NNBN - Supporting Business Growth - Issue 11 - November 2024

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

Well what can we say ? It’s been the busiest period ever for NNBN as we saw the NNBN Awards DOUBLE IN SIZE for what was a tremendous night of celebrating business success in Northamptonshire. More to come on the NNBN Awards in this edition!

Many congratulations to all our members who have been successful in various business awards recently, I’m sure there will be more to follow in the forthcoming months ahead. Business Awards are the perfect way to be recognised for business efforts, hard work and achievement and it’s been great seeing our Members flourish in various award schemes. Well done to you all!

Membership continues to grow with a number of new members joining us over the last three months – all of which we’re looking forward to working with going forward. If you would like to understand more about the Membership, then please do let us know and we’ll share the benefits with you.

We’ve been delighted to be working with Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, on an enterprise programme and I’ve been delighted with the response from local business owners who are backing the programme so thank you to everyone who has got involved. It’s key we support young people who are considering running businesses or side hustles and thank you to everyone who came along to support the initiative.

Finally, as we enter the Festive season and our last edition for 2024, I just wanted to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who continues to support NNBN. We’ve seen a record year for the third successive year running, we’ve seen our Business Awards double in size in a sell out event, we’ve seen growth in our membership, growth in our members within our membership and celebrated in our own way.

We’ve built stronger relationships to enable further support and initiatives for our members going into 2025 and we’ve arranged two visits to the Palace of Westminster to engage with Northamptonshire Members of Parliament both pre and post the election, oh and Marie and I had a visit to the King’s Garden Party this year. It’s certainly been a year to remember and we look forward to continuing all the hard work going into 2025.

May I be the first to say it, but best wishes for the Festive season!

nnbn.co.uk

Transformation of Northampton

Corby centre to train station

Royal and Durngate share joy

Groundwork community day

Pretty Woman musical comes to northampton

Oncology Café opens at NGH

A - Z of Sustainability

Meet the Member - Suzanne Young

Exciting Enterprise programme

Workplace shortlisted for national award

New electric bin lorry in North Northants

World clean up day on Brackmills

Tollers solicitors get behind the core

3RS launch free initiative

Leading Corby Estate Agent expands

13 businesses awarded grants

Local Company coninues its’ commitment

Exam success in Accountancy firm

Major systems upgrade

Staff and students thanked for Delepre Abbey

Cyber Resillience Centre

New BID board members

Need help for your business?

Theatre shares the joy of Christmas with children, young people and families across Northamptonshire

EDITORIAL

Simon Cox, Editor

AWARDS SEASON IS UNDERWAY – NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

BUSINESSES AND CHARITIES CELEBRATE SUCCESS

The Northamptonshire awards season kicked off in style with the NNBN Awards – hosting a record number of attendees at the newly branded Mercure Hotel Northampton.

These awards, which have doubled in size since launching last year, were a fitting reflection of the diversity and scale of the innovation and creativity Northamptonshire is famed for –with winners ranging from corporate giants through to micro businesses, charities and well know local brand and people.

Winners included Charity of the Year Community Law Service, whose CEO Sarah Hayle was presented with a £1,000 cheque on the night. Enterprise awards were presented to Barclays Bank plc and to New Lodge Farm near Corby. Silverstone Museum scooped the Northamptonshire Tourism Award while Northampton town centre salon Daniel Granger Hairdressing won Hair & Beauty Business of the Year and Wellingborough-based Lucie Downer Performing Arts took home the Health & Wellbeing Award.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said: “The NNBN awards are a wonderful celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship and a great way for organisations to share their business experiences, forge relationships and celebrate their successes.

“Northamptonshire is in the top five locations for start-up businesses and looking around the room you could really see why. We had a staggering number of entries and selecting the winners was an incredibly difficult task for our judges. A huge congratulations to everyone.”

NNBN Co Director Marie Cox added: “The positive feedback coming from people and supportive comments both on and after the event is what makes all our hard work worthwhile. We are so grateful to everyone involved. We couldn’t do it without you all.”

Wayne Jenkins, Business Development & Marketing Director of Wilson Browne Solicitors, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have again sponsored these awards and to be supporting an event which is so close to our hearts.

“From start to finish, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. Witnessing the winners and finalists being celebrated for their outstanding achievements was such a rewarding experience. It’s been amazing to watch these awards grow year. Simon, Marie, and the entire NNBN team truly outdid themselves.”

Councillor Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council added:

“Our area is bursting with creativity and resilience, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many of these amazing businesses celebrated as finalists and winners. These awards not only showcase the extraordinary talent and hard work of our local business community but also reflect our unwavering dedication to fuelling their growth and future success.”

2024 NNBN AWARD WINNERS

West Northamptonshire Enterprise Award sponsored by West Northamptonshire Council

Winner: Barclays Bank plc – Talent Attraction Pillar

Runner up: Daniel Granger Hairdressing

North Northamptonshire Enterprise Award sponsored by Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group

Winner: New Lodge Farm

Runner Up: Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts

Northamptonshire Tourism Award sponsored by Discover Northamptonshire

Winner: Silverstone Museum

Runner Up: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

The Green Award sponsored by Hanwood Park

Winner: See Limited

Runner Up: Wicksteed Park

Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts

Winner: Lucie Downer Performing Arts

Runner Up: Blossom Children’s Occupational Therapy

Food & Drink Business of the Year sponsored by Holiday Inn Express Kettering

Winner: Wine Chateau Runner Up: Mewar Haveli

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year –sponsored by the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

Winner: Daniel Granger Hairdressing Runner Up: Trilogy Hair Lounge

Charity of the Year sponsored by BTS UK Limited

Winner: Community Law Northampton Runner Up: Accommodation Concern

Business Person of the Year sponsored by Brackmills Industrial Estate

Winner: Lucienne Shakir of Lucienne Coaching Runner Up: Fiona Stacey, Hampton by Hilton, Corby

Start Up Business of the Year sponsored by Alastair McLeod, The Business Doctors

Winner: Animal Focused Runner Up: Northants Fashion and Textiles School

Micro Business of the Year sponsored by Square Feet Co Working

Winner: Ena HR & Training Runner Up: Corrine Gretton-West from Corrine West Photography

Small Business of the Year sponsored by Repair Not Replace

Winner: Lime Design Studio

Runner Up: Sweet Lounge

Business of the Year sponsored by Hawsons Chartered Accountants

Winner: Colonial Construction Runner Up: Acorn Analytical Services

Special Recognition Award sponsored by VIP Productions

Winner: Elaine Nicholson MBE from Action for Neurodiversity Runner Up: Ethan Malvern from 3RS IT Solutions

The Wilson Browne Spotlight Award

Winner: Silverstone Leasing

Shining Star Award

Winner: Allen Tew of Holiday Inn Express Kettering

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESSES, CHARITIES AND

ORGANISATIONS VISIT PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS KEY ISSUES WITH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MP’S AHEAD OF THE AUTUMN STATEMENT.

Northamptonshire business owners, charities and organisations met with Northamptonshire MPs on Wednesday at an event organised by Northamptonshire membership organisation NNBN.

Twenty three members of NNBN joined cofounders Simon and Marie Cox to travel to London as the party undertook a tour of the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament before meeting with Northamptonshire MPs to discuss key issues and concerns relating to them.

Matters raised included business concerns consisting of employer national insurance contributions, access to funding, attracting and retaining talent, concerns around empty units on the hight street, uncertainty with regards to AI, rising costs for businesses and legislation changes following BREXIT as well as questions from those who attended that they wished to raise.

Other topics included support for young people starting businesses, concerns around late payment issues and the impact this is making on cashflow as well as a specific ask to support the manufacturing sector.

As part of the day, members were able to engage with four of Northamptonshire MPs, Mike Reader (Northampton South – Labour), Stuart Andrew (Daventry – Conservative), Rosie Wrighting (Kettering – Labour) and Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire – Labour) to raise questions around a variety of topics and to ask for further engagement around key issues that they were facing.

Organiser and Director of NNBN Simon Cox said “The day presented an opportunity for local businesses, charities and organisations based in Northamptonshire to engage with MPs and raise their concerns as well as take in the historical tour of the 8 acre site of the Houses of Parliament and general business of the House of Commons and House of Lords.”

“I was delighted that Northamptonshire businesses, charities and organisations were able to raise their questions to the MPs and that they were willing to listen to concerns. There are follow up meetings to be had from the Q&A meeting and we look forward to helping our members engage further with these conversations.

We would like to thank the four Northamptonshire MPs who joined us for the Q&A after the tour and appreciated their time and openness when it came to the questions

hospice.

Nick Freeman, of Nick Freeman Photography, was originally commissioned by Cransley Hospice Trust to take photographs of the team for a new website earlier this year. However, when the Cransley Hospice team were thinking of ways to mark Hospice Care Week in October, they realised they could use the striking images to highlight the different emotions felt by staff who worked at or for the hospice.

Speaking at the official opening of the ‘Because Every Moment Matters’ photography exhibition, Jenine Rees, marketing manager at Cransley Hospice Trust, said: “Events like this are so important for raising awareness of the hospice and what it does. There are so many good causes all doing great things and we needed to do something different to break through the noise.

“We used Nick’s images in colour on our website but realised just how striking they were in black and white. Each face tells a story and showing them helped us to tell our stories of working in palliative care.”

Photography exhibition gives a snapshot of hospice

impact

Nick chose a collection of 25 black and white portraits of nurses, volunteers, therapists, consultants, doctors and support staff. These were whittled down to the final 12 displayed at the exhibition, which took place at the Rooftop Arts Centre in Corby from 9th – 19th October.

