTILITIES SUPERVISOR

Jill Forbes

Admin Assistant

Mandy Lyon Admin Assitant

KEIRA COATES Keira Coates Ann Bruce ACCOUNTS

Accounts Assistant Secretary ASSISTANT

Lou Are

JillKeira Forbes C

Admin A Accoun

Ringlink Serv R

PAUL WYNNE

Tracey Walker TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR Training Co-ordinator

Manager

Louise Thow Area Manager

GEMMA CUMMING ASSISTANT TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR

ALEXANDER AnnLISA Bruce ADMIN

Secretary SUPERVISOR

TRACEY WALKER

Andrew Tindal Regional Manager

MORAY FALCONER

HughTRAINING Thomson CO-ORDINATOR Training L G Co-ordinator N Peter Wood I N

Training Manager

K

David Stewart Animal Feed & Straw Trader

BRYCE ELGIN Bryce Elgin ASSISTANT TRAINING MANAGER Assistant Training

D

MANAGER Training Manager

RI

PeterTRAINING Wood

SC

ager

David Stewart Animal Feed & Straw Trader

Ringlink Services Tom Easson Jennifer Pearson Regional Manager Electricity Contracts Co-ordinator

es

Alison Walker Admin Assitant

JENNIFER PEARSON Ann Bruce EVELYN COATES Evelyn Coates Evelyn Coates& ELECTRICITY FINANCE AdminCONTRACTS Manager Secretary Admin Manager COMPLIANCE CO-ORDINATOR MANAGER

ce Graham Anderson Vicky Bruce irector Labour Manager Electricity Administrator

er

John Singer Area Manager

Evelyn Coates DebbieTRAINING Henderson

DEBBIE HENDERSON

LEE FORBES

Peter Wood

Bryce Elgin

Ann Bruce Caroline Donaldson TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR Admin Manager Training Secretary Co-ordinator Co-ordinator Bryce Elgin Tracey Hugh Tho Peter Wood BryceWalker Elgin Tracey Assistant Training Training Manager Training Assistant Training Training Trainin Manager Co-ordinator Co-ordina Manager Co-ordi CO-ORDINATOR Training

O T AN L

EDDIE BRUCE TRAINING SITE MANAGER & INSTRUCTOR

Admin

GOLDIE KeiraJOAN Coates ADMIN

Accounts Assistant ASSISTANT

FERGUSON JillJUDITH Forbes ADMIN

Admin Assistant ASSISTANT

Ringlink Services

ALISON WALKER Alison Walker ADMIN Admin Assitant ASSISTANT

136

Training Manager JANICE DAVIE Mandy Lyon ADMIN Admin Assitant ASSISTANT

Assistant Training

DOREEN PATERSON Manager ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Meadowside Park, Coupar Angus, Blairgowrie PH13 9ER 01828 640456 par Angus, Blairgowrie PH13 9ER 01828 640456

06

Elgin

Elgin ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE TEAM

George Bruce

ce

anager

Alick Anderson

John Milne

Regional Manager

Senior Area Manager Area Manager

Brian Mutch

GEORGE BRUCE REGIONAL MANAGER

Area Manager

John Milne

Senior Area Manager Area Manager

Gina Foreman

Gina Foreman Area Manager

Area Manager

JOHN MILNE AREA MANAGER

Gregg Watson Area Manager

Alick Anderson

GREGG WATSON Gregg Watson AREA MANAGER Area Manager

BRIAN MUTCH Brian Mutch

AREA MANAGER

Area Manager

Ola Nowak Labour Assistant

NOWAK Ola OLA Nowak AREA MANAGER Labour Assistant

SARAH REID AREA MANAGER

Old Meldrum

Old Meldrum

Ron Mutch JAMES RAE James Rae AREA MANAGER

Manager Area Manager

James Rae

Senior Area Manager Area Manager

NEIL SMITH Neil Smith AREA MANAGER

Area Manager

MATHEW Mike Scott MACDONALD AREA MANAGER Area Manager

Neil Smith

Area Manager

Mike Scott Area Manager

Coupar Angus

Coupar Angus

Dave McLaggan Karrina Andrews Ryan Dorsie Senior Area Manager Area Manager Area Manager Karrina Andrews Henry Taylor Matt Thompson Ryan Dorsie RYAN DORSIE DAVID WELSH DEANNA PAUN CAROLINE MULLER Area ManagerAREA MANAGER Area ManagerAREA MANAGER Marketing Co-ordinator Area Manager SENIOR CONTRACTS AREA MANAGER

TOM EASSON SENIOR LABOUR MANAGER

COORDINATOR

PETE SMALL AREA MANAGER

137

Henry Taylor Area Manager

Matt Thompson Marketing Co-ordinator

North East Industrial Door Services Ltd are an industrial door company based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Our services include the installation, maintenance & repair of all: • • • • •

Roller Shutter Doors Overhead Sectional Doors Fire Exit & Personnel Doors Garage Doors High Speed Doors

We also offer a 24/7 emergency call out service.

