Businesses in West Northamptonshire are continuing to be celebrated in the run up to Small Business Saturday with many local businesses taking home awards in this year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards, which took place on Thursday (23 November) at the Northampton Town Centre Hotel in Northampton.Acorn Analytical Services were the proud winners of the West Northamptonshire Business of the Year award, while Sedgebrook Hall were crowned winner of the West Northamptonshire Sustainability award, with both categories being sponsored by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). Other West Northants winners and finalists on the night included Hi-Force Limited, Gilt Edged Promotions, and Postworks Limited.Acorn...

28 November, 2023

In the lead up to this year's Small Business Saturday Campaign, we look at 20 different ways high street and town centre businesses can work towards growing in Northamptonshire.Northamptonshire, steeped in history and cultural significance, hosts a vibrant tapestry of high street and town centre businesses. In a landscape undergoing transformation due to evolving consumer behaviours and market dynamics, these enterprises face the challenge of adapting and flourishing. Here are 20 effective ways tailored for businesses in Northamptonshire to foster growth and success.1. Embrace Digital TransformationInvest in a robust online presence, optimise for mobile, and utilise e-commerce platforms to cater...

27 November, 2023

Small businesses in the UK have faced significant challenges in recent years. Many are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and are now grappling with the effects of rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis. In these times, the support for small businesses is more crucial than ever.At NNBN, we advocate for more people to prioritise shopping at local small businesses rather than opting for larger multinational corporations. That's why we're backing Small Business Saturday, marking its 11-year anniversary with a tour across the UK from November, culminating on Saturday, 2nd December.Here are 10 compelling reasons to consider shopping...

26 November, 2023

Shopping local isn't just a transaction; it's an investment in the heart of communities, an endorsement of individuality, and a pledge to champion the backbone of the UK economy – small and micro-businesses. These ventures embody resilience, innovation, and a personalised touch that larger corporations often struggle to replicate.Within every corner of our communities, small businesses weave a rich tapestry of diversity. From quaint family-run shops to cosy cafes and unique boutiques, these enterprises go beyond offering products; they foster meaningful interactions and create a sense of community. Their unique offerings resonate with individual needs, turning transactions into connections.The impact...

26 November, 2023

Christmas is coming and festive spirit is in the air as North Northamptonshire Council has today launched a magical interactive experience designed to spread cheer and encourage people to support their local businesses this festive season.Made possible through funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), ‘Hi Santa Stops’ is part of the Council’s Hi Street campaign and is set to be a fun and charming trail adventure for children, families, and adults alike.It aims to bring smiles to faces, and a sense of community across 14 local towns, and asks people to step out of their home to...

16 November, 2023

Small Business Saturday is back again and celebrating its 11th anniversary on Saturday 2 December, and to support local businesses we are offering FREE parking across all Northampton town centre carparks on this day, in addition to free parking in Daventry, Towcester and Brackley town centres.Small Business Saturday aims to highlight small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities all year round.The national day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on all small businesses across the UK.To help...

13 November, 2023

Small Business Saturday is once again highlighting 100 small businesses, one a day for 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday 2023!For the last ten years, the 100 have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday's social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in Downing Street, House of Lords and the Treasury Drum with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Applications close on June 30, 2023. Successful applicants will be notified by email in August. Small Business Saturday are committed to making the application process as inclusive as possible. If you need...

12 June, 2023

Shoppers are being encouraged to support Kettering businesses next month for Small Business Saturday.The event, on 3 December, is a grassroots, UK-wide campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local.Kettering Town Council is working to get shoppers into the town with a series of events this Christmas.On Saturdays throughout the festive period, the council is running Christmas markets in the Market Place – and encouraging local traders to come and hire a stall.The markets feature a range of stalls, including craft and gifts as well as food and drinks. There will also be a range of...

17 November, 2022

With Christmas on the horizon, Rushden Town Council wants to do all it can to support the fabulous independent businesses we have in our town.We will be linking into the national ‘Small Business Saturday’ campaign taking place on 3rd December, with our Christmas Hamper Competition. It’s a chance for members of our community to win a luxury hamper, filled with hand-selected gifts from many of Rushden’s high street shops. Rushden Town Council hopes that the competition will encourage people to visit the high street to shop local this Christmas.To enter the competition, participants must guess the total value of the hamper’s...

11 November, 2022

The nation’s most loved independents have a chance to be put on the map, as the Small Business Saturday campaign announces plans to mark its ten-year anniversary with a special celebratory roadshow.Business owners across the country are being encouraged to sign up to get involved, as the campaign gears up to shine a massive spotlight on small firms in every corner of the UK, by visiting over 20 towns and cities this autumn, alongside a digital programme of support and mentoring.Supported by BT, ‘The Tour’ will kick-off in Glasgow, going on to visit small businesses in locations including Fife, York,...

01 November, 2022