TEN aspiring entrepreneurs have become the second cohort chosen to take part in Northamptonshire’s Vulcan Creatives business incubation programme.Vulcan Creatives, which launched last year with the inaugural group, is a free six-month initiative run by the award-winning team at Northampton’s serviced workspace Vulcan Works.Led by Vulcan Works’ on-site business growth manager Darren Smith and funded by West Northamptonshire Council utilising £40,000 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Vulcan Creatives supports ambitious local people hoping to kick start a new business or grow an existing idea with specialist support.The programme opened for applications in the summer and almost 50 entries...

A Corby-based holding company of businesses involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels for the built environment sector, has netted a hat-trick of awards in a month.See Limited is celebrating after beating off stiff competition to pick up the Sustainability Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEAs) on Thursday, November 7.The award recognises projects, innovations or actions that have improved the sustainability of a business and the environment and encouraged customers or clients to do the same to ensure a more sustainable future.Independent and accredited judges, including head judge Nick Hewer, star...

Businesses in North Northamptonshire have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and transition to renewable energy sources.The NNDecarb business grant scheme, funded by the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make the shift to a low-carbon economy while also lowering energy costs.The grants cover up to 50% of the cost of installing energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies, with the remaining funds to be match-funded by the business. Successful applicants can use the funds for a wide range of improvements, including...

A company from Northampton has been recognised for its innovative approach to health and safety with an award.Acorn Safety Services, which offers fire, legionella and health and safety management services to businesses across the UK, is celebrating after winning the Innovation Award at the star-studded Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEAs) on Thursday, November 7.The award was created to recognise businesses in Northamptonshire that demonstrate originality and creativity in implementing change and make a significant contribution to their industry through the introduction or improvement of an idea, method, technology, process or application.Acorn Safety Services was recognised for developing two innovative pieces...

Rural businesses in North Northamptonshire are being invited to apply for capital grants of up to £50,000, aimed at supporting resilience and growth within the local economy. These grants can be utilised for essential investments in equipment or for undertaking necessary extensions and alterations.The current round of grant applications is particularly focused on promoting rural diversification and supporting the visitor economy. Projects that aim to diversify business operations or enhance tourism will be prioritised. Eligible projects should be ready to commence quickly, with all spending required to be completed by 28 February 2025.Businesses in North Northamptonshire looking to innovate and...

High Street Rental Auctions will give businesses and community groups a ‘right to rent’ long-neglected town-centre commercial properties.Councils will be handed new powers next month to breathe new life back into high streets and transform long-term empty shops, the government has announced.High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) will allow local leaders to tackle persistently vacant properties in city, town and village centres by putting the leases up for auction. This will boost the high street through a ‘right to rent’ commercial lots for businesses and community groups, after the powers come into force on 2 December through legislation laid on Monday.The...

It’s happening… Northamptonshire’s business event of the year: Your Business Expo 2025.The date: February 6.The venue: The Creative Hub, University of Northampton.The occasion: Your Business Expo Northamptonshire, hosted by Pulse Group Media - publisher of NN Pulse and the county’s leading business publication Business Times - with full-service marketing agency qoob as headline sponsor.Your Business Expo aims to create opportunities for businesses to reach, engage and connect; for quality sales leads, to meet key decision-makers and to increase awareness of your business brand. Around 100 exhibitors, including Northamptonshire’s leading, brightest and fastest-growing organisations, have confirmed their place and hundreds of...

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...

HMRC interest rates for late payments will be revised following the Bank of England interest rate cut to 4.75%.The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announced on 7 November 2024 to reduce the Bank of England base rate to 4.75% from 5.0%.HMRC interest rates are linked to the Bank of England base rate.As a consequence of the change in the base rate, HMRC interest rates for late payment and repayment will reduce.These changes will come into effect on:18 November 2024 for quarterly instalment payments 26 November 2024 for non-quarterly instalments paymentsInformation on the interest rates for payments will be updated shortly. How HMRC interest rates are...

Northamptonshire primary schools have just 10 days left to enter an exciting competition for pupils to win a free interactive dinosaur experience.Giant Journeys, which provides educational immersive workshops for children, has opened a public vote on social media in which local primary schools can put themselves forward to meet Reggie – a five-metre-long animatronic T-Rex – in a special session.The prize has already generated a lot of interest with more than 1000 votes for more than 80 different schools.Giant Journeys was established in September 2024 by founder Darren Smith, who has a passion for creative education and a more than...

We at the Chester House Estate are urging visitors to ‘get their skates on’ this festive period as we introduce our first ever ice rink, part of our Winter Wonderland experience starting on Saturday 23 November and running through until Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve).The ice rink will be located at the front of the 17th century historic farmhouse, with festive huts serving hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts lining the edges of the rink. Skate collection and penguin-shaped ice-skating aids for children and inexperienced skaters can be collected at the event marquee.Alongside ice skating, the Estate’s popular Father Christmas experience is returning. Designed as a...