Nick said: “I was really flattered when the Cransley Hospice Trust reached out and told me their plans to use the images I had taken in a photographic exhibition.

“After more than 30 years of being a photographer, I am used to telling stories through photos and capturing candid facial expressions and body language. It has been an enormous privilege to use this exhibition as an opportunity to lift the lid on the realities of hospice and palliative care through raw, dramatic portraits of tired doctors, friendly volunteers and the smiles of the vital support staff.”

For more information on Nick Freeman and his photography, visit https://nickfreemanphotography.co.uk.

To find out more about the work of Cransley Hospice Trust, see https://www.cransleyhospicetrust.org.uk.

A collection of images taken by a local photographer have been used to highlight the impact of a Northamptonshire

Community Law Service wins Charity of the Year and is awarded more than £2,700

NNBN JOINS SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK

Having signed the Northampton Sustainability Accord, become members of the Organisation for Responsible Business, announced as Good Business Charter accredited business and committed to signing the SME Climate Hub pledge in 2022, NNBN have gone one step further and are now encouraging local businesses to consider joining the Sustainable Business Alliance.

Founded in 2023, the SBA works with academic and consultancy partners with expertise covering environmental, social and governance topics, to provide training, support and tools for businesses starting on their sustainable journeys and NNBN have opted to join the SBA as Members to help share this message across Northamptonshire.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said “Sustainability is a word we hear a lot about these days and it’s not just down to the environment – there are other factors that are involved and I’m confident that the work that the SBA will be delivering in Northamptonshire will help entrepreneurs and small business owners to understand more about what they can do to become more sustainable in the future.”

“NNBN is keen to support such initiatives in the County and ensure local businesses are aware of what’s going on. We have a dedicated Sustainability Hub on our website which is sharing news of key initiatives and we will continue to share this information with those who visit our website or follow our social media channels.”

Founder of the Sustainable Business Alliance

Simon Derrick said “We’re delighted to have organisations such as NNBN supporting the Sustainable Business Alliance and we’re looking forward to working with local businesses to help support them on their journey to a more sustainable future.”

Community Law Service has scooped Charity of the year at the 2024 NNBN Awards.

The charity, which works tirelessly to help people keep their homes, access welfare benefits, manage and move out of debt, save energy, and live in a warm home, provides face to face advice – at its Northamptonshire offices as well as out in the community.

Sarah Hayle, CEO of Community Law Service, said: “I’m so proud our organisation has won and equally proud to work in such a wonderful voluntary sector in our county. We are committed to doing all we can to help people take control of their lives and realise their rights – very often when life is at its most challenging. The generosity of NNBN and award guests is staggering, a huge thank you.

“We also want to say a heartfelt congratulations to our fellow finalists Accommodation Concern, Baby Basics Northampton, Northampton Health Charity and Northamptonshire Sport and a shout out to everyone working in our wonderful voluntary sector.

“Together we are proudly making a real difference to our communities in Northamptonshire. Thank you to NNBN Awards for recognising the value of our sector.”

Community Law Service was presented with a £1,000 cheque on the night from the NNBN Awards team – and has since been awarded an additional £1,754 thanks to the generosity of guests at the silent auction.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said: “Congratulations to Community Law Service for scooping this award. We like to support our winning charities and, thanks to a donation from the NNBN team and proceeds from the evening’s charity auction, we are really delighted to also be awarding this incredible organisation an impressive £2,754 –our record donation to date.”

North Northamptonshire Council is your new council, covering the geographical areas of Corby, East Northamptonshire , Kettering and Wellingborough.

NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL BUSINESS SERVICES INCLUDE:

Economy and Regeneration

Support for start up and established businesses and information about funding and grants.

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

North Northamptonshire has a proven track record as an attractive and highly successful place for people to work, invest, live, visit and grow.

It’s 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.

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

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

West Northamptonshire Council is the single unitary council responsible for providing a range of public services to residents and businesses in the areas of Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire.

We want West Northants to be a place where everyone can thrive and the Council is committed to helping to provide the framework and conditions to make this ambition a reality. We work with employers, universities, colleges and agencies to give people, the skills and qualifications that businesses really want, to support more people into better-paid jobs. We invest in strengthening existing and creating new, employment locations, so that all parts of West Northamptonshire are able to contribute to and benefit from, growth as part of a thriving area. This includes hosting world class industries including high tech, engineering motorsports, logistics, financial services and having a valuable shoemaking heritage. We’re investing in growing our leading business sectors and driving improved productivity and pay across the economy. West Northants sits in the middle of the Oxford – Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership and acts as an opportunity to actively drive growth, seek investment and progress infrastructure developments. The Council is also making it easier to set up new enterprises and helping existing businesses to develop and grow. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today, so that we can help your business overcome challenges and realise opportunities.

Business Support

Free support to assist every local employer to overcome challenges, maximise opportunities and thrive in West Northamptonshire

Explore West Northants

Residents and visitors to West Northamptonshire, can download the ExploreWN App and discover everything West Northamptonshire has to offer, including independent businesses, attractions and local events.

Doing Business with Us

We are always looking to work with suppliers to support us in delivering our services and help us meet our vision for the future

Planning and Building Control

Quality advice on applications, building control, Local Searches, delivering growth and Policy.

Business Rates

Rates, charges and information on rate relief and exemptions.

Commercial Waste Services

We collect general waste, mixed recycling, glass and food waste from your place of business or event site.

THE AI SKILLS GAP: BRIDGING IT FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

As Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT start to reshape industries, many businesses face a critical AI skills gap. This isn’t just about coding; it’s about understanding AI’s practical applications in business contexts. Bridging this gap is crucial, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises aiming to stay competitive.

The most effective way to build AI skills is through guided experimentation and hands-on experience. By encouraging your team to explore user-friendly AI tools like ChatGPT in their daily work, you can demystify AI and uncover practical applications. This approach not only builds technical skills but also fosters an innovation mindset.

Consider these tangible benefits in key business areas:

1. Sales & Marketing: AI can analyse vast amounts of customer data to generate targeted messaging, personalise pitches, and identify up selling opportunities, boosting conversion rates significantly.

2. Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots can handle routine queries 24/7, reducing response times and improving customer satisfaction while freeing up staff for complex issues.

3. Operations: Automation with AI makes it easy to accelerate basic tasks and generate huge efficiencies.

However, it’s crucial to implement proper governance. Ensure your team understands the importance of data privacy and security when using AI tools to avoid potential breaches.

The goal isn’t to transform everyone into AI experts overnight. It’s about building a foundational understanding that allows your team to identify opportunities, collaborate effectively, and drive real business value. By prioritising AI education and practical experimentation, you’re not just closing a skills gap – you’re building a foundation for the future while gaining measurable improvements in efficiency and profitability.

For businesses looking to accelerate their AI journey, external support can be invaluable. Contract Erictron AI for help identifying high-impact use cases, tailored solutions, and structured training programmes to rapidly upskill your workforce.

Contact Eric: Eric@Erictronai.com

LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS GROW AND SCALE THEIR BUSINESSES THANKS TO NEW PROGRAMME

A group of entrepreneurs from Northamptonshire have graduated from the first cohort of an incubation programme facilitated by the team at Vulcan Works.

The inaugural Vulcan Creatives, a six-month programme funded by West Northamptonshire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), commenced in January and saw 10 businesses work with business growth manager Darren Smith to either turn an idea into a viable business or grow their fledgling enterprise.

The entrepreneurs who took part in the programme were selected from tens of applications with a preference given to those working in the creative or digital sector –emerging industries in the county that Vulcan Works was created to support.

Those who completed the programme attended a Vulcan Creatives Showcase event to mark their graduation. During the event, each participant gave a presentation about their journey to the specially invited guests.

Nabil Abbas, who has developed a decentralised instant messaging app, found the programme ‘really helpful and really useful’, saying that the sales training provided helped him to find developers in the same way he would find customers and Darren introduced him to people in his own network.

He was also able to work on his networking and presenting skills, with Vulcan Works loaning him space to hold his own networking events too.

He said: “I would really recommend this programme, regardless of the industry you are in. The biggest challenge I had was finding the right people. The technology I am developing is really new and that limits my talent pool in terms of other developers I can work with and my options in moving the business forward. I’m happy to report that I now have a small team of developers and we are working together on some really exciting projects that are going to be integral to what I want to build. Being surrounded by other like-minded entrepreneurs gave me the chance to bounce ideas off people who weren’t in my tech bubble and Darren really has gone above and beyond to help me.”

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Emma Colton, a brand photographer who works with female business owners, had never done networking or presenting before and has now delivered workshops, including a branding workshop for her fellow Vulcan Creatives. In doing this, she realised her background in graphic design was of huge added value to potential clients and has added this to her service offering and developed logos and branding for some of her Vulcan Creatives counterparts.

She said: “I didn’t expect there to be so much camaraderie and for us to build such a strong network between us. I have come away from this with friends, which I didn’t expect to happen.”

Chelsea Henry joined Vulcan Creatives as an experienced interior designer who had been made redundant from a role working in show homes. She didn’t have a business when she started the programme in January and launched Knook Interiors in May.

She said: “I joined Vulcan Creatives with nothing. I didn’t have a name, logo or business plan, just a vision to empower people through interior design and make it attainable for all. Through Vulcan Creatives, I have been able to collaborate with some amazing people. Emma did my branding, I have designed a space for Vulcan Works and Roddy has done my photography. Having Darren to go to – a person I can trust for business advice – has been invaluable.”

Musician Matt Lewis wanted to develop his band, Party Beats, into a collective, ‘Pick and Mix’ option that enables clients to create their own band from a group of musicians for events.

