Businesses are set to benefit from reduced costs and burdens as import labels are made digital for the first time.Digital labelling will allow businesses to put important regulatory or manufacturing information online rather than requiring them to physically print it on their products – saving time and money which can be pushed towards scaling up and growing their company.This measure has been made possible by leaving the EU and provides greater flexibility than the EU’s regulatory requirements while better reflecting the modern and digital world of business and international trade.This follows the Product Safety Review consultation and extensive industry engagement...

25 January, 2024

Wilson Browne Solicitors have received the Platinum Trusted Service award from Feefo, for a fourth consecutive year.This is only awarded to businesses that have achieved the Gold standard for three consecutive years, and with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 4.9 in 2023.Wilson Browne Solicitors' current service rating is a near-perfect 4.9 (!), reflecting the firm's continuous drive for excellence and delivering the high standards that live up to its strapline of "All The Help You Need".The Trusted Service Awards were established by Feefo to recognise brands that use the platform who receive exceptional feedback from their customers. ...

23 January, 2024

Tax Credits claimants in Northamptonshire are set to receive a letter about Universal Credit early this year – with Northamptonshire charity Community Law Service urging everyone to act quickly or risk losing their benefits.The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is rolling out what it calls the 'managed migration' process, asking people on tax credits to claim Universal Credit (UC), even if they have had no change in circumstances.Community Law Service Chief Executive Sarah Hayle explained: “Northamptonshire is one of the last counties to be the focus of this government change and local people will start receiving letters from this...

23 January, 2024

In the dynamic landscape of personnel management, the challenges of handling holiday requests, tracking right-to-work checks, and staying abreast of employment law updates can be overwhelming. If you find yourself struggling with these tasks, you're not alone. While there may not be a magical solution, there is an efficient alternative – HR software.This Thursday, Nicky Buckley from East Midlands HR will be delivering a free webinar for you to learn more about this game-changing tool to transform the way you manage your employees and run your business. Taking place at 12 noon, the webinar will offer a unique opportunity to...

23 January, 2024

Companies House is aiming to introduce the first set of measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act on 4 March 2024.We’re aiming to introduce the first set of changes brought in by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act on 4 March. The introduction of these changes needs secondary legislation so this date is still dependent on parliamentary timetables. It will not be earlier than 4 March. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth. The act received royal...

23 January, 2024

Construction professionals looking for practical advice on how to win more work and grow their business will benefit from a programme of free online seminars run by Northamptonshire’s Bhangals Construction Consultants and My Build Estimate.The construction power couple are sister firms run by multi-award-winning entrepreneur and CEO Parm Bhangal, who will provide useful tips in the monthly, hour-long mastermind sessions, which start this week.Learn How to Price Projects, Win More Work, Make More Profit and Grow Your Business will run on Wednesday 24th January, from 5pm-6pm.Participants will learn the importance of pricing projects correctly, how to turn a lead into...

22 January, 2024

THE next generation of construction workers are being given the skills they need to protect themselves and others from the dangers of asbestos thanks to award-winning asbestos management consultancy, Acorn Analytical Services.Head of Operations Dan Crask has been working with first year plumbing and electrical students at Northampton College, delivering sessions which explain how asbestos remains a significant threat to health 25 years after its use in new buildings was banned in the UK.As well as helping the students to identify asbestos, and the places where it can be found, the students have also learned the importance of asbestos surveys,...

22 January, 2024

A well-known Northampton businessman has been awarded a British Citizens Award in recognition of his charity work and commitment to the community.Naz Islam received a medal of honour for his philanthropy and community work at a ceremony in the Palace of Westminster in London on Thursday, 18 January.During a 27-year career, Naz has raised almost £100,000 for local charities and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family.He said: “Although my roots are well-established in Bangladesh, Northampton is very much my home town and I care passionately about its...

22 January, 2024

The importance of having a thorough understanding of both sides of the argument is key to a successful career in law and politics, according to lawyer-turned-MP Michael Ellis.The former Attorney General, who has served as MP for Northampton North since being elected in 2010, was speaking to students during a visit to Northampton College.He delivered a 30-minute talk looking back at his career before fielding questions from law, public services and criminology students.He said: “No matter what side of the debate you are on, whether you are prosecuting or defending, or speaking on behalf of the Government or the opposition,...

22 January, 2024

A new incubation programme for entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire has unveiled its first cohort of participants.Vulcan Creatives, a free, six-month programme run by the team at the Vulcan Works flexible workspace in Northampton, aims to support ambitious individuals with their business idea by creating a business plan and teaching the skills needed to make it a success.The programme opened for applications in November and these were whittled down to ten businesses with a preference given to those working in the creative or digital sector – emerging industries in the county that Vulcan Works was created to support.The chosen entrepreneurs were revealed...

22 January, 2024

Proposals within a major new piece of legislation - the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill - to give local councils powers to let vacant High Street properties through mandatory rent auctions now have Royal Assent.Under the Bill, a Local Authority will be able to designate a street or an area as important to the local economy because of the concentration of high street uses.  The range of high street uses defined in the Bill is wide and includes shops, offices, restaurants and light industrial, but not warehouses.  Once designated, vacant units are vulnerable to Local Authority intervention if it considers occupation...

19 January, 2024