2022FEBRUARY Digital NBN KEEPING IT LOCAL 2022AUGUST-03PUBLICATION MAKING WAVES FOR OUR COMMUNITY LATEST BUSINESS NEWS & &BUSINESSOFFERSARTICLESRESOURCES
Simon Cox, Editor Simon Cox @NNBNDigital
Digital NBN
What a busy quarter it’s been as our growth continues to rise with new members joining us, we saw the launch of #NNSTARTUP Day and the Digital Futures First business lunch in June and attended the official Royal Opening of Chester House as we continue to drive forwards for our community. Our online network meetings are providing a great opportunity for local businesses to engage online and in September, we’re delighted to welcome Sam Lux from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as our special guest as we learn more about the SME Climate Hub and what more we can do as a community to work towards a greener future.
You’ll also find details of The Queens Awards where you could enter! Yes, the Queens Awards! Obviously it’s not as simple as just https://nnbn.co.uk
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
You’ll also find further details of the NNBN Membership as well as a quick reference to further support for you and your business on pages 66 and 67 featuring some of our key partners and other business organisations that we suggest you consider to help you and your Finally,business.Iwould just like to thank everyone who has supported the third issue of NNBN Digital and I hope you enjoy the read.
completing an entry form, and the Awards aren’t just handed out to whoever shouts the loudest or looks the best. There is strict criteria around entry, but why not have a look to see whether you could enter and be officially recognised in our County. Full details are on pages 12 and 13. Of course, the NNBN Digital publication is only part of the jigsaw when it comes to the NNBN Membership Organisation and the publication will help keep you up to date with events, news and information from what’s going on in the area. What’s more…..it’s named the NNBN Digital publication as we will only be publishing the magazine digitally so we can consider the environment and accessibility of our readers.
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KEEPING IT LOCAL
Hello and welcome to our third edition of the NNBN Digital publication – here for the North Northamptonshire community as part of the new NNBN Membership Organisation.
NNBN Digital 3 CONTENTS 66646260565450464440393534322827241817184EDITORIAL The Mentaur Group FEATURE Wheelie Klips Food for Thought receives Eco Award FEATURE44 Turtle Academy FEATURE10 All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. CREDITS: POPPPY DESIGN STUDIO LTD. 40 Starship’s robotic delivery service is expanding! EDITORIAL Wheelie Klips Northants Council bid for levelling up funds North Northamptonshire Council Turtle TransformingQueensAcademyAwardsgarden for KGH ICU patients World’s leading can maker are recruiting Royal seal of approval for Chester House Businesses urged to apply for covid funding The Mentaur Group Second business exhibition of 2022! Wicksteed Park nomination Accomodation Concern on cost of living Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire #NNSTARTUP day lifts off! Free places up for grabs in marathon Prominent brownfield site set for new life Starship’s robotic delivery service expands Food for Thought receives eco award Free policy support training for businesses Big boost to social enterprises Q&A with Tony Spooner Cost of living crisis: Sustainable businesses The Beat Route Radio rolls in What is NNBN? DiscoverNN App Need help for your business? Digital NBN KEEPING IT LOCAL
A small personal team giving a one to one feel for any potential company involved in the supplier to consumer chain. Looking for major helpers in the development and road to market as a coordinated venture. Maximising the profit for any potential partners. Help in its broadest FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHEELIE KLIPS BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITE: https://wheelieklips.co.uk/
Background Wheelie Klips Limited is a small family run company in Northamptonshire in the UK which has been developing its initial product range over the last two years. It now has these products designed and manufactured and ready to sell. We are looking for partners to work with to extend our products into the marketplace, particularly in the UK and mainland Europe. The solutions involve the end user keeping their wheelie bins clean and fresh. We offer an alternative solution to that of using a jet wash to clean wheelie bins. We sell a range of clips, fragrances and bags for use on most general household wheelie bins of various capacities.
sense with market penetration, funding for modified batch/penetration for new market, first order placement etc. Leadership consists of two Directors who are experienced Engineers. Working in the SIC Code: 22290 Manufacture of other plastic products. The Products A range of plastic clips have been designed to be used in conjunction with a plastic bin liner on 120 litre, 180 litre and 240 litre general waste wheelie bins, and if preferred, with a bottle of fragrance that can be sprayed into the wheelie bin cavity. The bins being those typically issued by local councils for the disposal of household waste. The designs of the clips have a UK patent GB2553841.
Management Team
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Product Sales
FEATURE
WHEELIE KLIPS
All our products can be found on our website and orders can be placed there. We also sell on Amazon, Ebay and Ankorstore. Our products are also found on Wayfair, Branded Household, TruWash, and The Range.
Our clips can be found in several prestige places including a top 4 Premier League Football Ground and a large restaurant in Dorset. Amongst other places, our liners are found in a multi-discipline equestrian venue in Devon.
Outlets: garden centres; DIY shops; super stores; pet stores
Ex-Northampton Saints Rugby Union Manager and Player Lennie Newman recommends and uses our products.
A cost effective solution probably saving, over a year, up to £200 when compared to wheelie bin cleaning or up to £100 when compared with buying kitchen bin bags. Zesty Citrus fragrance neutralises odours and helps deter insects such as flies from entering the wheelie bin. Avoids the aggravation of bin liners collapsing when items are dropped in the cavity of a general waste wheelie bin; as the liners have plenty of depth and the clips retain the liner in place. Garden rubbish can be transported to the local tip without the liner splitting or spillage using the extra strong bin liners. Sustainability Our clip products are made from recyclable plastic; our spray bottle is made from recyclable plastic; our blister packaging is all recyclable; our bin liner products are made from 100% re-cycled grade materials from prime sources of West European manufacture and are compliant to the Packaging and Film Association [PAFA] tolerances of 10%. We have no single use plastic. Using our liners and throwing householder rubbish directly into the wheelie bin opposed to using those from a kitchen environment such as under sink rubbish bin liners would mean over 52% less plastic going into landfill in respect to keeping your wheelie bin clean.
Benefits of our Products Wheelie Klips solutions save you money and keep your general waste wheelie bin clean all year round. No need to pay to clean your bin, use the messy jet wash or use individual plastic bags (now not free from the supermarkets!). This could save, a household, up to £200 per year. What could be saved at a restaurant or sports venue by not having to clean bins after events? It makes sense to use Wheelie Klips solutions to keep bins tidy, clean and fresh. Klip ‘n’ Bag holds your Klip Bag in a secure position so they do not fall into the bin when rubbish is dropped in. But that’s not all, the Klip ‘n’ Fresh product holds a specially designed spray bottle with a uniquely developed Zesty Citrus fragrance created to neutralise odours and is scientifically proven, reducing the possibility of fly or insect infestation! Keeps your bin nice and fresh all year round!
Business to Business: care homes; hotel chains; restaurants; National stadia; outside sports venues [football, rugby grounds etc]; horse racing venues; National Trust; parks and outside recreation centres
Unique Selling Points
Consumers: responsible home owners, keeping their bin smelling fresh and maggot free; people using disposable nappies, for babies, older people; pet owners, cat litter, dog waste; people who eat takeaways, leftover food and containers; responsible garden owners, taking garden rubbish to the tip.
Become One of Our Stockists We are a small personal team giving a one to one feel for any potential company involved in the supplier to consumer chain. We are looking for major partners to help with the development and road to market as a coordinated venture while maximising the profit for any potential partners. We are looking to work with reputable companies who will stock, display and sell our products to the end user. Our stockists will be able to display the products in the best way possible, all products are shelf ready with appropriate packaging and euro hooks. The products we offer are unique with no competition in the market for the klips solution.
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Lennie was the first professional Manager for the Saints and he played for them over 100 times.
Our Target Market
6 SWING FOR SERVE C H A R I T Y G O L F D A Y F R I D A Y 3 0 T H S E P T E M B E R 9 A M S T A R T R U S H D E N G O L F C L U B n i c k . h a y t o n @ s e r v e . o r g . u k | T e l : 0 7 7 3 8 1 9 0 7 5 6 B a c o n S a n d w i c h o n A r r i v a l S t a b l e f o r d 4 B a l l 1 8 H o l e s 2 C o u r s e m e a l , R a f f l e & P r e s e n t a t i o n N e a r e s t T h e P i n P r i z e E a r l y b i r d P r i c e £ 2 0 0 f o r T e a m o f 4 Charity Number 1043321 | Company Number 2951827
NNC’s Levelling Up fund bid 2 is named ‘Improving life chances and facilities for local people’ and comprises the following projects: A new stadium and training facility to be built at Adrenaline CompletingAlley. the construction of a segregated active travel route between the town centre and railway station in Corby Environmental improvements to Kiln Way and Minerva Way on the Queensway estate in Wellingborough.