He said: “I had been operating as a business for six months and got to a point where I was getting frustrated and didn’t know what the next step was. Then, through luck or the universe, I found Vulcan Creatives. I have learned a lot and had tons of breakthrough moments. Our four-piece band is now a collective with more musicians on board and we can do more than one event on the same night under the band name. The workshops have been fantastic and the help from Darren has been mindblowing. I started thinking about my cash flow after a workshop with Natwest and realised I had made a fatal mistake of not planning ahead in what, it turns out, is a seasonal business. I had a breakthrough in the sales workshop too and realised I had been approaching it all wrong. I feel I know so much more about sales funnels, branding and marketing, which is great.”

Roddy-Lloyd Jones, a retired teacher who created a portable photography studio in a decommissioned ambulance, had a similar experience. He said: “I was a teacher for 37 years and it has been amazing to collaborate and work with other people that help you to learn continually. I launched LJPhotostop in October. Workshops from Barclays and Natwest have provided me with so many insights that, coming from the world of education, I just had no experience of. Like Matt, I noticed the seasonal element to my business and have started doing property photography and weddings. Rather than a jack-of-all-trades photographer, I now own a business in photography.”

Gary Morgan created Enable AI, an artificial intelligence assistant, weeks before being accepted onto Vulcan Creatives. He said: “I arrived at Vulcan Creatives with an idea. Emma has helped with my branding. I have a website about to be launched and I just want to say thank you to Vulcan Creatives.”

Gavin Prior runs Pixli, a business that produces virtual reality and augmented reality apps. He said: “Pixli was essentially an idea in my head in January and I came to Vulcan Creatives to see how I could turn that into a business. I’ve met a really good network of people and everyone has just helped each other, which I didn’t realise I also needed.”

Tamara Holland, founder of Dot & Stripe, already had a successful marketing consultancy but wanted to niche down and specifically work with children’s activities providers. She said: “Vulcan Creatives gave me the confidence to push the imposter syndrome to one side and go ‘all-in’ with targeting my niche of children’s activities providers. This year I have had a huge boost in revenue and some incredible opportunities to host training and workshops to my ideal customers. With the support of my fellow cohorts, Darren and the additional training and support, I have been able to smash my goals.”

Hairdresser Aprille Russell and make-up artist Aveline Rust run Glam-Start, a hair and beauty academy. Aprille ran a hair salon from home and Aveline also ran a permanent make up and beauty clinic from home. Both felt there was a demand for a course in the industry that taught you how to run a beauty business, rather than just training in the various beauty and hairdressing qualifications. Since joining Vulcan Creatives, the duo have run taster days of their courses, launched a website and have taken on workspace in Vulcan Works that they are in the process of moving into, ready to commence their courses in September.

Aprille said: “Since January, we have dedicated every Wednesday to coming into Vulcan Works to work on the business and meet with Darren. He has been a huge help to us – the contacts he has, the information he has given us – we just can’t thank him enough. The taster days also led to sales, which we wouldn’t have had if Vulcan Works hadn’t lent us the space to host them.”

Darren said: “Vulcan Creatives was a brand new idea and has been helped by so many individuals and businesses who have put on clinics, workshops and masterclasses which has been appreciated.

Continue reading here

WHO ARE WE? WHAT DO WE DO?

We are a professional and charitable organisation, working across North Northants, with two key areas of focus:

1. Impartial and life changing housing, debt and benefits advice

2. Supported accommodation for single homeless people in North Northants

We empower individuals to move out of debt, out of hunger, out of poverty and out of homelessness.

At Accommodation Concern we believe everyone deserves the right to live their best possible life.

Housing Advice

Eviction paperwork, Homelessness, Repairs, Landlord/tenants obligations, liaising with landlords/ council/ Housing Associations.

Money & Debt Advice

Budgeting support, Access Debt Solutions e.g. Debt Relief Orders, repayment plans etc., Breathing space

Welfare Benefits

Maximising income, Benefit claims/Appeals (incl PIP, ESA)

Other Support

KCU food parcels distributer, Grants: rent deposits, white goods etc.

Supported Accommodation Provision

For single, homeless adults - building life skills; preparing for independent living; increasing confidence through a planned programme of re-settlement.

CONSTRUCTION WORKS WELL UNDERWAY FOR TRANSFORMATION OF NORTHAMPTON SHOPPING DISTRICT

The works on Fish Street, as part of a wider regeneration project to Northampton town centre, are well underway with new lettering cementing the rejuvenation of this part of the town.

WHO ARE WE? WHAT DO WE DO?

West Northamptonshire Council is working with Kier Transportation to carry out vital works to enhance the appearance of Abington Street and Fish Street. Since March, nearly 900m2 of paving has been installed on Fish Street, along with an improved drainage system and fish themed paving designs.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC said: “Work is well underway to deliver this significant project which will transform one of the busiest shopping streets in Northampton. Visitors to the town will be able to see the progress which is taking shape at Fish Street as the lettering has now cemented this rejuvenated street and the new paving which elevates this area. Once complete and thoroughly cleaned, the revitalised area and enhanced features will offer a fantastic space for people to use and enjoy. We look forward to the completed project opening this winter.”

We are a professional and charitable organisation, working across North Northants, with two key areas of focus:

01536 416560 Email help@a-c.org.uk Website www.accommodationconcern.co.uk

This project will lift the quality of the public spaces through high quality materials, increasing seating and planting, introducing new art and play opportunities along the street, as well as space for outdoor dining and community activity.

1. Impartial and life changing housing, debt and benefits advice

2. Supported accommodation for single homeless people in North Northants

Businesses in the area have been kept up to date with the project’s phases, and the project’s dedicated single point of contact has been working closely to ensure they have been able to operate with minimal disruption.

Edith Shah, general manager at Kier Transportation added: “We are pleased with the progress made so far in this transformative project for Northampton’s shopping district. Working closely with West Northamptonshire Council, we’ve already made significant steps toward revitalising the town centre.

We empower individuals to move out of debt, out of hunger, out of poverty and out of homelessness.

At Accommodation Concern we believe everyone deserves the right to live their best possible life.

The redevelopment will complement the wider Market Square transformation, and provide enhanced connectivity with the rest of the town.

Housing Advice

“Project teams have been working closely with local businesses to ensure minimal disruption. This marks an exciting time for Northampton, and we look forward to seeing how the works leave a lasting, positive impact on the community.”

Eviction paperwork, Homelessness, Repairs, Landlord/tenants obligations, liaising with landlords/ council/ Housing Associations.

Money & Debt Advice

To stay up to date with the regeneration of Northampton Town Centre, visit: We Are Northampton

Budgeting

Work continues with the completion of Abington Street repaving, the upgrade and installation of street lighting, installation of street furniture, planting of new trees, and minor finishing touches. The project is set to be complete in Winter 2024/2025 and will be thoroughly cleaned once all construction works are completed.

HOTEL’S FESTIVE PARTY NIGHTS

Christmas wine gifts Stunning

LOOK SET TO BE A CHRISTMAS

A hotel in Northampton is getting into the festive spirit by putting together the perfect package of Christmas party nights.

The summer holidays may have only just started but many businesses are already looking to secure a venue for their office Christmas party, and the recently upgraded Mercure Hotel Northampton is curating a ‘cracker’ of a deal for local employers.

The hotel, in Silver Street, is hosting a number of festive party nights featuring a wide range of entertainment to keep all employees happy, with teams able to book however many tables they need to give their staff the perfect Christmas treat.

Christmas ‘joiner’ party nights will be held on the following dates:

Saturday 30th November

Saturday 7th December

Friday 13th December

Saturday 14th December

Friday 20th December

Saturday 21st December

James Simpson, manager at the hotel, said: “Our party nights are proving popular and are set up to ensure this year’s office Christmas night out will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail on arrival before sitting down for a sumptuous three-course meal ahead of the live entertainment. Reduced room rates are available for anyone wanting to stay over and there is free parking available for all guests.

Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail on arrival before sitting down for a sumptuous three-course meal ahead of the live entertainment. Reduced room rates are available for anyone

The hotel has recently been upgraded to four stars as part of a £1.4million investment programme that has seen all 146 bedrooms and the lobby, reception and bar areas given a bright and modern new look that celebrates both the history and

AWARD WIN FOR CORBY COMPANY RECONISES ITS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Corby-based See Limited has won the prestigious Green Award at this year’s NNBN Awards, which recognise and celebrate innovative and enterprising businesses, charities and organisations within Northamptonshire.

The group holding company, responsible for three businesses involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels, was recognised in a night of celebration at the Mercure Hotel Northampton for their work in establishing four key initiatives to help contribute to the global effort to fight against climate change.

This includes the implementation of an Annual Carbon Footprint Report; the formation of an internal team to focus on implementing initiatives to further reduce CO₂ emissions year-on-year; a partnership with More Trees to plant trees for every order of Pura® NFC –weatherproof cladding for home exteriors; plus signing up to Science Based Targets to demonstrate their commitment to adopting best practice in sustainability.

Chosen from hundreds of entries to make the final five within their category, the company was up against stiff competition from the likes of Hilton Northampton and runner up Wicksteed Park, to clinch the title.

Of the win, Robert Thompson, CEO of See Limited, said: “Winning the award is a huge milestone for us and is a celebration of our dedication to driving solutions that not only reduce our environmental impact but also inspire positive change.

“Our work is centred around creating a future where sustainability is not an option, but a standard and our incredible team is more motivated than ever to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable innovation.”

