Phase 2 of the Red Diesel Replacement Competition will support innovative projects in developing greener energy alternatives.British industrial sectors, including construction, mining and quarrying, will be supported in their plans to develop greener technologies and low carbon fuels, as the government backs industry with a £32.5 million funding package to cut reliance on fossil fuels and boost energy resilience.The funding announced today (Friday 20 January) will help these industries move away from using red diesel, also known as gas oil, which is a type of fossil fuel commonly used for off-road, heavy-duty vehicles and machinery, such as bulldozers and cranes.The...

20 January, 2023

Government funding package awarded to organisation to boost regional growth of tech start-ups and scale-ups.Barclays Eagle Labs has been awarded a new grant to boost small and scaling tech businesses in all corners of the UK.Estimates suggest strengthening regional tech industries could grow the UK’s digital sector by an additional £41.5 billion by 2025 and create 678,000 jobs.The £12.09 million Digital Growth Grant builds on more than £42.2 million invested by the government to support tech start-ups and scale-ups since 2016.Combined investment from Eagle Labs and the government will increase support for the tech sector so more than 22,000 businesses...

20 January, 2023

On Wednesday 18 January, The Government announced details of the projects across the country which will receive funding from the second round of the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is disappointed that its bids for £20 million towards new transformative leisure, health and community facilities in Weston Favell and a further £13 million towards projects in Delpare Abbey, Moulton College and Maggies at Northampton General Hospital were unsuccessful.In July 2022, WNC submitted a bid for a leisure centre, cinema, library, and a new home for health and social services in Weston Favell, as well as a combined bid...

19 January, 2023

The 11th Inspirational Women’s Awards are fast approaching and members of the public are reminded to get their thinking caps on and nominate the exceptional women in their lives.Organised by the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Women’s Forum, the awards aim to publicly recognise and promote those women who inspire and have a real impact on the lives of others in the community or the workplace.The two categories for the 2023 awards are Business Award and Community Award.Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, a self-employed Consultant & Trainer from Northampton, won the very first Inspirational Women’s Award back in 2013 and will be joining the...

19 January, 2023

Struggling households in West Northamptonshire who work but are on a low wage can apply for the Government's Household Support Fund and potentially receive £250 in cash.West Northamptonshire Council is urging residents on a wage of £400 or less to visit the Household Support Fund page on their website or to call on 0300 126 7000 to check if they are eligible for the payment, which is paid into a bank account in two instalments.This scheme aims to support those who have not received any of the £650 Cost of Living Payment (paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324) and...

19 January, 2023

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce takes place at Kettering Conference Centre with their first Northamptonshire Business Exhibition of 2023!With over 60 exhibitors, the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce will be showcasing the very best of Northamptonshire's businesses, as well as plenty of events throughout the day to give you plenty of opportunities to connect, promote, and network with organisations across the county.The exhibition will be held on International Women's Day 2023 and the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce will be running a seminar around this year's theme #EmbraceEquity. More details on this to be announced soon!The exhibition is open to everyone whether...

19 January, 2023

Target reached to switch over a quarter of all government cars to ultra-low emission vehicles.The government is powering forward towards decarbonising its central car fleet as it has been confirmed today (19 January 2023) it hit its target in switching over a quarter of all its cars (25.5%) to ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV).Having a higher rate of ULEV vehicles in its fleet means the government is on track to meet its 2027 target deadline for the entire fleet be fully zero emission.As set out in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Greening government commitments in 2021 to 2025, the government was...

19 January, 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association has today launched its campaign to show some love for the high street.The association, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has put together its 'Show Some Love' campaign and is encouraging retailers to get involved.The campaign has been designed to support retailers get involved in Valentine's Day, which is the first seasonal event on the calendar, and encourage customers to shop locally both in-store and online.Participants, who have to be a member of BIRA, will have access to a bundle of resources and information to help them encourage customers into...

19 January, 2023

The co-founders of a Northampton-based charity are on the call-out for local businesses to get behind the wheel and back them in an exciting go-karting fundraiser.The Lewis Foundation – which provides free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients – is one of two charities being supported in the Rotary Club of Nene Valley’s popular indoor karting challenge ‘ROkart’, set to take place between January and April 2023.Lorraine and Lee Lewis, who head up The Lewis Foundation, are now looking for three local companies to sponsor teams to join The Lewis Foundation heat on Tuesday 21st February 2023, with...

18 January, 2023

At the cabinet meeting of West Northamptonshire Council on Tuesday 17 January, members approved plans to carry out future improvements and revised parking charges at Daventry and Brixworth country parks and the Northampton Racecourse to bring facilities up to date for users.The current payment options don’t provide a choice of period or method of payment for users at the country parks, while the Racecourse car park - which currently does not charge for parking - is used by those walking in to the town centre and is not fully available for visitors to the Racecourse.Councillors approved capital spend to install...

18 January, 2023

A leading recruitment firm has teamed up with a local college to help students better prepare for the world of work.Kettering-based Wills Consultants have held two sessions with T Level students at Northamptonshire’s Tresham College, discussing future goals and post-College ambitions.The recruitment experts, who specialise in the accountancy, engineering, finance, and office services sectors, gave useful tips on preparing for interviews, maximising networking opportunities, and using social media for business and recruitment.T Levels are technical-based qualifications which see employers work in collaboration with educators to ensure the course content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further...

18 January, 2023