COUNCIL TO BID FOR £31M IN LEVELLING UP FUNDS
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“It is great that, following a public consultation and extensive discussions, we are in a position to submit two strong bids for Levelling Up funding. We believe that the projects that are being put forward have the strongest chance of success, in what is sure to be a biddingcompetitiveprocess.
NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
- Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration“The Levelling Up fund is a central Government fund of £4 billion available across England to support economic prosperity and North Northamptonshire has been categorised as a Priority 1 area for this round, meaning it is of high importance to receive funding. With this in mind, I am delighted that six projects have been identified that stand a chance of receiving a portion of this funding.”
Two bids for Levelling Up funding, each comprising of three projects, will be submitted to central Government by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC). The bid for funding across the six projects totals £30.8m.
NNC’s Levelling Up fund bid 1 is named ‘Transformation through green growth’ and covers the following projects: Development of a rail overbridge to gain better access to Stanton Cross and release more housing development. The construction of a segregated active travel link between Wellingborough and Rushden which will extend the current TheGreenway.repair and refurbishment of the historic Victorian Greenhouse and an events building at the Chester House Estate which will help provide an important local amenity for existing and new residents in the area, including Stanton Cross.
FEATURE
“The impact and benefit of these projects will mean we can attract additional visitors, spend and investment into the whole of the North Northamptonshire area.”
- Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the council
Projects submitted for funding must be capital i.e. involve spending on a physical asset and delivered by the end of March 2025.
SUPPORTER
North Northamptonshire Council is your new council, covering the geographical areas of Corby, East Northamptonshire , Kettering and Wellingborough.
North Northamptonshire has a proven track record as an attractive and highly successful place for people to work, invest, live, visit and It’sgrow.population has grown at one of the fastest rates in the country during the last few years and this is expected to continue, driven by it’s location within the Oxford to Cambridge Arc and the North Northamptonshire Garden Communities developments beginning to take shape.
It has special environmental qualities, great locational advantages, immense potential and ambition. The Council provides a wide range of Business facing services and is dedicated to supporting your business to achieve its full potential, and ensuring North Northamptonshire is an attractive place for people to work, invest, live, visit and grow.
NNBN Digital 9 Economy and Regeneration Support for start up and established businesses and information about funding and grants. Visit website here Recovery through Enterprise The Council’s dedicated site for businesses seeking support in times of significant change. Visit website here Business and Licencing Advice on health and safety, business rates, food safety, trading standards and licencing. Visit website here Planning and Building Control Advice on applications, building control, local searches, delivering growth and policy. Visit website here Waste and Recycling The Council offers a competitive and reliable commercial waste service for local businesses Visit website here Selling to the Council The Council purchase a wide range of goods and services each year, including from local suppliers. View website here NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL BUSINESS SERVICES INCLUDE: Partners: To ensure that we deliver on our Corporate Plan Key Commitments and priorities for both the economy ‘Safe and Thriving Places’ and the Climate Change Agenda ‘Green and Sustainable environment’, the Council is working with a range of Organisations: South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, University of Northampton, Tresham College, Federation of Small Businesses, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Job Centre Plus. For more details about our corporate plan visit here www.northnorthants.gov.uk @NorthNorthants 0300 126 @NNorthantsC3000
EDITORIAL
TURTLE ACADEMY: NEW ACADEMY IS ‘HATCHED’ TO HELP NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
Find out https://turtleacademy.co.uk/more:
A new training academy exclusively for Northamptonshire not-for-profit organisations has been launched this week – set up to help charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups fundraise, thrive and recruit post-covid.
The Academy has been launched by the team at PR and marketing company Pilkington Communications, and is a result of extensive research into the sector’s needs post pandemic.
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National research, published earlier this year, concluded while the majority of UK not-for-profit organisations are desperate to master digital marketing, most lack the confidence and the expertise to know what to do next.
Jessica Pilkington, director of Pilkington Communications, said: “Inspired by these national findings we did our own research, this time in Northamptonshire, where the findings mirrored the national picture. Our local charities, social enterprises, trusts and voluntary groups also want to step up their digital marketing, telling us this is essential for their future but is also something they are the most nervous about.”
“Via interviews and surveys,” Jessica added, “charity leaders, social enterprise staff, trustees and voluntary groups told us they were fed up of online, generic training. Instead, they told us they wanted to leave their desks and screens and get some face-to-face support, bespoke to their sector. Also, could we come and visit them
So,sometimes?”aswellas a physical training academy at the company’s Delapré Abbey offices in Northampton, Turtle Academy has a mobile option and will be offering two-hour, half and full day sessions wherever they are needed.
Training will include topics such as: podcasting, blogging, content planning, online fundraising campaigns, TikTok for charities, social media strategy, GDPR compliant newsletters and more.
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2022 winners can be found awards-enterprise-2022https://www.thegazette.co.uk/queens-here:
TheWinners.Queen’s
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The winners of the awards demonstrate outstanding success in their respective fields of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility). Her Majesty The Queen personally approves the winners and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy publicly announce the winners on 21st April each year. Winners often state that their achievement has opened new doors for them in terms of securing new contracts, venturing into new markets, and further developing their business. If successful in winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the organisation receives a Grant of Appointment, and is able to display the award emblem for up to 5 years, and access to a thriving alumni network of previous award winners! This year there were 232 Queen’s Award Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for businesses, recognising and celebrating business excellence across the UK.
NNBN Digital 13 This year’s winners include The Co-op, the World of Books, AES (solar panel pioneers) to the 100 year old family run business Bettys and Taylors, and DSNM’s innovation which is the world’s only Cloud-based software to correct maritime charts in the interests of safer navigation. The Awards are open to all UK based organisations with two or more employees. 90% of the winners are SMEs but big businesses like Willmott Dixon, Holland and Barrett and JCB also recognise the importance and the benefits of these Awards. Now, more than ever, is a vital time for great UK businesses to be celebrated and Torecognised.apply,visit SEPTEMBERTheawards-for-enterprisehttps://www.gov.uk/queens-closingdateisMIDDAYon6TH2022. QUEENS AWARDS
A Patient Ambassador for the ICU Garden, Alison Bosworth, tells us her story.
The team on the Intensive Care Unit at Kettering General Hospital are working alongside the Northamptonshire Health Charity, to raise funds, so that patients on the unit can have access to a peaceful and colourful outside area that will aid them with their rehabilitation. The ICU in Kettering General, located in the Foundation Wing, has 14 inpatient beds with 2 beds for inpatient Dialysis. During the Pandemic this number was increased by 150% to provide ventilation care for those most poorly with Covid.
All donations are much appreciated and can be made via the Just Giving page
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/at
The fundraising target is £5,000 which together with some existing charity funds will cover the work that is required to transform the area. From landscaping and fencing, to plants, shrubs and a beautiful mural for the outdoor wall.
“Charitable donations have a huge potential to completely transform aspects of the hospital environment to benefit patients and staff,” said Rob Powell, Charity Fundraiser.
“This project will really make a huge difference for all those who spend time undergoing intensive therapy. It will also provide a real benefit to their loved ones who will be able to spend more quality time with them in lovely surroundings as they continue getting better ahead of being discharged.” Holly added, “To prepare our patients for discharge, being able to differentiate between daytime and night-time is a key tool to being able to rehabilitate to life outside the hospital so we would love for them to begin benefiting from this newly developed garden this summer.”
FEATURE
HELP WITH FUNDRAISING TO TRANSFORM A GARDEN FOR ICU PATIENTS AT KGH
The average stay on the ICU for a patient is now around 21 days. As this is such a long time to spend on the ward, the majority of which is spent in a bed – and with very little exposure to natural daylight and fresh air – fundraising can enable some fantastic changes to be made. It is great that visiting has resumed at the hospital but the very nature of the ICU means it is unsuitable for children to come on to the ward. Holly Worland, [Healthcare Assistant] said, “A peaceful garden area to take patients out to so they can enjoy the outdoors and spend some crucial time with their loved ones would provide massive benefits for their rehabilitation and for their mental health. We could incorporate patients seeing their younger children or grandchildren if it was suitable to do so but also their family pets, which are just as important to some patients as children are.”