The NNBN Award win marks the start of awards season for See Limited, with the company also being recognised as a finalist in the Building Innovation Awards, National Building & Construction Awards, Northamptonshire Business Awards and the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards which take place throughout October and November.

THEATRE ACHIEVES NEW LEVELS OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR MOBY DICK PRODUCTION

For Royal & Derngate’s recent co-production of Moby Dick, the theatre set itself ambitious targets for improving its sustainability, and the organisation is pleased to report that recycled materials made up 93% of what was used to create the set, props and costumes. In addition, 96% of the materials used will have a future life.

Royal & Derngate’s production teams are committed to improving the theatre’s sustainability practices through re-use and recycling wherever possible.

As part of its Made in Northampton seasons, the theatre creates numerous ambitious productions, captivating and delighting thousands of audiences each year who enjoy the imagination, the stories and the fun of live performance.

A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes in creating all the elements of these shows – scenery, props, costumes. But how are materials sourced and once the run has finished, what happens to all the elements that make up a production?

Theatres and theatre companies increasingly recognise the need to be more sustainable, and, with its in-house facilities and skilled craft teams, Royal & Derngate has welcomed this challenge.

Reaching 93% recycled materials usage for Moby Dick, with 96% earmarked for reuse, has contributed towards the production achieving Intermediate level of the Theatre Greenbook standards – a new industrywide initiative that is helping the theatre industry work towards improving the sustainability of its operations.

Other aspects of the production that helped the teams reach this target included the use of efficient lower wattage lighting, making use of in-house equipment rather hiring, use of rechargeable batteries, having acoustic music and sound effects all generated live on stage by the cast, and making sure that props and elements of the set were used in a variety of ways during the performance – for example planks of wood formed tables in one scene and were built into the deck of the ship at a later stage. A flexible approach to the design and construction, along with good communications, underpinned the whole process.

Royal & Derngate is delighted to have achieved its sustainability targets with Moby Dick, an ensemble piece that also went out on tour and needed to be flexible enough to work in different sizes and types of venue. The organisation continues to learn from its experiences, and to incorporate what is learnt into best practice for future Made in Northampton productions.

WHAT IS THE GOOD BUSINESS CHARTER?

The Good Business Charter is a simple yet effective accreditation scheme, designed to recognise, encourage and champion responsible business behaviour in the UK. Developed in collaboration with the TUC and FSB, it measures behaviour over ten components that matter to everyone, collectively covering care for employees, suppliers, customers and the environment, whilst committing companies to paying their fair share of tax.

Launched in February 2020, and with more than 1300 organisations already accredited, it attracts interest from sole traders, FTSE100 companies, charities and the public sector, including: Richer Sounds; TSB; Aviva; Brompton Bikes and the University of Northampton. Accreditation costs just £25 per year (flat rate) for organisations with 0-50 employees; larger organisations (with 51 or more employees) pay £1 per employee, per year, capped at a maximum of £2500 (£500 cap for public and third sector). The application process is straightforward and can be completed online.

As a benchmark for good business, the GBC has the potential to change behaviour across all sectors, resulting in a positive impact for employees, customers and suppliers. Could now be the time that you joined the movement for a fairer, sustainable world where people matter? Don’t delay, accreditation is currently free for the first year – offer expires on 31st December 2023.

“North

Yorkshire currently has the

highest number of accredited organisations outside of Greater London (136), wouldn’t it be fantastic to see Northants smash that and take top place!”

-

Jenny Herrera, CEO

WORK TO START ON THE TOWN CENTRE TO TRAIN STATION LINK

A project designed to provide an improved and safer route for pedestrians and cyclists between Corby train station and the town centre will start early next month.

The Town Centre to Train Station link road is one of the projects which North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) was awarded funding from Government to deliver.

Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said:

“This has been a real listening project – we have undertaken two public engagement or consultation periods, taken on board feedback and tweaked the design to ensure it is the most fit for purpose it can be.

effective

• Easy to apply for

• Open to all

• Speaks the public’s language

Find out more:

Visit the GBC website for more information: www.goodbusinesscharter.com

Start your accreditation journey: https://accreditation.goodbusinesscharter. com/login

In September 2022, residents were asked for their views on a concept design. With the comments received, a revised plan was then consulted on in December 2023. This consultation has led to further improvements and now work will start on the final plans for the scheme to be delivered.

The new link road will look to improve the public realm and provide an attractive and safe pedestrian/cycle connections.

Covering a route along Elizabeth Street, Oakley Road and Station Road, it will provide:

Improved connectivity with new pedestrian crossing and upgrades to some existing crossings.

Improved public areas

Provision of segregated cycleway and footway facilities where possible

Closure of existing underpass

Resurfacing works to footways and carriageways within the scheme

Highway drainage and street lighting improvements within the scheme

“In the short term, there may be some localised disruption, which we will do all we can to minimise, but I would ask that residents look at the long-term benefits and how much this project will benefit the local area.”

Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said:

“The funding awarded under the Towns Fund must be used on this project and once completed, it will really transform the area. I hope that once finished, more people will be encouraged to travel on foot and cycle between the town centre and station, which not only improves people’s health and wellbeing levels but has a positive impact on the environment.”

Work is due to start in early August and due to be completed by Spring 2025. During the works, there is likely to be some localised disruption and residents are asked to check before they travel and follow any signage on site.

More information about all the projects which are part of the Corby Towns Fund can be found on the dedicated website.

TWICE THE IMPACT, TWICE THE MAGIC… THEATRE SHARES THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES ACROSS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

As Royal & Derngate launches its annual Unforgettable Gift campaign, the theatre has set itself the ambitious target of giving 1000 tickets for Christmas shows in 2024 and for further productions into 2025, to children, young people and families in Northamptonshire that face challenging circumstances this year.

Royal & Derngate is pleased to be working once again with the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and Sir Gyles Isham Bursary on behalf of Lamport Hall Preservation Trust on this year’s Unforgettable Gift appeal. With their support and with the generosity of the theatre’s audience members and many of its Business Club Members, this yearly collaboration enables the theatre to gift hundreds of free tickets for its Christmas shows to children and young people who live in, or are at risk of, child poverty.

After a series of annual campaigns which started in 2015, the appeal has now been able to give away over 3,500 tickets to families in need, making the Christmas period more magical for a considerable number of children across Northamptonshire.

29 charities and foundations were supported by the Unforgettable Gift campaign last year, and in partnership with The Big Give Christmas Challenge, this year’s campaign aims to go bigger and better than ever before.

Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said:

“We’re very proud to be a part of the Unforgettable Gift appeal again in 2024, having supported across many years, and to be supporting Royal & Derngate theatres through our Arts and Music Fund. We hope to make more of a difference through our donation being doubled through the Big Give this year and to help reach the goal of gifting 1,000 theatre tickets to local families.”

Customers are being invited to add a gift-aided donation of £10 when making a booking at Royal & Derngate. Additionally, for one week only (from 3 to 10 December) customers will be able to donate via the Big Give website, whereby donations to this campaign will be matched and the donation doubled. All donations will help to provide free tickets to the Christmas 2024 pantomime Cinderella and a brand-new stage adaptation of The Jolly Christmas Postman. Opportunities will also be available for tickets for productions into 2025.

Lasting Power Of Attorney & Professional Will Writers In Northamptonshire

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THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS MESSAGING ON SOCIAL MEDIA IS MESSAGE MARKETING

Creating an automated chatbot funnel will enable your business to leverage Social Media Message Marketing to:

Increase Lead Generation

Increase Sales

Increase Web Search Traffic

Increase Brand Awareness

While also reducing customer support calls!

We support the following platforms, Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Messages, GMB and WhatsApp:

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.

PLANTING, PRUNING, DIGGING, CLEANING & CLEARING – GLOBAL LAW FIRM CHOOSES GROUNDWORK FOR ANNUAL COMMUNITY DAY

Over 100 colleagues from global law firm Kennedys, swapped their desks for gardening gear, to enjoy a day of volunteering and team building at two Groundwork Northamptonshire projects.

Colleagues from the firm’s healthcare teams in the Cambridge, Birmingham, London, Newcastle and Sheffield offices, split their time between the charity’s Green Patch community garden in Kettering, and East Northamptonshire’s Twywell Hills & Dales Country Park as part of their annual healthcare team community day.

Christopher Malla, partner and global head of healthcare at Kennedys, said: “This is our third community day, and we loved the ruggedness of the Twywell Hills & Dales Country Park and the community focused cultivated approach at Green Patch community garden. I am proud of our healthcare team’s continued commitment to Kennedys’ ‘Thrive Together’ social impact programme, which strives to create positive change in the communities we operate in. A huge thank you to Groundwork Northamptonshire for welcoming us”.

At the Green Patch community garden, teams were tasked with rejuvenating the bee garden, rebuilding the duck pond, wedding, planting and potting. At Twywell Hills & Dales Country Park, they worked in the heritage orchard and cleared scrub in the grassland meadow.

Britney Caka, trainee solicitor in the firm’s Cambridge office, said: “It was wonderful for us all to come together and make a positive difference to the community.

We started the day with a tour of the Green Patch community garden which is a very special place.”

Groundwork Northamptonshire launched a new ‘Partner with Groundwork’ campaign earlier this year, a campaign focused on encouraging businesses, both small and large, to think local when choosing a charity or cause to support.

Kate Williams, Chief Executive of Groundwork Northamptonshire said: “A huge thank you to Kennedys. We love working with businesses both locally and UK wide, and many big names already use our green spaces to hold their teambuilding days and to run volunteering events for their staff. We are proud to bring people together through green and creative projects, offering improved wellbeing, a sense of purpose and a desire to strive for more. Get in touch if we can help you find out more.”

