The Regional Stakeholder Network gives disabled people across the UK a stronger voice.7 new regional chairs for the Regional Stakeholder Network have been appointed today by the Minister for Disabled People.They will take the lead in supporting and advising the government on issues affecting disabled people and disability organisations in regions across England.The chairs were selected based on their understanding of disability issues specific to their regions, their expertise in disability policy and its effects at grassroots level.Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove, said:"We are working with disabled people to tackle the issues affecting them. The Regional Stakeholder Network is...

19 December, 2022

The Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report, published by the Government today and covering the period 2021-2022, details the key improvements and progress on the Covenant’s core goals.The UK is one step closer to becoming the best place in the world for veterans, as a new report reveals more than 1,600 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant this year.The Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report, published by the Government today and covering the period 2021-2022, details the key improvements and progress on the Covenant’s core goals. These goals include improving the lives of service people and their families, and the...

19 December, 2022

Self-employed individuals and landlords will have more time to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), following a government announcement today (19 December 2022).Understanding that self-employed individuals and landlords are currently facing a challenging economic environment, and the transition to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) represents a significant change to taxpayers and HMRC for how self-employment and property income is reported, the government is giving a longer period to prepare for MTD. The mandatory use of software is therefore being phased in from April 2026, rather than April 2024.From April 2026, self-employed individuals...

19 December, 2022

An established physiotherapy business has been announced as the first company set to move into Delapré Abbey’s new wellbeing hub.Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust is on track to transform a run-down former block of stables in its grounds into a wellbeing hub - due to be completed and open to the public for the spring of 2025.Move4 Physio, a successful Northampton based physiotherapy and rehabilitation business, is proudly putting Delapré Abbey is at the heart of its ambitious expansion plans.Lee Daggett, Physiotherapist and Managing Director of Move4 Physio said: “This marks a big step forward for our business. To be part...

19 December, 2022

A kind-hearted construction company have collected thousands of essential and luxury items to create more than 100 Christmas hampers to deliver to families in Northamptonshire who need support at this time of year.It’s the third consecutive year that the team at Bhangals Construction Consultants have put together the bumper bags for SCCYC Waterside Connect, who work tirelessly to support the local community.The 105 hampers included essentials such as pasta, rice, tins, cereal, coffee, porridge, shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, baby wipes, and toothpaste, as well as treats such as toys, chocolates, advent calendars, and biscuits.SCCYC Food Aid, in St James Mill...

19 December, 2022

Projects across North Northamptonshire will receive funding boosts following approval from central Government, as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.All areas of the UK will receive an allocation of the Fund, but to unlock the money, North Northamptonshire Council had to submit an Investment Plan, setting out the challenges and opportunities in the area across three areas: Communities & Place, Supporting Local Business, People & Skills.The investment Plan has now been approved, which means funding will be released for Year 1 and has been provisionally allocated for Years 2 and 3.The funding for Year 1 will go to a...

19 December, 2022

New scheme to help passengers save on bus fares launched for over 130 routes.millions of people across England will be able to travel by bus for £2 from 1 January to 31 March 2023, thanks to £60 million in government funding to cap single tickets people can save almost a third of the average £2.80 bus fare, while in some rural areas tickets can reach over £5 for a single journey over 130 bus operators outside London will be part of the scheme, taking an estimated 2 million cars off the road and reducing emissionsPassengers are being encouraged to...

19 December, 2022

Government launches ‘It All Adds Up’ campaign with simple actions to cut bills by bringing down the amount of energy needed to keep homes warm and stay safe.Simple advice, with no or very low-cost actions that households can take to reduce their energy use and bills this winter, is now available to the public under a new government information campaign being launched today.The £18 million ‘It All Adds Up’ energy saving campaign will raise public awareness of straightforward actions that people can take to cut their bills by bringing down the amount of energy needed to keep their homes warm...

17 December, 2022

Inspiring NHS professionals, working across the county, have been recognised for their achievements in healthcare over the past year.Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) held its annual staff awards ceremony on Thursday 15 December 2022 to recognise and honour its ‘shining stars’ – the doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other NHS colleagues working to provide outstanding care to patients across the county.The NHFT Quality Awards ceremony took place virtually again this year, with staff across the Trust joining the online event to the celebrate countless achievements and hard work throughout 2022.And what a celebration it was – as colleagues...

16 December, 2022

A new £14 million hub for creative businesses is gearing up to open its doors in Northampton.Vulcan Works has been created by transforming a Grade II listed ironworks factory in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter into a space that will support start-up businesses in the creative industries through the provision of lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and co-working spaces.The construction and refurbishment works have been funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), who facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development...

16 December, 2022

Have you used Business & IP Centre services through Northamptonshire Libraries, in North Northamptonshire? If yes, they would like to hear from you about the difference their services have made to you and your business. Your feedback is vital to help them to improve these services and maintain their funding so that they can continue to provide you with free business support.The survey closes on 16 January 2023. They would be extremely grateful if you would give up to 10 minutes of your time to complete the questionnaire, feedback from which will help them in their mission to give everyone the...

15 December, 2022