“Having spent 7 weeks in the hospital, with 4 weeks on Intensive Care I almost crawled out of the Discharge Lounge just to be able to experience what it was like to breathe in fresh air again. During my time on ICU, of which 4 days was spent in an induced coma and on a ventilator, when I did come round I was able to see the pocket park from my bed and it gave me hope to get better so I could go home and see my beloved Cherry Tree in my garden again.”
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kghicugarden There is also an opportunity to donate items such as plants or shrubs for the garden area. If you would like to make a donation of this kind, please contact Holly Worland via email h.worland@nhs.net
“We continue to be incredibly impressed by the local enthusiasm and talent and our pre-employment training programme means that scores of our new recruits are already employed and in training, ready for the new plan to open.”
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Carey Causey, President, Ball Beverage Packaging, EMEA said: “We are committed to building an inclusive workforce and are seeking people of all ages, from all backgrounds and regardless of education or experience. We will provide preemployment training to enable candidates without prior manufacturing experience to apply and join. “At Ball, we want to transform manufacturing to enable more people to access careers in a stable sector that is growing fast. We are building a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility and we will be providing long-term careers for local people who have passion, want to learn and who want to be part of something special.”
NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE,
With construction picking up pace and all on track for its official opening in the New Year, Ball’s new SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway site will mark the company’s third manufacturing site in the UK, building on years of stable employment for its teams based at Ball’s Milton Keynes and Wakefield facilities.
EDITORIAL
A SUPERB PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
Paulina Panus, HR Manager for Ball’s new Kettering plant, said: “As construction picks up pace so too is our recruitment drive. We are committed to shaping and creating a truly inclusive place of work and have had scores of high-level, exciting applications following our summer job fairs.
Their new 56,000m² facility in Barton Seagrave near Kettering is scheduled to begin production next January, with a local workforce of more than 200.
Davene Landsbury, recently recruited by Ball as a Team Leader at the new Kettering plant, said: “When I first applied to Ball I didn’t think I would get an interview as I haven’t made cans before and this is traditionally a male dominated career. I had previously worked for 20 years as a warehouse manager in London where the workforce had been almost all male. “Ball, though, is turning the stereotypes on their heads and is committed to employing a truly diverse workforce. In all my years of working this has been a real eye opener. Ball is committed to training and teaching, you don’t need engineering or mechanical experience to be recruited. It will be hard work of course, but Ball is going to teach and train everyone.”
Ball are the world’s leading manufacturer of infinitely recyclable aluminium drinks cans, the world’s most widely recycled beverage packaging with an 82% recycling rate in the UK and 76% across Europe.
A tradition of local manufacturing excellence and Northamptonshire’s position at the heart and centre of the UK are just two of the reasons global canmaking company Ball Corporation (‘Ball’) selected Kettering as the site of their new plant.
The site was purchased in 2004 and grant funding was secured through The National Lottery Heritage Fund who have worked with NNC to develop a sustainable visitor destination with access for the public to learn about the history and heritage, as well as becoming the location to house countywide archaeological finds.
“We are very proud of the Chester House Estate and what it encompasses by bringing businesses, residents and visitors of the area together.”
Anne Jenkins, Executive Director, Business Delivery at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It was wonderful to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to officially open Chester House Estate. This important heritage site explores over 10,000 years of human history, and it’s thanks to National Lottery players that this site is now open and will inspire visitors of all ages to learn about Northamptonshire’s fascinating past.”
Chester House Estate received a very special guest yesterday when Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, visited the nationally significant heritage site. Before unveiling a plaque and officially opening the site, Her Royal Highness toured the Estate, met with North Northamptonshire Council’s Chairman, Cllr Larry Henson, Cllr Helen Howell (Deputy Leader and Executive member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism) Kerry Purnell (Assistant Director for Housing and Communities), Jack Pishhorn (Manager), members of the Chester House Estate team, dedicated volunteers and representatives from key stakeholders including Historic England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Nenescape, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Natural England and the Creating Tomorrow FollowingCollege. a challenging and pioneering £15m heritage restoration project, the Chester House Estate opened to the public in October 2021 and to date has welcomed over 140,000 visitors to the estate.
During the visit, Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism for North Northamptonshire Council (who own the Chester House Estate) said: ”We are extremely pleased to be able to see the completion of the Chester House Estate project and the successful first year that it has had. Since opening we have welcomed an astonishing 140,000 visitors, we have seen 5 new businesses open and thrive in their new premises, over 30 new local jobs have been created and we have also enjoyed 100’s of local school children visiting us as part of our educational offering.
“The success of the estate couldn’t have happened without National Lottery Heritage Funding and Department of Media, Culture and Sport whose support over the years has really made the restoration possible.
ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR THE CHESTER HOUSE ESTATEFEATURE
For more information on Chester House, visit: https://chesterhouseestate.org/
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The current application window is open until Monday 22 August and more details, including how to apply and eligibility, can be found on the NNC website HERE.
BUSINESSES URGED TO APPLY FOR COVID ADDITIONAL
Cllr Lloyd Bunday, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, said: “It goes without saying that the past two years have been extremely difficult for businesses. Whilst there has been some support for most businesses, we are acutely aware that some businesses haven’t been able to access any financial support at all. “With this in mind, I would urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible for some extra support to take a look at our information online and get in touch before 22 August.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the council, added: “It is vital that we support the economy of North Northamptonshire as it recovers from what has been one of the most difficult periods of time we have ever seen. “I am pleased that the Government has recognised this and released additional funding for those businesses most in need.”
EDITORIAL
RELIEF FUNDING Further business rate relief is now available for businesses impacted by Covid-19 restrictions but who have not been eligible for previous relief schemes. Central Government has provided funds for the Covid Additional Relief Fund which is being administered by North Northamptonshire Council. Applications can be made online with the deadline for making an application being Monday 22 August. Funds from Government are limited and only businesses occupied and liable for business rates in the financial year 2021/22 are eligible to apply for funding (other eligibility criteria also applies). The amounts awarded will be determined once the application window has closed.
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Community Support (MCS) provides supported living and domiciliary care services to empower vulnerable people and encourage more independent forms of living. Our outreach support consists in personalised services at home tailored to every individual’s needs: assistance with the procurement of housing benefits, day-to-day support with maintaining a tenancy, supporting people to a more independent life within their communities, accessing healthcare and others. MCS staff provide this support according to people’s needs, ranging from a few hours a week to 24-hour support. These services are available in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.
Moreover, Mentaur offers day activities support in its Mentaur Day Opportunities Resource Centre (MDORC) based in Northampton. It is a hub which promotes independent skills and serves as a base for accessing public facilities in the wider community. The centre also facilitates supported work experience and work placements, coordinating college placements and provides training in areas such as horticulture, computer studies, social and domestic Mentaurskills.
Mentaur provides residential care in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Leicestershire. All the homes are designed to provide a safe and enabling environment for users of the service while the staff are trained to provide personalised support to a high standard. Our service users are able to explore new activities, develop new hobbies & recreational interests and continue to grow and develop as individuals.
EDITORIAL
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Since 1988, the Mentaur Group has been offering a diverse range of specialist services for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, autism, & other complex needs. The two organisations in the group are Mentaur and Mentaur Community Support (MCS). Mentaur is a multiple award-winning provider of support and care services with a strong emphasis on quality, training, and research. In recent years, Mentaur contribution has been nationally and internationally recognized. This has resulted in various awards, such as the ‘Research Project Award’ at the European Social Services Awards and the ‘Personalisation in Social Care’ award at the Laing Buisson Awards. Currently, the manager of one of the group’s care homes, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Registered Manager of the Year’ award at the National Learning Disability & Autism Awards. We are also proud to announce that we will be presenting on ‘Positive outcomes emerging from the COVID19 pandemic to spike engagement of people with autism living in supported accommodation services’ at the 13th Autism-Europe International Congress in Cracow.
THE MENTAUR GROUP
MCS also provides supported living services in two dedicated supported living units in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. Users of these services are either making their first move to independence or stepping down from a more intensive placement. With a secure tenancy in place, users are supported by trained MCS staff to develop new skills similar to those described above for outreach clients.
