As we approach one year since Investment Zones were first announced by then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in the Autumn ‘mini-budget’, mid-market business leaders in the East of England fear they are missing out by not having one within their region.  In Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker* survey, almost all business leaders in the East of England (96%) said that the introduction of Investment Zones will help towards the government’s Levelling Up agenda, significantly higher than the 68% national average. Most respondents (91%) also believe that being located within an Investment Zone would encourage businesses to stay within the local area and, almost all (94%) believe being located within one would help support the local region through resulting...

13 July, 2023

Northamptonshire based AM Labels Limited (AM Labels), an award-winning supplier of complete labelling solutions including manufacturing and warehouse automation, robotics, barcoding and RFID systems, has gained the Epson Service Partner accreditation. As a result, the company is approved to service and repair a wide range of Epson ColorWorks colour label printers.In order to achieve the certification, AM Labels’ technical support team underwent comprehensive, in-depth training at Epson’s UK head office, incorporating all aspects of servicing, maintenance, diagnostics and repairs. Now recognised as an approved Epson Service Partner, AM Labels is authorised and able to service and repair any out-of-warranty printer...

13 July, 2023

West and North Northamptonshire Councils have teamed up to start work on a new version of the Northamptonshire Strategic Transport Model.The model uses a computer simulation to anticipate traffic flows and is used to inform strategic planning where new developments or major roads are proposed.It was last rebuilt in 2015, since when technology has moved on significantly, meaning a full overhaul is needed to ensure the data it produces is as accurate as possible.Each council will contribute £78,000 toward the project from fees charged to developers using the model, alongside £400,000 previously allocated by the former Northamptonshire County Council.Hosting, maintenance...

12 July, 2023

A new magazine providing important news and information about council services will start landing on the doormats of homes across West Northamptonshire this week.Produced by West Northamptonshire Council, the first edition of West Northants Life also offers a summer what’s on guide, promoting some of the areas fantastic visitor attractions, events and activities.Other articles in the summer publication include a review of the council’s activities and spending over the last year, top tips to help people recycle more and waste less, a look at recent investment in our highways, and a focus on some of the exciting regeneration schemes that...

12 July, 2023

Residents living in private homes (both owned and rented) with a gross household income of less than £31,000 are being encouraged to apply for a government grant to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.ECO4 Flex is a government scheme, funded by energy companies, that supports households on lower incomes or those particularly vulnerable to the impacts of living in a cold home.Funding is available for things that can improve the energy efficiency of your home, including insulation and heating systems.Improving the energy performance of your property through different methods could save you hundreds of pounds in fuel bills...

12 July, 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association has said June's Retail Sales Monitor (RSM) shows that consumer demand remains 'fragile' but the good weather is helping.BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said the report shows an interesting snapshot into the current retail landscape. The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for June 2023, revealed:UK Total retail sales increased by 4.9% in June, against a decline of 1.0% in June 2022. This is above the 3-month average growth of 4.6% and the 12-month average growth of 4.0%. UK Like-for-like retail sales increased by 4.2% in June, against a...

11 July, 2023

Organisations across West Northamptonshire came together on Friday, 7 July to celebrate the official opening of the expanded 78 Derngate.Visitors received a tour of Northampton’s iconic and historic 78 Derngate which has been expanded to offer a larger visitor centre, rejuvenated secluded garden and revamped shop following the completion of the extensive £950,000 refurbishment in June this year.As the only public building located outside Scotland with interiors designed by renowned artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh this local gem and former home is a now a museum. Following funding from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) of £400,000 through the Town Funds, £200,000 match...

11 July, 2023

From superheroes and princesses, to alpacas and tractor rides - Chester House Estate has unveiled its fun-packed line-up for July’s Kids Summer Festival.Iron Man, Captain America, Tinkerbell and Princess Anna from Frozen will be meeting and greeting festival goers on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July. Also confirmed for the festival is the chance to groom Shetland ponies, meet the alpacas, hop on a tractor and jump on an inflatable.Added to the line-up is a bursting timetable of live stage shows including science workshops, magic shows, a disco and dance shows. There will be a large sandpit, craft activities and...

11 July, 2023

The future of eye care is in “good hands” – according to one of the world’s leading contact lens specialists who has given a prize-winning student a taste of life working with patients at a cutting-edge independent optometrist in Northampton.Brian Tompkins, director of TK&S Optometrists in Kingsley Road, Northampton welcomed third-year Cardiff University student Deepika Khali for a two-day placement at the practice after she won a raffle prize offering the opportunity at her course’s ‘Eye Ball’ gala dinner.He said: “I always hope to instill passion, dedication and real heart into the students that we have here. I want every...

11 July, 2023

The fourth annual five-a-side football fundraiser organised by fleet firm Silverstone Leasing has been declared a huge success, raising more than £2,000 for a much-loved local charity.Businesses from across Northamptonshire rallied their troops for the popular event at Daventry Football Club, which saw eight teams compete for the much-coveted winner’s title.It was Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors who scored an impressive hattrick win, taking the trophy for the third consecutive year. Stonhills Estate Agency were named runners up.Silverstone Soccer has collected more than £8,400 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice since its inception just before the pandemic in 2020. The charity drive...

11 July, 2023

Organisations across the more rural areas of North Northants are being encouraged to come forward and apply for capital grants of up to £15,000.Using the area’s allocation from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, North Northamptonshire Council is currently taking applications for rural organisations that meet certain criteria.Organisations including parish councils, charities, community groups and school PTAs are all being encouraged to check their eligibility and apply online.Organisations can apply for capital grants of up to £15,000 if they can demonstrate that the funding will be used to support:creation and improvements to local rural green spaces existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions ...

11 July, 2023