In line with guidance from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, North Northamptonshire Council has published its latest Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2024/25.The report demonstrates a 4% reduction in emissions compared to 2023/24 and an 8.2 % reduction against the baseline. This illustrates a good rate of progress in terms of meeting year-on-year reduction targets.To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, North Northamptonshire Council must reduce emissions by 3.6% annually.Key achievements over the past year include:Solar PV panels installed at Rushden Splash Leisure Pool are projected to yield a financial savings of £26,000 in electricity costs and...

As Black Friday sales descend and the Christmas shopping season kicks into high gear, Northamptonshire-based credit union, Commsave, is calling on consumers to reject unsafe lending options and shop smarter for the festive period.With Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes and predatory loan sharks making it easier than ever to spend beyond their means, many shoppers risk entering 2026 already burdened by debt.Matt Goulding, CEO of Commsave said: "Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many it is a source of significant financial stress. Too many people will still be paying off last year's Christmas as they head...

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust is celebrating a remarkable achievement after being crowned Northamptonshire’s Venue of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards. Judges praised the Abbey for its “wide variety of offerings suitable for all communities and businesses,” noting its innovative use of heritage spaces and its leadership across the county’s cultural landscape. This back-to-back win reinforces Delapré Abbey’s position as one of Northamptonshire’s most distinctive and versatile cultural and hospitality destinations.The award highlights the Trust’s dedication to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to engage with its historic setting and beautiful parkland....

North Northamptonshire Council has published a report on the success of the Chester House Estate since it opened to the public in 2021 and the impact on the local area.The report, now available to read in full on the Estate’s website, looks at the benefits to the county. It covers areas including:Visitor engagement Educational programmes Heritage work Community activities Volunteering Contribution to the local tourism economyKey figures and highlights from the report which demonstrate the Estate’s success and work include:More than 15,000 children have visited the Estate since opening as part of the Estate’s educational offering Creating Tomorrow...

The inspirational operations director at a thriving health and safety consultancy has been crowned as Businesswoman of the Year at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEA).Zeynep Guzelkasap, of Acorn Safety Services, took home the much-coveted title at the renowned local awards, which happened on Friday (21st November) at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club.The judges praised Zeynep’s commerciality and “community minded approach” and the powerhouse collected her trophy to rapturous applause and cheers from her delighted colleagues.Zeynep was promoted from operations manager to operations director at Northampton’s Acorn Safety Services earlier this year, following her integral involvement in the company’s exponential growth.During...

A charity initiative at Northampton’s Vulcan Works will support a popular local present appeal in the run up to Christmas.Charity Tuesdays see the town centre workspace offer free hotdesking in its coworking space every Tuesday, in exchange for a nominal charity donation, which has so far raised hundreds of pounds for local causes.For the next four weeks, instead of a financial donation, Vulcan Works is inviting visitors to instead donate a gift to the NLive Radio Present Appeal.The appeal calls on the generosity of the Northampton public to donate gifts to ensure that those in need during the festive season...

Thriving Northamptonshire vehicle leasing firm Silverstone Leasing has partnered with global electric automotive powerhouse Tesla to provide a brand-new self-serve test drive station for customers.Drivers wanting to try out the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y can now visit Silverstone Leasing’s Preston Deanery base and take the cars out independently, using state-of-the-art technology.Bookings are made directly through the Tesla website or app, where customers choose a one-hour slot before receiving clear instructions by email and text on how to access the vehicles.On arrival, they simply unlock the chosen car using a smartphone and head out for an unaccompanied drive. The...

It's official — Zinc Digital is Northamptonshire's best small business and top innovator, after celebrating a double win at the 2025 Northamptonshire Business Awards.The Northamptonshire-based agency, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, won Small Business of the Year and the West Northants Innovation Award at the prestigious ceremony organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. This double win recognises both Zinc Digital's impressive business growth and its groundbreaking work in digital innovation.Joe, Founder and CEO of Zinc Digital, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to win two awards at the Northamptonshire Business Awards. To be recognised for both small business excellence and...

A leading UK-based vegetation management and landscaping contractor is reaping the rewards of its dedicated training and development programme, which is helping non-skilled employees build rewarding, long-term, careers in arboriculture.With the skills gap in arboriculture predicted to see workforce growth go down 1.6% by 2028, VMS Ltd believes that training and development within the industry is key.The company delivers a range of training to all staff via its Lantra Approved training division, VMT Ltd, enabling those joining the team with little or no prior experience the opportunity to gain professional qualifications, hands-on field experience alongside industry-recognised certifications.Operative Steven Spencer joined...

Northampton College has won a top award for putting sustainability at the heart of its operations.The further education provider won the West Northamptonshire Sustainability Award at the 2025 Northamptonshire Business Awards after impressing judges with its wide range of Go Green projects that are helping it to radically reduce its carbon footprint and promote education about sustainability.It is the latest in a series of high-profile award wins which have recognised the College’s outstanding green credentials.Northampton College Principal Jason Lancaster said: “We’re so thrilled to have once again been recognised for supporting the green economy with sustainable jobs, energy-efficient buildings and...

Melody Woman Music, a champion of inclusive live music and events based in Towcester, is set to launch its highly anticipated event, "Business Beats," this week as part of its celebration for being named one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025 by the Small Business Saturday campaign.As the dedicated Small Biz 100 business featured on November 27th in the official countdown to Small Business Saturday, founder Kelly Israel (late-diagnosed neurodivergent entrepreneur with Autism and ADHD) is using this national platform to drive a crucial political conversation, linking local economic growth directly to national disability policy. The...