Visit The
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The Mentaur Group is making a significant contribution to supporting vulnerable people within the community. Our commitment to providing growth-enhancing care and support of the highest quality with integrity and constant innovation is at the core of our values. Mentaur Group’s
social channels below Find out more via the websites below: Specialist Care Services | Residential Care Homes | Mentaur
0 8 0 0 0 3 8 6 2 0 5 www.SmartOctopusVoiceAgency.com Info@SmartOctopusVoiceAgency.com We have chatbot templates that cover all of the major business sectors and requirements of small businesses. We can tailor these to your specific needs and integrate them with your third party products like CRM or booking systems to provide conversations resulting in a seamless experience for your current and future customers. We also offer workshops to develop your messaging strategy to best utilise the different ways a customer can start a conversation with your business / bot. Increase Lead Generation Increase Sales Increase Web Search Traffic Increase Brand Awareness Creating an automated chatbot funnel will enable your business to leverage Social Media Message Marketing to: While also reducing customer support calls! We support the following platforms, Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Messages, GMB and WhatsApp: THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS MESSAGING ON SOCIAL MEDIA IS MESSAGE MARKETING CALL NOW TO CHATBOT ENABLE YOUR BUSINESS MESSAGING Let's get your business talking!
“In the same way that many of us have embraced hybrid working, most of us have embraced a hybrid approach to networking and exhibitions but nothing (and I mean nothing) beats the real thing. The opportunity to meet face to face, deepen existing relationships and form new ones cannot be over-estimated.
SUPPORTER
“Business relies on relationships and good relationships are give and take for this reason we always try and put something back into the business community and the wider community in general and as such we are delighted to once more sponsor this event. “
“It’s fantastic to see the Northamptonshire business exhibition returning once again on the 14th September at The Park Inn Northampton. Historically the Chamber Business Exhibitions welcome hundreds of local enterprises from across our county coming together from all sectors with a view of developing strong local business relationships and championing our buoyant Northamptonshire industries.” - Sunny Singh
Second exhibitionbusinessof2022!
The exhibition, sponsored by Chamber Business Platinum Partners Wilson Browne Solicitors, is open to both members and non-members and is free to attend for all visitors on the day.
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Wilson Browne Solicitors Business Development and Marketing Director Wayne Jenkins commented: “Wilson Browne Solicitors are excited to once more be the headline sponsor for the Chamber expo.
Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce their second business exhibition for 2022! The event will be held on Wednesday 14th September, at Park Inn Northampton from 10am until 3:30pm.
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The major event will boast more than 50 stands showcasing the best of Northamptonshire’s businesses, as well as plenty of opportunities for organisations across the county to connect, promote, and network. The exhibition itself will attract hundreds of local businesses visiting throughout the day, in addition to eagerly anticipating the announcement of finalists at this year’s prestigious Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022 which will be revealed on the day. They will be kicking off the day with a Business Before Hours networking event, from 8:30am until 10am, with the opportunity for attendees to network with 60 businesses over a bite to eat.
“I am delighted that this year we once again have our Partners at Wilson Browne Solicitors sponsoring the exhibition who always guarantee something special on the day and I am sure this year will be no different. This coupled with the support of our media partners Business Times Northamptonshire and the announcement of the finalists of the prestigious Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022, promises to be a very special day in the diary of businesses up and down the county. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 14th September and urge businesses to attend, network, connect, grow and promote your services & products to the wider business community”
This year we are hosting our exhibition at Park Inn Northampton. Simon Smith, General Manager commented “We are delighted to be hosting this year’s Northamptonshire Chamber Exhibition and welcoming you all to the Park Inn by Radisson Northampton Town Centre. “Our relationship with the Northamptonshire Chamber has gone from strength to strength over the last 6 months and we were thrilled when asked to host their annual Exhibition. Here is to a successful day on the 14th September and looking forward to meeting you all and showcasing our property working alongside our good colleagues at the Northamptonshire Chamber.”
Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Business Development Sunny Singh said “It’s fantastic to see the Northamptonshire business exhibition returning once again on the 14th September at The Park Inn Northampton. Historically the Chamber Business Exhibitions welcome hundreds of local enterprises from across our county coming together from all sectors with a view of developing strong local business relationships and championing our buoyant Northamptonshire industries.
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Wicksteed Park’s water chute – the oldest ride of its kind in the UK – has been nominated for a national award in the 2022 UK Theme Park Awards.
Wicksteed Park water chute showcases the wonderful vision and engineering of Charles Wicksteed in his quest to encourage children and families to explore and have fun In 2016, the ride was protected by Government body Historic England by being made Grade II Listed. Rachel James, Wicksteed Park’s Head of Sales and Marketing, said: “We are delighted that the water chute has been nominated for this prestigious national award. “It is a truly unique ride and, even after all this time, is still one of the most popular attractions at the park. “We hope friends of the park and visitors alike will support us and vote for it to become the country’s best historic ride.” The national UK Theme Park Awards recognise the country’s best rides and attractions, shows and events.
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The awards are organised by ThemeParks-UK.com, an independent consumer guide to UK theme parks. In 2022, the awards are presented in association with ThereAttractionTickets.com.are22categories this year, including Theme Park of the Year, Best Customer Service and Best Value. New categories include Best Steel Coaster, Best Wooden Coaster and Best Mascot. In advance of the public vote, a shortlist has been compiled using public nominations and with the help of a panel of expert judges including Paul Kelly (Chief Executive of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions) and Andy Hine MBE (Chairman – Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain). More than 36,000 nominations were received, with a total of 30 theme parks nominated for awards in 2022.
WICKSTEED PARK’S ICONIC WATER CHUTE NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD
The iconic ride, built by the park’s founder Charles Wicksteed in 1926 and a forerunner to many of the theme park rides now popular across the world, has made the shortlist in the Best Historic Ride category. Award winners will be decided by a public vote, with Wicksteed Park visitors being urged to vote by going to www.ukthemeparkawards.com from Friday July
EDITORIAL
Voting22. will close on Friday September 2 with winners announced during an awards event at Drayton Manor theme park, Staffordshire, on Thursday September The22.
Over 70% told us they are making fewer journeys. If people don’t travel they aren’t spending money in their communities which will dramatically impact the local economy.”
This Cost-of-Living Crisis Survey, which gathered the views of more than 260 households across the county, also found that more than two thirds have now turned their electricity and heating off completely, while nearly three quarters were worried about keeping warm this winter
• Not surprisingly more than 90% said they were not confident this crisis would improve in the next 12-24 months.
Another shocking headline focused on food banks. As food banks across the country struggle to cope with the soaring demand, one in four survey respondents said they were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to need to visit a food bank at least once in the next 12 months.
Other highlights from this Northamptonshire
These are just some of the many headline statistics unveiled by Accommodation Concern this month as part of their county-wide Cost of Living survey and campaign for change.
The charity, Northamptonshire’s leading housing, debt, and benefits advice service, commissioned the survey to throw a spotlight on the crisis and to support those people and organisations lobbying for Accommodationchange.
•survey:55% of households said they were not very confident or not confident at all that they will cope and survive the cost-of-living crisis.
• Nearly 80% of households have already changed to budget supermarkets and brands
ONE IN FOUR NORTHANTS HOUSEHOLDS SAY THEY ARE IN ENERGY ARREARS AND SKIP MEALS
- Connor O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan Financial Planning
Seven in 10 people in Northamptonshire are making fewer journeys to save on fuel and transport costs, while one in four people admitted to skipping meals and being in arrears with their energy providers.
To find out more about Accommodation Concern and to access help and support with your housing, debt and benefits needs please contact the team. Find out all the contact details and more here
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Jo added: “Most people can turn off the heating and reduce energy consumption, but you can’t stop using electricity if you are working from home and you can’t stop paying for fuel if you have to get to work. It’s not surprising that so many people are already in arrears with their energy providers.”
EDITORIAL
Chief Executive Jo Moore commented on the results: “These findings are disturbing but not many are surprising. We already know that most people are cutting back on food and turning their heating off but one thing that surprised us is just how many people are reducing their travel.
Concern also wanted to highlight and better understand how the national crisis is affecting people locally.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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NNBN Digital 31
32 www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk
BIPC Libraries act as engines for economic growth through helping businesses to start, run, innovate and grow. As part of the British Library Business & IP Centre National Network, the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire helps establish enterprises, create new jobs, increase turnover and boost our local economy. For every £1 invested in the BIPC Network, £6.95 is put back into the economy, which we believe represents a fantastic return on investment.
