Pumpkins, games and a haunted walkthrough packed with thrills and chills are just a few of the Halloween highlights being planned by the team at Northamptonshire’s Chester House Estate.This year’s Halloween celebrations also include a pumpkin-themed treasure trail through the grounds of the estate, pumpkin carving and painting, and a few family-friendly activities for those who prefer to steer clear of the spookier side of Halloween.This Chester House Estate Halloween programme, set to take place from Saturday, 21st October through to Sunday, 29th October, sold out last year and looks set to do so again – with a maximum of...

07 September, 2023

Rushden Lakes is hosting a variety of activities this September to shine a light on the importance of sustainability. Plastic free crafts, wildlife walks and chatty couches are just some of the initiatives running throughout the month to help sustain the environment and shopper wellbeing. The destination believes that one small action like donating a pre-loved item or choosing a plant-based meal, can have a big impact on the environment in the long term.After a successful summer, Rushden Rangers is back with a one-off adventure, ‘Good & Green Gardening’ on Saturday 9th September with The Wildlife Trust. Budding gardeners can...

06 September, 2023

Empowering small businesses, local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners is the aim of North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council’s Build Your Business programme which is being rolled out across the area.Delivered by both Councils and the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire (BIPC), with a total of £600,000 funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) over a two-year period, the dynamic business support initiative is accessible to businesses free of charge.It offers a diverse range of modules and has already seen local businesses use the opportunity to access workshops, webinars, one to one support, mentoring and more which...

06 September, 2023

Landlords and Landladies were celebrating on Sunday night as pubs from across the Daventry area came together to hear the results of the Pub of the Year competition led by Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris.Held at the Arc Cinema in the heart of Daventry town centre, the second annual awards evening recognised the achievements of local public houses in four categories aimed at celebrating the industry locally and those who work tirelessly to serve their communities.There was continued success for The Countryman at Staverton, Daventry, as owners Linda and Darren built on their success from last year by being announced as...

05 September, 2023

The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEAs) have revealed the full list of fantastic finalists for their prestigious awards ahead of the ceremony, hosted by brilliant comedian Rob Beckett, taking place 9th November 2023 at the Northampton County Cricket Ground.The nominees in all fifteen categories received their finalist ‘golden ticket’ inside a Willy Wonka-style NBEA chocolate bar, with many posting about their news on social media for a chance to win a bottle of champagne. The campaign was produced by the awards’ creative agency GIANT, who aimed to create hype and mystery through these packages. Finalists were elated at their prize,...

05 September, 2023

Northants Open Studios, a vibrant celebration of local artistic talent, marked its official launch with the unveiling of the Central Exhibition on Saturday, 2nd September. The event witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of art enthusiasts, visitors, and artists, all congregating at Lamport Hall to immerse themselves in a visual feast of creativity.The Deputy Lieutenant Amanda Lowther did the honours of inaugurating the Central Exhibition, which showcased an impressive collection of 448 art pieces, transforming the Coach House and Stable blocks at Lamport Hall into a captivating gallery. Against the backdrop of a sun-drenched day, attendees revelled in the diversity of artworks,...

05 September, 2023

NNBN, the membership organisation supporting businesses, charities and organisations across Northamptonshire, are delighted to announce a new partnership to support business growth.Last week, the growing membership organisation signed a new partnership with Swoop who work with over 1,000 funding providers from mainstream banks, alternative lenders, venture capital funds, SEIS/EIS funds, angel investors and grant agencies, mean that whatever your funding requirement, they’re able to offer a solution.With their open banking technology, you’ll be able to see potential savings and switch expenditure on foreign exchange, utilities, banking and insurance. All of this is done automatically through their technology coupled with their...

04 September, 2023

A Northampton-based logistics firm has unveiled a new name and logo, marking the start of a new era following a recent acquisition.Crisis Logistics, formerly known as Crisis Worldwide Couriers, will now be known as Xtra Express Logistics following the acquisition of parcel and pallet company Action Express Northampton earlier this year.Xtra Express Logistics will continue to operate from both sites in Hannington and Brackmills Industrial Estate and offer a broader portfolio of services including same-day delivery, haulage, international, pallets and parcels, and warehousing.Syed Ziaullah, who established Action Express Northampton in 1982, will sit on the board of directors at Xtra...

04 September, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new grants scheme which aims to create additional volunteering opportunities following funding from Central Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).Grants from £100 to £1,500 are available for Voluntary and Community Sector projects to address a local community need and support the Council’s vision to make West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and thrive.The funding is available for new or existing projects or services in West Northamptonshire which create additional volunteering opportunities. This can be for one-off events or an extended number of times such as weekly, monthly, or...

04 September, 2023

The Believe and Achieve conference will be a day of empowerment and inspired action; to help attendees to regain focus on their goals, visualise future possibilities, instil the belief that those possibilities are possible for them and create a step-by-step action plan to get to work.Guests will gain new insights from a line-up of inspirational and motivational speakers and by connecting with other business owners who are sharing a similar journey.Special guest, successful business owner Suzanne Peck, of Homefield Grange, Luxury Health & Wellness Spa Retreat will be sharing on stage her inspirational journey from personal trainer to building a...

04 September, 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association is urging businesses to be prepared for the upcoming single-use plastics ban coming into force on October 1.Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, is warning that some shopkeepers are either unaware or unprepared for the upcoming change to regulations or single-use plastics on plates, bowls, trays, containers, cutlery and balloon sticks which comes into force in just a few weeks time.The new rules outlined by the government mean that businesses will face stringent regulations regarding single-use plastics, for online and over-the-counter sales and supply, items from new and...

04 September, 2023