Groundwork delivers volunteer opportunities for organisations across the UK and in 2023, delivered over 160 volunteering days nationally with corporate partners, mobilising over 4,000 incredible volunteers to make a difference in the communities where they live and work.

Find out more about Groundwork’s national partnership opportunities: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/employeevolunteering/

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL COMES TO NORTHAMPTON IN SEPTEMBER

Following a hugely successful run in the West End, the smash hit Pretty Woman: The Musical is now out on tour, coming to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 September, kicking off the theatre’s autumn season.

Amber Davies, most recently seen in Back to the Future in the West End, stars as Vivian Ward, with Strictly champion and 2023 Royal & Derngate panto star Ore Oduba as Happy Man/Mr Thompson, Oliver Savile (Wicked and Les Miserables in the West End) as Edward Lewis and Natalie Paris, the original Jane Seymour in the West End production of SIX, as Kit De Luca.

Pretty Woman: The Musical is Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage. Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Audiences will be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages, and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way, in a sensational show guaranteed to lift everyone’s spirits and light up their hearts.

Pretty Woman: The Musical features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a book by Garry Marshall and the film’s screenwriter J.F. Lawton. It is directed and choreographed by the two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song Oh, Pretty Woman which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

Pretty Woman: The Musical had its world premiere in Chicago in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway later that year. The West End production previewed briefly in early 2020, and then reopened in July 2021, running until June 2023.

This smash-hit musical takes to the Derngate stage from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 September at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets – priced from £22* – can be booked by calling Box Office on 01604 624811 or online at www. royalandderngate.co.uk.

* A non-refundable £4 per-transaction fee applies for bookings of £20 and over. Does not apply to Groups, Members and Access Patrons. Prices may change subject to availability.

ONCOLOGY CAFÉ OPENS AT NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL, THANKS TO DONATIONS TO NORTHAMPTONSHIRE HEALTH CHARITY

Northampton General Hospital’s Oncology treatment department has recently opened a new café, thanks to the generous funding from Northamptonshire Health Charity. This new facility aims to provide comfort and respite to patients and their carers during their visits for treatment.

Patients and carers often find themselves spending considerable time in the waiting room between treatments. Having a welcoming space where they can relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and engage in friendly conversation can make a significant difference. Tracey, a carer, said “To have someone come over to you, say ‘hello’, talk to you, lift your spirits, and take your mind off the treatment is invaluable.”

The café offers free refreshments, which is particularly appreciated by patients who might otherwise have to walk a long distance to find a place to relax. Sylvia, a patient who has been coming for treatment for three years, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This is great because it means I don’t have to walk a long way to Costa. It’s wonderful to be able to sit down, have a coffee and a biscuit.”

Managed by the University of Northamptonshire Foundation Trust (UHN) Volunteer Services Team, the café operates from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. This service is entirely volunteer-run and relies on donations to the Northamptonshire Health Charity. These contributions ensure that patients and their carers can enjoy free refreshments, providing a small but meaningful comfort during a challenging time.

The opening of this café has been made possible thanks to the support and the dedication of the volunteers who make it possible. Donations to the Northamptonshire Health Charity are always welcome and help maintain this valuable service for those in need.

“Northamptonshire Health Charity make a massive impact to our patients and staff, many of the initiatives that we provide as part of the volunteer services team wouldn’t be possible thanks to them”, said Michelle Barnes, Deputy Head of Volunteer Services at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

NNBN INSIGHT: AN A TO Z OF SUSTAINABILITY

NNBN Member Alexina Cassidy from ActNow Consulting and a member of the Sustainable Business Alliance takes us through an A to Z of sustainability to help you understand more about what’s involved and to explain a number of key terms when it comes to sustainability.

A to Z of Sustainability

An inexhaustive list of essential sustainability terms to help organisations understand the fundamentals.

Air/Atmosphere

Our air is made up of mainly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). The balance is made up of other gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorocarbons, neon and hydrogen as well as particles such as soot and microorganisms.

Adaptation

Adapting to the impacts of climate change, both current and future, involves various strategies. These include constructing infrastructure like flood and fire defences, developing crops resilient to changing climates, and discovering innovative methods to cool buildings.

B Corp Certification

A B Corp certified business meets high standards of verified social and environmental performance and forms part of a global community of businesses legally committed to considering all stakeholders, people, community and planet.

Carbon neutral

Refers to the balancing out of carbon emissions with carbon removal. This differs from ‘net zero’, which typically includes the removal or offsetting of all greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and hydrofluorocarbons.

Circular Economy

An economic model aimed at eliminating waste through the continual use of resources in a circular loop of regeneration.

Decarbonisation

Eliminating or reducing carbon dioxide emissions, generally through the replacement of energy sourced from fossil-fuels.

Digital carbon footprint

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by all tech devices, tools and platforms, from cloud computing to mobile phones to internet usage.

Disclosure

The practice of reporting social and environmental information to internal and external stakeholders.

ESG

ESG stands for environmental, social and governance and refers to a set of standards used to measure an organisation’s environmental and social impact and risks.

Land-use Management

The effective and efficient use of land to meet the changing needs of humans (agriculture, forestry, and conservation), while ensuring longterm socio-economic and ecological functions of the land.

Life Cycle Assessment

The ‘cradle-to-grave’ analysis of the environmental impact of a product, process, or service throughout its life cycle, during its production, use and disposal phases.

Materiality

A process of assessing the importance of various environmental and social issues for an organisation and its stakeholders. This analysis helps an organisation focus on the issues that matter most and to align reporting with the best industry practices and standards.

Mitigation

This involves actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Examples would be transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, adopting regenerative agricultural practices and protecting and restoring forests and other critical ecosystems.

Modern Slavery

Biodiversity Net Gain

An approach to development and land management that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. It’s an exciting step forward for sustainable development, ensuring that new projects contribute positively to the environment.

Biofuel

A fuel derived from renewable, biological sources, including crops such as maize and sugar cane, and some forms of waste

CSRD

CSRD stands for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. It’s a new set of rules from the European Union designed to improve and standardize how companies report on their sustainability efforts.

Carbon Dioxide Equivalence

This is a unit of measurement that allows the different GHGs to be measured relative to one unit of carbon dioxide.

Carbon footprint

A measurement of all the greenhouse gases that an entity is responsible for; a person, a business, a product, a flight, a holiday. The average for an individual is 13 tonnes.

ESG investing is a strategy that evaluates companies based on their environmental, social and governance performance. Organisations create ESG strategies to help them act on and measure what is mutually good for profits, people, and the planet.

Feed-in tariff

A policy designed to accelerate investments in renewable energy. A policy of this type usually involves long-term government contract

Greenhouse gases

These are the gases that have been defined by IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) as having significant warming impacts on our planet. These gases act as a blanket enveloping the planet and through the greenhouse effect ensure that the climate is comfortable for life forms to survive.

Greenhouse Gas Protocol

A globally recognized set of reporting and accounting frameworks for managing greenhouse gas emissions from private and public sector operations, value (supply) chains and mitigation actions.

Greenwashing

The practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company.

Hydrogen fuel

Green hydrogen is made by using clean electricity from renewable energy technologies which emits zero-emissions when burned with oxygen.

Impact Investing

An investing strategy that directs money towards companies that create a measurable, positive change in the world. This may also be called socially responsible investing.

In today’s world, the term “modern slavery” might seem like a relic of the past, but it’s an urgent and grim reality affecting millions globally. Modern slavery encompasses various forms of exploitation where individuals are forced to work against their will under threat, coercion, or deception.

Net zero

Cutting emissions as close to zero as possible and compensating for any remaining emissions with projects that remove emissions from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or funding offset projects.

Offsetting

Compensating for the release of emissions by making a cut or saving of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This could involve the planting of trees or another carbon removal activity.

Paris Agreement

A landmark agreement reached at COP21 in 2015 to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future. The central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2 °C above the pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 °C.

Renewable Energy

Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

Continue reading here

Business/Charity/Organisation represented: Riverley Ltd

Time in your position: 4 years

Location: Kettering

What was your first job when you left school?

Tricky, I worked from 14 all the way through university but I think if we were to be technical then my post university job is my “first” job: I was a probabilistic nuclear safety assessor for Rolls-Royce, calculating the risk associated with the royal navy’s nuclear submarines.

What jobs have you had before you do what you do today?

I’ve done loads: brought in new technology on the dreamliner and A250 engines (that didn’t go seamlessly but is a lesson in resilience). I set up covid PCR labs during the pandemic and designed processes to get chemo to those shielding. I’ve also ran market stalls, delivered yellow pages (remember those) and tutored maths and chemistry.

What’s your biggest achievement so far ? This can be in business, life or anything?

Getting a commendation from the European AIr Worthiness Association and Boeing for sorting out a problem. Setting up the NHS covid deliveries, which made such an impact to lives. (If you want to see me cry ask me about the wig and the baby milk).

MEET THE MEMBER: SUZANNE YOUNG

Tell us some interesting information about you that we can share in the article

I’m really resourceful so give me a problem I normally come up with an unusual way to fix it. In my free time I play with sublimation and embroidery machines to be creative.

I’m also a bit of a dare devil, love rollercoasters, skiing, powerkiting (I have a 4 line kite) and paddleboarding.

If you won £1 million tonight, what would you spend it on first?

A new driveway, those stones do my head in! Not sure, I’d probably do something radical with the garden.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I love watching my clients realise how brilliant they were all along.

If you could have dinner with three famous people, who would they be and why?

I’m going to assume they are alive.

