The Ringleader Borders Machinery Ring Ltd. February Newsletter 2016 Galamoor House, Netherdale Industrial Estate, Galashiels TD1 3EY • 01896 758091

members were notified by letter in December that BMR had purchased FEBRUARY All the old Rutherford’s office at Rhymers Mill in Earlston. This is an exciting development for BMR and will give us much more of a presence in an area REPORT central to the membership along with giving us more functional office space with increased storage, good parking and larger meeting rooms to host training courses which has been a real growth area of the business over the last two years. The end of 2015 and well into January Fuel prices have continued to fall as I ended up being rather damp meaning write this in early January. They are now there is still a lot of winter ploughing and at their cheapest for many years with Gas muck spreading to be done. If you need Oil in around 33ppl and Kero as low as extra help to get caught up then just give 22.00ppl. Kerosene at this price is now us a call. We can supply machines with equal to 25% MC Woodchip at £85.00/t operators, self-hire, full squads or just delivered in terms of p/kWh. Who would labour if required. have predicted that 2 years ago? We have BMR is once again on standby with 7 oil suppliers who quote for the business Council if there was to be each day. It saves you time and money. significant snowfall. If you have any new In a volatile market the price differential snow clearing equipment please let us on a daily basis can be large as some know so we can add it to the database. suppliers take the chance to increase margin. We regularly see members who buy directly from the same company pay up to 8ppl more than the going rate. As a demander of fuel through the Ring you do not pay any commission. Why not give it a try! BMR continues to be closely involved with Charlesfield Biogas plant. The first Energy Beet for the plant was harvested in October by a 6 row self-propelled VERVAET 617 sent down by Ringlink. We are… The final jobs in terms of finishing the construction of the plant are now almost BMR complete. Winter crops for feedstock went in well in the Autumn and consist MAIN OFFICE: Galamoor House, of 1200 acres Rye, 300 acres Barley & 200 Netherdale, Galashiels TD1 3EY acres Wheat. Approximately 120 acres of Tel: 01896 758091; Fax: 01896 757036 Triticale and 300 acres of Energy beet will email: [email protected] be sown in Spring. Manager: MICHAEL BAYNE We also have a number of woodchip, mobile: 07968 224 302 pellet and log suppliers registered with email: [email protected] the Biomass Suppliers List who are Assistant Manager/ Training: offering competitive prices. A supply JILL DICKSON and chip service of Roundwood can be mobile: 07866 538 347 email: [email protected] another option. Accounts: Member requests for fertiliser quotes SANDRA HAMILTON have picked up in the new year. We work email: [email protected] with a number of suppliers with extended Fuel/Administration: payment terms available if required. Just ANN SKELDON give us a ring for a quote. email: [email protected]

Labour/Farm Supplies BMR welcomed two new Directors onto SARAH CALDER our Board at our AGM in November. email: [email protected] Jimmy Shanks from Blinkbonny, and Sion Williams from BQ Farming www.facebook.com/borders.machinery/ Partnership, Bowhill. You can find their @bordersmr individual profiles on Page 2.