SUPPORTER
Our services cover the whole of Northamptonshire, both West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire, which includes: Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough. You can find the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire at your local library. We have hubs in Northamptonshire Central Library, Kettering Library, Wellingborough Library, Brixworth Library and Towcester Library. You can pop into any of your nearest libraries (not just the ones mentioned) and ask for more Theinformation.Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire has been supporting businesses since 2015. In that time, over 1750 people have used its services and they have helped over 500 entrepreneurs start a business through a rich variety of webinars, workshops and one-to-one business and intellectual property advice sessions. The library service also provides entrepreneurs and SMEs across the UK with free access to databases, market research, journals, directories and reports worth thousands of pounds. Libraries are not just full of books. They are full of ideas. As part of the British Library National Network the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire is leading a revolution by inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners. It is free to join and open to everyone. And it is transforming the way ideas grow into successful businesses. So if you would like one-to-one business advice, access to market research databases, webinars and events, or intellectual property advice, all for free… then visit your local library to find out more at: https://www.bipcnorthamptonshire.co.uk
“We are delighted to support this new initiative in North Northamptonshire. The new NNBN membership service will provide much needed additional support, engagement and exclusive discounts to local entrepreneurs and businesses and will serve to complement existing services within North Northants. We look forward to supporting and working alongside NNBN.” - Barry Crisp WeWorkshops/Seminarsdeliverarangeofsupporting activities aimed at anyone considering self employment, starting a new business or requiring advice on intellectual Reset.property.Restart webinars We are delivering a dedicated programme to support SMEs which can be accessed remotely, whereever you are in the UK, all for free. One-to-one advice We offer a wide range of one-to-one sessions for anyone who is considering self employment, and new start-ups. Advice on business basics, business planning, IP and ask an expert. Intellectual property advice We offer advice and information on: Patents, Copyright, Trade marks and Registered Designs. Free subscription resources We pay the subscription fee so that our library users can benefit from access to: COBRA, EMIS, Fame, Frost & Sullivan, Grantfinder, IBIS World, Kompass, Mintel, Newsbank, Statista and Local Data LinksCompany.touseful start-up websites Free quality business and enterprise selected by our information professionals Networking opportunities All our events, webinars and social media platforms provide ample networking opportunities. All services are provided free of charge to the local community. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Ami Pendergrass from WorkChum and Charlie Stone from Shire Sounds Radio and they all gave their time to talk with NNBN’s Simon Cox about their journey so far, what they’ve learned and what tips they had for businesses starting up. Also joining the online event was Adam Lawton, a Business Advisor from the University of Northampton, Patricia Greaves from the Business & IP Centre, Adam Payne from New Way Growth and Tony Robinson OBE, a fantastic advocate for the Micro Business Community, who joined from Yorkshire.
“I really enjoyed pulling the day together and talking with the 12 participants for the day as we celebrated their journeys so far and talked about what they had learned.”
#NNSTARTUP DAY – a day dedicated to start up businesses, real life stories from those who have walked the walk and continue to do so and useful information for those who are maybe thinking about starting a business. Featured on the day were NNBN Members Claire Flinders from MOJO Accounting, Rupert Turton from Action Coach Oakham and Kettering, Alison Holland from Brightwayz and the North Northants Social Enterprise Network, Jessica Pilkington from Pilkington Communications, Simon Laskey from Simon Laskey Accountants, Kate Coulson from ENA HR & Training, Founder of NNSTARTUP, Simon Cox said “I’m delighted with how the day went and, for the first event, the feedback has been very positive. It’s important we recognise a day for start up businesses and celebrate those who have launched their businesses.”
June this year saw the first
“I’m looking forward to building on this for next year’s event which the date is already set. As this grows, we hope we can see a number of new businesses coming into our business community as local people consider self employment as an option to help them fulfil their ambitions and dreams.”
#NNSTARTUP DAY LIFTS OFF!
Sign up via the charity’s website marathon-2/co.uk/events/northampton-half-https://northamptonshirehealthcharity.at:
It’s not too late to get started with your training and the charity will support you with your fundraising every step of the way as well as being there on race day to cheer you on!
NNBN Digital 35
The stunning course begins with a tour of Northampton’s heritage before heading out of town for some scenic countryside running. If the 13.1-mile half marathon is a little too much, then simply halve it and register for The Size 6 instead. The minimum amount to raise for your free place in this 6.9-mile race, which runs alongside the Northampton Half Marathon, is £75. You can break things up further by opting for the Northampton Half Marathon Relay, which is in three stages with a minimum sponsorship requirement of £160 between Northamptonshireyou.
FREE CHARITY PLACES UP FOR GRABS IN NORTHAMPTON
Health Charity is the independent charity supporting Northampton General and Kettering General Hospitals as well as all of the community and mental health hospitals and services under Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT). You can raise money for the ward, department or service that means the most to you and your family. Alternatively, help the charity towards the targets for their current fundraising appeals for the new outside play area between the children’s wards at Northampton General; a new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General; or for the development of the garden area at The Squirrels short breaks centre –under NHFT – for children with disabilities and complex health conditions. In 2019, runners raised over £14,000 for a wide-range of wards and departments, followed by 2021’s smaller team raising £5,000.
HALF MARATHON RACES
Jump into your running shoes this summer and take on a half marathon challenge to support your local NHS teams. Pledge to raise a minimum of £100 for Northamptonshire Health Charity and you’ll run for FREE!
NNBN Digital 37 DO YOU? Clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night and/or at times of stress? Find your jaw is prone to clickinglocking?and Have headache,lingeringaevenafterpoppingpainrelieftablets? 01536 907767 info@qualitylifephysio.co.uk
PROMINENT BROWNFIELD
“It is a shot in the arm for the local area in the early stages of the post-pandemic recovery and will undoubtedly enhance the retail opportunities available as well as generating significant new employment “Thereprospects.”have been many proposals for the development of this site over the last 15 years, but certain challenges have previously prevented the site coming forward. Working with specialist trade park developer, Ambit Developments and the Barkby Group plc, we have successfully brought forward this site and are delighted that construction has now commenced.
SITE SET FOR NEW LEASE OF LIFE
Completion of the scheme is scheduled for later this year. Further information on the development and opportunity to acquire the last remaining unit of 1,400 sq ft can be obtained from Prop-Search on 01933 223300, st@prop-search.com visit us online at : www.prop-search.com
Simon Toseland, a Director of sole letting agent Prop-Search, said: “The construction of the 14,100 sq ft scheme will see the development of a prominent brownfield site on one of the main routes in and out of the town.”
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Wellingborough Trade Park provides for five new retail/trade-counter units on a prominent 1.1 acre site, formally developed by Gloverall in the early to mid 1960s as a state-of-the-art factory manufacturing their famous duffle coats. Having brokered the sale of the site a couple of years ago, award-winning commercial property consultancy Prop-Search, has subsequently agreed the pre-let of 90% of the Tenantsscheme.signed up to take accommodation include Formula 1 Auto Centre, which is leasing a 4,400 sq ft tyre, exhaust, MOT and servicing centre; a new concept drive-thru for Greggs; the UK’s largest independent decorating chain Brewers; and plumbing, heating and electrical supplier City Plumbing.
EDITORIAL
Work has just begun on one of the last development sites available on London Road, the main southern arterial gateway to Wellingborough, which will deliver a new roadside retail scheme.
North Northants residents will be able to choose from a range of grocery items, schedule their delivery, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent. They can watch in real-time via an interactive map as the robot makes its journey to them. Once the robot arrives, they receive an alert and can meet and unlock it through the app. The robots are lightweight and travel at the speed of a pedestrian (no faster than 4mph). They use a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning to travel on pavements and navigate around any obstacles, while computer vision-based navigation helps them map their environment to the nearest inch.
Starship Technologies, the world’s leading provider of autonomous delivery services, has partnered with North Northamptonshire Council and the Co-op to bring the benefits of autonomous grocery delivery to local residents across Wellingborough, Higham Ferrers and Rushden. The service will start from today (14th July 2022). The move follows a successful scheme which has been running in Northampton since November 2020. The partnership will see up to 45,000 residents across 33,000 households in Wellingborough, Rushden and Higham Ferrers able to access on-demand grocery delivery from four Co-op stores in Olympic Way, Farm Road off Northern Way, Redhill Farm, Grangeway and Higham Ferrers. I am delighted that Starship’s rather cute delivery robots will be coming to North Northamptonshire. This partnership between us, Starship and Co-op is extremely exciting and I know it will make a real difference to people’s lives – providing quick and easy deliveries to residents of Wellingborough, Higham Ferrers and Rushden. The council is committed to the environment and this new service is another innovation that we are supporting to help to provide a clean and green alternative to the private car for day-to-day convenience shopping, helping to reduce emissions. They will be really useful for those without a car or unable to get out for those urgent items.
Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets We have had very positive feedback from local communities in Northampton since starting operations there in November 2020, and today is an exciting day for Starship as we offer the benefits of autonomous grocery delivery to 33,000 more households across Northamptonshire. Our robots offer an environmentally friendly and convenient way of helping people with their ‘top up’ shopping and we’re confident the service will be similarly well received in North Northants. Andrew Curtis, UK Operations Manager at Starship Technologies Co-op is committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to its products and services. Our members and customers lead busy lives and ease, speed and convenience is at the heart of our approach. We are delighted to be able to extend the service in the area, as a convenience retailer, the ability to come into stores will always be important to customers, but we also know that shoppers want flexible and convenient options online, and so we are focused on providing what our customers want and need, however and wherever they choose to shop with us.
NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIREEDITORIAL
Chris Conway, eCommerce Director, Co-op
Starship’s robots are powered by zero carbon electricity, with an average delivery for a Starship robot consuming as little energy as boiling a kettle to make just one cup of tea. Orders are made through the Starship food delivery app, which is available for download on iOS and Android, with groceries picked fresh in local Co-op stores and delivered quickly and conveniently in as little as one hour or less.
STARSHIP’S ROBOTIC DELIVERY SERVICE EXPANDS TO
NNBN Digital 41 www.wheelieklips.co.ukTel:01536710733
NNBN Digital 43
FEATURE
opening Food for Thought has developed its range to include over 600 food, cleaning & personal care items without unnecessary packaging, many of which are available for refill & are from local suppliers. Customers bring their own containers or use cleaned, donated containers and get the amount they need.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT ZERO WASTE EMPORIUM RECEIVES ECO AWARD!
The zero waste shop was opened by Kerry in December 2020 with the help of family, friends and supporters in order to reduce single-use plastic pollution and promote more sustainable ways of grocery shopping. She was joined by her assistant and right hand woman Alice, in July Since2021.
You can order your click and collect order with Food for Thought here from your desktop PC or laptop or call 07912 696097.
The refill shop in Wellingborough was named Best Sustainable Business in Northamptonshire the Muddy Stilettos Award, the first year with this eco-friendly category. Readers of the Muddy Stilettos lifestyle website nominated and voted for their favourite independent businesses across 27 different lifestyle categories to celebrate the best of local, independent businesses in Northamptonshire.
Kerry said: “I’m so thankful to our fantastic customers for this incredible accolade! We love that we get to be part of their lives and help them to achieve their goals of cutting waste whether at home or at work. “We all have to do something about plastic pollution, the climate crisis and we’re always thinking of ways to help our customers like our new click and collect service. It’s so overwhelming and scary, it’s hard to know where to start. But it’s about bringing fun too, if it’s more enjoyable, we’re more likely to do it! We have the best customers who are so supportive and often love a chat! We get to talk to lovely people about food so what more could I want?”
Kerry’s advice for being more sustainable? “The main thing is that we start! Concentrate on what we CAN achieve, which together is way more than on our own. “After so many hurdles in order to get open & all that’s happened since, it’s really hard. Like so many businesses we’re struggling to get the message out. But this award and the recognition from our customers really gives us hope that we might be able to survive. Food for Thought isn’t just benefiting our customers but our local environment too so I’m doing everything I can to ensure that that happens.”
Owner Kerry Leese received the award on Wednesday during a ceremony at the illustrious Holdenby House. More than 500,000 people nominated more than 75,000 businesses in the first round of the awards.
NNBN Digital 45 Upcoming events at Food for Thought: Free Family craft fun Thursday 18th Augusthourly sessions from 11am - 3pm, call 07912 696097 or email kerry@foodforthought.shop to reserve a slot. Join us for junk modelling. What can you create with your imagination from a few unwanted items? It’s better for our purse & for the environment with tonnes of clothes chucked in landfill every year in the UK & worldwide. Zero Waste for Triers workshop Saturday 10th September 2pm-4pm (£10-£15) Contact Kerry Kerry is available Tuesday - Saturday from 9:30-1630 or by prior arrangement outside of those times. 07912 696 www.foodforthought.shopkerry@foodforthought.shop097
Aquarius Life, first launched in 2014, provides UK employers with tailored programmes designed to help prevent and overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling.
These two-hour workshops are ideal for people working in HR and Occupational Therapy and for those with supervision roles. These can be delivered virtually or in person and will equip staff with the skills they need to both manage risk and provide effective support.
This summer the charity, thanks to a pot of surplus funding, is offering up to 10 organisations a choice of two options: a short ‘Having the Conversation’ workshop, which would usually cost £350, or a ‘Promotional Awareness Day’, worth £750. These will be offered on a first come first served basis and there are a maximum of 10 on offer.
HAVING THE CONVERSATION WORKSHOP
FEATURE
• Using motivational interviewing skills to support someone that uses substances through the cycle of change
• Knowing how to start a brief intervention conversation
A charity which helps businesses support their staff with issues relating to alcohol, drugs and gambling is using a pot of funding to provide up to 10 Northamptonshire businesses with free training and policy support.
• Know how to make an effective referral
• Exploring attitudes towards substance use
10
Dean Horton, Commercial Accounts Manager of Aquarius Life, said: “We help organisations with their policy documents, provide training, workshops and webinars and also offer one to one and group support. There is very little specialist support out there to help employees cope with the issues of alcohol, drugs and gambling, so to be able to help 10 organisations at no cost is really exciting, although I’d urge people to act quickly. It will be first come first served.”
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESSES WORTH MORE THAN £5,000
FREE POLICY SUPPORT TRAINING FOR
• Understanding readiness to change through awareness of the cycle of change
• Recognising the signs of substance use
FACTFILE Over the counter drugs: It is estimated that 1.5 million people are addicted to prescription and over-the-counter drugs in the UK. Many of these drugs can have a significant effect on performance, concentration, or alertness.
NNBN Digital 47 PROMOTIONAL AWARENESS DAY To host one of these awareness days businesses will simply need to provide a suitable space, where Aquarius Life will set up a stand and be available to chat to staff throughout the day. There will also be a host of free resources and information about alcohol unit calculation (how to know when you’re alcohol Aquariusfree). Life aims to: • Raise awareness of the dangers related to alcohol, drug and gambling issues in the workplace. • Encourage and enable employers to recognise the challenges behind the issues and take positive, practical steps to support valued employees and team •members.Reduce the stigma attached to these issues and encourage / enable people to come forward for •support.Provide education to help prevent issues from •Usearising.1:1 support to help people understand their behaviours and find alternative ways to cope. • Prevent financial loss to employers by addressing issues. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Aquarius Life helps organisations achieve their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments. They do this by reinvesting any surplus income from the service into their charitable community services. Dean said: “By using our services to support the wellbeing of your people, you are contributing to alcohol, drug and gambling support services delivered in your community. We reinvest any surplus income from the service into in our charitable community Findservices.”outmore and claim your free training Contact Nikki Fellows, Workplace Service Administrator, by emailing: Nicola.Fellows@Aquarius.org.uk or calling 0755 766 3222
Sickness: There is a £7.3 billion loss to UK businesses due to alcohol-related sickness and loss of productivity and a £1.4 billion loss due to drug misuse.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s paper on workplace wellbeing states that prevention and early identification of problems, should save employers at least £8 billion per annum (UK). Yet as little as 32% of organisations surveyed are taking steps to address unhealthy working practices.
Mental Health: According to Public Health England 3 in 5 employees have experienced mental health issues in the past year .
Alcohol: According to the Institute of Alcohol Studies 37% of employees have admitted to taking alcohol or drugs to help deal with stress or pressure. 35% have suspected a colleague of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the workplace and 44% of respondents admit that the use of alcohol or drugs is having a negative impact on work performance.
We are offering a limited time deal for a free 6 month data back up service. Backup Security Management RecoveryDisasterSolution 0800 048 1848 For a free consultation to discuss this one-stop Cyber Cloud Solution please contact us: • File, image, application & network shares. • Microsoft365 backups 6 Months Free • Cyber fit score, • Vulnerability assessments • Anti-Ransomware •Anti-malwareAntivirus • Group workloads • Remote Desktop • Remote Assistance + many more additional benefits brian.harris@datastore365.co.uk *This is on a first come first serve basis and subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply Cloud back up*
NNBN Digital 49 We Come To You Broken? Fixed In 1 Hour! repairnotreplace.co.uk 01604 385100 A Repair Is Cheaper Than Buying New. Better For The Planet. Carbon Neutral Repairs.
