Safeguarding Britain’s national security - a key pillar of the government’s Plan for Change - and protecting citizens from crime - will become founding principles of the UK’s approach to the responsible development of artificial intelligence from today (Friday 14 February), as the Technology Secretary sets out his vision for a revitalised AI Security Institute in Munich.Speaking at the Munich Security Conference and just days after the conclusion of the AI Action Summit in Paris, Peter Kyle has today recast the AI Safety Institute the ‘AI Security Institute’. This new name will reflect its focus on serious AI risks with security implications, such as how the technology can be used to...

14 February, 2025

Credit unions have never been more popular or more critical, according to new Bank of England findings.The Bank’s latest figures reveal that credit unions across England, Scotland, and Wales continue to see steady growth in membership, loans, and savings, with total membership reaching a record high of more than 1.5 million.This national trend is mirrored in Northamptonshire, where credit union Commsave has reported a surge in new members since the start of the year and a record number of calls from local residents seeking savings, loans, and financial advice.Richard Munro, Interim CEO of Commsave, said: “For the first time, we now have...

13 February, 2025

A Northamptonshire-based social enterprise supporting vulnerable young people leaving the care system has received a £1,000 grant from Commsave Credit Union’s Community Fund.Right Resolution CIC offers mentoring, advocacy and practical assistance to young people in Northamptonshire who are transitioning into adulthood from the care system, providing services such as housing support, training, education guidance and employability skills.Amarjit Pawar, Director at Right Resolution CIC, said: “This funding has made a real difference to the young people we work with. Thanks to the grant from Commsave, we were able to expand our support, providing care leavers with personalised Christmas gifts, food parcels...

13 February, 2025

A leading Northamptonshire IT consultancy is celebrating supporting its 20th apprentice as the country marks National Apprenticeship Week this week.3RS IT Solutions, based in Wellingborough, is a big advocate of apprenticeships after managing director Steve Souch started his own career as an apprentice.Steve believes there is great value in the “raw talent and eagerness to learn” that comes from the practical approach to joining a new industry.He said: “I started my IT career in 2006 as an IT Practitioner Apprentice with Northampton College. Having left school with no qualifications, a local Wellingborough computer shop gave me a second chance. This...

13 February, 2025

A former PCSO and avid Northampton Saints fan is looking forward to being a familiar face to shoppers and business owners as he takes on a prominent new role in the town centre.Jason Shean has this week started as a Host for Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) – a key position that will see him be on hand to help visitors to the town and act as a point of contact for retailers and workers.With a background that includes working at HMP Five Wells, Northamptonshire Police and Virgin Media 02, Jason brings a wealth of relevant experience to...

13 February, 2025

Today, the Government published a National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), outlining its priorities for public procurement and ensuring that every pound spent has maximum impact. This will come into effect alongside the Procurement Act 2023 on Monday, 24th February. The Government is committed to ensuring that the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement drives economic growth, supports small businesses, champions innovation, and creates high-quality jobs and opportunities across the country. For too long, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) have faced challenges navigating slow, bureaucratic, and complex government procurement processes. To address this, the...

13 February, 2025

Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation.Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs for local communities as the Government delivers on its Plan for Change.Measures announced by the Government today will speed up and simplify procurement processes in the public sector, where £400 billion is spent each year on essential goods and services - driving growth and improving the lives of...

13 February, 2025

UK businesses are, for the first time, being invited to have their say on the government’s electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) proposals.E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyers and suppliers. It could help businesses get their tax right first time, reduce invoicing and data errors, improve the accuracy of VAT returns, help close the tax gap and save time and money. It usually results in faster business to business payments, leading to improved cash flow and less paperwork.This will help cut down time and resources businesses spend managing their tax affairs so they can be more productive. It...

13 February, 2025

Businesses and entrepreneurs across Northamptonshire are invited to a special session at Wicksteed Park as part of the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition on Thursday, 6th March 2025, to hear directly from North Northamptonshire Council about its new Economic Growth Strategy.The session, taking place from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, will offer valuable insights into the council’s plans to drive economic development, support businesses, and create opportunities across North Northamptonshire. Attendees will be able to understand the Economic Growth Strategy, which will be presented at the Business Exhibition in Kettering.Why Attend?Gain first-hand knowledge about the council’s vision for economic growth in...

13 February, 2025

A leading Northamptonshire leasing company has chosen its Charity of the Year for 2025.Silverstone Leasing has announced that Cynthia Spencer Hospice will be the sole beneficiary of its fundraising for the sixth consecutive year.In the past, the team at Silverstone Leasing has taken part in numerous challenges in aid of the hospice including an abseil and running race, and this year fundraising efforts look set to include a family fun day and marathon.The main event of the year will be the Silverstone Soccer charity football tournament, which takes place each summer and has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice...

12 February, 2025

New research from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that one in four (25%) businesses are missing out on a significant talent pool by not offering apprenticeship programmes for young people joining the workforce straight from school.Published to mark National Apprenticeship Week, the survey* of senior decision makers in 605 medium-sized businesses in the UK finds that the main reasons these employers do not currently offer a school leaver apprenticeship programme are:The level of work/resource required They’re unclear about the benefits school leaver apprentices would bring to their business The incentives to do so aren’t...

12 February, 2025