Generous workers at a Northamptonshire construction consultancy have collected thousands of essential and luxury items to build hampers for families who need support this Christmas.The kind-hearted team at Bhangals Construction Consultants stayed after hours at their new office in Grange Park on Tuesday night to put together more than 60 hampers which included essentials such as tea, coffee, pasta, tins, cereal, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste.Families receiving the parcels will also find treats such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets and luxury toiletries inside.The bumper bags were handed over to innovative community support hub SCCYC Waterside Connect, who work tirelessly to provide vital...

An award-winning local HR consultancy has launched a brand-new series of impactful, free, webinars to provide much-needed support to business owners.The online seminars, hosted by Kettering based HR Solutions and running between now and April, cover key business topics such as employment contracts, apprenticeships and long-term sickness.The first of the series will be held on 14th December and looks at the employment developments that we are likely to see in 2024. Hundreds of businesses have already signed up for The HR Year Ahead: The Key Trends to Watch.As well as new employment legislation, the session will also include staff planning,...

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a Rural Business Grants programme to support businesses in the most rural parts of West Northants to diversify and grow.Utilising £919,772 of UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF), this programme will provide up to 50% of equal match-funding of between £2,500 and £100,000 to businesses located in Defra’s designated rural areas within West Northamptonshire.Grants can be used to support the building and equipment of capital projects, for example converting a farm building for an alternative business use such as a business hub, wedding venue or for hospitality; growing rural tourism; the acquisition of...

Networking events are invaluable opportunities for professional growth and expanding your circle. Yet, for many, the thought of stepping into a room filled with unfamiliar faces can trigger nerves and apprehension. Overcoming these jitters is not just a challenge; it's a skill that can be developed and mastered.Here, we share some tips for you to overcome your nerves...

Regeneration of the Market Square reached an important milestone this week as the first bespoke market stalls were delivered and installed.The first four of the new 18 bespoke market stalls arrived in Northampton on Tuesday 4 December, and the rest to be completed by spring 2024. The design, cladding and colours of the stalls elegantly compliment the surrounding rich heritage of Northampton’s Market Square.These stalls are a bespoke design with unique features, designed specifically for the needs of the Northampton Market traders. They are made of heavy-duty steel frames with robust cladding, which provides a sustainable and robust product. They...

‘Vote YES to keep our estate safe, secure, clean and green’: businesses from Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate gathered this month to officially launch a renewal campaign.Brackmills, home to more than 180 businesses and 11,000 employees, has held Business Improvement District (BID) status for over 14 years, an initiative which sees businesses pool an annual levy and use these funds exclusively for the benefit of the estate.At the official launch of the BID’s renewal campaign Sara Homer, Chief Executive of Brackmills BID, said: “We are now in the final year of our third term as a BID so we have gathered...

A popular local estate agency in Corby has welcomed a new recruit to the sales team.Gemma Simpson has joined the fold at Belvoir, in George Street, as a sales consultant.The former recruitment agent changed careers 12 months ago, instead entering the world of property and estate agency working at another Northamptonshire firm.Gemma moved to Belvoir last month to further her career in selling houses.She said: “It has been a brilliant start to my career at Belvoir. The team have been so kind and welcoming and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting our clients and showing house hunters around the varied properties...

ASBESTOS management consultancy Acorn Analytical Services Northampton has been named one of the UK’s best small businesses after winning a Silver Award for High Growth at the National SME Awards in London.The iconic Wembley Stadium was the venue for the ceremony which celebrated the achievements of small to medium-sized enterprises across the UK. Acorn Analytical Services Northampton took home the Silver Award for High Growth in recognition of a remarkable year which has seen them increase turnover, move premises, open a new regional office and grow their team.Director Ian Stone said: “To be able to have our work recognised at...

Staff from IT consultancy 3RS IT Solutions have pledged to support a charity which supports adults with mental health needs, autism and learning and physical disabilities, by undertaking fundraising challenges suggested by their social media followers.Director Stephen Souch and Services Operations Manager, Ethan Malvern, will be raising money for Teamwork Trust by participating in a series of activities and challenges over the course of the next year – all of which will be decided by a series of online polls across their social channels.Stephen said: “Some people may know that my son is autistic, and The Teamwork Trust does a...

Following the great success of this challenge for the last three years, we are bringing it back by popular demandWe know it can be hard to stay motivated at this time of year, the cold dark weather, the Christmas temptations, these daily challenges motivate you to be active in a fun way – its so much fun the whole family can get involved, even our furry loved ones!A daily fun challenge for 12 days, a great start to work off those Christmas puddings.We are challenging you to stay active and have a bit of festive fun for twelve days, the...

Residents of Northamptonshire can embrace a greener Christmas and support vital hospice care this festive season, thanks to Cynthia Spencer Hospice's newly launched Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme.This environmentally friendly initiative offers a convenient way for households to dispose of their real Christmas trees while contributing to a noble cause.Cynthia Spencer Hospice, known for offering excellent specialist palliative care services across West Northamptonshire, has announced that residents can register their real Christmas trees for collection online until 2nd January 2024.A team of dedicated volunteers will collect the trees from outside registered properties between Saturday, 6th January and Tuesday, 9th January 2024,...