FEATURE
There are many, varied social enterprises across the county. Some are large and well-established such as Wicksteed Park, Teamwork Trust and Adrenaline Alley. Others are smaller but also provide great local impact - such as CommMiniBus community minibus, Wings & Radicles bee products and Shire Sounds community radio.
Local Social Enterprises
New ambassadors, free video profiles, a stronger network and a wealth of digital training resources are all part of a new scheme to give social enterprises in North Northants a big boost over the coming months.
The Growth for Good project is a move to help local social enterprises thrive. It has been launched by the North Northants Social Enterprise (NNSE) network which was founded in late 2020 to connect, support and promote local not-for-profit businesses.
What the Project Brings Two dedicated Social Enterprise Ambassadors and their media support team are working their way around local social enterprises to create a series of short videos to highlight the great work these special businesses do. Participating organisations have the opportunity to use the edited footage in their own marketing and social media as well as to be featured on the NNSE website. They can also pick up tips on how to improve their own media skills. As well as helping these participating businesses the project should enable the NNSE network to grow and attract new members.
North Northants social enterprises reach across many sectors such as transport, health, education, media, business services, food and more but all share common features: They all depend on income from goods or services they provide, they all have not-for-profit legal structures and they are all driven by a social or environmental mission which is at their heart. What’s more they are all based locally and between them bring a massive amount of benefit to our area and further afield..
BIG BOOST TO SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN NORTH NORTHANTS
“We have so many amazing, unique
NNBN Digital 51 BIG BOOST TO SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN NORTH NORTHANTS
Funding and Expert Support
Meet Dylan Dylan Officer, the lead ambassador for the project, is a recent Media graduate from University of Northampton and came on board thanks to the University’s Changemaker programme which is funding his post. Both Dylan, and fellow Ambassador Julia, are enjoying seeing local social enterprises in action.
The project is led by long-standing Kettering-based social enterprise Brightwayz who started the NNSE network. Northamptonshire Community Foundation have funded other elements such as local PR experts, Pilkington Communications, who are providing support and training for the ambassadors as well as for the social enterprises NNSEthemselves.Coordinator, Alison Holland from Brightwayz, says: “We have so many amazing, unique and varied social enterprises across the county. And they deserve recognition and support. However many lack the budgets, expertise or marketing resources to sing their own praises so we want to help them do that for everyone’s benefit.”. and varied social enterprises across the county. And they deserve recognition and support.” Alison Holland, NNSE
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Continued onto page 52
Too Although social enterprises are not the same as charities there is some cross-over. Any charities which are looking at earning income rather than relying on grants or donations can get involved in the network too. NNSE member Accommodation
Concern is a charity and a social enterprise as most of their income is earned - they are paid to provide housing and debt advice services free to those who need it. Get Involved If you or any locally-based social enterprises you know (eg CIC/community interest company, Company limited by guarantee, housing association, credit union or income-earning charity/charitable trust ) are interested in joining the NNSE network or taking part in the project, email info@NNSE.org.uk.
MEMBERSHIP
Find out more about our local social enterprises at www.nnse.org.uk or on Twitter @NNSEnetwork or Facebook @NNSEnetwork
Attracting New Social Enterprises
Join the NNSE network and get invitations to online and in-person events - providing a chance to meet and collaborate with other local social enterprises and be connected to further resources.
VIDEO Take the opportunity to be one of at least 10 social enterprises to have a video profile created about your business - to feature on the NNSE website and for your own use.
WHAT FREE SUPPORT CAN LOCAL SOCIAL ENTERPRISES GET?
Promote your individual social enterprise and the sector as a whole through press coverage and social media by participating in the project.
PROFILE-RAISING
A further aim of the project is to attract new social enterprises to start up. Fledgling social enterprises are very welcome to get involved as some project resources will be available to them too even if they are not yet formally constituted as not-for-profits.
Benefits for Charities
TRAINING Improve your in-house marketing skills and have a say in shaping the development of a series of 12 online one hour digital media training resources tailored to local social enterprise needs.
NNBN Digital 53 We are a small business based in Desborough, offering a variety of Beauty Therapy treatments to get you ready from head to toe. Our newest treatment is Laser Hair Removal and it has been so popular since we started. We are already seeing amazing results from our clients after just a few sessions. Why not book in for a free consultation, and see what all the fuss is about! We pride ourselves on the ability to make clients feel amazing on the inside, as well as feeling beautiful on the outside. Our team of highly trained therapists have specialist areas of expertise, meaning we can provide our clients with a wide range of knowledge, as well as the highest standard of treatment. "The Ultimate Pamper Destination." Beauty Bar Desborough BEAUTYBARDESBOROUGH M A S S A G E | F A C I A L | W A X I N G | S P R A Y T A N N I N G | E Y E T R E A T M E N T S | L A S E R H A I R R E M O V A L | N A I L E N H A N C E M E N T S | E Y E L A S H E X T E N S I O N S
Q&A WITH TONY SPOONERWHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE TOP THREE PRIORITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWERS IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE? 1. Staying in business 2. Asking for help if it is needed, always talk to someone 3. Cashflow WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING? I enjoy working on the house and adding value to it. I do enjoy DIY. I also enjoy showing my car at local car shows, spending time with the family and playing on the
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or visit their website https://ajsexpress.co.ukat:
WHY DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I started AJS Express because I took a job in a company which did not fit my moral compass, I looked at what I was good at and driving, combined with talking and winning customers were my best assets. Therefore I thought I would take a chance on starting a courier business. This has ensured I can now take the time to spend with family when required and improve my life work balance. DO YOU HAVE A COMPANY VISION? Aside from global domination, the vision is to just sustain being in business and grow accordingly to the economic landscape. Providing a good solid service for a fair price is our motto and this will never change. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Providing a great service and ensuring our customers are happy, I love nothing more than hearing fabulous feedback from clients where we have upheld their promises. Family time is a huge motivator and choosing my work load to fit with home requirements is the best aspect Play Station. 01933 588010
NNBN Digital 55 find out more here
The increase in the cost of living is impacting all of us, driven by the run-away energy prices a typical household energy bill has increased by £700 already and a further £1,200 increase is predicted in October!
FEATURE Cost of living crisis; How do I make my business more sustainable?
How do I make my business more sustainable? A common question that is being asked at the moment amongst business owners. Read on for expert advice on keeping your business afloat during these challenging times… Is your reaction to the increasing cost of living to simply ‘bury your head in the sand’? Inflation is currently running at 9% to which the Bank of England has increased interest rates to slow it down! I’m not an economist but it seems obvious to me that this is not going to help. As a business owner you have three options; • Sell more • Increase prices • Reduce costs Or a combination of all three! As we saw at the start of the COVID crisis, many business owners will hide their heads in the sand and hope everything returns to how it was – or they suffocate and die!
Our government is now paying out the “Cost of Living Payment” of £150 with a further £400 later in the year to ease the pain for some but inevitably people are cutting back on their expenditure to make ends meet. This is of course impacting businesses. Many are cutting down on the very things needed to sustain their businesses during this time, such as marketing and technology.
Core disciplines of any business such as budgeting, performance management, or sales need increased focus for any business to ride out the current economic storm.
Every business owner is shouting “I need to get more customers” so how much do you need to invest in increased marketing and increased sales activity to get
already know I am a business coach and in that role, I assist local businesses in many ways; whether it’s to steady the ship, growth planning, 121 support, mentoring and the person to keep you accountable to ensure your business is sustainable. I offer a limited number of free discovery sessions to business owners/leaders each month. If you would like to grab the opportunity to have time with me and see if I am the right fit to help you, request a session here
Firstly, recognise that you are not an island! You need to look at what is happening in your market. What are others doing and how should you react – note I did not say blindly follow! If your competitors are putting up their prices could you maintain yours but grab more market share? Also, has your business got a defined niche in the market where customers come to you because you have a product or service they can’t get anywhere else, so allowing you to increase your price without impacting your volume of sales?