Please give us a call or drop us an email for a free quotation!

Address: 2 Hospital Court, Hospital Road, Ellon, AB41 9AW Tel: 01358 747641 Mobile: 07813 104586 Email: nedoors@neids.co.uk

06 ABOUT RINGLINK

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018.

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd & Ringlink Services Ltd gather and process your information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Information that we collect and hold may include the following: > Name and address (including site locations) > Telephone numbers > Email addresses > VAT number > Bank account details The information will be used to enable us to facilitate trading with you and your company, for invoicing purposes and general account administration and will be maintained and kept securely by authorised employees. We will only use your personal information when the law

> Self-employed tax reference > National Insurance number > Product & public liability insurance document

allows us to.

You have the right to request information on the data held by Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd & Ringlink Services Ltd about you or your business by contacting us at: laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk Our privacy notice is available to read in full at: www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk or www.ringlinkservices.co.uk

139

EVERYTHING YOUR FARM NEEDS From Workwear, PPE and Safety Signs to Potato Labels, Tractor Header Boards, Desks, Chairs, Filing Cabinets and even Stationery…

PRINT, PACKAGING & DESIGN . WEB DESIGN & DIGITAL MARKETING . SIGNAGE OFFICE & WORKSPACE INTERIORS . BRANDED MERCHANDISE & EVENTS

Forfar: 01307 464467 Aberdeen: 01224 212255

sales@theastutegroup.net

www.theastutegroup.net #bringingyourbrandtolife

06 ABOUT RINGLINK

CONVERSION CHART TO CONVERT TO METRIC, MULTIPLY

BY THE FACTOR SHOWN.

LENGTH 10 millimetres 10 centimetres 10 decimetres 10 metres 10 decametres 10 hectometres 1000 metres

1 centimetre 1 decimetre 1 metre 1 decametre 1 hectometre 1 kilometre 1 kilometre

TO CONVERT FROM METRIC, DIVIDE BY THE FACTOR. DISTANCE Inches to centimetres Feet to metres Yards to metres Statute miles to kilometres

VOLUME 1000 cu. mm 1000 cu. cm 1000 cu. dm 1 million cu. cm

1 cu. cm 1 cu. decimetre 1 cu. metre 1 cu. metre

AREA Square feet to square metres Square yards to square metres Acres to hectares

MASS 1000 grams 1000 kilograms

1 kilogram 1 tonne

UK fluid ounces to litres UK pints to litres UK gallons to litres

1 centilitre 1 decilitre 1 litre 1 cu. metre

AREA 100 sq. mm 10 000 sq. cm 100 sq. metres 100 ares 10 000 sq. metres 100 hectares 1 000 000 sq. metres

0.0929 0.8361 0.4047

CAPACITY

CAPACITY 10 millilitres 10 centilitres 10 decilitres 1000 litres

2.54 0.3048 0.9144 1.6093

1 sq. cm 1 sq. metre 1 are 1 hectare 1 hectare 1 sq. kilometre 1 sq. kilometre

141

0.0284 0.5683 4.546

06 ABOUT RINGLINK - CALENDAR 2025/26 January Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

February 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2

April Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 2

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

27 28 29 30 31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

September

November 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

June

August

October Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

March

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

May

July Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

December 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

23 24 25 26 27 28

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

2026 January Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

February 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

144

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

March 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

30 31

06 ABOUT RINGLINK

We’d like to thank all our advertisers in this year’s handbook.

147

• ADM

Page 16

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Page 140 Page 142 Page 90 Page 18 Page 92 Page 26 Page 98 Page 28 Page 30 Page 22 Page 32 Page 20 Page 57 Page 86 Page 68 Page 70 Page 48 Page 14 Page 88 Page 106 Page 127 Page 42 Page 138 Page 108 Page 74 Page 72 Page 56 Page 34

Astute BIS Ltd Bogenraith Farms Bridgend Aggregates Brineflow Cameron Associates CC Powell Certas Energy Coltrak DM Carnegie Denis O Brown Ltd DWP Harvesting Fasque Timber Filpumps GPH Builders Merchants JF Supplies Lathallan School Law Fertilisers Lovie Quarry MacGregor Supplies Mark Garrick NFU Mutual North East Ind Doors Oilfast Ramclean Redpath Tyres RTS Forestry Virgin Money

ELGIN Moycroft Ind Est, Elgin IV30 1XZ T: 01343 550123 OLDMELDRUM Unit 2 Colpy Way, Colpy Road Industrial Estate, Oldmeldrum AB51 0BZ T: 01651 873602 LAURENCEKIRK Cargill Centre, Aberdeen Road Laurencekirk AB30 1EY T: 01561 377790 COUPAR ANGUS Meadowside Park, Coupar Angus Blairgowrie PH13 9ER T: 01828 640456 CUPAR Unit 2, West Rigg, West Port, Cupar KY15 4AW T: 01334 809999

www.ringlinkservices.co.uk www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk 148