Northamptonshire Membership Organisation NNBN are encouraging local businesses and employers to engage in an opportunity to shape the future.The Government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper set out an ambitious employer-led approach aimed at making Further Education (FE) provision more responsive to local skills needs and ultimately local economic needs.As part of this approach, Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) were introduced as a key part of the Government’s vision of an adult skills system where businesses are given a much stronger voice in local skills planning by working closely with FE providers, engaging effectively with local leaders and other stakeholders and...

24 February, 2023

Visitors to Delapré Abbey’s award-winning restaurant and cafés are being served up a treat this month – with yet more local produce, themed events and a new spring menu in the planning.From this week [w.c 20th February 2023] the Abbey’s Charitable Trust has taken over the running and management of The Orangery café and Hibiscus restaurant, both set in the heart of the Abbey’s historic home.Head chef Bart Polinski, assistant manager Lewis Bourke and the core team remain in post, with business as usual at these popular eateries.Head Chef Bart, awarded the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards Whitco Chef of the Year in 2022, said:...

24 February, 2023

Industry leaders from warehouse, transport and logistic businesses across West Northants joined West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to learn more about wellbeing in the workplace.WNC’s health protection, public health and regulatory service colleagues held the forum for businesses on Friday, 10 February at the Ford Motors Company, Daventry. Representatives from Fords Motor Company Ltd, DHL and Pristine International attended to encourage and share best practice with businesses.The forum provided businesses with information on future health and safety priorities and initiatives, to encourage change and reduce accidents that result from occupational behaviour.Key topics including staff training, focus on wellbeing and how this...

24 February, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council this week set a balanced budget for the year ahead that will protect essential frontline services whilst addressing significant financial challenges.At their Full Council meeting in Northampton’s Guildhall (Wednesday, 22 February), members approved the final budget proposals, Housing Revenue Account and setting of the Council Tax for 2023/24.In common with local authorities across the country, the Council is facing severe financial pressures due to factors including the current economic climate, high inflation rates driving up running costs and an increase in demand for services, particularly around supporting children in care and vulnerable adults.Despite these pressures, the Council...

24 February, 2023

Final budget proposals for North Northamptonshire Council for the next financial year (2023/24) have been approved at the meeting of Full Council on 23 February.The report before Council presented a balanced revenue budget for 2023/24 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the next two years.Draft proposals had initially been approved by the Executive in December and these were subject to a detailed consultation process and scrutiny, before being reported back to the Executive on 9 February where they were endorsed.The net revenue budget for 2023/24 is £336.59 million.The Council is proposing savings of nearly £15m this year,...

23 February, 2023

Business, residents, and community groups are invited to provide their views on proposals for the Heritage Park along Marefair in Northampton Town Centre.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is seeking feedback on proposals to transform Chalk Lane Car Park in Marefair, Northampton into a Heritage Park. This will offer open green space for families and the local community to enjoy while celebrating the heritage of the area.Marefair and the surrounding area has a fascinating and important history which includes archaeological excavation sites, historic local buildings such as the Old Black Lion Pub, Hazelrigg House, Castile Hill URC and St Peters Church and...

23 February, 2023

Road users in Kettering will soon benefit from improved road surface as maintenance works start from this weekend.Given the proximity to Kettering General Hospital, works will only take place on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Works will begin on Rothwell Road on Sunday 26 February until Sunday 23 April (excluding 9 April and 16 April) and between 12pm - 9pm to improve the structural stability of the road and increase skid resistance. Works will include resurfacing the road, new road markings and high friction surfacing. Gullies will also be cleaned to make best use of the road closure and minimise future...

23 February, 2023

One year after its official launch a thriving business membership organisation is expanding into the west of Northamptonshire – with a launch event planned for Delapré Abbey in March.NNBN, which already has more than 120 members in the north of Northamptonshire, is now expanding county-wide and to mark the occasion is inviting businesses, charities and local organisations to a launch event on Thursday, 16th March 2023.NNBN Director Simon Cox said: “Having launched NNBN as an exciting new membership organisation last March at Chester House Estate in Irchester, we're delighted to be holding our first meeting in Northampton at the 900-year-old Abbey. To celebrate our...

23 February, 2023

Would you like to help the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) improve its business rates services?The Valuation Office Agency are looking for business owners who receive a business rates bill to take part in research about business rates services.The VOA sets the rateable values of all business, and other non-domestic, properties in England and Wales. Local councils use the rateable value to calculate a property’s business rates bill.If you would like to help the research, you can sign-up for the GOV.UK user panel :You’ll need to answer a few simple questions about yourself, which should take around 5 minutes. You do...

23 February, 2023

300 businesses across the UK will benefit from the British Industry Supercharger: targeted measures to ensure the energy costs for key UK industries are in line with other major economies around the world.The support will be made available to sectors particularly exposed to the cost of electricity, such as steel, metals, chemicals and paper. These industries employ around 400,000 skilled workers right across the UK, and support many more in their supply chains. In 2019 their exports made up around 28% of total UK exports.Proposed changes under the Supercharger – set to be consulted on in the Spring – will...

23 February, 2023

The Inspirational Women’s Award judges have shortlisted six women for the two categories, Community and Business, out of a record-breaking 70+ nominations.The Inspirational Women’s Award judges have shortlisted seven women for the two categories, Community and Business, out of a record-breaking 70+ nominations.This year there will also be a Special Recognition Award which is sponsored by our new Highways partner Kier.The winners will be announced at the International Women’s Day event, taking place at the Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton on Saturday, 4 March from 11am to 3pm.This year’s event is set to be West Northants’ biggest yet with over...

20 February, 2023