A quicker win is to increase the revenue from your existing customer base. Ask yourself how much business you will lose if you do increase your prices. Is the lost business worth more than you gain through the price increase – it’s a pretty simple decision. It may be better to encourage your customers to buy from you more often. A voucher for a discount or complimentary product for the next visit could increase the number of visits. For example, a free bottle of wine for the table when you next dine at a restaurant. It may be better to encourage your customers to buy from you more often. A voucher for a discount or complimentary product for the next visit could increase the number of visits. For example, a free bottle of wine for the table when you next dine at a restaurant. Act now! Whatever you decide to do the key thing is to do it now! Don’t wait until it is too late to take action as you shut the doors for the last time! 57
Asmore?youmay
How do I make my business more sustainable?
60
From a standing start in March 2018, Beat Route Radio the Community Radio Station for Rushden and the Nene Valley has grown beyond all expectations due to the dedication of the team of 34 Volunteer presenters and extremely active Outside Broadcast schedule attending community events across Northamptonshire from Northampton to Wellingborough to Kettering / Corby to Rushden, supporting many kinds of events, good causes and charities. If you’ve kept up with our social media activity, you may have noticed we’ve been especially busy throughout this summer attending Jubilee related events as well as local annual events returning for the first time in two years such as the Rushden “Party in the Park” the official opening of the fabulous “Chester House” with HRH Princess Anne. The opening of the new, super high tech Intensive Care Unit at Northampton General Hospital to the “Soapbox Derby” in the wonderful Hall Park and the Business Expo at East Northants Business Network in Corby, not forgetting the 5th Birthday of Rushden lakes Shopping centre, can you believe it’s been five years already?
For a full round up of our activity away from our studio take a look at our “Events” page at www.beatrouteradio.co.uk for future events and also all our previous events.
THE
EDITORIAL
Outside Broadcasts take a lot of investment, planning and preparation, so you might ask “Why do we work so hard at Outside Broadcasting? It’s simple, we believe the best way to connect with our community, listeners, charities and businesses is to meet them face to face, now we are able to do so. So far this summer we believe we’ve presented outdoors to over 40,000 people our rapid growth in listenership averaging 55,000 per month and topping 76,000 in June suggests we’re getting something right! Our Social Media presence is growing organically very rapidly, as I write this in the last 28 days on Facebook we’ve had a post reach of 63,700 with engagement of 35,700, Likes 3,700 and 4,100 followers. None of this success would be possible without our amazing 34 Volunteers applying themselves, well above and beyond what could ever be expected, making Beat Route Radio what it has become and they’ll be responsible for its continued I’mgrowth.agreat believer in the saying “The greatest thing anyone can donate to you is their time” I’d like to say a big “thank you” to all of you for your time and effort. Would you like to benefit from our activities? We are looking for sponsors who would like to advertise their goods / services on the radio for as little of £50 per month for a once a week show to £175 for a five day per week show or selected Outside Broadcasts at £250 per event. (Includes Jingle and two roller banners) For more information call Ian on 07973 143406 Or visit their website: https://beatrouteradio.co.uk/ BEAT ROUTE RODEO ROLLS IN!
NNBN Digital 61 0800 088 6004 | enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk | wilsonbrowne.co.uk You are at the centre of our legal advice - we are all the help you need. YOUALLABOVEELSE...MATTERMOST. A4 with bleedWB_Above all else.indd 6 11/07/2022 11:58
62 IT JUST GOT EASIER TO GET MORE FOR YOU & YOUR BUSINESS WHAT IS NNBN? MEMBER ONLY AREA & DIRECTORY EDITORIAL & ADVERT IN NNBN EVENTSDIGITAL&NETWORKING NNBN FUEL CARD BUSINESS PROMOTION NATIONAL BRAND DISCOUNTS HEALTH & WELLNESS BENEFITS NNBN APP ADVERTISING Our membership provides a large amount of benefits, which include: The NNBN is the new and exciting business membership for North Northamptonshire which is here to help businesses in the North Northants area recover, build, and grow for a brighter future. The membership is open to businesses, organisations, charities, and students who are based in or provide services to North Northamptonshire. %
NNBN Digital 63 WHAT MAKES THE NNBN DIFFERENT? The NNBN is all about North Northamptonshire and is the face of the business community in the area. We focus solely on businesses within the boundary set out above and ensure members within the area are informed, engaged and up to date with what’s happening in the best interest of them and their business. We also keep them up to date with news, events and offers from our supporters of the NNBN. WHAT DO I GET AS A MEMBER? The NNBN membership gives you benefits for you, your family, your business, charity or organisation. The great benefits are split into two categories, benefits for you and benefits for your business. The great thing about our membership is even students and community groups can benefit, it is all about connecting communities and supporting you all! Visit our website here: https://nnbn.co.uk JOIN NOW
- Simon Cox, NNBN
DiscoverNN is the answer, a brand-new mobile app launched by North Northamptonshire Council, powered by technology provider Bubltown and funded by Government’s Welcome Back Fund, awarded to local authorities across the country last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“DiscoverNN is for everyone, and we hope that residents and visitors will download the app and start using it to explore places they’ve never been to before to discover everything North Northamptonshire has to offer, which includes some real hidden treasures!”
“We have over 60 businesses on-board so far and anticipate that this will continue to grow as more and more people hear about and start using DiscoverNN. We are proud of this app and are looking forward to seeing it DiscoverNNbuild!”isavailable now on iPhone and Android app stores, people can search ‘DiscoverNN’ on their preferred store,or visit our website at www. northnorthants.gov.uk/discovernn to use the direct download links.
The app is simple to use and available now for local residents and visitors to the area to help them see what’s on, find shopping opportunities, plan days out, make reservations, buy products, book services, plus much more!
Councillor Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council said: “COVID-19 has hit businesses hard, and the launch of DiscoverNN is just one of the ways we are supporting them to take steps forward, especially now everyday life is returning to how it was before the pandemic.
From culture, green spaces, theme parks and water activities to shopping, local eateries, health, beauty and business services, what’s the best way to discover all that’s happening across North Northamptonshire?
“We are working closely with a wide range of local businesses across the whole area to help them join this exciting new digital platform at no cost to them, so they can start promoting their offers and services directly to new and existing customers.
DOWNLOAD THE DISCOVERNN APP AND START EXPLORING
With the key aim of supporting local businesses and encouraging people to shop local, DiscoverNN features offers and tailor-made promotions for customers, geo-targeted events and activities, and is free to download.
Councillor Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “We are really excited to be launching DiscoverNN, especially in the Spring when the weather is improving, school holidays are approaching and people are making plans to get out and about to explore.
It is a great way to bring everything together in one place, making it easy for people to discover North Northamptonshire from the palm of their hand.
EDITORIAL
“There is a wonderful range of tourist attractions in the area which are featured on the app and website including the Chester House Estate, Wicksteed Park, and our beautiful country parks, to name a few.
There’s still time for local businesses to sign up to be part of DiscoverNN, it’s simple, quick and free to join, and there’s support available. Businesses are invited to visit https://join.discovernn.co.uk to get signed up.
NNBN Digital 65 D WNL ADAPPTHE EXPL RE Y UR L CAL AREA ‘Search ’ on appandiPhoneAndroidstores.
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66 NEED HELP FOR BUSINESSYOUR? As experts in business, we offer our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. Our mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.
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The Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce was founded over 75 years ago and was formed to represent the interests and aspirations of local businesses. In 2019 the Chamber expanded to include East Northamptonshire.
global initiative that aims to create a tipping point for mainstreaming climate action and building business resilience. SMEs represent 90% of business globally, employing 2 billion people. We are here to support millions of SMEs as they commit to halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030, and race to net-zero emissions before 2050. Our pragmatic approach aims to remove the obstacles SMEs face as they take climate action — whether curbing emissions in their own business or getting green solutions to market — and help them unlock valuable incentives.
Businesses in North Northamptonshire can register with us to ensure you are kept up to date with the latest Government incentives.
NNBN Digital 67
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The Executive Team includes individuals drawn from a wide range of backgrounds including Legal, Accounting, Commercial Property specialists, Planning Consultancy, Retail, Manufacturing, Marketing and Financial Services.
community of small businesses and business advisers that exist to shortcut your route to trusted business support. Whether you’re starting or growing a business, we have the resources, expertise, and connections to help you get it
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UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting all 5.8 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, their sector, or their ambition level. Through a series of reports, events and campaigns, Small Business Britain champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK to foster growth and increased confidence.
68 ADVERTISE WITH US Do you want to get your business seen more locally? NNBN Digital can help! 01536 hello@nnbn.co.uk648383 @nnbnbusinesssupport Supporting NBN BUSINESS GROWTH https://nnbn.co.uk/advertise-with-us/
