As Royal & Derngate’s autumn season gets going, with hit musical Pretty Woman coming to the Derngate auditorium from Monday 9 September, theatre staff are getting ready to reopen most of their foyer spaces and facilities, after a busy summer of building work. In addition, a new café-bar, Lola’s, is opening adjacent to the theatre on Guildhall Road.While the theatre stages have been dark over summer, works have been focussed on the huge task of reinforcing the foyer roof (where RAAC concrete was discovered last September), to ensure complete safety without the support of scaffolding. Work has also been carried...

05 September, 2024

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme, initially set to expire on 6 April 2025, have been officially extended to 5 April 2035.These highly regarded schemes are designed to stimulate investment in new or early-stage companies by offering tax relief incentives.Investors can benefit from up to 30% upfront income tax relief and exemption from capital gains tax on profits from the sale of shares.Launched in 1994, the EIS applies to new shares in eligible companies, allowing investors to contribute up to £1 million, or £2 million if the shares are in knowledge-intensive companies focused on research...

04 September, 2024

The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary have met with business leaders to discuss the upcoming Employment Bill.In the latest series of meetings on the Make Work Pay plan, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will today [Tuesday 3 September] host a Business Breakfast to discuss the upcoming legislation.It follows a meeting last month with business representative organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, CBI and Make UK as well as trade unions to discuss the Bill.Today’s meeting comes as part of a government commitment to develop the plan in partnership...

04 September, 2024

People are being encouraged to share their views to help West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) develop a climate change strategy for the area.The strategy will detail the actions WNC will take to reduce locally produced greenhouse gas emissions and become better prepared for climate change.The Council has already set the target of achieving Net Zero across West Northants by 2045, five years ahead of the Government’s target.Cllr Rebecca Breese WNC’s Cabinet Member for said: “We want to hear from local residents, businesses and stakeholders to make sure that the strategy meets the needs of our whole community.“We have identified a range...

03 September, 2024

Preparations are underway as Northampton Market is set to return to the historic market square from 20 September, following the area undergoing extensive regeneration to provide a renewed space for residents, businesses, and traders.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working closely with new and existing traders to finalise their bespoke fixed stalls and arrangements for their flexible pop-up stalls ahead of the reopening weekend.The town is home to one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe and the reopening of the market from 20 September is a significant milestone in the transformation of the town, and forms part of the...

03 September, 2024

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to take part in the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which closes on Friday, 13th September.This important survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey in the UK, providing invaluable insights into the current economic climate.Newly appointed Head of Policy, Simon Cox, is leading this initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance the local business environment. Simon recently succeeded Sean Rose and brings a wealth of experience in business advocacy and policy development.In his role, Simon is committed to leading policy initiatives...

03 September, 2024

Axil is proud to announce that we have been named a finalist in the Scale Up Business of the Year and Employer of the Year categories at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards. As the UK's largest and most prestigious business awards programme, this recognition highlights our significant achievements and dedication to excellence in both business growth and employee satisfaction.Celebrating Excellence and InnovationThe Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards celebrate the finest achievements across all industries, championing sustainability, diversity, equality, and innovation.As finalists, Axil joins a select group of businesses that have demonstrated exceptional performance, resilience, and innovation, particularly...

03 September, 2024

The Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel looks set for major investment, with plans to build a flagship hotel for the town; boosting the local economy through tourism and the creation of new jobs.Once the jewel in Corby’s crown, the Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel has been purchased by Avidity Hotels. A partnership set up by brothers Daniel and Antony Woodcock, sons of legendary hotelier Louis Woodcock, founder of BDL Management, and local entrepreneurs and property developers Mulberry Commercial Property, the experienced team behind many of Corby’s regeneration projects.Prior to Avidity Hotels taking ownership, the hotel has experienced many challenges. Previous...

02 September, 2024

Royal & Derngate and Northampton Town Football Club have embarked on a new partnership to work more closely together, building on the football club’s ongoing membership of the theatre’s Business Club.Both the Cobblers and Royal & Derngate enjoy loyal support from the people of the town and county, and through cross promotion of activities at the two organisations they hope to encourage more people to try something new.One area they will both be focussing on is families. NTFC is renowned for its family offering, winning the EFL Family Excellence Award for an impressive nine years in a row. The award...

02 September, 2024

3RS IT Solutions, which offers IT support to businesses, has announced the appointment of Riley Harvey as Technical Support Engineer to support in its impressive growth plans.Having started out from offices in Wellingborough, the company – led by husband-and-wife team, Steve and Leila Souch – recently expanded by opening another office in Leicester, alongside an office space in Nottingham, with Riley’s appointment increasing its team members to eight.“We are really proud of the growth we have made this year and having Riley onboard has strengthened the team even further,” said Leila Souch, marketing director, 3RS IT Solutions.“In 18 months since...

02 September, 2024

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Cox, co-founder of NNBN, as the new Head of Policy. Simon brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in business advocacy and policy development, making him a valuable addition to our team.Simon is well-known in the business community for his dedication to supporting local businesses. In his new role as Head of Policy, Simon will lead the Chamber’s policy initiatives, working closely with local businesses, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure that the voice of the local...

02 September, 2024