A daredevil Northamptonshire greengrocer who has trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp, completed Wolf Runs and run marathons, raising almost £25,000 for charity in seven years, has hosted a curry night as part of his latest fundraising mission.Sean Connolly organised a charity dinner in aid of Brain Tumour Research at the award-winning Saffron restaurant in Castilian Street, Northampton on Sunday, September 8.Guests enjoyed a three-course meal while a fundraising raffle was also held with dozens of prizes up for grabs.Sean said: “I have been working with Saffron for 13 years, supplying their fresh fruit and veg, and they have been...

10 September, 2024

New bus services are being introduced across the North Northamptonshire Council area – helping people travel to work and school as well as for leisure.The new services have been subsidised by the council from its own budgets and through funding targeted from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Programme, as well as from developer contributions.The funding has been used to provide bus services to a number of communities that have not had one, create new journey opportunities in terms of travel to work, school, shopping and leisure and also to enhance some existing bus services on the network.The move supports the...

10 September, 2024

Northampton College will tackle the UK’s acute shortage of construction workers with up-to-date ‘green skills’ head on with the opening of a £500,000 renewable energies education and training facility.The new Green Skills Centre at Booth Lane will provide up to 250 students with daily access to the latest green technologies each year, reskill adults who want to move into the construction industry and upskill existing professionals in the sector.It will also support a variety of green initiatives run by Northampton College, such as the Big Rig Low Carbon Challenge, which promotes sustainable construction careers to secondary school students across the...

10 September, 2024

The Corn Exchange has stood empty in the heart of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. Many people enjoyed spending time at the former Cinema then Chicago Rock Cafe before closing its doors.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has bold ambitions to transform the town centre and has taken an exciting step forward in delivering its ambition for the future of Greyfriars as it seeks to purchase the Corn Exchange.WNC has worked with local residents and businesses through a two-stage public consultation to deliver the ambitious vision for Greyfriars. The 14-acre area is set to amplify a forgotten piece of...

09 September, 2024

A woman living with terminal lung and bone cancer has decided to speak out about her experience of hospice care, urging those who are faced with the prospect of going to a hospice ‘not to be scared’.Fibi Bibi, aged 62, said she was terrified when told by her consultant, Dr Bhavyang Acharya, that it was time for her to go to a hospice for pain management.She requested that she go to Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton, as her father had passed away there 31 years prior, and Dr Bhav, as Fibi affectionately calls him, also works at the hospice.She said:...

09 September, 2024

Described as “extremely chic surroundings for thoughtful modern dishes” by an AA Inspector, this Northampton award-winning fine-dining restaurant has become one of only two establishments in the town to receive two rosettes.Hibiscus, the acclaimed fine dining restaurant located in Delapré Abbey’s historic Billiard Room, is proud to announce the award of its second AA Rosette. This recognition celebrates Hibiscus' commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional service.Under the leadership of Executive Head Chef Bart Polinski, named Chef of the Year at the 2022/23 Weetabix Food and Drink Awards, Hibiscus offers a meticulously crafted 7-course tasting menu. Using seasonal and locally sourced...

09 September, 2024

Small businesses in West Northamptonshire will be put on the map by the Small Business Saturday campaign later this year, after it has announced plans to bring its next national roadshow to the area this autumn.The Tour will visit local businesses in Northampton on Monday, 18 November 2024 as part of a month-long journey across the UK, telling the inspirational stories of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses and spotlighting the real people and communities behind them.Supported by BT, the Tour will visit small businesses in over twenty UK towns and cities, undertaking ‘behind-the-scenes’ style scenes, interviewing local business owners...

09 September, 2024

As business owners, you’re aware that the Equality Act 2010 protects your employees from discrimination at work.But did you know that this protection starts before they even step through the door?Nicky Buckley MCIPD, an HR expert and owner of East Midlands HR in Northamptonshire, explains further.“Discrimination can happen from the very first interaction with a candidate. Business owners must be aware that discrimination claims can be brought by individuals even before their first day on the job.“Recruitment can be a creative process—think open house events, video introductions or other fun and innovative ways to attract great candidates. There are no set processes...

09 September, 2024

Bridge Street in Northampton is set to reopen to traffic in both directions after two fire damaged buildings were made safeBridge Street in Northampton is set to reopen to traffic in both directions after two fire damaged buildings were made safe.Earlier this year, the First Tier Tribunal gave the landowner until 6 September to complete the work, making the area safe and allowing the road reopening.Due to the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain passing through the town, the closure will remain in place on Saturday 7 September, and the route will be open again by Sunday morning.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet...

07 September, 2024

The catering has been finalised, trophies delivered and our finalists are now getting ready for the big night – if you want to join in the fun you’ll need to act quickly.There are now only three tables left to purchase for this year’s NNBN awards, which are being held at the Mercure Hotel Northampton on Friday, 4th October.A huge range of finalists are in the running for the 2024 NNBN awards, including businesses big and small, tourism venues, design companies, salons, museums, a gym, florist and a number of charities.NNBN Director Simon Cox said “If you want to join us...

07 September, 2024

Luxury home lifestyle brand Bell of Northampton are offering shoppers excellent savings in their September sale, which kicks off on Saturday September 7th.Located on Kingsthorpe Avenue, Northampton, the store is offering big savings on top brands with discounts available on bathrooms, kitchens, fires and stoves, and barbecues and outdoor living.“It’s that time of year again when our September sale kicks off!” says Lee Ferris, managing director at Bell of Northampton. “The sale is always one of our biggest events and this year is no different.“We have some amazing deals on some of our most famous brands including Mackintosh kitchens, Villeroy...

07 September, 2024