Holiday Inn Express Kettering are happy to announce that they have nominated Kettering Food Bank as their Charity Of The Year.Throughout 2023, the hotel will be a drop off point for any food items that wish to be donated. There will also be networking events planned throughout the year to help highlight the issues that the local Kettering Food Bank face within the current economy and hopefully donate and raise as much for them as possible.Sales Coordinator, Allen Tew, states “Back in 2019 for Christmas, we ran a food drive at the hotel and it was a huge success but...

08 February, 2023

NNBN Director Simon Cox has been named as a Volunteer Champion for the third consecutive year by the Federation of Small Businesses for his work in supporting businesses within Northamptonshire.The Federation of Small Businesses held their annual Volunteer Recognition 2023 event on Tuesday morning online which brought together a number of volunteers from across the UK and was opened by Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister for Small Businesses who welcomed everyone to the conference closely followed by TV star Ben Fogle who offered words of wisdom to the attendees as he was interviewed by host Dave Sharpe.There was also an update for those present from Martin McTague, Chairman of the FSB, and Tina McKenzie, Chair of Policy and...

07 February, 2023

Grant Thornton UK LLP has unveiled new research for National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February), which shows that employers in the East of England are increasingly looking to apprenticeships to attract diverse, talented young people to their business.     All but one of the business leaders in the East of England who responded to Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker* survey said that they currently hire young people who have completed their A-Levels (or equivalent exams) into apprenticeship roles.  Over three quarters (77%) of respondents said that they hire more school leavers in their business now than before the pandemic and 73% agree that hiring school leavers is as important to...

07 February, 2023

To ensure the whole of government is geared up to deliver for the British people, the Prime Minister, with the approval of His Majesty The King, has today created four new departments.The changes will ensure the right skills and teams are focussed on the Prime Minister’s five promises: to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been tasked with securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation. The move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the...

07 February, 2023

The Bank of England will now take forward further research and development work and the public are being invited to give their views on the scheme to be taken forward.The consultation is being launched because both HM Treasury and the Bank want to ensure the public have access to safe money that is convenient to use as our everyday lives become more digital, while supporting private sector innovation, choice and efficiency in digital payments.Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt said: "While cash is here to stay, a digital pound issued and backed by the Bank of England could be a...

07 February, 2023

Leading construction firm Stepnell Ltd has started work today (Monday 6 February) on the transformation of Northampton’s Market Square.Located at the heart of the town, Northampton’s Market Square is set to be transformed to better reflect the wonderful, historic public space that it is. As well as the use of high-quality paving and materials, the improved facilities will include a flexible event space, bespoke fixed stalls, more trees, tiered seating and an interactive water feature.Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC were...

07 February, 2023

The Business & IP Centre's Start Up Day is taking place on Wednesday 22nd February at Northampton Central Library running between 09.30 -16.00. Visit for all or part of the day. Many of us have fantastic ideas for businesses that we haven’t acted on and the Business & IP Centre National Network have a wealth of resources to support and inspire budding entrepreneurs to take the first step to turning their business idea into a business. Activities on the day include talks, networking and speed mentoring to help you on the way with your business journey. Complimentary professional headshots will also be available. Here...

06 February, 2023

An apprenticeship scheme at North Northamptonshire Council is going from strength to strength with 80 active learners now employed by the authority.This week the UK is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, offering a chance for businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘Skills for Life’ and, as such, this week the council will be encouraging and supporting potential and existing employees to build their careers.Roles occupied by apprentices range from social workers, teachers and site engineers to...

06 February, 2023

A YOUNG apprentice from Northampton is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week after winning a prestigious national award.Jake Newell, an Asbestos Analyst at multi award-winning, Northampton-based asbestos consultancy Acorn Analytical Services, is the winner of Safety and Health Practitioner’s Rising Star UK award, which recognises the brightest young health and safety professionals in the UK.Since joining Acorn Analytical Services in 2021, Jake has impressed everyone around him with his selfless dedication and commitment to his role. His presence has been described as a ‘a breath of fresh air through the industry’ as he takes every opportunity to develop his skills...

06 February, 2023

An apprenticeship scheme at West Northamptonshire Council is going from strength to strength with 80 active learners now employed by the authority.This week the UK is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, offering a chance for businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘skills for life’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.Cllr Fiona...

06 February, 2023

Around 160 seasonal jobs have been announced at Wicksteed Park as it reveals new attractions and begins an exciting period in its development.The jobs are available across all parts of the family venue, including rides, grounds, admissions, and customer service and all recruits will be given full training before the park officially opens fully for the season on Saturday April 1.Some of the new recruits will be working on the first of this year’s new additions – a fantastic new 25-metre high Ferris wheel.The wheel, named The Garden Wheel, will be one of the largest in the region and will offer...

06 February, 2023