NNBN, The Northamptonshire Business Network, is urging small businesses, lenders, and industry experts across Northamptonshire to respond to the UK Government’s latest Call for Evidence on access to debt finance. This initiative is part of a broader national mission to support growth, empower entrepreneurs, and shape a more inclusive and effective small business finance landscape.With over 5.5 million small businesses in the UK forming the backbone of the economy, the Government has announced growth as its number one mission. Ahead of the upcoming Industrial Strategy in June and a dedicated Small Business Strategy later in 2025, Ministers are seeking insights...

10 April, 2025

Businesses continue to face mounting challenges as concerns of further increases in taxation and inflation continue to surge, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey results from the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.The data, collected from a variety of businesses across the County shows that nearly 75% of the respondents have highlighted further taxation increases as their number one concern as businesses faces economic challenges.Inflation has also been highlighted as a growing concern with over 58% of respondents saying that they are concerned about the potential that prices of raw materials, goods and services leading to higher costs for raw materials,...

01 April, 2025

Kettering businesses are being invited to engage in consultation as part of a new Neighbourhood Plan for the Town Centre.As high streets across the country face growing challenges—ranging from the rise of online shopping and changing consumer habits to vacant retail units and increasing costs—now is the time for businesses in Kettering town centre to make their voices heard.The Kettering Central Neighbourhood Plan is being developed to ensure that the town’s future is shaped by those who know it best—local people and businesses. This plan will establish legally binding policies to guide development in the years ahead, helping to support...

27 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

Initial work has started on shaping the first Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the North Northamptonshire area and residents are being asked to share their views to help with the development of the plan.The creation of a Local Transport Plan is a statutory requirement and North Northamptonshire Council are required to set out its plans and policies for transport as well as how they will be implemented.The last plan that included North Northamptonshire was the Northamptonshire Transportation Plan produced by the former Northamptonshire County Council in 2012.Now, the council are engaging with residents and stakeholders on what is known as...

10 February, 2025

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to take part in the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which has been launched today.This important survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey in the UK, providing invaluable insights into the current economic climate.Head of Policy, Simon Cox, is leading this initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance the local business environment and is keen to hear from all businesses and employers as part of the survey.In his role, Simon is committed to leading policy initiatives that align with the...

10 February, 2025

Residents, businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved in shaping a new partnership vision for making West Northamptonshire the ‘beating heart of England’ by 2030.A six-week consultation launches today (10 January) seeking people’s views on the draft One West Northamptonshire Plan, a new joint strategy for how local partners and organisations can work more closely together over the next five years to help communities flourish and businesses prosper.The draft plan will bring together and build upon the key joint strategies and plans West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and its partners have already developed during the first three years of the...

10 January, 2025

The draft revenue budget for North Northamptonshire Council was approved for consultation by the Executive yesterday (December 19) and the council is now seeking views on its proposals for the next financial year.  People can take part in the consultation in a number of ways including:Completing the online survey. Writing to: Budget Consultation Response, North Northamptonshire Council, Sheerness House, Meadow Road, Kettering, NN16 8TLPlease see North Northamptonshire Council's Your Voice Matters web page for more ways on how to have your say on this consultation and to view all of the Council’s consultation and engagement activities.The Council’s draft budget proposals...

20 December, 2024

Businesses across the County are being encouraged by Northamptonshire membership organisation, NNBN, to have their say in the UK Government’s AI consultation, which launched on 17th December 2024. This vital initiative seeks to address the growing intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and the creative industries, providing an opportunity to shape the future of copyright in the digital age.As the UK positions itself as a global leader in both the AI and creative sectors, the government has unveiled proposals aimed at fostering innovation while ensuring creators can maintain control over their work. This consultation will form the foundation for the AI...

17 December, 2024

Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are being encouraged to share their views on a strategy to tackle climate change across West Northamptonshire.The draft Climate Change Strategy outlines West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) approach to reducing locally produced greenhouse gases, improving air quality and placing people at the heart of the climate emergency response.Extreme downpours such as those seen recently across our region seem to be becoming more frequent. It is important that we put a strategy in place for reducing the impact of the climate challenge and we need the support and views of our residents, businesses, partners and stakeholders to do...

16 December, 2024

We are calling on the public to show their support for local small businesses this year, as Small Business Saturday approaches NEXT SATURDAY.Taking place on Saturday, (7th December), Small Business Saturday is a national initiative designed to encourage shoppers to explore and support independent businesses within their communities.Small businesses are the backbone of Northamptonshire’s economy, contributing to job creation, innovation, and the overall prosperity of the County and NNBN, which connects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Northamptonshire, is urging local residents to spend locally and spread the word about the vital services and products offered by small businesses.NNBN encourages...

01 December, 2024