After a turbulent year both politically and economically, the CBI’s outlook for the economy strikes a somber tone as we go into 2023. The Prime Minister and Chancellor have stabilized financial markets but must act to boost long-term growth according to the latest CBI economic forecast.Economic growth can only come from increasing productivity and maximising our workforce. When fiscal and monetary policy is tight, Government must use all levers at their disposal to move the UK economy beyond this current trajectory.This includes addressing skill and worker shortages and unlocking business investment through capital allowances and regulatory changes, such as removing the...

06 December, 2022

A campaign to raise awareness about people with disabilities in the workplace has been launched by global can making company Ball Corporation, who have a team based in Northamptonshire.Ball, the world’s leading manufacturer of infinitely recyclable aluminium drinks cans, are set to open their fourth manufacturing plant at Burton Latimer near Kettering in the New Year. As construction has picked up pace, so too has Ball’s recruitment drive, with the company firmly focused on attracting and recruiting a diverse and inclusive workforce – women as well as men, people of all ages, from all backgrounds and of all abilitiesBall Corporation...

06 December, 2022

Cawleys are delighted to announce an exclusive new partnership with Northampton Town Football Club (NTFC). As the region’s largest independent recycling and waste management company, they will be teaming up with NTFC to manage the club’s recycling and support them with boosting their environmental credentials.A family run business, Cawleys offer a full service waste management solution to a variety of organisations, and are a driving force for innovation in waste reduction, reuse and recycling.As part of the partnership, NTFC will benefit from the variety of innovative services provided by Cawleys, such as their specialist food waste recycling service for anaerobic...

05 December, 2022

The founders of a Northamptonshire charity were crowned ‘exceptional leaders’ at the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 Grand Final.The Lewis Foundation’s Lorraine and Lee Lewis saw off thousands of applicants to win the one of the most highly acclaimed categories - Entrepreneur for Good Award.The charity, which provides free gifts to adult cancer patients across 15 hospitals in the Midlands, was selected out of more than 5,300 business and charity leaders from across the UK, and was praised by the judges for having gifted an incredible 75,000 support packs since it began in 2016.They were also given credit for...

05 December, 2022

Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has entered into an option agreement to purchase the freehold to a 168-acre site south of the Junction 15 of the M1 in Northamptonshire. Located within a prime Midlands industrial area, Harworth intends to promote the land for sustainable employment use as part of the emerging West Northamptonshire Strategic Plan (“WNSP”).Proposals for the site include the development of up to 1.6 million sq. ft of Grade A industrial & logistics space, alongside unique landscaping features and an ecological enhancement area. Together, these elements will provide...

05 December, 2022

Workers to have a greater say over when, where, and how they work under new government plans to make flexible working the default.Millions of employees will be able to request flexible working from day one of their employment, under new government plans to make flexible working the default.Flexible working doesn’t just mean a combination of working from home and in the office – it can mean employees making use of job-sharing, flexitime, and working compressed, annualised, or staggered hours.The raft of new measures will give employees greater access to flexibility over where, when, and how they work, leading to happier,...

05 December, 2022

Ways of how digital technology can help transform the lives of vulnerable people have been showcased at an event.Bridging the Digital Divide demonstrated how tech – including virtual reality – can create solutions for identified issues, resulting in positive outcomes for people.Support Northamptonshire in partnership with Café Track, VR Therapies, The University of Northampton and Digital Northants hosted the event.Talks included:Support Northamptonshire showed how digital technology can enable collaborative case management and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable people. Café Track discussed how they are using digital technology to help create employment opportunities for autistic people. VR Therapies demonstrated how virtual...

04 December, 2022

As we look to enter 2023, planning for the year ahead has never been more important, which is why HR specialists HR Solutions are hosting a free webinar next week to support SMEs in strategic thinking for the new year.The UK’s employment climate remains volatile due to significant domestic and global influences, including rebuilding after the pandemic, Government changes, the war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis, and a recession as well as potential new employment legislation.For business owners, navigating the current landscape can be both daunting and overwhelming. The next few months are crucial for business, especially leading up to...

01 December, 2022

Chester House Estate has been transformed into a winter wonderland – with Santa and his elves all set to meet, greet and entertain children and their families from across Northamptonshire.The estate, which opened to the public just over a year ago, is wrapping up its first full year with a Christmas Magic-themed series of events, all of them presided over by Santa Claus himself – who will be joined in his grotto by a Christmas Fairy, Nutcracker Soldier and Jingles The Elf.Tickets to see Santa sold out within days of going online, so the team at Chester House have this...

30 November, 2022

A Northampton fitness and wellbeing centre will be raising money for The Lewis Foundation next month with its upcoming Christmas fundraiser.Soo Yoga’s festive-themed chair yoga and meditation session will take place on Friday 9th December - 1-2pm, with all proceeds donated to fund free gift packs for adult cancer patients in hospital.The class will include a blend of breathing, movement and gentle exercise and will be led by Soo Yoga founder Kristina Rihanoff and a senior yoga teacher from Yoga Alliance UK. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.Lorraine Lewis, The Lewis Foundation said: “We’re so thankful to Kristina...

30 November, 2022

Christmas is nearly upon us as decked-out store fronts and glittering lights kick start our ‘All The Wonder’ festive theme for 2022 at Rushden Lakes. There is plenty for the family to enjoy, from Spinderella, the Nutcracker, the Snow Unicorn, festive singers and a special performance from the Rushden Town Band.What’s on and when:Handmade and Vintage Christmas FairThe ever popular Handmade and Vintage Christmas fair will be back for two weekends in December. Come and find the perfect gift for that special someone by browsing through the stalls of designer-makers, artists, artisans, vintage and antique dealers and small, local businesses...

29 November, 2022