NNBN, the membership organisation supporting businesses, charities and organisations in Northamptonshire, is proud to announce its continued support for the annual Small Business Saturday campaign taking place on Saturday 7th December.The campaign recognises the vital role that small and micro-businesses play in sustaining local economies and NNBN is committed to raising awareness and celebrating the contributions of these enterprises across Northamptonshire and beyond by supporting the annual campaign yet again.Leading up to the event, NNBN will be engaging with small businesses across Northamptonshire and inviting business owners to engage with the campaign with a number of activities.On the day itself,...

05 November, 2024

Businesses in Northamptonshire are invited to an enlightening and interactive workshop where you’ll learn how eco-friendly web practices can elevate your website’s performance, grow visitor engagement, and reduce its carbon footprint.Hosted by Poppy Eco Hub and taking place at Vulcan Works in Northampton, this event will provide essential insights for making your website a sustainable, high-performing tool for growth. Why Go Green with Your Website?Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a valuable business strategy. Today’s consumers are drawn to eco-conscious brands, and a green website signals your commitment to the planet. A sustainably built site is faster, more efficient, and delivers...

04 November, 2024

Northamptonshire-based people experts HR Solutions has highlighted 10 key points for employers following the Government’s Budget announcement on Wednesday (30th October).Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed a number of significant changes in public finances in Labour’s first Autumn Statement in 14 years.The long-awaited Budget set out the financial policies for public spending, and HR Solutions has indicated those that have greatest impact on employers.New National Minimum Wage and National Living WageTo accept the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW). This means those aged 21 years and over will see a 6.7%...

04 November, 2024

A Halloween themed Curry and Quiz Night is being organised by Teamwork Trust – with proceeds set to help the Northamptonshire charity support adults with autism, learning disabilities or mental health challenges.This fun-packed fundraising evening, set to take place at Kettering Park Hotel on Friday, 8th November, will be packed with spooky-styled questions and spice-packed curries.The event’s quiz compere will be well known business leader Simon Cox, who runs local networking and membership organisation NNBN. Simon said: “Halloween is the inspiration so expect the unexpected and prepare to be spooked! Halloween is a fabulous excuse to have a bit of...

04 November, 2024

Celebrations have continued this month as winning organisations from this year’s NNBN Awards have been reflecting on the night and on their wins.Among the winners were Animal Focused, an organisation dedicated to improving animal welfare by providing training for people working with animals.Vicky Skinner, Founder of Animal Focused, said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed to have won the Start Up Business of the Year. It has been a whirlwind 18 months since we established, and this recognition is the icing on the cake. We knew we had a unique offering with our Dogs in Schools course but this to be recognised...

04 November, 2024

With cyber security breaches and attacks continuing to be a common threat for businesses, IT consultancy 3RS IT Solutions is helping in the fight against cyber-crime by offering free cyber security training.With a Cyber Security Breaches Survey carried out by the government showing that half of businesses and 32% of charities have reported that they have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months, the free training aims to educate and arm businesses with the information they need to protect against cyber attacks.The most common type of breach or attack is phishing. This refers...

01 November, 2024

The Business & IP Centre’s Start-up Day 2024 returns on Tuesday 19th November 2024, hosted at the Northampton Central Library.This inspiring event is set to be a key gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business minds alike. The day is packed with talks, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at empowering local talent and supporting innovative business ideas.NNBN, a prominent supporter of local businesses, charities and organisations, will be present at Start-up Day to discuss a range of valuable opportunities available to the business community and showcase how they have helped local businesses grow since launching in February 2022.Highlights of Start-up...

01 November, 2024

The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Clarke, Group Director: Employer Engagement, Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Milton Keynes College, as the new President of the Chamber board.In her new role as President, Anna will play a key role in driving the Chamber’s mission to support innovation, foster economic growth, and build a thriving business community across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.Commenting on her appointment, Anna Clarke said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Robyn for her contribution as the previous president. I am deeply honoured to take...

01 November, 2024

Since May 2024 Amy Crawfurd JP, High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, has raised £4,151.70 to support local grant-making charity Northamptonshire Community Foundation in its work to improve the lives of the county’s most vulnerable residents.In May, Amy undertook five 10km treks across Northamptonshire alongside Northamptonshire Community Foundation Chief Executive Rachel McGrath and raised £2,750 for the High Sheriff’s Initiative Fund. The fund is managed by the foundation and awards grants to local charities and community organisations working to reduce levels of crime and anti-social behaviour across the county.This month, the High Sheriff hosted the Northamptonshire Courts Service at All Saints Church,...

01 November, 2024

A curry chef from an acclaimed Bangladeshi restaurant in Northampton has won Chef of the Year 2024 at a prestigious awards ceremony.Abdul Hye, of Saffron Restaurant in Castilian Street, was crowned the East Midlands King of Spice at a star-studded ceremony held by the Bangladesh Caterers Association at the InterContinental London at The O2 on Monday, 28 October.Abdul Hye said: “I am extremely humbled to win this award, competing against the very best of the region’s curry chefs. I feel privileged just to have taken part, but for my food to have been recognised as amongst the best in the...

01 November, 2024

Milton Keynes and Northampton are poised to see a significant boost in charitable support thanks to the Franklins £50 Challenge, an innovative fundraising initiative inspired by the Apprentice. Franklins Solicitors LLP has selected a record 12 charities from over 40 applicants to benefit from the 2025 campaign, including seven new partners that are joining the initiative for the first time.The participating charity partners for 2025 include:The Northampton Hope Centre Cynthia Spencer Hospice The Lewis Foundation Willen Hospice YMCA New additions to this year’s line-up are:Age UK Milton Keynes The Air Ambulance Service Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation Headway Milton...

01 November, 2024