Residents and developers are being asked to help shape West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) new Infrastructure and Developer Contributions document, aimed at providing clearer, more consistent guidance to inform planning decisions across the area.The proposed Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will replace the three existing versions inherited from the former district and borough councils and will provide one document for West Northamptonshire.A new SPD will provide up to date guidance in a single document, offering clarity on how contributions are calculated, delivered, and monitored. It will also explain the rules and policies that guide how developers are asked to contribute to things like...

14 November, 2025

An engagement exercise has been launched as part of a project to tackle issues with long-term empty shops in North Northamptonshire.North Northamptonshire Council was confirmed as one of 11 ‘Early Adopters’ of the High Street Rentals Auction Programme (HSRA) announced by the Government in December last year, which will result in landlords renting out long-term empty shops to new tenants.As part of this process, the council has launched an engagement exercise to gather thoughts from residents, community groups, businesses on the proposal.Cllr Jan O’Hara, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth, said:“High streets that were once the...

14 October, 2025

North Northamptonshire Council has launched a survey to help shape a new car parking strategy.Once complete, the new car parking strategy will guide the future management of council owned car parks across the whole of North Northamptonshire. The strategy will focus on all 35 of the council-owned car parks, harmonising where possible.As part of the process, residents are being asked for feedback to help shape the strategy and ensure it responds to local needs.Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel, said:“We know that car parking is something that comes up time and time again, with different...

03 September, 2025

The UK Government has opened a public consultation on proposed legislative changes to tackle the persistent problem of late payments, as part of its recently announced Small Business Plan. The consultation, launched by the Department for Business and Trade, sets out measures to strengthen protections for small firms, including enhanced powers for the Small Business Commissioner to act against poor payment practices. Late payments remain one of the most significant challenges facing small businesses, with recent figures suggesting they cost the UK economy £11 billion a year and force 38 firms to close every day. By seeking views from those directly affected,...

27 August, 2025

Entrepreneurs and small business owners across the UK – including here in Northamptonshire – are being encouraged to share their views as part of a new inquiry into the government’s upcoming small business strategy.The Business and Trade Committee has launched the inquiry to ensure the voices of founders, freelancers, and independent businesses are properly heard as the government prepares to roll out a new strategy for supporting small firms later this year.With no formal consultation process in place, the committee is inviting business owners to respond to a short survey or submit evidence by 16 July 2025, covering a range...

20 June, 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.The QES asks businesses about various topics, including domestic sales and orders, export sales and orders, hiring intentions, investment intentions, recruitment difficulties, cash flow, confidence, and price pressures. The feedback gathered is vital for influencing government policy, with the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee placing particular importance on...

12 May, 2025

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