Northamptonshire is brimming with anticipation as the finalists are revealed for the highly-coveted College Student, Young Chef, Chef, Artisan Local Product, Artisan Vegetarian / Vegan, and Artisan Local Drink categories in this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards.Eighteen of the county’s standout creations have risen to the top, earning their place in the spotlight as they compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze in the artisan categories this year. These finalists represent the true stars of the local food and drink scene - celebrated for their exceptional taste, creativity, and commitment to craftsmanship.The 'Artisan' label highlights products crafted in small...

Northampton Market Square is set to host an exciting line-up of free events, entertainment, and live match screenings this summer as part of the official Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Zone.From cutting-edge technology and family fun to music, arts and festival vibes, each Fan Zone event will be themed to celebrate the spirit of the tournament and bring the local community together across four key dates.Whether you're a rugby fan or simply looking for free entertainment in the heart of town, the Northampton Fan Zone is not to be missed.Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy,...

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has unveiled its new Small Business Plan, aimed at empowering small businesses across the UK. Central to the initiative is a robust effort to tackle the long-standing issue of late payments, which continue to hinder growth and financial stability for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The plan includes proposed legislative changes that would strengthen the powers of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC), with the goal of saving SMEs time and money currently spent chasing unpaid invoices. According to recent research commissioned by DBT and the OSBC, late payments cost the...

Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.Small businesses across the UK will benefit from the most comprehensive support package in a generation. From faster payments and easier access to finance, to cutting red tape and launching a new Business Growth Service, we’re backing businesses to thrive. Business Groups Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said:  "Making sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities...

Brackmills Industrial Estate has been unveiled as a finalist in the prestigious Northamptonshire Logistics Awards (NLA) 2025 - part of a record-breaking line-up of businesses from across the estate.Finalists in the Health, Safety & Wellbeing category, Brackmills Industrial Estate - which has Business Improvement District (BID) status - has been recognised for its ongoing work to improve personal safety and wellbeing on the estate, including a series of high-profile campaigns run in partnership with Northamptonshire Police.Sara Homer, CEO of Brackmills BID, said: " We are absolutely thrilled to be announced as NLA finalists — especially in the Health, Safety &...

Annual cycling challenge Cycle4Cynthia is back for 2025, after inclement weather cancelled the event last year.In 2024, torrential rain, flooding and thunder and lightning forced Cynthia Spencer Hospice to call off the event on safety grounds at the very last minute.So, the fundraising team are hoping for a record-breaking year this year, fuelled by community spirit, to make amends.On 21st September, cyclists will wind their way through the Northamptonshire countryside, beginning and ending at Althorp Estate, to raise much-needed cash for the hospice.With route options ranging from five to 70 miles, the event welcomes riders of all ages and abilities.Beyond...

NYK Group’s subsidiary, Yusen Logistics Global Management Co., Ltd. (“YLGM”) hereby announces that Yusen Logistics (Europe) B.V. (“YLEU”), an overseas subsidiary of Yusen Logistics Group, has committed to acquire the healthcare logistics business of the Walden Group through the acquisition of the entire share capital of Movianto International B.V. (“Movianto”)* by entering into a Put Option Agreement with Walden Group International Holding B.V. (“Walden”).Further to the completion of the consultation with the relevant works councils on this proposed transaction, which is compulsory under European law, YLEU and Walden will execute a Share Purchase Agreement based on the executed Put Option Agreement....

Next door businesses in a rural office complex in Northampton have started working together after connecting as neighbours.Thriving car and van leasing firm Silverstone Leasing is housed at the same Preston Deanery countryside setting as shop fitting retail design agency Quagga Design.It wasn’t long before Quagga Design became customers of Silverstone Leasing, but managing director Steve Green said it wasn’t due to the proximity of the businesses.“The fact that we’re close by isn’t the driving force behind it,” he said. “It’s the fact that you can just call them and have a conversation. There’s always somebody around to have that...

UK Government unveils its Small Business Plan to support SMEs across the countryGovernment to tackle late payments with the most significant legislative reforms in 25 years - an issue that costs the UK economy £11bn a year and shuts down 38 businesses every day UK set to have the toughest late payments laws in the G7 as part of reforms to back small businesses and unlock growth as part of the Plan for Change New £4bn finance boost including 69,000 Start-Up Loans to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business ownersSmall businesses across the UK will benefit...

Award-winning disability advocate and content creator Nick Wilson – known as The Disabled Adventurer – is set to host the first public screening of his new short film, Project RockClimber.The event, being sponsored by AJM Choice and taking place at the newly refurbished Underground Studio at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, on Thursday 21 August 2025, will introduce audiences to the story behind Nick’s Mt Snowdon climb.The film documents Nick’s record-breaking solo ascent of Mt Snowdon last July, becoming the first disabled person to reach the summit using a prototype all-terrain powerchair, known as The RockClimber.Nick said: “This isn’t just my...

At NNBN, we work with many small and growing businesses, and one of the most common challenges we see is the temptation to cut back on marketing. It’s understandable – when budgets are tight, marketing can feel like a luxury. But the truth is, without consistent marketing, it becomes much harder for a business to grow.Marketing isn’t just about selling a product or service. It’s about building awareness, trust and connection with the people you want to reach. If potential customers don’t know you exist, or what you can offer them, they’re likely to choose a competitor who is more...