As Small Business Saturday approaches, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new interactive online tool and clearer guidance for people working for themselves and individuals considering self-employment.Aimed at supporting new and existing ‘sole traders’ to better understand their responsibilities, the new interactive tool explains the records they may need to keep, taxes that may apply to their business, and includes other useful information, for example how to pay a tax bill.Whether preparing a first business plan, finding their feet as a fledgling firm, or already an established enterprise - small businesses across the UK can access the support and information...

05 December, 2024

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is excited to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at helping transform the Grosvenor Shopping centre and enhancing the vitality of Northampton town centre.In partnership with Evolve, the owners of the Grosvenor centre, these initiatives are designed to attract more shoppers, support new businesses, and ensure a sustainable future for the town.While the centre has recently attracted a number of new tenants, some units remain vacant or underused and the council saw and opportunity to build on already successful town centre regeneration schemes.Under the new plans, to be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday 10 December,...

03 December, 2024

Ready for “lights, camera, action”? Then get involved in the production of a film about Northants’ unique independent spirit, set to premiere at the launch of the 2025 edition of Northampton Film Festival.Northampton Film Festival (NFF) will take place from 7 – 15 March 2025 at Delapré Abbey, Cineworld Northampton and the University of Northampton, but the action begins before that, in December 2024 - with Northampton residents invited to take part in the production of a film about Northants: a county of Rebels and Revolutionaries, Misfits and Mavericks, Creatives and Changemakers.The film will be produced between December and February...

03 December, 2024

The development of the new Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has taken a major step forward as Richard Clinton, Delapre Abbey’s Chief Executive, has been appointed as Chair of the new LVEP.The LVEP for Northamptonshire brings together partners from across the sector as well as both North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire with the aim to strengthen and build on the area’s visitor economy.Following a recruitment campaign, candidates were interviewed by a panel including representatives from North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council and sector stakeholders with Richard being identified as the most suitable candidate to lead the new...

03 December, 2024

On Thursday 28th November, Northamptonshire Community Foundation hosted their Annual Awards event at the Royal Theatre. Headline sponsored by Scott Bader, the event celebrated dozens of small, grassroots charities and dedicated volunteers from across Northamptonshire, with awards being handed out across nine categories: Building Better Communities, Celebrating Culture and Heritage, Excellence in Education, Happy and Healthy Communities, Tackling Inequalities, the High Sheriff’s Initiative Award, Lady Juliet Townsend Award for Volunteering, Avon Inspirational Woman Award and the David Laing CBE Young People Poetry Award. The foundation team are also celebrating their largest grant-making year; during the 2023/24 financial year, they awarded more than...

03 December, 2024

The “passionate” and “inspirational” deputy principal of Northampton College has been honoured for dedicating his entire professional career to further education.Patrick Leavey was named the winner of the Lifetime Achievement category at the Northamptonshire Education Awards in recognition of his vision, passion and tireless efforts that have set a shining example for educational leadership, prioritising students, and raising the bar of teaching excellence.His relentless dedication to improving and maintaining excellent teaching and learning standards has created an exceptional student experience and enhanced the College's reputation for quality and success.Judges praised Patrick’s ‘open-door’ policy and were impressed with his approachable nature...

03 December, 2024

A package of new measures to support small businesses and deliver growth has been set out today (Tues 3rd December) by the Government.The package, announced in the run up to Small Business Saturday this weekend includes targeted action to unleash the potential of disabled and female entrepreneurs, and a crackdown on late payments.Both of these announcements are aimed at providing targeted support to small firms and entrepreneurs right across the UK. With particular emphasis on those firms who usually struggled to get access to finance and support.A new ‘Fair Payment Code’ is being launched today to address the problems with...

03 December, 2024

A renowned Northamptonshire apprenticeship recruitment and training provider has chosen Vulcan Works as its new headquarters.Starting Off has an excellent reputation across the county for providing well-trained, well-prepared apprentices for local businesses.The company, which was established in Northamptonshire in 1989, moved all 20 of its staff into one of Vulcan Works’ creative workspaces at the end of September.Six weeks later and the Starting Off team are very much at home in the serviced office space, which managing director Katie Goodall chose for its welcoming community and synergy.She said: “There’s always someone around and people are really friendly at Vulcan Works....

02 December, 2024

Food bank users are among those who will benefit from the generosity of an accountancy firm and its employees in the final weeks of 2024.In the run-up to Christmas, Elsby & Co, based in Rushden, is collecting donations for the Rushden & Higham Food Bank which provides parcels containing food, toiletries, cleaning products and fresh produce to people in financial crisis.Partner Leona Bateman said: “We want to support the Food Bank because we know there are families in our community who are facing difficulties and who are sadly coming under even more pressure in the run-up to Christmas.“We hope to...

02 December, 2024

A grassroots football team started the 2024/25 season in brand new kits, thanks to an award-winning Northamptonshire asbestos consultancy.Acorn Analytical Services has sponsored the Kingsdown Lions Under 13 Reds team, which is based in Swindon, after working alongside the grandfather of one of the players.Their logo, pride of place on the front of the boys’ new training kits, has already brought good luck for the squad which currently sits second in the North Wilts Youth Football League.Kingsdown Lions Under 13 Reds coach Colin Stevens said: “The Kingsdown Lions youth football team is a vibrant and spirited group of budding athletes,...

02 December, 2024

The annual Green Patch Christmas Fair is back – complete with a festive trail, lantern making workshops for children and a host of craft and chutney stalls.On Saturday, 7th December, 10am - 2pm, Groundwork Northamptonshire will be hosting this Christmas Fair at their Kettering community green space The Green Patch.Kimberley Lawson, Operations Director at Groundwork Northamptonshire, said: “Our wonderful team of volunteers have been busy creating a variety of festive goodies. We have lots of preserves including chutneys and jams, all made using fruits and vegetables grown at Green Patch. No need to book, just turn up and have fun.“There will...

02 December, 2024