LIFESTYLE experts Bell of Northampton will be serving up a special course for barbecue fans across the region this spring.Hosted by the world’s leading barbecue company, Weber, the event, which is being held at Bell of Northampton’s store on Kingsthorpe Road on May 20, will give foodies the chance to hone their barbecue skills just in time for the summer season.Scott McLaren from Bell of Northampton said: “If you've just bought a Weber barbecue, or you’re thinking of purchasing a new barbecue and want to know more about the fantastic results you can achieve, then this dedicated Weber barbecue course...

22 March, 2023

Broadcom’s deal to buy VMware could lead to less innovation and drive up the cost of computer parts used by government, banks and telecoms.Broadcom, a leading US-based technology company, makes and sells specialist hardware components – such as network interface cards (NICs) and storage adapters – used in servers. VMware specialises in software products and services, including server virtualisation software, which enables servers to be used more efficiently by separating them into multiple virtualised servers. VMware’s customers include major banks, telecom firms, UK government departments and other public institutions.The Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) Phase 1 investigation looked at how...

22 March, 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association has said today's inflation rate surprise of 10.4% is adding unnecessary pressure to the high street and traders will be hit hard.BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has reacted to the news that UK inflation rose unexpectedly in February which has meant food prices have surged to their highest rate in 45 years.The consumer prices index (CPI) have leapt from 10.1% in January to 10.4% - and prices in drinks, clothing, meals out and fresh food being driven high.The Office of National Statistics (ONS) also has said that...

22 March, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has partnered with Jobs 22 to host a careers fair to help local jobseekers secure employment.Over 80 participants benefited from the free event which took place at The Guildhall on Thursday, 16th March.Jobs 22 participants who have been unemployed for 9-month or longer were given the opportunity to meet a range of local prospective employers and apply for work whilst enabling recruiters to meet jobseekers whose skills are suited to their vacant roles.Alongside the Council, employers including Elysium Healthcare, GeoAmey, Goodwill Solutions, Dr Martens and Northampton BID were on hand to answer questions and discuss employment...

22 March, 2023

NURTURING and developing the skills of the next generation of business owners and managers is the aim of a new leadership and management course being led by Ena HR and Training.Founder and Director of Ena HR, Kate Coulson has designed the course to enable business owners and new managers to find out more about the theory behind people management, explore and understand their own personal style and learn how they can actively put their skills into practice in the workplace, improving employee productivity and retention.Kate explained: “Having worked in the corporate world for more than 20 years, I understand what...

22 March, 2023

Royal & Derngate, Northampton, has just announced the appointment of Jesse Jones as its new Artistic Director. In an exciting period of renewal for the venue, the theatre has also appointed to a new role, Deputy CEO (Producing and Programming), which sees Holly Gladwell join Jesse and Chief Executive Jo Gordon, as part of the leadership team.Jesse is a founding member of the multi-award-winning company, The Wardrobe Ensemble. He has been Associate Artistic Director at Paines Plough and first worked with Royal & Derngate in 2015 when joining as Resident Assistant Director supported by a Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme...

21 March, 2023

The chief executive for local NHS organisations Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) has been named as the number one NHS chief executive in the country.Angela Hillery, who has led NHFT since 2013 and LPT since 2019, was named top NHS chief executive in the annual rankings collated by the Health Service Journal (HSJ). Angela has placed in the top 50 every year since 2018, and has moved up to top spot for the first time this year.The HSJ recognised Angela as a ‘pioneer’ for her work leading two Trusts since 2019, a trend...

21 March, 2023

People across Northampton will soon be able to use electric bikes to get around town, as well as VOI’s existing shared e-scooters.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and leading micromobility operator Voi are pleased to announce that Northampton will be one of four locations across the UK to have 50 e-bikes for hire, with bikes being made available later this month.Councillor Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council, added: “We’re delighted that Northampton will become one of four locations to have the innovative e-bikes, offering a sustainable way for people to travel.“We will continue to...

21 March, 2023

Work is well underway to work to create the Northampton North-West Relief Road (NNWRR).Since the project moved into the delivery phase in March 2022, preparations and construction have taking place to deliver the new road which will link the A428 Harlestone Road to the A5199 Welford Road.The £54 million scheme is supported by SEMLEP, the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and benefits from £7.93 million of Local Growth funding.Over the last twelve months, WNC has worked with partners to acquire the land for the development, working with experts to scope and begin the relevant archaeological field work – while...

21 March, 2023

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards is back for its fifteenth year with another sensational set of categories and sponsors.The Awards are a celebration and recognition of excellence within the Northamptonshire food and drink sector. It is a toast to all that is great about local produce and drink and rewarding those who work so hard to achieve the best within the culinary sector.The team behind the Awards are delighted to announce eighteen fantastic categories this year, which includes the introduction of a debut category: Event Venue of the year and with that, welcomes a fresh sponsor, the Hilton...

21 March, 2023

The new tourism hub at Rushden Lakes was officially opened today, coinciding with English Tourism Week, which runs across the country from Friday 17 - Sunday 26 March.Run by North Northamptonshire Council and supported by The Crown Estate, the Discover Northamptonshire Hub is open 7 days a week, located next to the entrance of the cinema and promotes attractions throughout Northamptonshire,  highlighting the abundance of unique offerings  in and around our local area.The hub was formally opened today, representatives from North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council, the Crown Estate and partners were in attendance.The hub has been designed as a...

20 March, 2023