Reporting requirements for the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for packaging come into force today.Plans to make it easier for consumers to recycle packaging waste move a step closer today, as reporting requirements for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) come into force.Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) will make firms that supply household packaging responsible for the costs of dealing with packaging waste, moving costs away councils and council taxpayers.Producers will be required to pay for the collection and disposal costs of household packaging they supply when it becomes waste. This will encourage producers to reduce the amount of packaging they place...

28 February, 2023

Recession, rising costs and retention of staff were the three key challenges identified by SMEs for 2023, according to the latest survey from an award-winning HR consultancy.The third annual SME Survey, from Kettering-based HR Solutions, has revealed that “finances are arguably a higher priority than ever before” with more than half of the companies questioned predicting rising costs will be an issue in the year ahead and 70% stating that that available finance would have the biggest impact on decision making, closely followed by profitability and inflation.A total of 46% of participants admitted managing and controlling costs is a major...

27 February, 2023

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Rachel Collar of Haus of HR who has joined the non-executive board.Northamptonshire Chamber is a non for profit organisation set up in 1917 that represent in region of one third of the entire counties workforce. Rachel Collar, joined Chamber membership in July of 2021 after setting up Haus of HR and fast became a familiar face attending the various Chamber networking events, forums, seminars and business exhibitions.Rachel holds both a Degree and Masters in Human Resource Management and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).She...

27 February, 2023

Remedial drainage work is now complete at the free-to-use Northampton Bike Park and contractor On Track is waiting for them to dry sufficiently before resurfacing work can take place.Persistent rain in December and January made it necessary to close trails on the western side of the site, though those on the eastern side have remained open throughout.On Track returned last week to begin remedial work, which involved creating new drainage measures which will help divert excess water from each of the trails.Cllr Adam Brown, West Northamptonshire Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure, said: “While it’s...

27 February, 2023

The name change reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue recognising volunteers and promoting outstanding business.The Queen’s Award for Enterprise and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service have been renamed following the Accession of King Charles III. The Awards will become The King’s Award for Enterprise and The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.Throughout Her Late Majesty’s 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II was committed to recognising outstanding work and acts of service by individuals and groups. By attaching His Majesty’s name to these awards, The King has emphasised his desire to continue Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of recognising outstanding businesses and...

26 February, 2023

Northamptonshire Membership Organisation NNBN are encouraging local businesses and employers to engage in an opportunity to shape the future.The Government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper set out an ambitious employer-led approach aimed at making Further Education (FE) provision more responsive to local skills needs and ultimately local economic needs.As part of this approach, Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) were introduced as a key part of the Government’s vision of an adult skills system where businesses are given a much stronger voice in local skills planning by working closely with FE providers, engaging effectively with local leaders and other stakeholders and...

24 February, 2023

Visitors to Delapré Abbey’s award-winning restaurant and cafés are being served up a treat this month – with yet more local produce, themed events and a new spring menu in the planning.From this week [w.c 20th February 2023] the Abbey’s Charitable Trust has taken over the running and management of The Orangery café and Hibiscus restaurant, both set in the heart of the Abbey’s historic home.Head chef Bart Polinski, assistant manager Lewis Bourke and the core team remain in post, with business as usual at these popular eateries.Head Chef Bart, awarded the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards Whitco Chef of the Year in 2022, said:...

24 February, 2023

Industry leaders from warehouse, transport and logistic businesses across West Northants joined West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to learn more about wellbeing in the workplace.WNC’s health protection, public health and regulatory service colleagues held the forum for businesses on Friday, 10 February at the Ford Motors Company, Daventry. Representatives from Fords Motor Company Ltd, DHL and Pristine International attended to encourage and share best practice with businesses.The forum provided businesses with information on future health and safety priorities and initiatives, to encourage change and reduce accidents that result from occupational behaviour.Key topics including staff training, focus on wellbeing and how this...

24 February, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council this week set a balanced budget for the year ahead that will protect essential frontline services whilst addressing significant financial challenges.At their Full Council meeting in Northampton’s Guildhall (Wednesday, 22 February), members approved the final budget proposals, Housing Revenue Account and setting of the Council Tax for 2023/24.In common with local authorities across the country, the Council is facing severe financial pressures due to factors including the current economic climate, high inflation rates driving up running costs and an increase in demand for services, particularly around supporting children in care and vulnerable adults.Despite these pressures, the Council...

24 February, 2023

Final budget proposals for North Northamptonshire Council for the next financial year (2023/24) have been approved at the meeting of Full Council on 23 February.The report before Council presented a balanced revenue budget for 2023/24 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the next two years.Draft proposals had initially been approved by the Executive in December and these were subject to a detailed consultation process and scrutiny, before being reported back to the Executive on 9 February where they were endorsed.The net revenue budget for 2023/24 is £336.59 million.The Council is proposing savings of nearly £15m this year,...

23 February, 2023

Business, residents, and community groups are invited to provide their views on proposals for the Heritage Park along Marefair in Northampton Town Centre.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is seeking feedback on proposals to transform Chalk Lane Car Park in Marefair, Northampton into a Heritage Park. This will offer open green space for families and the local community to enjoy while celebrating the heritage of the area.Marefair and the surrounding area has a fascinating and important history which includes archaeological excavation sites, historic local buildings such as the Old Black Lion Pub, Hazelrigg House, Castile Hill URC and St Peters Church and...

23 February, 2023