New online gateway to help directors of SMEs with business decisions and make sure their companies stay on the right track.The Insolvency Service has today launched a new online information hub to support company directors.The hub hosts guidance and information on a range of business themes commonly faced by companies and aims to help company directors to push their business forward by being more aware of potential pitfalls.It is specifically designed for directors of micro, small and medium-size limited companies, although it will also be useful to others. Directors of limited companies, unlike sole traders, must comply with certain statutory obligations....

Hundreds of prisoners are being encouraged to take jobs in the retail and logistics sector on release to plug skills gaps in entry level roles, helping reduce reoffending while supporting businesses.Unlocking Retail and Logistics’ events were held in over 30 prisons across England and Wales with the aim of helping British businesses fill some of the estimated 1 million vacancies in the UK by employing qualified prison leavers.Events were run by businesses including supermarket giants The Cooperative and Iceland plus well-known retailers and logistic companies such as Oliver Bonas, Greggs, and DHL.The campaign is part of a wider drive from...

A lighting company in Northamptonshire is celebrating a new charity partnership - “Working with Teamwork Trust doesn’t just feel good, it also makes excellent business sense”.These were the words spoken by Dan Smith, Head of Warehousing Production at Collingwood Lighting, when he recently visited the charity’s Corby site to meet and check-in with service users.Teamwork Trust are a Northamptonshire charity which supports young people and adults who are autistic, have learning disabilities and/or have mental health challenges, to progress towards independence.The charity has announced a partnership with Sywell-based lighting manufacturers Collingwood Lighting which sees service users assemble boxes and pack...

Growing firms in Northamptonshire will be given top tips on how they can successfully bid for a share of a £4.7 million funding pot this week.Last month, SEMLEP launched its new Growing Innovation Fund which allows firms across the South East Midlands to bid for grants of between £100,000 and £300,000 for capital projects.Firms which want to make successful applications are now being urged to attend a free online workshop about the grants which is being run by experts from SEMLEP’s Business Support Team on Wednesday, July 12.SEMLEP Growth Hub manager Ruth Roan said: “This workshop is really important for...

After the successful launch of Trappd's outdoor GPS / Augmented Reality experience ‘Operation Mindfall’, the leading Escape Room specialists are following this up with the brand new ‘Magic Portal’ adventure. This follows the same concept where you will be given an action pack and iPad and will navigate around solving puzzles and cracking codes in order to complete your mission and is aimed more at families with younger children.This amazing new game will take place on the grounds of the stunning The Chester House Estate in Northamptonshire, just a two minute drive from Rushden Lakes.The official launch will be taking...

This week, we continue our insights as we look at E-mail Marketing and how you can achieve success with email marketing.Email marketing has proven to be one of the most powerful digital marketing channels for all kinds of businesses, and the laws regarding email marketing are essentially the same in the UK as in any other developed country. However, implementing successful email marketing campaigns can be a challenge, especially for small or medium-sized businesses with limited experience or a tight budget. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how businesses can achieve success with email marketing.1. Start...

Hai Robotics, a worldwide leader in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems in warehouses, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its maiden UK office at Vulcan Works, a new space for creative and digital businesses in Northampton.Since establishing its European headquarters in the Netherlands in late 2021, Hai Robotics has quickly developed a reputation for revolutionising warehouse automation throughout the region, undertaking more than 30 projects across Europe and four in the UK. This growth is further bolstered by partnerships with UK companies including Logistex, Breathe Technologies and Invar Group.The new office at Vulcan Works in Northampton will house...

A specialist in the construction of industrial and distribution units, Warmflame Developments, is to develop a further 47,275 sq ft scheme on Moulton Park in Northampton.  Demand for industrial space remains strong in the area; with one unit already pre-sold off plan.This new scheme on Anglia Way marks the second site to be developed on the industrial estate by the Solihull based company and underlines its commitment to delivering quality mid-box developments throughout the Midlands.The company will break ground on its latest project - WD.Park Anglia Way – in July, which will see the construction of two new industrial/warehouse units...

Today saw the launch of Threads, Mark Zuckerberg's new platform which is set to rival Elon Musk's Twitter, but which one should you use ?Here's our thoughts:Deciding whether to use Twitter or Threads ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Let's delve into a few factors that can help you make an informed decision:1. Purpose: Firstly consider your primary objective for using social media. If you prefer short, rapid-fire updates and engaging in quick conversations with a broad audience, Twitter might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy delving into longer discussions,...

People living and working in West Northamptonshire are being invited to have their say to help shape the future of bin collections and other waste services across their area.West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) collects and empties more than 21 million wheelie bins, sacks and caddies every year and provides essential street cleansing services to keep our areas clean and green. WNC’s recycling centres receive more than 500,000 visits from West Northamptonshire resident’s each year.The Council wants to continue improving these services and ensure they align with Government proposals to change waste policies nationally, so is developing a Resources and Waste Strategy...

Staff at a leading Northamptonshire-based solicitors have been inspired by their loved ones to raise nearly £1,000 for Bowel Cancer UK.Saranjit Minhas, Pooja Pattni, Amelia Goddard and Danielle Coglin from Brixworth Legal competed in the Stanwick Lakes 5k Summer Run at the weekend with the aim of raising £400 for the charity.But they have smashed their fundraising target and to date their sponsorship stands at £996.Saranjit Minhas, owner of Brixworth Legal, said: “We have all had, or have, family members or friends who have been affected by bowel cancer so Bowel Cancer UK is close to all of our hearts.“We...