Visit the BMR Ltd. website on www.ringleader.co.uk TRAINING

ince October training has been very Sbusy. More businesses are becom- ing aware of their obligations to pro- All go with TRAINING vide training for staff and the benefits • to be gained. Workers should be given Following an SQC visit, one of BMR-The adequate and appropriate training on our members has requested a all aspects of their job including health seed dressing course, leading to a one stop shop & safety and specific training for equip- PA11. If you dress your own seed for all your training ment, machines & vehicles, spray operator and require this award, please requirements. training and pest control. It can be hard contact the office. Forklifttruck to keep up with legislative requirements ATV and the need for refresher training, but More young workers now re- Spraying we are here to help with queries and to quire to sit their B+E test for tow- Chainsaw organise appropriate training. ing trailers heavier than 750kg Construction (laden weight) behind a car, Tractor driving New for 2016 is the requirement for all where the combined gross laden Computer users of plant protection products to have weight is above 3.5 tonnes. This First Aid appropriate awards. Thus those spray applies to those who passed their Sheep shearing operators previously spraying under the driving test from 1 January 1997. Dry stone dyking and fencing grandfather exemption now require a B+E tests can take a few weeks to Pest control spray award. NRoSO members should book, so do let the office know Towing a trailer; B + E training consult the website www.nroso.org.uk well in advance for these. for more guidance. Also for 2016, with Animal transport testing regards to rabbit & mole control, a recog- First Aid training can be organ- ised throughout Lanarkshire, the nised award is needed to use aluminium do our best to organise training for you. phosphide products (eg Phostoxin & Ta- Lothians, Scottish Borders and lunex). For those purchasing professional North Northumberland for a minimum Training courses are added to the website quantities of rodenticides, a certificate number of candidates. www.ringleader.co.uk under the services of competence is required. Appropri- BASL provides training from Lantra, City tab or via the shortcuts. If you are strug- gling to find something suitable, please ate training & assessments are available & Guilds, BORDA and NPORS; just let the Registered in through the Ring. office know what you need and we will call for help.Reg No. SP02303R. BMR acts as an agent only and Introducing two new BMR Board Directors…not as a principal DESIGN: WWW.BORDERSPRINT.CO.UK started work on family farm, Queenscairn on eventually had planning permission granted in 2000. Ileaving school in 1974 at 16 years of age, milking Blinkbonny Quarry opened its doors for business in cows mostly as relief for others and at weekends for September of that year. some 25 years as well as the usual farm jobs. I have In 2002 we branched out into concrete with one always been more interested in the machinery side of the first mobile batch plants in Scotland which I of things. imported from the USA myself, at one point we had My late father Bob Shanks was instrumental in the 4 of them. We now only have one of the mobile setting up of SEB, a buyers group which plants with the bulk of the concrete we supply being eventually morphed into what we know today as produced in the traditional manner for which we The BMR, SEB actually stood for Stichill, & gained BSI accreditation in 2012. We now employ Boswells reflecting the location of the membership. 10 full time and three part time staff and supply customers ranging from someone wanting a stone We acquired Blinkbonny in 1993 and as the farming for their garden to large projects such as Borders crisis which was set in motion by BSE in the mid 90’s Railway. JIMMY took hold I started considering other ways of making a living. Blinkbonny had an inactive quarry on it so I Jimmy is married to Diane with two teenage SHANKS started looking at reopening it. After much effort I daughters Alex and Morven.

ion Williams is Farms been added and a new 200kW SManager and Director of Anaerobic Digester is currently FERTILISER, B Q Farming Partnerships Ltd being constructed. and Eckford Farming Ltd. which Eckford Farming Ltd farms are subsidiaries of Buccleuch SEED & LIME around 1400Ha with 250 H Estates Ltd. Commercial Suckler Cows and BQ Farming is run on 2100Ha 1300 BF Hill Ewes. Don’t delay and includes 190 Pedigree Sion was a runner-up finalist Aberdeen Angus Suckler Cows get a quote in the Farmers Weekly with a further 60 commercial “Farm Manager of the Year” today! sucklers. The sheep enterprise Competition in 2013 and was H includes 150 Pure Texel/ also a finalist in the “QMS Sheep Highlander/Primera Ewes, 1150 01896 Cross Bred Ewes and 2050 BF Hill Farm of the Year” in 2015 758091 Ewes. More recently a 32,000 Other interests include Rugby, laying hens enterprise has Motorsport, Football & Skiing. SION WILLIAMS

2 PLEASE MENTION BMR WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS  FARM SUPPLIES Heading for lambing and calving As we head towards lambing and calving, there are a number of services BMR can help out with. BMR can help you source oats, barley & wheat, hay, straw and silage. We have deals for organic and conventional feed, liquid, blocks and minerals. Tonnes of minerals can be made up of half tonnes of different products at very good value. The full range of lambing and calving supplies can be sourced at good discounts, including colostrum powders, spray markers and waterproofs. Cattle and sheep scanning can be arranged, please call in good time to get the best results. We are always here to help source or place lambing labour – do give a call if any arrangements change and we can see what can be done to help. ATV training courses are booked for 23rd and 24th March for extra staff-call if you would like to put someone through this. For younger or extra staff, a look at the NADIS website (www.nadis.org.uk) is worthwhile for some homework on lambing health and disease.

What will 2016 hold for our grass leys? Areas, grazing categories, basic & greening payments are still be in the balance for many, but if you intend to change your grass or include grass is in your cropping plan, give BMR a ring for seed. Our ranges are from the SAC Recommended lists and can be fine-tuned to meet your needs. We can also source your forage and game plot mixtures. Call BMR for Grass & Forage Seed 01896 758091

