It’s been a whole decade since Jessica’s Gray’s mother suggested she followed in her footsteps and became an estate agent.Despite not being able to drive at the time, Jessica applied for an estate agent apprentice role, wowed the interview panel, bagged the job and quickly worked her way up the ranks.She was hired as a full-time employee within just six months and three years later was promoted to branch manager.This month, the now sales manager for Belvoir in Northamptonshire celebrated 10 years in estate agency.Jessica, who is a lynchpin to the Belvoir team, runs the sales side of the agency...

18 May, 2023

AN HR and training company which celebrated its first anniversary in January has been named as a finalist at the Northamptonshire SME awards.Ena HR &Training, which is based in Cogenhoe, is in the running for the Best New Business award at the prestigious event which is being held in Daventry in June.The company was founded in January 2022 by HR expert, Kate Coulson, who has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate HR and management.She said: “Starting the business in January 2022 was one of the most daunting journeys I have ever embarked upon, but I knew it was the...

18 May, 2023

Last week, Northamptonshire Community Foundation celebrated their latest milestone, having awarded over £20 million in grants since the foundation’s inception in 2001.These funds have supported charities and community groups across the county in their work to improve the lives of Northamptonshire’s most in-need residents, setting up food banks, maintaining multi-use green spaces, providing counselling and wellbeing sessions, and various other vital services. Most recently, a grant has been awarded from the Poverty Hurts Appeal Fund to Weston Favell Centre Foodbank, to support the running of their warehouse and delivery of food parcels.Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “As...

17 May, 2023

The redevelopment of Northampton’s historic market square is three months into the extensive programme of regeneration works.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working with leading construction firm Stepnell Ltd to carry out a multi-million-pound project to rejuvenate the area for business, traders, residents and visitors alike.In March, preparations works were well underway to enable construction works to take place. The existing surface has been removed with the cobbles to be cleaned and reused as part of the new market square development. Digging has commenced to achieve the levels required for the new paving and work is underway to disconnect and remove...

17 May, 2023

Counselling and wellbeing services will no longer be provided by Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust – with trustees announcing their decision to focus on the organisation’s day service provision.Teamwork Trust, first set up 40 years ago, has centres in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough and works with autistic adults, people with learning disabilities and individuals with mental health needs. Alongside this, the charity has historically also offered a counselling service and wellbeing programme to the wider community.Ceri Davies, Chair of Trustees, explained: “This has been a very difficult decision, but given the current funding climate, our trustees could no longer see how...

17 May, 2023

In today's increasingly interconnected and complex world, organisations are facing more and more threats, from natural disasters, cyber-attacks, to the pandemic and other disruptions. These can have a devastating impact on organisations of all sizes. That's why it's so important for businesses to be aware of Business Continuity and to know what they can do to help protect themselves.What is Business Continuity?Business Continuity is the ability of an organisation to continue to operate in the event of a disruption.A Business Continuity plan (BCP) is a document that outlines how an organisation will continue to operate in the event of a...

17 May, 2023

Today (Wednesday 17 May) marks the 100th day since the formation of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).Created by the Prime Minister on the 7th February, DBT combines previously existing government business (BEIS) and international trade (DIT) departments to create a single entity to deliver on the government’s priority to grow the economy by supporting British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade.Since its inception, the Department has had several triumphs, most notably the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in April, set to have a combined GDP of £12 trillion...

17 May, 2023

Millions of passengers across England will continue to ‘Get Around for £2’ and access vital bus services thanks to £500 million in government funding, supporting people with the cost of living and ensuring long-term stability in the sector.The Transport Secretary Mark Harper today (17 May 2023) confirmed £300 million to protect vital routes and improve services until 2025 that people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping.To help people with cost of living pressures and save on everyday travel costs, the government will also provide up to £200 million to continue capping single bus fares at £2 outside...

17 May, 2023

We Mind & Kelly Matters, based in Northamptonshire, is updating its name to ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ to highlight their growth and uniting its mental health services and fundraising activities.The charity was set up in 2019 after the devastating loss of Kelly Hewitt, who tragically ended her life at just 24 years of age. Within weeks of her passing the family named their charity ‘We Mind & Kelly Matters,’ emerging from their immense grief, shock, and anger that ‘Kelly mattered’.  Following the charity set up, numerous fundraising events began, and the band of resolute fundraisers and followers were aptly named Kelly’s Heroes.The...

17 May, 2023

With entries now open for the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards and the Northamptonshire Education Awards, the organisers recently invited the judges, sponsors and special guests to an event to announce further details of the November ceremonies.One of the biggest announcements was that comedian Rob Beckett will host the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, November 9 at the County Ground, Northampton, while TV presenter Eamonn Holmes will be at the same venue the following evening to host the Northamptonshire Education Awards.The launch event, at Reed Specialist Recruitment on the Brackmills Business Park and hosted by awards organisers All Things Business,...

16 May, 2023

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with many listeners tuning in to various topics, from news and current affairs to entertainment and education.If you are considering producing a podcast, this article will provide a step-by-step guide on creating a podcast in the UK, from planning to distribution.1. Identify Your Podcast's Topic and Format The first step in producing a podcast is identifying the topic and format. Consider your areas of expertise, interests, and what type of content would appeal to your target audience. Once you have determined your podcast's topic, think about the format – will it be a...

15 May, 2023