1. Taylor Swift and I would thank her for being the fantastic role model she is, for her kindness and care.

2. Tyron Mings, I’d ask him how he is doing and again thank him for being such a great role model.

3. Gareth Southgate, just to give him a hug and say, wow you’ve been awesome.

What do you love the most about being a member of the NNBN community?

The level of support and opportunity to work with Simon and get a sounding board.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Poverty, I want everyone to be able to know they can eat today, that they have shelter, that they are safe.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN EXCITING ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME

Northamptonshire membership organisation, NNBN has joined forces with the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, to support entrepreneurship in Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough by partnering with Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, for an exciting enterprise programme starting in September.

The programme will see an overview of entrepreneurship delivered by lecturers within the College, local business owners engage with college students and share their entrepreneurial journeys by providing real life experience of what its like to start a business and some of the challenges they’ve faced along the way and ending with an Enterprise Awards ceremony to recognise their efforts at the end of the programme.

Running across a nine-month period, the Enterprise Programme, will see the students engage in an activity as part of their studies to create a business idea, look at how they could take the idea to market and then pitch the idea to a panel of judges at the end of the programme consisting of local business leaders in Northamptonshire.

NNBN Director Simon Cox said “I’m really looking forward to this as entrepreneurship is an exciting place to be and knowing that NNBN can support this programme is equally exciting.”

“Potentially creating future entrepreneurs will help to support local communities, help students grow and explore their inner creativity as well as helping them to prepare for the next stages of their lives. This programme will help to give them a taster of what entrepreneurship is about and we’re delighted to be working with the team at Tresham College to help deliver this programme.”

“From a personal point of view, I wanted to start a business when I was 18, but didn’t have the confidence, knowledge or support to make it happen so I entered into employment. Now I’m looking at sharing my 18 years of running small businesses with students through this programme as well as inviting other local business owners to join me in the programme and helping to support our future generations.”

“From a personal point of view, I wanted to start a business when I was 18, but didn’t have the confidence, knowledge or support to make it happen so I entered into employment. Now I’m looking at sharing my 18 years of running small businesses with students through this programme as well as inviting other local business owners to join me in the programme and helping to support our future generations.”

Louise Wall, Chief Executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce said “The Chamber of Commerce are delighted to be supporting this important programme championing our entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Our Next Generation Chamber, a platform for 18-30 young professionals across the county, compliments this new exciting programme with a view of ensuring our next generation of entrepreneurs receive the support, opportunity and advice to explore all forms of business activities.”

Robin Webber-Jones, Principal of Tresham College said “The link between enterprise, business and education needs to be strong to ensure people can live flourishing lives. This project is innovative, far reaching and will go a long way to bringing enterprise and learning together. Tresham students will significantly benefit from the project. I want to give a huge thank you to all the businesses involved.”

If you are a local business owner who would like to support this programme, please contact NNBN by calling 01536 648383.

SERVICED WORKSPACE SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Vulcan Works has been named a finalist for a prestigious national award celebrating innovative locations that supporting business growth.

The serviced workspace offers business support, unique office space and coworking opportunities in Northampton town centre and has already scooped numerous award wins since its launch last year.

The latest shortlist status is for the UKSPA 40th Anniversary Awards in which Vulcan Works is listed in the Driving an Interactive Community category.

The Gala Awards Dinner is part of the UKSPA 40th Anniversary Conference, which celebrates 40 years of fostering innovation locations, supporting science parks, innovation centres and technology incubators and encouraging business growth.

The dedicated Vulcan Works team have supported numerous fledgling businesses and startups in the digital and creative industries since the centre opened in Spring 2023.

Not only have they provided flexible office space, relevant workshops and affordable coworking and hotdesking opportunities, but the centre also hosts local networking events and provides invaluable business growth support.

Centre Manager at Vulcan Works, Garrick Hurter, said: “It is a real honour to be shortlisted for such prestigious awards which recognise two of our key values – innovation and encouraging business growth.

“Since we opened, we have provided one-to-one business support sessions for more than 80 internal customers, delivered business support clinics, hosted events and built relationships with relevant stakeholders.

“Our work has created a thriving business community of which we are very proud. Good luck to all the finalists at the awards.”

The UKSPA 40th Anniversary Awards will be held on Thursday 17th October at The University of Warwick.

For more information visit

https://www.ukspa.org.uk/ukspa40/

NEW ELECTRIC BIN LORRY TAKES TO THE STREETS OF NORTH NORTHANTS

A new electric powered lorry will be used to collect waste in the local area as North Northamptonshire Council continues its work to become carbon neutral.

The all-electric vehicle has been tried and tested on routes and will carry out the same role as the previous diesel vehicle and residents shouldn’t see much difference, apart from a quieter vehicle doing the rounds.

Over the vehicle’s lifetime, it will save 60,000 litres of diesel and £75,000 in fuel costs.

Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said:

“The arrival of this new electric vehicle is a step towards a cleaner and quieter waste fleet and will help us become carbon neutral by 2030.

“Switching away from diesel is a great way to reduce our emissions, not to mention the cost savings across the vehicle’s lifetime.

“During the vehicle’s trial, I completed a shift with the waste team and can confirm that residents should not notice any difference, except the new vehicle is much quieter.”

Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said:

“Waste collection is one of our services that everyone uses and it’s important that we look at how we can make it more environmentally friendly.

“This new electric vehicle is part of our wider plans to be greener and meet our carbon neutral targets.”

The new vehicle is part of a wider scheme to make the fleet more environmentally friendly, with the council also trialling the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in some bin lorries that would have previously used diesel.

HVO is a fuel that can be a direct drop-in replacement for diesel, meaning no modifications are required to the vehicles and it can offer up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Carbon Management Plan is available to view online

It’s definitely NOT a load of rubbishWorld Clean Up Day on Brackmills

A day of litter picking took place on Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate this month – all part of the globally recognised World Clean Up Day.

The Brackmills event, organised in partnership with Wickes and Northants Litter Wombles – saw more than 100 employees from across the estate join forces to find, collect and bag litter.

Using the BID’s litter picking equipment and supported by the BID team, a host of businesses took part, including Baxter Healthcare, CEVA Logistics, ACS Staffing Solutions, DSV, Barclays, igus UK, Bechtle, Wickes and Stanley Black & Decker.

Vice Chair of Brackmills Business Improvement District (BID) Charlotte Patrick helped to co-ordinate the dedicated clean-up day: “Thank you to everyone who took part. We are all extremely proud of our estate and bringing everyone together for this event wasn’t just fun, it also resulted in dozens of bags of rubbish being collected. Our estate has never sparkled so brightly!”

Sarah Steers, Co-Chair of the Wickes Wellbeing Network, added: “At Wickes we are big on what matters. We take our environmental and social responsibility very seriously which is why we wanted to recognise World Clean Up Day in a meaningful way.

“I also recognise the benefits of volunteering at the same time as encouraging regular exercise with our colleagues. I was delighted so many organisations on Brackmills got behind our vision of holding a big community litter pick and got involved. Here’s to next year!”

Brackmills, home to more than 180 businesses and 11,000 employees, has held Business Improvement District (BID) status for 15 years, an initiative which has seen businesses pool an annual levy and use these funds exclusively for the benefit of the estate.

Earlier this year the estate resident businesses voted for further five years of BID status and one of the BID’s objectives is ‘provide a smart, tidy and safe environment and a focus on sustainability’.

Sara Homer, Chief Executive of Brackmills BID, explained: “Thank you to everyone who took part. We take pride in our estate and, along with community events such as this one, we fund street cleaning and landscaping and invest in improved signage for our cycle ways and footpaths.”

The new five-year Brackmills BID, in place since June 2024

A 3-Minute Online Test to Identify Your Growth Focus Areas

Libraries aren’t just full of books. They’re full of ideas.

Northamptonshire libraries, in partnership with the British Library and other libraries across the UK are leading a revolution by inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners. It’s free to join and open to everyone. And it’s transforming the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

As part of the British Library Business & IP Centre National Network, the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire offers a host of free support for small business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors to start up, protect and grow their businesses.

“We are delighted to support this new initiative in 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 Northants. We look forward to supporting and working alongside NNBN.”

- Barry Crisp

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Workshops/Seminars

Our current Build Your Business programme of support, funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, consists of one-to-ones, webinars, workshops, mentoring, networking and start-up grants of up to £2,000. Modules covering key areas of running a business –markets and customers, business growth strategy and financial planning – are available. There is also the opportunity to benefit from personal development with business mentoring and marketing one-to-ones with experts.

The programme is being delivered through a combination of virtual and face-to-face sessions across Northamptonshire. It is completely flexible so businesses can access as much support as they need, tailored to them. The programme is running until March 2025, with the modules being repeated several times and aligned with rounds of grant funding.

Complemented by specialist free business databases, available at Northamptonshire Central, Brixworth and Towcester Libraries, entrepreneurs will come away with the practical and reliable information and advice needed to equip them to launch and grow successful and resilient 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

www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

We deliver a range of supporting activities aimed at anyone considering self employment, starting a new business or requiring advice on intellectual property.

Reset. 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 Company.

Links to useful 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.

TOLLERS SOLICITORS GET BEHIND THE CORE AT CORBY CUBE’S PANTOMIME

The Core at Corby Cube is excited to announce that Tollers Solicitors, one of the Midlands’ leading law firms, is proudly sponsoring this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Promising “GIGANTIC” fun for all ages, the production will take the stage this December full of marvellous moo-sic, cow-ntless costumes and an udderly ridiculous Dame!

Tollers Solicitors is no stranger to supporting the arts, having previously sponsored Trainspotting Live at The Core. The theatre is thrilled to extend this partnership with Tollers for its second professional, family-friendly pantomime, produced by the award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment.

