One of the UK’s leading experts in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has been recruited as a new trustee of Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust. Meet Bianca Stringuini, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Hays Plc …I truly believe in Teamwork Trust’s workTeamwork’s mission really spoke to me: ‘To help our service users thrive by giving choices, chances and opportunities to live full, purposeful and independent lives.’ I believe this comes from both CEO Helen’s vision and passion for employability and the Chair’s stewardship, with his great knowledge and commitment.  I am motivatedI love our new Vision: ‘To create a...

04 July, 2024

A unique boating experience is opening this weekend [Saturday 6th July] at The Chester House Estate delivered in partnership with Watermeadow Park and Discover Northamptonshire, providing intimate trips along the River Nene to enjoy the natural landscape.Hosting up to eight people at one time, visitors can experience a 40-minute round trip along the scenic river, seeing dragonflies, plants, swans and a beautiful weir as the boat reaches the halfway point.Clark Smith-Stanley, Director of Watermeadow Park River Experiences, said “I am delighted to be working with Discover Northamptonshire to provide boat experiences from The Chester House Estate this summer. It’s the...

03 July, 2024

More than 19,000 people have turned to local charity Community Law Service in the last 12 months – seeking specialist housing, benefits, debt, energy and immigration advice in the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis.The charity, whose mission is to ‘increase access to justice, particularly for those in our local community who are disadvantaged or facing hardship’, has this month published its Annual Achievements 2023-2024 Report – throwing a spotlight on soaring debt in Northamptonshire and an increased demand for their services.Sarah Hayle, CEO of Community Law Service, said: “There have been some worrying trends this year, clearly...

03 July, 2024

Northamptonshire is fizzing with excitement as this year’s finalists in the Artisan Local Product and Artisan Local Drink categories are announced, showcasing unprecedented innovation, quality, and passion for craftsmanship.14 of the county's best Artisan food and drink products have been revealed as finalists, they will now compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze in their respective categories.The ‘Artisan’ classification includes products from local companies that make a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods. Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said:“Innovation is a theme in the Artisan categories this year, which is exciting to see....

01 July, 2024

Businesses on Brackmills Industrial Estate have voted YES to another five years of Business Improvement District (BID) status.Businesses on the Northampton estate voted in favour of plans to continue the estate’s status as a Business Improvement District (BID), securing a fund of nearly £2.3million which will be spent on improving the estate over the next five years.This positive result follows months of planning, in-depth interviews, surveys and workshops and a month-long ballot in which businesses on the estate were asked to vote on the proposals.Brackmills, home to more than 180 businesses and 11,000 employees, has held Business Improvement District (BID)...

01 July, 2024

A charity that works to alleviate hunger and provide for those in need across Northamptonshire has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation received the award from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, in recognition of the support it gives to people in need across the county.Equivalent to an MBE, the award is the highest that can be given to voluntary groups in the UK.The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation was established in 2020 in response to the pandemic and since then has provided invaluable aid to thousands of people.It has supported more than 83,000 people through distributing...

01 July, 2024

'Persistent, resilient and dedicated’ students at Northampton College’s Daventry campus have been urged to take a moment to reflect on their achievements and take that memory with them as they prepare to enter the workplace.An awards ceremony held at the Badby Road West site on Wednesday, June 26 honoured dozens of students who have excelled over the past 12 months, both in terms of academic performance and personal progress.Jason Lancaster, the incoming principal of Northampton College, said: “We’ve performed extremely well as a college and all the exam results and statistics back that up but actually, the stories of our...

01 July, 2024

A jeweller that has traded in Northampton for more than 100 years has underlined its commitment to the town centre by completing a £3million investment in its flagship store.With the expansion and refit of its One Gold Street home, Michael Jones Jeweller has created a luxurious new high-end destination for customers seeking coveted brands such as Rolex and Fabergé.The independent jeweller, which is run as a co-operative, has had a presence in Northampton since 1919 and is now looking forward to a bright new future in the town, with doors due to open on Monday, July 1.The work has seen...

28 June, 2024

The first section of a new relief road which has been created to support the delivery of new housing developments has now opened to the public in Northamptonshire.The road, which is the first section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road to be opened, has been built to connect residents at the new housing schemes and surrounding residential areas with the existing Sandy Lane road, opened to road users for the first time on Friday 28th June.Miller Homes and Vistry Group are delivering a significant number of new homes in this part of Northamptonshire and the existing route between the A4500...

28 June, 2024

On Saturday 6th July, Delapré Abbey will host "MeNN: Men’s Reset Day", a day of activities dedicated to encouraging men to access mental health services and overcome the stigma of discussing their mental well-being. The event seeks to bring awareness to the mental health services available for men and promote positive mental health practices through the Action for Happiness’ 10 Keys to Happier Living."MeNN: Men’s Reset Day" will be held in Delapré Abbey’s tranquil Walled Garden, and will feature a barbecue, engaging talks, a workshop on nutrition, and activities such as ice baths and breathwork sessions. These activities are designed...

28 June, 2024

The new Principal of Northampton College has pledged to take the College to the next level having helped to secure a positive Ofsted result in his previous Vice Principal role.Jason Lancaster is preparing to succeed Pat Brennan-Barrett OBE, who is departing this summer having overseen a remarkable rise in the College’s fortunes since taking the reins a decade ago, transforming it into one of the top five colleges in the country.A former Director of an Institute of Technology, Jason has held a range of senior leadership posts, supporting colleges to develop and improve their provision, and previously served as Vice...

28 June, 2024