A new bill introduced today will support businesses by modernising the business rates system to incentivise property improvements.A new bill introduced today (Wednesday 29 March) will support businesses by modernising the business rates system to incentivise property improvements and support more frequent revaluations.The measures being put forward review and reform business rates in England, making them fairer and more responsive to changes in the market.The Non-Domestic Rating Bill will introduce more frequent valuations, to take place every three years instead of the current five, meaning those with falling values will see their bills drop sooner.It will also provide new business...

29 March, 2023

A TEAM of employees from Northampton Saints Foundation will be joined by members of their families as they take part in the TCS Virtual London Marathon to raise money to support young people across Northamptonshire and beyond.Staff from the Foundation, which helps young people develop new skills and build positive futures through their social inclusion and education programmes, will take part in the event on April 23, which will see them walk 26.2 miles from Glebe Farm School in Milton Keynes to Old Northamptonians RFC in Northampton. The school and rugby ground both host the Foundation’s Engage programme, which supports...

29 March, 2023

As part of an exciting new partnership with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Royal & Derngate is delighted to be hosting the opening performance of the inaugural Gala tour of their new company BRB2, on Tuesday 25 April, showcasing the talents of these rising stars in a programme entitled Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection.BRB2 is a new initiative where Birmingham Royal Ballet pro-actively seeks out some of the best young ballet graduates (aged 18 to 22) from around the world to join a two-year performance programme, providing extensive training and professional experience, sending developed, professional dancers back into the dance sector and providing...

29 March, 2023

Government launches AI white paper to guide the use of artificial intelligence in the UK, to drive responsible innovation and maintain public trust in this revolutionary technology.Five principles, including safety, transparency and fairness, will guide the use of artificial intelligence in the UK, as part of a new national blueprint for our world class regulators to drive responsible innovation and maintain public trust in this revolutionary technology.The UK’s AI industry is thriving, employing over 50,000 people and contributing £3.7 billion to the economy last year. Britain is home to twice as many companies providing AI products and services as any...

29 March, 2023

John Lewis becomes the 10,000th signatory for the Armed Forces Covenant - Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families attends latest signing at HQ.More than 10,000 organisations have committed to improving the lives of service people and their families, with John Lewis becoming the latest signatory to mark this major milestone.The retailer is the latest in a long line of large and small organisations to confirm their pledge to our serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans, demonstrating a commitment to work with and for our personnel.Since 2011, when the concept was enshrined into law, the Covenant reinforced the moral...

28 March, 2023

Prop-Search has clinched another major industry award, reinforcing its position as the pre-eminent commercial property agent across Northamptonshire and the Midlands - in the year it celebrates 15 years of trading.The national property publication, Estates Gazette has awarded Prop-Search ‘The Most Active Agency’ in Northamptonshire following an impressive year of commercial deals.  The deals competition is an independent survey based on Radius Data Exchange, which provides a detailed breakdown of full-year transaction volumes on both national and regional levels, and across various property types - industrial, office, retail and leisure sectors, and investment markets.Simon Toseland, a Director of Prop-Search, said:...

28 March, 2023

Silverstone Leasing are going for goal with its fourth football fundraiser this summer.The Northampton-based vehicle leasing company has so far raised more than £5,000 for its nominated charity Cynthia Spencer Hospice through its annual five-a-side soccer tournament.Silverstone Soccer 2023 will see businesses from across Northamptonshire don their football boots and form a team to compete at the event on Sunday 2nd July at Daventry Town Football Club. Kick off is at 10.15am.Up to 16 teams will compete for the much-coveted winner’s title, which last year went to Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors. Ox Seven Talent Partners was named as runner...

28 March, 2023

VIP guests attended an exclusive event at Silverstone Museum to mark the launch of the museum’s new On Track Scalextric Exhibit.The popular invite only event gave guests, including Sky Sports F1 duo Ant and Crofty (Anthony Davidson and David Croft) and Scalextric fan former professional footballer and TV personality Neil "Razor" Ruddock, the opportunity to go wheel-to-wheel on the newly unveiled Scalextric Silverstone circuit attraction.Motorsport and Scalextric fans can compete to take the chequered flag on the iconic Silverstone Formula 1 Circuit which has been recreated by Scalextric specialists for the new exciting exhibit ‘On Track’ which enables museum visitors to...

28 March, 2023

Thanks to generous donations to Northamptonshire Health Charity from two local charity’s totalling £8,000 teams working at the Cancer Information and Support Centres at Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital are able to offer yoga sessions to cancer patients.The Leon Barwell Foundation recently donated £3,000 to the local NHS charity, which will enable it to fund the Step into the Future yoga sessions for patients for at least until the beginning of 2024!The foundation was founded by the Barwell family in memory of Leon Barwell – former Northampton Saints Chairman and local businessman – who sadly passed away following an 18-month battle with...

27 March, 2023

Rushden Lakes has bloomed into the ultimate destination for families this spring! It’s the place to explore the great outdoors, spot new life in the stunning surroundings, and enjoy fun activities to help keep youngsters active and entertained. The springtime festivities begin early April, with the main event being the free ‘Out of Hibernation’ trail. From the 3rd April, discover signs of spring as you follow the clues around Rushden Lakes and learn and play as you meet the creatures who have just surfaced from hibernation along the way.Find the frog, seek the squirrel and behold the badger costumed performers...

27 March, 2023

The Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council, Rob Bridge, is set to depart this June for a new top role at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.Rob started his role in November 2020 with the North Northamptonshire Shadow Authority in preparation for the new unitary council which came into existence in April 2021. Rob has had the honour of being the first Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council and has overseen the successful implementation of a wide range of projects and initiatives including:Ensuring a safe operational transition from the previous two-tier local government arrangements to the new unitary authority. Putting...

27 March, 2023