Two new directors have joined the board of Brackmills Industrial Estate as part of an initiative to make this Northampton estate the premier business and logistics park in the country.Brackmills has held Business Improvement District (BID) status since 2009, an initiative which has seen businesses pool an annual levy and use these funds exclusively for the benefit of the estate.The new directors, Gemma Osbourne from igus UK and Keith Dorrill from Wickes, were appointed following a successful Annual General Meeting at FESTO on Caswell Road that brought together more than 50 business leaders from across the estate.Charlotte Patrick, Vice Chair...

19 September, 2025

Award-winning Northampton workspace hub Vulcan Works will host an open day next month to showcase its offering to the business community.The town centre innovative serviced office, which is in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, is inviting visitors to drop by and see the centre in all its entrepreneurial glory on Friday 31st October.From 10am to 3.30pm, anyone can explore the modern facilities and meet the vibrant Vulcan Works community.There will also be regular guided tours around the beautifully restored Victorian industrial building, which is home to coworking spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and bustling breakout areas.Guests can also meet...

11 September, 2025

Small business owners are losing money because they're not tackling underperformance quickly enough, according to a local HR consultant.HR consultant, Nicky Buckley, says that one struggling employee can affect an entire team, leading to missed deadlines, unhappy customers and good staff getting fed up.Nicky Buckley, who runs East Midlands HR, said "It's not just about one person missing targets. It's the knock-on effect - projects slip, clients notice, and you spend time fixing problems instead of growing your business."Business owners call me saying that they've got someone who's struggling, but by then the problem has already spread throughout the whole...

05 September, 2025

Northampton is set to make history in September as two distinct events come together at Delapré Abbey to create the first combined music festival and disability event of its kind in the UK.NN Fest, organised by Mo Sounds, will take place on Saturday 20th September and this year is being held in collaboration with ‘The Disabled Adventurer’ Nick Wilson.The collaboration sees NN Fest providing the music festival infrastructure and atmosphere, while Nick’s Access Outdoors organisation is bringing cutting-edge all-terrain mobility technology and accessible adventure experiences.Suzy Jones, Operations Director from MOSounds, said: "We believe music has the power to unite people,...

05 September, 2025

The workforce behind one of the North's most significant railway upgrades will now have access to financial wellbeing support, following a new partnership between Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and Commsave Credit Union.TRU is a multi-billion-pound railway programme that will better connect passengers in the North between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. By partnering with Commsave - a UK-based not-for-profit member-owned financial co-operative - TRU is pledging to further improve its employee benefits package, with staff now able to access reliable savings, affordable loans, and financial education support.Andrew Picken, Head of Wellbeing at Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: "We’re delivering this vital...

05 September, 2025

A remarkable full-circle moment is unfolding in the local business community as the winner of the 2024 Northamptonshire NNBN Micro Business of the Year award returns as the category's sponsor for 2025.Kate Coulson's HR consultancy, Ena HR & Training, has announced its sponsorship of the very award category it won just last year – a decision that represents both business success and a commitment to supporting fellow entrepreneurs on their own growth journeys."It's such a privilege to be able to give back this year and sponsor the award we won last year," said Kate, Founder and Director of Ena HR...

03 September, 2025

Northamptonshire has been buzzing with excitement as the Women’s Rugby World Cup lands in Northampton, bringing not just world-class sport but a wave of economic and cultural benefits to the region.With Franklin’s Gardens hosting thrilling matches and thousands of fans pouring in to cheer on their teams, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses have seen a welcome surge in activity.The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), Discover Northamptonshire, has played a key role in ensuring the county shines on the global stage. Richard Clinton, Chair of the LVEP, said:“This event has seen brilliant exposure for Northamptonshire as a destination for global sports events. The Women's Rugby World Cup...

28 August, 2025

Commsave Credit Union has launched a new partnership with the Partnership Mortgage Group to offer free mortgage wellness support for its members and staff.The service provides access to impartial mortgage advice from qualified professionals, covering a range of circumstances – whether individuals are considering getting onto the property ladder, reviewing their current mortgage, or planning to move on from home ownership.This initiative forms part of Commsave’s ongoing commitment to supporting the financial wellbeing of its community. The mortgage advice service is offered at no cost, with no brokerage fees or commissions applied.Richard Munro, Interim CEO at Commsave, said: “Credit unions exist to support people –...

28 August, 2025

Calling All Local Businesses! The Never Alone Project are excited to announce our Community Event at Rushden Lakes on Saturday, 13th September – and they’d love YOU to be part of it! This is more than just a community day – it’s a chance for your business to: Showcase what you do in a high-footfall retail and leisure destination visited by thousands each weekend. Engage directly with local families, shoppers, and potential customers in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Raise your business profile by aligning with a positive community cause – supporting bereaved children and families through The Never Alone Project. Network with other local businesses and...

22 August, 2025

Thursday 13th November 2025 | voco Rockingham Forest HotelA brand-new business exhibition is set to take place at the voco Rockingham Forest Hotel on Thursday 13th November, designed specifically with startups and SMEs in mind.While many exhibitions across the region provide excellent opportunities for established businesses, this event recognises that for many smaller companies—especially those just starting out—the cost and scale of larger exhibitions can sometimes feel daunting. This exhibition offers a more accessible platform, with affordable pricing for exhibitors and completely free entry for visitors, ensuring the event is open and welcoming to all.The exhibition will provide a vibrant...

20 August, 2025

The spotlight is shining bright on Northamptonshire’s finest food and drink venues this month, as finalists in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards’ venue categories are unveiled.Judges have been hard at work evaluating and shortlisting brilliant businesses in the Booker Gastro Pub, Community Café, Restaurant and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year categories, and after final Mystery Shopping visits, winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in October.This year’s competition is proving as exciting as ever, with hugely inspiring entries from every corner of the county. These awards don’t just celebrate amazing...

15 August, 2025