The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to take part in the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which has been launched today.This important survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey in the UK, providing invaluable insights into the current economic climate.Newly appointed Head of Policy, Simon Cox, is leading this initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance the local business environment.In his role, Simon is committed to leading policy initiatives that align with the needs of the local business community. He will work closely with local businesses...

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 co-founders 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...

North Northamptonshire Council is asking residents to give their views on final draft proposals for a strategy to shape walking, wheeling and cycling routes in Wellingborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers and Raunds and the surrounding rural areas.Known as a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) – the blueprint will provide a strategic approach to identifying cycling and walking improvements at a local level, enabling a long-term approach to developing networks for the next ten years.The LCWIP also forms a vital part of the government’s strategy to increase the number of trips made on foot or by cycle.By creating a good...

People are being asked to have their say on the Council’s draft climate change framework.The draft framework will be used to inform the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, and outlines the council’s vision, approach, and key areas of focus to address the effects of climate change over the next six years.The framework identifies six key areas of focus that climate change could impact in North Northamptonshire:Transport Homes and the Built Environment Nature, Food and Farming Energy Green Economy WastePlans for each sector focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience to climate change, and ensuring an equitable transition to a...

People are being encouraged to share their views to help West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) develop a climate change strategy for the area.The strategy will detail the actions WNC will take to reduce locally produced greenhouse gas emissions and become better prepared for climate change.The Council has already set the target of achieving Net Zero across West Northants by 2045, five years ahead of the Government’s target.Cllr Rebecca Breese WNC’s Cabinet Member for said: “We want to hear from local residents, businesses and stakeholders to make sure that the strategy meets the needs of our whole community.“We have identified a range...

Following the success of the recent visit to the the Palace of Westminster in May, Northamptonshire business owners and visitor attractions are eagerly anticipating another opportunity to meet with new MPs on the latest visit organised for October this year.In May, twenty-one members of the Northamptonshire-based membership organisation NNBN travelled to London, led by co-founders Simon and Marie Cox for a day of learning and engagement. The group toured the historic Palace of Westminster, observed parliamentary proceedings in action, and engaged in a round table discussion with the three Northamptonshire MPs: Philip Hollobone (Kettering), Labour MP Gen Kitchen (Wellingborough and...

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking comments from residents and stakeholders on a review of polling districts and polling places within the North Northamptonshire area.This follows on from a statutory review completed in 2023 and takes into account new ward boundaries that come into effect for the local council elections that will take place in May 2025.The council are looking for suggestions and representation on all polling districts, alongside taking the opportunity to gather feedback about all polling stations in order to ensure good accessibility for all electors.Adele Wylie, Chief Executive for North Northamptonshire Council, said:“As a council, we have a...

People are being encouraged to share their views to help West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) develop a climate change strategy for the area.The strategy will detail the actions WNC will take to reduce locally produced greenhouse gas emissions and become better prepared for climate change.The Council has already set the target of achieving Net Zero across West Northants by 2045, five years ahead of the Government’s target.Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste said: “We want to hear from local residents, businesses and stakeholders to make sure that the strategy meets the needs of our whole community.“We...

A new plan is being developed that outlines what local transport will look like in West Northants over the next 20 years.The Local Transport Plan details a range of proposals, with the aim that by 2045 the Council will have worked with communities and partners to:Make public transport more attractive and accessible Make active travel such as walking or wheeling a first choice for short trips Reduce dependency on private cars Make our transport system safer, cleaner, and more inclusive Improve transport infrastructure and transport services to make them more resilient Achieve net zero.Residents, businesses and community groups are...

People are being encouraged to share their views on plans to support the increase in electric vehicles (EVs) across West Northants, through developing and expanding the current charging infrastructure.One of the barriers to converting to an electric vehicle is being able to charge at home as well as when out and about. At some stage in the future petrol and diesel cars will no longer be produced so we want to ensure that we have infrastructure in place that works for as many people as possible.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is committed to working with partners to achieve net zero across...

People are being encouraged to share their views on a Local Transport Plan being developed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).The plan has been developed with key stakeholders and details a range of proposals for transport over the next 20 years, with the aim that by 2045 the Council will have worked with communities and partners to:Make public transport more attractive and accessible Make active travel such as walking or wheeling a first choice for short trips Reduce dependency on private cars Make our transport system safer, cleaner, and more inclusive Improve transport infrastructure and transport services to make them...