The workforce behind one of the North's most significant railway upgrades will now have access to financial wellbeing support, following a new partnership between Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and Commsave Credit Union.TRU is a multi-billion-pound railway programme that will better connect passengers in the North between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. By partnering with Commsave - a UK-based not-for-profit member-owned financial co-operative - TRU is pledging to further improve its employee benefits package, with staff now able to access reliable savings, affordable loans, and financial education support.Andrew Picken, Head of Wellbeing at Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: "We’re delivering this vital...

Northamptonshire is set to welcome its biggest ever Heritage Open Days celebration this September, with a record number of events and attractions registered across the county.Running from 12 to 21 September 2025, this year’s festival celebrates its 31st year with the theme of Architecture and Design - marking the first Heritage Open Days festival since Discover Northamptonshire, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), gained accreditation from Visit England.With more venues and experiences than ever before, highlights of this year’s free event will include:Heritage trails in Northampton, Brackley and Daventry, plus a West Northamptonshire Council online assets trail showcasing buildings...

A remarkable full-circle moment is unfolding in the local business community as the winner of the 2024 Northamptonshire NNBN Micro Business of the Year award returns as the category's sponsor for 2025.Kate Coulson's HR consultancy, Ena HR & Training, has announced its sponsorship of the very award category it won just last year – a decision that represents both business success and a commitment to supporting fellow entrepreneurs on their own growth journeys."It's such a privilege to be able to give back this year and sponsor the award we won last year," said Kate, Founder and Director of Ena HR...

Thirty-five innovative start-ups from across Northamptonshire have been awarded £2,000 grants through the relaunched Build Your Business 2.0 programme, providing vital support to help them grow, thrive and contribute to the local economy.Running until March 2026 and funded using £310,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Build Your Business 2.0 is delivered entirely free of charge, ensuring accessible support for anyone looking to launch or grow a business in Northamptonshire.The grants are designed to fuel entrepreneurial journeys, providing vital funding alongside expert guidance to help founders grow and thrive in Northamptonshire.Through Build Your Business 2.0, participants benefit from tailored...

North Northamptonshire Council has launched a survey to help shape a new car parking strategy.Once complete, the new car parking strategy will guide the future management of council owned car parks across the whole of North Northamptonshire. The strategy will focus on all 35 of the council-owned car parks, harmonising where possible.As part of the process, residents are being asked for feedback to help shape the strategy and ensure it responds to local needs.Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel, said:“We know that car parking is something that comes up time and time again, with different...

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet next week to discuss three key proposals aimed at improving traffic management and pedestrian safety in the local area.The Executive will be asked to approve the introduction of bus lane enforcement using Automatic Number Plate Recognition at Newland Street, Kettering and Arnsley Road, Corby. This proposal would see the existing highway restrictions reviewed to make them clearer for motorists, and permit only hackney carriages, buses and cyclists to enter the bus lane between 8am - 8pm Monday to Saturday.If approved and implemented, measures on Newland Street, Kettering and Arnsley Road, Corby would reduce congestion,...

Super savings are set to be had for shoppers thanks to a September sale by one of the most recognisable stores in Northampton, which kicks off online and instore on Saturday 6th September.Located on Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton, home lifestyle store Bell of Northampton is offering fantastic savings across kitchens, bathrooms, fires and stoves and its barbecue shop.The renowned store will be cooking up to 15% off kitchens, including kitchen furniture and work surfaces, plus 10% off Quooker hot taps. When it comes to appliances, shoppers can expect to tuck into a fabulous cashback offer of up to £1100 on Neff...

A new food bank, an organisation supporting adults with special needs, and a charity committed to protecting and restoring wildlife -- just three of the causes set to be supported this year by businesses on Northampton's Brackmills Industrial Estate.Brackmills, based on the edge of Northampton town centre just off junction 15 of the M1, has Business Improvement District (BID) status -- which means that resident organisations pay an annual levy and pool these funds to improve the estate and surrounding area.Every year the estate supports at least one good cause and this year, for the first time, businesses have chosen...

Three friends are set to tackle a 13.1 mile running challenge at this year’s Great North Run, with all fundraising proceeds going to Northamptonshire Mind which provides vital support, and promotes awareness, of mental health in Northamptonshire.The idea for the charity run was spearheaded by Kev Garfield, Head of Business Support at VMS Ltd, and follows a series of events and running challenges completed with friends, Richard Crook and Brian Jukes.What began as a small running group to support Richard during the loss of his twin brother aged 45 in 2023, quickly became something much more. The challenges grew alongside...

Northamptonshire has been buzzing with excitement as the Women’s Rugby World Cup lands in Northampton, bringing not just world-class sport but a wave of economic and cultural benefits to the region.With Franklin’s Gardens hosting thrilling matches and thousands of fans pouring in to cheer on their teams, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses have seen a welcome surge in activity.The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), Discover Northamptonshire, has played a key role in ensuring the county shines on the global stage. Richard Clinton, Chair of the LVEP, said:“This event has seen brilliant exposure for Northamptonshire as a destination for global sports events. The Women's Rugby World Cup...

Commsave Credit Union has launched a new partnership with the Partnership Mortgage Group to offer free mortgage wellness support for its members and staff.The service provides access to impartial mortgage advice from qualified professionals, covering a range of circumstances – whether individuals are considering getting onto the property ladder, reviewing their current mortgage, or planning to move on from home ownership.This initiative forms part of Commsave’s ongoing commitment to supporting the financial wellbeing of its community. The mortgage advice service is offered at no cost, with no brokerage fees or commissions applied.Richard Munro, Interim CEO at Commsave, said: “Credit unions exist to support people –...