The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to take part in the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which closes on Friday, 13th September.This important survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey in the UK, providing invaluable insights into the current economic climate.Newly appointed Head of Policy, Simon Cox, is leading this initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance the local business environment. Simon recently succeeded Sean Rose and brings a wealth of experience in business advocacy and policy development.In his role, Simon is committed to leading policy initiatives...

Axil is proud to announce that we have been named a finalist in the Scale Up Business of the Year and Employer of the Year categories at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards. As the UK's largest and most prestigious business awards programme, this recognition highlights our significant achievements and dedication to excellence in both business growth and employee satisfaction.Celebrating Excellence and InnovationThe Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards celebrate the finest achievements across all industries, championing sustainability, diversity, equality, and innovation.As finalists, Axil joins a select group of businesses that have demonstrated exceptional performance, resilience, and innovation, particularly...

The Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel looks set for major investment, with plans to build a flagship hotel for the town; boosting the local economy through tourism and the creation of new jobs.Once the jewel in Corby’s crown, the Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel has been purchased by Avidity Hotels. A partnership set up by brothers Daniel and Antony Woodcock, sons of legendary hotelier Louis Woodcock, founder of BDL Management, and local entrepreneurs and property developers Mulberry Commercial Property, the experienced team behind many of Corby’s regeneration projects.Prior to Avidity Hotels taking ownership, the hotel has experienced many challenges. Previous...

Royal & Derngate and Northampton Town Football Club have embarked on a new partnership to work more closely together, building on the football club’s ongoing membership of the theatre’s Business Club.Both the Cobblers and Royal & Derngate enjoy loyal support from the people of the town and county, and through cross promotion of activities at the two organisations they hope to encourage more people to try something new.One area they will both be focussing on is families. NTFC is renowned for its family offering, winning the EFL Family Excellence Award for an impressive nine years in a row. The award...

3RS IT Solutions, which offers IT support to businesses, has announced the appointment of Riley Harvey as Technical Support Engineer to support in its impressive growth plans.Having started out from offices in Wellingborough, the company – led by husband-and-wife team, Steve and Leila Souch – recently expanded by opening another office in Leicester, alongside an office space in Nottingham, with Riley’s appointment increasing its team members to eight.“We are really proud of the growth we have made this year and having Riley onboard has strengthened the team even further,” said Leila Souch, marketing director, 3RS IT Solutions.“In 18 months since...

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Cox, co-founder of NNBN, as the new Head of Policy. Simon brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in business advocacy and policy development, making him a valuable addition to our team.Simon is well-known in the business community for his dedication to supporting local businesses. In his new role as Head of Policy, Simon will lead the Chamber’s policy initiatives, working closely with local businesses, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure that the voice of the local...

Dog lovers, mark your calendars! On Saturday 14th September, from 10am to 4pm, Delapré Abbey will host a pawfect day out with Delapré Dog Fest.Organised by Trinkety Paws, this family-friendly event is set to be a day filled with fun activities, live music, and tail-wagging excitement, making it the perfect outing for dog enthusiasts and families.With a range of activities lined up, there’s something for everyone. Highlights of the event include a fun dog show where your pets can compete for titles such as Best Boy, Best Girl, Best Puppy, Best Oldie, Best Rescue, Waggiest Tail, and Best Smile. There...

A new partnership has kicked off this season between the Cobblers and Commsave Credit Union.The Cobblers, which Commsave has been supporting as their men's first team training kit partner for the last two years, has this month signed up to become a Commsave Partner - a free financial wellbeing staff benefits package designed to help organisations stand out from the crowd so they can recruit and retain the very best.Commsave is a not-for-profit member-owned financial co-operative credit union based in Northampton whose vision is ‘to see a world in which everyone is financially included, has access to responsible credit, a...

The team at business support hub Vulcan Works are welcoming applications for the second cohort of their successful entrepreneurial incubation programme.Vulcan Creatives launched earlier this year to support would-be entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire.The free, six-month programme, funded by West Northamptonshire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), supports ambitious individuals to create business plans and learn the skills needed to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.In the first cohort, 10 businesses were selected to work with Vulcan Works onsite business growth manager Darren Smith to either turn their ideas into viable businesses or grow their fledgling enterprises.Preference was given to...

Smartbox Self Storage, a family-owned business, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest self-storage facility in Desborough. This modern facility offers a range of storage units from 40 square feet to 160 square feet, designed to meet the diverse needs of both residential and business customers in the area. To celebrate the opening, Smartbox is offering a 50% discount for the first two months for all new customers.Located in the heart of Desborough, Smartbox Self Storage provides a convenient and secure solution for those needing extra space, whether for personal belongings, business inventory, or seasonal items. With...

A brand-new café-bar will be opening in Northampton’s thriving cultural quarter this September. Based at Royal & Derngate, and situated on the corner of Guildhall Road and Swan Street, Lola’s Bar will be the new go-to place for lunch meetings, dinner dates, social gatherings and, of course, pre- and post-theatre refreshments.Operated by Bad Butler Hospitality in collaboration with Royal & Derngate, Lola’s will open in early September, initially offering drinks including cocktails, wine and beers, along with speciality coffee. Pastries and cakes will also be available during the day. The full food menu will launch later in the autumn, offering...