An award-winning firm of Northamptonshire chartered accountants has warned that businesses following AI-generated tax and finance advice are at risk of suffering financial losses.Rushden-based Elsby & Co is one of many chartered accountancy firms urging businesses to avoid using general-purpose artificial intelligence platforms for accountancy advice following reports of firms making errors that have led to instances of overpaid tax, missed capital allowances and HMRC penalties.It has made the appeal during Chartered Week, which runs until Friday, February 27, and celebrates the vital role that chartered professionals play in setting high standards of competence, conduct and leadership in key industries...

24 February, 2026

A leading UK vegetation management contractor is celebrating the career progression of its employee Sarah Ransom thanks to its dedicated training and development programme.With a degree in Zoology and previous experience as a park ranger, which saw her gain her chainsaw, brush cutter and strimmer tickets alongside skills in coppicing and habitat management, Sarah joined the VMS Ltd team in January 2022.Since then, she has progressed from general operative to contract manager and recently achieved her Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture.Sarah’s desire to further develop her skills was kickstarted by the support of Kev Garfield, head of business support at...

24 February, 2026

Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton are exploring entering an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) for UK Town of Culture status - a new national competition delivered by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), designed to celebrate the unique cultural identity and creative ambition of towns across the UK.The competition invites places of all sizes to articulate their cultural vision and community-led programming, with the ultimate winner receiving £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and two category finalists awarded £250,000 each. Shortlisted places will also receive development support funding to strengthen their full bids.WNC,...

24 February, 2026

Northampton’s ambition to grow as a centre for digital and technological talent was brought into sharp focus on 12 February 2026, as the local tech community came together for a community-driven artificial intelligence hackathon.The Cursor Northampton Evening Hackathon, held at the University of Northampton, saw students, software developers, founders and industry professionals gather for a fast-paced three-hour innovation sprint. Working collaboratively in teams, participants built and demonstrated AI-powered prototypes, tackling practical challenges in an atmosphere defined by creativity, teamwork and hands-on experimentation.The event was led by Rahulkrishnan R A, Cursor Ambassador, supported by a dedicated volunteer team and community partners....

20 February, 2026

One of Northamptonshire’s most renowned kitchen specialists is bringing its kitchen showroom to life with an interactive cooking experience for customers.Well-known in the county for its popular events calendar, shoppers visiting home lifestyle store Bell of Northampton will now be able to see the range of kitchen appliances in action during live cooking demonstrations alongside sampling the food being cooked.The introduction of the fully immersive experience in store follows Claire Hunt and Aimee Brown of the kitchen showroom team completing a certified food hygiene course.“At Bell we have always carried out a lot of cooking using two of our live...

20 February, 2026

A leading UK-based vegetation management and landscaping contractor is seeing the positive effects of its structured recruitment and development process, which has seen 16 recruits onboarded in the last six months.The growth of the team at VMS Ltd is in response to growing demand for skilled roles in vegetation management, landscaping and arboriculture.The new hires include four apprentices, alongside operatives, arborists and contract manager, with all new starters receiving a wealth of relevant training alongside ongoing learning opportunities to develop their skills and grow their careers within the company.Commenting on its recruitment process, VMS Ltd’s HR manager Michelle Glossip, said:...

19 February, 2026

More people in Kettering will experience the benefits of gardening and nature as Groundwork’s new national partnership with leading seed retailer Fothergill’s takes root at The Green Patch, the charity’s flagship community garden in Northamptonshire.Last year the Fothergill's team spent a day at The Green Patch in Kettering, meeting local volunteers and families, hearing their stories, and capturing on film how access to growing and green space is transforming lives.Through the partnership, Fothergill's is donating 11,000 packets of vegetable and flower seeds to Groundwork's network of Green Community Hubs and community garden projects across the UK, including The Green Patch...

19 February, 2026

Businesses across Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas are being invited to attend a free expert-led seminar on Tuesday 24 March 2026 exploring the future of employment law, workforce retention and artificial intelligence in HR.Hosted jointly by Franklins Solicitors and Quest Employment, The Employment Evolution – Law, Loyalty and AI will bring together legal, recruitment and technology specialists to help employers prepare for significant workplace changes.Taking place from 9:15am, the event is aimed at HR Directors, business leaders, senior managers and anyone responsible for people strategy, compliance or workforce planning. Tickets are free, but spaces are limited and early booking is...

19 February, 2026

An innovative, state-of-the-art mobile planetarium is coming to Northampton Market Square this spring, offering an exciting and educational experience for the whole family. Northampton is one of only five UK locations selected for this unique attraction, and the final stop on the current tour making it a spectacular way to end the series.Planetarium Go! invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe inside a large spherical dome. Visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen where astronomy and science films come to life, taking them on an unforgettable journey through space. From distant galaxies and planets to...

17 February, 2026

During National Apprenticeship Week, Tresham College in Corby, part of The Bedford College Group, is proudly celebrating the success of its involvement in the Young Inspirers programme, created by South Midlands Careers Hub.Through the programme, second- and third-year Engineering apprentices from Tresham College are working with local schools and communities to promote apprenticeships and share first-hand insights with young people.Young Inspirers was created to support secondary schools in meeting their Provider Access Legislation (PAL) requirements, ensuring students are informed about the full range of Post-16 and Post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships and technical education.As part of the programme, apprentices are visiting...

17 February, 2026

Silverstone Leasing stalwart and charity champion Ryan Bishop is celebrating his 10th anniversary at the thriving vehicle leasing firm.Ryan was hired as a sales executive at Silverstone Leasing in February 2016, without an interview and with no previous experience in sales.He met managing director Scott Norville at an event and was keen to learn and willing to graft, quickly making his mark - working his way up to sales manager before later becoming team leader.During Ryan’s tenure, the company has moved offices from Brackmills to its current headquarters at Preston Deanery, increased sales fivefold, gained more funders and grown from...

17 February, 2026