In addition to sponsoring Jack and the Beanstalk, Tollers’ support will help fund The Core’s Make

A Memory campaign. This annual fundraising initiative spreads Christmas cheer to families facing financial challenges, providing free tickets to the pantomime through local charities and community organisations.

Joe Flavin, Director of The Core, says “We are delighted to have the support of Tollers Solicitors behind our family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Their support in particular for our Make a Memory campaign is true testament to the importance they as an organisation place on valuing communities, people and the benefits of the arts, particularly for young people at Christmas.”

Tristan Benson, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Tollers says “As a historic and long established Northamptonshire business, Tollers is passionate about supporting its local communities. Having originated in North Northamptonshire in 1877 and having had a Corby office for more than 60 years, we have been serving businesses and individuals alike with all of their legal requirements for decades. Working with The Core, whose own business is at the heart of the local community, Tollers is delighted to continue its support as the Headline Sponsor of the forthcoming 2024 Christmas pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk”.

The Core are truly grateful to Tollers for their generosity, which will bring the magic of theatre to many families this holiday season.

For companies interested in supporting The Core’s work, please contact kate@thecorecorby. com.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Thu 12 – Sun 29 December, and tickets are available by calling the Ticket Office on 01536 470 470

IT CONSULTANCY LAUNCHES FREE INITIATIVE TO HELP EDUCATE LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN ON INTERNET SAFETY

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Elizabeth Ryan, Personal Travel Agent, 01604 343034

www thepersonaltravelagents co uk/elizabeth-ryan

As your local Personal Travel Agent, I specialise in tailor made holidays with a personal touch - and you don't pay a penny more!

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An independent IT consultancy has launched a free initiative for local schools to help drive education and awareness amongst pupils when it comes to using the internet and social media apps.

Based in Wellingborough, 3RS IT Solutions has introduced their new 30 minute training sessions for school children in Years 6-11, with a key focus on the do’s and don’ts and best practice when using the internet, to help guide and inform children.

“Educating children on internet safety is crucial in helping to protect them from online threats such as cyber bullying and privacy breaches, which is why we’ve launched our free training sessions,” says Leila Souch, director, 3RS IT Solutions.

“Understanding safe online practices empowers children to navigate the digital world responsibly, allowing them to foster a secure and positive online experience.

“We’re offering these free sessions to local schools to help drive internet awareness for their pupils – particularly when it comes to using social media apps such as Snapchat – and to help ensure that they can ask questions in a safe environment.

“Each session is tailor-made to the school’s individual requirements, and we welcome schools to get in touch to book in their free 30 minute session.”

Separate teacher training sessions are also available to help support teaching staff to stay safe in their day-to-day roles. In addition, the company is also on hand to support schools when it comes to providing hardware and systems support, alongside project work such as migration of servers.

If you are interested in booking a free, 30 minute, training session within a school environment, contact 3RS IT Solutions by calling 0331 630 2209.

Leading

Corby estate agent expands with addition of new sales and lettings consultant

Experienced sales and lettings consultant, Tracey Joyce, has joined the team at Belvoir to help support in the expansion of its sales and lettings departments.

With a wealth of experience in both sales and lettings, Tracey’s appointment adds to an already strong team at Belvoir’s George Street office in Corby, which is renowned for its exceptional customer service and friendly staff.

From a young age, Tracey aspired to work in the property industry. In 2014 she achieved her dream by starting as a lettings negotiator and has advanced in both lettings and sales during her ten years in the industry.

“As a child I always used to dream about working in property and it’s a job that I really enjoy,” said Tracey. “Being able to give our customers the personal touch and best service is really important to me. My favourite part of my role is being able to help first time buyers find their first home.”

In her daily role, Tracey handles a variety of tasks, including lettings inspections, valuations for both lettings and sales, and property updates to assist the branch manager.

Belvoir Corby managing director, Bobby Singh Braich, said: “Due to the success of the team, we needed to expand our department which is why we have welcomed Tracey to the Belvoir team.

“She has extensive experience within both sales and lettings and her passion for property really shines through. Having her on board strengthens the team even further.

“If you’re looking to sell your home or need any help searching for the perfect property, drop in and speak to Tracey or another member of our experienced team.”

For more information on Belvoir, visit www.belvoir.co.uk/offices/ corby or call 01536 261666.

By joining our basic membership, you’ll receive access to our NNBN App which gives you access to our member directory and all of our local member discounts.

THIRTEEN BUSINESSES AWARDED GRANTS IN SECOND ROUND OF BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAMME

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) in collaboration with the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire (BIPC), are proud to announce the thirteen winners of the second round of start-up grants through the Build Your Business programme.

This initiative, supported by £600,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) over two years, aims to empower small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners across the county.

The Build Your Business programme consists of five comprehensive modules covering key areas of running a business. These modules, delivered by specialist partners, include marketing, business growth, financial planning and personal development for business owners. Additionally, the programme offers 1-2-1s, workshops, mentoring, and access to specialist business databases.

Eligible entrepreneurs participating in the programme can apply for a £2,000 start-up grant by submitting a competitive business plan, leveraging the knowledge gained through the programme. Successful applicants not only receive this crucial financial boost but also benefit from continued support from the experienced BIPC Northamptonshire team

The successful grant winners of the second round of grants are:

Ami & Martin – Whatsup Training

Clare & Yvette – Believe & Achieve Business Academy

Douglas – Carduan Ltd

Esme – Esme Abbott Hair Design

Nam & Darren – Tara Beauty Therapy

Heidi – Hartbeeps Kettering

Kate – Daventry Wellness & Sports C.I.C

Laura – Laura’s Seating Solutions

Owen – The Ethical Car Wash Company

Sheila – Take My Lead

Stuart – Medi8 Therapy

Susan – The Regent Street Cattery Limited

Sophia – So Clean (Simply Organic Home Cleaning).

Kate Vincent, founder of Daventry Wellness & Sports C.I.C, said: “The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Northamptonshire has been an invaluable partner in the launch of our sports initiatives here in Daventry. Through their Build Your Business programme, we gained access to a wealth of resources, including informative webinars, personalised 1:1 sessions, and an extensive library for research.

Continue reading here

DOWNLOAD THE DISCOVERNN APP AND START EXPLORING

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?

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

“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.

Local company continues in its commitment to sustainability

with £700,000 investment

“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!”

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.

“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.

“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 build!”

DiscoverNN is available 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.

Digital NBN

- Simon Cox, NNBN

Corby-based company See Limited has invested £700,000 into its distribution arm, Performance Panels, to drastically improve its environmental footprint while also revolutionising the day-today working operations at its distribution facility in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

The company, named after its ethical and sustainability ambitions – Supporting Ethical Enterprise – operates as a holding company for three businesses in the built environment sector, Performance Panels, Inspired Surfaces, and Bousfields.

With a focus on taking sustainable steps forward to reduce their carbon emissions year-on-year, this significant investment through the integration of HOMAG’s STORETEQ P-500 storage system and SAWTEQ S-300 panel dividing saw means that they will now be able to store a higher volume of 5,000 high-performance decorative panels onsite. In addition it will improve efficiencies and reduce energy consumption.

The automated storage system will now organise, stock, and select different sheet sizes and materials in its facility, in what is seen as a huge boost to its distribution arm’s operational capacity.

The new system will also help Performance Panels save 280 bottles of liquid petroleum gas on forklift use alone, equating to an estimated 17,495 kgCO2e avoided per year, based on calculations from the UK Government’s website.

This equates to the same amount of carbon emissions as if you were to drive a petrol-powered car around the world’s equator – twice!

Alongside the investment into the machinery, the Performance Panels facility has also had a complete transformation to get the most out of the storage system. The original floor was dug up and relayed with a new one, new lighting was fitted together with a new CCTV system. The extraction system was also enhanced.

“As Performance Panels continued to grow, it became clear that a full evaluation of our operations was necessary to meet our environmental and sustainable ambitions,” said Robert Thompson, Group CEO at See Limited.

“The implementation of the storage system and panel dividing saw is part of our continuous investment into See Limited’s operating businesses as we continue to grow and evolve.

“In a fast-moving industry, it is crucial we stay ahead of the curve and on top of the latest technological advancements.

“While the implementation of this significant investment has transformed the working operations onsite, it has also enhanced the health and safety measures too. Automation has replaced much of the manual handling and has drastically reduced the time spent locating and retrieving stock.”

A leading Northamptonshire accountancy firm is celebrating the exam successes of more than half a dozen of its colleagues.

Elsby & Co enables its staff to attend learning and revision courses during work time to prepare for exams and provides extra support through regular 1-2-1s with line managers and soft skills training delivered through lunchtime learning sessions, podcasts and recorded presentations.

And the Rushden-based company’s support for its team has paid off as seven staff members have achieved exam success during the past few months.

Founding partner Carl Elsby said: “Everyone at Elsby plays a part in the service we provide to our clients so it’s very important to us that we support every staff member with their development and growth.

“We never forget that we are on a mission to help our clients in as many ways as we can and to help us achieve that all our staff are encouraged to learn as much as possible.

“We’re thrilled that so many of our team have had exam successes during the past few months. We’re so proud of them and all the hard work they have put in to achieve such fantastic results.

Exam success adds up for accountancy firm

“We’re confident that the wealth of knowledge and experience they have accumulated will benefit both our team and our clients.”

Among those celebrating is senior accountant Lydia Wright who has had a hat-trick of successes. Lydia passed her Strategic Business Leader Exam with a fantastic 80 per cent, having already been successful in her ACCA Advanced Audit and ACCA Strategic Business Reporting exams.

