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

Rural businesses in North Northamptonshire are being invited to apply for capital grants of up to £50,000, aimed at supporting resilience and growth within the local economy. These grants can be utilised for essential investments in equipment or for undertaking necessary extensions and alterations.The current round of grant applications is particularly focused on promoting rural diversification and supporting the visitor economy. Projects that aim to diversify business operations or enhance tourism will be prioritised. Eligible projects should be ready to commence quickly, with all spending required to be completed by 28 February 2025.Businesses in North Northamptonshire looking to innovate and...

13 November, 2024

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.Newly appointed Head of Policy, Simon Cox, is leading this initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance the local business environment.In his role, Simon is committed to leading policy initiatives that align with the needs of the local business community. He will work closely with local businesses...

11 November, 2024

Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the most significant tax-raising budget in modern British history, positioning businesses as a key source of funds to address the UK’s £22 billion budget deficit and maintain critical public spending. Making history as the first woman to deliver a budget, Reeves outlined an Autumn Statement with policies aimed to generate an additional £40 billion in annual revenue from the corporate sector for the upcoming financial year. This marks the first Labour Autumn Statement in 14 years and sets a new tax record, with the percentage of GDP collected in taxes projected to hit 38% by...

30 October, 2024

Northamptonshire business owners, charities and organisations met with Northamptonshire MPs on Wednesday at an event organised by Northamptonshire membership organisation NNBN.Twenty three members of NNBN joined co-founders Simon and Marie Cox to travel to London as the party undertook a tour of the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament before meeting with Northamptonshire MPs to discuss key issues and concerns relating to them.Matters raised included business concerns consisting of employer national insurance contributions, access to funding, attracting and retaining talent, concerns around empty units on the hight street, uncertainty with regards to AI, rising costs for businesses and legislation...

24 October, 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

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

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

Following the success of the recent visit to the the Palace of Westminster in May, Northamptonshire business owners and visitor attractions are eagerly anticipating another opportunity to meet with new MPs on the latest visit organised for October this year.In May, twenty-one members of the Northamptonshire-based membership organisation NNBN travelled to London, led by co-founders Simon and Marie Cox for a day of learning and engagement. The group toured the historic Palace of Westminster, observed parliamentary proceedings in action, and engaged in a round table discussion with the three Northamptonshire MPs: Philip Hollobone (Kettering), Labour MP Gen Kitchen (Wellingborough and...

20 August, 2024

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has today announced that the latest Quarterly Economic Survey is open for local businesses to complete.Organised by the British Chambers of Commerce, the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) stands as the most extensive and representative independent business survey in the UK. The QES covers a broad spectrum of topics, including domestic and export sales, orders, hiring and investment intentions, recruitment challenges, cash flow, confidence levels, and price pressures. Its comprehensive nature makes it a vital tool for policymakers in the Treasury and the Bank of England, as well as a key resource for the media.The QES...

19 August, 2024

Northamptonshire membership organisation NNBN are calling for local people to consider shopping local this month as we head towards the festive season and heading into tomorrow’s Small Business Saturday campaign. Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.   The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.   On Small Business Saturday, customers across the U.K. go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and...

01 December, 2023