Entering business awards is often overlooked by many organisations, as they fail to see the potential benefits that this could bring to their businesses.The truth is, participating in business awards can provide a plethora of advantages that can make a big difference in your company's growth, reputation, and overall success.Here are some reasons why your business should consider entering business awards:1. Exposure and VisibilityOne of the most significant benefits of entering business awards is the exposure and visibility that it could give to your brand. Most business award organisations have a substantial following and audience base, which means that if...

25 May, 2023

NatWest is a step closer to being returned to full private ownership as the government sells c. £1.26billion in shares back to NatWest via a Directed Buyback.NatWest is a step closer to being returned to full private ownership as the government sells c. £1.26 billion in shares back to NatWest via a Directed Buyback.The sale reduces the government’s shareholding to c. 38.6% - down from around 84% at its peak – delivering significant progress against the government’s intention as announced at Spring Budget to fully exit the shareholding by 2025-2026, subject to market conditions and achieving value for money for...

25 May, 2023

The Northamptonshire Business Awards 2023, headline sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, have opened for entries today (Wednesday 24th May)!Organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, the awards aim to recognise the fantastic work being done by organisations across the county.There are 15 awards up for grabs this year including three new awards.Two of these - West Northamptonshire Sustainability Award and North Northamptonshire Sustainability Award - are being supported by West Northamptonshire Council and Poppy Design Studio & Marketing Ltd to recognise those organisations who have integrated sustainability into their business practices.Diversity in the Workplace award is another new award, sponsored by Learning...

24 May, 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association has commented on today's announcement that UK inflation is down to 8.7% by saying customers still aren't feeling the benefit.The announcement by the Bank of England that inflation rates have dropped to 8.7% has been met with some worry as food prices remain at an all-time high.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also said that electricity and gas prices have contributed to around 1.4% points to the decrease in the annual inflation rate, however food prices are continuing to rise at the fastest annual rate since 1977. Other costs rising are in recreation and culture,...

24 May, 2023

Birthday celebrations are in full swing at Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust – with staff and service users putting the finishing touches to a fundraising line dancing event.Families from across the county are invited to don their dancing shoes and join this event, set to take place on Friday, 2nd June, 7pm-10pm, at the Grampian Club in Corby.Teamwork Trust fundraising executive Judy Caine said: “2023 is our 40th birthday and to celebrate we are aiming to raise £40,000 to offer our service users more life experiences - activities in our centres, trips out and hopefully a holiday.“This line dancing event is...

24 May, 2023

Residents across West Northants are invited to join in celebrations to mark Armed Forces Week.In the week leading up to Armed Forces Day (Saturday, 24 June) West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will be organising a series of events aimed at celebrating and supporting the local Armed Forces Community including veterans, serving personnel, reserve forces, cadets, and their families.The celebrations will kick off on Friday, 16 June from 12.30pm with the Armed Forces Community event being held on the historic grounds of Delapré Abbey. The afternoon will feature a series of activities and workshops delivered by VR Therapies, The Frank Bruno Foundation...

23 May, 2023

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) announced the organisation’s Group CEO, Stan Atkins, will be stepping back from the Institute at the end of June 2023.Current Chief Operating Officer, Neil Spencer-Cook, who has worked at the Institute for several years, has been appointed the position of Group Managing Director and will take up the role of leading BICSc from 3rd July 2023.Stan led the Institute for over 15 years, maintaining BICSc reputation as the cleaning industry’s go to organisation for membership, standards and training. During his tenure, BICSc Training and Services Ltd. was established to fulfil training requirements both...

23 May, 2023

Growing firms in the South East Midlands will find out how they can successfully bid for up to £300,000 for capital projects at an exciting free event next month.SEMLEP will unveil details of two new funding streams that are opening soon to growing businesses across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes at its Show Me Success business conference.The event will also give firms the chance to connect with other ambitious business leaders, hear from leading speakers, access university-led business masterclasses and take advantage of expert support from SEMLEP Growth Curve advisers.SEMLEP chief executive Hilary Chipping said: “This is an important event...

23 May, 2023

Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts (BHVA) has announced a new partnership with triple threat Musical Theatre College, Emil Dale Academy (EDA). This new venture will offer BHVA’s students and squad members additional growth opportunities, supplementing their training and broadening their horizons in the performing arts world.The partnership will facilitate shared resources, expert masterclasses, and unique opportunities for students to gain industry insights from EDA, who are renowed for their commitment to high-quality performing arts education.“EDA is the ideal partner for us as we continue to strive for excellence in the creative arts provision,” says Lindsey Atkins, director at BHVA. “This...

23 May, 2023

Last night's NNBN meeting at Delapre Abbey saw a great presentation from Jessica Maryan from Meadow Interpreting as attendees from businesses, charities and organisations from across Northamptonshire learned more about the services offered by Meadow Interpreting and communication skills when communicating with the deaf community.Jessica formed Meadow Interpreting to help the deaf community engage and her aims are to prioritise the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people in their everyday lives. Meadow Interpreting offers British Sign Language and Deaf Relay interpreting, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, and Deaf Awareness workshops services throughout the UK as well as offering bespoke Deaf awareness...

23 May, 2023

Have you been to Kettering station lately? Alongside the professional restoration of the Victorian roof canopies, local volunteers have also been making improvements to the station. As a result Kettering station has been selected as an East Midlands finalist in the ‘World Cup of Stations’ awards.Kettering needs your vote today (Tues 23 May) for a chance to face other regional winners in the final later this week.The volunteers who have been giving the station special attention are known as station adopters. They have been creating year-round floral displays, restoring an old station trolley as a home for flower barrels, creating...

23 May, 2023