Businesses can expect a seamless transition when the functions of the local enterprise partnership transfer to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) this spring.The move follows the Government’s decision last year to end core funding for Local Enterprise Partnerships from 31 March 2024, to allow for continuing services to be run through local authorities.From the start of April 2024, WNC will take the role of host for the continuing functions from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). This includes:Strategic regional economic planning The Growth Hub, a government-backed business support service which provides free 1-2-1 advice, guidance and resources to...

09 February, 2024

Council leaders have welcomed today’s announcement that Silverstone will remain the home of the British Grand Prix for another 10 years, further strengthening West Northants as a destination of sporting and cultural excellence.The world-class motorsports venue has announced it will continue to host the British Grand Prix until 2034 after reaching an agreement with Formula 1. This new deal will see Silverstone race into its ninth decade having hosted the first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1950.Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is fantastic news and...

08 February, 2024

Workforce stability is the main focus for SMEs in 2024, despite ongoing economic pressures and an uncertain climate, according to the latest barometer from award-winning people experts HR Solutions.The results of the fourth annual SME Business Survey from the HR specialists were revealed at Your Business Expo at Sywell Aerodrome yesterday.More than half of respondents (54%) said their biggest business issue this year is recession and cost of living, with 47% citing recruitment as a problem and 39% worried about bringing in new business.’Yet less than a quarter of those surveyed plan to make any redundancies, instead putting an emphasis...

08 February, 2024

HUSBAND and wife team Stephen and Leila Souch are celebrating the first anniversary of the launch of their business, 3RS IT Solutions.Founded in early 2023, the family-run company, which is based in Irthlingborough, has gone from strength to strength, winning new business and increasing its team to six highly-skilled engineers. The past year has also seen 3RS IT Solutions open a new office in Nottingham with plans to extend their reach across the Midlands.Recently, the company has seen a sharp increase in the number of businesses seeking out information on cyber security, particularly as the use of AI continues to...

08 February, 2024

LEADING independent health and safety consultancy, Acorn Safety Services has announced the appointment of Zeynep Guzelkasap as the company’s new Operations Manager.Health and safety expert, Zeynep, joined the company as Business Manager in January 2023 having started her career in the asbestos industry 13 years ago.Since joining Acorn Safety Services, Zeynep has been instrumental in the continued growth of the company, establishing herself as a high-skilled professional with a wealth of experience in construction management.She said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role at Acorn Safety Services, particularly at such an exciting time for the business.“Acorn Safety Services...

08 February, 2024

Volunteer, donate, host a teambuilding day or select us as your charity of the year – this month the team at Groundwork Northamptonshire are urging organisations across the county to think green and support local.The charity’s new ‘Partner with Groundwork’ campaign is all about encouraging businesses small and large to think local when running team events and organising volunteering days.The award-winning Groundwork Northamptonshire runs green, cultural and creative projects across Northamptonshire, as well as working with young people and adults to help them overcoming challenges and find new opportunities.Kate Williams, Chief Executive of Groundwork Northamptonshire said: “We love working with...

06 February, 2024

Millions of households throughout the United Kingdom will begin to receive a £299 Cost of Living Payment starting today until February 22nd as part of the Government's comprehensive £104 billion support package aimed at addressing the rising cost of living.This payment will be disbursed automatically, and recipients need not apply to receive it. It encompasses tax credits-only customers who will receive the payment from HMRC between February 16th and 22nd.Marking the third of up to three payments totalling £900, this measure targets eligible households on means-tested benefits for the fiscal year 2023/24. It is an integral component of a support...

06 February, 2024

HR Solutions has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses nationwide that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.The Kettering based HR consultancy is renowned for its outstanding client care and has previously won awards for service excellence, including Feefo Gold in 2022 and 2023.Customer insights company Feefo established the Trusted Service Awards in 2014 to recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive exceptional feedback from their customers.The Platinum Trusted Service Award is presented to businesses that have achieved Gold standard for three consecutive years. To receive a...

05 February, 2024

The total value of homes sold in Corby in the last 12 months is a staggering £142 million, with the most expensive property selling for £825,000.According to the latest figures from local estate agent Belvoir, who have an office in George Street, house prices in the town have increased by 83% in the last 10 years.Since 2011, the overall population has also increased by more than a third, with 73,781 people now living in Corby.In the last five years there’s been 1,613 new homes built across the town, which equates to an average of 323 a year.The average price for...

05 February, 2024

Taking place on Sunday 16 June, at Delapré Park, Northampton. Tickets go on sale from Friday 9 February, at 10am.Chart-topping UK singer/songwriter, James Arthur has announced a date in Northampton this summer, headlining ‘A Perfect Day’ concert at Delapré Park.James Arthur first rose to prominence when he won the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012. He has gone on to accrue a massive haul of hits including ‘Impossible’, ‘You’re Nobody ‘Til Someone Loves You’, ‘Sun Comes Up’, ‘Naked’, ‘Rewrite The Stars’, ‘The Power Of Love’, ‘Lasting Lover’, ‘Train Wreck’ and his global breakthrough track, the seminal single ‘Say You Won't Let...

05 February, 2024

The UK government is taking significant strides in bolstering the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem with the launch of innovative measures under the Plan for Drivers. Unveiled on February 5, 2024, the plan encompasses grants for schools, financial support for local councils, and ambitious proposals to enhance the national network of charging points.In a bid to promote sustainability in education institutions, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne inaugurated a groundbreaking grant initiative in Nottinghamshire. This grant, a part of the Workplace Charging Scheme, provides state-funded schools, colleges, nurseries, and academies with up to 75% of the costs associated with purchasing and...

05 February, 2024