In alignment with the ongoing national campaign, Good Business Week, Northamptonshire membership organisation NNBN is actively supporting the message of ethical business practices. This week-long initiative, spearheaded by the Good Business Charter, aims to shine a spotlight on organisations committed to the highest standards of business conduct and ethical practices.The campaign, running from Monday 5th February to Sunday 11th February, encourages individuals to share positive business examples, nominate deserving employers for Good Business Charter accreditation, and raise awareness about the importance of ethical business through the hashtag #GoodBusinessMatters on social media.Each day of the campaign is dedicated to a specific...

04 February, 2024

Northampton Saints Foundation is delighted to announce our fourth Foundation Day, is set to take place on Good Friday, 29th March, when Northampton Saints face Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership. Kicking off the Easter weekend under the Friday night lights (kick-off 7.45pm), at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the annual event will involve activities and fun for the whole family.Rugby fans can expect chances to meet Northampton Saints’ players in the Supporter Village, various activities around the ground, a half time activation and a raffle and auction, with an aim to raise money, so they can support more people in need through...

03 February, 2024

Recession, cost of living, recruitment and bringing in new business are the biggest concerns from business owners, according to the latest business survey from people experts HR Solutions.The human resources specialists launched its fourth annual SME Business Survey at the end of last year and will reveal the full results in an insightful seminar at a Northamptonshire business exhibition next week.Navigating 2024: Insights from the SME Business Survey will run from 10.30am to 11.30am at the Your Business Expo at Sywell Aerodrome on Wednesday 7th February.The seminar, hosted by HR Solutions CEO Greg Guilford and HR knowledge manager Victoria Templeton,...

01 February, 2024

A record-breaking 11.5 million taxpayers submitted their Self Assessment tax returns for the 2022 to 2023 tax year by midnight on 31 January, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals.More than 12.1 million taxpayers were expected to file a tax return and pay any tax owed. Of those that met their obligations by the deadline, 778,068 beat the clock to complete it on 31 January, including:61,549 customers who filed between 16:00 and 16:59 – the peak hour for filing 32,958 customers who filed between 23:00 and 23:59HMRC is urging anyone who missed the deadline to submit their tax return now. There...

01 February, 2024

The Government is today reaffirming its commitment to all the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, with the creation of a new Small Business Council due to launch next month which will bring together SME leaders from across the country.The Council builds on the Department’s existing support for SMEs and will provide a bespoke forum for small businesses to have their voices represented within Government.Almost every business in the country is a small business (99.9%) who in turn support 27 million jobs across the UK, accounting for £4.5 trillion of annual turnover – which is why the government is making 2024...

01 February, 2024

Northampton is celebrating as it proudly receives the globally acclaimed Purple Flag accreditation, recognising its commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night time economy.This prestigious award highlights Northampton's blend of night time entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the evening and night time economy.Purple Flag, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am. There are 100 Purple Flag destinations around the world including world renowned tourist...

01 February, 2024

Northampton’s iconic Derngate auditorium, the flexible town-centre performance space that hosts musicals, comedians, orchestras and more, reached its 40th birthday last year and, as its anniversary season continues, the theatre is launching an online auction raising funds for the Derngate at 40 appeal.  Featuring some exciting lots, including hospitality and theatre experiences and signed sporting memorabilia, the auction will be open for bidding from Monday 5 to Monday 12 February.  Kindly donated by businesses based in Northamptonshire and the wider region, there is an enticing range of items for which to bid. Highlights include Saints hospitality packages, golf days, tickets for Silverstone...

31 January, 2024

A new tourism strategy for Northamptonshire has been given the go ahead by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) at their Cabinet and Executive meetings this month (16 and 18 January).The Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy sets out a vision and approach to nurturing and enhancing the county’s visitor economy and aims to improve pride in place, generate inward investment and create new employment opportunities as well as reduce carbon emissions in line with both councils’ sustainability goals.The strategy, which has been developed over an 18-month period and co-produced by WNC and NNC alongside partners and stakeholders from across...

30 January, 2024

Full bedroom suites, office furniture, reception desks and coffee tables will all be donated to charities across Northamptonshire as part of the renovation of a town centre hotel.Work has already begun on the transformation of the Northampton Town Centre Hotel and senior management were keen to ensure as many of the fixtures and fittings as possible were given a new lease of life elsewhere rather than ending up in landfill.The hotel assembled a panel of ‘dragons’ to hear from a number of local charities about how they could work with them to repurpose the furniture and make a difference to...

30 January, 2024

STAFF from Irthlingborough-based 3RS IT Solutions put their baking skills to the test last weekend when they took part in a bake-off event to raise money for Teamwork Trust.Director Steve Souch and Services Operations Manager, Ethan Malvern were tasked with baking their own Naked Victoria Sponge as part of the challenge, which was organised by Tina Henerson Head of Kitchen at Nene Business Centre and assistant, Helen FarrAfter an hour and a half of baking, Nene Business Centre Manager, Dalize Van Zyl and Tina declared Steve’s delicious sponge as the winner.Steve said: “I’m no baker, but we had a lot...

25 January, 2024

The Bank of England (the Bank) and HM Treasury have today (25 January) published their response to the consultation on a digital pound that was launched in February 2023.No final decision has been made to pursue a digital pound – also called a central bank digital currency (CBDC).Work will continue during the design phase exploring its feasibility and potential design choices. This will look at how a digital pound could be used in the UK economy, providing greater choice, convenience and innovation for households and businesses making and accepting everyday payments. As part of broader work on payments innovation, the...

25 January, 2024