Semi senior accountant Alex Ferdinandez passed Financial Management, trainee Evan Fennell passed Business Strategy and Technology and semi senior accountant Georgia Gant passed her Financial Reporting Exam.

Trainee Niamh Standen smashed her recent exams including her AAT Principles of Bookkeeping Controls Exam, semi senior accountant Katie Simms passed ACA Strategic Business Management and client manager Alice Belcher passed the ACCA Audit exam.

To find out more about Elsby & Co, visit https://www.elsbyandco.co.uk/

Residents in West Northants can expect simplified and improved services through a major upgrade of Revenue and Benefits systems.

West Northamptonshire Council is implementing an upgrade that will replace the Council’s multiple previous Revenues and Benefits systems with a single, modern platform designed to simplify operations and improve the online experience for residents when interacting with the Council.

With the upcoming system update, residents will be able to view all their benefits, council tax, business rates, and landlord accounts in one convenient portal, no matter where they live. Business rates customers in Northampton will be able to access their accounts online and sign up for e-billing. This system upgrade will also introduce Daventry residents to a new online housing benefit form, simplifying the application process like never before.

As the Council undergoes the upgrade, the council tax, business rates and housing benefit systems will be temporarily unavailable from Tuesday, 13 August through Thursday, 5 September. During the upgrade, residents will be unable to access the customer portal and online forms. Throughout this period residents will be able to make Council Tax and Business Rates payments as usual.

MAJOR SYSTEMS UPGRADE TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS

For residents with ongoing benefits claims and regular payments, these will continue unaffected. However, new claims and notifications of change submitted during closedown will be assessed after the upgrade is complete.

While Customer Service Agents will still be available to support residents, their access to information will be limited. Residents are encouraged to only contact us for urgent matters during this time.

Cllr

Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for Finance at West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“We aim to provide an efficient, user-friendly experience for our residents and businesses. The upgrade of our Revenue and Benefits Systems is an important step forward in modernising our systems to better serve our residents. This system upgrade is all about making your experience smoother, faster, and more convenient. We can’t wait for you to see the difference!

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation as we work towards improving our services for the benefit of the West Northamptonshire community.”

STAFF AND STUDENTS THANKED FOR THEIR WORK AT DELAPRE ABBEY

Staff and students from Northampton College’s construction department were treated to a barbecue to say thank you for their work in restoring a muchloved statue in the walled garden of Delapre Abbey.

The team have worked hard in recent months to bring Sir Frank Dobson’s ‘Woman With A Fish’ back to its best, clearing overgrown weeds, creating a brickwork surround and giving the statue the prominence it deserves.

The statue was brought to Delapre Abbey from St Katherine’s Gardens in the town centre and had fallen into a state of disrepair until the college’s intervention.

Mark Bradshaw, curriculum manager for construction, said: “It has been a privilege to be able to work on this project. I’m very proud of my home town and I love seeing these little bits of our history preserved for generations to come.

“The students have done a fantastic job and it’s been good to see them displaying that passion for Northampton – it’s something that’s really important to us as the college in the community.”

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATION BECOMES

A FRIEND OF THE EAST MIDLANDS CYBER RESILIENCE CENTRE

The event saw more than 50 people enjoy a barbecue and take part in guided tours of the former stable block at Delapre Abbey. Construction students will form part of the workforce for a project to restore the stables over the next 18 months.

Richard Clinton, chief executive of Delapre Abbey, said:

“This is a partnership that we hold dear and is helping us to rebuild pride in our community. This is a small bit of work but the impact of it has been so pleasing to see. It’s been lovingly restored and we’ve heard how students have been so proud of their work they have brought their parents and grandparents down to see it.

“We wanted to say a big thank you to Mark and the students who have made it happen. We’ve enjoyed seeing it come to life and watching the students have some great quality learning experiences along the way.”

For more information about construction courses available at Northampton College visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk

Northamptonshire membership organisation, NNBN is the latest organisation to support the fight against cyber crime in the East Midlands by becoming a friend of the EMCRC.

The East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre is a collaboration between police, business and academia working together to protect our SME organisations, and in so doing making the online sphere safer for all to do business. The CRC model is acclaimed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and is replicated across the country in each region, forming a thriving network of Police led Cyber Resilience Centres each delivering essential cyber resilience services, guidance and education.

With cyber crime reportedly on the increase in Northamptonshire, NNBN Membership Organisation are backing the fight against cyber crime by encouraging local businesses, charities and organisations to get involved with the initiatives led by the East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre and by signing up as a Friend of the EMCRC to work closer together going into the future.

Simon Cox, Managing Director of NNBN said “We fully support the work of the East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre in working with businesses, charities and organisations to help reduce cyber crime

and to show our commitment, we’re delighted to have become a Friend of the EMCRC.”

Colin Ellis, Managing Director and Police Delivery Lead at the EMCRC, added:

“NNBN are a brilliant business membership organisation, constantly striving to serve and promote the interests of businesses in Northamptonshire.

Simon recognises the value of what the EMCRC can offer business as he understands the importance of businesses being resilient to online crime. I’m therefore delighted with the association and look forward to the CRC and NNBN working together in the future”.

The East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre are seeking the support of other distinguished businesses and motivational business leaders by joining them, not just as Friends of the Centre but also as Community Ambassadors, Community Members or Board members. They now have the scope for businesses to join us on various levels of affiliation and if you would like to support their work and join their community, or feel you can bring equal skill, vision and ingenuity to the Centre in other areas, then please contact the EMCRC via their website.

New BID board members excited for future of ‘exemplar’ town centre

Northampton can act as a national blueprint for reimagining urban spaces with successful regeneration programmes, according to three retail experts appointed to the board of the town centre’s Business Improvement District.

Metro Bank’s director of retail and business banking Kerry Reynolds, Grosvenor Shopping Northampton centre director Greg Norman and restaurateur Naz Islam will now work alongside other business leaders to oversee Northampton BID’s work as it looks to make the town centre a better place to work, live and visit.

Kerry, who returns to the BID board having previously served as co-chair, said: “I’m delighted to be back working with the BID who continue to do an incredible job for the business community here in Northampton. This is an important period for the town centre with multiple high-profile projects that are going to change the face of Northampton for years to come.

“The work being done to regenerate our town centre is very exciting. We’re already seeing the positive impact of having the traders back on the Market Square, several businesses are underlining their commitment to the town by investing in their properties and with the work on Abington Street and Fish Street nearing an end we are getting close to having a town we can all be proud of once again.

“Northampton has had a tough decade or so but we’re on the way back and I see our town being used an exemplar nationally of how to regenerate an ailing town centre, giving it a new lease of life and meeting the demands of the modern consumer, business and resident.”

Naz, who runs Saffron in Castilian Street, said: “As a town centre retailer I am well placed to understand the needs of businesses, the concerns we have and also the aspirations we have to make Northampton somewhere to be truly proud of and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in.

“The next few years have the potential to be hugely exciting for our town centre and I want to make sure things are done right so that both shoppers and businesses have a town centre they want to visit.”

Greg said: “The current projects in Market Square, Abington Street and Fish Street are having a real impact on people’s perceptions of the town. It’s only a start but people can see the upwards trajectory that this path is tracking and it is beginning to unlock the potential that our town centre so clearly has.

“It has been tough for town centres up and down the country but we are now starting to realise different ways they can be used and that natural evolution has begun, with Northampton very much at the forefront of what a modern, vibrant 21st century town centre needs to be.”

The trio will supplement a board that is jointly headed by co-chairs Sali Brown of Chelton Brown Lettings & Sales and Andrea Smith of Franklins Solicitors.

Mark Mullen, BID operations manager, said: “I’m looking forward to working with our new board members as we strive to deliver projects of value for our businesses that attract more people into our town centre.”

WHAT IS NNBN?

IT JUST GOT EASIER TO GET MORE FOR YOU & YOUR BUSINESS

The NNBN is the new and exciting business membership for Northamptonshire which is here to help businesses in the 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 Northamptonshire.

Our membership provides a large amount of benefits, which include:

MEMBER ONLY AREA & DIRECTORY

EDITORIAL & ADVERT IN NNBN DIGITAL

EVENTS & NETWORKING

NNBN FUEL CARD

BUSINESS PROMOTION

NATIONAL BRAND DISCOUNTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS BENEFITS

NNBN APP ADVERTISING

JOIN NOW

WHAT MAKES THE NNBN DIFFERENT?

The NNBN is all about Northamptonshire and is the face of the business community in the area. We 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

NEED HELP FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

A Chamber of Commerce for Northamptonshire was founded in 1917 in response to the concerns of boot and shoe manufacturers over exports during the first world war and now represents around 1,000 Northamptonshire businesses.

https://www..northants-chamber.co.uk/

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.

https://www.fsb.org.uk/ The Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire supports entrepreneurs, investors and small businesses from the first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.

https://www.bipcnorthamptonshire.co.uk/

Business and licensing information from North Northamptonshire Council

https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/business-and-licensing

Business and licensing information from West Northamptonshire Council

https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/

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.

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.

https://wencc.co.uk/

Small Business Britain is the 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.

https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/

Do you need to develop your capacity to push your business to the next level? Find trusted expert advice and fresh ideas from the UK’s leading business schools.

https://smallbusinesscharter.org/

The SME Climate Hub is a pioneering 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.

https://businessclimatehub.org/uk/

Enterprise Nation is a vibrant 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 right.

https://www.enterprisenation.com/

https://nnbn.co.uk/advertise-with-us/

hello@nnbn.co.uk

@nnbnbusinesssupport