A Northampton-based vehicle leasing firm has been shortlisted for a prestigious national industry award, voted for by dealers.Silverstone Leasing has been announced as a finalist in the Mid-Size Leasing Broker of the Year category of the Fleet Procure Awards 2025, the leasing broker industry’s biggest and only independent annual awards event celebrating excellence in the sector.There are three other finalists in the category, with 14 awards up for grabs in total on the night, which takes place next week at TOCA Social London.Silverstone Leasing is renowned for its award-winning customer service and prides itself on its friendly, honest and efficient...

Wheelchair users in the Midlands are being invited to join The Wheelchair Collective – the first national council of wheelchair users.The initiative is being led by the Wheelchair Alliance, a community interest company that advocates for better wheelchair service provision, and will give wheelchair users with lived experience the power to influence how wheelchair services are designed, delivered and improved.Backed by funding from the RFU (Rugby Football Union) Injured Players Foundation (IPF), an independent charity that supports players who have sustained an acute life-changing injury whilst playing rugby union in England, this pioneering council will bring together passionate wheelchair ambassadors...

Web Alliance, the Northampton-based specialist in bespoke CRM, ERP and workflow automation systems, celebrated its 13th birthday in December.Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Ashish Kumar and Iram Gilani, Web Alliance was created to give smaller businesses access to affordable, flexible and scalable software designed entirely around their processes. Thirteen years later, the company has grown into a trusted partner for hundreds of SMEs, delivering custom-built, high-quality systems that clients fully own from day one.Web Alliance has evolved from a two-person start-up operating from a family home into a thriving international business. The company now comprises an eight-strong UK account management...

NN Clear Speakers, a newly formed Toastmasters club based in Kettering, is approaching a major milestone as it nears the 20 members required to officially charter with Toastmasters International.Launched to support people who want to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills, NN Clear Speakers has already begun attracting a diverse group of local professionals, business owners and community members. Many of whom had never spoken publicly before joining.Toastmasters is a globally recognised programme that helps individuals build confidence in speaking, presenting and leading in a supportive, structured environment. Members develop practical skills that translate directly into career progression,...

Your Business Expo Northamptonshire is set to return to the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus on Thursday 12th February 2026, bringing together the county’s business community for a day of connection, collaboration and practical insight. Running from 10am to 3pm, the event has become a firm fixture in the local business calendar.Now in its fourth year, the Expo continues to grow in scale and impact, offering a supportive platform for organisations of every size — from emerging start-ups and family-run firms to well-established regional names. Visitors can look forward to a bustling exhibition hall, structured networking opportunities and a series...

North Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with Kier, will begin essential works on White Mills Bridge, located between Grendon Road and Station Road, Earls Barton, from 12 January 2026.The works will see a full bridge deck replacement to ensure the long-term safety and future proof this key route. The project is part-funded by the Department for Transport through the Local Transport Grant, from which North Northamptonshire Council received £7.728 million for 2025/26 to fund a range of transport schemes across the local area.Works are expected to be completed in summer 2026.For safety reasons and due to the complexity of the works,...

The Lewis Foundation is inviting businesses across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes to take part in the Franklins Solicitors £50 Challenge 2026 to help raise vital funds for adults undergoing cancer treatment in local hospitals.Any business can get involved with the challenge, which is running from 23rd February to 29th May 2026. Each participating company receives £50 in seed funding from Franklins Solicitors, with one mission: turn it into as much money as possible. From bake sales and raffles to sponsored challenges and team events, creativity and community spirit lie at the heart of the competition.The Lewis Foundation, which is celebrating...

Residents, businesses and community groups are being reminded to take part in the first-ever Budget Question Time, a new online event giving people the chance to understand, explore and discuss the Council’s draft budget proposals for 2026/27.The session is designed to open up the budget conversation and give residents a clearer picture of how decisions are made, the challenges the Council faces, and the choices that lie ahead. It also creates space for people to ask questions, share views, and raise the issues that matter most to them and their communities.Your Money, Your Say: Budget Question Time will take place on Tuesday 13 January 2026, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, and will be held online via Microsoft Teams.During the event, participants...

Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in West Northamptonshire are invited to apply for funding to deliver Grow, Cook, Eat, a programme that helps people learn how to grow food, cook healthy meals, and make better choices about nutrition, while supporting wellbeing and building stronger community connections.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has announced that £343,750 worth of funding is available over three years for a single collaborative bid to support the continuation of ‘Grow, Cook, eat’. The scheme aims to tackle food and health inequalities, while promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.‘Grow, Cook, Eat’ focuses on promoting healthy eating, by...

West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Women’s Forum is proud to announce the return of the Inspirational Women Awards, now in their 14th year. These awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women who are driving progress, sparking change, and making a lasting impact in workplaces and communities across the region.Nominations are now open and close on Sunday 8 February 2026, inviting the public to nominate the women who inspire them every day. All nominees must be working or living in West Northamptonshire.Award categoriesBusiness Award: Recognising women who inspire through their professional achievements, business ownership, or career mentorship.Community Award: Celebrating individuals who uplift their communities - whether it’s a family member providing unwavering support,...

An independent optometrist in Northampton is encouraging people to improve their outlook for 2026 by taking their eye health seriously.Tompkins, Knight & Son in Kingsley Road, Northampton is backing the College of Optometrists’ call for people to make eye health a priority in 2026 and has offered some top tips to ensure a good outlook this New Year.Regular eye examinations play a crucial role in the early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure, often before other symptoms appear.Tips shared by the practice include encouraging all adults to make sure they attend a regular eye examination,...