The founders of a Northamptonshire charity were crowned ‘exceptional leaders’ at the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 Grand Final.The Lewis Foundation’s Lorraine and Lee Lewis saw off thousands of applicants to win the one of the most highly acclaimed categories - Entrepreneur for Good Award.The charity, which provides free gifts to adult cancer patients across 15 hospitals in the Midlands, was selected out of more than 5,300 business and charity leaders from across the UK, and was praised by the judges for having gifted an incredible 75,000 support packs since it began in 2016.They were also given credit for...

05 December, 2022

Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has entered into an option agreement to purchase the freehold to a 168-acre site south of the Junction 15 of the M1 in Northamptonshire. Located within a prime Midlands industrial area, Harworth intends to promote the land for sustainable employment use as part of the emerging West Northamptonshire Strategic Plan (“WNSP”).Proposals for the site include the development of up to 1.6 million sq. ft of Grade A industrial & logistics space, alongside unique landscaping features and an ecological enhancement area. Together, these elements will provide...

05 December, 2022

Workers to have a greater say over when, where, and how they work under new government plans to make flexible working the default.Millions of employees will be able to request flexible working from day one of their employment, under new government plans to make flexible working the default.Flexible working doesn’t just mean a combination of working from home and in the office – it can mean employees making use of job-sharing, flexitime, and working compressed, annualised, or staggered hours.The raft of new measures will give employees greater access to flexibility over where, when, and how they work, leading to happier,...

05 December, 2022

Ways of how digital technology can help transform the lives of vulnerable people have been showcased at an event.Bridging the Digital Divide demonstrated how tech – including virtual reality – can create solutions for identified issues, resulting in positive outcomes for people.Support Northamptonshire in partnership with Café Track, VR Therapies, The University of Northampton and Digital Northants hosted the event.Talks included:Support Northamptonshire showed how digital technology can enable collaborative case management and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable people. Café Track discussed how they are using digital technology to help create employment opportunities for autistic people. VR Therapies demonstrated how virtual...

04 December, 2022

As we look to enter 2023, planning for the year ahead has never been more important, which is why HR specialists HR Solutions are hosting a free webinar next week to support SMEs in strategic thinking for the new year.The UK’s employment climate remains volatile due to significant domestic and global influences, including rebuilding after the pandemic, Government changes, the war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis, and a recession as well as potential new employment legislation.For business owners, navigating the current landscape can be both daunting and overwhelming. The next few months are crucial for business, especially leading up to...

01 December, 2022

Chester House Estate has been transformed into a winter wonderland – with Santa and his elves all set to meet, greet and entertain children and their families from across Northamptonshire.The estate, which opened to the public just over a year ago, is wrapping up its first full year with a Christmas Magic-themed series of events, all of them presided over by Santa Claus himself – who will be joined in his grotto by a Christmas Fairy, Nutcracker Soldier and Jingles The Elf.Tickets to see Santa sold out within days of going online, so the team at Chester House have this...

30 November, 2022

A Northampton fitness and wellbeing centre will be raising money for The Lewis Foundation next month with its upcoming Christmas fundraiser.Soo Yoga’s festive-themed chair yoga and meditation session will take place on Friday 9th December - 1-2pm, with all proceeds donated to fund free gift packs for adult cancer patients in hospital.The class will include a blend of breathing, movement and gentle exercise and will be led by Soo Yoga founder Kristina Rihanoff and a senior yoga teacher from Yoga Alliance UK. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.Lorraine Lewis, The Lewis Foundation said: “We’re so thankful to Kristina...

30 November, 2022

Christmas is nearly upon us as decked-out store fronts and glittering lights kick start our ‘All The Wonder’ festive theme for 2022 at Rushden Lakes. There is plenty for the family to enjoy, from Spinderella, the Nutcracker, the Snow Unicorn, festive singers and a special performance from the Rushden Town Band.What’s on and when:Handmade and Vintage Christmas FairThe ever popular Handmade and Vintage Christmas fair will be back for two weekends in December. Come and find the perfect gift for that special someone by browsing through the stalls of designer-makers, artists, artisans, vintage and antique dealers and small, local businesses...

29 November, 2022

Scott Bader are delighted to announce that they have been awarded Gold by Investors in People.Investors in People is an international organisation that encourages businesses to value their people above all else. It offers accreditations including ‘We invest in people’ to organisations which can show they’re actively making their workplaces better for their employees. By receiving Gold, this shows that Scott Bader are meeting these high standards in developing and rewarding colleagues, living by their values and focusing on building sustainable success.The accreditation is recognised in 66 countries, making it the global benchmark for people management.Scott Bader received advanced for Encouraging...

28 November, 2022

Wellingborough Town Council continues to be committed to making the town a better place to live, work and relax. The Town Council have created a list of aspirations that they are looking to provide for the community over the next five years. To help them, they are asking that you read through the corporate plan booklet and complete their simple questionnaire about the services they plan to offer.The Town Council are keen to hear your views and suggestions, and this questionnaire is to establish whether these aspirations meet with the communities needs and whether there is support to fund these...

28 November, 2022

Two much-needed pedestrian bridges have been formally opened today and are now fully in use – re-connecting communities in the north of Northamptonshire for the first time since an arson attack forced the former wooden bridges to be closed and deemed unsafe to cross.The new steel structures, opened to the public in October, were formally unveiled by North Northamptonshire Council (who oversee Chester House Estate) and partners on 25 November. The bridges, which cross the main River Nene and a backwater and link Wellingborough, Irchester and Rushden with Chester House Estate, have been completed and installed after more than a...

26 November, 2022