WHAT IS A MACHINERY RING?
A machinery Ring is a management co-operative whose members seek to rationalise their machinery and labour levels by doing work for and/or having work done for them by other members. The Ring employs a Co-ordinator to match up demands for work with suppliers and to process payments for all transactions using a Direct Debit/Credit transfer system. Machinery Rings have been operating in Europe for over 40 years.

WHO SHOULD JOIN A MACHINERY RING?
Any individual or business that can provide a service (equipment or labour) or may require a service at any time in the future.
Membership is not confined to farmers and contractor. Self employed tradesmen will be welcome.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
The Ring Co-ordinator is available for personal visits to answer questions. Should you wish to join; the Co-ordinator will assist with the completion of questionnaires that identify your machinery and you requirements.

WHAT SAY HAS A MEMBER (DEMANDER) IN WORKS LOCATION?
The member (demander) when asking for a service, can state who they would like to do the job. This member will then be given the first chance of doing it. The demander can also state who they don't want! Beyond this, the work is allocated at the Co-ordinator's discretion from the central pool of information at the Ring Office.

WHAT CONTROL DOES A MEMBER (SUPPLIER) HAVE OVER THE USE OF HIS/HER MACHINE?
Every member when registering his/her machine with the Ring states how that machine can be used through the Ring (owner driver only or on self drive basis as well.) Ownership of equipment stays with the supplying member.

HOW DOES A MACHINERY RING OPERATE?
On receipt of a request, the Co-ordinator puts the demander and supplier in touch with each other. The Ring remains available to help sort out any unseen problems. On completion of the job, a work schedule book is signed by both parties. Each retains a copy and the original is sent to the Ring Office. An invoice is raised to the demander for the work done and a self billing invoice to the supplier. Three weeks later the Bank is authorised to debit the demander's account. Once this has been cleared the supplier is credited for the appropriate amount.

HOW IS THE RING FUNDED?
The Machinery Ring covers its cost in two ways. Every member pays an annual subscription. This is currently £55 + VAT. There is also a levy on each transaction which is deducted from both supplier and demander. The levy is currently 2% from both parties - minimum levy £5


WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES THE RING OFFER?

1. MEMBERS MAKE ONLY ONE TELEPHONE CALL TO ARRANGE SUPPLIER.
2. A STANDARD PRICE LIST IS USED BY ALL MEMBERS.
3. MEMBERS CAN REQUEST A SPECIFIC SUPPLIER.
4. EXISTING SUPPLIER/DEMANDER RELATIONSHIPS CAN CONTINUE IN THE RING.
5. THE RING ARRANGES ALL INVOICING.
6. SUPPLIERS ARE PAID WITHIN 28 DAYS OF JOB COMPLETION.
7. THE RING CO-ORDINATOR IS AVAILABLE TO HELP SORT ANY PROBLEMS.
8. THE RING CAN HELP TO IDENTIFY NEW MACHINERY REQUIREMENTS.
9. THE RING CAN ACT AN EXCHANGE FOR INFORMATION AND ADVICE.

CAN'T WAIT TO JOIN?

Send your application form to: - CAITHNESS MACHINERY RING Ltd.

 BALBEG
SPITTAL
by WICK
KW1 5XU


Tel No. (01847) 841310
Fax No. (01847) 841310
Mobile 07774 833 244
E-mail - lindalevack@caithnessmachineryring.co.uk