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BMR SERVICES: Your ‘One-Stop Shop’ DV PEST CONTROL Straw Available 4X4’S, Quadrants, Hesstons. Delivered or Fully Insured, Competitive Prices self pick-up All Pests Covered Tractor / Forklift FOR ANY WATER & Self Hire Long Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps, Pigeons, & Short Term Hire. Rabbits & Grey Squirrels DRAINAGE PIPE Contact the BMR office REQUIREMENTS to discuss your 2016 requirements: BMR have obtained GOOD 01896 758091 DEALS through LOCAL Mole Catchers BUILDERS MERCHANTS, Available: Registered so for a quote please Book now on 01896 758091 New rules on rat & mice pesticides come into Ring Ann @ BMR force on 1st June that require you to hold a certificate of competence in rodent pest control. 01896 758091 Better to let DV Pest Control do the job for you BMR Members £20 OFF first visit on rodent contracts ELECTRICITY 07866 90 10 19 IS YOUR CONTRACT UP FOR [email protected] RENEWAL SOON? Contact BMR for a quote. We www.dvpestcontrol.co.uk can access competitive prices through our link with Anglia Farmers. Contact Ann at the BMR office 01896 758091

4 PLEASE MENTION BMR WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS  BMR MEMBERS' UPDATE

ollowing 15 years in practice Tim established In this article we speak to FFERGUSON PLANNING back in 2012 and since then Tim Ferguson of Ferguson has grown a strong client base in the Scottish Borders Planning about the opening and South Scotland. A resident of the Borders Tim soon of his new office in Galashiels realised that there was an opening in the market by not and, as a new BMR member, returning to Edinburgh to work and by remaining in the pertinent rural matters Borders to provide farmers and landowners with a leading related to the planning and and independent planning and development service. development industry.

The practice has steadily grown with increasing efficiency in the construction many successes in the rural industry of equipment like solar panels still from houses for farmers and racehorse makes it a viable development option. owners to even a brand new rural Ferguson Planning have a particular village! Advising clients on how to focus in Solar and Anaerobic Digestion maximise their land assets and their proposals. The reason being that they development potential forms a major generally take less time, money and part of day to day work for the resources to go through the planning practice as is working on Solar Farm system than say wind farms. For farmers and Anaerobic Digestion Plant projects we consider that AD Plants have a across the region. strong future both in terms of reducing As part of the opening of the terms of housing it was agreed that on farm energy costs but also for Galashiels office Ferguson Planning the Borders now represents a real generating significant capital receipt in held an investment and development opportunity for both landowners the sale of produced energy to grid. seminar on the opening week of the and builders alike with the potential Prior to progressing with any AD new Borders Railway line. The purpose extension to Carlisle a further incentive project it is critical to understand the being to bring together the public and for those in the southern areas of the availability and cost of connecting to private sectors to discuss how they can Borders. the grid. If found to be feasible paying proactively collaborate to ensure the Related to this the Council’s new the deposit to secure the connection region maximises the potential of this Local Development Plan is soon to is of the upmost importance (so a new major piece of infrastructure. In be adopted and will direct where competitor nearby does not use up new development will go. What was that precious commodity). Another of interest in the Reporter’s recent key aspect with regard to Anaerobic recommendations was the requirement Digestion Plants are their location. for the Council to accommodate a There have been a number of recent further 916 houses within the region. appeal decisions that now make it Of particular note for rural landowners more clear that the Government wish is the new Local Plan Policy HD2 on to ensure that plants are located at housing in the countryside. When least 250 metres from any (non-farm) there is an existing rural building domestic property. If this can be group of 3 or more houses there is achieved then Anaerobic Digestion an allowance for up to 30% or up to proposals will generally be supported 2 new residential dwellings within for their renewable principles provided Services that building group. It is again worth that they are set well into the local • Planning Application/Project Management noting that this rule can reapply to landscape. • Planning Appeals/Expert Witness groups where the landowner has • Development Appraisals Planning in Scotland continues to be developed new houses in the past or • Public Engagement in the spotlight with the entire system under a previous local plan. Timing is currently undergoing an independent Sectors of the essence as it is a form of a first review. Much of it is focused on • Housing past the post once the new local plan is stronger housing and infrastructure • Retail / Town Centre Regeneration finally adopted. delivery. Our submission to the Scottish • Renewable Energy • Rural For those considering land for a larger Government can be found on our • Commercial group of houses (5-1,000 dwellings) twitter page (@fergplan). The planning • Heritage timing is again critical. Now is the time system like many has its shortcomings • Masterplanning to formulate the planning strategy but it is certainly not broken. Proactive as the Council have already began to collaboration and adequate resourcing formulate the next draft of the local is essential if we are to have a speedier plan. Those with landholdings along and more efficient planning process. The outcome of the review is expected INNOVATIVEBRUCE WEIR - CWP the current Borders Railway Line and even those with land near the in early Summer 2016. extension route have strong potential n DELIVERSHARRY SADLEIR - LXB RETAIL PROPERTIES PLC due to the proximity to this key public For a full appreciation of the transport corridor. Ferguson Planning and Development COMMITTED services you can visit their website TOM PARKER - COLLIELAW FARM In the renewable industry the at: fergusonplanning.co.uk or call Tim fergusonplanning.co.uk reduction in financial incentives are on 07960003358 to arrange a free 01896 668 744 proving difficult for both farmers consultation on site or at their new and funders. However, incentives are office (Shiel House) on Channel Street still available and when coupled with in Galashiels.

