Shoplifting increases by 20% to highest level since current recording beganLeading independent retailer association Bira has responded to the latest ONS crime figures showing shoplifting has increased by 20% to 530,643 offences - the highest figure since current police recording practices began.The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents over 6,000 independent businesses across the UK, has said these figures reflect the growing challenge facing retailers.Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, said: "We are disappointed to see these figures reach such concerning levels, though they sadly reflect the daily reality our members face on Britain's high streets. These statistics support what independent...

25 July, 2025

Home lifestyle store – Bell of Northampton is celebrating seven decades of partnership with Calor Gas, highlighting its position as the largest stockist of Calor in the county.The remarkable 70-year milestone between store and supplier began back in 1955, when Bell of Northampton began stocking a comprehensive range of gas cylinders. Originally operating from the company’s Gold Street premises, in October 1977 the Calor Gas operation moved to its existing site on Kingsthorpe Road as sales increased and the business grew. It now supplies Calor propane, butane, barbecue and patio gases, from leisure sized bottles to those for forklift trucks...

24 July, 2025

A new councillor surgery has been launched to help provide additional support and advice to users of Corby Foodbank.The Foodbank, which provides three-day emergency, non-perishable food parcels to people in food crisis, has worked in conjunction with Liberal Democrat councillor, Ceilidh Devine to set up the new sessions following the change in councillors as a result of the local election held in May.Available exclusively for users of Corby Foodbank, the walk-in service is a continuation of the support previously supplied by former councillors Jean Addison and Lyn Buckingham, who spearheaded the introduction of the surgery in November 2024.The new surgery...

24 July, 2025

Following a meeting of North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive, it has been confirmed which projects will benefit from the £7.728 million Local Transport Grant for 2025/26.Projects that will be funded are:£5.095m for carriageway resurfacing works £1.2m for replacement of weak bridge deck and resurfacing on Station Road, Earls Barton £500,000 for Irthlingborough viaduct deck 7 waterproofing £270,000 for replacement of Vehicle Activated signs £40,000 for closure of Hillside, Wellingborough for prevention of fly-tipping £30,000 for traffic calming/road safety measures outside Corby Household Waste Recycling Centre £79,000 for the Weekley section of the Ise Valley Greenway £350,000 for A509 Wilby Pedestrian...

24 July, 2025

North Northamptonshire Council has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising its exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community.The ERS Gold Award is the highest level of recognition for organisations that go above and beyond in supporting defence personnel, including Reservists, veterans, military families, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). Building on its Silver Award status, the Council has deepened its commitment through a wide range of initiatives.These include providing six days of additional paid leave for CFAVs, distributing discretionary grants to local Sea, Army, and Air Cadet units,...

22 July, 2025

A Wellingborough-based IT consultancy has scooped up the Employer of the Year award at this year’s Baltic Apprenticeships Awards.3RS IT Solutions, which provides IT solutions to customers, was awarded the accolade earlier this month in recognition of the company going above and beyond to help grow skills, build careers and make a real difference to those working in the IT sector.Hosted by local apprenticeship provider, Baltic Apprenticeships, the Baltic Apprenticeships Awards celebrate the people empowering apprenticeships, shining a spotlight on the learners, employers and coaches who go above and beyond.A big advocate of apprenticeships after its managing director Steve Souch...

22 July, 2025

A leading independent retailers association has backed the government's move to hold online marketplaces to the same high standards as high street shops, following Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act.The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents over 6,000 independent businesses across the UK, supported the PRAM Act, which will create new powers to target emerging dangers and hold online marketplaces accountable for dangerous products sold through their platforms, creating a level playing field with bricks and mortar stores.Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "For far too long, online shopping for electrical and electronic items has been...

22 July, 2025

Northamptonshire based specialist KBB, merchant and construction recruitment agency, and online training provider, Simon Acres Group has received the Best SME Engagement Award by the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (EMAAN). The prestigious award celebrates small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that go the extra mile in creating impactful opportunities for young people. The achievement was presented to Simon Acres Group at the EMMAN Summer Conference, held at Mediq UK, Castle Donington.Simon Acres Group received the award in recognition of its outstanding work in supporting apprenticeships and empowering future talent. The group is dedicated to helping to make apprenticeships more...

22 July, 2025

The Insolvency Service has ‘made significant strides in improving services and delivering value to customers’, says interim Chief Executive Alec Pybus.More than £57 million returned to the economy. Almost 70,000 emergency redundancy payments made, and 45,000 Debt Relief Orders issued. More than 1,000 directors disqualified for financial misconduct.Latest figures revealed by the Insolvency Service show that £57.5 million has been returned to the UK economy in the past year, and over 69,000 people have been supported through emergency redundancy payments.The figures form part of the agency’s Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25: Insolvency Service Annual Report and Accounts 2024-2025 - GOV.UKInterim...

22 July, 2025

A leading UK-based vegetation management and landscaping contractor is embarking on a recruitment drive to grow and nurture its network of arborists.Commended for its opportunities for career progression when picking up the Employer of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Business awards in November, VMS Ltd is currently recruiting for a range of new positions, including ground operatives, climbing arborists and three Level 2 Apprentices in Arboriculture across their sites in Wellingborough and Cumbria.The Level 2 Apprenticeship will provide successful applicants with the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications whiling growing a career in arboriculture.With a start date of September 2025,...

18 July, 2025

Works on a major project to replace the Grade 2 listed roof have taken a step forward with the installation of the scaffolding and temporary tent to cover the building.Now the tent and scaffolding has been installed on the library section of the building, the old slates are starting to be removed alongside the installation of scaffolding on the Art Gallery side of the building. There is more detail on the scaffolding works that have been taking place on the Cornerstone website. Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “Anyone who has been in Kettering recently will see...

16 July, 2025