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Anglia Farmers: membership As a BMR Member you benefit from an Associate Membership to Anglia Farmers. This gives you access to competitive deals through TRAVIS PERKINS IN PARTNERSHIP your BMR account on Chemicals, Electricity, Bulk WITH BMR OFFERING AMAZING Gas, Mobile Phones and much more. DEALS AND GREAT RATES ON Contact BMR for further details: 01896 758091 BUILDING PRODUCTS

✓ Clear, competitive, consistent trade prices to suit your business WORKSHEETS ✓ Wide range of trade quality products Remember to send in your worksheets for work done throughout the Autumn for members. This can also be ✓ With three branches across the done directly from our website at: www.ringleader.co.uk Scottish Borders your local Travis Repeat business between Members that was Perkins branch is never far away originally a job arranged through the Ring Office ✓ A next day delivery service to help should be billed to BMR. you get the job done on time Support the Ring –

For any enquiries please contact: It is your Naill Cloughley Kelso Branch Manager 01573 226125 Business!! Guy Cruickshanks Hawick Branch Manager 01450 374404 Guy Cruickshanks Selkirk Branch Manager 01750 722886 David Cameron Peebles Branch Manager 01721 720569 John Park Area Sales Executive 07887 454335

BORDER MACHINERY RING

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170bhp engine ALSO DISCOUNTS ON Automatic climate Land Cruiser Control air conditioning Proace Working in partnership with Case IH dealers and the SMRA saves members up to Cruise control Rav4 £11/hp on all Case IH products. Rear-view camera Avensis Yaris The process is simple. Visit your Case IH Dealership to select your new Case IH tractor, combine or baler and complete a deal. Ask your local machinery ring for details or visit www.scottishmachineryrings.co.uk Contact BMR office for further information. To organise a demonstration visit www.bit.ly/caseih-dealer-locator Dealers Machinery Rings T: 01896 758091 AM Phillip Agritech Ltd RC Dalgleish Borders MR Ringlink Scotland 01896 758091 01561 377790 E: [email protected] Forfar 01307 474001 Lockerbie 01576202422 Southwest MR HBS Ring Ltd Glenside Tractors Ltd Ramsay & Jackson Ltd 01387 257270 01463 811603 Campbelltown 01586 553624 Mauchline 01290 550329 Lothian MR Caithness MR J & W Tait Ltd W & A Geddes Ltd 01313 398730 01847 831378 We are offering all members the opportunity to fund Krikwall 01856 872490 Wick 01955 602207 Tayforth MR Orkney MR 01577 830616 01856 879080 G Marshall (Tractors) Ltd WWM Rose & Sons Ltd Rural Services Scotland models at competitive rates. St Boswells 01835 823240 West Linton 01968 660777 01738 550101

6 PLEASE MENTION BMR WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS  BMR MEMBERS' UPDATE

BMR on the move

BMR has recently concluded a deal to purchase office premises in Earlston. The Board and Management of BMR have felt, for a number of years that owning our own office was the next logical step in the evolution of the business. The building we have purchased was previously owned by Rutherfords of Earlston and used by them as this purchase is a sensible investment of shareholders’ their ATV showroom and main offices. funds. We have rented our current office at Galamoor House All going well, we aim to move into the new offices for the last 12 years. It has served a purpose for BMR but later this year. We will keep you up to date with has limitations in terms of meeting rooms big enough developments. for training courses, disabled access and archiving space. The new office requires some refurbishment including upgrading the insulation and heating system. Our plan BMR: New Members is to develop the ground floor as the BMR office with upstairs being used for archiving and board meetings. NAME Membership No. In the future we envisage being able to let out some office space upstairs. T Boyd & Son 735 Bright Light Marketing Ltd 779 NAME Membership No. The BMR Board firmly believe that our new office will Charles Brodie & Son Ltd 373 Murray & Burrell Ltd 825 G W Chapman 346 provide a modern, efficient and comfortable working Hugh Smith 23 Farx4 916 St Boswells Mowers 237 environment for our staff. It is central and accessible to Ferguson Planning 862 our membership and comes with a good sized car park. C R Graham & Sons 499 David Stodart 881 It also has a small paddock behind the building. J T Jeffrey 565 Wark Farm Partnership 698 R G Laing & Sons 137 AP & AMH Watson 915 We have managed to build a healthy balance sheet G & N Laing 380 G H White & Sons 829 through trading surpluses over the years and we believe

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